cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
DECREASED INTERLEUKIN-15 (IL-15) mRNA EXPRESSION FROM ACTIVATED CORD (C) VS. ADULT (A) PERIPHERAL BLOOD (PB) MONONUCLEAR CELLS (MNC): IMPLICATION IN THE IMMATURITY OF NEONATAL IMMUNE FUNCTION AND DECREASED GRAFT-V

The increased susceptibility of neonates to infection may be due to defects in CB cellular immunity and cytokine production (Cairo, Blood 82:2269, 1993; Cairo, et al, Pediatr Res 30:362, 1991; and 31:574, 1992). These alterations may additionally account for the low incidence of GvHD post related and unrelated CBT (Wagner, et al, Blood 82:86a, 1993, Sweetman, et al, Blood 86: 388a, 1995). IL-15 is a novel cytokine that shares many biological properties with IL-12 in regulating many of the biologic functions of NK and T cells. In this study, we investigated the IL-15 gene expression in C and A MNC in order to examine the role of IL-15 in neonatal immunity. MNC were isolated from C and A PB with Ficoll-hypaque and stimulated with LPS (10 μg/ml, 6-48 hrs). Northern blots containing poly A+ RNA were hybridized with an antisense probe made by transcription of a human cDNA (kindly provided by Immunex) to detect IL-15 mRNA expression. Unstimulated C and A MNC did not constitutively express significant levels of IL-15 mRNA. Upon stimulation of cells with LPS (10μg/ml, 12 hrs), IL-15 mRNA expression was significantly induced in both C and A MNC. However, IL-15 mRNA expression in C MNC was only 25 ± 2.0% of that in A MNC. We next determined the relative rates of transcription of the IL-15 gene by nuclear run-on assays. The nuclei from unstimulated and LPS-stimulated cells were isolated and incubated with 32P-UTP. Newly elongated 32P-labeled transcripts were hybridized to slot blots of target DNA (0.5 kb IL-15 cDNA). The basal and stimulated levels of transcription were the same in C and A MNC. These preliminary data suggest that C MNC express less IL-15 mRNA compared to A in response to stimulation and this discrepancy is not secondary to the transcriptional regulation. Reduced expression of IL-15 mRNA from activated CB MNC may contribute to the immaturity of CB cellular immunity and to a decreased incidence of GvHD following both related and unrelated CB stem cell transplantation.
Memories from the Edge of the Abyss: Evaluating the Oral Accounts of World War II Veterans

Since the "Greatest Generation" is rapidly passing from the scene, this article maintains that the time is ripe for the oral history community to engage in a serious examination of the strengths and weaknesses of World War II veteran interviews. Using a small case study about the battle of Okinawa (April-June 1945), the essay examines some aspects of the memory quality of World War II veterans interviewed late in life. It presents three arguments. First, American veterans of World War II were frequently reticent about recounting their memories. They often waited until late in life to do so. Second, the American World War II veterans' interviews were generally reliable and accurate even when given late in life. Nonetheless, some problems were encountered in interviewing veterans long after a battle. Third, the veterans could provide greater detail about their initial experiences during a campaign. Recollections about their later experiences during the same the campaign were foggier. The author concedes, however, that the small size of his case study means that the conclusions can only have validity if confirmed by the experience of other oral history interviewers. Hence the author's goal is to initiate this important conversation rather than to conclude it.
CHARACTERIZING REGULAR LANGUAGES BY SPIKING NEURAL P SYSTEMS

We look at spiking neural P systems (SN P systems, for short) all of whose neurons are bounded. We show that a language L ⊆ (0 + 1)* is regular if and only if 1L (i. e., with a supplementary prefix of 1) is generated by a bounded SN P system. This result does not hold when the prefix is replaced by a suffix. For example, 0*1 cannot be generated by a bounded SN P system.
Anisotropic electrical resistivity of YBCO/PBCO superlattice films grown on miscut substrates

Anisotropic electrical resistivity is studied in epitaxial superlattice films of YBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 7-{delta}}/PrBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 7-{epsilon}} grown in situ by laser ablation on SrTiO{sub 3} surfaces aligned slightly away from the (100) direction. Layer thicknesses of each compound range from two to eight atomic cells. Electrical resistivity of these superlattice films always shows a peak at some cryogenic temperature that decreases with increasing PrBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 7-{epsilon}} layer thickness. Clear evidence is seen of vortex pinning or of supercurrent blocking by the step edges or by twin boundaries. The ratio of electrical resistivities for current directions parallel and perpendicular to these boundaries shows a large step-like change just above the superconductive critical temperature. The possibility is discussed that the Kosterlitz-Thouless explains this anisotropy change.
SU‐E‐I‐175: Evaluation of Quantitative Direct PET/CT Imaging of Y‐90 Microspheres Using the Jaszczak Phantom

