cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Robust near-infrared structured light scanning for 3D human model reconstruction

In this paper we present a novel sensing system, robust Near-infrared Structured Light Scanning (NIRSL) for three-dimensional human model scanning application. Human model scanning due to its nature of various hair and dress appearance and body motion has long been a challenging task. Previous structured light scanning methods typically emitted visible coded light patterns onto static and opaque objects to establish correspondence between a projector and a camera for triangulation. In the success of these methods rely on scanning objects with proper reflective surface for visible light, such as plaster, light colored cloth. Whereas for human model scanning application, conventional methods suffer from low signal to noise ratio caused by low contrast of visible light over the human body. The proposed robust NIRSL, as implemented with the near infrared light, is capable of recovering those dark surfaces, such as hair, dark jeans and black shoes under visible illumination. Moreover, successful structured light scan relies on the assumption that the subject is static during scanning. Due to the nature of body motion, it is very time sensitive to keep this assumption in the case of human model scan. The proposed sensing system, by utilizing the new near-infrared capable high speed LightCrafter DLP projector, is robust to motion, provides accurate and high resolution three-dimensional point cloud, making our system more efficient and robust for human model reconstruction. Experimental results demonstrate that our system is effective and efficient to scan real human models with various dark hair, jeans and shoes, robust to human body motion and produces accurate and high resolution 3D point cloud.
David Hubel 1926–2013

David Hubel was a giant in our field, yet he was warm, friendly, and humble in person. He and Torsten Wiesel, following in the footsteps of their mentor Steve Kuffler, discovered fundamental principles of information processing in the brain and fundamental principles of how the brain wires itself up. I think many people in the field see David as a formidable figure, but since I saw him every day in the lab, that is the person I will remember here. After all, it is the guy in the lab who did the work that made him great, and there is surely some connection between the way he daily went about doing science and how successful he was.
Individual and Environmental Determinants of Engagement in Autism

Engagement is a core component of effective educational programs for children with autism. Analysis of 711 naturalistic goal-directed classroom behaviors of four school-age children with autism and four comparable children with Down syndrome (DS) was conducted. The definition of engagement was expanded to include child compliance and congruence. A main finding was both child and environmental factors influenced type of engagement. Children with DS produced 20% more goal-directed behaviors that were both congruent and compliant compared to children with autism. Large group instruction was associated with less congruent engagement but more compliant engagement for children with autism. These findings suggest specific types of engagement which may lead to advances in developing evidence-based practices for specific developmental disorders.
Degradation instabilities in brittle material structures

Experimental and theoretical information on degradation mechanisms of brittle material structures is reviewed first. It is concluded that, the stability problems have not been studied adequately. The analytical solution of the energy based stability problem shows that surface degradation instability and/or damage progression instability occurs before the peak strength is reached. Damage and surface degradation are closely related to the well known size and shape effects of brittle materials
The Current Future Of Lens Design

The last major SPIE meeting on lens design was held about two years ago. The next international conference on lens design will be held in about a year and a half. It is appropriate to consider what has happened to lens design in the past two years and provide some speculation upon the technology that drives the near term future of the subject. Some things that were predicted to happen two years ago seem to have happened, but a number have not. Some may by the time of the next meeting. In this talk I would like to review some of the things going on in lens design, and attempt a few predictions of things to be heard from soon. Obviously these thoughts are somewhat personal, and cannot be presumed to be all inclusive. The field of lens design has continued to remain healthy. The number of inquiries from companies seeking to employ lens designers has not decreased over the past two years. Any of our students who can report that they have done well in the lens design course have no difficulties in finding employment somewhere in the United States, unless they have some additional problem (such as lack of permanent residency or citizenship). Many of the questions that are being asked of lens designers seem to be much the same as those traditionally asked, leading to a concern whether the same problems are just being studied over and over instead of developing into a continuing production of useful hardware. There does seem to be wider interest (and some greater understanding) in design by all levels of engineers. There is significant, and growing, interest in the design of optical systems that use some of the novel technologies for fabrication of optical components, especially using aspheric or holographic surfaces. This emulates the continuing development of new technology. The use of holographic optical components for laser systems, including optical data storage systems, appears to be increasing. Heavier use of aspherics and gradient index materials is probable in the future. The use of precision molded glass elements has increased, with some indication that the approach to design has changed as a result of the new options possible in fabricating non-spherical surfaces in quantity. New systems, such as aperture arrays, which add a novel twist to traditional optics continue to be of interest. New technologies, such as diode laser arrays, integrated optical systems and x-ray lithography will provide some new opportunities for inventive optical system designs.
Performance comparison of MIMO-OFDM transmission schemes in the presence of I/Q imbalance and phase noise with application to IEEE 802.11N

