cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Continuous change detection and classification of land cover using all available Landsat data

Abstract A new algorithm for Continuous Change Detection and Classification (CCDC) of land cover using all available Landsat data is developed. It is capable of detecting many kinds of land cover change continuously as new images are collected and providing land cover maps for any given time. A two-step cloud, cloud shadow, and snow masking algorithm is used for eliminating “noisy” observations. A time series model that has components of seasonality, trend, and break estimates surface reflectance and brightness temperature. The time series model is updated dynamically with newly acquired observations. Due to the differences in spectral response for various kinds of land cover change, the CCDC algorithm uses a threshold derived from all seven Landsat bands. When the difference between observed and predicted images exceeds a threshold three consecutive times, a pixel is identified as land surface change. Land cover classification is done after change detection. Coefficients from the time series models and the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) from model estimation are used as input to the Random Forest Classifier (RFC). We applied the CCDC algorithm to one Landsat scene in New England (WRS Path 12 and Row 31). All available (a total of 519) Landsat images acquired between 1982 and 2011 were used. A random stratified sample design was used for assessing the change detection accuracy, with 250 pixels selected within areas of persistent land cover and 250 pixels selected within areas of change identified by the CCDC algorithm. The accuracy assessment shows that CCDC results were accurate for detecting land surface change, with producer's accuracy of 98% and user's accuracies of 86% in the spatial domain and temporal accuracy of 80%. Land cover reference data were used as the basis for assessing the accuracy of the land cover classification. The land cover map with 16 categories resulting from the CCDC algorithm had an overall accuracy of 90%.
Can the degree of hydronephrosis on ultrasound predict kidney stone size

Abstract Objective The aim of the study was to determine if the degree of hydronephrosis on focused emergency renal ultrasound correlates with kidney stone size on computed tomography. Methods A retrospective study was performed on all adult patients in the emergency department who had a focused emergency renal ultrasound and ureterolithiasis on noncontrast computed tomography. Severity of hydronephrosis was determined by the performing physician. Ureteral stone size was grouped into 5 mm or less and larger than 5 mm based on likelihood of spontaneous passage. Results One hundred seventy-seven ultrasound scans were performed on patients with ureteral calculi. When dichotomized using test characteristic analysis, patients with none or mild hydronephrosis (72.9%) were less likely to have ureteral calculi larger than 5 mm than those with moderate or severe hydronephrosis (12.4% vs 35.4%; P Conclusion Patients with less severe hydronephrosis were less likely to have larger ureteral calculi.
Massive streaming data analytics: a graph-based approach

Analyzing massive streaming graphs efficiently requires new algorithms, data structures, and computing platforms.
Cyclic perturbation of lowland river channels and ecological response

Certain lowland streams have experienced prehistorical and historical cycles of aggradation, occlusion, degradation, headward incision, and renewed aggradation. Historical cycles appear to be related to human activities. A case study is presented of the Yalobusha River in Mississippi with emphasis on the effects of blockage and removal on aquatic habitats and fish. The adjacent Skuna River, which was channelized and unblocked, was used in space for time substitution to infer effects of blockage removal on the Yalobusha. Variables describing physical aquatic habitat and fish were sampled from three groups of river reaches: unblocked channelized, channelized and blocked, and naturally sinuous. Fish collections were used to compute six indicators of ecological integrity. At baseflow, mean water depths were an order of magnitude lower in the unblocked channelized stream than for the others. In-channel aquatic habitat volume per unit valley length was 5, 85, and 283 m 3 /m for the channelized, blocked channelized, and natural reaches, respectively. Mean values for all six ecological indicators were lowest for the channelized group. Species richness was greatest for the channelized blocked reach. The ecological indicators displayed gradients in response to the range of observed physical conditions. Management of corridors susceptible to the cycle described above should involve a blend of measures designed to conserve higher quality habitats.
Numerical simulation of the nonlinear Schro¨dinger equation

Abstract A proposed scheme for the numerical simulation of the Nonlinear Schrodinger (NLS) equation is implemented and compared to other known numerical methods. This proposed scheme is constructed by methods related to the inverse scattering transform (IST). Performance data are used to compare it with other known numerical schemes for the NLS equation.
Image enhancement and multiplicative noise

Abstract Multiplicative noise - such as that produced by lens defects and film graininess - makes conventional Wiener-filter techniques inappropriate for enhancing degraded photographic images. With multiplicative noise, the optimum enhancing filter assumes a wholly new, and surprisingly general, mathematical form.
The surface geometry of GaAs(110)

Abstract Results of a fully dynamical low-energy electron diffraction calculation show that the GaAs(110) surface reconstructs with a top-layer tilt-angle of 27° ≤ ω ≤ 31°. The smaller tilt angle 7° ≤ ω ≤ 10° reported earlier is outside the error limits of the analysis and can be clearly ruled out. The results are independent of which R -factor or which set of existing experimental data is used. Lateral shifts larger than 0.1 A for the surface atoms are necessary to obtain acceptable agreement with the measured intensity spectra.
Changes in Pressure Pain Threshold of the Upper Trapezius, Levator Scapular and Rhomboid Muscles during Continuous Computer Work

