cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
New treatments for chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome

Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) is a common condition among men of a wide age range, with detrimental effects on quality of life. The etiology, pathogenesis, and optimal treatment of CP/CPPS remain unknown, although progress has been made in these domains in recent years. A wide variety of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic therapies have been studied in clinical trials, but most have shown limited efficacy in symptom alleviation. CP/CPPS is increasingly viewed as a condition that involves variable degrees of neuropathic pain. Medications such as gabapentin, pregabalin, memantine, and tricyclic antidepressants are often used in other neuropathic pain conditions and, therefore, are considered potential treatments for CP/CPPS. Few studies of these agents in patients with CP/CPPS have been reported, but future clinical trials should help to determine their utility and to characterize the pathogenetic mechanisms of pain in CP/CPPS. Combining treatment trials with biomarker, genomic, and imaging studies, in addition to epidemiologic and symptom-based assessments, will maximize the ability to probe disease etiology and pathogenesis, as well as identify effective treatment.
The probability of transmitter release at a mammalian central synapse

When an action potential reaches a synaptic terminal, fusion of a transmitter-containing vesicle with the presynaptic membrane occurs with a probability (pr) of less than one. Despite the fundamental importance of this parameter, pr has not been directly measured in the central nervous system. Here we describe a novel approach to determine pr, monitoring the decrement of NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate)-receptor mediated synaptic currents in the presence of the use-dependent channel blocker MK-801 (ref. 2). On a single postsynaptic CA1 hippocampal slice neuron, two classes of synapses with a sixfold difference in pr are resolved. Synapses with low pr contribute to over half of transmission and are more sensitive to drugs enhancing transmitter release. Switching between these two classes of synapses provides the potential for large changes in synaptic efficacy and could underlie forms of activity-dependent plasticity.
Dietary saturated fatty acid composition has differential effects on HDL binding to Guinea Pig hepatic membranes

Abstract The effects of dietary saturated fatty acid composition on high density lipoprotein (HDL) metabolism in guinea pigs were investigated. Animals were fed semi-purified diets containing 15% (w/w) fat, either palm kernel oil (PK), high in lauric + myristic acids; palm oil (PO), high in palmitic acid; or beef tallow (BT), high in stearic acid. Intake of the PK diet resulted in the highest plasma total cholesterol level (P 125 I-HDL. While no differences in receptor affinity (K d ) due to dietary fat composition were found, HDL binding protein number (B max ) was highest in animals fed the BT diet (2.39±0.05 μg/mg), intermediate in the PK (1.98±0.07 μg/mg) and lowest in the PO group (1.69±0.07 μg/mg) (P max ) (r=−0.59, n=18, P
Integrated and hierarchical sortmap-relabel image segmentation methods

We propose two image segmentation algorithms: the inte- grated sortmap relabel with adjacent-region merging (ISARM), and the self-guided sortmap relabel with adjacent-region merging (SGSARM). Due to the integration of noise reduction and fast merging, ISARM pro- vides a 25% improvement in processing time, as compared to leading existing algorithms such as the region adjacency graph (RAG) algorithm, on a variety of test images. ISARM also provides better segmentation accuracy than the RAG algorithm, by a measure combining the mean squared error and the number of regions obtained. SGSARM is designed for use with large images (say 102431024 or larger). It incorporates two levels of processing: an edge detection algorithm of linear complexity, which is applied to large images to detect regions of interest (ROIs), followed by ISARM for finer segmentation of each ROI. SGSARM there- fore has significant advantages in speed and accuracy when used in large images. Simulation results are provided to demonstrate the perfor- mance of both algorithms. © 2002 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engi- neers. (DOI: 10.1117/1.1511246)
Isomer Stability and Bond-Breaking Energies of N8C8H8 Cages

Molecules consisting entirely or predominantly of nitrogen have been extensively investigated for their potential as high-energy density materials (HEDM). Such molecules react to produce N2 and large amounts of energy, but many such molecules are too unstable for practical applications. In the present study, cage isomers of N8C8H8 are studied using theoretical calculations to determine the structural features that lead to the most stable cages and determine the energetics of dissociation for the various isomers. The isomers are evaluated for thermodynamic (isomer vs isomer) stability and kinetic (with respect to dissociation) stability. Density functional theory (B3LYP), perturbation theory (MP2), and coupled-cluster theory [CCSD(T)] are employed, in conjunction with the cc-pVDZ basis set of Dunning. Trends in isomer stability and dissociation energies are calculated and discussed.
Influence of Direct and Reactive Dyes on the Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Cotton

