cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
NO-LESS: Near optimal curtailment strategy selection for net load balancing in micro grids

The integration of renewable energy sources such as solar PVs into micro grids has increased in recent years. However, the intermittent and unpredictable nature of renewable energy generation makes supply uncertain, in turn requiring continuous net load balancing to ensure grid stability. One technique to achieve net load balancing is curtailment, however, selection of the optimal set of curtailment strategies to achieve a targeted curtailment is NP-hard. State-of-the-art curtailment selection techniques approach this problem by either developing computationally expensive optimal curtailment strategies or reduce accuracy to generate sub-optimal solutions quickly. In this work, we develop NO-LESS: a Near OptimaL CurtailmEnt Strategy Selection algorithm. NO-LESS is a novel Fully Polynomial Time Approximation Scheme (FPTAS) which determines bounded (near optimal) curtailment strategies in a small amount of time while simultaneously satisfying practical constraints on strategy switching overhead and curtailment fairness. We perform both theoretical analysis and practical evaluation to show that NO-LESS is a scalable solution for performing net load balancing through curtailment strategy selection in Micro Grids.
Solid state photomultiplier (SSPM)-based PET detector with capacitively multiplexed readout and electro-optical coupling for PET/MR

354 Objectives A key component for the development of simultaneous, whole body clinical PET/MR is a scintillation block detector that has a low number of readout channels, non-magnetic components, and little or no mutual influence between PET and MR systems. Methods A new multiplexing circuit for a 4 x 4 array of 3x3 mm2 SSPM devices was fabricated that consisted of connecting the anodes of a SSPM in X strips, cathodes in Y strips with linearly weighted capacitors to a set of four readout channels. The two readout channels correspond to X+, and X-, and the other two to Y+, Y-. Using a waveform generator (step input: 50 mV and 500 ns width), the linearity (fit to Y=ax+b) and dynamic range of the multiplexing circuit were measured. The analog outputs of the four channels are each coupled to a non-magnetic vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) that transmits the energy and fast timing information of the scintillation pulse out of the MR using multi-mode optical fibers, rather than coaxial cables. To test the electro-optical coupling, we irradiated a 3x3x20 mm3 LYSO crystal coupled to a single SSPM pixel coupled to a VCSEL to a 20 meter long multi-mode fiber in coincidence with a LYSO crystal coupled to a fast PMT and measured energy and coincidence time resolution. Results The circuit linearity was excellent with a Chi-square of 0.99 and a dynamic range of 0.6. The step response of the capacitive multiplexing is better than resistive multiplexing. The energy and coincidence time resolution of the single channel electro-optical coupling was 15.5 +/- 0.4% with a time resolution of 1.31 +/- 0.02 ns. Conclusions We have developed a new high performance capacitive multiplexing circuit for SSPM array devices that is electro-optically coupled for PET/MR compatibility.
Two Types of Very Low-Carbohydrate Diets.

The report1 based on survey data that reveal that a very low–carbohydrate diet (VLCD) might be effective in some patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus may represent an important advance in the therapy of this condition if researchers in randomized clinical trials confirm its potential advantages in terms of better blood glucose control with less risk for hypoglycemia. However, there are several issues of concern. One is the general use of … E-mail: bbistria{at}bidmc.harvard.edu
Local cortical circuit correlates of altered EEG in the mouse model of Fragile X syndrome

Abstract Electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings in Fragile X syndrome (FXS) patients have revealed enhanced sensory responses, enhanced resting “gamma frequency” (30–100 Hz) activity, and a decreased ability for sensory stimuli to modulate cortical activity at gamma frequencies. Similar changes are observed in the FXS model mouse – the Fmr1 knockout. These alterations may become effective biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment of FXS. Therefore, it is critical to better understand what circuit properties underlie these changes. We employed Channelrhodopsin2 to optically activate local circuits in the auditory cortical region in brain slices to examine how changes in local circuit function may be related to EEG changes. We focused on layers 2/3 and 5 (L2/3 and L5). In Fmr1 knockout mice, light-driven excitation of L2/3 revealed hyperexcitability and increased gamma frequency power in both local L2/3 and L5 circuits. Moreover, there is increased synchrony in the gamma frequency band between L2/3 and L5. Hyperexcitability and increased gamma power were not observed in L5 with L5 light-driven excitation, indicating that these changes were layer-specific. A component of L2/3 network hyperexcitability is independent of ionotropic receptor mediated synaptic transmission and may be mediated by increased intrinsic excitability of L2/3 neurons. Finally, lovastatin, a candidate therapeutic compound for FXS that targets ERK signaling did not normalize changes in gamma activity. In conclusion, hyperactivity and increased gamma activity in local neocortical circuits, together with increased gamma synchrony between circuits, provide a putative substrate for EEG alterations observed in both FXS patients and the FXS mouse model.
He Said, She Said: An Exploration of Male and Female Print Sports Journalist Tweets, Sports Coverage, and Language Style:

The professional role and responsibilities for sports journalists have evolved to now include using social media. In this study, we explore how male and female print sports journalists use Twitter ...
Reducing gunshot victimization in high-risk social networks through direct and spillover effects.