[Purpose] This study investigated the changes in pressure pain threshold of the upper trapezius, levator scapular, and rhomboid muscles during continuous computer work. [Subjects] Fourteen males and females aged 26–32 years, were recruited. [Methods] A dolorimeter pressure algometer was used to measure the pressure pain threshold of the upper trapezius, levator scapular, and rhomboid muscles, respectively, before computer work and after 15 min, 30 min, and 60 min of computer work. [Results] The pressure pain threshold of the upper trapezius was significantly decreased after 15 min or more of computer work. The pressure pain threshold of the levator scapular was significantly decreased after computer work for 30 min and 60 min. The pressure pain threshold of the rhomboid muscle was significantly decreased after 60 min of computer work. [Conclusion] Continuous computer work could produce much more pain in the levator scapular and rhomboid muscle than the upper trapezius.
Demographic, structural and genetic predictors of late cognitive decline after penetrating head injury

We examined the relationship of pre-injury intelligence, demographic variables, lesion location, brain tissue volume loss and a number of genetic markers to long-term cognitive decline in a group of Vietnam veterans with predominantly penetrating head injury (PHI) suffered more than 30 years ago. Using linear and stepwise regression procedures, we found that those with PHI demonstrated a greater degree of cognitive decline overall during the years following recovery from injury compared with a control group of uninjured Vietnam veterans. This became increasingly significant later in life. We also found that pre-injury intelligence was the most consistent predictor of cognitive outcome across all phases of potential recovery and decline after such injuries. While laterality of lesion was not a factor, we did find some associations between atrophy and specific regions of tissue loss and long-term cognitive functioning. Finally, we found evidence for an association between level of cognitive decline following PHI and the possession of certain genetic markers that have been linked with brain injury and neurodegeneration. Thus exacerbated decline does occur in Vietnam veterans with PHI and it is apparently unrelated to dementia and is determined by multiple factors (most notably pre-injury intelligence).
The effect of turbulence on sediment deposition

A Lagrangian (random walk) sediment deposition model is used to investigate the competing effects of gravity and turbulence on deposition to a fully absorbing bed. This approach permits an analysis of the probability density function of deposition velocity as well as its mean. A distinct change in transport behavior is observed at a critical value of w* c = ws/U * = 0.1, where ws is the fall velocity in still fluid and U * is the shear velocity. Turbulence controls the transport of particles below w* c which deposit faster than similar particles in still water. For particles above w* c , the still water fall velocity is a good estimate of the mean deposition velocity. A discrepancy between the Lagrangian model results and experimental data (for w * < w *) may suggest that existing diffusion models are an incomplete representation of the physical system. An alternative conceptual model is suggested, based on coherent intermittent turbulence structures, which appears to explain the experimental results more...
Determination of tert-butylhydroquinone in edible oils by differential-pulse polarography

A differential-pulse polarographic method for the determination of tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) in vegetable oils has been developed and tested with a variety of oil samples. No prior extraction or other separation of TBHQ from the sample matrix is required. An oil sample is dissolved in a 1:5 v/v toluene/ethanol mixed solvent containing an acetate buffer, and polarograms are obtained directly for this solution. Recovery studies indicate that this method is suitable for routine determination of TBHQ at the concentrations normally used in edible oils.
Charge Transfer and Spin Susceptibility in a Binary Alloy: The Wolff Model

The coherent-potential approximation has been employed to discuss itinerant-electron magnetism of binary alloys by use of diagram techniques, which make clear the meanings of, and the differences between, the formulations by Hasegawa and Kanamori (HK), Levin etal. and Harris and Zuckermann. These diagram techniques make it easy to obtain the wave-vector and frequency-dependent susceptibility for the Wolff model at finite impurity concentrations. The results reduce to that of HK in the uniform and static limit. The formula enables us to discuss on the same footing both local exchange enhancement and paramagnons by changing the concentration of magnetic atoms. It is also shown that the charge transfer has some important consequences. By use of this susceptibility, the possibility of the spin-density-wave state has been discussed in similar ways as Penn's argument for pure systems. It is found that the occurrence of magnetic states is essentially related not to the total density of states but to the local density of states. In addition to the static properties, the diffusion constant of spin fluctuations is discussed in relation to the electronic specific heat.
First Record of Pepper Weevil Infestation in Virginia

