cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A surface Penning ionization study of the CO/Ni(111) system

Metastable He(2 1S) and Ne(3P2,0) beams were used to probe the electronic properties of Ni(111) and CO/Ni(111) surfaces. The metastable atoms collide with the surface and transfer their electronic excitation energy, causing electron ejection. With the Ni(111) surface, the metastable is first resonantly ionized and the ion is subsequently Auger neutralized, giving an electron energy spectrum which is similar to the corresponding low kinetic energy ion neutralization spectrum (INS). Differences between the metastable quenching spectrum and the INS spectrum were observed, and are discussed in terms of the differences in the mechanisms and the ion kinetic energies. With a CO/Ni(111) surface, the CO eliminates direct interaction of the metastable atom with the metal and the surface Penning ionization electron spectrum (SPIES) is obtained. The SPIES spectrum is much more surface sensitive than the corresponding UPS spectrum, since there is no background due to primary electron emission from the metal which domi...
Flash memory: towards single-electronics

Since their invention in 1984, flash memories have evolved from single device components to megabit nonvolatile memory (NVM) arrays. Flash memories were born from the need to find easily scalable replacements for EPROMs (erasable programmable read only memory) and EEPROMs (electrically erasable programmable read only memory). Unlike EPROMs and EEPROMs, flash memory cells provide single-cell electrical program and fast simultaneous block electrical erase. Thus, a small cell size is combined with a fast in-system erase capability.
Communication Training as Perceived by Training Personnel.

The purpose of this‐study was twofold: 1) To quantify the nature and extent of in‐house communication training, and 2) To collect such data from those individuals who actually conduct in‐house training. Data were obtained from questionnaires mailed to 118 members of the Pittsburgh chapter of the American Society for Training and Development. This sample represented 97 different corporations, some of which are the largest and most successful in the world. Results focused on the following major topics: 1) The relative importance of various communication skills, 2) The number of respondents offering training in the various communication skills, 3) The goals of communication training, 4) The barriers in implementing communication training, 5).The target groups receiving communication training, and 6) The attitudes of trainers towards communication training.
Sulphur diffusion into InP by an open tube process

Abstract A technique is described for the diffusion of sulphur into InP by an open tube process, which gives highly reproducible results from run to run, as required for device applications. A vacuum-deposited layer of gallium sulphide (Ga2S3) was used as the source for sulphur diffusion, with a chemically vapor deposited SiO2 cap layer for preventing decomposition of the InP surface during heat treatment. Diffusions were carried out at temperatures ranging from 585°C to 708°C. Diffused layers were characterized by the surface carrier concentration and the diffusion constant. From these measurements the diffusion profile for sulphur in InP is estimated to be of the complementary error function type. The activation energy of the diffusion was estimated to be 1.94 eV. The technique described here is ideally suited for the fabrication of shallow n+-p junctions in InP, and has been used successfully for space-borne solar cells.
The Livermore Superconducting Levitron

The Livermore Superconducting Levitron contains an 80-cm-diam superconducting ring as well as three pairs of superconducting coils that produce a poloidal field, that are 50, 112, and 160 cm in diameter respectively, and that are located 40 cm above and below the midplane of the ring. Twelve control coils and optical position sensors form a feedback system for maintaining the ring's position. Magnetic damping plates above and below the ring prevent it from making accidental but dangerously violent movements. The ring was successfully tested about a year ago, and the entire system is now undergoing its first operating tests. Construction details and the initial operating results are presented here.
Reaching Conditions in Variable Structure Systems for Output Feedback Control

This paper investigates the issues surrounding the reaching conditions in variable structure systems with output feedback control. The control law is formulated so that static output feedback can be applied to variable structure systems as opposed to state feedback or estimated state feedback. The control law is chosen to ensure that the reaching conditions are satisfied. The control structure is such that certain parameters directly affect the time to reach the sliding surface. Several procedures are devised to select these parameters so that not only the reaching conditions can be satisfied with flexibility but also the time to reach the sliding surface can be adjusted. Numerical examples are given that demonstrate the techniques developed in this paper.
Programmable logic devices in experimental quantum optics

We discuss the unique capabilities of programmable logic devices (PLDs) for experimental quantum optics and describe basic procedures of design and implementation. Examples of advanced applications include optical metrology and feedback control of quantum dynamical systems. As a tutorial illustration of the PLD implementation process, a field-programmable gate array controller is used to stabilize the output of a Fabry-Perot cavity.
An information-driven framework for motion planning in robotic sensor networks: Complexity and experiments

