cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The SNO-proteome: Causation and Classifications

Cell signaling is a complex and highly regulated process. Post-translational modifications of proteins serve to sense and transduce cellular signals in a precisely coordinated manner. It is increasingly recognized that protein S-nitrosylation, the addition of a nitric oxide group to cysteine thiols, serves an important role in a wide range of signaling pathways. In spite of the large number of SNO-proteins now identified (∼1000), the observed specificity of S-nitrosylation in terms of target proteins and specific cysteines within modified proteins is incompletely understood. Here we review the progress made in S-nitrosylation detection methods that have facilitated the study of the SNO-proteome under physiological and pathophysiological conditions, and some factors important in determining the SNO-proteome. Classification schemes for emergent denitrosylases and prospective ‘protein S-nitrosylases’ are provided.
Interactions of edeine with bacterial ribosomal subunits. Selective inhibition of aminoacyl-tRNA binding sites.

Abstract 1. Edeine, a basic pentapeptide antibiotic, inhibits mRNA-directed ribosomal binding of aminoacyl-tRNA. Inhibition is directly related to certain structural features of the antibiotic and not to its polycationic nature. The effects of edeine and its inactive analogs in cell-free systems parallel their in vivo effects. 2. Edeine binds to both ribosomal subunits. An edeine block on the 30-S subunit prevents the formation of the initiation complex. Edeine also blocks the 50-S component of the P site but it is without effect on the binding of the first internal aminoacyl-tRNA (A site binding). 3. Blocking by edeine of ribosomal binding sites depends on the condition of the ribosome, e.g., A site binding is inhibited in the absence but not in the presence of a prebound initiator tRNA; the 50-S component of the P site is blocked by edeine in free ribosomes but not in mono- and polysomes. As a consequence of this, the addition of edeine to a preformed 70-S initiation complex does not prevent completion of the translation thus initiated of phage RNA messenger but it inhibits re-initiation.
Classification trees with optimal multivariate decision nodes

Tree classifiers assign an observation to a class through a series of binary questions. This form of classification is very fast and easy to interpret. However, tree classifiers constructed using standard techniques, such as CART, have difficulties with multi-modal problems like the parity problem. In particular, CART produces a very inefficient tree for this class of problems, which can occur in a number of important applications. This paper examines the problems with CART and then presents a solution that yields trees that use the optimal multi-variate split at each node.
Effects of spatial sampling and luminance quantization on the image quality of color matrix displays

Color matrix displays (CMD’s) constitute a new generation of high-resolution, two-dimensional sampled visual display devices. We describe a CMD image-simulation system and a series of psychophysical image-quality experiments to investigate basic visual parameters of sampled displays. For binary CMD’s, a RGBG pixel mosaic was found to produce imaging superior overall to that of the more-conventional RGB mosaics. For CMD’s with gray-scale capability, a discrete approximation of a Gaussian band-limiting line-spread function dramatically improved CMD image quality for all pixel mosaics. Across the six image colors tested, image quality for band-limited CMD images approached asymptotic levels at approximately 3000 pixels deg−2 and eight gray levels, regardless of the pixel mosaic. The results are interpreted within the context of contemporary views of human visual system channel structure and elucidate the role of applied-vision studies in advanced display systems design.
Simulating Polar Bear Energetics during a Seasonal Fast Using a Mechanistic Model

In this study we tested the ability of a mechanistic model (Niche Mapper™) to accurately model adult, non-denning polar bear (Ursus maritimus) energetics while fasting during the ice-free season in the western Hudson Bay. The model uses a steady state heat balance approach, which calculates the metabolic rate that will allow an animal to maintain its core temperature in its particular microclimate conditions. Predicted weight loss for a 120 day fast typical of the 1990s was comparable to empirical studies of the population, and the model was able to reach a heat balance at the target metabolic rate for the entire fast, supporting use of the model to explore the impacts of climate change on polar bears. Niche Mapper predicted that all but the poorest condition bears would survive a 120 day fast under current climate conditions. When the fast extended to 180 days, Niche Mapper predicted mortality of up to 18% for males. Our results illustrate how environmental conditions, variation in animal properties, and thermoregulation processes may impact survival during extended fasts because polar bears were predicted to require additional energetic expenditure for thermoregulation during a 180 day fast. A uniform 3°C temperature increase reduced male mortality during a 180 day fast from 18% to 15%. Niche Mapper explicitly links an animal’s energetics to environmental conditions and thus can be a valuable tool to help inform predictions of climate-related population changes. Since Niche Mapper is a generic model, it can make energetic predictions for other species threatened by climate change.
The detection of susceptibility to whooping cough