, with adults feeding on all genera within Solanaceae (2). Larvae feed and develop inside the plant structures (Fig. 2). The feeding of both adults and larvae causes reduced yield through blossom bud and immature pod drop, and also severely damaged fruit (Fig. 3). A review of pepper weevil biology can be found in Riley and King (3). The origin of the pepper weevil is likely Mexico, though it has spread into Florida, Texas, and California (1). Because transplants are shipped northward each spring, pepper weevil occasionally occurs in more northern locations with records available from New Mexico, Georgia, North Carolina, and New Jersey (1). There is conflicting data with the European Plant Protection Organization (EPPO) pepper weevil data sheet listing distribution in the aforementioned states as well as Arizona, Louisiana, and New Mexico. However, the EPPO pepper weevil distribution map also includes South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia. Bell peppers with scars indicative of pepper weevil injury were collected during a visit to a produce grower in Virginia Beach, VA (36°42.023’N, 85°59.728’W) by the authors on 11 August 2007. Seven adults were collected from within the fruit and submitted to the Virginia Tech Insect Identification Laboratory, and the Systematic Entomology Laboratory, USDA, for confirmation. The extent of infestation was evaluated by subsequently harvesting 20 mature peppers on 13 and 27 August 2007 for dissection. The number of fruit infested with pepper weevil larvae or adults was tabulated. Pepper weevil pheromone traps (PEW4424-04, Great Lakes IPM, Vestaburg, MI 48891) were deployed at this location, another nearby pepper field in Virginia Beach (1.0 mile from the site), two pepper fields in Chesapeake, VA (~20 to 40 miles from the site), and two pepper fields in Northampton County, VA (~70 to 80 miles from the site). The traps were monitored biweekly for 2 weeks, from 20 August to 4 September. Specimens were identified as pepper weevil,
Multiple views and abstractions with an extended-entity-relationship model

The features of the Entity-Relationship model are examined, as a means for representing both the conceptual schema and the external schema in a database system. In order to serve in this dual capacity, its modelling features are extended to support multiple user views. We show how to represent a model and present a suitable diagrammatic technique. To represent these concepts at the user level we propose a data definition language with a concise and simple structure. Furthermore, guidelines are given for interfacing the E-E-R schema with existing DBTG-like systems.
Irritable bowel syndrome: how far do you go in the workup?

Background & Aims: Abdominal symptoms in the absence of mucosal abnormalities are features of both the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and latent/potential celiac disease (cd). To identify a possible subgroup of IBS patients with latent/potential cd, surrogate markers of cd were investigated in IBS patients. Methods: IBS patients suffering from diarrhea (n = 102), and patients with active cd (n = 10), treated cd (n = 26), and latent cd (n = 5) were included in the study. We measured serum immunoglobulin (Ig) A against gliadin and tissue-transglutaminase, and IgA and IgM against gliadin, tissue-transglutaminase (intestinal cd-associated antibodies), and the dietary proteins β-lactoglobulin and ovalbumin in duodenal aspirate by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) were counted in histology sections, and the expression of HLA-DQ2 (A1 * 0501/B1 * 0201) was investigated by polymerase chain reaction. In 26 IBS patients, the effect of 6 months of gluten withdrawal was examined. Results: Most cd patients expressed HLA-DQ2 and had increased intestinal cd-associated antibodies, whereas cd-associated serum IgA and IEL counts were increased in active cd in contrast to treated or latent cd. In IBS patients, 35% were HLA-DQ2-positive, 23% had increased IEL counts, and 0% and 30% had increased cd-associated antibodies in serum and duodenal aspirate, respectively. Furthermore, stool frequency and intestinal IgA decreased significantly under a gluten-free diet in the subgroups of HLA-DQ2-positive and intestinal antibody-positive IBS patients when compared with IBS patients without these markers. Conclusions: HLA-DQ2 expression and increased intestinal cd-associated antibodies are markers that can identify latent/potential cd in a subgroup of IBS patients who consequently appear to profit from a gluten-free diet.
Thomas Aquinas' Eco-Theological Ethics of Anthropocentric Conservation

This essay explores the much-debated question regarding the extent and viability of Thomas Aquinas as a theological source for expanding Christian ethical concern for the nonhuman creation, particularly nonhuman animals. This exploration focuses on the intersection of two foundational issues in Aquinas' theological framework, nature and teleology, as well as the effects of this intersection in Aquinas' work concerning nonhuman creation. From these examinations, I suggest that Aquinas can provide significant contributions for augmenting concern for the welfare of nonhuman animals because his theological framework demands that humans preserve the natural order through conservation. However, Aquinas' ecotheological ethics of conservation is foundationally anthropocentric and only permits indirect moral concern for the nonhuman world.
Interdisciplinary research at the Beckman institutes

AbstractA bold attempt to institutionalise interdisciplinary research is being made at the Beckman institutes in the USA. These institutes, located at the universities of Illinois, Stanford, and Irvine, and at Caltech, are striving to break down traditional disciplinary boundaries in an effort to achieve new scientific breakthroughs. This article examines the historical origins of this project as well as a sample of the research being conducted in the largest two of these institutes, at lllinois and CaItech. It also addresses the question of whether or not the implementation of interdisciplinary research should be structured.
Towards an articulatory phonology

We propose an approach to phonological representation based on describing an utterance as an organised pattern of overlapping articulatory gestures. Because movement is inherent in our definition of gestures, these gestural ‘constellations’ can account for both spatial and temporal properties of speech in a relatively simple way. At the same time, taken as phonological representations, such gestural analyses offer many of the same advantages provided by recent nonlinear phonological theories, and we give examples of how gestural analyses simplify the description of such ‘complex segments’ as /s/–stop clusters and prenasalised stops. Thus, gestural structures can be seen as providing a principled link between phonological and physical description.
An investigation of thermal transport in superconducting cavities made of high thermal conductivity niobium

