cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The need for, and implementation of, image guidance in radiation therapy.

The introduction of image guidance in radiation therapy and its subsequent innovations have revolutionised the delivery of cancer treatment. Modern imaging systems can supplement and often replace ...
Viscoelastic Behavior of Poly(Methyl Methacrylate): Prediction of Extensional Response from Torsional Data

Some years ago Rivlin1 showed that for certain deformations, one can treat isochronal data from single step stress relaxation experiments on viscoelastic materials in the same fashion as if the data were obtained for an elastic material. We have conducted single step stress relaxation experiments on cylinders of poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) where we measured torque and normal force responses as functions of time and angle of twist. By assuming that torsion is an isocholic motion and that volume effects are separable, we obtained isochronal values for ∂W/∂Il and ∂W/∂I2. Our results showed that ∂W/∂I1 is negative while ∂W/∂I2 is positive and greater in magnitude than ∂W/∂I1. These findings led to the possibility of explaining the phenomenon observed by Sternstein and Ho3 that the single step stress relaxation response of PMMA is different in torsion than in simple extension. Specifically, it was found that the rate of decay of the stress with respect to time is significantly higher in torsion than in extension. This phenomenon was observed at small strains where the stress responses in both torsion and extension were linear in the appropriate strain measure. The difference could not be accounted for either in terms of a time dependent Poisson’s ratio or the material compressibility.
Adhesion and Chemotaxis as Determinants of Bacterial Association with Mucosal Surfaces

Earlier work from this laboratory had shown that local immunity in experimental cholera was mediated by an inhibition of bacterial adhesion to the mucosa in the presence of local antibody (1). During subsequent years, the analogous phenomenon has been observed by other workers with a variety of microorganisms and with a variety of immunoglobulin classes, including IgA (2). Since that time it has also become clear, however, that the seemingly simple phenomenon of “adhesion” to the wall of the small intestine is actually quite complex and can be differentiated into 3 distinct steps: a) the ability to approach and make contact with the surface of the mucus gel, b) penetration and trapping in the mucus gel or adhesion to components of this substance and c) adhesion to the brush-border surface of the epithelial cells. It is quite likely that each one of these steps may be inhibited by a distinct mechanism of local immunity. It is therefore important to study these steps in more detail.
Ultrafast Wave Packet, Coherent Control and Dissociation Dynamics

This chapter presents results from several experiments where electronic and vibrational wavepackets created by multiphoton excitation are resolved by outgoing electron energies and angular distributions. In all cases, the dynamics are treated in greater detail due to the detection method of photoelectron spectroscopy. In one example, a superposition of excited electronic states in krypton atoms is created. By measuring the time-resolved photoelectron spectrum, beat frequencies are extracted due to the states that are coherently populated. These results demonstrate the ability to employ strong pump laser fields to significantly perturb the electronic states, creating well-defined coherent superpositions that persist after the strong field pulse is finished. The selectivity of this method is verified in the Fourier transformation of the time-dependent signal and shows that the beat frequencies are well resolved.
Technology-Knowledge Diffusion Patterns in the United States

This paper will discuss methods for identifying and tracking transfers of technology between economic sectors and across national borders. It begins by first outlining recent developments in U.S. science and technology policy and then follows with selected indicators of intersectoral co-operation in the United States. Evidence of the importance of partnering was also uncovered in a 1994 pilot innovation study and the paper will briefly describe those findings. Finally, indicators of technology diffusion between nations will be examined using U.S. data on trade in advanced technology products and in intellectual property.
Multiple Effects of Serotonin on Membrane Properties of Trigeminal Motoneurons In Vitro

Hsiao, C. F., P. R. Trueblood, M. S. Levine, and S. H. Chandler. Multiple effects of serotonin on membrane properties of trigeminal motoneurons in vitro. J. Neurophysiol. 77: 2910–2924, 1997. Intra...
Chapter 5 - Vector Spaces, Hilbert Spaces, and the L 2 Space

This chapter reviews the definitions and properties of finite dimensional vector spaces based on an algebraic approach. Isomorphism is a one-to-one and onto mapping between two mathematical entities, which preserves the structure of those entities (whether the structure is connectivity in a graph or the binary operation in a group). The structure in a vector space consists of scalar multiplication and vector addition, and that is why isomorphism is defined from this perspective. The Fundamental Theorem of Finite-Dimensional Vector Spaces postulates that an n -dimensional vector space over scalar field R is isomorphic to R n . Similarly, an n -dimensional vector space over scalar field C is isomorphic to C n . As opposed to writing any element of the vector space as a finite linear combination of basis vectors, it is desirable to write any element as a series of basis vectors. Hilbert spaces have much of the associated geometry of familiar vector spaces because they are endowed with an inner product. A vector space with a norm is a normed linear space. A normed linear space, which is complete with respect to the norm is a Banach space. That is, a Banach space is a normed linear space in which Cauchy sequences converge.
Vibration analysis of simulated tyre-vehicle system using frequency-based substructuring