Purpose: Selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) of liver metastases and hepatocellular carcinoma with radiolabeled microspheres has become a viable treatment modality in recent years. This technique uses the high‐ energy, pure beta‐emitting radioisotope of yttrium‐90 (Y‐90) embedded in a glass or resin microsphere which is infused into the liver via the hepatic artery. However, direct imaging the post‐infusion distribution of Y‐90 SIRT has been a long standing problem due to the lack of any gamma emission. Recently, however, a low‐yield branch of Y‐90 decaying by internal pair‐ production was used to perform direct PET/CT coincidence imaging. With only a few publications summarizing preliminary clinical results, we have designed a quantitative phantom analysis allowing for a detailed and portable image quality and quantitation evaluation of this new imaging technique. Methods: Owing to its wide availability, the Jaszczak PETimaging phantom is an ideal choice for Y‐90 PET/CT imaging evaluation with a few minor modifications. As the Jaszczak phantom is water filled, a major difficulty is the fast settling of the microspheres, which stay in uniform suspension for less than one minute. An aqueous linear polymer (CH2CHCONH2) can be used to produce a uniform suspension of Y‐90 microspheres which lasts for several days. Additionally, a 0.4mm inner‐ diameter capillary tube was also filled with Y‐90 and placed in the Jaszczak phantom, with no modification, to provide a quantitative resolution evaluation . Results: The modified Jaszczak phantom was scanned on a prototype Siemens molecular CT through a research agreement with Siemens medical. Results gave a good indication of the accuracy in quantitation expected as well as image quality improvement over post‐ infusion bremsstrahlung SPECT that we may see when we begin Y‐90 post‐ infusion PET/CT patient imaging. Conclusion: The proposed modifications to the Jaszczak phantom allow for accurate, portable evaluation of a PET/CT system for quantitative Y‐90 imaging.
Computed tomographic angiography with three-dimensional reconstruction for transoral laser microsurgery

Abstract Objective To identify major arteries in relationship to large pharyngeal tumors during transoral laser microsurgery. Study Design Case series with planned data collection. Setting Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida. Subjects and Methods We developed a new technique that combines three-dimensional CT angiography and enhanced soft-tissue neck CT for evaluation of pharyngeal tumors before transoral laser microsurgery. Data from CT angiography were used to create three-dimensional images of the tumor and adjacent arterial branches to better orient the surgeon to the spatial relationships of major arteries and pharyngeal tumors. Included were selected patients who had large tumors involving the pharynx and who underwent transoral laser microsurgery. Results Eighteen patients were studied from June 2008 through January 2009. Tumor enhancement was absent or modest in four of 18 patients. Three of these four patients had superficial squamous cell carcinomas and one had adenoid cystic carcinoma. The remaining 14 patients had good tumor enhancement. The tumor involved the lingual artery in three and displaced the lingual or facial artery in two of these 14 patients. One anomalous right inferior thyroid artery was identified. Compared with routine enhanced soft-tissue neck CT, three-dimensional CT angiography greatly enhanced the anatomical relationships of the major arteries. In one patient, the surgeon's approach was changed after three-dimensional CT angiography demonstrated an encased lingual artery. Conclusion Three-dimensional CT angiography was useful in identifying the anatomical orientation of major arteries and the planning of transoral laser microsurgery to treat tumors involving the pharynx.
The interactions between M+5 cations (Nb+5, Ta+5, or P+5) and anhydrous haplogranite melts

Abstract The interactions of high-field-strength cations with haplogranite melts of peraluminous to peralkaline compositions were examined by determining the saturation of rutile as functions of the concentrations of the oxides of the pentavalent cations Nb, Ta, and P. The phase equilibria combined with existing spectroscopic data show that the competition of the high-field-strength cations for the alkali aluminosilicate components varies systematically from peraluminous to peralkaline melts. The data also show that the melt species of Nb +5 , Ta +5 , and P +5 are very similar. In peraluminous melts, these pentavalent cations have a strong affinity for Al and form very stable M +5 AIO 4 complexes; in peralkaline melts, the governing species are characterized by M +5 OK bond types, whereas both M +5 OAI and M +5 OK species exist in the transition between peraluminous to peralkaline melts. The solubility of rutile is significantly affected by the hierarchy of interactions that exist among M +5 cations, Ti +4 , and the aluminosilicate network. The composition of rutile in peraluminous melts is a solid solution along the join Ti 2 O 4 -M +5 AIO 4 where M +5 is Ta and/or Nb. Nb +5 and Ta +5 partition strongly into rutile with Al +3 playing the role of a charge balancing cation, Nb +5 + Al +3 = 2Ti +4 . Rutile in peralkaline melts contains significantly smaller concentrations of the M +5 AlO 4 component, reflecting the much lower activity of M +5 AlO 4 species. P +5 does not enter into solid solution in rutile because the ionic radius of P +5 is much smaller than Ti. Nb/Ta in peraluminous pegmatites also enter into solid solution in rutile by a coupled mechanism except that Fe +3 assumes the role of Al +3 . The main geochemical conclusions are that Nb, Ta, and P have similar speciations in peraluminous and peralkaline melts. It follows that fractionation of these cations, particularly the perturbation of the Nb/Ta ratios in silicic magmas, can be brought about only by interactions with a crystalline phase. The Nb/Ta ratio can be substantially changed only through the crystallization of Ti-rich crystalline phases and/or Nb/Ta oxides such as columbite.
Strain rate effect on the thermomechanical behavior of a thermoset shape memory polymer