Summary A purified agglutinogen of phase I H. pertussis was used as a skin testreagent in three institutions. An epidemic of whooping cough was studied in detail; all secondary cases occurred in children whose skin tests indicated susceptibility or weak immunity. Routine agglutination tests indicated the value of agglutinogen as a “recall” dose, as shown by the small number of cases following skin testing of the entire population of the institution. Parallel studies were done in an institution in which there was no whoopingcough, in order to rule out the effect of the presence of the disease on the skin test reaction and agglutinative titer of exposed individuals. The effectiveness of the skin test reagent as an antigen was well established by the results obtained in this control institution. In a second institution in which one case of whooping cough appeared, allsecondary cases occurred in individuals who had had negative skin tests.
Adaptive pattern processing in the visual system

Proposed is a neuronal network capable of learning pattern discrimination. Basic characteristics of the component neurons largely reflect well-established physiological principles and their individual plastic properties are consistent with recent findings concerning visual experience and synaptic changes detected by electron-microscopy. Pattern discrimination within the network is robust under rather severe input-pattern degradation.
ATPG for transition faults of pipelined threshold logic circuits

Due to the recent developments in emerging switching devices the significance of threshold logic gates has drastically increased in recent years. There is an increased need to test for manufacturing defects and, in particular, for delay defects. An automatic test pattern generation approach for the transition delay fault model of pipelined current mode threshold logic circuits is introduced. This approach takes into consideration an ordering of the patterns at the input of the selected gate in order to ensure the maximum transition delay. Experimental results show the efficiency of the proposed method on selected critical gates.
The variational theory of adiabatic motions, and its applications to linear and non-linear oscillators

Abstract This paper presents a variational derivation of the adiabatic periodic motion theorems and related time-integral-of-energy results, including the virial theorem, and some of their applications to linear and non-linear oscillators. Specifically, (i) first, the Maupertuis-Euler-Langrange (MEL) action principle is formulated for the most general (scleronomic and holonomic) system; in the derivation the time-dependent system parameters are treated just like additional generalized co-ordinates and subjected to similar variations; (ii) next, combination of MEL's principle with the first law of thermodynamics yields the adiabatic theorem; subsequent specializations of it lead to additional energetic equations; (iii) the theory is then applied to the one d.o.f. linear and non-linear oscillator; the effects of linear friction and of a harmonic external force are also discussed; useful relations for the adiabatically varying system parameters are thus obtained.
Language and Leadership

This case looks at an urban high school and the interaction among teachers and administrators regarding the issue of language use at the school. Specifically, the teacher involved challenges heteronormative language. The case is intended to spark critical self-reflection, reflection of institutional norms, analysis of ways in which the status quo gets perpetuated, discussions of teacher and administrator agency and power, awareness of discourse and discourse analysis as well as policy. Included in the analysis and teaching notes is a recommendation for critical self-reflection to occur prior to studying the case. Also recommended prior to reading the case is the assignment of lenses through which students should approach the case (as a student, as a parent, as a teacher, as a school counselor, as an administrator, etc.). Following study of the case, additional analysis and teaching notes are suggested for engaging students in analysis and discussion of language, critical discourse analysis, critical polic...
Kynurenic acid leads, dopamine follows: A new case of volume transmission in the brain?

Intrastriatal infusion of nanomolar concentrations of kynurenic acid (KYNA), an astrocyte-derived neuroinhibitory tryptophan metabolite, reduces basal extracellular dopamine (DA) levels in the rat striatum. This effect is initiated by the inhibition of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7nAChRs) on glutamatergic afferents. The present study was designed to further investigate this functional link between KYNA and DA using striatal microdialysis in awake animals. In rats, increases in KYNA, caused by intrastriatal infusions of KYNA itself (100 nM) or of KYNA’s bioprecursor L-kynurenine (2 µM), were associated with substantial reductions in DA. Co-infusion of KYNA with the α7nAChR agonist galantamine (5 µM), but not with the NMDA receptor agonist D-serine (100 nM), prevented this effect. Moreover, KYNA also reduced DA levels in the NMDA-lesioned striatum. Conversely, extracellular DA levels were enhanced when KYNA formation was compromised, either by astrocyte poisoning with fluorocitrate or by perfusion with aminooxyacetic acid (AOAA; 5 mM), a non-specific inhibitor of KYNA synthesis. Notably, this effect of AOAA was prevented by co-perfusion with 100 nM KYNA. In the striatum of 21 day-old mice with a targeted deletion of kynurenine aminotransferase II, extracellular KYNA levels were reduced by 67 ± 6%, while extracellular DA levels were simultaneously increased by 170 ± 14%. Taken together, a picture emerges where fluctuations in the astrocytic production of KYNA, possibly through volume transmission, inversely regulate dopaminergic tone. This newly uncovered mechanism may profoundly influence DA function under physiological and pathological conditions.
Seed protein variation within accessions of wild and cultivated potato species and inbredSolanum chacoense

Soluble proteins in seed potato were analyzed by electrophoresis (PAGE). The Index of Variation (IV) was calculated in order to estimate variation within each accession of wild and cultivated potato species andS. chacoense selfed lines. Seeds of 34 accessions representing 14 species from six taxonomic series were analyzed.
Structure of the larval midgut of the fly Chironomus thummi and its relationship to sites of cadmium sequestration.

