cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Genomic Selection Accuracy using Multifamily Prediction Models in a Wheat Breeding Program

Genomic selection (GS) uses genome-wide molecular marker data to predict the genetic value of selection candidates in breeding programs. In plant breeding, the ability to produce large numbers of progeny per cross allows GS to be conducted within each family. However, this approach requires phenotypes of lines from each cross before conducting GS. This will prolong the selection cycle and may result in lower gains per year than approaches that estimate marker-effects with multiple families from previous selection cycles. In this study, phenotypic selection (PS), conventional marker-assisted selection (MAS), and GS prediction accuracy were compared for 13 agronomic traits in a population of 374 winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) advanced-cycle breeding lines. A cross-validation approach that trained and validated prediction accuracy across years was used to evaluate effects of model selection, training population size, and marker density in the presence of genotype × environment interactions (G × E). The average prediction accuracies using GS were 28% greater than with MAS and were 95% as accurate as PS. For net merit, the average accuracy across six selection indices for GS was 14% greater than for PS. These results provide empirical evidence that multifamily GS could increase genetic gain per unit time and cost in plant breeding
Electron Microscopic Localization of Alzheimer Neurofibrillary Tangle Components Recognized by an Antiserum to Paired Helical Filaments

Paired helical filaments (PHF) are the main component of the Alzheimer neurofibrillary tangle; however, other elements, such as 10 and 15 nm straight filaments and granular amorphous components, are observed. In the present study, the localization of the antigenic determinants recognized by an antiserum to PHF fractions that does not recognize normal nervous tissue components is examined by electron microscopic immunocytochemistry. Employing the peroxidase-antiperoxidase procedure on neurofibrillary tangles in intact tissue, we found that the antiserum reacts with PHF and with granular amorphous material within the tangle. Following isolation of PHF by treatment with ionic detergent and labeling with immunogold, the antigenic determinants often occur at intervals rather than being uniformly distributed along the PHF. The distribution of the antigenic determinants recognized by this antiserum is similar to that previously observed for PHF determinants recognized by antibodies to neurofilament and microtubule-associated proteins. We conclude that PHF are heterogenous structures which contain PHF-specific as well as cytoskeleton-derived antigenic determinants.
Distribution-Free Two-Sample Tests for Scale

Abstract Several linear rank statistics have been proposed in the literature for the two-sample scale problem. We propose a new class of statistics which are distribution free when the populations are identical, but are not linear rank statistics. Our analogs of the Ansari-Bradley, Mood, and Klotz tests are of particular interest. Each has the same Pitman efficiency as its corresponding linear rank statistic, and yet our small-sample power is significantly higher. In addition, our tests are consistent for scale differences with unequal location in the case when the populations are symmetric and the sample sizes are equal.
Electron Transfer and Photoprotective Properties of Melanins in Solution

The polyquinoid nature of eumelanin(s) enables them to couple oxidation of electron donors with the reduction of electron acceptors. We have studied the ability of synthetic (Sigma) and “biological” (cuttlefish sepia) melanins to mediate electron transfer between hydroxybenzene donors (tyrosine, dopa, chemical depigmenters) and model acceptors (ferricyanide, tyrosinase). 1) Depending on the reductant, melanin either retards or accelerates ferricyanide reduction. Reaction kinetics are consistent with a mechanism involving non-interactive binding of both hydroxybenzene and ferricyanide to melanin prior to coupled electron transfer. 2) Melanins also act as an electron conduit in markedly accelerating the tyrosinase-catalyzed oxygenation of p-hydroxyanisole (MMEH). The active species appears to be a complex between melanin and MMEH. The magnitude of both effects depend on the type of melanin as well as its oxidation state. Sepia (eu)melanin appears to protect against UV-induced damage to acid-soluble collagen, as judged by irreversible loss of intrinsic collagen fluorescence. Photoprotection against this type of damage appears primarily to involve optical absorption/scattering by the pigment.
Seasonal localization of a collagenous protein in the organic matrix of spicules from the gorgonian Leptogorgia virgulata (Cnidaria: Gorgonacea)

Spicules of the gorgonian Leptogorgia virgulata possess an insoluble matrix fraction that is predominantly collagenous in summer months. This collagenous component is largely absent in winter months. Using an antibody directed against the 140 kD collagenous protein (CP) of the insoluble matrix, immuno-gold labelling was employed to localized this protein at the transmission electron-microscopy level throughout the year, and in different areas of the gorgonian colonies. Within the tip regions, the 140 kD CP varied throughout the year in the spicules, electron-dense bodies (EDBs) of scleroblasts, polyp vesicles, desmocytes and axes. In the mid and base regions, the 140 kD CP varied throughout the year in the spicules, EDBs and lysosomes of scleroblasts, desmocytes and axes. This variation in the location and density of the label suggests a dynamic annual cycling of the collagenous component of the insoluble matrix. EDBs may transport a collagenous component of the matrix to the spicule-forming vacuole. A component of the 140 kD CP may be transported and/or degraded by polyp vesicles and lysosomes, respectively. The pattern of labelling of the axial region suggests that translocation and storage of a component of the collagenous protein may occur. Environmental factors may be responsible for the triggering of matrix cycling.
Function and design of the Nox1 system in vascular smooth muscle cells.