A geometric optimization based approach to deploy a mobile sensor network for the purpose of detecting and capturing mobile targets in the plane is presented in [1]. The sensing-pursuit problem is motivated by the Marco polo game, in which the pursuer Marco must capture multiple mobile targets that are sensed intermittently, and with very limited information. In this paper we extend the results in [1] by providing (i) a complexity analysis of the proposed cell decomposition planning algorithm, and (ii) a testbed that allows to experimentally verify the applicability of the proposed pursuit methodology.
Active immunity in experimental candidiasis in mice

Mice were given Candida albicans, C. tropicalis, C. guilliermondii or C. parapsilosis by different routes and subsequently challenged intravenously with either C. albicans, C. tropicalis or bacteria. In a minority of individual experiments, experience with Candida provided protection against challenge with homologous or heterologous strains and species of Candida but not against bacterial challenge. The most effective immunizing regimen was C. tropicalis given intravenously, protection being evidenced by delayed death, increased 28-day survival and reduced tissue Candida populations. These, as well as the studies of others, suggest that in the future it may be practicable and advisable to immunize certain individuals who are inordinately susceptible to candidiasis.
Pen Pals without Borders: A Cultural Exchange of Teaching and Learning.

When teachers and students are from different cultures, dissonance can occur in classrooms, which can be debilitating for effective literacy teaching and learning. Researchers have conducted studies in urban schools for many years, but the problem of cultural dissonance continues to plague many classrooms. It is imperative that teacher education programs develop creative, effective ways to prepare the teaching population to meet the needs of a diverse student population. This article reports the findings of a pen pal cultural exchange project between 40 predominantly White, female, preservice teachers in an elementary reading methods course, and 26 predominantly Black, fourth graders in an urban elementary school.The study analyzes 336 letters (154 children letters and 182 adult letters) to identity overarching themes. The content of the letters are analyzed using discourse analysis. The three most frequently found themes are shared experiences, overcoming adversities, and cultural practices and experienc...
Adult-onset autosomal dominant limb-girdle muscular dystrophy

We describe a kindred with a rare autosomal dominant myopathy limited to the limb-girdle muscles, beginning insidiously any time from the late second through the sixth decades and followed by slow progression. Pelvifemoral precedes scapulohumeral weakness, and proximal appendicular involvement antedates limited distal paresis. Expressivity varies and includes an asymptomatic myopathy (preclinical or subclinical) and a nonmanifesting carrier state that extends well into the eighth decade. A variety of nonspecific changes are present in muscle on light, enzyme histochemical, and electron microscopic examination; of these changes, "rimmed" or autophagic vacuoles are the most characteristic. We identified one very similar previously reported genealogy. The similarities between the two unrelated families clearly establish this dystrophic process as a distinct genetic entity; their differences suggest genetic heterogeneity.
Control of Gas Hydrate Formation Using Surfactant Systems: Underlying Concepts and New Applications

: We describe some new approaches to the rapid formation of gas hydrates using surfactant systems that form reverse micelles. The thermodynamics of hydrate formation in surfactant containing reverse micellar systems indicate the possibility of controlling hydrate deposition. The use of reverse micellar systems also allows the deposition of hydrates in the form of small crystallites that do not aggregate. Surfactants also appear to displace agglomerated hydrates from surfaces, thereby facilitating flow. Direct injection of water into gas saturated liquid hydrocarbons leads to rapid hydrate formation. On the other hand, water droplets injected into liquid carbon dioxide indicate a gradual conversion to the hydrate form with the initial formation of a hydrate skin. An interesting application of rapid hydrate formation is its use in the restriction of inorganic nanocluster growth.
Understanding compliance with the medical regimen: The scope of the problem and a theoretical perspective

This article reviews the scope of the compliance problem and introduces a social cognitive model as a framework for understanding the many factors influencing compliance behaviors. Among the broad categories of factors influencing compliance are the nature of the regimen, immediate controlling factors such as the locale in which the regimen is to be followed, the patients' expectations concerning the regimen, characteristics of the health-care setting, and social support. Each of these factors is considered in some detail. It is concluded that compliance is a complex behavior deserving of thorough investigation by the health-care team, requiring long-term monitoring in chronic health problems, and is susceptible to change by a variety of interventions.
On the Local Behavior of Spaces of Natural Images

In this study we concentrate on qualitative topological analysis of the local behavior of the space of natural images. To this end, we use a space of 3 by 3 high-contrast patches ?. We develop a theoretical model for the high-density 2-dimensional submanifold of ? showing that it has the topology of the Klein bottle. Using our topological software package PLEX we experimentally verify our theoretical conclusions. We use polynomial representation to give coordinatization to various subspaces of ?. We find the best-fitting embedding of the Klein bottle into the ambient space of ?. Our results are currently being used in developing a compression algorithm based on a Klein bottle dictionary.
Open-field activity of retinal regenerate C3H mice: Further evidence of some visual capacities