There is a complex relationship between tyre dynamics and the overall ride comfort and noise of a given vehicle. The main source of this complexity is the interaction of the tyre and vehicle subsystems. This interaction is investigated in the present work through an application of frequency-based substructuring techniques to obtain frequency response information for the tyre from a quarter car system. First, these techniques are applied to a simplified, single coupling degree of freedom representation of the quarter car system. Subsequently, the process is repeated for a simulated system containing a rigid ring tyre model. The results show the power of the technique for studying tyre and suspension subsystems as parts of the assembled quarter car system. This process will allow for a more precise estimation of vehicle ride properties without the need to create complex models or test physical models for each tyre-suspension combination.
Thermal Management of Vehicle Cabins, External Surfaces, and Onboard Electronics: An Overview

Abstract Reducing heat accumulation within vehicles and ensuring appropriate vehicular temperature levels can lead to enhanced vehicle fuel economy, range, reliability, longevity, passenger comfort, and safety. Advancements in vehicle thermal management remain key as new technologies, consumer demand, societal concerns, and government regulations emerge and evolve. This study summarizes several recent advances in vehicle thermal management technology and modeling, with a focus on three key areas: the cabin, electronics, and exterior components of vehicles. Cabin-related topics covered include methods for reducing thermal loads and improving heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems; and advancements in window glazing/tinting and vehicle surface treatments. For the thermal management of electronics, including batteries and insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs), active and passive cooling methods that employ heat pipes, heat sinks, jet impingement, forced convection, and phase-change materials are discussed. Finally, efforts to model and enhance the heat transfer of exterior vehicular components are reviewed while considering drag/friction forces and environmental effects. Despite advances in the field of vehicle thermal management, challenges still exist; this article provides a broad summary of the major issues, with recommendations for further study.
The impact of preoperative opioid use on outcomes after elective colorectal surgery: A propensity-matched comparison study

Abstract Background The impact of recent preoperative opioid exposure on outcomes of colorectal surgery is unclear. Our aim was to evaluate the impact of preoperative opioid use on outcomes and opioid prescribing patterns after colorectal surgery. Methods We performed a retrospective review of all patients undergoing elective resection at a single institution from 2015 to 2017. Primary outcomes included in-hospital narcotic use and cost. Secondary outcomes included postoperative surgical outcomes and discharge prescribing patterns. Results A total of 390 patients underwent elective colorectal surgery, of whom 63 (16%) had a recent history of preoperative opioid use. Opioid users had similar age, sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, and operative indication compared with opioid-naive patients (P > .05 for each). Postoperatively, the 30-day readmission rate was greater among opioid users (18% vs 9%, P = .03). Opioid users had greater total narcotic use (218 morphine milligram equivalents vs 111 morphine milligram equivalents, P = .04) and direct costs ($11,165 vs $8,911, P Conclusion Recent preoperative opioid exposure among colorectal surgery patients was associated with increased opioid consumption and costs. Moreover, unadjusted analysis was pertinent for more readmissions after surgery among preoperative opioid users. This work underscores the negative impact of preoperative, chronic opioid use on surgical outcomes and highlights the need for developing protocols to minimize perioperative narcotics.
Sodium Knowledge, Beliefs, and Behaviors in Patients on Chronic Hemodialysis.

Introduction There is a clear relationship between sodium intake and blood pressure in patients on chronic hemodialysis (HEMO). To date, there are few studies that assess sodium knowledge, beliefs, and behaviors in patients on chronic HEMO. The purpose of this research study was to determine sodium knowledge, beliefs and behaviors in patients on chronic HEMO. Methods A descriptive correlational study was conducted using an investigator developed online sodium knowledge, beliefs, and behaviors survey. Participants were recruited via nephrology social media websites. Findings One hundred and fourteen participants completed the survey, the majority of participants (n = 39, 34.2%) were between the ages of 36 and 50 years, 55.3% (n = 63) were female, and 70% (n = 80) were white. Fifty-four participants (47%) could not identify their recommended salt intake limit. Participants answered an average of 4 out of 7 questions pertaining to sodium knowledge correctly (SD 1.5). Increased age was associated with total sodium knowledge (r = 0.33, p= 0.01) and length of time on HEMO was related to total sodium knowledge (r = -0.20, p = 0.04). In terms of beliefs, 38% (n = 44) were unsure or did not believe that salt intake was related to blood pressure and 30% (n = 33) did not feel it was related to fluid gains. Forty-two participants (37%) responded that they were not informed by a health care provider to cut down their salt intake. Discussion Knowledge about sodium levels is lacking in patients on chronic HEMO. Patients may be more likely to decrease their sodium intake if they know their recommended sodium levels. Health care providers are not doing enough to educate patients on the need to decrease sodium intake and reinforce the relationship between sodium intake, fluid gains, and blood pressure. Findings from this study are useful to help develop educational programs to target these knowledge needs.
Deep Generative Models With Data Augmentation to Learn Robust Representations of Movement Intention for Powered Leg Prostheses

