cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of multimodal biometrics using appearance, shape, and temperature

This study considers face recognition using multiple imaging modalities. Face recognition is performed using a PCA-based algorithm on each of three individual modalities: normal 2D intensity images, range images representing 3D shape, and infra-red images representing the pattern of heat emission. The algorithm is separately tuned for each modality. For each modality, the gallery consists of one image of each of the same 127 persons, and the probe set consists of 297 images of these subjects, acquired with one or more week's time lapse. In this experiment, we find a rank-one recognition rate of 71% for infra-red, 91% for 2D, 92% for 3D. We also consider the multi-modal combination of each pair of modalities, and find a rank-one recognition rate of 97% for 2D plus infra-red, 98% for 3D plus infra-red, and 99% for 3D plus 2D. The combination of all three modalities yields a rank-one recognition rate of 100%. We conclude that multi-modal face recognition appears to offer great potential for improved accuracy over using a single 2D image. Larger and more challenging experiments are needed in order to explore this potential.© (2004) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Imaging Systems with Extreme Form Factors

We discuss theoretical and practical aspects of far-field imaging systems that are completely contained on a plane or a line. Computational imaging can potentially enhance the resolution, optical throughput, and color correction of these systems.
Attitudes and Perceptions on Potential Development of Nature-Based Enterprises among Landowners in the Alabama Black Belt

The Alabama black belt region is one of the poorest areas in the country, characterized by predominantly African American population and dark rich soil. Creating nature-based ventures is an opportunity that can be realized to alleviate poverty and improve quality of life in the region. The objective of this study is to examine landowner attitudes and perceptions towards nature-based activities on their land and the potential development of nature-based enterprises. Descriptive statistics and logit analysis were utilized to analyze survey data. Results indicate that the top two available nature-based activities are hunting and fishing. Hunting and fishing are also perceived to be the most potentially-profitable nature-based businesses that could be developed on the respondents’ land. Logit results show that a landowner is more likely to use the land for nature-based activities if he has a relatively large land, large family, and if recreation is one of his primary reasons for using the land.
Sphingomyelin-Cholesterol Domains in Phospholipid Membranes: Atomistic Simulation

We have carried out an atomic-level molecular dynamics simulation of a system of nanoscopic size containing a domain of 18:0 sphingomyelin and cholesterol embedded in a fully hydrated dioleylposphatidylcholine (DOPC) bilayer. To analyze the interaction between the domain and the surrounding phospholipid, we calculate order parameters and area per molecule as a function of molecule type and proximity to the domain. We propose an algorithm based on Voronoi tessellation for the calculation of the area per molecule of various constituents in this ternary mixture. The calculated areas per sphingomyelin and cholesterol are in agreement with previous simulations. The simulation reveals that the presence of the liquid-ordered domain changes the packing properties of DOPC bilayer at a distance as large as ∼8 nm. We calculate electron density profiles and also calculate the difference in the thickness between the domain and the surrounding DOPC bilayer. The calculated difference in thickness is consistent with data obtained in atomic force microscopy experiments.
Estimation of ARMA state processes by particle filtering

There are many practical signal processing settings where a state-space model consists of a state described by an ARMA process that is observed via non-linear functions of the state. In this paper, we propose a particle filtering method for sequentially estimating the ARMA process in the presence of unknown parameters. In the considered problem, we have static and dynamic unknowns, and we show how to handle the static parameters so that the estimation of the state process does not degrade with time. We propose a new particle filter that approximates the posterior of all the unknowns by a Gaussian distribution, in combination with a Monte Carlo approach to the Rao-Blackwellization of the static parameters. We demonstrate the performance of the proposed method by extensive computer simulations.
Photoactivated dentin bonding with N-phenyliminodiacetic acid.