In this paper, the bit error rate performances of multi-input multi-output orthogonal frequency division multiplexing transmission schemes for two and four transmit antennas are studied and compared in the presence of phase noise, I/Q imbalance and channel estimation errors. It is shown that for matched rates and same decoding complexity, maximum diversity schemes such as the Alamouti code, perform better than the maximum capacity schemes such as spatial multiplexing. The simulation environment comply with IEEE 802.11n standard.
The nonequilibrium mechanism for ultrasensitivity in a biological switch: Sensing by Maxwell's demons

The Escherichia coli flagellar motor senses the intracellular concentration of the response regulator CheY-P and responds by varying the bias between its counterclockwise (CCW) and clockwise (CW) rotational states. The response is ultrasensitive with a large Hill coefficient (≈10). Recently, the detailed distribution functions of the CW and the CCW dwell times have been measured for different CW biases. Based on a general result on the properties of the dwell-time statistics for all equilibrium models, we show that the observed dwell-time statistics imply that the flagellar motor switch operates out of equilibrium, with energy dissipation. We propose a dissipative allosteric model that generates dwell-time statistics consistent with the experimental results. Our model reveals a general nonequilibrium mechanism for ultrasensitivity wherein the switch operates with a small energy expenditure to create high sensitivity. In contrast to the conventional equilibrium models, this mechanism does not require one to assume that CheY-P binds to the CCW and CW states with different affinities. The estimated energy consumption by the flagellar motor switch suggests that the transmembrane proton motive force, which drives the motor's rotation, may also power its switching. The existence of net transitional fluxes between microscopic states of the switch is predicted, measurement of these fluxes can test the nonequilibrium model directly. Both the results on the general properties of the dwell-time statistics and the mechanism for ultrasensitivity should be useful for understanding a diverse class of physical and biological systems.
Topology Optimization Considering Gravitational and Centrifugal Forces

In this paper, topology optimization problems with two types of body force are considered: gravitational force and centrifugal force. For structural design under both external and gravitational forces, a total mean compliance formulation is used to produce the stiffest structure. For rotational structural design with high angular velocity, one additional design criteria, kinetic energy, is included in the formulation. Sensitivity analyses of the total mean compliance and kinetic energy are derived. Finally, design examples are presented and compared to show the effects of body forces on the optimized results.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Methemoglobinemia during anesthesia.

An unusual episode of methemoglobinemia during general anesthesia, resulting from lubrication of an endotracheal tube with ethyl aminobenzoate ointment, has been described. Ethyl aminobenzoate has been shown to be potentially hazardous when employed as an ointment on an endotracheal tube, as an aerosol, or by topical application to mucous membranes. The possibility of methemoglobinemia should be borne in mind during the use of any preparations containing ethyl aminobenzoate, of which there are many.
OPN04-3: 1+N Protection in Mesh Networks Using Network Coding over p-Cycles

p-Cycles have been proposed for pre-provisioned 1:N protection in optical mesh networks. Although the protection circuits are preconfigured, the detection of failures and the rerouting of traffic can be a time consuming operation. Another survivable mode of operation is the 1+1 protection mode, in which a signal is transmitted on two link disjoint circuits, and the destination chooses the strongest of the two signals, hence recovery from failures is instantaneous. The disadvantage is the large number of protection circuits. In this paper we introduce a new concept in protection: 1+N protection, in which a p-Cycle can be used to protect a number of bidirectional connections. Data from different circuits are combined using network coding, which can be implemented in a number of technologies. The maximum outage time under this protection scheme is limited to no more than twice the p-Cycle propagation delay.
The effect of protein deficiency on growth and response of primary and metastatic hepatoma.

Abstract Although protein-energy malnutrition is common in the cancer patient, the efficacy of aggressive nutritional therapy is unclear. This study evaluates the effects of protein deficiency on tumor growth, response, and chemotherapy complications in primary and metastatic rat hepatoma. Seventy-two ACI rats (200–250 g) with implanted Morris hepatoma were divided into four groups ( N = 18 for each group): 1, regular diet; 2, regular diet plus cyclophosphamide (CPM) (100 mg/kg/ip); 3, protein-free diet; and 4, protein-free diet + CPM. Forty additional rats in similar groups (5–8, ten in each group) underwent intravenous injection of 6 × 10 3 tumor cells to produce pulmonary metastases. Animals were assessed for survival, tumor size, serum albumin, number of pulmonary metastases, and hemorrhagic cystitis at 2 weeks. Survival was 50% in groups 4 and 8, and 100% in the others. Serum albumin was significantly lower in rats on protein free diets (2.59 ± 0.37 vs 3.35 ± 0.40 g%, P 3 vs 1.2 ± 0.4 cm 3 , P 3 P 3 , P P P > 0.05 vs controls). Hemorrhagic cystitis was much more common in protein free groups compared to rats on regular diets (55 vs 11%, P
Computation of the glandular radiation dose in digital tomosynthesis of the breast