Intent recognition is a data-driven alternative to expert-crafted rules for triggering transitions between pre-programmed activity modes of a powered leg prosthesis. Movement-related signals from prosthesis sensors detected prior to movement completion are used to predict the upcoming activity. Usually, training data comprised of labeled examples of each activity are necessary; however, the process of collecting a sufficiently large and rich training dataset from an amputee population is tedious. In addition, covariate shift can have detrimental effects on a controller’s prediction accuracy if the classifier’s learned representation of movement intention is not robust enough. Our objective was to develop and evaluate techniques to learn robust representations of movement intention using data augmentation and deep neural networks. In an offline analysis of data collected from four amputee subjects across three days each, we demonstrate that our approach produced realistic synthetic sensor data that helped reduce error rates when training and testing on different days and different users. Our novel approach introduces an effective and generalizable strategy for augmenting wearable robotics sensor data, challenging a pre-existing notion that rehabilitation robotics can only derive limited benefit from state-of-the-art deep learning techniques typically requiring more vast amounts of data.
Building a Service Corps: Using Capacity Building Strategies to Promote Service-Learning and Social Entrepreneurship Within a Higher Education Consortium

This article entails a case analysis of a sample of schools from a higher education network or consortium in partnership with The Algernon Sydney Sullivan Foundation. The Foundation seeks to empower students and communities through civic engagement and social entrepreneurship. A primary mechanism for doing so is by developing and cultivating a network of 70 colleges and universities, thereby enabling the Foundation’s capacity to educate and prepare nearly 250,000 collegians for life-long and intentional careers in social change-making. To assist with this endeavor, the Foundation commissioned this study to assess the existing service corps and social entrepreneurship framework of its partner institutions. Using a capacity-building framework, the study includes findings from a survey of existing service-learning and social entrepreneurship programs and initiatives as well as recommendations for strengthening the Sullivan network or higher education consortium to provide more formal service-learning and social entrepreneurial experiences for collegians.
The Harlem Renaissance and Blacks’ Employment in Cultural Expression Occupations

Was the 1920s Harlem Renaissance an era of expanding opportunities for blacks to become artists, writers, musicians, and entertainers in the premier black communities of Harlem (New York) and Bronzeville (Chicago)? The present study addresses this question by analyzing location quotients, calculated with Census data for 1910–1940, of blacks’ representation in these cultural expression occupations in New York and Chicago, relative to all other US places. Results show that blacks’ representation in most cultural expression occupations increased only slightly or fell precipitously in New York and Chicago in the 1920s, implying that many blacks who aspired to enter such pursuits in the two cities were discouraged or pushed out by occupational saturation. The study concludes that during the Harlem Renaissance, blacks’ cultural expression employment—a key dimension of blacks’ placemaking—in Harlem and Bronzeville lacked the support anticipated by many studies of urbanism and early twentieth-century black communities.
Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use by Patients From the Gulf Region Seen in the International Practice of a Tertiary Care Medical Center.

BackgroundPatients from various countries may have unique patterns of using complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and unique reasons for using it.ObjectiveOur objective was to assess the use...
Subsidies for Sale: Post-government Career Concerns, Revolving-Door Channels, and Public Resource Misallocation in China

While the existing literature focuses on how revolving-door officials deliver favorable government treatment to firms after leaving public office, this paper theorizes that the post-government career concerns of public officials distort public resource allocation while still in office. To test this theory, I construct a new dataset that links over 98,000 corporate subsidy programs approved by multiple levels of governments with revolving-door officials who joined publicly listed Chinese firms between 2007 and 2019. I show that forward-looking officials provide sizable favorable subsidies to their future employers. To verify the exchange of favors, I document that firms repay public officials who have provided favorable subsidies by hiring and paying them enormous amounts of cash compensation. Finally, I find that the reputation cost is the mechanism through which this quid pro quo relationship is sustained.
Investment choice architecture in trust games: When

While many economic interactions feature “All-or-Nothing” options nudging investors towards going “all-in,” such designs may unintentionally affect reciprocity. We manipulate the investor’s action space in two versions of the “trust game.” In one version investors can invest either “all” their endowment or “nothing.” In the other version, they can invest any amount of the endowment. Consistent with our intentions based model, we show that “all-or-nothing” designs coax more investment but limit investors’ demonstrability of intended trust. As a result, “all-in” investors are less generously reciprocated than when they can invest any amount, where full investments are a clearer signal of trustworthiness.
Uncertainty analysis and stochastic characterization of carbon nanotube-based mass sensor with multiple deposited nanoparticles

