cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Learning Dexterous Grasping with Object-Centric Visual Affordances

Dexterous robotic hands are appealing for their agility and human-like morphology, yet their high degree of freedom makes learning to manipulate challenging. We introduce an approach for learning dexterous grasping. Our key idea is to embed an object-centric visual affordance model within a deep reinforcement learning loop to learn grasping policies that favor the same object regions favored by people. Unlike traditional approaches that learn from human demonstration trajectories (e.g., hand joint sequences captured with a glove), the proposed prior is object-centric and image-based, allowing the agent to anticipate useful affordance regions for objects unseen during policy learning. We demonstrate our idea with a 30-DoF five-fingered robotic hand simulator on 40 objects from two datasets, where it successfully and efficiently learns policies for stable functional grasps. Our affordance-guided policies are significantly more effective, generalize better to novel objects, train 3× faster than the baselines, and are more robust to noisy sensor readings and actuation. Our work offers a step towards manipulation agents that learn by watching how people use objects, without requiring state and action information about the human body. Project website with videos: http://vision.cs.utexas.edu/projects/graff-dexterous-affordance-grasp.
HetMAML: Task-Heterogeneous Model-Agnostic Meta-Learning for Few-Shot Learning Across Modalities

Most of existing gradient-based meta-learning approaches to few-shot learning assume that all tasks have the same input feature space. However, in the real world scenarios, there are many cases that the input structures of tasks can be different, that is, different tasks may vary in the number of input modalities or data types. Existing meta-learners cannot handle the heterogeneous task distribution (HTD) as there is not only global meta-knowledge shared across tasks but also type-specific knowledge that distinguishes each type of tasks. To deal with task heterogeneity and promote fast within-task adaptions for each type of tasks, in this paper, we propose HetMAML, a task-heterogeneous model-agnostic meta-learning framework, which can capture both the type-specific and globally shared knowledge and can achieve the balance between knowledge customization and generalization. Specifically, we design a multi-channel backbone module that encodes the input of each type of tasks into the same length sequence of modality-specific embeddings. Then, we propose a task-aware iterative feature aggregation network which can automatically take into account the context of task-specific input structures and adaptively project the heterogeneous input spaces to the same lower-dimensional embedding space of concepts. Our experiments on six task-heterogeneous datasets demonstrate that HetMAML successfully leverages type-specific and globally shared meta-parameters for heterogeneous tasks and achieves fast within-task adaptions for each type of tasks.
GLOSS: Tensor-based anomaly detection in spatiotemporal urban traffic data

Abstract Anomaly detection in spatiotemporal data is a problem encountered in a variety of applications including urban traffic monitoring. For urban traffic data, anomalies refer to unusual events such as traffic congestion and unexpected crowd gatherings. Detecting these anomalies is challenging due to the scarcity of anomalous events and the dependence of anomaly definition on time and space. Existing spatiotemporal anomaly detection methods cannot preserve the spatial and temporal correlations and do not take the structure of anomalies into account. In this paper, we introduce a temporally regularized, locally consistent, robust low-rank plus sparse tensor model for spatiotemporal anomaly detection. The proposed method takes the spatially sparse and temporally smooth structure of urban anomalies into account by modeling the anomalies as the sparse part of the tensor and minimizing the total variation across the temporal mode of this part. The local consistency of the low-rank part is ensured using a manifold embedding approach. The proposed approach is referred to as Graph Regularized Low-rank plus Temporally Smooth Sparse decomposition (GLOSS) and is evaluated on synthetic and real spatiotemporal urban traffic data. The results illustrate the accuracy and robustness of the proposed method with respect to missing data, noise and anomaly strength.
Surface defect, anomalies and b-extremization