Tomosynthesis of the breast is currently a topic of intense interest as a logical next step in the evolution of digital mammography. This study reports on the computation of glandular radiation dose in digital tomosynthesis of the breast. Previously, glandular dose estimations in tomosynthesis have been performed using data from studies of radiation dose in conventional planar mammography. This study evaluates, using Monte Carlo methods, the normalized glandular dose (DgN) to the breast during a tomosynthesis study, and characterizes its dependence on breast size, tissue composition, and x-ray spectrum. The conditions during digital tomosynthesis imaging of the breast were simulated using a computer program based on the Geant4 toolkit. With the use of simulated breasts of varying size, thickness and tissue composition, the DgN to the breast tissue was computed for varying x-ray spectra and tomosynthesis projection angle. Tomosynthesis projections centered about both the cranio-caudal (CC) and medio-lateral oblique (MLO) views were simulated. For each projection angle, the ratio of the glandular dose for that projection to the glandular dose for the zero degree projection was computed. This ratio was denoted the relative glandular dose (RGD) coefficient, and its variation under different imaging parameters was analyzed. Within mammographic energies, the RGD was found to have a weak dependence on glandular fraction and x-ray spectrum for both views. A substantial dependence on breast size and thickness was found for the MLO view, and to a lesser extent for the CC view. Although RGD values deviate substantially from unity as a function of projection angle, the RGD averaged over all projections in a complete tomosynthesis study varies from 0.91 to 1.01. The RGD results were fit to mathematical functions and the resulting equations are provided.
Spectral analysis of the EEG in meditation.

Abstract Classical EEG combined with spectral analysis was performed on a group of subjects during Transcendental Meditation (TM). The findings were compared with those obtained in a resting control group. 1. (1) Alpha rhythm increased in amplitude, slowed down in frequency and extended to anterior channels at the beginning of mediation. 2. (2) In a second stage, theta frequencies different from those of sleep diffused from frontal to posterior channels. They took the form of short theta periods or longer rhythmic theta trains. 3. (3) Rhythmic amplitude-modulated beta waves were present over the whole scalp in a third stage of deep meditation by advanced subjects. 4. (4) The most striking topographical alteration was the synchronisation of anterior and posterior channels. Therefore EEG records from meditators practising TM distinguish the meditative state from other states of consciousness. The combination of sequential EEG changes in relation to topographical alterations produces a particular pattern.
Glass Transitions: A Chemical Kinetic/Landau Theory

Transions among melt, glass, and crystal states are modeled phenomenologically by integrating notions from chemical kinetics with a Landau-type generalization of the concept of affinity. The model naturally captures the melt → glass, melt → crystal, and glass → crystal transitions. The Landau terms in a free energy ansatz allow for the prediction of domains of various types of molecular orderings. A simple “symmetric conflict” model is considered as a concrete realization of the approach. This model explicitly demonstrates the existence of a higher lying glasslike free energy well that is kinetically favored over a deeper-lying crystal well. Quenching to the glass state and annealing to the crystal state are shown to follow naturally. The spontaneous creation of ordering domains is proposed to be a self-organizing process. The formalism may be generalized to allow for the analysis of chemically complex, multicomponent systems.
SURFACE PROPERTIES AND LIPIDS FROM LUNGS OF INFANTS WITH HYALINE MEMBRANE DISEASE.

The data presented in this paper indicate that although active phospholipid components are present in lung extracts from very small premature infants and infants dying of hyaline membrane disease, the quantity of these active components is low. This suggests that an inadequate amount of surface-active material is at least one of the major factors contributing to atelectasis in this syndrome.
Software architectures: critical success factors and cost drivers

Some useful perspectives on the potential and the pitfalls of software architecture investments can be gained via analysis of software architecture critical success factors and their associated cost and benefit drivers. Basically, the potential of software architecture investments comes from appropriately identifying and exploiting positive cost-benefit relationships. The pitfalls come from neglecting critical success factors or from making unrealistic assumptions about their associated cost drivers. Examples from practice of both potential and pitfalls are given in the context of a table which summarizes a framework of software architecture critical success factors and cost drivers being developed at USC. >
An efficient method for screening faecal DNA genotypes and detecting new individuals and hybrids in the red wolf ( Canis rufus ) experimental population area

Previously, sequencing of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) from non-invasively collected faecal material (scat) has been used to help manage hybridization in the wild red wolf (Canis rufus) population. This method is limited by the maternal inheritance of mtDNA and the inability to obtain individual identification. Here, we optimize the use of nuclear DNA microsatellite markers on red wolf scat DNA to distinguish between individuals and detect hybrids. We develop a data filtering method in which scat genotypes are compared to known blood genotypes to reduce the number of PCR amplifications needed. We apply our data filtering method and the more conservative maximum likelihood ratio method (MLR) of Miller et al. (2002 Genetics 160:357–366) to a scat dataset previously screened for hybrids by sequencing of mtDNA. Using seven microsatellite loci, we obtained genotypes for 105 scats, which were matched to 17 individuals. The PCR amplification success rate was 50% and genotyping error rates ranged from 6.6% to 52.1% per locus. Our data filtering method produced comparable results to the MLR method, and decreased the time and cost of analysis by 25%. Analysis of this dataset using our data filtering method verified that no hybrid individuals were present in the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, North Carolina in 2000. Our results demonstrate that nuclear DNA microsatellite analysis of red wolf scats provides an efficient and accurate approach to screen for new individuals and hybrids.
Dietary fat alters the distribution of cholesterol between vesicles and micelles in hamster bile.