Cotton fabric is subjected to enzymatic hydrolysis with cellulases before and after dyeing. The effects of direct dyes of increasing molecular size on the rate of the en zymatic hydrolysis reaction are investigated, along with mono- and bifunctional reac tive dyes with different functional groups. All reactive dyes studied and especially bifunctional reactive dyes, have a decelerating influence on enzymatic attack. The effect of the direct dyes depends strongly on the enzymatic treatment duration. Moisture regain values of enzyme treated fabric suggest a transient state of somewhat increased disorder of the cellulose structure at a specific stage of hydrolysis, which is alleviated by longer incubation times. At this stage, direct dyed fabric shows a hydrolysis rate approximately equal to or slightly higher than undyed fabric.
A general module for RNA crystallization

Crystallization of RNA molecules other than simple oligonucleotide duplexes remains a challenging step in structure determination by X-ray crystallography. Subjecting biochemically, covalently and conformationally homogeneous target molecules to an exhaustive array of crystallization conditions is often insufficient to yield crystals large enough for X-ray data collection. Even when large RNA crystals are obtained, they often do not diffract X-rays to resolutions that would lead to biochemically informative structures. We reasoned that a well-folded RNA molecule would typically present a largely undifferentiated molecular surface dominated by the phosphate backbone. During crystal nucleation and growth, this might result in neighboring molecules packing subtly out of register, leading to premature crystal growth cessation and disorder. To overcome this problem, we have developed a crystallization module consisting of a normally intramolecular RNA-RNA interaction that is recruited to make an intermolecular crystal contact. The target RNA molecule is engineered to contain this module at sites that do not affect biochemical activity. The presence of the crystallization module appears to drive crystal growth, in the course of which other, non-designed contacts are made. We have employed the GAAA tetraloop/tetraloop receptor interaction successfully to crystallize numerous group II intron domain 5-domain 6, and hepatitis delta virus (HDV) ribozyme RNA constructs. The use of the module allows facile growth of large crystals, making it practical to screen a large number of crystal forms for favorable diffraction properties. The method has led to group II intron domain crystals that diffract X-radiation to 3.5 A resolution.
Sequences spanning the leader-repeat junction mediate CRISPR adaptation to phage in Streptococcus thermophilus

CRISPR-Cas systems are RNA-based immune systems that protect prokaryotes from invaders such as phages and plasmids. In adaptation, the initial phase of the immune response, short foreign DNA fragments are captured and integrated into host CRISPR loci to provide heritable defense against encountered foreign nucleic acids. Each CRISPR contains a ∼100-500 bp leader element that typically includes a transcription promoter, followed by an array of captured ∼35 bp sequences (spacers) sandwiched between copies of an identical ∼35 bp direct repeat sequence. New spacers are added immediately downstream of the leader. Here, we have analyzed adaptation to phage infection in Streptococcus thermophilus at the CRISPR1 locus to identify cis-acting elements essential for the process. We show that the leader and a single repeat of the CRISPR locus are sufficient for adaptation in this system. Moreover, we identified a leader sequence element capable of stimulating adaptation at a dormant repeat. We found that sequences within 10 bp of the site of integration, in both the leader and repeat of the CRISPR, are required for the process. Our results indicate that information at the CRISPR leader-repeat junction is critical for adaptation in this Type II-A system and likely other CRISPR-Cas systems.
Effects of Special Purpose Hardware in Scientific Computation with Emphasis on Power System Applications

Several uses for special purpose numerical hardware for scientific applications have recently been proposed [1, 3, 6]. However, few of those innovations have yet been implemented. We discuss some of the characteristics essential for an application to effectively use a special purpose processor. We examine some power system applications and argue that their present form is not suitable for systems that include special purpose processors.
The effect of thermal cycle on the microstructural development of a powder metallurgy superalloy braze material

This investigation examines the effect of thermal cycle on the microstructural development in a powder metallurgy (P/M) superalloy braze material. Using a vertical quench furnace, samples were quenched at various stages within the heat treatment. Microstructures were analyzed using optical microscopy and an electron microprobe. The results show that borides having a blocky morphology are stable at all temperatures, both compositionally and morphologically. Script phase undergoes a drastic change in chemistry; however, it remains morphologically stable throughout. The chemical analysis of the microstructure supports the conclusion that the extended heat treatment, which is employed in industry to homogenize the microstructure and dissolve detrimental phases, does not have a significant effect in preventing these phases from forming. By using shorter times at elevated temperatures, similar microstructures can be produced.
WE‐C‐304A‐02: Testing for Optimal Grid Choice in Automated Bedside Imaging