Six groups of rd C3H mice were tested in the open field under various illumination conditions for 4 consecutive days. Two groups were tested under either a high or low level of illumination on each day, while the other groups were exposed to an illumination change following the first of 2 test minutes. Two groups received a 1-sec change to the other level and then a return to the original illumination level. The two remaining groups received the entire second minute of testing at the other illumination level. The finding that activity changed in a predictable direction as a function of the illumination change suggests visual functioning of some degree in this strain.
Fully developed travelling wave solutions and bubble formation in fluidized beds

It is well known that most gas fluidized beds of particles bubble, while most liquid fluidized beds do not. It was shown by Anderson, Sundaresan & Jackson (1995), through direct numerical integration of the volume-averaged equations of motion for the fluid and particles, that this distinction is indeed accounted for by these equations, coupled with simple, physically credible closure relations for the stresses and interphase drag. The aim of the present study is to investigate how the model equations aord this distinction and deduce an approximate criterion for separating bubbling and nonbubbling systems. To this end, we have computed, making use of numerical continuation techniques as well as bifurcation theory, the one- and two-dimensional travelling wave solutions of the volume-averaged equations for a wide range of parameter values, and examined the evolution of these travelling wave solutions through direct numerical integration. It is demonstrated that whether bubbles form or not is dictated by the value of X fl (q s a$ }Ag)"/#, where q s is the density of particles, a t is the terminal settling velocity of an isolated particle, g is acceleration due to gravity and A is a measure of the particle phase viscosity. When X is large ( "C 30), bubbles develop easily. It is then suggested that a natural scale for A is q s a t d p , so that X# is simply a Froude number.
Information Leakage and Market Efficiency

This article analyzes the effects of information leakage on trading behavior and market efficiency. A trader who receives a noisy signal about a forthcoming public announcement can exploit it twice. First, when he receives it, and second, after the public announcement since he knows best the extent to which his information is already reflected in the pre-announcement price. Given his information he expects the price to overshoot and intends to partially revert his trade. While information leakage makes the price process more informative in the short-run, it reduces its informativeness in the long-run. The analysis supports Securities and Exchange Commission’s Regulation Fair Disclosure. In a perfect world, all investors would receive information pertinent to the value of the stock immediately and simultaneously. In reality, however, some agents like corporate insiders and their favored analysts can receive signals about this information before it is disclosed to the general public. The focus of our analysis is to determine (i) the optimal trading strategy of an early-informed agent and (ii) the implications of this trading behavior for the informational efficiency of the stock market. This knowledge can facilitate the design and evaluation of trading regulations by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Our model generates several novel insights on insider trading by enriching the information structure typically employed in the prior literature. In our analysis, a trader receives an early imprecise signal about a forthcoming news announcement — possibly in the form of a rumor. The new element is that the stock price reflects unrelated long-run private information held by other traders as well as the early-informed trader’s short-run signal. Given this generalized information structure, we find that the early-informed agent’s trading strategy exhibits three features: (1) he trades based on his private information twice, once before the public
Sparse channel estimation for multicarrier underwater acoustic communication: From subspace methods to compressed sensing

In this paper, we investigate various channel estimators that exploit channel sparsity in the time and/or Doppler domain for a multicarrier underwater acoustic system. We use a path-based channel model, where the channel is described by a limited number of paths, each characterized by a delay, Doppler scale, and attenuation factor, and derive the exact inter-carrier-interference (ICI) pattern. For channels that have limited Doppler spread we show that subspace algorithms from the array processing literature, namely Root-MUSIC and ESPRIT, can be applied for channel estimation. For channels with Doppler spread, we adopt a compressed sensing approach, in form of Orthogonal Matching Pursuit (OMP) and Basis Pursuit (BP) algorithms, and utilize overcomplete dictionaries with an increased path delay resolution. Numerical simulation and experimental data of an OFDM block-by-block receiver are used to evaluate the proposed algorithms in comparison to the conventional least-squares (LS) channel estimator. We observe that subspace methods can tolerate small to moderate Doppler effects, and outperform the LS approach when the channel is indeed sparse. On the other hand, compressed sensing algorithms uniformly outperform the LS and subspace methods. Coupled with a channel equalizer mitigating ICI, the compressed sensing algorithms can effectively handle channels with significant Doppler spread.
Comparison of Deamidation Activity of Transglutaminases

A comparison was made of the deamidation activity of transglutaminases from guinea pig liver (GTGase), fish red sea bream liver (FTGase) and microorganisms (MTGase). Against the Z-Gln-Gly, kinetic constants of the deamidation and incorporation of primary amine were measured. GTGase and FTGase showed similar deamida- tion activity, however, that of MTGase was less than 1/7 of the other two TGases. Against the proteins, N, N-dimethylated casein and native gliadin, FTGase was the most active and deamidated respectively 45.5% and 38.2% of Gln residues. The deamidation rate of these proteins by GTGase was less than 1/2 and these results were expected to be
Reply to the comment by Francis on “Differences in predicted catch composition between two widely used catch equation formulations”Appears in Can. J. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 66: 126–132.