Quantum field theories (QFT) in the presence of defects exhibit new types of anomalies which play an important role in constraining the defect dynamics and defect renormalization group (RG) flows. Here we study surface defects and their anomalies in conformal field theories (CFT) of general spacetime dimensions. When the defect is conformal, it is characterized by a conformal b-anomaly analogous to the c-anomaly of 2d CFTs. The b-theorem states that b must monotonically decrease under defect RG flows and was proven by coupling to a spurious defect dilaton. We revisit the proof by deriving explicitly the dilaton effective action for defect RG flow in the free scalar theory. For conformal surface defects preserving $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = (0, 2) supersymmetry, we prove a universal relation between the b-anomaly and the ’t Hooft anomaly for the U(1)r symmetry. We also establish the b-extremization principle that identifies the superconformal U(1)r symmetry from $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = (0, 2) preserving RG flows. Together they provide a powerful tool to extract the b-anomaly of strongly coupled surface defects. To illustrate our method, we determine the b-anomalies for a number of surface defects in 3d, 4d and 6d SCFTs. We also comment on manifestations of these defect conformal and ’t Hooft anomalies in defect correlation functions.
Sparse Graph Learning Under Laplacian-Related Constraints

We consider the problem of learning a sparse undirected graph underlying a given set of multivariate data. We focus on graph Laplacian-related constraints on the sparse precision matrix that encodes conditional dependence between the random variables associated with the graph nodes. Under these constraints the off-diagonal elements of the precision matrix are non-positive (total positivity), and the precision matrix may not be full-rank. We investigate modifications to widely used penalized log-likelihood approaches to enforce total positivity but not the Laplacian structure. The graph Laplacian can then be extracted from the off-diagonal precision matrix. An alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM) algorithm is presented and analyzed for constrained optimization under Laplacian-related constraints and lasso as well as adaptive lasso penalties. Numerical results based on synthetic data show that the proposed constrained adaptive lasso approach significantly outperforms existing Laplacian-based approaches. We also evaluate our approach on real financial data.
Beyond Pinball Loss: Quantile Methods for Calibrated Uncertainty Quantification

Among the many ways of quantifying uncertainty in a regression setting, specifying the full quantile function is attractive, as quantiles are amenable to interpretation and evaluation. A model that predicts the true conditional quantiles for each input, at all quantile levels, presents a correct and efficient representation of the underlying uncertainty. To achieve this, many current quantile-based methods focus on optimizing the so-called pinball loss. However, this loss restricts the scope of applicable regression models, limits the ability to target many desirable properties (e.g. calibration, sharpness, centered intervals), and may produce poor conditional quantiles. In this work, we develop new quantile methods that address these shortcomings. In particular, we propose methods that can apply to any class of regression model, allow for selecting a trade-off between calibration and sharpness, optimize for calibration of centered intervals, and produce more accurate conditional quantiles. We provide a thorough experimental evaluation of our methods, which includes a high dimensional uncertainty quantification task in nuclear fusion.
Cluster size distribution of cells disseminating from a primary tumor

The first stage of the metastatic cascade often involves motile cells emerging from a primary tumor either as single cells or as clusters. These cells enter the circulation, transit to other parts of the body and finally are responsible for growth of secondary tumors in distant organs. The mode of dissemination is believed to depend on the EMT nature (epithelial, hybrid or mesenchymal) of the cells. Here, we calculate the cluster size distribution of these migrating cells, using a mechanistic computational model, in presence of different degree of EMT-ness of the cells; EMT is treated as given rise to changes in their active motile forces (μ) and cell-medium surface tension (Γ). We find that, for (μ > μmin, Γ > 1), when the cells are hybrid in nature, the mean cluster size, [Formula: see text], where μmin increases with increase in Γ. For Γ ≤ 0, [Formula: see text], the cells behave as completely mesenchymal. In presence of spectrum of hybrid states with different degree of EMT-ness (motility) in primary tumor, the cells which are relatively more mesenchymal (higher μ) in nature, form larger clusters, whereas the smaller clusters are relatively more epithelial (lower μ). Moreover, the heterogeneity in μ is comparatively higher for smaller clusters with respect to that for larger clusters. We also observe that more extended cell shapes promote the formation of smaller clusters. Overall, this study establishes a framework which connects the nature and size of migrating clusters disseminating from a primary tumor with the phenotypic composition of the tumor, and can lead to the better understanding of metastasis.
Small Directional Treadmill Perturbations Induce Differential Gait Stability Adaptation.