Abstract Objectives The overall objective of this study was to correlate adhesive resin and polymerization initiator chemistry with bonding to dentin that had been treated with N-phenyliminodiacetic acid (PIDAA), a self-etching primer with initiator and co-initiator potential. The hypotheses to be tested were that: (1) the nature of the adhesive resin and (2) the type of polymerization initiator system are critical factors that can influence the bonding of composite restoratives to dentin. Methods Three types of bonding resins: (A) a non-carboxylic acid bonding resin (BisGMA/HEMA); (B) a carboxylic acid monomer (PMDM, the control); and (C) a combination system (BisGMA/HEMA/PMDM), along with two types of initiator systems: (1) a self-curing chemical initiator system based on PIDAA and (2) a dual-cure system involving camphorquinone, PIDAA, and visible light irradiation, were tested with a randomized 3 × 2 full factorial design. Solutions of each resin in acetone were tested with and without camphorquinone. Solution (A) was a 50% solution of 1:1 BisGMA/HEMA; Solution (B), a 10% solution of PMDM; and Solution (C), a 50% solution of 2:2:1 BisGMA/HEMA/PMDM in the ratio of 2:2:1. All percents were on a mass basis. (The photoactivated solutions of A, B, and C also contained 0.5% camphorquinone based on the mass of the resin.) Ninety composite-to-dentin specimens were prepared by a 2-step protocol: 1) 60 s application of 20 μL of 0.3 mol/L PIDAA in 1:1 v/v acetone/H2O; 2) 60 s application of 20 μL of one of the six resin solutions, followed by 60 s visible light irradiation. A visible light-activated composite (Silux, 3M) was then applied to each treated surface and irradiated for 60 s. Specimens were stored in distilled H2O (22°C, 24 h) before shear bond testing. The summary statistics were calculated and a two-way ANOVA and Duncan's Multiple Range test were used to discern if the two factors significantly affected the mean shear bond strength. Results Mean shear bond strengths and standard deviations were obtained (with and without camphorquinone, respectively): (A),11.0 MPa ± 3.9 and 4.1 MPa ± 4.9; (B), 27.0 MPa ± 5.3 and 13.7 MPa ± 5.6; (C), 18.3 MPa ± 5.3 and 7.0 MPa ± 5.2. The use of camphorquinone significantly enhanced the mean shear bond strengths obtained with the carboxylic, non-carboxylic and combination monomer based adhesive systems (p Significance These results suggest that formulations based on PIDAA, PMDM and camphorquinone are more effective as bonding systems than those formulations without PMDM and camphorquinone. PIDAA, a self-etching primer with initiator and co-initiator abilities, appears to interact positively with both carboxylic acid monomers such as PMDM and the photooxidant camphorquinone.
Development of small outdoor microcosms for studying contaminant transformation rates and mechanisms under various water column conditions

Three outdoor microcosm treatments were developed to simulate aerobic ( aerobic), thermally stratified (stratified ), and anaerobic (anaerobic) water columns for assessing contaminant transformation rates under controlled, quasi-natural conditions. Twelve 3.2-m-diameter by 1.4-m-deep fiberglass tanks (11.3 m 3 water volume) were used in the study, four for each treatment. The tanks were variably manipulated both physically (with internal frames and plastic layers) and chemically (with sediment trays and grass supplements) to facilitate the three environments. The manipulations successfully created three different and reproducible (both between tanks with common treatments and over time) aquatic systems for further study. The aerobic treatment produced a good simulation of a P-limited, mesotrophic water column. Alternately, both the stratified and anaerobic treatments developed eutrophic to hypereutrophic water conditions and had nutritionally balanced total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) levels (approximately 14:1 mg N/mg P). Mild thermal stratification was achieved in the stratified units and low-oxygen conditions were established in the anaerobic units. A trial study, using the herbicide alachlor (2-chloro-2 9,69-diethyl-N-(methoxymethyl)acetanilide), was performed to test the utility of the three microcosm designs for assessing comparative in situ contaminant transformation rates. This experiment was initiated by adding alachlor to all tanks to a final concentration of 50 mg/L. Alachlor levels and other chemical parameters were then monitored for 36 d. The estimated first-order alachlor decay coefficients and half-lives for the aerobic, stratified, and anaerobic treatments were 0.011/d (63 d), 0.024/d (29 d), and 0.020/d (35 d), respectively. Subsequent analyses showed that the highest rates of alachlor decay occurred in units with grass supplements, low DO and pH levels, and comparatively high TP levels. These results suggest that lower nutrient (i.e., low TP levels), photosynthesis-dominated aquatic systems produce lower alachlor decay rates, whereas higher nutrient, decomposition-dominated systems produce higher decay rates. This project shows that diverse physical and chemical environments can be created in small outdoor microcosms and that these systems can be used successfully to assess contaminant decay rates in natural systems.
Acquisition of Luteolytic Capacity: Changes in Prostaglandin F2α Regulation of Steroid Hormone Receptors and Estradiol Biosynthesis in Pig Corpora Lutea