The type of dietary fat strongly affects the incidence of gallstones in the hamster model of cholesterol cholelithiasis. The present study was designed to determine whether dietary fats could affect gallstone formation by altering the microstructure (vesicular/micellar ratio) of cholesterol in bile. Golden Syrian hamsters from Sasco (Omaha, NE) or Charles River (Wilmington, MA) were fed nutritionally adequate semipurified diets to which were added: (i) 4.0% butterfat without added cholesterol; (ii) 1.2% palmitic acid plus 0.3% cholesterol; or (iii) 4.0% safflower oil plus 0.3% cholesterol. Gallstone incidence and the percentage of cholesterol in vesicles and micelles were determined after two- or six-week feeding periods. Three out of ten Sasco hamsters fed the 1.2% palmitic acid diet for two weeks had cholesterol stones, while none of the eight Charles River animals had stones. In the Sasco hamsters, a significant proportion of the biliary cholesterol was found in void volume vesicles (28.8%) and small vesicles (17.1%); Charles River hamsters had negligible proportions (1.1%) of cholesterol in void volume vesicles and 15.4% in small vesicles. Cholesterol gallstones were most abundant in Sasco hamsters fed 1.2% palmitic acid for six weeks (nine out of ten animals); the mean cholesterol saturation index of the bile was 1.27. A significant proportion of the biliary cholesterol was eluted in the void volume vesicles (21.4%) and in small vesicles (15.0%). Five of the eight identically treated Charles River hamsters had cholesterol stones; the cholesterol saturation index averaged 1.36, and the biliary cholesterol was present in void volume vesicles (31.3%) and small vesicles (14.3%). Vesicles were not detected in the bile of hamsters fed cholesterol-free diets, and none of these animals developed cholesterol gallstones. Safflower oil diets inhibited stone formation even though the cholesterol saturation index was above unity. After six weeks, biliary cholesterol transported in void volume vesicles was highest for Sasco hamsters (13.3%) as compared to Charles River animals (6.9%), but total cholesterol transported in void volume vesicles plus small vesicles was similar in both groups (33.5% vs. 26.2%), respectively. These results suggest that in both strains of hamsters dietary fat influences gallstone formation by modulating the vesicular/micellar distribution of biliary cholesterol. Apparently, the presence of cholesterol/phospholipid vesicles in bile is associated with cholesterol gallstone formation.
Recent studies of short-range order in alloys: the Cowley theory revisited

Abstract We present comparisons of various statistical theories for effective pair interactions (EPI) in alloys. We then evaluate these EPIs using the Cowley theory, the Krivoglaz-Clapp-Moss (KCM) approximation, the γ-expansion method (GEM) of Tokar, Masanskii and co-workers, and the exact inverse Monte Carlo (IMC) method, introduced by Gerold and Kern. Via a series of model calculations on a hypothetical bcc alloy with a single nearest-neighbor interaction we show that the Cowley theory is successful in evaluating the EPIs in more dilute alloys but tends to overestimate the magnitude of the nearest-neighbor energy at higher concentrations, whereas the KCM expression becomes increasingly inaccurate at lower concentrations. In general, however, the approximate mean-field theories are most accurate at higher concentrations and higher temperatures. Recent studies of short-range order in single crystals are discussed in which these EPIs have been evaluated using the IMC, KCM, GEM and Cowley theories. Examples include the bcc alloy Fe0.53Cr0.47 and the fcc alloys Cu3Au, Cu0.69Zn0.31 and Ni0.89Cr0.11. In all cases the approximate expressions do quite well, especially the GEM.
In-Situ Soft X-ray Studies of Toluene Catalytic Oxidation on the Pt(111) Surface

The catalytic oxidation of toluene on the Pt(111) surface has been characterized, in flowing oxygen pressures up to 0.01 Torr, using temperature-programmed fluorescence yield near-edge spectroscopy (TP-FYNES). During TP-FYNES oxidation experiments in flowing oxygen pressures, a dehydrogenated C7H7 η7-phenylmethylene intermediate is formed over the 190 to 300 K temperature range. Spectroscopic (FYNES) measurements clearly indicate that C−H bond activation occurs at the methyl group and the aromatic ring remains parallel to the surface. In contrast to the intermediates formed during benzene oxidation, no rearrangement of the aromatic ring occurs, signifying that the methyl group influences the structure of intermediates formed during toluene oxidation. This η7-phenylmethylene intermediate dominates over the 300−370 K temperature range, but is oxidized rapidly above 370 K. Strongly adsorbed η6-toluene and the stable η7-phenylmethylene intermediate inhibit oxidation below 370 K by inhibiting oxygen adsorption...
Presynaptic failure of neuromuscular transmission and synaptic remodeling in EA2