Purpose: The BRAGA (Bedside Radiography Automatic Grid Alignment) mobile x‐ray unit utilizes automated positioning of the x‐ray focal spot and grid to allow the use of grids in bedside imaging without compromising image quality. Because of the imprecision of manually aligning the grid and focal spot, it was previously difficult to characterize the grid that would produce optimal results. We used the BRAGA unit to investigate a variety of grids at different techniques to identify superior grids for mobile chest imaging, as determined by the greatest image contrast to noise ratio (CNR). Method and Materials: The grids tested in this experiment were the Matiya 15:1, the Matiya 12:1, the Smit‐Rontgen 10:1, the Smit‐Rontgen 13:1, and the Smit‐Rontgen 15:1. A BRAGA mobile unit was used with its grid tunnel anchored to hold the grid and CR plate in place during measurements. The phantom used for imaging was the standard AAPM chest phantom (two 12″×12″ blocks of 1″ Lucite − 2 mm Al − 1″ Lucite, separated by a 2″ air gap), which was modified by the insertion into the air gap of a 4″×12″×2″ Lucite block (simulating the mediastinum) with holes drilled for positive contrast and three aluminum disks placed over the mediastinum and lungs for negative contrast. Exposures were taken for each grid using the same techniques, chosen to be useful for bedside chest imaging. Results: The CNR was greatest for the Smit‐Rontgen 13:1 grid using the standard chest phantom. Typical CNR variability between grids was 5–10%, while the standard deviation in the CNR was on the order of 1%. Conclusion: Implementation of the BRAGA mobile unit will allow the use of grids in an effective way, to improve CNR and diagnosis. The Smit‐Rontgen 13:1 grid produced the highest CNR for positive and negative contrast objects in the chest phantom.
Robustness of transmit diversity schemes with multiple receive antennas at imperfect channel state information

Transmit diversity is essential for efficient operation of many wireless systems. The well known simple transmit diversity (STD) system of Alamouti achieves diversity without any bandwidth expansion and without channel feedback [S. M. Alamouti, Oct. 1998]. Alamouti's system is susceptible to imperfect channel state information. In this paper we introduce a new transmit selection diversity technique, by modifying an existing technique and we compare the performance of three selection diversity systems utilizing 2 transmit antennas. The first system (hybrid SD-STD) compares the strengths of the signals coming to the receive antennas and if the channels associated with one transmit antenna have the highest amplitudes at all receiver antennas, then that transmit antenna is selected [A. E. Pusane and U. Aygolu, June 12-14, 2002]. For other outcomes the system uses simple transmit diversity of Alamouti [S. M. Alamouti, Oct. 1998]. The second system compares the total amplitude of the channels from the transmit antennas and makes the selection (STSD) [S. Thoen et al., 2001]. The third system, which is introduced here, simplifies the operation by choosing the transmit antenna to which the best channel belongs (SBSD). We have observed that for 2 receive antenna case; STSD has the best performance among the systems. Hybrid STD-SD has better performance at 3 receive antenna case if there are no channel estimation errors. In the presence of imperfect channel state information, other selection schemes could outperform Hybrid STD-SD and STD.
Addressing Underrepresentation of Gifted Minority Children Using the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT).

A persistent problem in education is the underrepresentation of diverse students in gifted education programs. Many educators attribute the poor participation of diverse students in gifted programs to the ineffectiveness of standardized tests in capturing the ability of these students. Thus, a primary agenda of school selection committees is to find more culturally sensitive measures. This study examined the effectiveness of the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT) in identifying gifted Black and Hispanic students in comparison to White students. The sample was comprised of 20,270 students in grades K-12 who were similar to the U.S. population on several demographic variables. The distributions of NNAT standard scores were studied separately for White, Black, and Hispanic groups. Results indicate that similar percentages of White (5.6%), Black (5.1%0/), and Hispanic (4.4%) children earned an NNAT standard score of 125 (95th percentile rank). These findings suggest that the NNAT may be useful as part of ...
Limited feedback unitary precoding for orthogonal space-time block codes

Orthogonal space-time block codes (OSTBCs) are a class of easily decoded space-time codes that achieve full diversity order in Rayleigh fading channels. OSTBCs exist only for certain numbers of transmit antennas and do not provide array gain like diversity techniques that exploit transmit channel information. When channel state information is available at the transmitter, though, precoding the space-time codeword can be used to support different numbers of transmit antennas and to improve array gain. Unfortunately, transmitters in many wireless systems have no knowledge about current channel conditions. This motivates limited feedback precoding methods such as channel quantization or antenna subset selection. This paper investigates a limited feedback approach that uses a codebook of precoding matrices known a priori to both the transmitter and receiver. The receiver chooses a matrix from the codebook based on current channel conditions and conveys the optimal codebook matrix to the transmitter over an error-free, zero-delay feedback channel. A criterion for choosing the optimal precoding matrix in the codebook is proposed that relates directly to minimizing the probability of symbol error of the precoded system. Low average distortion codebooks are derived based on the optimal codeword selection criterion. The resulting design is found to relate to the famous applied mathematics problem of subspace packing in the Grassmann manifold. Codebooks designed by this method are proven to provide full diversity order in Rayleigh fading channels. Monte Carlo simulations show that limited feedback precoding performs better than antenna subset selection.
UV-Visible Response of Kraft Lignin in Soft Wood Black Liquor