Abstract Input uncertainties on the location, mass, and geometry of multiple deposited nanoparticles for carbon nanotube-based mass sensor are investigated. The carbon nanotube (CNT) is modeled as an Euler-Bernoulli beam with end constrained boundary conditions and Eringen’s nonlocal elasticity theory to account for size-dependent phenomena. Additionally, the displacement field of the CNT is broken up into components to the left and right of each deposited particle. Utilizing the Hamilton’s principle and the discretized displacement fields, the nonlocal governing equations of motion, boundary conditions, and continuity conditions at the deposited particle locations are derived. The effects of the particle location, mass, and geometry on the inherent frequency shifts before and after deposition are studied. Following these parametric studies, sensitivity analysis and uncertainty quantification methods are applied for two different nominal configurations of the mass sensor. The importance of the input parameters is deeply discussed, focusing especially on the location effects on the first and second natural frequency shifts. It is shown that increasing the mass and size of the particle increases the overall frequency shift, while varying the location of the particles does not strictly lead to increased frequency shifts. Finally, it is shown that due to the high number of input parameters, there are multiple particle configurations that lead to identical frequency shifts. These findings may be used by other researchers to extend the usability, usefulness, and characterization of mass detection devices.
Clinical Workflow for Planning and Treating Palliative Patients on Diagnostic Images

Purpose/Objective(s) Care coordination for inpatients requiring palliative radiotherapy remains a challenge. One such challenge is timely CT simulation. Previously published data demonstrate that rapid radiotherapy delivery is associated with improved patient satisfaction and reduced duration of hospitalization. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of eliminating RT simulation from the current clinical workflow for palliative patients by using diagnostic images as the primary image dataset. Materials/Methods A cohort of 11 previously treated palliative patients were identified. Treatment sites evaluated included spine (4), sacrum (2), shoulder (1), lung (1), humerus (1), pelvis (1) and whole brain (1). Diagnostic CT images on a curved couch without RT immobilization were used to generate diagnostic plans. The diagnostic plans were copied and recalculated on corresponding simulation CT images, which were the clinically used datasets for planning and treatment. For the whole brain patient who only had a diagnostic MRI, a synthetic CT scan was generated with brain, muscle, adipose and bone overridden following ICRU 44. Anatomic surrogates were aligned to couch indexing notches to avoid large shift during patient setup. The quality of diagnostic imaging based treatment plans were compared against traditional CT simulation based plans by a group of physicians. Results All diagnostic plans, except the shoulder, were clinically acceptable. Minor dose distribution deviation from the previously approved clinical plans were noted, but were not clinically significant, as illustrated in the table. The average change in maximum point dose was 0.1 Gy, ranged between -0.8 Gy and 0.5 Gy. Change in PTV D95 and V95 ranged from -1.3% to 0.5%, and from 0% to 2.8%, respectively. The rejected shoulder case was secondary to a limited field of view (FOV) on the diagnostic images. However, a limited FOV may be corrected through estimation of missing tissue or more appropriate diagnostic image selection. The impact from CT calibration and anatomy change on different couches was negligible. Conclusion A clinical workflow to generate treatment plans on diagnostic imaging was developed. This workflow eliminates the need for formal CT simulation, allowing for expedited radiotherapy. Diagnostic imaging based treatment plans were deemed to be clinically acceptable after careful quality and dosimetric assessment against traditional CT simulation based treatment plans. Limitations of the new workflow were identified and iterative improvements are currently underway.
Analysis of ash emissions from the 2020 Nishinoshima eruption using ASTER thermal infrared orbital data

Abstract The 2020 eruption of the Nishinoshima volcano, Japan, emplaced new lava flows as well as numerous ash plumes from explosive eruptions. Several of these plumes were imaged by the Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and reflection Radiometer (ASTER) as part of the Urgent Request Protocol (URP) during July 2020. Linear spectral deconvolution was used to model ASTER thermal infrared (TIR) data using the ASTER Volcanic Ash Library (AVAL), a spectral library containing volcanic ash compositional and particle size range end members. The airborne ash plume best matched the andesite library end member suites having a significant fine ( 63 μm were also detected downwind, and distally around the cloud edges, assumed due to sampling of lower levels of the plume containing these larger particles even as the optical depth remains high. These results demonstrate that both composition and particle size variations within a plume can be estimated from the high spatial and spectral resolution ASTER TIR data using this approach, provided that representative spectral end members are present in AVAL and where the plume remains opaque to upwelling radiance.
Posttraumatic Stress in Children following Natural and Human­ Made Trauma

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may represent one of the most profound consequences of exposure to a stressor. Although the disorder has been included as a diagnostic category in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Dis orders (DSM-III) (American Psychiatric Association, 1980), its symptoms resemble severe chronic stress and expression of these symptoms may not necessarily reflect psychopathology (Davidson & Baum, 1986). Despite the fact that the disorder is well documented in adults, less is known about the potential for a similar syndrome to develop in childhood. The severe traumas that children may experience, ranging from the kind of hostage situation at Cokeville, Wyoming, in 1986, to more common experiences of abuse or the witnessing of havoc or homicide, can produce stress symptoms in such children.
Intersectional Needs Politics: A Policy Frame for the Wicked Problem of Disproportionality