Abstract The midgut structure of 4–7 day old fourth instar Chironomus thummi larvae was investigated with the light arid electron microscopes. Four regions are present which may be identified by the following major features: (1) Anterior I: this is the region under the esophageal invagination. (2) Anterior II: short microviili characterize these cells. Long narrow, basal plasma membrane infoldings associated with mitochondria are conspicuous. This region is hypothesized to be important in ion and fluid transport. (3) Anterior III: numerous crystals are seen in these cells. Storage is proposed to be a major function of this region. (4) Posterior: these cells have long microviili, extensive RER, many Golgi, and short basal plasma membrane infoldings. Posterior cells probably function in secretion of digestive enzymes and absorption of nutrients. Cadmium is sequestered by the midgut, almost exclusively in the posterior cells. This phenomenon is discussed.
Does “No” Really Mean “No” After You Say “Yes”? Attributions About Date and Marital Rape

The current study examined how participant (i.e., gender) and situational (i.e., couple-specific sexual intercourse history) factors influence attributions about stranger, early dating, late dating, and marital rape. Two hundred undergraduates were randomly assigned to read one of four levels of victim-perpetrator relationship vignettes. In addition, within the two dating relationship conditions, the couple's sexual intercourse history was manipulated. As the degree of acquaintance between the perpetrator and victim increased, the participants incorporated more rape-supportive and sex role stereotypical attributions. Participants also made more negative attributions about the date rapes when the couple was thought to have previously engaged in consensual sexual intercourse. There were no differences in attributions across the date and marital rape conditions when the participants were informed that the dating couples had previously engaged in sexual intercourse, and several gender differences were obtaine...
Ethnographic research: students studying their profession within its social context

Having students learn many kinds of research is valuable to them as students and professionals. A form of primary research with which most technical communication students are unfamiliar is ethnography. This paper describes an ethnographic research project in a technical communication course and explains the purpose, preparation, procedure, and value of the project to the students, the subjects, and the curriculum. The paper also mentions potential problems and possible solutions.
Quality of care for common pediatric respiratory infections: shortfalls and improvements

Respiratory infections are common in children and are responsible for serious morbidity, significant mortality and large healthcare expenditures worldwide. Three of the most common respiratory infections in children are bronchiolitis, croup and community-acquired pneumonia. Despite advances in the care of children with respiratory infections, shortfalls in the safe, timely, effective, efficient, equitable and patient-centered domains of quality remain. This article reviews and summarizes the advances that have improved the quality of care for bronchiolitis, croup and community-acquired pneumonia during the last 5 years and identifies shortfalls that must be addressed. In this article, we also discuss the future of the quality of care for pediatric respiratory infections.
Nuclear factor kappa B activation in human cord blood mononuclear cells.

The immunologic signals participating in immune responses early in life have not been completely elucidated. Regarding the characterization of neonatal cells, little is known concerning the activity of transcription factor nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), which regulates inflammatory genes and cytokine production. The aim of this study was to characterize NF-κB activation in cord blood mononuclear cells (CBMC). We analyzed the potential association of NF-κB activity with lymphocyte proliferation and influences on cytokine secretion in the early immune system. To determine the contribution of a disease whereby inheritance may impact neonatal immunity, we assessed the influence of maternal allergic disease on NF-κB regulation and cytokine secretion. CBMC from healthy newborns were isolated and stimulated with mitogen (n = 28). Nuclear extracts were analyzed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay, cytokine secretion by ELISA. FISH analysis excluded relevant maternal contamination of CBMC. All samples showed a positive lymphoproliferative response, and NF-κB activity was both increased and decreased after mitogen stimulation. Increased NF-κB activation was significantly associated with decreased TNF-α secretion (median 6.1 versus 50.3 pg/mL) in unstimulated CBMC. Mitogen stimulation resulted in increased NF-κB activity with a trend to increased IL-13 production. Maternal allergic disease was associated with higher TNF-α (median 982 versus 173 pg/mL) and IL-13 secretion (median 1328 versus 1120 pg/mL) after mitogen stimulation. Together, NF-κB activity is differentially activated in cord blood and associated with a distinct cytokine pattern. Whether differential NF-κB activity in cord blood is related to the subsequent development of immune diseases requires further investigation.
Novel designs for high-efficiency millimeter-wave zero-bias detectors