UV-visible light absorption is an analytical method that is commonly used to determine the concentration of lignin in solution; however, there are uncertainties with this method, particularly for use in determining lignin concentration in black liquors. To try to resolve these uncertainties, a detailed study of UV-visible absorption by lignin in solution has been made. A dual beam UV-visible instrument capable of repetitive scan was used. The effects of lignin concentration, lignin molecular weight, molecular weight dispersion, and solvent were examined as well as the effect of the reference solvent. Measurements were made for lignin dissolved in dilute caustic, DMF, THF, and DMSO. Measurements for soft wood black liquors were also made. A refined method for determining lignin concentration in soft wood black liquors resulted that is now being used in our research to evaluate lignin concentration in soft wood black liquor. The results of the current work have led to improvements in this analytical method so that it appears to be less affected by lignin characteristics and by solution complexities.
ManyAspects: a system for highlighting diverse concepts in documents

We demonstrate ManyAspects -- a document-summarization system that ingests a document and automatically highlights a small set of sentences that are expected to cover the different aspects of the document. The sentences are picked using simple coverage and orthogonality criteria. With ManyAspects, you get a concise yet comprehensive overview of the document without having to spend lots of time drilling down into the details. The system can handle both plain text and syndication feeds (RSS and Atom). It can run either as a stand-alone application or be integrated with Web 2.0 forums to pinpoint different opinions on online discussions for blogs, products, movies, etc. For comparative analysis and exploratory flexibility, the system includes other off-the-shelf text-summarization methods, e.g. k-median clustering and singular value decomposition. Thus, the system allows the user to explore the content of the input document in many different ways.
GestureCommander: continuous touch-based gesture prediction

GestureCommander is a touch-based gesture control system for mobile devices that is able to recognize gestures as they are being performed. Continuous recognition allows the system to provide visual feedback to the user and to anticipate user commands to possibly decrease perceived response time. To achieve this goal we employ two Hidden Markov Model (HMM) systems, one for recognition and another for generating visual feedback. We analyze a set of geometric features used in other gesture recognition systems and determine a subset that works best for HMMs. Finally we demonstrate the practicality of our recognition HMMs in a proof of concept mobile application for Google's Android mobile platform that has a recognition accuracy rate of 96% over 15 distinct gestures.
A normed measure of variability among proportions

A measure of variability among a set of proportions is developed. There are no distributional assumptions, so the measure, H, is applicable in a wide variety of situations. H is scaled so that its range is zero (all proportions are equal) to one (maximum variability among the proportions, given the weighted average). The measure can be interpreted as a distance: the value of H indicates the position of the proportions relative to the possible extremes of no variability or maximum variability. Any set of constant weights can be applied to the proportions: the weights are used to compute the weighted average proportion and are also used to determine the extent to which each proportion affects the variability measure. Comparisons are made to other measures of variability and a numerical example is given.
MONITORING MULTISPECIES INTERACTIONS: A CASE STUDY OF 16 MAIN TREE SPECIES ALONG THE NORTHEAST CHINA TRANSECT

Viability of single species can be understood only in the context of ecological interactions with the other species and the environment. Monitoring multispecies interactions and their environment is critical for analysis of community dynamics, multispecies habitat conservation plans and for adaptive ecosystem management programs. In this study, three simple methods (scaling exponent of Taylor's power law, resource exploitation competition and interspecies mean crowding coefficients) based on abundance were applied to estimate multiple tree species interactions along the Northeast China Transect. This transect was identified as a middle-latitude transect for terrestrial ecosystem studies by Global Change and Terrestrial Ecosystem Program of IGBP. Our analyses show the differences and similarities of these three methods because each one emphasizes different aspects of multispecies interaction measurement. The combined use of these three methods can provide an easy and simple way to estimate multispecies interactions based on abundance of each tree species and their change under environmental change. The suggested approach could help identify indicator species for monitoring, improve population viability analysis, and set priorities species conservation. Keywords. Interspecies mean crowding coefficients, multispecies habitat conservation plans, Northeast China Transect, resource exploitation competition, Taylor's power law
General theory for the creeping motion of a finite sphere along the axis of a circular orifice