Background Recent studies have demonstrated that the activation of NADPH oxidase 1 (Nox1) plays an important role in the control of reactive oxygen species and their involvement in vascular physiology and pathophysiology. In order to function properly, Nox1 needs to be available in an optimal state, where it is ready to respond appropriately and efficiently to upstream signals. It must also be able to return quickly to this state as soon as the input signal disappears. While Nox1 activation has been discussed extensively in recent years, mechanisms for enzyme disassembly and proper subunit recovery have not received the same attention and therefore require investigation.
Microphysical Effects of Seeding Wintertime Stratiform Clouds Near the Sierra Nevada Mountains

Abstract The microphysical consequences of seeding stratiform clouds near the Sierra Nevada Mountains are examined. Airborne seeding was conducted with droppable AgI flares released every 250 m and with dry ice pellets released at a rate of 0.1 g m−1 into the clouds having widespread liquid water contents ∼0.1 g m−3. The Wyoming King Air penetrated the AgI curtains for ∼1 h after seeding. The CO2 ice crystal curtain could not be determined beyond ∼10 min because of natural cloud glaciation. Precipitation sized particles grew mainly by diffusion, and particle size spectra at particular levels below cloud top reached and maintained equilibrium shapes as a consequence of particles falling from higher levels.
Comparison of the Plantar Pressure Distributions at Different Cane Lengths

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to compare plantar pressure distributions of the affected side of stroke patients during walking with canes of three different cane lengths. [Subjects] Thirty-four stroke patients participated in this study. [Method] The three different lengths of cane were: to the top of the greater trochanter, 5 cm above the greater trochanter, and 10 cm above the greater trochanter. The measured parameters were foot contact area, length, width, pressure, and the center of pressure trajectory during the stance phase, from heel-strike to toe-off. [Results] Our data revealed significant increments in the contact width and pressure of the hind foot at the cane length of 10 cm above the greater trochanter. Anterior/posterior center of pressure trajectory also significantly increased at cane lengths of 5 and 10 cm of above the greater trochanter. [Conclusion] The plantar pressure distribution for cane lengths above the greater trochanter were clinically beneficial and more effective at increasing weight shifting to the affected hind foot and harmonizing paralyzed heel strike with better displacement of pressure.
The Battle for the Eye: Images and Politics in Harlem

We live in a world of images – television, movies, magazines, and billboards. These images float about us, weaving in and out of our planes of vision, our lines of sight. They latch onto crevices i...
Electrohydrodynamic ionization mass spectrometry of sulfonates

Electrohydrodynamic ionization mass spectrometry has been applied to the analysis of 2-naphthol-3,6-disulfonic acid, disodium salt and 4,5-dihydroxy-2,7-naphthalenedisulfonic acid, disodium salt. The negative ion mass spectra indicate ions characteristic of the sample and no fragment ions are observed. Degrees of dissociation of the sulfonates and the ion-solvent interactions are reflected in the negative ion spectra.
Sleeping distance in wild wolf packs.

Sleeping distances were observed among members of 13 wild wolf (Canis lupus) packs and 11 pairs in northeastern Minnesota to determine if the distances correlated with pack size and composition. The study utilized aerial radio-tracking and observation during winter. Pack size and number of adults per pack were inversely related to pack average sleeping distance and variability. No correlation between sleeping distance and microclimate was observed. Possible relationships between social bonding and our results are discussed.
A New standard - like model in the four-dimensional free fermionic string formulation

Abstract I present a new three generation superstring standard-like model in the free fermionic formulation with the following properties. The complete massless spectrum is derived and shown to be anomaly free apart from a single anomalous U(1). The Dine-Seiberg-Witten mechanism is applied to cancel the anomaly, leaving a supersymmetric vacuum. I show that the resulting observable gauge symmetry is SU(3)×SU(2)×U(1) n where n = 1 or 2. All trilinear superpotential couplings have been calculated. I show that of the standard model quarks and leptons only +2 3 charged quarks obtain a non vanishing trilevel coupling, which suggest a possible explanation for the heaviness of the top quark relative to the lighter quarks and leptons. The additional, generation independent, U(1) symmetry may remain unbroken down to low energies and prevents fast proton decay.
Interactive navigation in complex environments using path planning

We present a novel approach for interactive navigation in complex 3D synthetic environments using path planning. Our algorithm precomputes a global roadmap of the environment by using a variant of randomized motion planning algorithm along with a reachability-based analysis. At runtime, our algorithm performs graph searching and automatically computes a collision-free and constrained path between two user specified locations. It also enables local user-steered exploration, subject to motion constraints and integrates these capabilities in the control loop of 3D interaction. Our algorithm only requires the scene geometry, avatar orientation, and parameters relating the avatar size to the model size. The performance of the preprocessing algorithm grows as a linear function of the model size. We demonstrate its performance on two large environments: a power plant and a factory room.
Ex situ vs. in situ electrode roughening procedures for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy

Abstract Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy has been used to probe pyridine, 4-ethylpyridine, and 4-cyanopyridine on silver and gold electrode surfaces. The difference between roughening the electrode in the absence (ex situ) or presence (in situ) of the analyte has been explored. Roughening in situ gives rise to new spectral features attributed to trapping of the analyte in the surface and to complexation of the analyte with metal atoms or ions. It is shown that the ex situ roughening procedure is to be preferred when the orientation or adsorption isotherm of the analyte is of interest.
Combined laparoscopic pelvic lymph node dissection and modified belt radical perineal prostatectomy for localized prostatic adenocarcinoma

Abstract Objective. Despite many known advantages, the radical perineal prostatectomy (RPP) had fallen out of favor because of the need for a second incision for the regional lymph node dissection. Laparoscopic lymphadenectomy, however, provides an accurate and minimally invasive alternative to open lymph node dissection. Herein are reported the practical advantages of combining laparoscopic lymph node dissection (LPLND) with RPP Methods. Forty-nine patients with clinically localized carcinoma of the prostate were considered candidates for RPP using a modified Belt technique. Thirty-five patients underwent attempted LPLND and 31 of these patients subsequently underwent RPP; 14 patients underwent RPP alone. Variables examined included total operative time, transfusion requirement, length of hospital stay, continence, and potency. Results. The mean operative time for LPLND combined with RPP in 31 patients, including time for repositioning, was 4.5 hours (range 3.0 to 7.0 hours). Only 26 percent of the patients who underwent the combined approach required blood transfusions of which 75 percent received autologous units. Mean length of stay was six days, and laparoscopy did not contribute significantly to postoperative morbidity. Eighty-four percent of the patients are completely continent. Of 27 potent patients who underwent nerve-sparing surgery, 22 percent are potent and an additional 30 percent are sexually active with intracavernous pharmacotherapy. There were no perioperative deaths, 2 major complications, and 5 minor complications. Conclusions. Laparoscopic techniques now permit the urologist to utilize the perineal approach, and its many advantages, to radical prostatic extirpation without the need for a formal abdominal incision. The minimal blood loss and low morbidity associated with laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy combined with the radical perineal prostatectomy make this procedure an attractive alternative to the open retropubic approach for clinically localized prostatic adenocarcinoma.
On work hardening and springback in plane strain draw forming

Based on a simple forcebalance method, an approximate analysis of the plane strain, deep drawing of sheet metal is carried out under the assumptions of Coulomb friction and the membrane theory of shells. Using this analysis with an estimate of the ratio of ultimate to yield load in plane strain enables us to predict the maximum work hardening of the part. This hardening is shown to depend upon the draw bead settings, the frictional conditions on the die and punch, the wall angle of the draw die, and certain uniaxial material properties, chiefly, the ratio of ultimate to yield stress, but also including the rate sensitivity and the anisotropy parameter. The limitations of this theory (mainly, the neglect of bending effects) are discussed. Comparison is made between predicted work hardening and measured yield strengths in a bumper facebar of dual phase steel. Springback of a gently curved part is calculated for preloads and postloads. It is shown that postloads are more effective, and that they can, in principle, reduce springback to low levels in any typical automotive sheet metal. In practice, it is difficult to transmit forces of sufficient magnitude to the region under the punch for certain materials.
Differential expression of transthyretin in papillary tumors of the endolymphatic sac and choroid plexus

Aggressive papillary tumors of the temporal bone, occurring sporadically or as part of von Hippel-Lindau disease, have been shown to originate within the endolymphatic sac or duct. Also implicated as a potential precursor from which some of these tumors may arise is ectopic choroid plexus epithelium. To aid in the differentiation between papillary tumors of endolymphatic sac and duct origin and those arising from choroid plexus, an immunohistochemical study using stains for transthyretin (TTR), cytokeratins, S-100 protein, epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) was carried out on archival specimens of normal and neoplastic endolymphatic sac and duct and choroid plexus epithelium. Transthyretin, a marker for choroid plexus epithelium, was found to show differential expression between choroid plexus papillomas and aggressive papillary tumors of the endolymphatic sac or duct. Therefore the use of TTR in concert with other immunohistochemical stains appear to aid in the differentiation between intracranial and intratemporal papillary tumors arising from choroid plexus and endolymphatic sac or duct epithelium.
A rapid colorimetric method for 3-methylhistidine in urine.