Novel designs for high-efficiency millimeter wave zero-bias detectors are presented. As the renowned backward diodes are extensively exploited in the utilization of zero bias detectors due to its preferable conduction for small reverse biases, the single-handed diode detectors reveal its inherent capabilities by the semiconductor processes which the detectors are made from. The selected process chiefly dominates the detectors' performances before take any circuit design techniques. Here we present novel designs that employ Schottky diodes in conjunction with field effect transistors (FETs) throughout zero bias condition in 0.15µm GaAs pseudomorphic HEMT (pHEMT) process. Through computational estimations, the novel designs show remarkable results of that the proposed designs surpass the conventional Schottky diode only structures in rectified current levels by four orders, and the isolation of RF-DC also be improved at millimeter wave frequencies.
An information gain and grammar complexity based approach to attribute selection in speech enabled information retrieval dialogs

An effective dialog driven method is required for today's speech enabled information retrieval systems, such as name dialers. Similar to the dynamic sales dialog for electronic commerce scenarios, information gain measure based approaches are widely used for attribute selection and dialog length reduction. However, for speech enabled information retrieval systems, another important factor influencing attribute selection is speech recognition accuracy. Too low accuracy results in a failed dialog. Recognition accuracy varies with many issues, including acoustic model performance and grammar complexity. The acoustic model is fixed for a whole dialog, while grammar is different for each interaction round, thereby grammar complexity influences the attribute selected for the next question. An approach combining both information gain measurement and grammar complexity is presented for a dynamic dialog driven system. Offline evaluations show that this approach can give a trade-off between the target of faster discrimination of the candidates for retrieval and higher recognition accuracy.
Social Capital and Casino Gambling in U.S. Communities

This paper empirically analyzes the impact that the spread of casino gambling has on social capital in communities throughout the United States. Social capital is a networking process that translates into an individual’s effectiveness in the community and workplace, and binds communities together. Several recent studies have also demonstrated a link between higher levels of social capital and quality of life. In this study, social capital is measured based on six dimensions: trust, civic, volunteerism, group participation, giving, and meeting obligations of family and friends. Using data from the DDB Needham database for the years 1978, 1988, and 1998, regression analysis is conducted on over 300 Metropolitan Statistical Areas throughout the United States to determine the impact that the spread of casino gambling has on social capital. The results of the analysis indicate that the presence of casino gambling significantly reduces social capital when a casino is located within 15 miles of a community, suggesting that a casino’s location influences a community’s quality of life and should be a consideration when deciding on the merits of gambling legalization.
Water-coupled carbon dioxide microchannel gas cooler for heat pump water heaters: Part II – Model development and validation

Abstract An experimental and analytical study on the performance of a compact, microchannel water-carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) gas cooler was conducted. The experimental results addressed in Part I of this study are used here in Part II to develop an analytical model, utilizing a segmented approach to account for the steep gradients in the thermodynamic and transport properties of supercritical CO 2 . The model predicted gas cooler heat duty with an average absolute deviation of 7.5% with varying refrigerant and water inlet conditions. The segmented model reveals that near the pseudo-critical point, there is a significant local decrease in refrigerant-side thermal resistance, which yields a sharp increase in local heat duty. The impact of this spike on gas cooler performance is analyzed. Results from this study can be used to predict the effect of changing geometric parameters of the heat exchanger without the need for expensive prototype development and testing.
On the Capacity of Type I Broadcast-Z-Interference Channels

The capacity of a network in which a degraded broadcast channel generates interference to a single-user channel is studied. An achievable rate region based on superposition coding and joint decoding is derived for the discrete case. Outer bounds on the capacity region are obtained for different degradedness conditions. For the Gaussian case, the capacity regions are obtained for very strong and slightly strong interference cases. When the interference is moderate or weak, some boundary points of the capacity regions are determined. For all the obtained capacity results, it is shown that to achieve the capacity, the interference should be fully decoded when it is strong, partially decoded when it is moderate, and treated as noise when it is weak.
Level crossing rate and average fade duration in MIMO mobile fading channels

In this paper, important dynamic characteristics of MIMO mobile fading channels such as the level crossing rate (LCR) and average fade durations (AFD) are studied. Depending on the application, either a scalar crossing approach or a vector crossing approach is taken and appropriate definitions for LCR and AFD in MIMO channels are provided. The more general concept of average stay duration (ASD) is also defined. Closed-from solutions for scalar MIMO LCR and vector MIMO ASD are presented and illustrated via numerical examples. Finally, the utility of the new definitions and results, when applied to adaptive modulation in MIMO channels, Markov modeling, and the block fading approximation of MIMO channels are discussed as well.
Theoretical studies of O2−:(H2O)n clusters