Francis (2010. Can. J. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 67: 763–765) writes a thoughtful response detailing concerns with my suggestion that the continuous (Baranov) catch formulation is preferable to the discrete catch formulation when fishing mortality is high (T.A. Branch. 2009. Can. J. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 66: 126–132). He suggests the discrete formulation allows for multiple gear encounters and that formulation choice should depend on which formulation better fits the data. Here I first distinguish between gear selectivity and availability and then show that our two views are complementary: the original assumes fish groups with differing gear selectivity but full availability, whereas Francis assumes fish groups fully selected by fishing gear but with differing availability. I maintain that the discrete formulation only models a single instantaneous interaction between fish and fishing gear and therefore only part of the population can be caught if fish groups have equal gear selectivity that is less than 100%, wherea...
Systematizing the Piagetian Clinical Interview for Classroom Use

Piaget's logical problems and clinical method are proposed to be important components of coursework in developmental and educational psychology. The authors describe their experiences with giving undergraduate educational psychology students hands-on opportunities for administering Piagetian clinical interviews. Their experiences have indicated that undergraduate students cannot easily be trained to conduct a thorough or systematic interview. To facilitate the training process, the authors have developed flowcharts for Piagetian tasks, including instructions, checklists for student responses, and alternative procedures to be followed dependent on a child's responses. Flowcharts have provided a means by which substantive interviews can be conducted by undergraduate students.
Inverse Scattering to Determine the Shape of a Vocal Tract

The inverse scattering problem is reviewed for determining the cross sectional area of a human vocal tract. Various data sets are examined resulting from a unit-amplitude, monochromatic, sinusoidal volume velocity sent from the glottis towards the lips. In case of nonuniqueness from a given data set, additional information is indicated for the unique recovery.
Gesture-speech based HMI for a rehabilitation robot

One of the most challenging problems in rehabilitation robotics is the design of an efficient human-machine interface (HMI) allowing the user with a disability considerable freedom and flexibility. A multimodal user direction approach combining command and control methods is a very promising way to achieve this goal. This multimodal design is motivated by the idea of minimizing the user's burden of operating a robot manipulator while utilizing the user's intelligence and available mobilities. With this design, the user with a physical disability simply uses gesture (pointing with a laser pointer) to indicate a location or a desired object and uses speech to activate the system. Recognition of the spoken input is also used to supplant the need for general purpose object recognition between different objects and to perform the critical function of disambiguation. The robot system is designed to operate in an unstructured environment containing objects that are reasonably predictable. A novel reactive planning mechanism, of which the user is an active integral component, in conjunction with a stereo-vision system and an object-oriented knowledge base, provides the robot system with the 3D information of the surrounding world as well as the motion strategies.
Selectivity Enhancement for Chloride Ion by In(III)‐Porphyrin‐Based Polymeric Membrane Electrode Operated in Pulsed Chronopotentiometric Mode

A robust selectivity enhancement of an In(III)-porphyrin ionophore-based chloride-selective electrode under pulsed chronopotentiometric measurement mode that enables the detection of chloride ions in the presence of a normally interfering concentration of salicylate ions is described. This enhancement is achieved by the rapid depletion of the surface concentration of the more dilute lipophilic anion during an initial anodic current pulse period due to extraction of this preferred anion into the membrane phase. Measurement of chloride with a detection limit of 8 mM and near Nernstian response slope in the presence of 1 mM salicylate is possible using the pulstrode method.
Quantification of injury-related EEG signal changes using Itakura distance measure

Accurate detection and characterization of changes in the EEG signal is crucial for clinical assessment of the neurological system condition. Several distance measures are tested and evaluated for their effectiveness of detecting injury-related changes in EEG. Itakura distance is found to be a very efficient means to characterize changes in EEG for both signaling injury and predicting recovery. The efficiency of the Itakura distance measure is further established through a comparison study of spectral distance measure and Kullback-Leibler information.
Heterogeneous distributed virtual machines in the Harness metacomputing framework