Driven by conformational entropy, a shape memory polymer (SMP) is capable of memorizing typical programming information, such as level of induced strain, deformation sequence and temperature profile. Because strain rate is one of the variables during programming, it is desirable to know whether the strain rate effect can be memorized or not. In this study, the effects of programming strain rate on the thermomechanical behavior of a thermoset SMP were investigated. A polystyrene based thermoset SMP was programmed under various strain rates (1500, 0.1 and 0.0001 s 1 ) in the glassy state, with the same prestrain level and temperature profiles. The thermomechanical response and some crucial physical properties were investigated via multiple characterization techniques. The test results indicate that programming strain rate has an influence on the glass transition temperature. A higher strain rate consistently leads to higher relaxation of prestrain and thus lower strain fixity. Moreover, the recovery strain and recovery strain rate rely on the pseudo-plastic strain during programming, which is associated with the programming strain rate. (Some figures may appear in colour only in the online journal)
A simple heart rate monitor for normal, newborn infants☆

Abstract This paper describes the development of a heart rate monitor for normal, newborn infants. Using appropriate sensors, heart signals are amplified by a battery-powered preamplifier unit and fed into a digital monitoring system. An alarm unit is included to alert the hospital staff whenever heart rates occur outside an acceptable range.
Crop plant lineage pollution

Focuses on the potential negative impact of released transgenic artifacts on the genetic diversity of wild plant populations. Expresses the view that crops and companion weeds evolve together through an on‐going exchange of genes and asserts that this leaves both crop and weed forms having the same, limited gene pool. Speculates that the insertion of a genetic modification that gives evolutionary advantage to a plant could transmit very easily to companion varieties and these would then be in a position to supplant wild, non‐companion types that are the source of genetic diversity for the entire species.
The Psychological and Medical Factors Associated With Untreated Binge Eating Disorder

Objective Although binge eating disorder (BED) is the most prevalent eating disorder, the impact of untreated BED is underappreciated. This review describes the relationship of BED to physical and mental health, quality of life, and functionality. Data sources PubMed searches were conducted on March 21, 2014; searches were limited to English-language research articles, meta-analyses, and reviews published between January 1, 2003 and March 21, 2014. Search terms included (binge eating OR binge-eating OR binge eating disorder) AND (cardiovascular OR metabolic OR metabolic syndrome OR gastrointestinal OR health OR rehabilitation OR recovery OR sleep OR pregnancy OR quality of life OR functional impairment OR activities of daily living OR QoL OR SF-12 OR ED-5D OR SF-36 OR psychosocial OR depressive OR anxiety OR self-esteem OR suicidality OR suicide OR productivity OR family). Study selection/data extraction Of 326 identified publications, 43 were relevant to the topic and reported on the association of BED with psychiatric and medical comorbidities, quality of life, and functional outcomes. Results Individuals diagnosed with BED have increased rates of mental health comorbidities (eg, depression and anxiety) and more pronounced medical impairments (eg, cardiovascular disorders) compared with individuals without BED. BED is also associated with functional impairment and reduced quality of life. Conclusions Binge eating disorder is associated with impairments in physical and mental health, which can decrease quality of life and functionality and lead to increased health care utilization and decreased productivity. However, some caution is warranted in interpreting these findings because it remains unclear whether BED is an antecedent condition, a complication associated with a comorbid psychiatric condition, or an unrelated feature that occurs concurrently with these comorbidities and impairments. Much of the research on BED is based on observational or epidemiologic studies. Controlled studies are needed to clearly define the long-term impairments associated with BED.
Glucosides of acidic limonoids in citrus

Abstract 17- O -β- d -Glucopyranosides of nomilinic acid, deacetylnomilinic acid, isoobacunoic acid, epiisobacunoic acid, obacunoic acid, and trans -obacunoic acid were isolated from grapefruit seeds. The limonoid aglycones were identified by 1 H and 13 C NMR spectroscopy.
An etale analog of the Goresky-Macpherson formula for subspace arrangements

Abstract The main goal of this paper is to establish a Goresky–MacPherson formula for subspace arrangements in characteristic p . A special form of the formula is applied to provide a lower bound on the arithmetical rank of monomial ideals.
A large transmissible plasmid is required for crystal toxin production in Bacillus thuringiensis variety israelensis

Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (BTI), serotype 14, which produces parasporal crystals toxic to certain dipteran larvae, was analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis and found to contain a complex plasmid array. Eight plasmids were detected, with approximate sizes of 3.3, 4.2, 4.9, 10.6, 68, 75, 105, and 135 MDa, as well as a plasmidlike linear DNA element of approximately 10 MDa. Partially cured mutants of BTI implicated the 75-MDa plasmid in crystal production. Fifteen independently isolated acrystalliferous (Cry-) mutants were found to lack this plasmid. In plasmid transfer experiments, several of the BTI plasmids transferred into a plasmid-free, Cry- BTI recipient, but only transfer of the 75-MDa plasmid converted the recipient to crystal toxin production. The presence or absence of mosquito-toxic activity in all Cry+ and Cry- variants of BTI was confirmed by bioassay of sporulated cultures against larvae of Aedes aegypti. Southern blot analyses revealed that in one unusual Cry+ variant in which no 75-MDa plasmid band was detectable, plasmid sequences were still present, possibly integrated into the chromosome. The 75-MDa plasmid could also apparently recombine with the 68-MDa plasmid, to which it was partially homologous.
Comparison of point-defect clustering in irradiated CeO2 and UO2: A unified view from molecular dynamics simulations and experiments

The degree to which ceria can be considered as a surrogate for urania is elucidated by molecular dynamics simulations that compare the types of defect clusters formed under irradiation. The simulations and their comparison with experiments suggest that the defect-clustering processes in the two materials are very similar. In particular, both materials form 〈1 1 1〉 Schottky defects and two types of interstitial clusters that, depending on the diffusion conditions, are either charge-neutral dislocation loops or charged cuboctahedral clusters.
Induction tempering of steel: Part I. Development of an effective tempering parameter

Time-temperature relationships for short-time tempering cycles were determined. The accuracy of conventional tempering parameters, such as the one proposed by Grange and Baughman, for short-time treatments at a fixed temperature (“isothermal” treatments) was established in salt-pot experiments for a variety of carbon and alloy steels fully hardened to martensite. In addition, the concept of an effective tempering parameter for tempering processes consisting of continuous heating and cooling (typical of induction-heating techniques) was developed. Determination of this effective tempering parameter is based on finding an effective time and temperature which allows the continuous cycle to be described in terms of an equivalent isothermal cycle. The applicability of this new technique was verified through laboratory induction tempering trials.
Long‐duration X‐ray emissions observed in thunderstorms

In 1995, a series of four balloon flights with an X-ray spectrometer and an electric field meter were conducted to examine if strong electric fields could accelerate, and perhaps multiply, cosmic ray secondary electrons and produce bremsstrahlung X-rays. X-ray intensities between 10 and 1000 times that of normal background were observed in conjunction with strong electric fields. Both negative and positive polarity electric fields (as referenced to the vertical field) produced X-rays, which lasted for time scales on the order of tens of seconds. It was also observed that the increased X-ray intensity would return to near background levels after lightning reduced the local electric field. The observations indicate that X-rays observed above background are most likely produced by a runaway electron process occurring in the strong static electric field present in thunderstorms. The production of runaway electrons can occur over long periods of time without causing an electrical breakdown. This may provide a leakage current that limits the large scale electric field to values near the runaway threshold, especially in regions where the thunderstorm charging rate is low.
Ion exchange processes accompanied by ionic reactions

Abstract Results of kinetic studies of three different ion-exchange processes accompanied by ionic reactions, namely neutralization of strong-acid and weak-base resins, and sorption of heavy metal ions such as copper, lead and cadmium on Chelex 100 ion exchange resin are presented. Helfferich's prediction that the derived rate laws for such ion exchange processes differ appreciably from those for ordinary ion exchange in the absence of ionic reactions, is confirmed. Levenspiel's shrinking core model for fluid—solid chemical reactions, has been modified and adapted to describe the ion exchange rate processes accompanied by ionic reactions. In the sorption of heavy metal ions by Chelex 100 resins and in the neutralization process of weak-base ion exchange resins, pore diffusion inside the exchanged outer shell controlled the exchange rate process even in very dilute solutions.
A Theoretical Foundation for Life‐Cycle Assessment

Summary The presence of value judgments in life-cycle impact assessment (LCIA) has been a constant source of controversy. According to a common interpretation, the international standard on LCIA requires that the assessment methods used in published comparisons be “value free.” Epistemologists argue that even natural science rests on “constitutive” and “contextual” value judgments. The example of the equivalency potential for climate change, the global warming potential (GWP), demonstrates that any impact assessment method inevitably contains not only constitutive and contextual values, but also preference values. Hence, neither life-cycle assessment (LCA) as a whole nor any of its steps can be “value free.” As a result, we suggest a more comprehensive definition of objectivity in LCA that allows arguments about values and their relationship to facts. We distinguish three types of truth claims: factual claims, which are based on natural science; normative claims, which refer to preference values; and relational claims, which address the proper relation between factual knowledge and values. Every assessment method, even the GWP, requires each type of claim. Rational arguments can be made about each type of claim. Factual truth claims can be assessed using the scientific method. Normative claims can be based on ethical arguments. The values of individuals or groups can be elicited using various social science methods. Relational claims must follow the rules of logic. Relational claims are most important for the development of impact assessment methods. Because LCAs are conducted to satisfy the need of decision makers to consider environmental impacts, relational claims about impact assessment methods should refer to this goal. This article introduces conditions that affect environmental decision making and discusses how LCA—values and all—can be defended as a rational response to the challenge of moving uncertain scientific information into the policy arena.
An architecture for sensor fusion in a mobile robot