More than 60,000 people are victimized by gun violence each year in the United States. A large share of victims cluster in bounded and identifiable social networks. Despite a growing number of violence reduction programmes that leverage networks to broaden programmatic effects, there is little evidence that reductions in victimization are achieved through spillover effects on the peers of participants. This study estimates the direct and spillover effects of a gun violence field intervention in Chicago. Using a quasi-experimental design, we test whether a desistance-based programme reduced gunshot victimization among 2,349 participants. The study uses co-arrest network data to further test spillover effects on 6,132 non-participants. Direct effects were associated with a 3.2-percentage point reduction in victimization among seeds over two years, while potential spillover was associated with a 1.5-percentage point reduction among peers. Findings suggest that peer influence and the structure of networks might be leveraged to amplify gun violence reduction efforts. Wood and Papachristos show that a gun violence field intervention reduced the two-year incidence of gunshot victimization among participants and their network peers.
From Multidisciplinary Collaboration to Transnational Objectivity: International Space as Constitutive of Molecular Biology, 1930–1970

Ever since its inception in the 1930s, and until its ultimate institutionalization as a new integrative or umbrella discipline in the 1960s, molecular biology has primarily constituted itself in an international space, defined by an ongoing streamline of meetings of various sizes and degrees of in/formality, a preponderance of collaborative efforts and convoluted correspondence networks across many countries (1). Indeed, though all the early self-proclaimed membership of molecular biologists has aligned itself into several distinct groupings, or research schools, each revolving around its own constellation of nationally anchored science policy structures, institutional ecologies, disciplinary orientations, and charismatic leaders; in all cases, a substantial portion of each research school’s social composition and major conceptual legacy reflected the integral role of transnational affiliates, whether as visitors or as permanently naturalized emigres (2).
What Data Can Do: A Typology of Mechanisms

This article offers an analytical framework for understanding the effects of data on the social world. Specifically, I ask: What happens when new data —digital or not—is introduced in a given context? Drawing on a mix of historical and contemporary examples, I provide a typology of 5 mechanisms: tracking, homogenizing, triaging, nudging, and valuating. I then demonstrate how this framework can change how we understand two empirical cases involving data-driven software programs, one in Web journalism and the other in criminal justice. Based on this analysis, the article makes three main points. First, at a time of rapid technological development, we should pay particular attention to what is not changing with digitization. Second, we need further theoretical integration in the rapidly growing field of critical data studies. Third, I suggest that the umbrella concept of “data” should be broken down into smaller and more manageable components depending on the mechanisms scholars are interested in studying.
An adaptive wavelet packet denoising algorithm for enhanced active acoustic damage detection from wind turbine blades

Abstract The development of a viable structural health monitoring (SHM) technology for the operational condition monitoring of wind turbine blades is of great interest to the wind industry. In order for any SHM technology to achieve the technical readiness and performance required for an operational implementation, advanced signal processing algorithms need to be developed to adaptively remove noise and retain the underlying signals of interest that describe the damage-related information. The wavelet packet transform decomposes a measured time domain signal into a time-frequency representation enabling the removal of noise that may overlap with the signal of interest in time and/or frequency. However, the traditional technique suffers from several assumptions limiting its applicability in an operational SHM environment, where the noise conditions commonly exhibit erratic behavior. Furthermore, an exhaustive number of options exist when selecting the parameters used in the technique with limited guidelines that can help select the most appropriate options for a given application. Appropriately defining the technique tends to be a daunting task resulting in a general avoidance of the approach in the field of SHM. This work outlines an adaptive wavelet packet denoising algorithm applicable to numerous SHM technologies including acoustics, vibrations, and acoustic emission. The algorithm incorporates a blend of non-traditional approaches for noise estimation, threshold selection, and threshold application to augment the denoising performance of real-time structural health monitoring measurements. Appropriate wavelet packet parameters are selected through a simulation considering the trade-off between signal to noise ratio improvement and amount of signal energy retained. The wavelet parameter simulation can be easily replicated to accommodate any SHM technology where the underlying signal of interest is known, as is the case in most active-based approaches including acoustic and wave-propagation techniques. The finalized adaptive wavelet packet algorithm is applied to a comprehensive dataset demonstrating an active acoustic damage detection approach on a ~46 m wind turbine blade. The quality of the measured data and the damage detection performance obtained from simple spectral filtering is compared with the proposed wavelet packet technique. It is shown that the damage detection performance is enhanced in all but one test case by as much as 60%, and the false detection rate is reduced. The approach and the subsequent results presented in this paper are expected to help enable advancement in the performance of several established SHM technologies and identifies the considered acoustics-based SHM approach as a noteworthy option for wind turbine blade structural health monitoring.
Decision Points in Higher Education Administration: The Case of Criminal Background Checks:

This hypothetical teaching case illustrates the complex issues that human resources (HR) professionals in higher education may face when making day-to-day employment decisions. This is particularly...
Aid’s urban footprint and its implications for local inequality and governance:

This paper analyzes how local urban development, and governance therein, are being shaped by the explosion of actors within the donor and investment community in African countries like Mozambique. ...
Validating Automated Integrative Complexity: Natural Language Processing and the Donald Trump Test

Computer algorithms that analyze language (natural language processing systems) have seen a great increase in usage recently. While use of these systems to score key constructs in social and political psychology has many advantages, it is also dangerous if we do not fully evaluate the validity of these systems. In the present article, we evaluate a natural language processing system for one particular construct that has implications for solving key societal issues: Integrative complexity. We first review the growing body of evidence for the validity of the Automated Integrative Complexity (AutoIC) method for computer-scoring integrative complexity. We then provide five new validity tests: AutoIC successfully distinguished fourteen classic philosophic works from a large sample of both lay populations and political leaders (Test 1) and further distinguished classic philosophic works from the rhetoric of Donald Trump at higher rates than an alternative system (Test 2). Additionally, AutoIC successfully replicated key findings from the hand-scored IC literature on smoking cessation (Test 3), U.S. Presidents’ State of the Union Speeches (Test 4), and the ideology-complexity relationship (Test 5). Taken in total, this large body of evidence not only suggests that AutoIC is a valid system for scoring integrative complexity, but it also reveals important theory-building insights into key issues at the intersection of social and political psychology (health, leadership, and ideology). We close by discussing the broader contributions of the present validity tests to our understanding of issues vital to natural language processing.
Enseigner à distance : des initiatives professorales durant la pandémie

The novel COVID-19 pandemic, with its global impact, has fundamentally altered the way in which universities function. The current manuscript presents four educational initiatives, including experiences and practices of faculty members at a mid-sized Great Plains university. From the perspective of three different academic colleges and popular research programs, this paper explores how a difficult situation was approached as an opportunity to face challenges yet still provide students a high-quality educational experience. This paper is applicable to faculty, staff, and administrators at institutions of higher education as they explore innovative pedagogical approaches.
Corticosterone as a Potential Confounding Factor in Delineating Mechanisms Underlying Ketamine's Rapid Antidepressant Actions.

Recent research into the rapid antidepressant effect of subanesthetic doses of ketamine have identified a series of relevant protein cascades activated within hours of administration. Prior to, or concurrent with, these activation cascades, ketamine treatment generates dissociative and psychotomimetic side effects along with an increase in circulating glucocorticoids. In rats, we observed an over 3-fold increase in corticosterone levels in both serum and brain tissue, within an hour of administration of low dose ketamine (10 mg/kg), but not with (2R, 6R)-hydroxynorketamine (HNK) (10 mg/kg), a ketamine metabolite shown to produce antidepressant-like action in rodents without inducing immediate side-effects. Hippocampal tissue from ketamine, but not HNK, injected animals displayed a significant increase in the expression of sgk1, a downstream effector of glucocorticoid receptor signaling. To examine the role conscious sensation of ketamine's side effects plays in the release of corticosterone, we assessed serum corticosterone levels after ketamine administration while under isoflurane anesthesia. Under anesthesia, ketamine failed to increase circulating corticosterone levels relative to saline controls. Concurrent with its antidepressant effects, ketamine generates a release of glucocorticoids potentially linked to disturbing cognitive side effects and the activation of distinct molecular pathways which should be considered when attempting to delineate the molecular mechanisms of its antidepressant function.
Redesign of an informed consent form to increase participation in a school‐based dental program

Objectives The study aimed to determine if modifications to the design of a consent form and consenting process increased participation rates in the Indiana University School of Dentistry's Mobile School-Based Dental Program (Seal Indiana). Methods Kaizen methodology was followed to identify problem areas in the consenting process. Additionally, stakeholders were invited to participate in focus groups and fill out surveys to identify issues preventing participation in the Seal Indiana program (N = 48) and later to evaluate the changes made (N = 48). The redesigned form and process were then used in a pilot study at 14 sites to determine the impact that changes had on levels of participation as measured by the number of consent forms completed and returned. Results There was a statistically significant increase in the number of consent forms returned. The measured change represented a 32 percent increase in program participation (P value = 0.035). A statistically significant increase was observed in how participants viewed the attractiveness of the form and how easy it was to read and comprehend. Conclusions In order to increase consenting rates, our results indicate modifications to the consent form should be focused on the following characteristics: esthetics, ease of reading and comprehending information, and making the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPPA) privacy regulations easier to read and comprehend.
Studying-Teaching-Evaluating Religions: A Comparative Theological Perspective