Introducing unexpected perturbations to challenge gait stability is an effective approach to investigate balance control strategies. Little is known about the extent to which people can respond to small perturbations during walking. This study aimed to determine how subjects adapted gait stability to multidirectional perturbations with small magnitudes applied on a stride-by-stride basis. Ten healthy young subjects walked on a treadmill that either briefly decelerated belt speed ("stick"), accelerated belt speed ("slip"), or shifted the platform medial-laterally at right leg mid-stance. We quantified gait stability adaptation in both anterior-posterior and medial-lateral directions using margin of stability and its components, base of support and extrapolated center of mass. Gait stability was disrupted upon initially experiencing the small perturbations as margin of stability decreased in the stick, slip, and medial shift perturbations and increased in the lateral shift perturbation. Gait stability metrics were generally disrupted more for perturbations in the coincident direction. Subjects employed both feedback and feedforward strategies in response to the small perturbations, but mostly used feedback strategies during adaptation. Subjects primarily used base of support (foot placement) control in the lateral shift perturbation and extrapolated center of mass control in the slip and medial shift perturbations. These findings provide new knowledge about the extent of gait stability adaptation to small magnitude perturbations applied on a stride-by-stride basis and reveal potential new approaches for balance training interventions to target foot placement and center of mass control.
Drinfeld Hecke algebras for symmetric groups in positive characteristic

We investigate deformations of skew group algebras arising from the action of the symmetric group on polynomial rings over fields of arbitrary characteristic. Over the real or complex numbers, Lusztig's graded affine Hecke algebra and analogs are all isomorphic to Drinfeld Hecke algebras, which include the symplectic reflection algebras and rational Cherednik algebras. Over fields of prime characteristic, new deformations arise that capture both a disruption of the group action and also a disruption of the commutativity relations defining the polynomial ring. We classify these deformations for the symmetric group acting in its natural (reducible) reflection representation.
Mixed Effects Machine Learning Models for Colon Cancer Metastasis Prediction using Spatially Localized Immuno-Oncology Markers

Spatially resolved characterization of the transcriptome and proteome promises to provide further clarity on cancer pathogenesis and etiology, which may inform future clinical practice through classifier development for clinical outcomes. However, batch effects may potentially obscure the ability of machine learning methods to derive complex associations within spatial omics data. Profiling thirty-five stage three colon cancer patients using the GeoMX Digital Spatial Profiler, we found that mixed-effects machine learning (MEML) methods may provide utility for overcoming significant batch effects to communicate key and complex disease associations from spatial information. These results point to further exploration and application of MEML methods within the algorithm development life cycle for clinical deployment.
Robotic telescope labs for survey-level undergraduates

For the past dozen years, the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill has been developing a unique, survey-level astronomy curriculum, primarily for undergraduate students, with the goal of significantly boosting STEM enrollments on a national scale, as well as boosting students’ technical and research skills. Called “Our Place In Space!” (OPIS!), this curriculum leverages Skynet—a global network of ≈20 fully automated, or robotic, professional-grade telescopes located at some of the world’s best observing sites. We have recently received $1.85M from NSF’s IUSE program to expand OPIS! nationwide and $3M from DoD’s NDEP program to integrate a global network of 5-m to 30-m diameter radio telescopes into Skynet, and to develop a follow-up curriculum to OPIS!, called “Astrophotography of the Multi-Wavelength Universe!” or MWU! Both grants come with funding for participating instructors.
The vaginal tampon test in the diagnosis of brucellosis and some comparisons with two vaginal mucus tests.