Objective: To further investigate the basis of abnormal neuromuscular transmission in two patients with congenital myasthenic syndrome associated with episodic ataxia type 2 (EA2) using stimulated single fiber EMG (SFEMG) and in vitro microelectrode studies. Methods: Two patients with genetically characterized EA2 previously shown to have abnormal neuromuscular transmission by voluntary SFEMG were studied with stimulated SFEMG and anconeus muscle biopsy with microelectrode studies and electron microscopy of the neuromuscular junction. Results: In vivo stimulated SFEMG showed signs of presynaptic failure, with jitter and blocking that improved with increased stimulation frequency. Additional evidence of presynaptic failure was provided by the in vitro microelectrode studies, which showed marked reduction of the end plate potential quantal content in both patients. Of note, the end plate potentials showed high sensitivity to N-type blockade with ω-conotoxin not seen in controls. The ultrastructural studies revealed some evidence of small nerve terminals apposed to normal or mildly overdeveloped postsynaptic membranes, suggesting an ongoing degenerative process. Conclusions: The authors demonstrated presynaptic failure of neurotransmission in patients with heterozygous nonsense mutations in CACNA1A . The contribution of non-P-type calcium channels to the process of neurotransmitter release in these patients likely represents a compensatory mechanism, which is insufficient to restore normal neuromuscular transmission.
Nutritional Studies with the Guinea Pig. VIII. Thiamine

ConclusionsThe thiamine requirement of the guinea pig was estimated with a purified diet prepared with two different salt mixtures. In the first experiment an apparently high requirement for thiamine was traceable to a rapid destruction of the vitamin with the diet stored at +5°C. With a different salt mixture, designed to minimize the storage changes, a requirement of 2 mg of thiamine/kg of diet was found.
Lectotypification and Reinstatement of Stachytarpheta friedrichsthalii (Verbenaceae), with Notes on the Lectotypification of S. indica

Abstract. Certain material of Stachytarpheta Vahl (Verbenaceae), mostly from the Caribbean coast of Central America (from Honduras to Panama), apparently related to S. calderonii Moldenke and S. indica (L.) Vahl, but consistently misidentified as S. jamaicensis (L.) Vahl, has been identified as S. friedrichsthalii Hayek. Examination of both syntypes of the latter name (Fendler 219, MO; Friedrichsthal 466, W) confirms that the calyx is more or less bilobed, versus 4-toothed in S. jamaicensis, under which S. friedrichsthalii has erroneously been placed in synonymy. One of the two sheets of Friedrichsthal 466 (W)—the one corresponding to Field Museum negative 34320—is chosen as the lectotype. Contrary to recent suggestion, the latest lectotypification of Verbena indica L. (on a portion of LINN 35.1) is found to be consistent with its protologue, and the consequent synonymy of S. angustifolia (Mill.) Vahl under S. indica is here accepted. Furthermore, it is suggested that S. friedrichsthalii may also be the ...
Synthesis of deuterium labelled benomyl and carbendazim residue standards

Three environmental degradation products of benomyl possessing tetradeutero-ring substitutions were synthesized for use in quantitative analysis of trace residues. The common precursor, 1,2-phenylene-diamine, was exhaustively deuterated upon heating in acidic aqueous media. Further synthetic transformations to 2-aminobenzimidazole-4,5,6,7-2H4, carbendazim-4,5,6,7-2H4, and 3-butyl-1,3,5-triazino-[1.2a]benzimidazole-2,4(1H,3H)-dione-6,7,8,9-2H4 proceeded with complete retention of the ring substituted deuterium. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A clockless ultra low-noise low-power wireless implantable neural recording system

Sharp digital transitions cause interference in low-noise mixed-mode IC designs. This issue is quite significant during clock transitions, which drive tens to thousands of gates depending on the complexity of the system. Many remedies have been proposed ranging from physical layout designs to shifting signal spectrum. However, nothing would probably be more effective than rooting the problem out by eliminating the clock itself. In this paper, we present a clockless ultra low-noise 4-channel wireless implantable neural recording system based on time division multiplexing (TDM) of pulse width modulated (PWM) signals with minimum substrate noise and interference. We have utilized a modified integrating ADC scheme to both sample and modulate the analog input channels while managing the switching times such that no switching occurs during sensitive sampling onsets. We have also reduced size and power consumption of the chip by the digitization circuitry to the receiver side. The chip has been implemented in the AMI 0.5-mum CMOS, occupying 0.81 mm2 and consuming 4.8 mW at +1.5 V when all channels are active. The measured input referred noise for the entire transmitter in 0.1 Hz~10 kHz range is only 7.3 muV.
Infancia en peligro tóxico. Experiencia y negación