Thermal-magnetic breakdown is the mechanism which ultimately limits field strengths in superconducting cavities whose microwave performance is not affected by multipactoring or field emission. Thermal-magnetic breakdown is thought to arise from localized heating of an isolated lossy area on the cavity surface; at a certain power level the excess heating may cause the temperature near the lassy area to exceed the superconducting critical temperature and lead to cavity breakdown. The objective of this investigation was to investigate systematically the two mechanisms of thermal transport in the cavity-cooling bath system: the thermal conductivity of the metal and heat transport across the metal to liquid helium interface. For this investigation, cavities were prepared with high thermal conductivity Nb; the thermal conductivity of this Nb at 4.2K was over 100 times higher than that of typical reactor grade Nb. To investigate the thermal transport processes, cavity surface temperature profiles were measured with dc heater power applied locally to the surface. The results agreed well with calculated equilibrium surface temperatures when reasonable values for the thermal boundary resistance between superconducting Nb and liquid He I or superfluid He II were used in the calculations. The microwave performance of the Nb cavities at X-band was considerably improved by the use of high thermal conductivity Nb; the high thermal conductivity Nb cavities consistently reached field levels over five times higher than the low thermal conductivity Nb cavities and sustained over 100 times as much dissipated power. These cavities never exhibited breakdown. Theoretical calculations showed that the performance of the low thermal conductivity Nb cavities was limited by the large temperature gradients at defects, whereas the performance of the high thermal conductivity Nb cavities was limited by transport of heat across the Nb-liquid He interface.
Retro-aldol degradations of unsaturated aldehydes: Role in the formation ofc4-heptenal fromt2,c6-nonadienal in fish, oyster and other flavors

Alterations of cucumber-, melon-like notes in aromas and flavors caused by retro-aldol degradations oft2,c6-nonadienal were confirmed using gas chromatographic measurements of volatile compounds in model systems. The data indicated that 3-hydroxy-c6-nonenal was formed first by the addition of water to the alpha/beta double bond oft2,c6-nonadienal, and this was followed by a retro-aldol condensation of 3-hydroxy-c6-nonenal to yieldc4-heptenal and ethanal. Compared to the reaction rate in aqueous systems at neutral pH, formation ofc4-heptenal was enhanced substantially at alkaline pH, but was greatly diminished at acidic pH values. Heating (to 90 C) of aqueous model systems oft2,c6-nonadienal held at neutral pH also enhanced the rate of formation ofc4-heptenal substantially compared to that at ambient temperature (21 C). Rates of formation ofc4-heptenal in aqueous model systems held under air or nitrogen atmospheres were similar.c4-Heptenal was not formed whent2,c6-nonadienal was held at 21 C for 96 hr under air or nitrogen in nonaqueous commercial corn oil.
The Persians: Ancient, Mediaeval and Modern Iran

The Persians: Ancient, Mediaeval and Modern Iran, Homa Katouzian, New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 2009 (paperback edition, 2010), ISBN-10 0-3001-2118-0, 448 pp. This book, as its subtitle sho...
The Imperial Superhero

Set in 1978, the year Edward Said published Orientalism , Salman Rushdie's Midnight's Children depicts “magic children” born in the first hour of August 15, 1947, “within the frontiers of the infant sovereign state of India” (1981, 226, 224). Through some “freak of biology” or “preternatural power,” the children receive “miraculous” abilities, including such superhero staples as flight, time-travel, and “a boy who could increase or reduce his size at will” (224, 227, 228). For his mind-reading narrator, Rushdie evokes the Shadow's 1930s radio slogan: “the ability to look into the hearts and minds of men” (229). The American Shadow, like so many of his descendants and predecessors, gained his powers from the mythical Orient, but the fantastical abilities that Rushdie awards the first citizens born in independent India mark the end of colonial exploitation and the transfer of real-world political power from colonizers to the formerly colonized.
Scene learning and glance recognizability based on competitively growing spiking neural network

We have been building the competitively growing spiking neural network for quick one-shot object learning and glance object recognition, which is the core of our saliency-based scene memory model. This neural network represents objects using latency-based temporal coding and grows size and recognizability through learning and self-organization. Through simulation experiments of a robot equipped with a camera, it is shown that object and scene learning and glance object recognition are well performed by our model.
Monte Carlo modeling of organic polymer light-emitting devices on flexible plastic substrates

ABSTRACT A Monte Carlo method for modeling the light transport phenomena in organic polymer light-emitting devices (PLEDs) is reported. In this simulation we assumed a point light source having photon emission sp ectrum repre sented by the photoluminescence (PL) spectrum of the organic polymers. This method describes the fate of photons through multiple scattering events determined by the wavelength-dependent material optical properties in a 3-D Cartesian geometry, thus considering the effects of refraction at different interfaces, back-reflection from the cathode, interference effect in the ITO thin film, and absorption within the polymer layers. We apply this method to analyze the wavelength output distribution and extraction efficiency. We found that the simulated light emission spectra of the green and red light-emitting devices are very similar to the measured PL spectra, suggesting that the light transport phenomena do not change the energy distribution significantly. We also established that the calculated extraction efficiency for the red (
Do you use your head or follow your heart? Self-location predicts personality, emotion, decision making, and performance.