Abstract A batch resin method for determination of 3-methylhistidine is described. Selectivity of the resin and the specificity of the color reagent combine to eliminate the interference of other amino acids. Lyophilizing the urine sample with sodium carbonate removes the ammonia interference.
Computing automorphism groups of error-correcting codes

An algorithm is described for computing the automorphism group of an error correcting code. The algorithm determines the order of the automorphism group and produces a set of monomial permutations which generate the group. It has been implemented on a computer and has been used successfully on a great number of codes of moderate length.
Optimizing 3D NoC Design for Energy Efficiency: A Machine Learning Approach

Three-dimensional (3D) Network-on-Chip (NoC) is an emerging technology that has the potential to achieve high performance with low power consumption for multicore chips. However, to fully realize their potential, we need to consider novel 3D NoC architectures. In this paper, inspired by the inherent advantages of small-world (SW) 2D NoCs, we explore the design space of SW network-based 3D NoC architectures. We leverage machine learning to intelligently explore the design space to optimize the placement of both planar and vertical communication links for energy efficiency. We demonstrate that the optimized 3D SW NoC designs perform significantly better than their 3D MESH counterparts. On an average, the 3D SW NoC shows 35% energy-delay-product (EDP) improvement over 3D MESH for the nine PARSEC and SPLASH2 benchmarks considered in this work. The highest performance improvement of 43% was achieved for RADIX. Interestingly, even after reducing the number of vertical links by 50%, the optimized 3D SW NoC performs 25% better than the fully connected 3D MESH, which is a strong indication of the effectiveness of our optimization methodology.
Controlling Both Thermally Induced Loads in Back-to-Back Angular Contact Spindle Bearings

Thermally induced bearing loads may cause serious problems for metal cutting spindles when used at high speeds. While proper spindle bearing setup can help minimize this problem, ultimately the plethora of factors that cause the loads to vary cannot be accounted for by the setup. Previous work has shown that bearing load control is possible, but that improved performance may be realized if the temperature environment of each bearing of a back-to-back pair is considered separately. The purpose of this paper is to provide the results of an experimental evaluation of a bearing load control strategy using two thermal actuators. A box spindle was modified and two electric heating tapes were placed around the front pair of back-to-back angular contact ball bearings, one around each bearing. Significant control over the bearing loads can be achieved for the conditions tested including some level of independent control. Unfortunately, there is cross-talk between the heat actuators and the bearing loads, and this interferes with the level of independent load control that can be achieved over the individual bearings. The significance of this issue is discussed and future research outlined. The authors conclude that it is possible to significantly reduce the transient load variation in both bearings with two rather than one actuator; additionally, the second control loop usually improves the steady-state behavior over that achievable with single heater placed over the rear bearing.© 2004 ASME
Analyzing project management research: Perspectives from top management journals

Abstract This paper examines project management research from the perspective of its relationship to allied disciplines in the management field and provides a view of the progress of project management as a research-based academic discipline. This study which is partially funded by the Project Management Institute specifically investigates project management research in allied disciplines from 18 top management and business journal publications and categorizes it into eight allied disciplines. The evolution and trends of project management research are analyzed by exploring, identifying, and classifying management journal articles on project management in the allied disciplines. The analysis of project management research in the allied disciplines reveals an explosion of popularity and strong interest in project management research. The ranking of occurrences of the eight allied disciplines from most to the least appeared subjects over the last 50 years are (1) Strategy/Portfolio Management; (2) Operations Research/Decision Sciences; (3) Organizational Behavior/Human Resources Management; (4) Information Technology/Information Systems; (5) Technology Applications/Innovation; (6) Performance Management/Earned Value Management; (7) Engineering and Construction; and (8) Quality Management/Six Sigma. Result of this study help us better understand the evolution of project management as a field of practice and an academic discipline, and allow us to provide suggestions for future project management research opportunities.
Do Mathematical Gender Differences Continue? A Longitudinal Study of Gender Difference and Excellence in Mathematics Performance in the U.S.

A persistent belief in American culture is that males both outperform and have a higher inherent aptitude for mathematics than females. Using data from two school districts in two different states in the United States, this study used longitudinal multilevel modeling to examine whether overall performance on standardized as well as classroom tests reveals a gender difference in mathematics performance. The results suggest that both male and female students demonstrated the same growth trend in mathematics performance (as measured by standardized test scores) over time, but females' mathematics grade-point average is significantly higher than males. These results are discussed in the context of present day standardized assessment in the United States that may motivate teachers to focus on higher expectations for mathematics performance regardless of gender, thus challenging cultural beliefs that stigmatize mathematics as masculine in the United States.
Diagnostic performance of contrast-enhanced MR for acute appendicitis and alternative causes of abdominal pain in children.