The disproportionate representation of poor, working class, and racial/ethnic minority students in special education is a wicked policy problem because its formulation involves choosing among alternative problem interpretations and associated consequences. Integrating the work of Patricia Hill Collins and Nancy Fraser, the authors propose intersectional needs politics as a two-part meta-frame for conceptualizing the disproportionality problem, which they use to show how an interplay of individual and structural forces has shaped the relationship between oppression and activism in the disability rights and civil rights movements, and to argue that framing disproportionality solely as a problem of special education practice ignores a key institutional function of special education in an unequal, stratifi ed, and racialized education system. They also use the meta-frame to show how provisions of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act perpetuate the disproportionality problem and on this basis offer ...
The feasibility of use of civilian EMC standards by military organizations

Comparison of military EMC requirements with corresponding civilian standards shows many differences. Although in most cases there are parallel documents, and measurement techniques and limits show much agreement, it is likely that civilian standards can be substituted for military standards with some limitations. Eventually, steps can be taken to bring the two groups of standards much closer together. >
Effect of sucrose octasulfate on isolated gastric cells.

Sucralfate, which is an aluminum salt of the sulfated disaccharide sucrose octasulfate, has been shown to promote healing of experimental gastric ulcers in rats and duodenal ulcers in humans. 1 Sucralfate has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration as therapy for duodenal ulcers, both for healing and as prophylaxis against recurrence. The mechanisms whereby sucralfate exerts its salutary effects on gastric and duodenal mucosa are insufficiently understood. In 1991, McCarthy listed the possible actions of sucralfate to include antipeptic effects, cytoprotective effects, actions on arachidonic acid metabolites, mucus, and bicarbonate, and finally effects on tissue growth, regeneration, and repair. 1 However, he did not consider whether sucralfate or sucrose octasulfate, its presumed active constituent, could either promote ulcer healing or prevent ulcer recurrence by influencing the secretion by the stomach of either acid or regulatory peptides.
High-resolution detection system for time-of-flight electron spectrometry

Abstract One of the key components of a time-of-flight (TOF) spectrometer is the detection system. In addition to high timing resolution, accurate two-dimensional imaging substantially broadens the areas of applications of TOF spectrometers; for example, add a new dimension to angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES). In this paper we report on the recent developments of a high spatial ( The electron detection system reported in the paper was developed for the TOF ARPES experiments at the Advanced Light Source, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
Development and characterization of interface coatings in molybdenum-reinforced NiAl matrix composites

The use of simple processing schemes to modify the interface in molybdenum-reinforced NiAl is described. Initial studies revealed that at high temperatures, intermediate barrier layers are required to prevent interdiffusion between NiAl and molybdenum. Two different processing schemes to produce interface layers of Mo2C are described. It is shown that Mo2C can be formed by alloying NiAl with small additions of carbon or by carburizing molybdenum externally to form a layer of Mo2C on the surface prior to bonding it with NiAl. The advantages, disadvantages, and generality of these approaches are presented.
Activity of Vitamin B12 in the Growth of Chicks.

SummaryVitamin B12 administered orally or parenterally completely counteracted a thyrotoxic condition in chicks produced by feeding a basal ration containing 0.05% iodinated casein. A level of 0.75 γ vitamin B12 per 100 g of ration resulted in a half maximal growth response. At a level of 1.5 γ vitamin B12 per 100 g of ration the growth response after a two week test period was 88 g compared to 86 g for a group supplemented with 3% condensed fish solubles. A response of 72 g resulted from the intramuscular injection of 0.1 γ vitamin B12 per bird per day.Pure vitamin B12 can replace the animal protein factor activity of condensed fish Solubles and injectable liver preparations.
Fluxless Wafer Bonding in Vacuum Using Electroplated Sn–Ag Layers

A wafer-to-wafer bonding process using Sn-Ag solder without any flux is successfully developed. This fluxless or flux-free feature makes void-free and uniform bonding layers possible. This is in contrast to the fluxing process employed in nearly all soldering processes adapted in the electronic industry. With the use of flux, the flux or flux residues are easily trapped in the solder joint, resulting in voids and uneven solder layers. This is particularly true if the bonding area is large, such as the entire wafer. Thus, void-free wafer bonding using solders has never been reported. It is thus clear that the key to achieve void-free wafer soldering is to eliminate flux completely. The new fluxless process is performed in a vacuum furnace built in house to inhibit solder oxidation. To prevent oxidation during solder manufacturing, a thin Ag capping layer is plated over the Sn layer right after the Sn layer is plated over an entire 2-in silicon wafer having Cr/Au under bump metallurgy (UBM). This outer Ag layer is critical in preventing the inner Sn layer from oxidation when the wafer is exposed to air. The Si wafer with Cr/Au/Sn/Ag structure is bonded with another Si wafer with Cr/Au at 240degC in the vacuum furnace. To evaluate the joint quality and study the microstructure and composition, scanning acoustic microscopy (SAM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) are used. A solder joint with only 1% void area is accomplished. The initial success of this process illustrates that it is indeed possible to bond entire wafers together with a thin metallic joint of high quality. This fluxless bonding technique can be extended to bonding wafers of different materials for new device and packaging applications.
Visual compliance: task-directed visual servo control