The head is thought to be rational and cold, whereas the heart is thought to be emotional and warm. In 8 studies (total N 725), we pursued the idea that such body metaphors are widely consequential. Study 1 introduced a novel individual difference variable, one asking people to locate the self in the head or the heart. Irrespective of sex differences, head-locators characterized themselves as rational, logical, and interpersonally cold, whereas heart-locators characterized themselves as emotional, feminine, and interpersonally warm (Studies 1–3). Study 4 showed that head-locators were more accurate in answering general knowledge questions and had higher grade point averages, and Study 5 showed that heart-locators were more likely to favor emotional over rational considerations in moral decision making. Study 6 linked self-locations to reactivity phenomena in daily life—for example, heart-locators experienced greater negative emotion on high stressor days. In Study 7, we manipulated attention to the head versus the heart and found that head-pointing facilitated intellectual performance, whereas heart-pointing led to emotional decision making. Study 8 replicated Study 3’s findings with a nearly year-long delay between the self-location and outcome measures. The findings converge on the importance of head–heart metaphors for understanding individual differences in cognition, emotion, and performance.
ELECTORAL COMPETITION IN THE AMERICAN STATES

Electoral competition is a concept that has played a central role in much of the state politics literature. One commonly used indicator of competition in the states is the Ranney index. We offer an alternative indicator of competition, one based on district-level outcomes of state legislative elections. After evaluating both indicators in terms of validity and reliability, the analysis suggests that the district-level indicator is both empirically and intuitively superior as a measure of electoral competition. The implications of this finding are discussed.
Ventricular pacing: A cause of reversible severe mitral regurgitation☆

Transesophageal color flow Doppler assessment of degree of mitral valve regurgitation during open heart surgery is increasingly used as an "on-line" guide for surgical intervention. Factors that influence the degree ofmitral regurgitation, such as alteration in preload and afterload fluctuations, are routinely accounted for in the assessment of the mechanisms and severity of mitral regurgitation. The case reported here underscores the magnitude ofventricular pacemaker-related mitral regurgitation, which is not readily anticipated in the intraoperative evaluation of mitral regurgitation. A 71-year-old woman (166 cm; 89 kg) with a history of valvular heart disease was scheduled for coronary artery bypass grafting and mitral valve repair or replacement. She had intermittent chest pain during dally activities and progressive shortness of breath. She had a history of systemic hypertension and a type II diabetes but no previous myocardial infarction. She also had a pacemaker of unknown model (VVI mode) with a ventricular lead implanted in 1989 (in Russia) because of syncope. Syncopal episodes did not reoccur after pacemaker implantation. Preoperative medications included captopril, digoxin, furosemide, potassium, and insulin. An electrocardiogram showed sinus rhythm, complete atrioventricular block, and a ventricularly paced rhythm. Cardiac catheterization revealed a cardiac output of 2.8 L/min, right atrial pressure of 26 mmHg, pulmonary artery pressures 78/34 mmHg and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure of 42 mm Hg. Coronary angiography demonstrated luminal narrowing of the left anterior descending coronary artery and left circumflex coronary artery and total midvessel occlusion of the right coronary artery. Left ventricular ejection fraction was 30%. Mitral regurgitation was classified as severe. Immediately after contrast left ventriculography, pulmonary edema developed. Transthoracic echocardiography
Activities of daily living are associated with older adult cognitive status: caregiver versus self-reports.

We compared the extent to which subjective report of activities of daily living (ADLs) by caregivers and older adults were associated with objective measures of older adults’ cognition. In independent studies (Study 1 N = 238; Study 2 N = 295), bivariate correlations and multiple regression analyses examined the association of caregiver and self-rated reports of older adult basic, instrumental, and total ADLs and older adult cognition. We examined the magnitude of the caregiver/self-report discrepancy and older adult cognition. In both studies, caregiver reports more accurately accounted for older adult cognitive differences. Older adult visuospatial/constructional deficits were uniquely related to caregiver basic ADL reports. Results indicate that caregiver reports of older adult ADLs are more reliable indicators of older adult cognition than self-reports, and this difference grows as older adult cognition decreases. Thus, older adult ADL assessment may be useful in providing information on potential cog...
A simultaneous comparison of the cells of blood, renal hilar and thoracic duct lymph in the dog