Utilizando el caso de Villa Inflamable, este articulo examina un tipo de riesgo que buena parte de la literatura sobre pobreza urbana en America Latina tiende a ignorar: el peligro ocasionado por la contaminacion medioambiental. El articulo tambien inspecciona las maneras en que un poderoso actor social, implicado en la produccion de dicho riesgo, se apropia y niega simbolicamente el sufrimiento colectivo creado por este peligro toxico.
Atheroprotective Effects of Long-Acting Dihydropyridine-Type Calcium Channel Blockers: Evidence from Clinical Trials and Basic Scientific Research

Atherosclerosis is a systemic disease that can ultimately lead to ischaemia and infarction in the heart, brain and peripheral vasculature. According to the ‘response to injury’ hypothesis, endothelial
Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte-Associated Antigen-4

Cancer immunotherapy relies on the ability of the immune system to target tumor-specific antigens to generate an immune response. This initial response requires both binding of the MHC/antigen peptide to T-cell receptor complex, along with a second costimulatory signal created by the binding of CD28 on the T cell, with B7 located on the antigen-presenting cell. Regulatory checkpoints, such as cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4), serve to attenuate this signal, thereby preventing autoimmunity. Its key role in regulating the immune system has made CTLA-4 an attractive therapeutic target for cancer, with the development of fully human monoclonal antibodies that have successfully targeted CTLA-4 in clinical trials. Augmentation of the immune response via blockade of CTLA-4 represents a significant advance in the field of oncology and has shown an improvement in survival for patients with metastatic melanoma. An increased understanding of the components of this pathway and the identification of other methods to modulate the immune system hold great promise for future therapy.
Bill Sponsorship and Congressional Support for Policy Proposals, from Introduction to Enactment or Disappearance:

Research on policy change tends to focus on legislative successes (bills that are enacted), policies that are especially important or controversial, and the final stages of the policy process. This...
Distinction entre maternage et éducation

Dans cet essai, l’auteure propose certaines distinctions entre les roles respectifs des meres et des educateurs. Les differences entre maternage et education sont etablies sous l’angle de sept dimensions : (1) la portee de la fonction; (2) l’intensite de l’affect; (3) l’attachement; (4) la rationalite; (5) la spontaneite; (6) la partialite; (7) la portee de la responsabilite. L’auteure insiste pour que l’objectif des programmes d’education des parents ne soit pas de supplanter mais de soutenir les objectifs poursuivis par ceux-ci, ainsi que leurs modeles de reponse a leurs enfants. La complementarite entre le role des parents et le role des educateurs devrait etre reconnue.
Insulinotropic and possible insulin-like effects of secretin and cholecystokinin-pancreozymin.

The effect of intravenous injection of secretin and cholecystokinin-pancreozymin (C-P) on serum immunoreactive insulin (IRI) in monkeys and rats was measured. Both secretin (7.5 U) and C-P (30 U) injections caused 4- to 5-fold increases in serum IRI of monkeys within 2 min. Only C-P (2 U) injections caused an increase (about 4-fold) in serum IRI of rats, while after secretin (0.5 U) injections there was no change in IRI. The serum glucose decreased in the monkeys following the increased IRI, but in neither species did serum glucose increase and therefore glucose was not the cause of the IRI response. In a separate experiment it was shown that neither secretin nor C-P increases appreciably the glucose uptake of isolated fat cells from epididymal fat pads of rats. (Endocrinology 86: 927, 1970)
Script generation of activities of daily living in HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders.

Script generation describes one’s ability to produce complex, sequential action plans derived from mental representations of everyday activities. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of HIV infection on script generation performance. Sixty HIV+ individuals (48% of whom had HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders [HAND]) and 26 demographically comparable HIV− participants were administered a novel, standardized test of script generation, which required participants to verbally generate and organize the necessary steps for completing six daily activities. HAND participants evidenced significantly more total errors, intrusions, and script boundary errors compared to the HIV-sample, indicating difficulties inhibiting irrelevant actions and staying within the prescribed boundaries of scripts, but had adequate knowledge of the relevant actions required for each script. These findings are generally consistent with the executive dysfunction and slowing common in HAND and suggest that script generation may play a role in everyday functioning problems in HIV.
Optimizing interacting finite state machines using sequential don't cares

Approaches are presented to multilevel sequential logic synthesis-algorithms and techniques for the area and performance optimizations of interconnected finite state machine descriptions. Techniques are presented for the exploitation of sequential don't cares in arbitrary, interconnected sequential machine structures. Exploiting these don't care sequences can results in significant improvements in area and performance. The problem of moving logic across state machine boundaries so as to make particular machines less complex at the possible expense of making others more complex is addressed. Optimization algorithms that incrementally modify state machine structures across latch boundaries are also presented. The use of more global state machine decomposition and factorization algorithms for area optimization is described, and experimental results using these algorithms on sequential circuits are presented. >
Mixed Optimization for Smooth Functions