Harness is a Java-centric, experimental metacomputing framework based upon the principle of dynamic enrolment and reconfiguration of heterogeneous computational resources into distributed virtual machines. The dynamic behavior of the system is not limited to the number and types of computers and networks that comprise the virtual machine, but also extends to the capabilities of the virtual machine itself. These fundamental characteristics address the inflexibility of current metacomputing frameworks as well as their incapability to easily incorporate new, heterogeneous technologies and architectures and avoid rapid obsolescence. The adaptable behavior of Harness derives both from a user controlled, distributed "plug-in" mechanism and from an event driven, dynamic management of the distributed virtual machine status that are central features of the system.
Detection of probe dither motion in near-field scanning optical microscopy

The probe-to-sample separation in near-field scanning optical microscopes can be regulated by a noncontact shear-force sensing technique. The technique requires the measurement of a minute dither motion applied to the probe. We have characterized an optical detection method for measuring this motion to determine the optimum detection configuration in terms of sensitivity and stability. A scalar diffraction model of the detection method is developed for calculating sensitivity, and experimental results are found to be in good agreement with the theoretical predictions. We find that maximum sensitivity and stability cannot be achieved simultaneously, and it may be desirable in practice to trade sensitivity for enhanced stability.
It’s Not Over ‘til the Fat Lady Sings Game-Theoretic Analyses of Sports Leagues

There have been major disputes about the appropriate game-theoretic analyses of sports leagues. The basic sports-league model assumes a two-team league where each team is seen as a monopolist in its product market and a passive price taker in a duopsony talent market. For simplicity, these models assume talent supply is either perfectly inelastic or perfectly elastic. It has been argued that perfectly inelastic supply is ill suited for duopsony analysis. This article solves the problem of multiple equilibria by proposing a selection criterion that finds a unique equilibrium in a duopsony limit game as talent supply approaches perfect inelasticity.
Differential responses to red clover residue and ammonium nitrate by common bean and wild mustard

Abstract Legume green manures have been used for millennia as sources of N for succeeding crops, but they are also sources of phytotoxic compounds that may selectively influence the performance of crop and weed species. To determine whether substitution of legume green manure for synthetic N fertilizer could enhance crop yield while suppressing weed growth, we conducted a field experiment in which common bean and wild mustard were sown in monocultures and mixtures. Three soil management treatments were employed: red clover residue, ammonium nitrate fertilizer (84 kg N ha−1), and a control that received neither red clover nor ammonium nitrate. In the absence of wild mustard, bean seed yield was equivalent in the red clover and ammonium nitrate treatments, where yields were 11 to 26% greater, respectively, than in the control. When bean grew in competition with wild mustard, its seed yield was as high (1995 and 1996) or higher (1994) with red clover residue than with ammonium nitrate. Averaged over bean com...
Active Surveillance: Pathologic and Clinical Variables Associated with Outcome

Over the past 10 years, active surveillance has emerged as a primary management option for men diagnosed with low-risk prostate cancer. Given the morbidity associated with curative treatment, active surveillance maintains quality of life for men whose disease may never become symptomatic. In order to confidently and safely offer this approach to as many patients as possible, improved metrics are needed to fully assess risk. While pathologic and clinical variables currently help determine whether active surveillance is a reasonable approach, emerging biomarkers and imaging technologies demonstrate promise for more precise identification of ideal candidates.
Glucose tolerance tests in the early puerperium

Patients with normal glucose tolerance both during pregnancy and in the nonpregnant state were studied on the third and fourth days after normal deliveries with normal postpartum courses. Regular oral and cortisone glucose tolerance tests in the early puerperium were found to be invalid, yielding 54 and 86.5 per cent false positive results, respectively. Possible reasons for the false results obtained when such tests are done under the usual circurmstances surrounding the early puerperium are discussed. Nevertheless, these findings suggest that these tests are too unreliable to be of practical value at this time. The paradox of decreased glucose tolerance in the normal puerperium and the precipitous drop in insulin requirement in the diabettc patient in the early puerperium is discussed.
Phase-field simulation of irradiated metals: Part I: Void kinetics

Abstract We present a phase-field model of void formation and evolution in irradiated metals by spatially and temporally evolving vacancy and self-interstitial concentration fields. By incorporating a coupled set of Cahn–Hilliard and Allen–Cahn equations, the model captures the processes of point defect generation and recombination, annihilation of defects at sinks, as well as void nucleation and growth in the presence of grain boundaries. Illustrative results are presented that characterize the rate of void growth or shrinkage due to supersaturated vacancy or interstitial concentrations, void nucleation and growth kinetics due to cascade-induced defect production, as well as void denuded and peak zones adjacent to grain boundaries.
Legal Writing Can Be a Scream

This article addresses the importance of attention to detail in legal writing through anecdotal accounts.
A cost comparison of travel models and behavioural telemedicine for rural, Native American populations in New Mexico.