A simultaneous morphological and quantitative profile was obtained of the cells of blood, thoracic duct, and renal hilar lymph in the dog. Monolayer cytocentrifuged preparations were used to determine the number, type, and size of cells in the three compartments. The cell count of renal lymph was not related to that of blood or thoracic duct lymph. There was a greater percentage of lymphoid cells in the afferent lymph than could be accounted for by the random movement of cells from the blood to the lymph. Thus, there appeared to be a selective transit of cells from blood to lymph. Monocytes and neutrophils were largely absent from the thoracic duct lymph; however, eosinophils were present. Cells were observed in hilar lymph that were characteristic of cells subjected to antigenic stimulation. It was concluded that lymphocytes have a preferential pathway from blood to lymphatic and in the course of this pathway they undergo a change which is consistent with an active immunological role.
Report of the Committee on Snow, 1953–1954

The following report has been prepared by the Committee from a questionnaire sent to individuals and agencies active in snow research. Studies will soon be initiated on the H. J. Andrews Experimental Forest to determine differences in runoff from snow melt from areas logged wholly or in part as compared with uncut areas.
Hypoxic adaptation engages the CBP/CREST-induced coactivator complex of Creb-HIF-1α in transactivating murine neuroblastic glucose transporter

We have shown in vitro a hypoxia-induced time-dependent increase in facilitative glucose transporter isoform 3 (GLUT3) expression in N2A murine neuroblasts. This increase in GLUT3 expression is par...
300-Gb/s, 24-Channel Full-Duplex, 850-nm, CMOS-Based Optical Transceivers

We report a compact, low-profile transceiver with 24 transmitter and 24 receiver channels, each operating at 12.5 Gb/s. The achieved 300 Gb/s aggregate bi-directional data rate is the highest ever reported for parallel optical modules.
Perceptions and responses to climate policy risks among California farmers

A B S T R A C T This paper considers how farmers perceive and respond to climate change policy risks, and suggests that understanding these risk responses is as important as understanding responses to biophysical climate change impacts. Based on a survey of 162 farmers in California, we test three hypotheses regarding climate policy risk: (1) that perceived climate change risks will have a direct impact on farmer’s responses to climate policy risks, (2) that previous climate change experiences will influence farmer’s climate change perceptions and climate policy risk responses, and (3) that past experiences with environmental policies will more strongly affect a farmer’s climate change beliefs, risks, and climate policy risk responses. Using a structural equation model we find support for all three hypotheses and furthermore show that farmers’ negative past policy experiences do not make them less likely to respond to climate policy risks through participation in a government incentive program. We discuss how future research and climate policies can be structured to garner greater agricultural participation. This work highlights that understanding climate policy risk responses and other social, economic and policy perspectives is a vital component of understanding climate change beliefs, risks and behaviors and should be more thoroughly considered in future work.
An empirical garnet (YAG) – xenotime thermometer

A pronounced negative correlation between the yttrium concentration in garnet ([Y]Grt) and temperature has been observed in xenotime (YPO4)-bearing metapelites from central New England, USA. The [Y]Grt decreases roughly two orders of magnitude (∼5500 to less than 100 ppm Y) over a 150 °C interval. A regression of ln([Y]Grt) against estimated reciprocal temperature yields the following relationship:
Compact multibeam imaging antenna for automotive radars

A compact multi-beam 77 GHz antenna has been developed for automotive applications. The antenna consists of a hemispherical Teflon lens with backside metallization, which is fed by endfire tapered slot antennas (TSAs) on a 127 /spl mu/m-thick Duroid/sup TM/ substrate. The TSAs are arranged in a circular arc covering 40/spl deg/ around the hemispherical lens. The measured patterns result in E and H-plane patterns with a 3 dB beamwidth of 5.5/spl deg/, a sidelobe level of -18 to -20 dB and a cross-polarization level of -19 dB. The calculated efficiency of this antenna system is 54%. The off-axis antenna patterns are identical to the broadside patterns due to the symmetrical structure of the antenna. The antenna can provide coverage using a circular feed array around the hemispherical Teflon lens.
A novel concentric multilink spherical joint with parallel robotics applications

A new spherical joint mechanism which is well suited to parallel robotics is presented. The concentric multilink spherical (CMS) joint allows two or more struts to be connected together such that they rotate about a single point. This joint can replace the traditional ball or universal (Hooke) joints in Stewart platforms, variable geometry truss manipulators, and other parallel robots. The TETRA2 robot consists of five nodes and six actuated struts. It provides a range of motion of 1m/spl times/0.5m/spl times/0.5m and has lifted a payload of 10 kg at full lateral extension. Simulation of a 48 struct walking robot illustrates the use of CMS joints to design more complex structures. The simulation also demonstrates new algorithms for parallel robot control. >
Fuzzy logic control of a pneumatic muscle system using a linearing control scheme