Unenhanced MRI has emerged as a useful tool for diagnosing pediatric acute appendicitis. The use of contrast-enhanced MRI for diagnosing pediatric appendicitis has not been documented. The purpose of this study is to examine the diagnostic performance of contrast-enhanced MRI for acute appendicitis and alternative entities in the pediatric population presenting with acute abdominal pain. A retrospective review was conducted of 364 consecutive pediatric patients undergoing contrast-enhanced MRI for the evaluation of possible appendicitis at a single institution between November 2012 and September 2013. There were 132 cases of pathologically confirmed appendicitis out of 364 pediatric patients (36.3%) included in the study. Overall sensitivity and specificity were 96.2% (95% CI [91.4–98.4%]) and 95.7% (95% CI [92.3–97.6%]), respectively. Positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 92.7% (95% CI [86.6–96.3%]) and 97.8% (95% CI [94.7–99.1%]), respectively. The appendix was visualized in 243 cases (66.8%). Imaging confirmed alternative diagnoses in 75 patients, including most commonly colitis, enteritis or terminal ileitis (n = 25, 6.9%), adnexal cysts (n = 25, 6.9%) and mesenteric adenitis (n = 7, 1.9%). Contrast-enhanced MRI is capable of accurately diagnosing acute appendicitis while detecting many alternative entities of abdominal pain, and it allows good visualization of the appendix. Further evaluation is needed to determine whether contrast-enhanced MRI provides an advantage over non-enhanced MRI for imaging evaluation of acute abdominal pain in the pediatric population.
Suckling stimulus suppresses messenger RNA for tyrosine hydroxylase in arcuate neurons during lactation.

Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) mRNA in tuberoinfundibular dopamine (TIDA) neurons is suppressed during lactation but rebounds upon pup removal. A time course of TH mRNA changes after pup removal revealed three phases: (1) a nuclear phase (evident 1.5 hours after pup removal, maximal at 3 hours) with TH mRNA appearing in 1 or 2 nuclear loci with little or no change in cytoplasmic mRNA; (2) a cytoplasmic phase (noted 6 hours after pup removal, peaked 12‐24 hours) with a significant increase in total TH mRNA levels mainly in the cytoplasm; and (3) a stabilization phase (24 ‐ 48 hours after pup removal) when nuclear signals were low and cytoplasmic RNA showed a slight decline with extension of RNA clusters into the cell dendrites. In rats whose pups could suckle only on one side, TH was up-regulated only on the side contralateral to nipple blockade. These data indicate that after suckling terminates, TH up-regulation is evident at 1.5 hours, but 6 hours is needed before the cells transport sufficient mRNA into the cytoplasm. The rapid signaling of TH upregulation stems from the fact that the TIDA neurons respond to neural signals from termination of suckling. J. Comp. Neurol. 438:423‐ 432, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc. Indexing terms: in situ hybridization; nuclear transcription sites; hypothalamus; dopamine; neuroendocrine; prolactin; gene expression
Development of heart rate dynamics during sleep-waking states in normal infants.

ABSTRACT: Previous studies show alterations in the dynamic patterns of cardiac rate in several “at-risk” populations, including apparently healthy infants who subsequently die of the sudden infant death syndrome. In the present study, we examined the maturation of cardiac rate dynamics in normal infants during sleep-waking states over the first 6 mo of life. Instantaneous changes in cardiac R-R intervals were examined in 12-h recordings of 24 normal full-term infants; each infant was recorded at 1 wk and at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 mo of age. Scatter plots, consisting of each cardiac R-R interval plotted as a function of the previous interval (Poincare plots), were constructed for each sleep-waking state in each recording. Analyses of variance were performed on the dispersion of intervals after long and short R-R intervals. In neonates, Poincare plots showed significantly more next-interval dispersion after a long R-R interval than after a short interval, a pattern similar to those observed in older infants and in healthy adults. However, between 1 wk and 1 mo of age, this pattern disappeared and returned gradually beginning at 2 mo of age. The scatter of points in Poincare plots of infants 1 mo of age approached the patterns of at-risk populations, including infants who subsequently died of the sudden infant death syndrome. These patterns at 1 mo may be indicative of increased vulnerability in normal infants after the neonatal period.
Melanoma in situ colonizing basal cell carcinoma: a case report and review of the literature

Colonization of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) by melanoma cells is a unique and uncommonly reported cutaneous entity. We describe a bluish nodule on the left forearm found during routine skin cancer surveillance examination with suspicious dermatoscopic findings including central-blue-white veil, sparse atypical dots, and a surrounding pink vascular blush with focal irregular tan-brown pigmentation at the periphery. Histopathology demonstrated a pigmented BCC with an overlying and adjacent melanoma in situ (MIS), as well as colonization of the BCC nodule by melanoma cells. We performed a review of the literature on the topic and discuss other presentations of cutaneous neoplasms composed of both BCC and melanoma, including collision, combined, and biphenotypic tumors. The prognostic and management challenges inherent to this distinctive neoplasm are summarized.
The Hog Cycle and the Cobweb Theorem

A surprisingly regular four year cycle in hogs has become apparent in the past ten years. This regularity presents an unusual opportunity to study the mechanism of the cycle because it suggests the cycle may be inherent within the industry rather than the result of lagged responses to outside influences. The cobweb theorem is often mentioned as a theoretical tool for explaining the hog cycle, although a two year cycle is usually predicted. When the nature of the hog industry is examined, certain factors become apparent which enable the cobweb theorem to serve as a theoretical basis for the present four year cycle.
Optical MEMS and nano-photonics for diagnostics