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to model the cost of delivering behavioural health services to rural Native American populations using telecommunications and compare these costs with the travel costs associated with providing equivalent care.MethodsBehavioural telehealth costs were modelled using equipment, transmission, administrative and IT costs from an established telecommunications centre. Two types of travel models were estimated: a patient travel model and a physician travel model. These costs were modelled using the New Mexico resource geographic information system program (RGIS) and ArcGIS software and unit costs (e.g. fuel prices, vehicle depreciation, lodging, physician wages, and patient wages) that were obtained from the literature and US government agencies.ResultsThe average per-patient cost of providing behavioural healthcare via telehealth was US$138.34, and the average per-patient travel cost was US$169.76 for physicians and US$333.52 for patients. Sensitivity analysis found these...
Do As I Say And As I Do: An Adaptation of Mcelroy’s Mentor Demonstration Model For Multiple Independent Study Projects

Supervising multiple undergraduate research projects poses challenges. The literature is flush with techniques for guiding faculty initiated research groups, but little addresses simultaneously mentoring multiple student initiated projects. An adaptation of McElroy’s Mentor Demonstration Model is an effective solution, producing synergies including increased productivity of faculty supervisors, creation of a learning community, improved undergraduate research skills, and increased student confidence. The topics addressed and achievements of participants in an application of the model are outlined and commentaries from participating students and survey results are included.
Correlation between Chemical Components and Meteorological Factors of Corni Fructus

Objective:To study the relationship between the chemical components and the planting area of Corni Fructus,Method: Samples collected from 14 localities of three main production areas of Henan,Zhejiang and Shanxi province were obtained.The contents of main chemical components including loganin,ursolic aicd,polysaccharide,tannins,organic acid,water-soluble extraction and alcohol-soluble extraction were determined to analyze the correlation between chemical components and meteorological factors by PASW STATISTICS 18 software.Result: The results showed the content of ursolic acid was negatively correlated with sunshine hours,polysaccharide content was positively with sunshine hours and average annual temperature,water-soluble extraction was positively correlated with average annual temperature.Conclusion: The results provided theoretical support for good quality cultivation of Corni Fructus.
Anemias in the elderly: physiologic or pathologic?

Effective management of any anemic patient depends on accurate identification and correction of the underlying pathology. The elderly are no exception. In most cases, the cause can be definitively diagnosed and treated.
Incremental planning with Adaptive Dimensionality

Path planning is often a high-dimensional computationally-expensive planning problem as it requires reasoning about the kinodynamic constraints of the robot and collisions of the robot with the environment. However, large regions of the environment are typically benign enough that a much faster low-dimensional planning combined with a local path following controller suffice. Planning with Adaptive Dimensionality that was recently developed makes use of this observation and iteratively constructs and searches a state-space consisting of mainly low-dimensional states. It only introduces regions of high-dimensional states into the state-space where they are necessary to ensure completeness and bounds on sub-optimality. However, due to its iterative nature, the approach relies on running a series of weighted A* searches. In this paper, we introduce and apply to Planning with Adaptive Dimensionality a simple but very effective incremental version of weighted A* that reuses its previously generated search tree if available. On the theoretical side, the new algorithm preserves guarantees on completeness and bounds on sub-optimality. On the experimental side, it speeds up 3D (x,y,heading) path planning with a full-body collision checking by up to a factor of 5. Our results also show that it tends to be much faster than applying alternative incremental graph search techniques such as D* to Planning with Adaptive Dimensionality.
Seasonal, Monthly, and Weekly Distributions of NLDN and GLD360 Cloud-to-Ground Lightning

AbstractAnnual maps of cloud-to-ground lightning flash density have been produced since the deployment of the National Lightning Detection Network (NLDN). However, a comprehensive national summary of seasonal, monthly, and weekly lightning across the contiguous United States has not been developed. Cloud-to-ground lightning is not uniformly distributed in time, space, or frequency. Knowledge of these variations is useful for understanding meteorological processes responsible for lightning occurrence, planning outdoor events, anticipating impacts of lightning on power reliability, and relating to severe weather. To address this gap in documentation of lightning occurrence, the variability on seasonal, monthly, and weekly scales is first addressed with NLDN flash data from 2005 to 2014 for the 48 states and adjacent regions. Flash density and the percentage of each season’s portion of the annual total are compiled. In spring, thunderstorms occur most often over southeastern states. Lightning spreads north a...
Reduced Skeletal Muscle Satellite Cell Number Alters Muscle Morphology After Chronic Stretch But Allows Limited Serial Sarcomere Addition