This paper introduces visual compliance, a new vision-based control scheme that lends itself to task-level specification of manipulation goals. Visual compliance is effected by a hybrid vision/position control structure. Specifically, the two degrees of freedom parallel to the image plane of a supervisory camera are controlled using visual feedback, and the remaining degree of freedom (perpendicular to the camera image plane) is controlled using position feedback provided by the robot joint encoders. With visual compliance, the motion of the end effector is constrained so that the tool center of the end effector maintains "contact" with a specified projection ray of the imaging system. This type of constrained motion can be exploited for grasping, parts mating, and assembly. The authors begin by deriving the projection equations for the vision system. They then derive equations used to position the manipulator prior to the execution of visual compliant motion. Following this, the authors derive the hybrid Jacobian matrix that is used to effect visual compliance. Experimental results are given for a number of scenarios, including grasping using visual compliance. >
Computers for field artillery

A Field Artillery forward observer moving with an infantry company in the attack throws himself down behind a small outcropping of rock. He glances at the plastic coated map in his right hand; he sets the dials on a small device he holds in his left hand. He presses a button. In less than 3 minutes lethal volleys from two batteries of Field Artillery fall on the area occupied by the enemy recoilless rifles and automatic weapons which have been holding up our advance. The enemy weapons are silenced. The observer again turns dials on his hand message generator and presses the "SEND" button. He has reported the results of the fire.
Assay for Influenza Virus Endonuclease Using DNA Polymerase Extension of a Specific Cleavage Product

Abstract The synthesis of influenza virus mRNA requires primers generated by cleavage of host cell transcripts 10–13 nucleotides from the 5′ end by a virally encoded endonuclease. This novel enzyme is an attractive target for the development of antiviral agents. An assay for the influenza virus endonuclease has been developed that monitors the substrate cleavage reaction only at the correct position in the sequence, thereby discriminating against nonspecific RNA cleavage products. The influenza endonuclease assay is sensitive enough to detect 200 amol of product. The assay employs a DNA polymerase-catalyzed extension of the endonuclease cleavage product using radiolabeled dGTP and a DNA template containing a 3′ region complementary to the product joined to a 5′ region consisting of 10 dC residues. The influenza endonuclease assay does not involve gel electrophoretic separation and is amenable to high volume screening of potential inhibitors. The assay may also be employed to determine the site of influenza endonucleolytic cleavage in the substrate.
T-phase Observations in Northern California: Acoustic to Seismic Coupling at a Weakly Elastic Boundary

Plans for a hydroacoustic network intended to monitor compliance with the CTBT call for the inclusion of five T-phase stations situated at optimal locations for the detection of seismic phases converted from ocean-borne T phases. We examine factors affecting the sensitivity of land-based stations to the seismic T phase. The acoustic to seismic coupling phenomenon is described by upslope propagation of an acoustic ray impinging at a sloping elastic wedge. We examine acoustic to seismic coupling characteristics for two cases; the first in which the shear velocity of the bottom is greater than the compressional velocity of the fluid (i.e., vp > vs > vw), the second is a weakly elastic solid in which vs ≪ vw vw we show that acoustic energy couples primarily to shear wave energy, except at very high slope angles. We show that the weakly elastic solid (i.e., vs ≪ vw) behaves nearly like a fluid bottom, with acoustic energy coupling to both P and S waves even at low slope angles.
Determination of PPARγ Activity in Adipose Tissue and Spleen

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARγ) is a nuclear transcription factor that regulates many genes and is involved in extensive biological functions. Accurately determining PPARγ activity in various tissues is important to understanding mechanisms of human physiology and pathophysiology. Thus, we evaluated a PPARγ DNA binding immunoassay using nuclear extracts of spleen and adipose tissue from rats treated with rosiglitazone (20 mg/kg in food, seven days, n = 6) or vehicle (n = 6) and compared the results to mRNA expression of PPARγ target genes--a well-established method to investigate PPARγ activity. In adipose tissue, the PPARγ immunoassay showed that rosiglitazone did not change PPARγ binding, but qPCR analysis showed that expression of two PPARγ target genes, CD36 and liver X receptor-α, were significantly increased. In spleen, the PPARγ immunoassay showed that rosiglitazone decreased PPARγ binding, but qPCR analysis showed no significant change. The different results obtained between PPARγ binding immunoassay and target gene expression suggest that PPARγ immunoassays may not be suitable when used with fresh homogenates of spleen and adipose tissue. Validation of the assay with each individual tissue is recommended.
An Inhomogeneous Semilinear Equation in Entire Space