SUMMARY Subcutaneous vaccination with Strain 19 is shown to produce demonstrable brucella agglutinins in material absorbed by vaginal tampons and, to a less extent, in vaginal mucus. In groups of cattle vaccinated experimentally, the presence of agglutinins in the vagina appears to he related to the amount of serum agglutinin. In contrast, agglutinins have been much more readily demonstrated in similar material from naturally infected animals irrespective of the serum agglutination titre. Some animals with low or negative serum titres in a known infected unvaccinated herd are shown to have readily demonstrable agglutinins in vaginal material.
Chapter 26 Water quality issues in the outer coastal plains: New Jersey

Abstract New Jersey is the most densely populated state in the US and yet it is home to one of the most pristine groundwater resources in the country, the Kirkwood–Cohansey Aquifer System. This chapter discusses some of the activities that affect water quality in New Jersey's coastal plains. The most significant activities are human induced and they include excessive groundwater withdrawal and the addition of non-point and point source contaminants. The effects of those human activities that alter surface soils in ways that promote the movement of chemicals to streams and groundwater is included. The chemicals addressed include point source contaminants coming from superfund sites, landfills, underground storage tanks (USTs), sewage facilities, stormwater runoff facilities, storage lagoons, and other “state permitted” discharges. The contaminants include nitrates (NO3−), phosphates, pesticides, some chlorides and trace metals, and many volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Some of these come directly from their natural or human-induced deposition on the surface or come about because of the secondary impact of these deposited chemicals on surface soils and sediments. Well water withdrawals have also altered the pre-development groundwater and surface water flow patterns. Chlorides from brackish bays and tidal rivers and from the ocean itself have recharged coastal plain aquifers in Raritan Bay, Delaware and along the Atlantic Ocean. These pumping centers are also drawing chlorides and other ions from saline groundwater coming from deeper aquifers. In addition, VOCs and Fe have recharged underlying aquifers from contaminated rivers and point sources toward these pumping centers.
Automation of the Recovery of Efficiency of Complex Structure Systems

Basic features are set forth of the method for automation of the serviceability recovery of systems of complex structures in real time without the interruption of operation. Specific features of the method are revealed in an important example of the system of control of hardware components of ships.
Hepatic hemangioendothelioma during infancy: pathology, diagnosis and treatment with prednisone.

A hepatic hemangioendothelioma is a benign vascular tumor of infancy which usually involves the entire liver. Many infants have associated cutaneous hemangiomas and are first seen in high output congestive heart failure with massive abdominal distension and hepatomegaly. Arteriovenous shunting within the liver is confirmed by the presence of an epigastric systolic bruit and a characteristic "blush" within the liver on selective celiac axis angiography. We report a 7½-month-old infant with a hepatic hemangioendothelioma who improved dramatically following a 2-week course of prednisone. There was no evidence of shunting on post-treatment angiography. Other forms of therapy previously attempted, including resection, irradiation and hepatic artery ligation, are discussed.
Designing an expressive avatar of a real person

The human ability to express and recognize emotions plays an important role in face-to-face communication, and as technology advances it will be increasingly important for computer-generated avatars to be similarly expressive. In this paper, we present the detailed development process for the Lifelike Responsive Avatar Framework (LRAF) and a prototype application for modeling a specific individual to analyze the effectiveness of expressive avatars. In particular, the goals of our pilot study (n = 1,744) are to determine whether the specific avatar being developed is capable of conveying emotional states (Ekmans six classic emotions) via facial features and whether a realistic avatar is an appropriate vehicle for conveying the emotional states accompanying spoken information. The results of this study show that happiness and sadness are correctly identified with a high degree of accuracy while the other four emotional states show mixed results.
Lo que aprendí en las crisis económica mundial

La reunion del Fondo Monetario Internacional que se realizara en Washington, D. C.la proxima semana atraera a muchos de los manifestantes que se opusieron a la Organizacion Mundial de Comercio el otono pasado en Seattle. Diran que el FMI es arrogante. Diran que el FMI no escucha realmente a los paises en desarrollo a los que supuestamente ayuda. Diran que el FMI actua en secreto y no acepta la responsabilidad democratica. Diran que los "remedios" economicos del FMI suelen empeorar las cosas, que transforman los declives economicos en recesiones y las recesiones en depresiones.
Photonic crystal GaN light emitting diode