One version, albeit in many circles the dominant one, of the scholarly study and teaching of religion interfaces with theological ideas of religious traditions usually only at the descriptive level. Yet the study and teaching of religions also involves evaluation of such, whether implicitly or intentionally, and these usually occur at the ideational level. This essay seeks to illuminate these operations from a comparative theological perspective, suggesting how the study, teaching, and evaluating of religious traditions in their multi-facetedness works both comparatively and theologically. We will spring off The Comparative Religious Ideas project from almost two decades ago both because of how it presented a marked improvement over prior approaches to religious comparativism and because of its prescience then in charting the terrain. From there, however, we will explore how the studying, teaching, and evaluating of religions involves engaging the realm of religious ideas with their concomitant (embodied) practices and from that perspective, the comparative task is both complexified and deepened. Our conclusions propose how to nurture comparative methodologies at both the cognitive and affective domains in order to further discussion in the study, teaching, and evaluation of religion.
Haploinsufficiency, Dominant Negative, and Gain-of-Function Mechanisms in Epilepsy: Matching Therapeutic Approach to the Pathophysiology

This review summarizes the pathogenic mechanisms that underpin the monogenic epilepsies and discusses the potential of novel precision therapeutics to treat these disorders. Pathogenic mechanisms of epilepsy include recessive (null alleles), haploinsufficiency, imprinting, gain-of-function, and dominant negative effects. Understanding which pathogenic mechanism(s) that underlie each genetic epilepsy is pivotal to design precision therapies that are most likely to be beneficial for the patient. Novel therapeutics discussed include gene therapy, gene editing, antisense oligonucleotides, and protein replacement. Discussions are illustrated and reinforced with examples from the literature.
D 0 - D 0 Mixing and Rare Decays of the D 0 and D +

We present a limit on D0 — D 0 mixing from E691 that r m < 0.0037 at the 90% confidence level where r m is the ratio of wrong sign decays from mixing to right sign decays. Limits on doubly Cabibbo suppressed decays of the D0 are given. Results on mixing from ARGUS and MARK III are also discussed. Upper limits for several rare D0 decays are below 4 × 10-5. New limits below 10-3 for several rare D+ decays are presented.
Abstract P6-03-08: Androgen receptor (AR): A novel target for radiosensitization and treatment in triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC)

Background: Increased rates of locoregional recurrence have been observed in TNBC despite the use of chemotherapy and radiation (RT). Thus, approaches that result in radiosensitizaton of TNBC are critically needed. We have previously characterized the radiation response of 21 breast cancer cell (BCC) lines using clonogenic survival assays. We now pair this data with high-throughput drug screen data available through cancer cell line encyclopedia studies to identify AR as a top target for radiosensitization and assess AR inhibition as a radiosensitization strategy for TNBC. Methods: Clonogenic survival assays were performed to determine the intrinsic RT sensitivity of 21 BCC lines (0-8 Gy RT). IC50 values were determined for 130 clinically available compounds and correlation coefficients were calculated using IC50 values (for drug sensitivity) and SF-2Gy (for radiation sensitivity). Gene expression was measured using Affymetrix microarrays and protein expression was measured using reverse-phase protein lysate arrays (RPPA) of human tumor samples (n=2,061) and BCC lines (n=51). AR function was assessed using siRNA knockdown or inhibition with MDV3100 (enzalutamide). Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to determine the clinical impact of AR expression on local control and survival. A Cox proportional hazards model was constructed to identify potential factors of survival, and multivariate analysis was used to determine variables most significantly associated with LRF survival. Results: Our radiosensitizer screen nominated bicalutamide as one of the most effective drugs in treating radioresistant BCC lines (R2= 0.46, p-value 2000 human breast tumor samples and found signifi[not]cant heterogeneity in AR expression with an increase in TNBC (35% of tumors) compared to non-TNBC (28% of tumors). This same heterogeneity was also identified in human BCC lines. There was a strong correlation between AR RNA expression and protein expression (R2= 0.72, p Conclusion: Our results implicate AR as a mediator of radioresistance in breast cancer and support the rationale for developing clinical strategies to inhibit AR as a novel radiosensitizing target in TNBC. Citation Format: Corey Speers, Shuang G Zhao, Meilan Liu, Joseph Evans, Prasanna Alluri, Daniel F Hayes, Felix Y Feng, Lori J Pierce. Androgen receptor (AR): A novel target for radiosensitization and treatment in triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Seventh Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2014 Dec 9-13; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(9 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-03-08.
SYNTHETIC PEPTIDES OF HUMAN CD4 ENHANCE BINDING OF IMMUNOGLOBULINS TO MONOCYTE/MACROPHAGE CELLS. II: MECHANISMS OF ENHANCEMENT