This paper describes sensor fusion in the context of an autonomous mobile robot. The requirements of a complex mission, real-world operation, and real-time control dictate many facets of the system architecture. The hardware architecture must include both general-purpose and special-purpose computers, and multiple sensors of various modalities (vision, range, etc.). The software architecture must allow modular development of a parallel system that supports many perceptual modalities and navigation planning tasks, but at the same time enforces global consistency regarding position and orientation of the vehicle and sensors. We are building such a system at CMU, called the NAVLAB system, based on a commercial truck with computer controls and studded with cameras and other sensors. This paper describes the software architecture of the NAVLAB, consisting of two parts: a "whiteboard" system called CODGER that is similar to a blackboard but supports parallelism in the knowledge source modules, and an organized collection of perceptual and navigational modules tied together by the CODGER system. In general, the system philosophy is to provide as much top-down guidance as possible, and to exploit sensor modality differences to produce complementary rather than competing perceptual processes in the system. In this way, the limitations of each sensor modality are compensated for as much as possible by other sensors or by higher level knowledge. The NAVLAB is being produced as part of the DARPA Strategic Computing Initiative, in conjunction with the Autonomous Land Vehicle project.
The reduction of nitroblue tetrazolium by red blood cells: a measure of Red Cell membrane antioxidant capacity and hemoglobin-membrane binding sites.

The reduction of nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) with intact Red Blood Cells (RBCs) is biphasic with an initial rapid reduction followed by a slower second phase. This biphasic kinetics has been explained with the initial rapid phase attributed to antioxidants in the red cell which reduce membrane bound NBT and the slower phase associated with the reaction of NBT with membrane bound hemoglobin. This model has been confirmed by a utilization of a number of red cell modifications which either increase the red cell antioxidants (vitamin C and vitamin E) or damage the red cell membrane (cumene hydroperoxide and N-ethylmaleimide). The utilization of this assay for human blood samples was investigated by studying a series of 20 human subjects ranging between 34 and 87 years of age. It was possible to fit all of these samples with two adjustable parameters which reflect the red cell membrane antioxidant capacity (x) and the hemoglobin membrane interactions (m). The antioxidant capacity shows a significant (p < 002; ...
Observations of driver time gap acceptance at intersections in left-turn across-path-opposite-direction scenarios

Intersection collision warning systems can potentially reduce the number of collisions and associated losses. A critical design aspect of these systems is the selection of warning criteria, which represent a set of conditions and parameters under which the decision and the timing to issue warnings are determined. Proper warning criteria allow the generation of timely signals for drivers while minimizing false and nuisance alarms. The paper describes the development of a methodology to observe and analyze the selection of time gaps exhibited by driver behaviors in a real-world setting. The data collection procedures and analysis techniques are explained for left-turn across-path-opposite-direction scenarios, which constitute more than a quarter of crossing path crashes at intersections. Exemplar data sets from an urban, signalized intersection are used to illustrate methods of deriving time gap acceptance behaviors. The extracted information can serve as the basis for selecting gap acceptance thresholds in warning criteria, and the demonstrated methodology can be applied in the development of intersection collision warning systems.
Structural Equation Modeling and Latent Variable Approaches

Structural equation modeling and latent variable approach (SEM) is experiencing rapid development with wide application as a result of using big data and modern computing technologies. This essay first gives an introduction of SEM, and then summarizes the foundational research in developing better fit indices and in developing more efficient computing algorithms. Also, we review two most important cutting-edge researches in using SEM for causal analysis and in managing workflows of SEM. For the future SEM research, we have discussed issues of big data, new applications, equivalent models, and hybrid modeling. Keywords: structural equation models; causality; latent variable; big data; measurement; analytical workflow
Hydrolysis of N2O5 and ClONO2 on the H2SO4/HNO3/H2O ternary solutions under stratospheric conditions

The reaction probabilities of N2O5 and ClONO2 with H2O on liquid sulfuric acid surfaces have been reexamined to determine the effect of HNO3 on these two hydrolysis rates, using a fast flow reactor coupled to a chemical ionization mass spectrometer. The measurements were carried out by maintaining constant H2O and HNO3 partial pressures and by varying temperatures between 227 and 195 K in order to mimic compositions representative of stratospheric aerosols. For experiments excluding HNO3, the reaction probability of N2O5 hydrolysis was found to be near 0.1, independent of temperature and H2SO4 content. This is in agreement with results previously measured under similar conditions. In the presence of gaseous HNO3 at stratospheric concentrations, the reaction probability was observed to decrease from about 0.09 at 218 K to about 0.02–0.03 at 195 K for PH2O = 3.8 × 10−4−1.0 × 10−3 Torr, showing that incorporation of HNO3 into liquid sulfuric acid greatly retarded the N2O5 hydrolysis. The ClONO2 reaction with H2O on liquid sulfuric acid, on the other hand, did not appear to be affected by the presence of HNO3.
Detection and tracking of shopping groups in stores