The interaction of superoxide ion O2− with up to four water molecules [O2−: (H2O)n, n = 1, 2, 4] has been investigated using ab initio molecular orbital theory. The binding energy of O2−: H2O is calculated to be −20.6 kcal/mol in good agreement with gas phase experimental data. At the MP3/6-31G* level the O2−:H2O complex has a C2v structure with a double (cyclic) hydrogen bond between O2− and H2O. A Cs structure with a single hydrogen bond is only 0.7 kcal/mol less stable. Interaction of H2O with the doubly occupied π* orbital of O2− is preferred slightly over interaction with the singly occupied π* orbital. Natural bond orbital analysis suggests that both electrostatic and charge transfer interactions are important in anionic complexes. The charge transfer occurs predominantly in the O2− → H2O direction and is important in determining the relative stabilities of the different structures and states. Singly and doubly hydrogen-bonded structures for the O2−: (H2O)2 and O2−: (H2O)4 clusters were found to be similar in stability and the increase in binding of the cluster becomes smaller as each additional water molecule is added to the cluster.
Buried all-epitaxial microcavity for cavity-QED with quantum dots

Optical characterization of a novel type of semiconductor microcavity based on a fully-buried, all-epitaxial design reveals many properties essential for a manufacturable technology. We demonstrate detailed mode-imaging, lasing, as well as a sizeable Purcell effect.
Detection of volcanic, solar and greenhouse gas signals in paleo‐reconstructions of Northern Hemispheric temperature

[1] We apply a multiple regression method to estimate the response to anthropogenic and natural climate forcings simultaneously from a number of paleo-reconstructions of Northern Hemispheric average temperature. These long records (600 to 1000 years) provide a unique opportunity to distinguish between different external influences on climate. The response to volcanic forcing is reliably detected in all reconstructions, and the simulated temperature response to volcanic eruptions compares favorably with observations. The response to solar forcing is detected in Hemispheric mean data only over some periods in some records, and appears weak. Although most records can be used only to the middle of the 20th century, the temperature response to CO2 can be detected by this time in most records.
Identity and mechanisms of alkane-oxidizing metalloenzymes from deep-sea hydrothermal vents

Six aerobic alkanotrophs (organism that can metabolize alkanes as their sole carbon source) isolated from deep-sea hydrothermal vents were characterized using the radical clock substrate norcarane to determine the metalloenzyme and reaction mechanism used to oxidize alkanes. The organisms studied were Alcanivorax sp. strains EPR7 and MAR14, Marinobacter sp. strain EPR21, Nocardioides sp. strains EPR26w, EPR28w, and Parvibaculum hydrocarbonoclasticum strain EPR92. Each organism was able to grow on n-alkanes as the sole carbon source and therefore must express genes encoding an alkane-oxidizing enzyme. Results from the oxidation of the radical-clock diagnostic substrate norcarane demonstrated that five of the six organisms (EPR7, MAR14, EPR21, EPR26w, and EPR28w) used an alkane hydroxylase functionally similar to AlkB to catalyze the oxidation of medium-chain alkanes, while the sixth organism (EPR92) used an alkane-oxidizing cytochrome P450 (CYP)-like protein to catalyze the oxidation. DNA sequencing indicated that EPR7 and EPR21 possess genes encoding AlkB proteins, while sequencing results from EPR92 confirmed the presence of a gene encoding CYP-like alkane hydroxylase, consistent with the results from the norcarane experiments.
Efficient Filtering in Topology Optimization via B-Splines

This paper presents a B-spline based approach for topology optimization of three-dimensional (3D) problems where the density representation is based on B-splines. Compared with the usual density filter in topology optimization, the new B-spline based density representation approach is advantageous in both memory usage and CPU time. This is achieved through the use of tensor-product form of B-splines. As such, the storage of the filtered density variables is linear with respect to the effective filter size instead of the cubic order as in the usual density filter. Numerical examples of 3D topology optimization of minimal compliance and heat conduction problems are demonstrated. We further reveal that our B-spline based density representation resolves the bottleneck challenge in multiple density per element optimization scheme where the storage of filtering weights had been prohibitively expensive.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Local Structure and Cation Ordering in O3 Lithium Nickel Manganese Oxides with Stoichiometry Li [ Ni x Mn ( 2 − x ) / 3Li ( 1 − 2x ) / 3 ] O 2 NMR Studies and First Principles Calculations

Short-range ordering in Li[Ni x Mn ( 2 - x ) / 3 Li ( 1 - 2 x ) / 3 ]O 2 was investigated with 6 Li NMR and first principles structure computations. NMR indicates that the tendency for Ni 2 + to replace Li + in the Li + layers decreases with decreasing nickel content. Li in the Ni/Mn layers preferentially occupies sites near Mn 4 + and avoids the Ni 2 + ions, leading to nonrandom configurations. Calculations indicate that the ground state of Li(Ni 0 . 5 Mn 0 . 5 )O 2 contains zigzag rows of Ni 2 + and Mn 4 + ions. Although a disordering temperature of approximately 1000 K is calculated, ordered fragments persist above the phase transition and these materials contain significant short-range order, even when quenched from high temperature.
Pilot Designs with Guard Bands for Channel Estimation of MIMO OFDM Systems with Frequency-Dependent I/Q Imbalances