The pig corpora lutea (CL) acquires luteolytic capacity at about Day 13 of the estrous cycle, after which luteolysis occurs in response to prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha) treatment. We postulated that differences in transcription factors such as the steroid hormone receptors may be responsible for the differences in PGF2alpha-induced gene expression after acquisition of luteolytic capacity. In these studies, we evaluated the effect of PGF2alpha on luteal expression of receptors for progesterone (nuclear and membrane progesterone receptor [PR]), estradiol (ERalpha and ERbeta), glucocorticoid, androgens, and two enzymes in estradiol synthesis (P450-17alpha and aromatase). Two experiments were conducted to examine the early (0.5 h, experiment I) and late (10 h, experiment II) effects of PGF(2alpha) on the expression of these receptors in CL with (Day 17) or without (Day 9) luteolytic capacity. PGF2alpha decreased ERalpha mRNA (35%) and increased ERbeta mRNA (558%) and protein (376%) only in Day 17 CL and not Day 9. The estradiol biosynthetic pathway was upregulated by PGF2alpha in Day 17 CL but not Day 9 CL, with a dramatic increase in aromatase mRNA and luteal estradiol content. Nuclear PR was not affected by PGF2alpha, but was greater (176%) in Day 9 CL, while a putative membrane PR was greater (156%) in Day 17 than Day 9 CL. There were no detectable changes in glucocorticoid or androgen receptor mRNA. Thus, luteolytic capacity is associated with upregulation of estradiol biosynthesis, which in conjunction with increased ERbeta expression and altered PR expression may promote luteolysis in the pig CL.
Radioligand binding of 3H‐ATP to membranes derived from rabbit urinary bladder: A preliminary report

Utilizing radioligand-filtration methodology, we have studied the binding characteristics of 3H-ATP to membrane preparations of rabbit urinary bladder. In order to avoid ATP hydrolysis, the binding assays had to be carried out at 0°C and utilize tissue concentrations between 1 and 3 mg/ml. Under these conditions, 3H-ATP binding to bladder homogenates was rapid, reaching equilibrium within 1 minute. The binding showed both divalent ion-specific (75% of total binding) and independent binding. The specific binding was saturable whereas the divalent ion-independent binding was not saturable at the concentrations studied.
Does Double-Bundle Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Improve Postoperative Knee Stability Compared With Single-Bundle Techniques? A Systematic Review of Overlapping Meta-analyses

Purpose Multiple meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials, the highest available level of evidence, have been conducted to determine whether double-bundle (DB) or single-bundle (SB) anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACL-R) provides superior clinical outcomes and knee stability; however, results are discordant. The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review of meta-analyses comparing SB and DB ACL-R to discern the cause of the discordance and to determine which of these meta-analyses provides the current best available evidence. Methods We evaluated available scientific support for SB as compared with DB ACL-R by systematically reviewing the literature for published meta-analyses. Data on patient clinical outcomes and knee stability (as measured by KT arthrometry and pivot-shift testing) were extracted. Meta-analysis quality was judged using the Oxman-Guyatt and Quality of Reporting of Meta-analyses systems. The Jadad algorithm was then applied to determine which meta-analyses provided the highest level of evidence. Results Nine meta-analyses were included, of which 3 included Level I Evidence and 6 included both Level I and Level II Evidence. Most studies found significant differences favoring DB reconstruction on pivot-shift testing, KT arthrometry measurement of anterior tibial translation, and International Knee Documentation Committee objective grading. Most studies detected no significant differences between the 2 techniques in subjective outcome scores (Tegner, Lysholm, and International Knee Documentation Committee subjective), graft failure, or complications. Oxman-Guyatt and Quality of Reporting of Meta-analyses scores varied, with 2 studies exhibiting major flaws (Oxman-Guyatt score Conclusions The current best available evidence suggests that DB ACL-R provides better postoperative knee stability than SB ACL-R, whereas clinical outcomes and risk of graft failure are similar between techniques. Level of Evidence Level II, systematic review of Level I and II studies.
Performance analysis of integrated voice/data communication in cellular systems with virtually fixed channel assignment

The authors present a performance evaluation model for an integrated cellular mobile communication systems that uses virtually fixed channel assignment (VFCA). FCA is efficient in channel reuse, but it is not flexible. A channel allocated to a set of co-channel cells cannot be used in other cells even if it is idle. VFCA is a flexible fixed channel assignment or borrowing channel assignment scheme. Channels available in a system are all allocated to cells according to FCA, so that each cell has a list of nominal channels. A cell request is assigned a nominal channel if one is available in its cell; otherwise a nonnominal channel is borrowed to service this call. VFCA and an associated analytical model are outlined. Numerical results for an example scenario are given. >
Games for co‐evolution of digital resources and knowledge tools

Successful digital resources have resulted from effective partnerships among content experts and tool builders, but such relationships are difficult to establish. Collaboratory testbeds were originally conceived as a response to that difficulty, but have been largely unsuccessful. We contend that effective testbed partnerships are as essential for knowledge-tool advancement as that advancement is to the support of effective partnerships, since knowledge tools must evolve to augment rather than merely to replicate human inference. We are building a game framework as a method for instituting testbed partnerships and an architecture for modular knowledge-tool integration, as essential steps in the co-evolution of knowledge tools and digital resource testbeds.
Training of a three-layer dynamical recurrent neural network for nonlinear input-output mapping