We present the capabilities of the optoelectronic tweezers device (OET) as related to medical diagnostics. OET is capable of single-cell manipulation and discrimination. Furthermore, nanoscale structures can be manipulated with OET to create sensors and probes.
Germinating the 2050 cis-lunar econosphere

In early 2013, Marshall Space Flight Center's upper management chartered a diverse team for a six-week “sprint” to speculate (in a disciplined manner) and paint (with broad brush strokes) a picture of how earth, space, and public/private entities might be operating and relating to each other… in the year 2100. Two 12-person groups of civil servants, one with members having 15 years or less of NASA experience and the other with more senior members, worked independently and then compared and integrated their conclusions. In 2014, the “Space 2100” team, with some new team members and different group boundaries, ran a longer sprint to a) develop more detailed estimates of the operations and economics of space activities in the vicinity of the Earth and Moon in the 2050 time frame, b) identify evolutionary paths, barriers, and opportunities, and c) suggest actions and philosophies to enable and invigorate progress towards the vision. This paper explores Space 2100's first two sprints and their projections of NASA's role in what will likely be a highly networked, international space industry and cis-lunar infrastructure.
A comparison of walking versus stretching exercises to reduce the incidence of preeclampsia: a randomized clinical trial.

Objectives. To compare a walking exercise to a stretching exercise during pregnancy in high-risk women who were sedentary and had previously experienced preeclampsia. Methods. A randomized clinical trial of the effects of the two types of physical exercises was conducted between November 2001 and July 2006 in Washtenaw County, Michigan. Both groups engaged in the assigned exercise five times a week until the end of pregnancy. Results. Women were randomized to either the walking group (n = 41) or the stretching group (n = 38). The walkers exercised an average of 36 (SD, 6) minutes at 18 weeks gestation, 34 (SD, 7) minutes at 28 weeks gestation, and 31 (SD, 12) minutes at the last week of the intervention. On average, they exercised within target heart rate ranges 35% (SD, 32%) at 18 weeks gestation, 22% (SD, 25%) at 28 weeks gestation, and 17% (SD, 25%) at the last week of the intervention. The stretching group engaged in stretching exercises following a 40-minutes videotape. On average, the walking group ...
Fast 3D object reconstruction using trinocular vision and structured light

For faithful 3D reconstruction of objects with smooth surfaces, stereo vision techniques rely heavily on the surface texture. However, most of the real life objects lack this feature. To `sharpen' the textural content of visual surfaces, a structured-light sensing configuration has been used. This technique can be used to enhance the features used in solving the correspondence problem in computational stereo vision. A light pattern is projected to encode the smooth surface of the object. The observed light pattern is then used to compute surface properties. We present a simple design for a trinocular vision system with structured light using off-the-shelf components. The processing pipeline of the system consists of four stages. First, the light pattern is detected in the captured images. Second, the pattern is skeletonized using connected component labeling. Third, a maximum-weighted bipartite technique is used to do the matching. Finally, a global surface fitting technique is used to integrate the reconstruction from different views in one frame and fit a mesh of triangles to the integrated data. Results using real images are promising. The advantages of this system lie in its design simplicity, low cost and the potential for fast and parallel implementation.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
City on fire

By ignoring the fire damage that would result from a nuclear attack and taking into account blast damage alone, U.S. war planners were able to demand a far larger nuclear arsenal than necessary.
Hydrogen diffusion studies using nuclear magnetic resonance

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques have been applied in a considerable number of experimental studies of molecular and atomic motion in solids. In most experiments designed to measure diffusion parameters, the power spectrum of the random variation of local magnetic dipolar fields is determined directly from the data. Data usually consists of measurements of the nuclear spin system longitudinal spin-lattice relaxation time T1 or the transverse spin-spin relaxation time T2, or both. From these measurements the frequency of atomic jumps can be calculated. The analysis also yields the value of the activation energy of self-diffusion for the diffusing atom. Two relatively new NMR techniques, the measurement of the spin lattice relaxation time in the rotating frame, T1ρ, and the direct measurement of the diffusion coefficient by observation of the spin echo decay in the presence of an applied magnetic field gradient, are beginning to be utilized in solid state diffusion experiments, but have not yet been applied to metal hydrides. The theory of the effect of atomic motion on nuclear magnetic dipolar interactions is reviewed as the mechanism responsible for spin relaxation. The relationships between T1, T2, and T1ρ and the time between atomic jumps, τc is discussed. The pulsed-gradient spin echo technique is outlined for direct measurement of the translational diffusion coefficient. NMR experiments utilizing steady-state and pulsed techniques for studying diffusion in metal hydrides are described for several transition metals including Sc, Ti, V, Y, Zr, Nb, and Ta. Experiments in La, Th, and U-hydrogen systems are also reported. Diffusion parameters. including Ea, and A in the Arrhenius relation, τ1 = (A−1) exp (Ea/RT), are reported.
Hybrid Wireless-Optical Broadband Access Network (WOBAN): Capacity Enhancement for Wireless Access