A linearizing control scheme for a highly nonlinear pneumatic muscle (PM) system is presented in this paper. Linearizing controllers have been widely used in the control of robotic systems. Since PM is a highly nonlinear system, the concept of linearizing control can be extended to the control of these muscles. Pneumatic muscle has air pressure as its input and the output is a displacement of the muscle. The system is considered to be a mass-spring-damper system with a nonlinear damper and a spring. This nonlinearity makes the design of a mathematical controller more difficult. The scheme presented in this paper uses fuzzy logic to implement the controller. The controller has a model-based portion and a servo-based portion. The model-based portion cancels all the nonlinearities caused by the nonlinear damper and spring. Therefore, the system as seen by the servo-based portion is linear, which can then be controlled using a linear PID controller. The controller is conceptually simple but exhibited superior tracking capability.
Gain-flattened gain-clamped discrete Raman amplifier

We demonstrated effective optical gain clamping for gain-flattened S-band discrete Raman amplifier. Gain flattening is achieved by pumping at multiple wavelengths. Minimum input signal dynamic range is over 18 dB in different cases of lasing wavelengths.
Phase I and Pharmacokinetic Study of the Novel MDR1 and MRP1 Inhibitor Biricodar Administered Alone and in Combination With Doxorubicin

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of biricodar (VX-710), an inhibitor of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and multidrug resistance–associated protein (MRP1), alone and with doxorubicin in patients with advanced malignancies. The effect of VX-710 on the tissue distribution of 99mTc-sestamibi, a P-gp and MRP1 substrate, was also evaluated. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with solid malignancies refractory to standard therapy first received a 96-hour infusion of VX-710 alone at 20 to 160 mg/m2/h. After a 3-day washout, a second infusion of VX-710 was begun, on the second day of which doxorubicin 45 mg/m2 was administered. Cycles were repeated every 21 to 28 days. 99mTc-sestamibi scans were performed before and during administration of VX-710 alone. RESULTS: Of the 28 patients who enrolled, 25 patients were eligible for analysis. No dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) was observed in the nine assessable patients who received 120 mg/m2/h or less. Among seven patients receiving VX-710 160 mg/m2/h...
Determination of Density at High Altitudes Using Rayleigh and Raman Scattering of Solar Radiation

The concept of determining the density (particles/unit volume) of atomic and molecular species at high altitudes (100-600 km) by passive remote sensing of the Rayleigh and Raman limbscattered solar radiation is explored. Using Rayleigh scattering the dominant contributors to atomic (O) and molecular (N2, O2) scattering may be distinguished by their differing scale heights and polarizabilities. Using simulated data total densities were recovered to within 5%. With Raman scattering it may be possible to extract the kinetic temperature of the thermosphere from the Ring effect in the Fraunhofer solar spectrum.
A screening test for malabsorption syndromes.

SummaryOur studies indicate that measurement of changes in plasma optical density after a fatty meal is a simple and reliable screening test for patients with malabsorption syndromes. It is of value in following the course of these diseases and in evaluating response to therapy.
Control of three-host ticks. Laboratory tests of systemic insecticides in feed of cattle.

When the feeding of 6 systemic insecticides to individually stanchioned cattle was started 2-26 days before the cattle were infested with adults and nymphs of Amblyomma americanun (l..), the lone star tick; A. maculatum Koch, the Gulf Coast ticks; and Dermacentor variabilis (Say), the American dog tick; and continued throughout the engorgement period, famphur at 5 mg kg per day was the most effective treatment. With adults, this treatment was highly active against Gulf Coast ticks (100% control of Estimated Larvae (EL); EL = g eggs × estimated % hatch × 20,000) and lone star ticks (>99.5% control of EL), but less active against American dog ticks (19.83% control of EL). Also, famphur at 2.5 mg /kg per day was effective against Gulf Coast ticks but only partially effective against the other 2 species. Fenthion at 1.25 mg/kg per day was effective only against Gulf Coast ticks. The other treatments, 1.5 mg/kg per day of coumaphos, 3 mg/kg per day of cruformate, 1.5 mg/kg per day of Imidan ( O, O -dimethyl phosphorodithioate S -ester with N -(mercaptomethyl)-phthalimide), and 7 mg/kg per day of runnel, were ineffective (afforded 0-14% control of EL). With nymphs, famphur at 5 mg/kg per day prevented engorging of nymphs of the Gulf Coast tick, was slightly less effective against nymphs of the lone star tick, and only partially effective against nymphs of the American dog tick. The other treatments failed to prevent engorging of nymphs. With almost all treatments, nymphs that engorged molted to adults.
Common Themes in ther Epitaxial Growth of Oxides on Semiconductors

A review of the growth of oriented oxides on Si and Ill-V semiconductors provides insight into some of the common themes of oxide/semiconductor epitaxy. The nature and success of the epitaxy can be attributed to four primary factors: (i) semiconductor surface preparation; (ii) oxide/semiconductor reaction thermodynamics; (iii) surface and interfacial polarity; and (iv) structural matching (lattice matching, thermal expansion, and symmetry). Semiconductor surface preparation governs the initial stages of epitaxy for systems such as MgO/GaAs and In2O3/InAs. In these cases, the epitaxial development depends on the presence or absence of a native oxide layer prior to growth. Chemical reaction can also influence the epitaxial process, as is illustrated in the growth of gadolinium oxide on Si. In general, the initial stages of epitaxy reflect a thermodynamic competition between the formation of the desired oxide phase, oxidation of the semiconductor, and formation of intermediate phases such as silicides and silicates. An analysis of possible reactions is presented for selected binary and ternary oxides with Si and GaAs. Surface and interfacial energy can also play an important role in determining the morphology and orientation of oxides having polar low-index faces, as illustrated in the growth of fluorite and related bixbyite oxides such as CeO2, In2O3 and Y2O3. The epitaxial relationships between the oxide and semiconductor may be rationalized in terms of either direct lattice matching or higher order epitaxy.
Quantitative approaches in life cycle assessment—part 1—descriptive statistics and factor analysis