A three-layer dynamical neural network with feedback and recurrent connections is proposed for nonlinear input-output mapping applications. A simple-to-implement distributed learning scheme is developed, and convergence properties of the training procedure are established. Application of the network architecture and the learning scheme to the identification of the dynamics of a nonlinear system is made, and a performance evaluation is given. >
Photonic crystal cavities: From nonlinear optics at a few photons level, to fast, energy efficient information processing

A combination of a single quantum emitter (a semiconductor quantum dot) with a semiconductor optical nanocavity has been employed to demonstrate devices ranging from optical switches and modulators controlled with sub-fJ energies, to quantum sources.
Planning-based configuration and management of distributed systems

The configuration and runtime management of distributed systems is often complex due to the presence of a large number of configuration options and dependencies between interacting sub-systems. Inexperienced users usually choose default configurations because they are not aware of the possible configurations and/or their effect on the systems' operation. In doing so, they are unable to take advantage of the potentially wide range of system capabilities. Furthermore, managing inter-dependent sub-systems frequently involves performing a set of actions to get the overall system to the desired final state. In this paper, we propose a new approach for configuring and managing distributed systems based on AI planning. We use a goal-driven, tag-based user interaction paradigm to shield users from the complexities of configuring and managing systems. The key idea behind our approach is to package different configuration options and system management actions into reusable modules that can be automatically composed into workflows based on the user's goals. It also allows capturing the inter-dependencies between different configuration options, management actions and system states. We evaluate our approach in a case study involving three inter-dependent sub-systems. Our initial experiences indicate that this planning-based approach holds great promise in simplifying configuration and management tasks.
PATHOGENESIS OF ACROMEGALY

In his initial description of acromegaly as a distinct disorder, Marie speculated on three possible etiologies: (1) a primary rheumatologic disease; (2) a sympathetic nervous system disorder; and, (3) a developmental disorder (1), After some early uncertainty about the precise nature of the pituitary pathology, it soon became clear that most, if not all, cases were associated with eosinophilic adenomas (2,3). Initially it was not clear whether the pituitary enlargement was just another manifestation of the syndrome or whether it was in some way causative. Lewis summarized the popular theories current in 1905 (3): (1) Nervous theory. The disease is supposed to be dependent upon changes in the nervous system. (2) Theory of growth anomaly. Acromegaly is not to be regarded as a disease proper but as an anomaly of growth; the whole appearance suggests a reversion to the anthropoid ape type. (3) Thymus theory. This theory suggests that an increase in vascular canals of a large and persistent thymus is the etiologic factor. (4) Genital theory. Acromegaly is accompanied in the majority of females by an early menopause, and in males by impotence; hence the assumption that by the loss of function of the organs of generation an excess of blood is diverted to the extremities, resulting in their hypertrophy. (5) Thyroid theory. Diseased conditions of the thyroid gland, which are occasionally found in acromegaly, are regarded as the causative factor. (6) Hypophysis theory. Acromegaly is caused by excessive function of the cellular elements of the anterior lobe of the hypophysis.
Probabilistic microearthquake location for reservoir monitoring

Accurately locating microseismic events can be used to monitor fluid migration during reservoir production and hydrofracturing operations. This is usually done with sparse networks of seismic sensors located in boreholes or with denser surface arrays. The data used for microearthquake monitoring are corrupted by noise, which reduces the signal-to-noise ratio to values as low as 0.1. Monitoring methods based on traveltime picking of various wave modes (P or S) cannot deal with this level of noise and require extensive user interaction. An alternative class of methods uses time reversal to focus microearthquake information at the source position. These methods can handle noisier signals because they do not rely on event picking or recorded seismograms, but the methods are also costlier to run and still require picking locations where wavefields focus. We advocate the time-reversal technique within the general framework of Bayesian inversion. Given an assumption about the possible locations of microearthquak...
Computed tomographic imaging in head and neck trauma: what the radiologist needs to know.

Falls contributed to the major mechanism of injury (38.4%), followed by motor vehicle collisions (28.9%). Injuries from mechanisms of being struck (7.5%), cut/pierced (4.7%), or related to firearms (4.5%) were much less common. Injuries to the head and face combined accounted for 59.7% of cases. 1 As such, it is apparent that head- and neck-related trauma is a major source of injury in the United States. In the trauma setting, rapid access to imaging is important in making diagnoses and guiding management decisions for the trauma team. In the acute setting, multidetector-row computed tomography (CT) is becoming the imaging modality of choice. This is because of its wide availability throughout most hospitals and its ability to acquire images rapidly. In certain settings, CT angiography (CTA) is being increasingly used to evaluate for trauma-related vascular injuries, as opposed to conventional angiography. Although conventional angiography remains the gold standard for evaluating vascular injury, it is an invasive procedure, which is more time and labor intensive, and is not as widely available as CTA. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and MR angiography are not as commonly used as CT and CTA in the setting of acute trauma because they are more time intensive and not compatible with certain life-support equipment.2 We provide a review of the different types of injuries and their imaging features that may be encountered in the setting of head and neck trauma, with a focus on CT.
Superoxide Dismutase in Ripening Fruits

The levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in extracts of preclimacteric apple, banana, avocado, and tomato fruits were not greatly different than in extracts of postclimacteric fruits. The results indicate that no major quantitative change in SOD occurs in fruits with or preceding the onset of senescence. Tomato fruit SOD was studied in more detail, and was found largely in the soluble fraction, and to a lesser extent in the mitochondrial and plastid fractions. The soluble fraction was purified by ammonium sulfate fractionation, column chromatography, and isoelectric focusing. Isoelectric focusing separated SOD from contaminating peroxidases. The purified tomato SOD showed an apparent molecular weight of 31,500 determined by gel filtration. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of this preparation indicated two SOD components corresponding to two protein bands, one of which stained more intensely than the other. The purified tomato enzyme was inhibited 90% by 1 mm KCN.
On Small Time Asymptotics for Rough Differential Equations Driven by Fractional Brownian Motions

We survey existing results concerning the study in small times of the density of the solution of a rough differential equation driven by fractional Brownian motions. We also slightly improve existing results and discuss some possible applications to mathematical finance.
Management of Peripheral Entrapment Neuropathy Following Abdominoplasty: A Case Report

In a systematic review by Ducic et al in this journal, the authors highlighted how important but underreported nerve injuries are after an abdominoplasty.1 Complications, such as chronic numbness or pain, can have extreme effects on a patient's life. Although the total risk of any nerve injury has been reported to be 1.94%, this is likely an underestimation given that around 7.67% of patients report post-procedural hypoesthesia. The most commonly injured nerve related to surgical incision was the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (1.36% of all patients). In contrast, there are only a handful of iliohypogastric nerve injuries resulting from abdominoplasties, representing 0.10% of all patients. Most notably, in their literature search, the authors were able to find only two reported cases of iliohypogastric nerve injuries in the literature. We hope to continue to bring attention to this underexplored adverse effect of abdominoplasty. We present the case of a 39-year-old woman with right lower quadrant abdominal pain …
Critical Conditions for Dislocation Nucleation from Surface Steps

The critical conditions for dislocation nucleation from the surface steps of various geometries are analyzed based on the Peierls-Nabarro dislocation model. By modeling a surface step as part of a three-dimensional crack surface, the half space problem is transferred into an equivalent three dimensional crack problem in an infinite medium. The profiles of embryonic dislocations, corresponding to the relative displacements between the two adjacent atomic layers along slip planes, are then rigorously solved through the variational boundary integral method. The critical conditions for dislocation nucleation are determined by solving the stress dependent activation energies required to activate embryonic dislocations from their stable to unstable saddle point configurations. For a given slip plane, the effects of step geometry such as the step height and inclined angle on dislocation nucleation are analyzed in detail. The results show that the atomic scale steps may reduce the critical stress required for dislocation nucleation from the surface by several factors. Compared to previous analyses of this type of problem based on continuum elastic dislocation theory, the presented analysis eliminates the uncertain core cutoff parameter by allowing for the existence of an extended dislocation core as the embryonic dislocation evolves. Because of the serious limitation of direct atomic simulation for this type of problem, the presented methodology of incorporating atomic information into continuum approach appears to be particularly noteworthy for providing insights of energetics of the atomic processes involved in dislocation nucleation.
Phenetic Study on Clustered Pinanga of Java and Bali

The objective of the study was to know relationships of clustered Pinanga of Java and Bali based on morphologicalcharacters. Observation was done to 115 clustered Pinanga specimens (P. coronata), 18 of which were assigned asOperational Taxonomic Units (OTUs). The morphological characters noted, analyzed using versions of the numericaltaxonomy system / NTSYS version 1.80, 1993. The phenogram presents that clustered Pinanga of Java and Bali divided into two groups (clusters): specimens from lowland forest (0-750 m asl) and specimens from montane forest (750 m asl or more). The cluster division is not dependent on the geographical distribution of the OTUs, but rather altitudes.Â© 2003 Jurusan Biologi FMIPA UNS SurakartaKey words: Java, Bali, NTSYS, OTUs, clustered Pinanga, phenetic study.
Production of Monocytes and Epithelioid Cells in Subcutaneous Tissues by Injection of Various Irritants.