It is well known that the optimal convergence rate for stochastic optimization of smooth functions is O(1/√T), which is same as stochastic optimization of Lipschitz continuous convex functions. This is in contrast to optimizing smooth functions using full gradients, which yields a convergence rate of O(1/T2). In this work, we consider a new setup for optimizing smooth functions, termed as Mixed Optimization, which allows to access both a stochastic oracle and a full gradient oracle. Our goal is to significantly improve the convergence rate of stochastic optimization of smooth functions by having an additional small number of accesses to the full gradient oracle. We show that, with an O(ln T) calls to the full gradient oracle and an O(T) calls to the stochastic oracle, the proposed mixed optimization algorithm is able to achieve an optimization error of O(1/T).
Kinematics of a parallel‐serial (Hybrid) manipulator

Hybrid manipulators are parallel-serial connection robots that give rise to a multitude of highly articulate robotic manipulators. These manipulators are modular and can be extended by additional modules over large distances. Every module has a hemispherical work space and collective modules give rise to highly dexterous symmetrical work space. In this article, some basic designs and kinematical structures of these robot manipulators are discussed, the associated direct and the inverse kinematics formulations are presented, and solutions to the inverse kinematic problem are obtained explicitly and elaborated upon. These robot manipulators are shown to have a strength-to-weight ratio many times larger than the value currently available with industrial or research manipulators. This is due to the fact that these hybrid manipulators are stress compensated and have an ultralight weight, yet are extremely stiff due to the fact that the force distribution in their structure is mostly axial. The means of actuation in these manipulators are entirely prismatic and can be provided by ball-screws with antibacklash nuts or linear induction motors for maximum precision.
Conservation of Resources in Individual and Community Reactions to Traumatic Stress

Community stressors, such as natural and man-made disasters, major epidemics, famine, war, and political upheaval, are powerful events that impact individuals, families, and communities alike (Weisaeth, 1992). The number of community stressors that occur yearly is staggering. For example, Solomon and Green (1992) reported that approximately 2 million U.S. households experience injuries and physical damage each year from fire, floods, hurricanes, and the like. Freedy et al. (1993) reported that between 1974 and 1980 there were 37 major catastrophes in the United States alone. Furthermore, Vogel and Vernberg (1993) remind us that dozens of countriestrife at any one time. An individual’s reaction to extreme stress can lead to the development of individual psychopathology, family and relationship turmoil, substance abuse, and loss of employment (Kilpatrick et al., 1989; McFarlane, 1987; Resnick et al., 1993; Solomon et al., 1987). On the community level, such stress may mean the breakdown of social codes and networks, as well as increased disease and violence (Wallace, 1990; Wallace et al., 1992; Wardak, 1992). Additionally, the manner in which communities cope with such stressors has both short-term and long-term implications for individual community members, families, social institutions, and the community as a whole. Interventions have been developed for the previously mentioned individual reactions to trauma (e.g., Foa et al., 1989; Resick&Schnicke, 1993). However, little is known about the way communities manage such stressors and about the best ways to intervene communitywide after such events.
Toward Synthesized Environments: A Survey of Analysis and Synthesis Methods for Sound Designers and Composers

We present an overview of digital audio analysis and synthesis methods for sound design and composition. The sonic landscape available to us contains a multitude of sounds, ranging from artificial to natural, purely musical to purely “real-world.” To take full advantage of this diversity, it is helpful to have a comprehensive knowledge of the tools with which we can create and manipulate different types of sounds. We offer a summary of existing techniques organized by their underlying technology and source material, as well as by the kinds of sounds for which they are known to be effective. Our survey aims to support the synthesis of rich sound scenes and environments by facilitating the selection of the most appropriate tools for each component sound. A full toolbox means the whole world need not look like a nail!
Digital Writing Spaces as Rhetorical Locales of Invention

This article examines the shifting nature of invention with digital infrastructure as a rhetorical locale for composing writing collaboratively. Because composing collaboratively involves inquiry, the article examines the framework for a successful community of inquiry in a digital space already predisposed to engaging interconnected communities, local and global. Thus, the article examines how digital locales of invention, by virtue of their accessible nature, engage wider communities, making composing with and for an active audience possible.
CNS Manifestations of AIDS

The World Health Organization estimates that nearly 40 million individuals are currently infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). AIDS has emerged as a leading cause of death in portions of the developed and developing worlds (Mertens and Low-Beer 1996). Neurologic dysfunction is a frequent sequela of HIV infection. An estimated 31%–63% of AIDS patients will develop clinical neurologic complications (Berger et al. 1987b; Britton and Miller 1984; Levy et al. 1985) and autopsy series have demonstrated CNS involvement in 73%–87% of cases (Levy et al. 1985; Jordan et al. 1985). In 10%–20% of AIDS patients, CNS symptomatology is the initial manifestation of HIV-related disease (Berger et al. 1987b; Levy et al. 1985).
The Human Right to Water and Advocacy for Urban Water Supply: After the Privatization Struggles