Abstract We have previously shown that a synthetic peptide corresponding to amino acid residues 21-49 of the first extracellular domain of human CD4 binds immunoglobulins (Ig) and antibody: antigen (Ab:Ag) complexes, and greatly enhances the uptake of aggregated Ig by monocyte/macrophage U937 cells. In this report, we investigated the mechanisms of enhanced uptake, and the contribution of different receptors present on the surface of monocyte/macrophage cells to this phenomenon. Our results indicate that both Fe receptor (FcR) and cell surface CD4 participate in the enhanced uptake of Ig promoted by the synthetic peptide of CD4. The involvement of these two receptors was demonstrated in experiments using monoclonal antibodies to FcR and CD4, as well as monosialoganglioside GMI, a substance known to modulate surface CD4. The participation of CD4 was further confirmed using the CD4 monocyte/macrophage cell line MM-6. Together, the results of these experiments indicate that surface CD4 may cooperate with FcR in handling aggregated Ig and Ab:Ag complexes. The implications of these findings for immunoregulation by Ab:Ag and idiotype:anti-idiotype (Id:anti-Id) complexes, and infection of macrophages by HIV, are discussed.
QCD spin physics: Status and prospects for relativistic heavy-ion collider

We review some of the recent developments in QCD spin physics and highlight the spin physics program now underway at RHIC.
New Directions in Content Centric Networking

We revisit some of the basic premises of the Content Centric networking (CCN) and Named Data Networking (NDN) architectures, which have been proposed as alternatives to the IP Internet architecture in order to support more efficient access to content available in the Internet. We address the large overhead incurred in NDN and CCN by maintaining forwarding state for each Interest traversing a router and for each content-name prefix known to each router. We introduce a new approach designed to provide orders of magnitude reduction in the complexity of the data plane to make content-centric networking much more viable at Internet scale.
Evidence that secretase cleavage of cell surface Alzheimer amyloid precursor occurs after normal endocytic internalization

Three different treatments (methylamine, colchicine, and 18 degrees C temperature block), known to disrupt normal endocytic internalization, significantly reduced the secretory cleavage of cell surface-derived Alzheimer amyloid precursor (APP) in non-transfected C6 cell cultures. Conversely, treatments with methylamine or colchicine had no significant effect on the secretion of total APP. Treatment of these cells with the lysosomotropic amine chloroquine resulted in a significant increase in the levels of both cell surface full-length APP and cell surface-derived secreted nexin II (NXII). Immunofluorescence analysis of C6 glioma cells transfected with APP751 indicated that under normal conditions, cell surface APP was internalized, and within 30 minutes was localized in discrete intracellular vesicles. These vesicles contained the endocytic tracer Texas red-conjugated ovalbumin and probably represented late endosomes or lysosomes. However, treatment of the transfected C6 cultures with methylamine or colchicine prevented localization of cell surface APP in intracellular vesicles, suggesting that these treatments altered the normal intracellular trafficking of cell surface-derived APP. Both the biochemical and immunofluorescence data are compatible with the suggestion that inhibition of normal endocytic internalization reduces the secretory cleavage of cell surface APP. Furthermore, our results suggest that following internalization, cell surface APP is cleaved by secretase(s) and secreted or routed to the lysosomes where it is degraded.
Infinite horizon optimization

We consider the general problem of choosing a discounted cost minimizing infinite sequence of decisions from a closed subset of the product space formed by a sequence of arbitrary compact metric spaces. Examples include equipment replacement, production planning and, more generally, infinite stage mathematical programs. It is shown that the optimal costs for finite horizon approximating problems converge to the optimal infinite horizon cost as the horizons diverge to infinity. Moreover, the existence of a unique algorithmically optimal i.e. accumulation point solution is shown to be a necessary and sufficient condition for convergence in the product topology i.e. policy convergence of all finite horizon optima. Under the weaker condition of Hausdorff convergence of the sets of finite horizon optima to the set of infinite horizon optima, we show how to force policy convergence through a natural tie-breaking rule. Finally, a forward algorithm is presented which, in the presence of a unique infinite horizon optimum, is guaranteed to converge.
Laparoscopic-assisted cytoreduction for primary advanced ovarian cancer: Success, morbidity and survival

Abstract Objective The purpose of this paper is to evaluate laparoscopic-assisted cytoreduction for primary advanced ovarian cancer: feasibility, morbidity, response to chemotherapy and survival. Methods All patients with presumed stage 3/4 primary ovarian cancer underwent attempted laparoscopic cytoreduction. All patients had CT evidence of omental metastasis and ascites. A five port (5-mm) transperitoneal approach was used. A bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, supracervical hysterectomy and omentectomy were performed with the PlasmaKinetic (PK) cutting forceps. A laparoscopic 5-mm Argon-Beam Coagulator was used to coagulate tumor in the pelvis, abdominal peritoneum, intestinal mesentery, and diaphragm. Results Twenty-three cases (92%) were successfully cytoreduced laparoscopically without conversion to laparotomy. Median operative time was 2.3h and median blood loss was 340cc. All tumors were debulked to less than 2cm and 36% had no residual disease. Median length of stay was 1day. Median VAS pain score was 4—discomforting. Six patients (24%) had post-operative complications, none grades 3–4. Median overall survival is 3.5years. Conclusion Laparoscopic-assisted cytoreduction for primary advanced ovarian cancer was successful, resulting in minimal morbidity, and acceptable survival.
Using 'Pace' in Diplomatic Analysis