All practical OFDM systems insert null guard bands to facilitate easy filter implementation and emission spectrum control. The null guard bands introduce a constraint for optimal pilot designs in MIMO OFDM systems. Semiconductor down- scaling and the use of high modulation order have signified the importance of pilot designs for OFDM systems in the presence of I/Q imbalances, but existing designs have not addressed the use of guard bands, the overhead efficiency, the estimation optimality, and general applicability in pilot data multiplexed format and/or MIMO setup. This paper proposes a pilot design for channel estimation of MIMO OFDM systems with guard bands and both transmit and receive frequency-dependent I/Q imbalances, which overcomes the limitations of the existing designs. Simulation and numerical results corroborate better performance, overhead advantage and applicability in pilot-data-multiplexed MIMO setup of the proposed design over the existing MIMO OFDM pilot design with I/Q imbalances. Index Terms—Channel estimation, Guard band, I/Q imbal- ance, MIMO, OFDM, Pilot design
Towards using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in Wilderness Search and Rescue: Lessons from field trials

Wilderness Search and Rescue (WiSAR) is the process of finding and assisting persons who are lost in remote wilderness areas. Because such areas are often rugged or relatively inaccessible, searching for missing persons can take huge amounts of time and resources. Camera-equipped mini-Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have the potential for speeding up the search process by enabling searchers to view aerial video of an area of interest while closely coordinating with nearby ground searchers. In this paper, we report on lessons learned by trying to use UAVs to support WiSAR. Our research methodology has relied heavily on field trials involving searches conducted under the direction of practicing search and rescue personnel but using simulated missing persons. Lessons from these field trials include the immediate importance of seeing things well in the video, the field need for defining and supporting various roles in the search team, role-specific needs like supporting systematic search by providing a visualization tool to represent the quality of the search, and the on-going need to better support interactions between ground and video searchers. Surprisingly to us, sophisticated autonomous search patterns were less critical than we anticipated, though advances in video enhancement and visualizing search progress, as well as ongoing work to model the likely location of a missing person, open up the possibility of closing the loop between UAV path-planning, search quality, and the likely location of a moving missing person. Keywords: Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, Wilderness Search and Rescue, Human–Robot Interaction, Human Factors, Field Robotics, Graphical User Interfaces
Shared Memory Parallelization of an Implicit ADI-type CFD Code

A parallelization study designed for ADI-type algorithms is presented using the OpenMP specification for shared-memory multiprocessor programming. Details of optimizations specifically addressed to cache-based computer architectures are described and performance measurements for the single and multiprocessor implementation are summarized. The paper demonstrates that optimization of memory access on a cache-based computer architecture controls the performance of the computational algorithm. A hybrid MPI/OpenMP approach is proposed for clusters of shared memory machines to further enhance the parallel performance. The method is applied to develop a new LES/DNS code, named LESTool. A preliminary DNS calculation of a fully developed channel flow at a Reynolds number of 180, Re(sub tau) = 180, has shown good agreement with existing data.
Recent Changes in Arctic Sea Ice: The Interplay between Ice Dynamics and Thermodynamics

Abstract It is well established that periods of high North Atlantic oscillation (NAO) index are characterized by a weakening of the surface high pressure and surface anticyclone in the Beaufort Sea and the intensification of the cyclonic circulation in the eastern Arctic Ocean. The response of Arctic sea ice to these atmospheric changes has been studied with a thickness distribution sea-ice model coupled to an ocean model. During a period of high NAO, 1989–96, the model shows a substantial reduction of ice advection into the eastern Arctic from the Canada Basin, and an increase of ice export through Fram Strait, both of which tend to deplete thick ice in the eastern Arctic Ocean and enhance it in the western Arctic, in an uneven dipolar pattern we call the East–West Arctic Anomaly Pattern (EWAAP). From the period 1979–88 with a lower-NAO index to the period 1988–96 with a high-NAO index, the simulated ice volume in the eastern Arctic drops by about a quarter, while that in the western Arctic increases by ...
Are infants with orofacial clefts at risk for insecure mother-child attachments?