We describe a monocular real-time computer vision system that identifies shopping groups by detecting and tracking multiple people as they wait in a checkout line or service counter. Our system segments each frame into foreground regions which contains multiple people. Foreground regions are further segmented into individuals using a temporal segmentation of foreground and motion cues. Once a person is detected, an appearance model based on color and edge density in conjunction with a mean-shift tracker is used to recover the person's trajectory. People are grouped together as a shopping group by analyzing interbody distances. The system also monitors the cashier's activities to determine when shopping transactions start and end. Experimental results demonstrate the robustness and real-time performance of the algorithm.
Status of the microcirculation during acute choline deficiency.

Weanling 21-day-old male rats of the Fischer strain were fed a choline- deficient diet, some with and some without choline supplementation. Five days later, none had any signs of nephropathy by blood urea nitrogen concentration or by gross and microscopic examination of the kidneys. The mesoappendiceal circulation of the nonsupplemented rats appeared ischemie when compared with that of the choline- supplemented rats. There was a striking alteration in the characteristic reaction of the microvessels to topical epinephrine. In choline-supplemented rats, an average of 0.48 /ig/ml epinephrine caused maximal responses of the precapillary sphincters, lesser responses of the precapillary arterioles, and no reaction of the supplying artery. In marked contrast, less than 10% this concentration, 0.03 AŸg/m\epinephrine, resulted in pronounced vasoconstriction of the supplying artexy with minimal or no reactions of the smaller vessels in the rats not supplemented with choline. These data are con sistent with our view that the feeding of diets low in choline results in an imbalance in vasoactive mediators due to a decrease in tissue acetylcholine which leads to vaso- spasm and ischemia of the kidneys resulting in the characteristic nephropathy of acute choline deficiency.
A Binomial Probit Analysis of the Home Equity Decisions of Elderly Homeowners

This article seeks to determine what factors are most important in the home equity decisions of older homeowners. A binomial probit multivariate regression technique is applied to pooled cross-sectional data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics. The results indicate that demographic factors, such as retirement, marital, and health status, are much more important determinants than financial factors, such as income, financial assets, and housing costs. The results also indicate that factors correlated with attachment to the home play a relatively large role. The results suggest that governmental strategies that make home ownership more affordable for the elderly may have little effect on their propensity to remain in their home and that programs that treat nonfinancial aspects of elderly home ownership may be more effective.
An indicator of tree migration in forests of the eastern United States

Changes in tree species distributions are a potential impact of climate change on forest ecosystems. The examination of tree species shifts in forests of the eastern United States largely has been limited to simulation activities due to a lack of consistent, long-term forest inventory datasets. The goal of this study was to compare current geographic distributions of tree seedlings (trees with a diameter at breast height � 2.5 cm) with biomass (trees with a diameter at breast height > 2.5 cm) for sets of northern, southern, and general tree species in the eastern United States using a spatially balanced, region-wide forest inventory. Compared to mean latitude of tree biomass, mean latitude of seedlings was significantly farther north (>20 km) for the northern study species, while southern species had no shift, and general species demonstrated southern expansion. Density of seedlings relative to tree biomass of northern tree species was nearly 10 times higher in northern latitudes compared to southern latitudes. For forest inventory plots between 448 and 478 north latitude where southern tree species were identified, their biomass averaged 0.46 tonnes/ha while their seedling counts averaged 2600 ha � 1 . It is hypothesized that as northern and southern tree species together move northward due to greater regeneration success at higher latitudes, general species may fill their vacated niches in southern locations. The results of this study suggest that the process of northward tree migration in the eastern United States is currently underway with rates approaching 100 km/century for many species. Published by Elsevier B.V.
Methane-consuming archaebacteria in marine sediments

Large amounts of methane are produced in marine sediments but are then consumed before contacting aerobic waters or the atmosphere1. Although no organism that can consume methane anaerobically has ever been isolated, biogeochemical evidence indicates that the overall process involves a transfer of electrons from methane to sulphate and is probably mediated by several organisms, including a methanogen (operating in reverse) and a sulphate-reducer (using an unknown intermediate substrate)2. Here we describe studies of sediments related to a decomposing methane hydrate. These provide strong evidence that methane is being consumed by archaebacteria that are phylogenetically distinct from known methanogens. Specifically, lipid biomarkers that are commonly characteristic of archaea are so strongly depleted in carbon-13 that methane must be the carbon source, rather than the metabolic product, for the organisms that have produced them. Parallel gene surveys of small-subunit ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) indicate the predominance of a new archael group which is peripherally related to the methanogenic orders Methanomicrobiales and Methanosarcinales.
Characterization of resist flow process for the improvement of contact hole CD uniformity