Advocacy to advance economic, social, and environmental rights takes many forms. Advocates in established human rights organizations (HROs), development agencies, and diverse civil society institutions have mobilized legal instruments from international to local levels, existing human rights treaties, various forms of policy leverage, popular political and social movement pressure, participatory mechanisms, and (sometimes new) monitoring methods to advance the realization of economic rights including housing, food, and water (Stryker and Haglund 2015).
Sensing human physiological response using wearable carbon nanotube-based fabrics

Flexible and wearable sensors for human monitoring have received increased attention. Besides detecting motion and physical activity, measuring human vital signals (e.g., respiration rate and body temperature) provide rich data for assessing subjects’ physiological or psychological condition. Instead of using conventional, bulky, sensing transducers, the objective of this study was to design and test a wearable, fabric-like sensing system. In particular, multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)-latex thin films of different MWCNT concentrations were first fabricated using spray coating. Freestanding MWCNT-latex films were then sandwiched between two layers of flexible fabric using iron-on adhesive to form the wearable sensor. Second, to characterize its strain sensing properties, the fabric sensors were subjected to uniaxial and cyclic tensile load tests, and they exhibited relatively stable electromechanical responses. Finally, the wearable sensors were placed on a human subject for monitoring simple motions and for validating their practical strain sensing performance. Overall, the wearable fabric sensor design exhibited advances such as flexibility, ease of fabrication, light weight, low cost, noninvasiveness, and user comfort.
Synthesis and Magnetic Properties of Iron Pillared Montmorillonites

We have investigated the magnetic properties and structural changes of iron pillared montmorillonites in terms of likely exchange interactions between magnetic ions and/or magnetic ions separated by oxygen ions, as well as their distribution in the unit cell. Iron pillared montmorillonites were synthesized by two different methods. The first one consists of expanding Na+ and Ca2+ montmorillonite with ethylene glycol from 12.5 and 15 A respectively to 17 A. An iron polycation solution is prepared by hydrolyzing a solution of FeCl3 with Na2CO3 to yield Fe n (OH) m (3n−m)+. The treated montmorillonite is then stirred into the polycation solution. The X-ray powder pattern shows an expansion to 24–25 A. Secondly CO2 is bubbled into a solution of tetrabutylammonium hydroxide (TBAOH) or tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAOH) and a solution of FeCl3 is stirred into it. The montmorillonite is added to this solution. The X-ray powder pattern shows spacings varying from 17 A (TBAOH) and 14 A (TMAOH) to 15 A and 16 A. Both procedures yield montmorillonites containing intercalated iron in the gallery space. Quantitative spectrophotometric analyses of the intercalated phases show varying amounts of iron in the gallery spaces. The straight line sections of the curve of inverse magnetic susceptibility versus temperature show a negative Weiss constant for Na+ montmorillonite and for the phases prepared using the TBAOH and TMAOH solutions. A positive Weiss constant is seen for the montmorillonite material prepared with the polycation solutions. Open image in new window Figure 1 a) Crystal structure of Montmorillonite showing the locations of (O) oxygen atoms and ( Open image in new window ) hydroxyl groups. The tetrahedral sites are occupied by silicon atoms and the octahedral sites are occupied by aluminium, magnesium and/or iron. M n+·xH2O represents the interlayer exchange cation where M n+ for this study is Na+ or Ca2+.9
New States of the Charmed Strange Baryon, Ξc

Using almost 5fb −1 of e+e− data accumulated at the CESR collider in the energy region around 10.5 GeV, the CLEO II collaboration has found evidence for several narrow excitations of the Ξc. Two of these are seen in the modes Ξ c + γ and Ξ c 0 γ are identified with Ξ c 1 , the J p = 1/2 + c{sq} state, which is symmetric under exchange of light quark quantum numbers. The third state is seen in its decay to Ξ c + π+π− via an intermediate Ξ c * and is consistent with the Ξ c1 + , a J p = 3/2− p- wave state analogous to the ⋀ c1 + (2625). The mass differences relative to the ground state are: M(Ξ c + ′) − M(Ξc) = 107.8 ± 1.7 ± 2.5MeV/c2, M(Ξ c 0 ′) − M(Ξc) = 107.0 ± 1.5 ± 2.5MeV/c2, and M(Ξ c + ) − M(Ξ c + ) = 349.4 ± 0.7 ± 1.0MeV/c2
Photon Emission Near Extreme Kerr Black Holes

Ongoing astronomical efforts extract physical properties of black holes from electromagnetic emissions in their near-vicinity. This requires finding the null geodesics which extend from the near-horizon region out to a distant observatory. In general these are given by elliptic integrals which are often studied numerically. In this paper, for the interesting special case of extremally spinning Kerr black holes, we use an emergent near-horizon conformal symmetry to find near-superradiant geodesics analytically in terms of elementary functions.