A photonic crystal GaN light emitting diode was designed and fabricated. An enhancement in the external quantum efficiency of approximately 30% for a device containing a photonic crystal hole patterns was obtained
Multifrequency EPR Detects Orientation of Calcium Transport Proteins in Lipid Bicelles

We have used electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) at X and Q band to probe the structural dynamics of the integral membrane protein phospholamban (PLB), as a function of phosphorylation and addition of its regulatory target, the sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase (SERCA). We found previously that PLB remains bound to SERCA after phosphorylation, suggesting that a structural transition within the SERCA-PLB complex is responsible for relief of inhibition. Our current goal is to elucidate this mechanism through orientation and accessibility EPR, supporting rational design of therapies to improve calcium transport in muscle cells. We used the monomeric mutant AFA-PLB with the rigid spin label TOAC incorporated within the transmembrane domain. This protein was reconstituted with purified SERCA into lipid bicelles and magnetically aligned at both X and Q band field strength, allowing for a robust global fitting approach. We measured changes in PLB tilt upon phosphorylation, in the absence and presence of SERCA. Experiments were performed in the Biophysical Spectroscopy Center at the University of Minnesota. This work was funded by grants from NIH (R01 GM27906, P30 AR0507220, and T32 AR007612).View Large Image | View Hi-Res Image | Download PowerPoint Slide
Aseismic creep along the San Andreas Fault northwest of Parkfield, CA measured by radar interferometry

ERS-1 radar images acquired 14 months apart studied by differential radar interferometry show the wide-area distribution of aseismic creep along the fault segment northwest of Parkfield, California. A sharp discontinuity in the interferometric phase of less than 2 cm equivalent line-of-sight displacement extends over 80 km in the differential interferogram, coincident with the mapped trace of the active San Andreas fault and consistent with the expected and measured fault motion. Although patterns of strain associated with the transition from locked to creeping are not clearly identifiable, a decrease in creep displacement from northwest to southeast along the fault is visible. The observations are in agreement with a model of elastic deformation constrained by in situ data that supports a maximum expected deformation signature of 10 mm across the image.
Educational models and open source: resisting the proprietary university

This paper presents an educational model derived from open source methods for computer programming. The article places this search for an alternative model within a framework of proprietary educational practices that are driven by a need for efficiency and rationalization. As an alternative model, the paper suggests that an open source derived educational process would emphasize collaborative problem based learning, working through drafts, risk taking, mentoring, user testing, releasing early and often, developing in collaboration with users, and rewarding and building from failure.At the same time, the paper notes that such a system would have much in common with existing theories of project-based or activity-based learning and with traditional methods of research and publication in scientific endeavors. However, the paper also argues that such a method is different from the open-course or open-curriculum projects recently publicized by several well-known universities as these practices appear to emphasize derived content rather than an open representation of process, or how the content was developed.Collaborative, problem-based learning provides constructive approaches for building corporate and community partnerships on university campuses. At the same time, the model teaches students about collaborative work practices, working as part of a larger community, and the nature of collaborative knowledge building. As such, the model reconnects knowledge creation to research communities and to communities of users and it complicates the belief that sustainable, useful innovation can occur within proprietary systems.
Comparison of Electrical and Microtensile Evaluations of Mechanical Properties of an Aluminum Film

We compare two types of tests for measurement of mechanical properties of thin films and small scale structures: a microtensile test and a thermomechanical fatigue test induced by alternating current at low frequency and high current density. The microtensile test was used as a reference for evaluating the feasibility of using the electrical test for measurement of mechanical properties. Tests were performed on structures cofabricated from thin film Al deposited on Si to ensure comparable mechanical properties. The films had a grain diameter of 220 nm and a thickness of 1.9 μm. The electrical test resulted in an estimated ultimate tensile strength of 250 ± 40 MPa. This value was based on extrapolation of high-cycle fatigue data to one reversal through a modified Basquin equation while accounting for varying mean stress. An ultimate tensile strength of 239 ± 4 MPa was determined from the microtensile test. Differences between these values are explained in terms of the effects of substrate constraint on the strength of the thin film. We conclude that electrical testing methods offer a feasible means for measuring mechanical properties of individual patterned structures.
Particle acceleration and high-energy emission in the EGRET AGNs