We can print contact hole pattern beyond the optical resolution limit using resist flow process. But CD uniformity should be improved for its masse implementation because CD uniformity gets worser as shrink bias gets larger in resist flow process. For example, contact hole size of wafer edge region is larger by the amount of about 20nm than that of wafer center region. Contact hole CD uniformity depends on uniformity of wafer temperature to which bake oven temperature uniformity and atmosphere temperature uniformity surrounding the wafer in bake oven can affect. The air and exhaust have large effect on the temperature uniformity of atmosphere surrounding the wafer. And mechanical structure of bake oven has an influence on wafer temperature uniformity. So we tested CD uniformity according to types of middle cover in bake oven. We also investigated CD uniformity according to resist inherent characteristics concerning resist flow rate. We optimized resist flow process using two step flow system, which improves wafer CD uniformity by amount of 30% compared to one step resist flow process and considering resist thickness dependency. Device characteristics of chain resistance uniformity was enhanced by improving contact hole CD uniformity.
Load and Resistance Factor Design of Integral Bent Caps

Cast-in-place concrete box girder highway bridges with integral bent cap substructures are the preferred bridge type in California. In the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications, two methods are available for the design of integral bent caps: the sectional method for flexural members and the strut and tie method (STM) for flexural and deep members. Although many bent caps are considered deep beams according to the AASHTO load and resistance factor design provisions, practicing engineers elect to use the sectional method exclusively for design because of its familiarity and the lack of guidance for using STM. Design examples that used STM have been published, but none of these examples deals with integral bent caps. When applying STM to integral bent caps, several issues, unique to this geometry, need to be addressed. These issues are discussed, and three different integral bent cap design examples are presented. The design of the three bent cap examples was also carried out by using the sectional method...
Legged robots at MIT: what's new since Raibert?

The MIT Leg Lab is best known for the seminal work of Marc Raibert, who showed in the 1980s that robotic running could be accomplished using a few simple, decoupled control laws. Raibert had shown how to calculate the control effort required for the next step of a run based on the results of the previous step, using simple physics-based rules. But smoothly controlling joints in a continuous-time fashion to effect walking seemed more difficult, particularly for non-stead state conditions. It was unclear how to combine passive dynamics with active control. Other researchers were beginning to address robot walking, and the rich diversity of their approaches was very exciting. It thus seemed that walking was the next important area. We embarked on a two-pronged approach: one focusing on making improvements to electromechanical actuators and robot design, the other on walking algorithms and control.
Relationships Among Participant International Prostate Symptom Score, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Impact Index Changes and Global Ratings of Change in a Trial of Phytotherapy in Men with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms

Purpose: We related changes in American Urological Association symptom index scores with bother measures and global ratings of change in men with lower urinary tract symptoms who were enrolled in a saw palmetto trial.Materials and Methods: To be eligible for study men were 45 years old or older, and had a peak uroflow of 4 ml per second or greater and an American Urological Association symptom index score of 8 to 24. Participants self-administered the American Urological Association symptom index, International Prostate Symptom Score quality of life item, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Impact Index and 2 global change questions at baseline, and at 24, 48 and 72 weeks.Results: In 357 participants global ratings of a little better were associated with a mean decrease in American Urological Association symptom index scores from 2.8 to 4.1 points across 3 time points. The analogous range for mean decreases in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Impact Index scores was 1.0 to 1.7 points and for the International Prosta...
Women's Gender Consciousness

Four dimensions of group consciousness that figure prominently in relative deprivation and resource mobilization/solidarity theories of social movements were measured in three national cross-section sample surveys over the decade of the 1970s by the Institute for Social Research. These dimensions-identification, discontent, withdrawal of legitimacy, and collective orientation-were applied to the gender consciousness of women. In all but one of these dimensions, women's gender consciousness was comparatively weak. It was not as pronounced as the group consciousness of other subordinate categories, nor was it distinctly subordinate because men expressed similar views. A structural interpretation of this comparative weakness is offered. Women did become more group conscious between 1972 and 1983. The increase was particularly pronounced with regard to their discontent about the relative political power of men and women and their views about the legitimacy of gender disparities. Patricia Gurin is Professor of Psychology and Faculty Associate at the Institute for Social Research, The University of Michigan, and a Resident Scholar at the Russell Sage Foundation, New York. The author acknowledges the helpful criticisms of an earlier draft by Arland Thornton and Mary Corcoran of The University of Michigan, Robert K. Merton of Columbia University, Faye J. Crosby of Yale University, and Rhea Kish of Ann Arbor, Michigan. Public Opinion Quarterly Vol. 49 143-163 C by the Trustees of Columbia University Published by Elsevier Science Publishing Co., Inc. 0033-362X/85/0049-143/$2 50 This content downloaded from 207.46.13.109 on Sun, 24 Apr 2016 06:36:12 UTC All use subject to http://about.jstor.org/terms
Grating couplers as optical probe pads in a standard CMOS process