This article explores the concept of pace in social interaction in order to gain traction for explaining the conditions and consequences of diplomatic activity. Two recent analyses related to diplomacy and pace are reconsidered. In the First World War case, the different environments in which Maurice Paleologue and Wilhelm von Schoen were socialized regarding the pace of diplomatic activity explain the selection of particular activities and objectives. In the 2001 EP-3 case, the mediation of tension between the United States and China is explained through the interpretive process of understanding diplomatic action, which includes particular notions of pace. Because this article specifies the continuities that make identification of accommodation and resistance possible, it is part of a growing body of literature that urges researchers to consider normal practice and what meanings are constituted by them.
Sensor systems for interactive surfaces

This paper describes four different systems that we have developed for capturing various manners of gesture near interactive surfaces. The first is a low-cost scanning laser rangefinder adapted to accurately track the position of bare hands in a plane just above a large projection display. The second is an acoustic system that detects the position of taps on a large, continuous surface (such as a table, wall, or window) by measuring the differential time-of-arrival of the acoustic shock impulse at several discrete locations. The third is a sensate carpet that uses a grid of piezoelectric wire to measure the dynamic location and pressure of footfalls. The fourth is a swept radio frequency (RF) tag reader that measures the height, approximate location, and other properties (orientation or a control variable like pressure) of objects containing passive, magnetically coupled resonant tags, and updates the continuous parameters of all tagged objects at 30 Hz. In addition to discussing the technologies and surveying different approaches, sample applications are given for each system.
Domains of the Childhood Autism Rating Scale : Relevance for diagnosis and treatment

The Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) was factor analyzed. Three factors emerged: Social Impairment (SI), Negative Emotionality (NE), and Distorted Sensory Response (DSR). Unit-weight factor scales showed moderates-to-good internal consistency. Cross-sectional analyses demonstrated that autistic (AUT) subjects were distinguished from subjects with pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) and nonpervasive developmental disorders (NPDD) by higher scores on SI. An SI cutoff score of 26 classified individuals as autistic vs. nonautistic with 78% accuracy. Longitudinal analyses showed that DSR was stable over 6 months of treatment, with little indication of symptom reduction. SI decreased over time across the diagnostic groups, but still showed significant continuity over the period. NE was most malleable and apparently sensitive to the effects of treatment.
Hadamard Transform Raman Imaging

Hadamard mask encoding allows medium to high spatial resolution imaging with unfocused laser beams. A laser beam is imaged on the sample through a series of masks. The spatially encoded signals from each of n masks, each containing n resolution elements, are measured. The spatial distribution of the signal is recovered by Hadamard transformation of the matrix of encoded signals. Of course, the laser could be focused to an area equal to the unit resolution element. But, encoding with n-element masks reduces the power density at any point on the sample by a factor of n. We have already successfully employed masks containing 28 − 1 elements, and have estimated that it is feasible to use masks with 210 − 1 or even 212 − 1 elements. Reducing laser power density by a factor of 103 broadens the scope of spatially resolved laser spectroscopy and opens the possibility of Raman microscopy with pulsed lasers.
Summary of JD 9 supernovae: Past, present, and future

SN 1006 was the first (and for a very long time the only) event to be caught before peak light. A passage which, according to Stephenson, does not actually pertain to the SN, nevertheless makes clear that, even then, a hypothesis was more likely to be accepted if it made a prediction later verified, though the prediction was that something bad would happen to Emperor Sanjo In. The hypothesis was that the star was not new, but related to behavior of existing stars in Qichen Jianjun. According to the poster by P.J. Boner, Kepler made the opposite choice for his SN, calling it a genuinely new star formed out of the ether, rather than mere change in appearance. Indeed the distinction between true novae and variable stars was not drawn correctly until Hevelius's 1662 study of Mira, after Tycho had shown that his event (and the comet of 1577) were more distant than our Moon, a point disputed by many of his contemporaries, but accepted by Galileo, who applied a very early statistical method to many different observations of SN 1572. Tycho's main advantages were better equipment and hard work, again not so different from present conditions. © 2007 International Astronomical Union.
Density as an incomplete cause of crowding in backcountry settings.