Noting that the optical part of a hybrid wireless- optical broadband access network (WOBAN) has high capacity, we need to enhance the capacity for wireless access using a low-cost solution. Our prior work developed a solution where each wireless node was equipped with a single radio. Deploying multiple radios, say two, at each node will improve the performance of wireless access, but this will also increase the cost of the solution. However, deploying multiple radios at only a few nodes, especially those that are overloaded with traffic, can lead to a less-costly solution, possibly without sacrificing performance. Hence, we study how to optimally place a limited number of additional radios at the wireless nodes to save the overall network cost. We formulate this problem as an Integer Linear Program (ILP) and solve it using a standard solver such as CPLEX. As expected, by deploying multiple radios at bottleneck wireless nodes, we can obtain almost the same performance as a WOBAN with multi-radios at all nodes.
Using δ15N to Assess Coupling between Watersheds and Estuaries in Temperate and Tropical Regions

Abstract Hydrological coupling between watersheds and estuaries is an important element in establishing eutrophic conditions in coastal waters. In coupled systems, nutrients derived on land enter estuaries through groundwater flow or stream runoff, resulting in increased rates of primary production. The extent of coupling is determined by precipitation, evapotransporation, and water use practices. We use stable nitrogen isotopes, salinity, and nutrient data to assess coupling in two temperate and two tropical ecosystems. In each region, we selected two estuaries, one pristine and one with considerable agricultural or urban development. In pristine systems freshwater entering estuaries had low nitrogen concentrations and low nitrogen isotopic signatures. In receiving waters of the pristine systems, there were similarly low nutrient concentrations, and the isotopic signatures in the estuary were similar to the signatures of incoming groundwater. In both disturbed sites freshwater on the watershed had high n...
Molecular phylogenetics of Prescottiinae s.l. and their close allies (Orchidaceae, Cranichideae) inferred from plastid and nuclear ribosomal DNA sequences

The Andes are a cradle of orchid evolution, but most phylogenetic studies of Orchidaceae in this biodiversity hotspot have dealt with epiphytic epidendroid lineages. Here we present a study on neotropical, terrestrial, orchidoid taxa of Prescottiinae s.l. (8 genera, ∼100 species), which are adapted to some of the highest elevation habitats on earth that support orchids. They are currently included within an expanded concept of Cranichidinae in the tribe Cranichideae, but DNA sequence data show that neither Prescottiinae s.l. nor Cranichidinae s.s. are monophyletic. Prescottiinae s.l. consist of two strongly supported lineages: the Altensteinia and Prescottia clades, which have closer affinities to Spiranthinae than to Cranichidinae. The Prescottia clade comprises two well-supported subclades, one including most sampled species of Prescottia and a second one with Pseudocranichis thysanochila sister to Prescottia tubulosa. As a group, they are sister to Spiranthinae. Sister to this pair is the Altensteinia clade comprised of six genera, whose intergeneric relationships are well resolved. Finally, Cranichidinae s.s. is sister to all three of these clades. Morphological and ecological features distinguishing the major groups are discussed, as are potential synapomorphies to define them. The reconstructed phylogeny indicates that the classification of Cranichideae needs to be reexamined.
Potentially resectable pancreatic cancer in elderly patients: is surgery a reasonable choice?

Evaluation of: Lahat G, Sever R, Lubezky N et al.: Pancreatic cancer: surgery is a feasible therapeutic option for elderly patients. World J. Surg. Oncol. 9, 10 (2011). Pancreatic cancer is primarily a disease of the elderly and a major cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality worldwide. Long-term survival is contingent upon surgical resection. Unfortunately, only a small minority of patients are appropriate candidates for surgery. In resectable patients, adjuvant therapies have resulted in only modest improvements in outcomes. Although pancreaticoduodenectomy is associated with higher rates of postoperative morbidity and mortality in elderly patients, significant advances in perioperative and long-term outcomes are seen with contemporary management at high-volume centers. The benefit of surgery does not decline with increasing age and long-term survival with good quality of life is achievable in elderly patients. The decision to perform radical pancreatic resection should be primarily based on obt...
Correct horse battery staple: exploring the usability of system-assigned passphrases

Users tend to create passwords that are easy to guess, while system-assigned passwords tend to be hard to remember. Passphrases, space-delimited sets of natural language words, have been suggested as both secure and usable for decades. In a 1,476-participant online study, we explored the usability of 3- and 4-word system-assigned passphrases in comparison to system-assigned passwords composed of 5 to 6 random characters, and 8-character system-assigned pronounceable passwords. Contrary to expectations, system-assigned passphrases performed similarly to system-assigned passwords of similar entropy across the usability metrics we examined. Passphrases and passwords were forgotten at similar rates, led to similar levels of user difficulty and annoyance, and were both written down by a majority of participants. However, passphrases took significantly longer for participants to enter, and appear to require error-correction to counteract entry mistakes. Passphrase usability did not seem to increase when we shrunk the dictionary from which words were chosen, reduced the number of words in a passphrase, or allowed users to change the order of words.
Reactive atmosphere synthesis of sol-gel heavy metal fluoride glasses