This paper presents the first infinite-series solutions to the creeping-flow equations for the axisymmetric motion of a sphere of arbitrary size towards an orifice whose diameter is either larger or smaller than the sphere. To obtain the solution the flow field is partitioned in the plane of the opening, and for the flow to the left and right of the fluid interface separate solutions are developed that satisfy the viscous-flow boundary conditions in each region and unknown functions for the axial and radial velocity components in the plane of the opening. The continuity of the fluid stress tensor at the matching interface leads to a set of dual integral equations which are solved analytically to determine the unknown functions for the velocity components in the matching plane. A boundary collocation technique is used to satisfy the no-slip boundary conditions on the surface of the sphere. The accuracy and convergence of the present solution is tested by detailed numerical comparison with the exact bipolar co-ordinate solutions of Brenner (1961) for the drag on a sphere translating perpendicular to an infinite plane wall up to a distance of 0·1 sphere radii and is found to be in agreement to five significant digits. The converged-series collocation solutions are presented for the sphere in motion in quiescent fluid or for flow past a rigidly held sphere positioned axisymmetrically near a fixed orifice. Solutions are also presented for the zero-drag velocity of a neutrally buoyant sphere in a flow through an orifice, and the pressure–volume flow relation for a ball-valve geometry.
Packaging of multi-core microprocessors: tradeoffs and potential solutions

Power consumption and interconnect latency are becoming major bottlenecks in the design of high performance computers and microprocessors. In this paper we propose to use a multicore processor approach to improve the performance of a processor. This paper discusses an analysis of the performance trade offs between single and multicore processors based on power, frequency, bandwidth and the role of embedded passives with high density wiring in future packages to support such processors.
Interactive planning for strategy development in academic-based cooperative research enterprises

The evolution of strategic management concludes that formulation and implementation is an emergent process. In today's knowledge-based society this requires that managers develop more creative ways to align strategies with core competencies to maximise organisational performance and efficiencies. This paper evaluates the approach taken by a university-based research collaborative to illustrate an integrated planning process that supports strategic management in higher education environments. Utilising the concepts of road mapping and interactive planning, this case study provides insights into the participative approach used and provides a modification of several conceptual models to illustrate the advantages and disadvantages of this process.
Perovskite RRAM devices with metal/insulator/PCMO/metal heterostructures

Perovskite non-volatile resistive random access memory (RRAM) devices with metal/insulator/Pr0.7Ca0.3MnO3 (PCMO)/metal thin film heterostructures have been fabricated and characterized as to performance. The insulator layer was grown as a buffer layer between the active CMR perovskite and the top metal contact. For these buffer layer heterostructure devices, the pulse voltage needed to switch the device is significantly reduced and the resistance-switching ratio is increased as compared to a non-buffered RRAM device. Low temperature magnetic field measurements indicate that the PCMO is the principal material in defining the resistive switching properties of the device. However, the insulating buffer layers used were oxygen ion conductors, and the resultant improvement of switching properties due to the buffer layers may indicate a mechanism where oxygen ions or oxygen vacancies are playing a role
Refining a taxonomy for engineering education research

Engineering education research is a diverse, rapidly-evolving, international field in which scholars apply the methods of educational research to address a variety of issues pertaining to teaching and learning in engineering. As the field has grown, so has the need for a standardized terminology and an updated taxonomy to map and communicate research initiatives. Refining a U.S-centric taxonomy is the focus of this workshop. Participants will engage in activities to reflect on a draft taxonomy and offer suggestions to refine it. Participants are encouraged to bring a computer, and interested participants at any experience level are encouraged to join this dialogue.
The Nature and Processing of Errors in Interactive Behavior

Understanding the nature of errors in a simple, rule-based task—programming a VCR—required analyzing the interactions among human cognition, the artifact, and the task. This analysis was guided by least-effort principles and yielded a control structure that combined a rule hierarchy task-to-device with display-based difference-reduction. A model based on this analysis was used to trace action protocols collected from participants as they programmed a simulated VCR. Trials that ended without success (the show was not correctly programmed) were interrogated to yield insights regarding problems in acquiring the control structure. For successful trials (the show was correctly programmed), steps that the model would make were categorized as matches to the model; steps that the model would not make were violations of the model. The model was able to trace the vast majority of correct keystrokes and yielded a business-as-usual account of the detection and correction of errors. Violations of the model fell into one of two fundamental categories. The model provided insights into certain subcategories of errors; whereas, regularities within other subcategories of error suggested limitations to the model. Although errors were rare when compared to the total number of correct actions, they were important. Errors were made on 4% of the keypresses that, if not detected, would have prevented two-thirds of the shows from being successfully recorded. A misprogrammed show is a minor annoyance to the user. However, devices with the approximate complexity of a VCR are ubiquitous and have found their way into emergency rooms, airplane cockpits, power plants, and so on. Errors of ignorance may be reduced by training; however, errors in the routine performance of skilled users can only be reduced by design.
American Crocodile (Crocodylus Acutus) in Florida: Recommendations for Endangered Species Recovery and Ecosystem Restoration