Abstract Prior to the EGRET observations, jet formation models generally treated the acceleration and radiation mechanisms separately, since very little was known of the physical environment where the particles are initially energized. Because the high-energy emission from these sources presumably originates close to the central engine, the EGRET spectral measurements offer us the first opportunity to seriously model the early jet formation phase within ∼ 10 – 100 Schwarzschild radii of the nucleus. A viable mechanism for producing the high-energy gamma-rays is the Compton upscattering of ambient low-energy photons (e.g., from a disk) by relativistically moving particles. However, it is well known that the resulting Compton drag on the particles can significantly retard their progress, which results in a particle-photon-induced resistivity. Thus, if the energizing force on the particles is associated with an AGN magnetospheric phenomenon, as many have hypothesized, the electromagnetic acceleration is fully dependent on the magnitude of the photon drag and hence is connected directly to the radiative emission itself. These two processes, i.e., the particle acceleration and the associated Compton upscattering, eventually need to be treated self-consistently. Our primary goal in this preliminary set of calculations is to establish the range of blackhole masses, the spin rate, and the permissible magnetic field configurations that produce spectra and fluxes consistent with the EGRET observations. This analysis also predicts the degree of beaming and inclination effects, both of which should bear directly on theories that attempt to unify the radio-loud AGNs into a single class. As an illustration, we apply our model to QSO CTA 102 and obtain a reasonable agreement with the observed flux and spectral index.
Shear stress regulates occludin and VEGF expression in porcine arterial endothelial cells.

Background. One of the initiating factors of atherosclerosis is the accumulation of low-density lipoprotein in the intima. Despite the correlation between low shear stress and vascular lesion formation, there is little research on the effects of shear stress on the molecular regulators of endothelial cell permeability. In this study, the effects of shear stress on the expression of occludin and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), two important regulators of endothelial permeability, were investigated. Methods. Porcine carotid arteries were cultured in perfusion culture systems for 24 h with 100 mm Hg pressure and low or physiologic shear stress. Subsequently, vessel sections were taken for histology and endothelial cells were isolated for RNA and protein extraction. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to determine occludin and VEGF mRNA levels. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry were performed to examine occludin and VEGF protein levels. Results. RT-PCR showed that endothelial cells from vessels cultured with low shear stress had an 11% decrease in occludin/GAPDH band density ratio (P < 0.05) and a 16% increase in VEGF/β-actin band density ratio (P < 0.05) relative to the physiologic shear stress group. Western blot showed a 50% decrease in occludin protein expression (P < 0.01) and a 95% increase in VEGF protein expression in endothelial cells from vessels cultured with low shear stress relative to the physiologic shear stress group. Immunoreactivity of occludin and VEGF in vessels also reflected these changes. Conclusions. These results demonstrate that low shear stress both decreases endothelial cell occludin mRNA and protein expression and increases endothelial cell VEGF mRNA and protein expression. These changes may suggest a possible molecular mechanism for increased endothelial permeability due to low shear stress.
An Alternate Route for Preparing Deaf Children for BiBi Programs: The Home Language as LI and Cued Speech for Conveying Traditionally-Spoken Languages

This article focuses on nonsigning hearing parents of deaf children who share the goals of bilingual-bicultural (BiBi) programs for their child, opt for their home language to be their deaf child's first language (L1), and have questions about communication options (e.g., oral methods, manually coded English [MCE] systems, or Cued Speech) for conveying that language. We present research findings related to the effectiveness of MCE systems and Cued Speech for conveying English and developing deaf children's reading abilities. We compare the cueing of English and the signing of MCE systems in terms of theoretical and practical advantages. Finally, we suggest research needs.
On Defining Learning Disabilities: An Emerging Consensus