A glass based on ZrF4 was synthesized by a combination of sol-gel and reactive atmosphere processing. Infrared spectroscopy and combustion analysis show that the fluorination process reduces the concentration of organic and hydroxide impurities. Chemical changes have occurred during fluorination; this is indicated by different x-ray diffraction traces and crystallization characteristics for the fluorinated sample compared to the oxide gel product. Chemical analysis from x-ray fluorescence indicates that the fluorinated gel is chemically similar to a melted glass of the same composition. Differential scanning calorimetry gives a glass transition temperature of 290 °C and a crystallization temperature of 390 °C. These values are consistent with those expected for a fluoride glass prepared by conventional methods.
The influence of magnetic fields on dielectric surface flashover

The effect of magnetic fields on dielectric surface flashover was investigated using two experimental setups, one with DC magnetic fields and the other with pulsed magnetic fields produced by currents of up to 175 kA. The observed insulation effects depend on the dielectric material, ambient gas pressure, surface roughness, and the presence of background plasma. It is sufficient to place the magnetic field in the vicinity of the cathode region only. For practical applications, small low-cost NdFe permanent magnets can be used, even for plasma background conditions with an electron density of 10/sup 4/ cm/sup -3/. The flashover voltage retains the characteristic dependence proportional to the square root of the gap distance with and without the applied magnetic field for DC magnetic field experiments. >
Competency Costs in Foreign Affairs: Presidential Performance in International Conflicts and Domestic Legislative Success, 1953–2001

Numerous prominent theories have relied on the concept of �audience costs� as a central causal mechanism in their arguments about international conflict, but scholars have had greater difficulty in demonstrating the efficacy and even the existence of such costs outside the bounds of game theory and the political psychology laboratory. We suggest that the audience costs argument focuses too narrowly on the likelihood that leaders will be removed from office by domestic constituencies for failing to make good on threats. Instead, we argue that scholars should ground these arguments on Alastair Smith's (1998) broader concept of �competency costs.� Our analysis of presidential legislative success from 1953 to 2001 demonstrates the existence of foreign policy competency costs by showing that public disapproval of presidential handling of militarized interstate disputes has a significant and substantial negative impact on the president's ability to move legislation on domestic issues through Congress.
Bit error rate performance of pi /4-DQPSK in a frequency-selective fast Rayleigh fading channel

The bit error rate (BER) performance of pi /4-differential quadrature phase shift keying (DQPSK) modems in cellular mobile communication systems is derived and analyzed. The system is modeled as a frequency-selective fast Rayleigh fading channel corrupted by additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) and co-channel interference (CCI). The probability density function of the phase difference between two consecutive symbols of M-ary differential phase shift keying (DPSK) signals is first derived. In M-ary DPSK systems, the information is completely contained in this phase difference. For pi /4-DQPSK, the BER is derived in a closed form and calculated directly. Numerical results show that for the 24 kBd (48 kb/s) pi /4-DQPSK operated at a carrier frequency of 850 MHz and C/I >
Henoch-Schönlein Purpura Following Thiram Exposure

• Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP) is an uncommon, nonthrombocytopenic hypersensitivity vasculitis that is often idiopathic, but may be induced by infectious agents, drugs, foods, environmental chemicals, or insect bites. To our knowledge, we report the first recognized case of HSP following exposure to the widely used industrial and agricultural agent, tetramethylthiuram disulfide. Few reports of HSP or other vasculitides resulting from exposure to structurally similar compounds are available. Despite the widespread use of tetramethylthiuram disulfide, many cases of exposure may remain unrecognized, resulting in a subsequent failure to properly identify sequelae. ( Arch Intern Med 1987;147:778-779)
Microwave energy potential for biodiesel production

Microwave energy based chemical synthesis has several merits and is important from both scientific and engineering standpoints. Microwaves have been applied in numerous inorganic and organic chemical syntheses; perhaps, from the time their ability to work as heat source was discovered. Recent laboratory scale microwave applications in biodiesel production proved the potential of the technology to achieve superior results over conventional techniques. Short reaction time, cleaner reaction products, and reduced separation-purification times are the key observations reported by many researchers. Energy utilization and specific energy requirements for microwave based biodiesel synthesis are reportedly better than conventional techniques. Microwaves can be very well utilized in feedstock preparation, extraction and transesterification stages of the biodiesel production process. Although microwave technology has advanced in other food, pharmaceutical and polymer chemistry related research and industry, it has yet to prove its potential in the biodiesel industry at large scale applications. This paper reviews principles and practices of microwave energy technology as applied in biodiesel feedstock preparation and processing. Analysis of laboratory scale studies, potential design and operation challenges for developing large scale biodiesel production systems are discussed in detail.