In the course of a study upon hepatic injury and the possible relationship of such injury to the white blood cells, Lawrence and Huffman1, 2, 3 found that the subcutaneous injection of guinea pigs with yellow phosphorus (in oil) was followed by an elevation of the monocytes in the circulating blood. These findings suggested that the study of the subcutaneous tissues of animals injected with the same material might aid in determining the cause and site of the production of the monocytes.It has been repeatedly demonstrated that the injection of many supposedly inert substances (e. g., waxes, oils and various colloidal bodies) is followed by local reactions which are similar to those seen in fixed sections of tuberculous tissues. With the methods involving fixation and sectioning, it has been possible to locate groups of epithelioid cells in the tissues; but these methods have not given us any very satisfactory help in identifying epithelioid cells when occurring singly or scattered in the tissues. The use o...
Youth culture, language endangerment and linguistic survivance: Legal, historical and current practices in SEI, by L. T. Wyman

Leisy T. Wyman’s book makes a significant contribution to ethnographic studies on language and youth culture by analyzing youngsters’ responses to language shift, endangerment, or revitalization. I...
Diagnosis of Intermittent Connections for DeviceNet

An intermittent connection is one of the major problems that affect the network reliability and communication quality.However,little attention has been paid to the detection,analysis and localization of the intermittent connections.Partially due to the limitations of the DeviceNet protocol,there is no effective online diagnostic tool available to identify the location of intermittent connection.On the basis of different DeviceNet fault scenarios induced by intermittent connections,a new graph-based diagnostic method is developed to analyze DeviceNet fault patterns,identify the corresponding fault scenarios,and infer the location of the intermittent connection problem by using passively captured network faults.A novel error source analysis tool,which integrates network data-link layer analysis and feature based network physical layer information,is developed to restore the snapshots of the network communication at each intermittent connection induced error.A graph based location identification method is developed to infer the location of the intermittent connections based on the restored error patterns.A 3-node laboratory test-bed,using master-slave polling communication method,is constructed to emulate the intermittent connection induced faults on the network drop cable by using digital switches,whose on/off states are controlled by a computer.During experiments,the network fault diagnosis is conducted by using information collected on trunk cable(backbone).Experimental study shows that the proposed method is effective to restore the snapshots of the network errors and locate the drop cable that experiences the intermittent connection problem.
Projected wetland densities under climate change: Habitat loss but little geographic shift in conservation strategy

Climate change poses major challenges for conservation and management because it alters the area, quality, and spatial distribution of habitat for natural populations. To assess species’ vulnerability to climate change and target ongoing conservation investments, researchers and managers often consider the effects of projected changes in climate and land use on future habitat availability and quality and the uncertainty associated with these projections. Here, we draw on tools from hydrology and climate science to project the impact of climate change on the density of wetlands in the Prairie Pothole Region of the USA, a critical area for breeding waterfowl and other wetland-dependent species. We evaluate the potential for a trade-off in the value of conservation investments under current and future climatic conditions and consider the joint effects of climate and land use. We use an integrated set of hydrological and climatological projections that provide physically based measures of water balance under historical and projected future climatic conditions. In addition, we use historical projections derived from ten general circulation models (GCMs) as a baseline from which to assess climate change impacts, rather than historical climate data. This method isolates the impact of greenhouse gas emissions and ensures that modeling errors are incorporated into the baseline rather than attributed to climate change. Our work shows that, on average, densities of wetlands (here defined as wetland basins holding water) are projected to decline across the U.S. Prairie Pothole Region, but that GCMs differ in both the magnitude and the direction of projected impacts. However, we found little evidence for a shift in the locations expected to provide the highest wetland densities under current vs. projected climatic conditions. This result was robust to the inclusion of projected changes in land use under climate change. We suggest that targeting conservation towards wetland complexes containing both small and relatively large wetland basins, which is an ongoing conservation strategy, may also act to hedge against uncertainty in the effects of climate change.
System Design Using Opem Inductive/Adaptive Expert System Controller

Any system can be defined in terms of structure, operation, and decision making. If one is to compare system design structures and operations accurately, an optimal set of decision rules is require...
Motivation, Initiative und Kreativität

In vielen uns bekannten Unternehmen macht sich die Sorge breit, wie die F&E-Organisation dazu motiviert werden kann, sich unternehmerisch zu engagieren.
A Firmware Verification Tool for Programmable Logic Controllers

Current supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems do not have adequately tailored security solutions. Programmable logic controllers (PLCs) in SCADA systems are particularly vulnerable due to a lack of firmware auditing capabilities. Since a PLC is a field device that directly connects to a physical system for monitoring and control, a compromise of its firmware could have devastating consequences. This paper describes a tool developed specifically for verifying PLC firmware in SCADA systems. The tool captures serial data during firmware uploads and verifies it against a known good firmware executable. It can also replay captured data and analyze firmware without the presence of a PLC. The tool does not require any modifications to a SCADA system and can be implemented on a variety of platforms. These features, along with the ability to isolate the tool from production systems and adapt it to various architectures, make the tool attractive for use in diverse SCADA environments.
Liar, liar, my size is higher: How retailer context influences labeled size believability and consumer responses to vanity sizing