Abstract Objective: Several risk factors in the early lives of children with clefts are believed to interfere with their development of secure attachments to parents; however, this possibility has rarely been studied empirically. This study compared 12- and 24-month attachment classifications of infants with cleft palate (CP), infants with cleft lip and palate (CLP), and a comparison group of unimpaired infants (COMP). Method: Twenty-two CP infants, 24 CLP infants, and 61 matched COMP infants were assessed at 12 and 24 months of age in an urban children's hospital. At both visits, mothers and infants participated in the Strange Situation, which was videotaped and subsequently coded for patterns of attachment behavior. Results: CP infants displayed a lower rate of 12-month attachment security than infants in the CLP or COMP groups. By 24 months, no diagnostic group differences in attachment classification were found. Stable 12- to 24-month attachment classifications were less likely in the CP group (36.3%)...
Assistive Technology for Students with Visual Impairments and Blindness

This chapter provides (a) an overview of visual impairments and blindness, (b) explanations, examples, and summaries of research findings on assistive technology-related assessments and assistive technologies for pre-academic learning, reading, writing, mathematics, and science, and (c) discussion of implications of research findings for use of assistive technology with students with visual impairments and blindness. The research summarized suggests the use of assistive technology with students with visual impairments and blindness has the potential to improve many student outcomes related to academics and learning via enhancement of existing sight abilities and/or engagement of other senses (e.g., hearing) and abilities (e.g., oral language). In addition, research findings suggest the extent and quality of assessments are critical determinants of long-term assistive technology implementation outcomes. Discussion of the implications of research findings includes recommendations for practice in assessment, selection of assistive technologies, teaching and encouraging assistive technology use, and prevention of technology abandonment. The chapter concludes with description of areas in need of future research.
Vailas: An Ill-Conceived Limit on Modifying Child Support Orders

Does an Illinois circuit court have authority to modify a child support order on behalf of a child permanently living with a parent in Illinois, thereby altering the support obligations of a nonresident parent who is accorded all the federal constitutional due process protections against inconvenient forums? Surprisingly, and unfortunately, for now the answer is “no.” Illinois parents seeking additional help for Illinois children could be obliged to travel to remote locations to secure necessary child support. The question arose in Vailas v. Vailas, 939 N.E.2d 565 (Ill. App. 1st 201'7, a decision of “first impression in Illinois” but not, one hopes, of lasting impression. The troubling response was demanded by the Illinois version of the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act. 750 ILCS 22/101 et seq. In the case, the Act was read to deny to an Illinois court jurisdiction over a Texas father in order to modify a Texas child support order benefitting an Illinois child. The Act was intended to protect a nonresident from having to litigate “far away.” But it effectively forced an Illinois mother and child to litigate “far away.” The Act should be amended to allow broader jurisdiction in Illinois to modify sister state child support orders. Any inconvenience to nonrersident parents can be handled by the forum non conveniens doctrine, as is done in Illinois when initial child support orders are sought, or when sister state child support orders are enforced, against nonresident parents.
Prognostic Value of Cardiac MRI in ARVC/D

Abstract This Chapter provides practical considerations with regard to the use of CMR for prognosis and follow up in ARVC/D. CMR is an important prognostic tool and an excellent modality for effective risk stratification of patients with known or suspected ARVC/D. Using advanced methodology, CMR may reveal subtle changes in the right ventricular function, geometry, and structure well before the RVEF is compromised. In patients with phenotype positivity, CMR may be helpful in establishing the diagnosis and provide reliable longitudinal follow-up. Since electrical abnormalities precede detectable structural changes, the use of serial CMR screening may be restricted to symptomatic family members with electrical abnormalities on ECG and Holter monitoring. CMR has excellent spatial resolution and inter- and intraobserver variability and thus is an effective tool for sequential imaging. Based on published literature, the majority of the patients should be rescanned not sooner than every 4 years, unless new symptoms develop.
What Is The Real Income Of The Poor?: An Accountants Perspective

The issue of poverty in America has been vastly studied in the economics, political science and sociology literatures. Conservative think tanks generally consider that official poverty statistics overstate the true nature of poverty in the U.S. while liberal organizations contend just the opposite. The aim of the current paper is not to settle this debate, but to add insights from an accountants point of view. Specifically, the current research will calculate the income of the poor, including tax credits and transfer payments, and then construct a family budget based upon the available income. These calculations, based on a family of four living at the poverty level in 2009, will be contrasted to a family of four living at New Jerseys median income. The main finding of this paper is that the real income of the poor is substantially above their salaried income.
THE READABILITY OF ONLINE PATIENT EDUCATION MATERIALS ON HYPERTENSION, HYPERLIPIDEMIA, AND ATHEROSCLEROSIS

About 40% to 60% of American patients refer to online sources for health care information. The readability of online patient education materials (PEM) should be at or below the 6th grade level, as recommended by the National Institutes of Health. Here, we analyze the readability of online PEM for
Effect of heterojunction on exciton binding energy and electron-hole recombination probability in CdSe/ZnS quantum dots.