When the American Crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) was declared endangered in 1975, scant data were available for making management decisions. Results of intensive studies conducted during the late 1970s and early 1980s by the National Park Service, Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission, and Florida Power and Light Company resulted in an optimistic outlook for crocodiles. However, new issues face crocodiles today. Florida and Biscayne bays have undergone changes that have caused concern for the health of these ecosystems. The purpose of this paper is to review results of monitoring programs for C. acutus that have been used as a basis for consideration of reclassification of this endangered species and for restoration of its endangered ecosystem. More crocodiles and nests occur in more places today than in 1975. The maximum number of nesting females in Florida has increased from 20 in 1975 to 85 in 2004, and the number of concentrations of nesting effort from two to four. This evidence supports the proposed reclassification of the American Crocodile from endangered to threatened. However, crocodiles are still threatened by modification of habitat because of development adjacent to crocodile habitat and will benefit from restored freshwater flow into estuaries. As crocodiles continue to increase in number and expand into new areas, interactions with humans will occur more frequently. The challenge of integrating a recovering population of the American Crocodile with an ever-increasing use of coastal areas by humans will be the final challenge in successful recovery of this once critically endangered species.
Traffic signal control with macroscopic fundamental diagrams

The recent breakthrough finding of macroscopic fundamental diagram (MFD) establishes the foundation of macroscopic analysis in urban transportation studies. However, the implementation of MFD for traffic signal control remains challenging. This is because the compact network-wide information provided by MFD is insufficient for searching for the optimal microscopic control policy. In this paper, rather than implementing only MFD, we integrate MFD into our microscopic urban traffic flow model to constrain the searching space of control policies. This approach is able to maximize the contribution of MFD, without losing microscopic information in the control model. Specifically, we first build a traffic flow model and introduce the stochastic driver behaviors by a turning matrix. We then implement the approximate Q-learning with restricted control to reduce the computational cost of the large-scale stochastic control problem. Here, the information of MFD is used to design both the heuristic regularization term in the stage cost and the statebased feature vector of the approximate Q-function. By this approximate Q-learning algorithm, the traffic density distribution of the network tends to become homogenous, with the mean value around the optimal density of the MFD. The numerical experiments demonstrate that compared to a fixed policy, our policy could efficiently make a heterogeneous network more homogeneous, and thus guarantee a more robust shape of the MFD. Furthermore, our policy has a better performance on trip completion flow maximization compared to either a fixed or a greedy policy, since it can achieve the optimal density in the MFD.
Enforcing cooperation in ad hoc networks with unreliable channel

An inherent assumption for packet forwarding in ad hoc networks is that the nodes will cooperate i.e., nodes can rely in each other. Thus, it is extremely important that cooperation is induced and achieved in the network. In this paper, we use game theory to analyze the necessary and sufficient conditions to enforce cooperation enforced, especially when a node cannot perfectly monitor other nodespsila behaviors. We analyze a credit exchange method under a general unreliable channel and show that the packet forwarding probability can be adjusted through proper design of incentives, which in turn can be used to attain the desired Nash Equilibrium. We extend our discussion to repeated games and take several well-known strategy profiles and derive the conditions under which the cooperation can lead to a subgame perfect Nash equilibrium. In particular, we show how the unreliable channel can affect the conditions and how a reputation based strategy leads to subgame perfection even under imperfect monitoring. We further investigate collusion resistance and cooperation coalition formation using evolutionary game theory. Mathematical proofs show the existence of an upper bound on the population share of the non-cooperative nodes for an evolutionarily non-stable strategy that enforces full cooperation. This bound is shown to depend on the nodespsila belief on the continuity of the game.
Effects of behaviour and ontogeny on the locomotor performance of a West Indian lizard, Anolis lineatopus

1. The speeds of locomotion in nature were quantified for juveniles and adult females of the lizard Anolis lineatopus during escape from a threat, feeding and undisturbed locomotion (juveniles only), and compared these data both with data gathered previously on maximal laboratory performance, and with field data gathered previously for adult males. 2. The following questions were addressed: (1) Within a particular intraspecific class, do lizards move at different speeds during different behaviours? (2) Within a particular behaviour, do intraspecific classes differ in speed? (3) Do juveniles differ from adult males in the entire distribution of speeds and distances moved when undisturbed? 3. Locomotion was typically fastest during escape, followed by feeding and then undisturbed locomotion. Within escape and undisturbed activity, the intraspecific classes differed significantly in absolute speed, relative speed and percentage maximal speed. For the entire distribution of movements during undisturbed locomotion, juveniles moved shorter distances and at slower speeds (between 0 and 10% of maximal) than adult males. 4. The relatively high percentages of maximal speed that juveniles employ when escaping and feeding provide limited support for the hypothesis that juveniles are compensating for their relatively poor sprinting capacities.
Wavelet-Aided Multivariate Outlier Analysis to Enhance Defect Contrast in Thermal Images