Abstract The present research applies anchoring theory to investigate the influence of retail environments on consumer responses to vanity sized garments. The findings reveal that responses to vanity sized garments in classic retail environments and department stores are diminished, because these retailer environments foster greater anticipation of accurately sized apparel. Meanwhile, disbelief in vanity sized garments is suspended in trendy and off-price retail environments, because anchoring effects set up expectations that vanity sizing may be more likely in these environments. The findings are supported by the mediating explanation of believability for classic and department store contexts but not for trendy and off-price environments. Implications, limitations, and future research directions are discussed.
On the Nature of Vigilance

Objective:I explore the origins, theoretical underpinnings, applications, and importance of vigilance in a world ever more dominated by semiautomated, automated, and autonomous machines.Background:...
The Effects of Exercise on Patient-Reported Outcomes and Performance-Based Physical Function in Adults With Acute Leukemia Undergoing Induction Therapy: Exercise and Quality of Life in Acute Leukemia (EQUAL)

Introduction. Fatigue is a distressing symptom for adults with acute leukemia, often impeding their ability to exercise. Objectives. 1) Examine effects of a 4-week mixed-modality supervised exercise program (4 times a week, twice a day) on fatigue in adults with acute leukemia undergoing induction chemotherapy. 2) Evaluate effects of exercise program on cognition, anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbance. 3) Evaluate effect of intervention on adherence to exercise. Methods. 17 adults (8 intervention, 9 control), aged 28-69 years, newly diagnosed with acute leukemia were recruited within 4 days of admission for induction treatment. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) (fatigue, cognition, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance, mental health, and physical health) and fitness performance-based measures (Timed Up and Go [TUG], Karnofsky Performance Status, and composite strength scoring) were assessed at baseline and at discharge. Changes in PRO and performance-based physical function measures from baseline to...
The Origins of the Cubic and Biquadratic Reciprocity Laws

Every student of number theory is familiar with the use of the quadratic reciprocity law in deciding whether quadratic congruences have integral solutions. However, very few mathematicians are aware of the existence of cubic and biquadratic reciprocity laws which can be applied to determine whether specific congruences of third and fourth degree possess integral solutions. The absence of references to these laws in modern literature l is surprising for several reasons. First of all, they are quite similar to the quadratic reciprocity law which has continued to generate great enthusiasm since its discovery. In fact, Carl Gauss' motivation for seeking new proofs of the quadratic reciprocity law was to find methods applicable to the theory of cubic and biquadratic residues.2 Furthermore, the cubic and biquadratic reciprocity laws were so highly esteemed in the nineteenth century that a bitter dispute arose between Ferdinand Eisenstein and Carl Jacobi concerning priority of proofs. The controversy will be described in this paper following an explanation of the terms used in the statement of the reciprocity laws.
Intrusions propagating into linearly stratified ambients

Equilibrium and non-equilibrium intrusions released from long, full-depth locks and advancing into linearly stratified ambients are investigated via a vorticity-based modelling approach, for the constant-velocity slumping phase. Non-equilibrium intrusions give rise to an upstream-propagating wave, which we model as a bore. Predictions by the vorticity model agree closely with two-dimensional direct numerical simulation results and earlier experimental and computational data regarding front velocities, current thicknesses as well as the height and propagation velocity of the bore.
The dark side of motivation: The negative effects of pursuing desired ends

To thrive at work, employees strive to attain a variety of ends (e.g. goals, targets, and instrumental objectives). Recent developments have shown, however, that the pursuit of these types of desir...
Exceptionality, Diversity, and Educator Preparation: Overview of the Topical Issue:

Article provides an overview of the topical issue on exceptionality and diversity in educator preparation.
Cox proportional hazards regression models for survival data in cancer research.

Survival analysis which studies the distribution of life times is one of the most commonly used statistical techniques in cancer research. Most frequently, the Kaplan-Merir (1958) estimator is used to estimate the survival probability and log-rank test is used to compare the survival probabilities between the treatment groups. However, in cancer research, some prognostic factors, such as patient characteristics and treatment-related risk factors, may be associated with outcomes. Patients and biomedical researchers may want to know “which prognostic factors are associated with the outcome?”, “how does the prognostic factors affect the outcome?”, “does the risk factor have the same effect for different treatments?”, “what is the predicted survival probability at a certain time after the treatment for a particular patient?”, or “which treatment has better survival probabilities when adjusted for prognostic factors?”. We can use regression analysis to answer these questions. Cox (1972) proposed a proportional hazards regression model in analyzing the survival data. It has gained enormous popularity. We will discuss the techniques used in fitting a Cox regression model. Most of these techniques have been introduced and discussed in various books. Klein and Moeschberger (1997) gives an introduction and a number of examples to the Cox model. Fleming and Harrington (1991) and Andersen et al (1993) give a detailed theoretical discussions for these techniques.
Exploring social presence within an online course using Twitter

This study examined the use of Twitter for online discussions in one asynchronous online, journalism class. A content analysis of the transcripts of the tweets from 25 undergraduate students was pe...
Rod phototransduction in retinitis pigmentosa. Distinguishing alternative mechanisms of degeneration.