Abstract The simple bivariate density‐crowding relationship is reexamined in a study of backcountry use in Yosemite National Park. It is found to be lacking in predictive ability. A more inclusive path model is tested that takes into account personal and experiential motive factors. The introduction of these factors reduces the effect of social density to a level that is not statistically significant. Social density is, in this sense, spurious, and crowding is likely to mean something more complex than a simple response to high levels of encounters. The most important influences on crowding perception that were included in the model are experience motives. In particular, quietude, nature involvement, and shared experience motives have the strongest relationship to crowding perceptions. The common‐sense notion that crowding in backcountry settings is a phenomenon largely dependent upon sheer numbers of people must be reassessed in favor of more complex formulations that incorporate normative, motivational,...
The origin of proteins: Heteropolypeptides from hydrogen cyanide and water

Evidence from laboratory and extraterrestrial chemistry is presented consistent with the hypothesis that the original heteropolypeptides on Earth were synthesized spontaneously from hydrogen cyanide and water without the intervening formation of α-amino acids, a key step being the direct polymerization of atmospheric hydrogen cyanide to polyaminomalononitrile (IV) via dimeric HCN. Molecular orbital calculations (INDO) show that the most probable structure for (HCN)2 is azacyclopropenylidenimine. Successive reactions of hydrogen cyanide with the reactive nitrile side chains of IV then yield heteropolyamidines which are converted by water to heteropolypeptides. To study this postulated modification of a homopolymer to a heteropolymer, poly-α-cyanoglycine (IX) was prepared from the N-carboxyanhydride of α-cyanoglycine. Hydrolysis of IX, a polyamide analog of the polyamidine IV, yielded glycine. However, when IX was hydrolysed after being treated with hydrogen cyanide, other α-amino acids were also obtained including alanine, serine, aspartic acid and glutamic acid, suggesting that the nitrile groups of IX (and therefore of IV) are indeed readily attacked by hydrogen cyanide as predicted. Further theoretical and experimental studies support the view that hydrogen cyanide polymerization along these lines is a universal process that accounts not only for the past formation of primitive proteins on Earth, but also for the yellow-brown-orange colors of Jupiter today and for the presence of water-soluble compounds hydrolyzable to α-amino acids in materials obtained from environments as diverse as the moon, carbonaceous chondrites and the reaction chambers used to simulate organic synthesis in planetary atmospheres.
Performance of a Thermoelectric Adsorption Heat Pump Vis-à-Vis Thermoelectric Device and Adsorption Heat Pump for Electronics Cooling Applications

Performance of ‘ThermoElectric (TE)’, ‘ThermoElectric-Adsorption (TEA)’ and Adsorption heat pumps has been compared, theoretically, for identical conditions. The TEA heat pump uses TE devices to drive heat regeneration for its adsorption cycle. While this increases the COP of the TEA heat pump, it also highlights the need to investigate if a TE device, when applied alone, could have outperformed the TEA and the Adsorption heat pumps. This becomes important in the context of cooling applications that only require cooling of a few degrees below ambient, and in cases where the ambient environment is thermally harsh. In the first context the TE devices pump heat across a lesser temperature difference with good COP that may outweigh the COP of a TEA or an Adsorption heat pump, in the second, the performance of TE device deteriorates due to high temperatures, and gains in overall COP of TEA heat pump due to heat regeneration become marginal. A heat rejection temperature range of 50 to 200 °C is considered for this investigation. Mathematical models for formulation of the COP of these systems are constructed and compared. It is observed that a TE device is preferable for cooling 20–30°C below the ambient. Beyond this range a TEA chiller is a good option.© 2012 ASME
An SDN Approach: Quality of Service using Big Switch’s Floodlight Open-source Controller

Quality of Service in today’s packet-switched networks have various effecting factors that include both technical and non-technical aspects. Such factors include the reliability of service, availability of service, delay, scalability, effectiveness, grade of service etc. These factors play an important role into how a particular network may treat and handle packets within a given network. Properties of packet-switched networks can cause low throughput, dropped packets, corruption errors, latency, jitter, disordered delivery and more. The role of SDN allows for network operating systems to gain greater governance of the control plane within a given network. Using this SDN approach and the specifications provided by OpenFlow (OF) 1.0[1] we show an approach to Quality of Service that is managed and defined by a centralized network controller.
Revisiting the Comparative Fallacy: A reply to Lakshmanan and Selinker, 2001.

In a recent airing of methodological concerns in the analysis of spontaneous speech samples, Lakshmanan and Selinker (2001) suggest that Lardiere (1998a) should have carried out analyses of lexical...
In search of efficacious executive veto authority

This study examines the effects of alternative executive veto structures in a model of the budgetary process. For the model examined it is shown that the outcome of the budgetary process must be contained in the Pareto set if the executive has either no veto authority or the authority to exercise an all-or-nothing veto. When the executive has item veto authority, however, the outcome need not be contained in the Pareto set.
Endophthalmitis Caused by Staphylococcus aureus