Introduction Muscles add sarcomeres in response to stretch, presumably to maintain optimal sarcomere length. Clinical evidence from patients with cerebral palsy, who have both decreased serial sarcomere number and reduced satellite cells (SCs), suggests a hypothesis that SCs may be involved in sarcomere addition. Methods A transgenic Pax7-DTA mouse model underwent conditional SC depletion, and their soleii were then stretch-immobilized to assess the capacity for sarcomere addition. Muscle architecture, morphology, and extracellular matrix (ECM) changes were also evaluated. Results Mice in the SC-reduced group achieved normal serial sarcomere addition in response to stretch. However, muscle fiber cross-sectional area was significantly smaller and was associated with hypertrophic ECM changes, consistent with fibrosis. Conclusions While a reduced SC population does not hinder serial sarcomere addition, SCs play a role in muscle adaptation to chronic stretch that involves maintenance of both fiber cross-sectional area and ECM structure. Muscle Nerve 55: 384-392, 2017.
Environmental efficiency assessment of U.S. transport sector: A slack-based data envelopment analysis approach

Abstract Sustainable transportation in the U.S. is essential for long-term economic growth and mobility, and environmental preservation. Using a non-radial slack-based measurement data envelopment analysis (SBM-DEA) model and state-level data, this study assesses the environmental efficiency of the transportation sector in the U.S. from years 2004 to 2012. In addition to environmental efficiency, carbon efficiency and potential carbon reduction were estimated for the 50 U.S. states. The findings of this study reveal that U.S. transportation sector was environmentally inefficient; U.S. states had an average transportation environmental efficiency score below 0.64. Therefore the states could substantially reduce carbon emissions to improve the environmental efficiency of their transportation sectors.
Curcumin Enhances Differentiation of All- Trans Retinoic Acid (ATRA)-Sensitive and ATRA-Resistant Acute Promyelocytic (APL) Cells.

The introduction of ATRA-based differentiation therapy has significantly enhanced outcomes in patients with APL. However, retinoic acid syndrome and ATRA-resistance remain significant concerns. It would therefore be useful to develop drugs that reduce the therapeutic doses of ATRA needed, and would be effective in ATRA-resistant cases. We have shown previously that curcumin, the yellow compound isolated from spice turmeric, suppresses the initiation and promotion stages of cancer development. In the present study we evaluated whether curcumin affects differentiation of NB4 APL cells. The NB4 cells were derived from a patient with APL, and differentiate in response to ATRA, while NB4-R1 cells are resistant to ATRA. Treatment of NB4 cells with 5 μM curcumin enhanced ATRA-mediated differentiation. Differentiation was assessed by evaluating CD11b expression, nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction and by morphologic examination. This curumin-mediated enhanced differentiation was apparent at 1 μM as well as 0.1 μM of ATRA. Curcumin alone did not cause differentiation of the NB4 cells, although higher concentrations of curcumin caused apoptosis. We then examined the effect of curcumin on the ATRA-resistant NB-R1 cells. Addition of ATRA and curcumin together induced differentiation of the NB4-R1 cells, whereas either agent alone did not cause differentiation. The differentiation was characterized by increased CD11b expression, NBT reduction and the typical morphologic changes. In addition, differentiation of the NB4-R1 cells was accompanied by restoration of the PML-oncogenic domains (PODs). These results indicate that curcumin may be another unconventional therapeutic agent in APL, following the successful use of ATRA and arsenic trioxide.
At Your Service: The NC State Experience Managing the Google Service Team

Formed in 2012 after NC State "went Google," the Google Service Team (GST), made up of staff from different units in the Office of Information Technology as well as representatives from across campus, has thrived and meets on a regular, most often weekly, basis. This service team model has been successful in running an enterprise-wide cloud service, in part because of a clear mission and solid representation from outside of the central IT organization. Additionally, service ownership has given a single point of contact and continuity in decision-making. The GST also helps streamline requests, issues, and escalations across teams as IT staff know where and how to funnel these items.This paper and presentation will discuss NC State's Google Service Team (GST), including its mission and structure (including ties into governance) and the challenges and rewards of running and managing an enterprise-wide cloud service for both the team members and customer base.
Axillary Management of Stage II/III Breast Cancer in Patients Treated with Neoadjuvant Systemic Therapy: Results of CALGB 40601 (HER2-Positive) and CALGB 40603 (Triple-Negative)