Abstract Necessary conditions and a priori estimates are obtained for the inhomogeneous semilinear equationΔu+up+f(x)=0 in R n. Also, several existence theorems are proved given explicit conditions on the inhomogeneous termf.
TRANSPORTATION REGIONS AND THE EASTWARD INTEGRATION OF EUROPE

Transportation facilities and performance indicate the prospects for East-West integration in Europe. The purpose of this study is to identify and delineate regions that present particular challenges for the optimistic enlargement policy of the European Union (EU). A sequence of statistical methods – correlation, regression, and cluster analysis – reveal that the East-West dichotomy between former communist and non-communist countries was still the strongest cleavage in Europe as recently as 1997. Secondary cleavages include western subgroups – more or less road oriented – and three eastern subgroups – a Central and Eastern European (CEE) core, southeastern countries, and particularly underdeveloped countries that also have southeasterly location. Results of four cluster methods persistently reveal differences between the established EU members (15 as of 2003) and the eight former communist countries included in the 2004 accession. They also indicate that the eight are, indeed, the best candidates from the former Soviet bloc.
Design, Synthesis, and Antifolate Activity of New Analogues of Piritrexim and Other Diaminopyrimidine Dihydrofolate Reductase Inhibitors with ω-Carboxyalkoxy or ω-Carboxy-1-alkynyl Substitution in the Side Chain

As part of a search for dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) inhibitors combining the high potency of piritrexim (PTX) with the high antiparasitic vs mammalian selectivity of trimethoprim (TMP), the heretofore undescribed 2,4-diamino-6-(2',5'-disubstituted benzyl)pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidines 6-14 with O-(omega-carboxyalkyl) or omega-carboxy-1-alkynyl groups on the benzyl moiety were synthesized and tested against Pneumocystis carinii, Toxoplasma gondii, and Mycobacterium avium DHFR vs rat DHFR. Three N-(2,4-diaminopteridin-6-yl)methyl)-2'-(omega-carboxy-1-alkynyl)dibenz[b,f]azepines (19-21) were also synthesized and tested. The pyridopyrimidine with the best combination of potency and selectivity was 2,4-diamino-5-methyl-6-[2'-(5-carboxy-1-butynyl)-5'-methoxy]benzyl]pyrimidine (13), with an IC(50) value of 0.65 nM against P. carinii DHFR, 0.57 nM against M. avium DHFR, and 55 nM against rat DHFR. The potency of 13 against P. carinii DHFR was 20-fold greater than that of PTX (IC(50) = 13 nM), and its selectivity index (SI) relative to rat DHFR was 85, whereas PTX was nonselective. The activity of 13 against P. carinii DHFR was 20 000 times greater than that of TMP, with an SI of 96, whereas that of TMP was only 14. However 13 was no more potent than PTX against M. avium DHFR, and its SI was no better than that of TMP. Molecular modeling dynamics studies using compounds 10 and 13 indicated a slight binding preference for the latter, in qualitative agreement with the IC(50) data. Among the pteridines, the most potent against P. carinii DHFR and M. avium DHFR was the 2'-(5-carboxy-1-butynyl)dibenz[b,f]azepinyl derivative 20 (IC(50) = 2.9 nM), whereas the most selective was the 2'-(5-carboxy-1-pentynyl) analogue 21, with SI values of >100 against both P. carinii and M. avium DHFR relative to rat DHFR. The final compound, 2,4-diamino-5-[3'-(4-carboxy-1-butynyl)-4'-bromo-5'-methoxybenzyl]pyrimidine (22), was both potent and selective against M. avium DHFR (IC(50) = 0.47 nM, SI = 1300) but was not potent or selective against either P. carinii or T. gondii DHFR.
Boomers and their Babies: An Exploratory Study Comparing Psychological Profiles and Advertising Appeal Effectiveness Across Two Generations

In two studies, consumer values, personality traits, and responses to various advertising appeals were examined for intergenerational differences between Baby Boomers and Generation Y. As hypothesized, Gen Y consumers displayed higher levels of materialism and brand-signaling importance, and lower levels of religiosity than did Baby Boomers. Gen Y consumers also showed higher levels of self-monitoring and lower levels of dispositional guilt and empathic concern. With respect to advertising appeals, Gen Y consumers reported more positive attitudes toward image, extravagance, sex, and greed appeals than did Baby Boomers. Practical implications of these findings and ideas for future research are presented.
The Task Force as an Instrument for Personnel Planning for the Handicapped.