To enable in-line nanophotonic device monitoring, grating couplers for near-vertical wafer-scale optical probing are fabricated in a standard CMOS process. These partially etched “optical probes” demonstrate a robust 3-dB-bandwidth larger than 80 nm allowing for photonic device characterization over the entire C-band throughout the fabrication process.
Design and implementation of a CMOS sensor based video camera incorporating a combined AWB/AEC module

This paper presents a design and hardware implementation of a CMOS sensor based video camera incorporating a module, which combines the functions of automatic white balancing (AWB) and automatic exposure control (AEC). The functionality is achieved using dynamic control of sensor registers using I2C sensor interface. The image data processing is performed using a field programmable gate array (FPGA). The combined AWB/AEC module can be implemented using a gate count of 10k. The results indicate that the implemented video camera produces the desired functionality with good reaction time.
Long-Term Capital Gains Tax Strategies: Correlated Protective Put Strategy

A reduction in the long-term capital gains tax rate provides investors with new strategies to minimize taxes and protect investment gains. One such opportunity exists when an investor decides to sell a profitable stock with a holding period of less than one-year, resulting in short-term ordinary taxes. The investor would find it more beneficial to sell the stock after one-year lapses, resulting in lower long-term capital gain taxes, although the longer holding period exposes the investor to the uncertainty of stock price movement. A strategy to extend the holding period without excess risk would be to use the protective put option strategy, sometimes referred to as “investment insurance”. The strategy involves the purchase of a put option to protect against the possible decline in the stock price, to take advantage of the lower long-term capital gains tax rate, and to preserve the upside potential of the stock. Pursuant to IRS Publication 550, the IRS does not allow the use of a protective put to extend the holding period on the same security considered for sale. Since the IRS does not allow a direct protective put hedge, this study will explore an alternative strategy involving the purchase of a put on a highly correlated investment to extend the holding period to recognize lower capital gains tax rates. The paper presents example situations when an investor benefits from utilizing the correlated protective put option strategy.
Colloidal quantum dot Vis-SWIR imaging: demonstration of a focal plane array and camera prototype (Presentation Recording)

RTI has developed a photodiode technology based on solution-processed PbS colloidal quantum dots (CQD). These devices are capable of providing low-cost, high performance detection across the Vis-SWIR spectral range. At the core of this technology is a heterojunction diode structure fabricated using techniques well suited to wafer-scale fabrication, such as spin coating and thermal evaporation. This enables RTI’s CQD diodes to be processed at room temperature directly on top of read-out integrated circuits (ROIC), without the need for the hybridization step required by traditional SWIR detectors. Additionally, the CQD diodes can be fabricated on ROICs designed for other detector material systems, effectively allowing rapid prototype demonstrations of CQD focal plane arrays at low cost and on a wide range of pixel pitches and array sizes. We will show the results of fabricating CQD arrays directly on top of commercially available ROICs. Specifically, the ROICs are a 640 x 512 pixel format with 15 µm pitch, originally developed for InGaAs detectors. We will show that minor modifications to the surface of these ROICs make them suitable for use with our CQD detectors. Once completed, these FPAs are then assembled into a demonstration camera and their imaging performance is evaluated. In addition, we will discuss recent advances in device architecture and processing resulting in devices with room temperature dark currents of 2-5 nA/cm^2 and sensitivity from 350 nm to 1.7 μm. This combination of high performance, dramatic cost reduction, and multi-band sensitivity is ideally suited to expand the use of SWIR imaging in current applications, as well as to address applications which require a multispectral sensitivity not met by existing technologies.
Engineering three-dimensional epithelial tissue for biomedical optics.

Epithelial tissue is a dynamic structure with complex multi-component composition. To better understand the optical characteristics of this structure in connection with biochemical events underlying development of cancer we introduce engineered epithelial tissue phantoms.
How Lame are Lame Ducks

A lame duck session of Congress occurs when legislators meet after an election has been held but before the next Congress has taken office. Lame duck sessions are often criticized by the victorious party in the election, and a common critique is that the lame duck members — undisciplined by electoral constraints — vote irresponsibly. There are subtle but statistically significant differences between voting patterns in regular and lame duck sessions, as revealed by analysis of over 50,000 House and Senate roll call votes.During a lame duck session, members are slightly less likely to side with their own parties and less likely to vote at all. These patterns persist in very lame duck sessions — those that take place following the loss of majority status within a single house. In these sessions, however, a new pattern emerges: House members become more likely to cast bipartisan votes and Senators become less likely to do so. Beyond these voting patterns, it is difficult to say whether members vote more or less “responsibly” during lame duck sessions of Congress. Our analysis supports the primary findings of the existing literature on lame ducks. Past studies have found lame duck legislators to be less likely to indulge most special interests, but others suggest they may be more likely to indulge one particular special interest: their next employers. In this study, we explain how incentives change for lame duck legislators, briefly review past research on lame ducks, and present our statistical findings that support and add to the existing literature.