A novel two-stage signal reconstruction approach is proposed to analyze raw thermal image sequences for damage detection purposes by infrared thermographic NDE. The first stage involves low-pass filtering using wavelets. In the second stage, a multivariate outlier analysis is performed on filtered data using a set of signal features. The proposed approach significantly enhances the defective area contrast against the background in infrared thermography NDE. The two-stage approach has some advantages in comparison to the traditionally used methods, including automation in the defect detection process and better defective area isolation through increased contrast. The method does not require a reference area to function. The results are presented for the case of a composite plate with simulated delaminations, and a composite sandwich plate with skin—core disbonds.
Psychopathy in Adolescence Predicts Official Reports of Offending in Adulthood

The present study examines the incremental predictive utility of psychopathy assessed at age 13 using the Childhood Psychopathy Scale (CPS) in predicting official records of arrests and convictions between the ages of 18 and 26. Data from 338 men from the middle sample of the Pittsburg Youth Study were used. A variety of control variables were included: demographics (race, family structure, SES, and neighborhood SES), parenting (physical punishment, inconsistent discipline, lax supervision, and low positive parenting), peer delinquency, and individual difference variables (impulsivity, Verbal IQ, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, and Conduct Disorder). CPS scores at age 13 predicted the variety of arrests and convictions 5 to 13 years later, even after controlling for other well-established and well-measured risk factors. It is concluded that juvenile psychopathy is an important and useful risk factor for future antisocial behavior. Implications of these findings and reasons for resistance to the juvenile psychopathy construct are discussed.
2015 Curt Stern Award

Thank you, Elaine, for that wonderful introduction and for all the support from the beginning of my faculty career. It’s a tremendous honor to be recognized with the Curt Stern Award by the ASHG, and I’d like to express my gratitude to the Awards Committee for this recognition. An award is really invested with meaning by its past recipients, and I encourage you to take a look at the list of past Curt Stern Award winners. It’s a remarkable group of people, many of whom I’ve had the privilege to know personally.
Abstract 5397: MYC-driven glutamine metabolism promotes antiestrogen resistance in breast cancer.

About 70% of newly diagnosed cases of invasive breast cancer in the U.S. will be estrogen receptor alpha positive (ER+). Endocrine therapy is the least toxic and most effective means to manage the hormone-dependent breast cancer, administered as an antiestrogen, e.g., Tamoxifen (TAM) or Faslodex (FAS; Fulvestrant; ICI 182,780) or an aromatase inhibitor (AI), e.g., Letrozole (LET). However, advanced ER+ breast cancer that has become resistant to endocrine therapy remains a significant clinical problem. Here we show that in breast cancer cells and rat tumors with acquired antiestrogen resistance, MYC, a oncogenic transcription factor, is overexpressed. Inhibition of MYC with small molecule inhibitor or siRNA resensitizes resistant cells to antiestorgens by inducing apoptosis. MYC inhibition in resistant cells also inhibited glutamine uptake and decreased levels of ASCT2/SLC1A5, a glutamine transporter. Resistant cells showed significant increase in cell proliferation in response to glutamine than sensitive cells. Moreover, resistant cells showed increased sensitivity to an inhibitor of glutaminase, GLS, an enzyme that hydrolysis of glutamine to glutamate. Thus, MYC promotes increased dependence on glutamine in antiestrogen resistant cells, and targeting glutamine metabolism could help circumvent antiestrogen resistance. Overreaching goal of this study is to and to identify effective therapies to treat endocrine resistant breast cancer. Citation Format: Ayesha N. Shajahan, Katherine L. Cook, Jessica L. Schwartz-Roberts, Ahreej E. Eltayeb, Diane M. Demas, Anni Warri, Leena Hilakivi-Clarke, Steven Metallo, Robert Clarke. MYC-driven glutamine metabolism promotes antiestrogen resistance in breast cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5397. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-5397
A Radar and Direct Visual Study of Passerine Spring Migration in Southern Louisiana

RADAR studies of bird migration have been restricted to latitudes north of 32? N. These studies have contributed greatly to our knowledge of migration, but have examined only a portion of the long-distance migrations made by many bird species. No radar studies of migration have been published for regions nearer the equator where environmental conditions are more constant. This paper reports on a radar and telescopic study of spring migration on the Louisiana coast of the Gulf of Mexico between 29? and 310 N, one of the first landfalls that migrants reach after leaving the tropics and crossing the Gulf (Figure 1).
DEVELOPMENT OF O 2 CLOSEDLOOP CONTROL STRATEGY OFREHEATING FURNACE