Presence of heterojunctions is important for generation of free charge carriers and the dissociation of bound electron–hole pairs in semiconductor nanoparticles. This work presents a theoretical investigation of the effect of core/shell heterojunction on electron–hole interaction in CdSe/ZnS quantum dots. The excitonic wave function in the CdSe/ZnS dots was calculated using the electron–hole explicitly correlated Hartree–Fock (eh-XCHF) method and the effect of successive addition of the ZnS shell on exciton binding energy, electron–hole recombination probability, and the electron–hole separation distance was investigated. It was found that the scaling of all the three quantities as a function of dot diameter did not follow conventional volume scaling laws of core-only dots, and the scaling laws were significantly altered due to the presence of the heterojunction. The spatial localization of the quasiparticles in the core/shell quantum dot was analyzed by calculating the 1-particle reduced density from the...
Political Parties and Representation: The Case of Japan

Japan, the non-Western world's first country to introduce and continue a parliamentary system of government, and one of the most stable democracies in the industrialized world today, provides an excellent case for the study of political parties and representation. —It was the first non-Western country to introduce a parliament in 1890 and mass male suffrage in 1925. —Political parties and popular elections were an important basis for governance in the period prior to World War II, and have been the sole basis for the selection of Japan's governments since then, making Japan one of the few non-Western examples of electoral representation. —Japan today, despite free elections and a competitive multiparty system, has had an unbroken string of governments formed exclusively by the conservative Liberal Democratic Party since that party's formation in 1955, making Japan the best example of uninterrupted conservative rule among the advanced industrialized democracies. —There are enough similarities and differences in Japan's electoral and party systems to make it an informative, but not totally anomalous, comparative case study for those generally interested in these phenomena.
Research on Multisensor Target Recognition Algorithm Based on Bayesian Networks

Due to the character of Bayesian network which can express and infer on uncertainty evidences.The target recognition modeling based on bayesian network has been brought out.The bayesian network struction of target fusion racognition has been built based on the inference rules of air target recognition.The data fusion of diferent sensors was delt first,their fusion results were fused again with bayesian network inference algorithm and the final fusion result can be gained according to the probability values of different variable states.The simulation example showed that this method is simple and direct in computation in real time,reduces the complexity in application and approves the reliaability in recognition.
Regional yield variations and optimized application amounts of nitrogen of mid-season hybrid rice in Southwest China

The variations of yield,panicle-grain structure and the optimum application amount of nitrogen of mid-season hybrid rice were studied by using the cultivars,II-you 7 and Yuxiang-you 203,in different ecological sites,soil nutrient statuses and N application levels in 2009.Data were analyzed by using variance,correlation,regression,path and partial correlations.The results show that there are significant or highly significant differences of grain yields and panicle-grain structure between the 7 sites,4 fertilizer application treatments and 2 combination except for the maximum tillers and productive panicle.There are highly significant correlations between spikelets per panicle,seed setting percentage,1000-grain weight and yield.The main goals for high yield would be increase the productive panicle and seed setting percentage,which would be achieved by increasing soil organic matter and available nitrogen content in southwest China.Multiple stepwise regression analysis shows that the optimize application amount of nitrogen of mid-season hybrid rice are significantly influenced by different ecological sites and soil nutrient statuses,and the determination coefficient ranges from 0.9995-0.9999,which would be used as the scientific basis for the determination of the efficient applied N amount for full scale rice cultivation.
Modernization of Gate Monitoring System for Panjiakou Pumped Storage Power Plant

Spillway gate is used to flood discharge control and its reliability is of great concern to the securities of the dam,plant and downstream river,because the gate is always frequently open during flood period.Open and closure of the gate usually is operated manually in old system,which results in difficult to control hoisting heights,to calculate water discharge volume,and to control on time.In order to ensure the reliability and security of gate control,hierarchical distributed system architecture is adopted for the improved gate control system.In the improved system,the main control stage,local control stage and local distributing box form a control network with high reliability.In addition,several functions are added such as blocking conditions and priority judgment,as well as the automatic count of flood flow volume,etc.
Synthesizing multi-axis flexure systems with decoupled actuators

Abstract The aim of this paper is to introduce a general systematic approach for synthesizing multi-degree-of-freedom (i.e., multi-axis) flexure-based precision motion systems with decoupled actuators. This approach utilizes the geometric shapes of the Freedom, Actuation, and Constraint Topologies (FACT) synthesis approach to help designers rapidly visualize and compare flexure topologies that could be used to successfully decouple any set of actuators intended to drive any set of desired degrees of freedom (DOFs). The ability to correctly synthesize such decoupled systems is important if their stages are intended to be driven by each of their actuators over large ranges without causing their other actuators to (i) experience harmful jamming forces in the case of displacement-based contact actuators, or (ii) displace from their optimally calibrated positions for the case of force-based non-contact actuators. Additionally, such decoupled flexure systems improve the controllability of their stages by minimizing how much the output of any one of their actuators affects the output of their other actuators. This paper provides the systematic steps of the proposed synthesis approach in the context of various case studies.
Management of a superior sulcus (pancoast) tumor.

The patient is a 74-year-old gentleman who presented with a visual disturbance and right shoulder pain. On routine chest x-ray, he was found to have a right apical lung mass.