This study examines the utility of descriptive statistics and factor analysis in the interpretation of an LCA data set. It is believed that the use of descriptive statistics and factor analysis provides a comprehensive summary of the data, and insight on internal validity, which improves interpretation of results. The current study also provides a pretext for subsequent analyses with inferential statistics. Nine building envelope combinations were analyzed according to five service life models (N = 45, 45 data points). Three environmental indicators were used to characterize the data: global warming potential (GWP), atmospheric eco-toxicity (ECO), and atmospheric acidification (ACID) from the Tool for the Reduction and Assessment of Chemical and Other Environmental Impacts (TRACI) assessment method. Descriptive statistics measured minimum, maximum, mean, standard deviation, skewness, and kurtosis. For the factor analysis, data were disaggregated according to nine variables, including cumulative life cycle impact, major replacement, major replacement (frequency), minor replacement, major repairs, minor repairs, inspections 1 and 2, and total transportation (N = 45, 405 data points). All statistical operations were performed using SPSS software. Descriptive statistics show a relatively normal data distribution for GWP. Data distributions for ECO and ACID deviated slightly from normal, which was confirmed through Shapiro-Wilk and Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests. Factor analysis resulted in three factors for GWP and ECO, and two factors for ACID. In each analysis, cumulative life cycle impact, major replacement, and major replacement (frequency) aligned as variables in a common factor. This alignment corroborates previous findings. Other variables in the factor analysis were less clearly or inconsistently aligned. The descriptive statistics provide important information about the distribution of data in the study. The data are determined to be suitable for further analysis using inferential univariate and multivariate statistical tests, a topic that is examined in part 2 of this study as reported by Grant et al. (Int J Life Cycle Assess, 2015). The factor analysis used in the study corroborates the conclusions of previous studies and provides a basis for future statistical analyses.
Changes in electrical properties of guinea pig smooth muscle membrane by experimental bladder outflow obstruction

The changes in membrane electrical properties of guinea pig bladder smooth muscle following experimental bladder outflow obstruction were studied by means of an intracellular microelectrode technique. The results of this study can be summarized as follows. 1) Bladder outflow obstruction resulted in a threefold increase in bladder weight after 4-8 wk. 2) The resting membrane potential was unchanged with obstruction; however, the obstructed smooth muscle membrane was more quiescent, with less spontaneous electrical activity compared with control tissue. 3) The membrane constants, space constant and time constant, were both reduced in the obstructed bladders. 4) There was no detectable difference in membrane depolarization induced by high extracellular K+ solution between control and obstructed bladders. 5) Both the membrane depolarization induced by K(+)-free solution or ouabain-containing Krebs solution and ouabain-sensitive membrane hyperpolarization by K(+)-containing solution after application of K(+)-free solution were significantly increased in the obstructed bladders. 6) Low extracellular Cl- solution evoked greater membrane depolarization in obstructed bladders. These results suggest that bladder outflow obstruction results in suppression of the cell-to-cell transfer of electrical activity and activation of a membrane electrogenic Na(+)-K+ pump mechanism in guinea pig detrusor.
Somnium and visio in the Decameron.

The article focuses on dreams and visions in Boccaccio’s Decameron . Starting with medieval dream categorization and interpretation, both classical and popular influences are explored, showing how Boccaccio combines them in an original perspective, in which the truthfulness of dreams relies on the accuracy of their premonitions rather than their factual or historical content. A careful assessment of Lisabetta da Messina’s novella brings out subtle psychological and moral nuances, through a dark but suggestive symbolism, as the main character defies authority and ‘waters’ her lover’s severed head with her tears, thus generating a figurative offspring in the basilico plant. A comparative analysis of Boccaccio’s novella on Nastagio degli Onesti and Passavanti’s text dwells on the importance of supernatural references and highlights a radical subversion of moral values. Boccaccio appears to depart from tradition, as he ascribes worth to love and abandonment instead of restraint, framing the concept of ‘superstition’ in a new, positive context. Key words: Dreams - Somnium - Visio - Boccaccio - Decameron
Learning to Map Sentences to Logical Form

One of the classical goals of research in artificial intelligence is to construct systems that automatically recover the meaning of natural language text. Machine learning methods hold significant potential for addressing many of the challenges involved with these systems. This book describes a series of new techniques for learning to map sentences to logical form --- lambda-calculus representations of their meanings.