O2 closedloop control is an necessary component of optimum combustion control of reheating furnace,but it is difficult to establish the O2 closedloop control model due to uncertainty and coupling of reheating furnaceThis paper presents a new method to establish the closedloop O2 control model with the least squares method,and the deviation of the O2 content is adjusted by singleneuron adaptive PID controller to increase robustness and selfadaptation,and O2 control optimization is achievedIndustrial experiments show that a lot amount of fuel is saved by adding the O2 closedloop control system to conventional combustion controlO2 closedloop control system has a wide application prospect due to its advantages
Site‐Selective In Situ Grown Calcium Carbonate Micromodels with Tunable Geometry, Porosity, and Wettability

Micromodels with simplified porous microfluidic systems are widely used to mimic the underground oil-reservoir environment for multiphase flow studies, enhanced oil recovery, and reservoir network mapping. However, previous micromodels cannot replicate the length scales and geochemistry of carbonate because of their material limitations. Here a simple method is introduced to create calcium carbonate (CaCO3) micromodels composed of in situ grown CaCO3. CaCO3 nanoparticles/polymer composite microstructures are built in microfluidic channels by photopatterning, and CaCO3 nanoparticles are selectively grown in situ from these microstructures by supplying Ca2+, CO32− ions rich, supersaturated solutions. This approach enables us to fabricate synthetic CaCO3 reservoir micromodels having dynamically tunable geometries with submicrometer pore-length scales and controlled wettability. Using this new method, acid fracturing and an immiscible fluid displacement process are demonstrated used in real oil field applications to visualize pore-scale fluid–carbonate interactions in real time.
Influencing Internet Governance Through Social Networks and Delegation: The Case of Secure Routing

It is known that during the Internet's formative years United States government agencies influenced Internet standards and global governance arrangements. (Abbate, 200; Froomkin, 2003; Mueller, 2002) And while the impact of "code" (i.e., Internet standards) on "law" (i.e., Internet governance) has been famously asserted (Lessig, 2000), little is known about how the interaction between Internet standards and governance actually occurs. Looking at the case of secure routing, this paper uncovers the social networks that coalesce around and span the global Internet standards and policy making institutions. It identifies how United States government agencies are learning to influence efforts to secure critical Internet resources through a combination of engaging these social networks and delegation (principal-agent) relationships. In doing so, they achieve outcomes concerning critical Intern resources consistent with its multiple interests.
Scattering study on self-assembly of block copolymer in supercritical carbon dioxide

Both pressure- and temperature-induced micellization processes of a diblock copolymer of poly(1,1-dihydroperfluorooctyl acrylate) and poly(vinyl acetate) in supercritical carbon dioxide were studied by using high-pressure laser light scattering.
Understanding the development of motion processing by characterizing optic flow experienced by infants and their mothers

Understanding the development of mature motion processing may require knowledge about the statistics of the visual input that infants are exposed to, how these change across development, and how they influence the maturation of motion-sensitive brain networks. Here we develop a set of techniques to study the optic flow experienced by infants and mothers during locomotion as a first step toward a broader analysis of the statistics of the natural visual environment during development.
The Technicon H*1™—An Automated Hematology Analyzer for Today and Tomorrow: Complete Blood Count Parameters

The performance of the Technicon H*1 was evaluated in the computerized, high-volume hematology laboratory at M.D. Anderson Hospital and Tumor Institute and compared with that of reference instrumentation used for routine patient care. The precision, linearity, and lack of carry-over of this instrument was excellent for the entire dynamic range of all nine tested parameters (white blood cells [WBCs], red blood cells [RBCs], hemoglobin [Hgb], hematocrit [Hct], mean corpuscular volume [MCV], mean corpuscular hemoglobin [MCH], mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration [MCHC], red blood cell distribution width [RDW], and platelets [Plts]). Coefficients of correlation for all directly measured parameters were always 0.98 or greater, with the exception of the MCV and RDW parameters, for which r = 0.89 and 0.93, respectively. Special emphasis was placed on WBC and Plt counts at low ranges. When compared with reference methods the correlation for both parameters was very good, r = 0.99 for WBCs less than 4.0 X 10(3)/microL (4.0 X 10(9)/L) and 0.91 for Plt less than 100 X 10(3)/microL (100 X 10(9)/L). These excellent performance characteristics for the CBC parameters, combined with the ability of the analyzer to perform a full WBC differential (to be described in the next report), make the H*1 a superior advancement in the field of automated hematology.
Capstone experience: engaging students in speech processing to excite them about stem: faculty poster

The newly created Capstone course in Computer Information Systems (CIS) at UNH Manchester starting in spring 2011 offers students a faculty guided project. The course will expose students to the rigors of speech processing, giving them the opportunity to engage in solving real world problems, gaining invaluable experience along the way. By combining the Capstone course with an active research agenda in speech the course will be used as a pilot program for a National Science Foundation (NFS) Transforming Undergraduate Education in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (TUES) grant proposal.