This article reviews the efforts made since 1962 to define learning disabilities, provides readers with a clear picture of the current status of such definitions, and recommends that a consensus form around the definition proposed by the NJCLD.
Nuclease Activities in a Complex of Human Recombination and DNA Repair Factors Rad50, Mre11, and p95

Genetic studies in yeast have indicated a role of the RAD50 and MRE11 genes in homologous recombination, telomere length maintenance, and DNA repair processes. Here, we purify from nuclear extract of Raji cells a complex consisting of human Rad50, Mre11, and another protein factor with a size of about 95 kDa (p95), which is likely to be Nibrin, the protein encoded by the gene mutated in Nijmegen breakage syndrome. We show that the Rad50-Mre11-p95 complex possesses manganese-dependent single-stranded DNA endonuclease and 3′ to 5′ exonuclease activities. These nuclease activities are likely to be important for recombination, repair, and genomic stability.
Efficiency of insulating link for protection of crane workers (from power overhead lines)

The protection efficiency of insulating links under different operating conditions is analyzed. Both a steady-state model and a transient model have been developed for simulation of the system. The models simulate the electrical supply, the crane insulator link, the body impedance of the worker, and the grounding resistance. The MICROCAP AC, DC, and transient analysis program was used to calculate the current and voltages which endanger the crane worker. The results show that the insulating link in clean conditions reduces the current under the harmless let-go level. However, polluting and wetting the insulating link may increase the current above the dangerous ventricular fibrillation level. The contact between the power line and crane causes a short-duration high-amplitude transient current which, in adverse conditions, can cause heart fibrillation. Based on the experimental evidence, it is concluded that in spite of the shortcomings, the insulator link increases the safety of crane operation. Furthermore, the model and calculation method can be used for the evaluation of new crane insulator systems. >
Dopaminergic parameters in the striatum and substantia nigra of seven strains of mice: Higher density in striatum of CAST compared to BALB mice

Tyrosine hydroxylase activity was assayed in microdissected substantia nigra and striata from seven strains of mice (BALB, CBA, YBR, WB, IS, MOLG, and CAST). In the substantia nigra where tyrosine hydroxylase activity is thought to be proportional to dopaminergic neuron number, only CBA had a different (lower) enzyme activity compared with BALB. However in the striatum, tyrosine hydroxylase activity was larger for IS, MOLG and CAST compared with BALB. Further investigation of the CAST striatum showed that dopamine content and dopamine uptake activity were also higher in comparison with BALB. All three dopaminergic parameters were larger because of lower protein levels in the CAST striatum. A lower absolute amount of glutamic acid decarboxylase activity in CAST versus BALB striatum was consistent with the possibility of a smaller CAST striatum. In contrast to dopamine, the serotonin content in CAST striatum was reduced in proportion to the decrease in protein content. We suggest that the CAST striatum is smaller than BALB striatum and is innervated by proportionally fewer serotoninergic terminals, but the amount of dopaminergic innervation of the CAST striatum is not altered by the size of the target.
The New Vision for SI: Where Are We Heading?

Now in its fourth decade. Supplemental Instruction (SI) is an internationally acclaimed academic support model. Communication and critical thinking skills developed through collaborative learning are the hallmarks of the program. The learning strategies involved in the acquisition of such skills help increase academic performance and retention. The effectiveness of SI
Time to focus on improving the contraceptive method mix in high HIV prevalence settings and let go of unanswerable questions.