(1982). The task force as an instrument for personnel planning for the handicapped. Theory Into Practice: Vol. 21, Exceptional Children in the Schools, pp. 134-138.
Basement radon entry and stack driven moisture infiltration reduced by active soil depressurization

Abstract This case study presents measurements of radon and moisture infiltration from soil gases into the basement of an unoccupied research house in Madison, Wisconsin, over two full years. The basement floor and exterior walls were constructed with preservative-treated lumber and plywood. In addition to continuous radon monitoring, measurements included building air tightness, indoor–outdoor pressure difference, indoor and outdoor temperature and relative humidity, wood moisture content, and tracer gas decay. A single-zone air infiltration model was calibrated based on tracer gas measurements. Soil moisture infiltration was determined by mass conservation after accounting for all other moisture flows: humidification, air exchange, diffusion through the above-grade building envelope, sorption in hygroscopic materials, and moisture removal by air conditioning. A moisture balance methodology used in previous work was validated and improved here by including two time scales in the sorption modeling. Active soil depressurization was applied and shown to reduce both radon and soil moisture infiltration. The stack effect is shown to correlate well with soil moisture infiltration but does not fully explain radon entry.
Laparoscopic longitudinal gastrectomy and duodenojejunostomy for treatment of diabetic gastroparesis

i g t t b Gastroparesis is a chronic motility disorder of the stomach characterized by delayed gastric emptying in the absence of mechanical obstruction [1]. Severe gastroparesis that is refractory to medical management results in malnutrition and recurrent hospitalizations. No consensus has been reached regarding the treatment of patients with gastroparesis that failed medical therapy [1]. Randomized controlled trials of intrapyloric botulinum toxin injection [2] and gastric electrical stimulation [3] have failed to improve he rate of gastric emptying or associated symptoms. Traitional surgical approaches, including completion or subotal gastrectomy, have been poorly studied [4]. Sleeve gastrectomy performed for morbid obesity is asociated with increased gastric emptying [5]. This proceure removes the greater curvature of the stomach, leaving residual gastric tube based on the lesser curvature blood upply. The mechanism by which sleeve gastrectomy inreases gastric emptying is not known. However, this mechnism might be therapeutic if reproduced in a diabetic astroparesis case. We present a case in which laparoscopic longitudinal gasrectomy and duodenojejunostomy were successful for the reatment of refractory diabetic gastroparesis and diabetes.
UPTAKE AND RELEASE OF NITROGEN BY THE MACROALGAE GRACILARIA VERMICULOPHYLLA (RHODOPHYTA)1

Macroalgae, often the dominant primary producers in shallow estuaries, can be important regulators of nitrogen (N) cycling. Like phytoplankton, actively growing macroalgae release N to the water column; yet little is known about the quantity or nature of this release. Using 15 N labeling in laboratory and field experiments, we estimated the quantity of N released relative to assimilation and gross uptake by Gracilaria vermiculophylla (Ohmi) Papenfuss (Rhodophyta, Gracilariales), a non-native macroalgae. Field experiments were carried out in Hog Island Bay, a shallow back-barrier lagoon on the Virginia coast where G. vermiculophylla makes up 85%-90% of the biomass. There was good agreement between laboratory and field measurements of N uptake and release. Daily N assimilation in field experiments (32.3 ± 7.2 μmol N g dw -1 · d -1 ) was correlated with seasonal and local N availability. The average rate of N release across all sites and dates (65.8 ± 11.6 μmol N·g dw -1 · d -1 ) was 67% of gross daily uptake, and also varied among sites and seasons (range = 33%-99%). Release was highest when growth rates and nutrient availability were low, possibly due to senescence during these periods. During summer biomass peaks, estimated N release from macroalgal mats was as high as 17 mmol N m -2 · d -1 . Our results suggest that most estimates of macroalgal N uptake severely underestimate gross N uptake and that N is taken up, transformed, and released to the water column on short time scales (minutes-hours).
Multiparametric tissue abnormality characterization using manifold regularization

Tissue abnormality characterization is a generalized segmentation problem which aims at determining a continuous score that can be assigned to the tissue which characterizes the extent of tissue deterioration, with completely healthy tissue being one end of the spectrum and fully abnormal tissue such as lesions, being on the other end. Our method is based on the assumptions that there is some tissue that is neither fully healthy or nor completely abnormal but lies in between the two in terms of abnormality; and that the voxel-wise score of tissue abnormality lies on a spatially and temporally smooth manifold of abnormality. Unlike in a pure classification problem which associates an independent label with each voxel without considering correlation with neighbors, or an absolute clustering problem which does not consider a priori knowledge of tissue type, we assume that diseased and healthy tissue lie on a manifold that encompasses the healthy tissue and diseased tissue, stretching from one to the other. We propose a semi-supervised method for determining such as abnormality manifold, using multi-parametric features incorporated into a support vector machine framework in combination with manifold regularization. We apply the framework towards the characterization of tissue abnormality to brains of multiple sclerosis patients.
Acoustic observations of suspended participate matter in the ocean

CLOUDS of suspended particulate matter in the ocean have been observed by satellite1, sensed by nephelometers2, and sampled by water bottles. We present here evidence that it may be possible to observe oceanic suspended particulate matter acoustically. The particulate matter discussed is thought to have arisen from a dredging operation. It is also thought that the suspended matter is present at lower concentrations than any in any other case recorded acoustically3. Certain questions, as yet unresolved, regarding acoustic scattering strengths are also discussed.