Background Management of the axilla in stage II/III breast cancer undergoing neoadjuvant systemic therapy (NST) is controversial. To understand current patterns of care, we collected axillary data from 2 NST trials: HER2-positive (Cancer and Leukemia Group B [CALGB] 40601) and triple-negative (CALGB 40603). Study Design Axillary evaluation pre- and post-NST was per the treating surgeon and could include sentinel node biopsy. Post-NST, node-positive patients were recommended to undergo axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). We report pre-NST histopathologic nodal evaluation and post-NST axillary surgical procedures with correlation to clinical and pathologic nodal status. Results Seven hundred and forty-two patients were treated, 704 had complete nodal data pre-NST and post-NST. Pre-NST, 422 (60%) of 704 patients underwent at least 1 procedure for axillary node evaluation (total of 468 procedures): fine needle aspiration (n = 234; 74% positive), core needle biopsy (n = 138; 72% positive), and sentinel node biopsy (n = 96; 33% positive). Pre-NST, 304 patients were considered node-positive. Post-NST, 304 of 704 patients (43%) underwent sentinel node biopsy; 44 were positive and 259 were negative (29 and 36 patients, respectively, had subsequent ALND). Three hundred and ninety-one (56%) patients went directly to post-NST ALND and 9 (1%) pre-NST node-positive patients had no post-NST axillary procedure. Post-NST, 170 (24%) of the 704 patients had residual axillary disease. Agreement between post-NST clinical and radiologic staging and post-NST histologic staging was strongest for node-negative (81%) and weaker for node-positive (N1 31%, N2 29%), with more than half of the clinically node-positive patients found to be pathologic negative (p Conclusions Our results suggest there is no widely accepted standard for axillary nodal evaluation pre-NST. Post-NST staging was highly concordant in patients with N0 disease, but poorly so in node-positive disease. Accurate methods are needed to identify post-NST patients without residual axillary disease to potentially spare ALND.
Segmented rotor design of concentrated wound switched reluctance motor (SRM) for torque ripple minimization

Torque ripple minimization of concentrated wound segmented rotor SRM is achieved through rotor segment designs. Compared to existing ripple minimization techniques the proposed method does not require current profiling, controller complexity or additional converter components. First, an FEA based semi-numerical machine model is developed to identify the torque ripple sources. Next, a new design of rotor segment is presented with segmented dip to effectively minimize torque ripple. Effect of different rotor design parameters on machine performance are studied. Both ‘one factor at a time’ and multi-dimensional, multi-objective optimization of design parameters are performed to evaluate their performances. The optimized design can reduce torque ripple by 29% which is a significant improvement considering the simplicity of this method.
The composition of goat milk in different types of farmings

Possible differences between compositions of raw goat's milk due to the types of farmings system (organic, conventional and traditional) were investigated. Farms were located in different parts of Republic of Serbia. All animals were loose housed. The capacity of the farm ranged from 50 to 750 French Alpine goats. A total of 72 bulk samples of raw milk were collected from each farm during the year. The principle of analysis of raw milk samples was in accordance to mid-infrared spectrometry and flow cytometry. The following parameters in raw Milk were analyzed: fat, protein, lactose, total solids, somatic cell count, milk urea, and contents of fatty acid: saturated, unsaturated, polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids. The fixed effect the types of farming and season (winter, spring, summer and fall) have shown a statistical significance difference (P 0.05). The Composition of milk also affected by a number of other factors such as the nutrition of dairy goats, breed and farm management. It is recommended to consider all these factors during the comparison of different farming systems. The results that showed significant differences could be used to improve the breeding technology of dairy goats, and feeding strategies as well as emphasize the importance of using pastures.
Feeding variations and shape changes of a temperate reef clingfish during its early ontogeny

The majority of rocky reef fishes have complex life cycles, involving transition from a pelagic to a benthic environment. This means that as they grow, their morphology, behaviour and feeding habits must change. Therefore, shape changes occurring during early development of these fishes will be related to diet changes. The clingfish Sicyases sanguineus was selected for this study, because it displays a noticeable variation in shape from pelagic larvae to juvenile stage, and it is expected that diet composition will change as well. The pattern of shape changes was studied using geometric morphometrics. A set of 9 landmarks were digitized in 159 larval and juvenile fish and the same specimens were used for gut content analysis. Allometric growth was most prominent early in the ontogeny, from 4 to 12 mm. Morphology changed from a thin and hydrodynamic shape to a more robust and deeper body prior to settlement. The diet of the clingfish during larval stages showed preferences for a variety of copepod stages. As individual grows the ingested prey volume increases, but not the number and width of prey. A partial least square analysis showed low covariance between shape changes and diet composition changes in prey number and volume, suggesting that the two processes were temporally decoupled. The biggest shape changes, a lengthening of the visceral cavity and a flattening of the head, occurred up to 12 mm standard length, while the largest feeding differentiation, shifting from copepods to microalgae, occurred after 16 mm. Results suggest that shape changes precede trophic changes in this clingfish species during the transition from a pelagic to a benthic habitat.