Purpose. To teset alternative hypotheses concerning the mechanisms of rod degeneration in retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Methods. Full-field rod electroretinograms and rod visual fields were measured for 15 patients with RP and a normal control group. The rod a-wave was fitted with a computational model based on known transduction biochemistry. The values of t d (the initial delay), S (a sensitivity parameter), and Rm p3 (the maximum amplitude) were estimated. Rod b-wave amplitudes were fitted with the Michaelis-Menten equation, and the parameters K bw (the semisaturation intensity- a sensitivity parameter) and V max (the maximum amplitude) were estimated. Results. The patients all had significantly reduced values of Rm p3 , indicating rod receptor damage, and a wide range of S values. Three patients had S values in the normal range. Four had abnormal S values but normal thresholds in some locations in their visual field. The remaining patients had abnormal values of S and entirely abnormal visual fields. Three of those had a history of large elevations in K bw . For all patients, the changes in K bw and V max followed closely the changes in S Rm p3 , respectively. Conclusion. Retinitis pigmentosa has a varying initial impact on the activation phase of rod transduction. Available evidence suggests that the activation of transduction is initially normal in most patients with RP. In some patients, RP appears to result in a reduced transduction amplification from birth. In all patients, RP appears to result in a reduced transduction amplification from birth. In all patients, subsequent degeneration of the rods effects progressive reductions in transduction amplification but no other major functional changes. Outer segment shortening and local dropout of rods appear to have little functional impact
Neurobiology. Bundling up excitement.

Most nerve cells release glutamate as a neurotransmitter, and the protein that packages it into synaptic vesicles has now been identified. This knowledge may one day allow treatment of a variety of diseases that are characterized by aberrant regulation of glutamate.
Learning from Research, Advancing the Field

Much of the research in adult mathematics education resides in doctoral dissertations and conference proceedings. At the Thirteenth International Congress on Mathematics Education (ICME-13) The topical survey for Topic Study Group 6 (TSG06) presented a summary of that research and the themes that surfaced as the research was reviewed. This chapter highlights a subset of that work, namely the doctoral studies that recorded the voices of the students and teachers. A discussion of the international implications for the work is presented. The chapter concludes with suggestions for the direction that future research might take.
ReMot Reputation and Resource-Based Model to Estimate the Reliability of the Host Machines in Volunteer Cloud Environment

Due to the need of green computing and low cost, emerging paradigms such as edge and fog computing, and volunteer cloud have recently been introduced. In general, the volunteer cloud model targets globally distributed volunteer, highly heterogeneous, and non-dedicated machines. The inherent high degree of resource heterogeneity leads to varying levels of hardware and software failures and configuration faults on the unreliable and volatile volunteer hosts. As a result, the performance of deployed tasks is detrimentally impacted and is a key challenge, particularly in the case of scheduling algorithms. Most of the reputation models that have been used for reliability evaluation only evaluate the reliability of host machines by simply using the ratio of successfully completed tasks to total tasks requested. These models do not consider the resource utilization and the daily or weekly patterns of job behaviors or characteristics (e.g. priority of a job). Thus, the performance of tasks that run on these resources suffers and may take a substantial time to complete. Therefore, there is a need to proactively consider the reliability of host machines for effective and efficient management of resources in highly heterogeneous and distributed cloud environments. To address these challenges, this paper proposes a reputation and resource-based reliability model called ReMot. ReMot is an intelligent machine learning based model that utilizes historical data of the tasks and host machines to extract their resource usage patterns, in addition to other metrics such as task failure rate and resource utilization to predict the reliability of host machines. To validate ReMots approach, the researchers have utilized a large usage trace of real world applications made available by Google Inc. The results indicate that ReMot obtained more accurate reliability estimation than existing models and dynamically adapts to workload variations.
Exploring leadership coaching as a tool to improve the people management skills of information technology and cybersecurity project managers

According to recent research 55 percent of information technology (IT) projects are deemed unsuccessful. In 2016, globally, organizations waste an average of $97 million dollars for every $1 billion invested information technology projects. These numbers should be of tremendous concern when these projects often focus on critical operational aspects like knowledge management, data analytics, intellectual property, cybersecurity, and information management. These numbers also point the critical need to develop leadership skills for information technology project managers. This paper explores the need and viability for organizations to invest in leadership coaching as employee development tools for their IT project managers and cybersecurity technical staffers.