The medical records of 27 patients (27 eyes) with culture-positive Staphylococcus aureus endophthalmitis, diagnosed between December 1984 and February 1992, were reviewed. In 20 of the 27 eyes, endophthalmitis occurred within seven days of ocular surgery. All tested isolates were sensitive to vancomycin, gentamicin, and ceftazidime. In 13 eyes treated by initial vitrectomy and intraocular antibiotic injection, ten eyes achieved 20/400 or better visual acuity, compared to seven of 14 eyes in the initial vitreous tap and intraocular antibiotic injection group. For the eight eyes treated initially with intraocular corticosteroids, seven eyes achieved 20/400 or better visual acuity, compared to ten of 19 eyes in the group receiving no initial intraocular corticosteroids (P = .190). The use of vitrectomy and intraocular corticosteroids with intraocular antibiotics was associated with the best visual outcomes in this group of eyes with endophthalmitis caused by S. aureus.
Effects of the Arg-Pro and Gly-Gly-Nle Moieties on Melanocortin-1 Receptor Binding Affinities of α-MSH Peptides.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of the -Arg-Pro- (RP) and -Gly-Gly-Nle- (GGNle) moieties on the melanoma targeting and clearance properties of 99mTc-peptides. We synthesized four new peptides {Ac-GGNle-CCEHdFRWC-NH2, Ac-GGNle-CCEHdFRWCRP-NH2, Ac-CCEHdFRWC-NleGG-NH2, and Ac-CCEHdFRWCRP-NleGG-NH2} and determined their melanocortin-1 (MC1) receptor binding affinities in B16/F1 melanoma cells. Then we further examined the biodistribution properties of 99mTc-Ac-GGNle-CCEHdFRWCRP-NH2 and 99mTc-Ac-CCEHdFRWCRP-NleGG-NH2 in B16/F1 melanoma-bearing C57 mice. Overall, the -RP- moiety was critical for retaining low nanomolar MC1 receptor binding affinity. The deletion of the -RP- moiety dramatically reduced the receptor binding affinities of the peptides. The N-terminus was a better position than C-terminus for the -GGNle- moiety in retaining the lower renal and liver uptake. High melanoma uptake coupled with fast urinary clearance of 99mTc-Ac-GGNle-CCEHdFRWCRP-NH2 provided a new insight into the...
Native State Hydrogen Exchange Study of Suppressor and Pathogenic Variants of Transthyretin

Abstract Transthyretin (TTR) is an amyloidogenic protein whose aggregation is responsible for numerous familial amyloid diseases, the exact phenotype being dependent on the sequence deposited. Many familial disease variants display decreased stability in vitro , and early onset pathology in vivo . Only subtle structural differences were observed upon crystallographic comparison of the disease-associated variants to the T119M interallelic trans -suppressor. Herein three human TTR single amino acid variant homotetramers including two familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy (FAP) causing variants (V30M and L55P), and a suppressor variant T119M (known to protect V30M carriers from disease by trans -suppression) were investigated in a residue-specific fashion by monitoring 2 H– 1 H exchange employing NMR spectroscopy. The measured protection factors for slowly exchanging amide hydrogen atoms reveal destabilization of the protein core in the FAP variants, the core consisting of strands A, B, E and G and the loop between strands A and B. The same core exhibits much slower exchange in the suppressor variant. Accelerated exchange rates were observed for residues at the subunit interfaces in L55P, but not in the T119M or V30M TTR. The correlation between destabilization of the TTR core strands and the tendency for amyloid formation supports the view that these strands are involved in amyloidogenicity, consistent with previous 2 H– 1 H exchange analysis of the WT-TTR amyloidogenic intermediate.
The selective mGlu2/3 receptor antagonist LY341495 exacerbates behavioral signs of morphine withdrawal and morphine-withdrawal-induced activation of locus coeruleus neurons.

Abstract Previous research has demonstrated that mGlu2/3 agonists can decrease many behavioral signs and the activation of locus coeruleus (LC) neurons observed during morphine withdrawal. However, it is not known if mGlu2/3 receptors are activated during morphine withdrawal by endogenous glutamate. Therefore, we investigated the effect of a novel metabotropic glutamate 2, 3 (mGlu2/3) receptor antagonist (LY341495) on naltrexone-precipitated behavioral signs of morphine withdrawal and withdrawal-induced activation of LC neurons. Three levels of severity of morphine withdrawal (mild, moderate, and strong) were operationally defined by varying the exposure to morphine. Pretreatment with LY341495 (1 mg/kg, sc) had no affect on behavioral signs at the mild level of withdrawal, but significantly increased behavioral signs at the moderate level of withdrawal. At the strong level of withdrawal, 3 and 10 mg/kg, but not 1 mg/kg, LY341495 significantly increased the behavioral signs of withdrawal. In in vivo recordings from anesthetized rats, pretreatment with 1 mg/kg LY341495 did not affect the morphine-withdrawal-induced activation of LC neurons at the mild level of withdrawal. At the moderate level of withdrawal, 1 and 10 mg/kg LY341495 did not affect morphine-withdrawal-induced activation of LC neurons. At the strong level of withdrawal, both 1 and 10 mg/kg LY341495 significantly increased morphine-withdrawal-induced activation of LC neurons. These results indicate that endogenous activation of mGlu2/3 receptors during morphine withdrawal acts to reduce the severity of morphine withdrawal and demonstrates that mGlu2/3 receptors are activated under a physiologically relevant, pathological condition.