The evidence on the impact of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) a progestin-only injectable form of contraception on increased HIV-1 acquisition is mixed. A meta-analysis of observational data suggests that the use of DMPA increases the risk of HIV-1 acquisition by 1.5 times compared to women not using hormonal contraceptive methods. Furthermore a recent secondary analysis of women from an HIV prevention trial in Uganda South Africa and Zimbabwe (the VOICE study) found that DMPA users had 1.4 times the hazard of HIV acquisition compared to users of norethisterone enanthate (NET-EN) injectable contraception. In this study HIV incidence among DMPA users was greater than among NET-EN users resulting in 2.6 additional cases of HIV per 100 woman-years. Thus while the findings are mixed the authors’ best estimates are that DMPA use increased HIV acquisition modestly. The problem is that these estimates come from observational studies; the only way to definitively answer whether the observed increase in irsk of HIV-1 infection is caused by DMPA use or to due to residual cofounding selection bias and/or measurement error is through a well-designed randomized controlled trial (RCT). Consideration for an RCT is underway but under various circumstances to do an RCT would unfortunately be unethical. The authors encourage that resources should be dedicated to providing access to a wider range of contraceptive methods I high HIV prevalence settings rather than implementing an RCT. [excerpt] Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Becoming biliterate: identity, ideology, and learning to read and write in two languages

Becoming biliterate: identity, ideology, and learning to read and write in two languages, by Bobbie Kabuto, New York, Routledge, 2011, 160 pp., US$42 (paperback), ISBN 9780203846438, US$145 (hardba...
Information Networks in Amenity Transition Communities: A Comparative Case Study

Amenity transition, a major socio demographic trend in areas rich in natural resources, is characterized by economic and population growth as a result of retirement in-migration, increased rates of second home ownership, and increases in the number of industries that do not need to be proximate to a specific geographic location. Amenity transition is also characterized by increased intra-community conflict between long-term residents and in-migrants. This research analyzes whether the population growth accompanying amenity transition is associated with variations in the structure and characteristics of intra-community informational networks, as sociological theory would suggest. Methodologically, this is accomplished through a comparative analysis of the structure and characteristics of informational networks in three communities undergoing amenity transition. The analyses suggest population density is not related to either the structure of informational networks or the concentration of trust/distrust within them. When considered in conjunction with previous empirical work, these findings suggest the conflicts associated with amenity transition are more likely to arise because of conflicting value systems and ideologies as opposed to social structural changes in the communities themselves.
Association of cognitive restraint with ghrelin, leptin, and insulin levels in subjects who are not weight-reduced

Despite widespread efforts at weight loss, the prevalence of obesity continues to rise. Restrained eating is a pattern of attempted weight control characterized by cognitive restriction of food intake that has paradoxically been linked with overeating and/or weight gain. It is not known whether restrained eating is associated with abnormalities in appetite-regulating hormones, independent of its effects on body weight. To address this question, we assessed cognitive restraint using the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire and obtained fasting measurements of ghrelin, leptin and insulin from 24 healthy, non-obese (body mass index (BMI) 19.7 to 29.6 kg/m(2)) adult subjects who were at a stable, lifetime maximum weight. We chose to study subjects at stable maximum weight to avoid the secondary effects of weight reduction on body-weight regulating hormones. Subjects were classified by cognitive restraint scale score into Low, Indeterminate, and High Restraint groups. Higher ghrelin levels were significantly associated with restraint in an unadjusted model (P=0.004) and after adjustment for BMI (P=0.007). No relationships were found between restraint scores and either leptin (P=0.75) or insulin (P=0.36). These findings show an orexigenic hormonal profile in restrained eaters, independent of changes in body weight.
A characterization of inverse relations

Abstract We characterize all pairs F = ( F ( n , k )) and G = ( G ( n , k )) of inverse infinite, lower-triangular matrices by a ‘dual’ pair of recurrence relations that their entries F ( n , k ) and G ( n , k ) must satisfy. This characterization provides a unified approach towards all inverse relations based on such inversion problems. The computation of the inverse of a given infinite, lower-triangular matrix F is reduced to finding a recurrence of the required form that its entries must satisfy. The inverse matrix G is then determined in a similar way by the dual recurrence. We provide historical motivation, and then use our characterization theorem to invert a number of important infinite, lower-triangular matrices. These include matrix inversions of Gould and Hsu, Krattenthaler, Carlitz, Bressoud, as well as Andrews' matrix formulation of the Bailey Transform. These examples illustrate how shift operators or summation theorems such as the q -Chu-Vandermonde summation are used to help find recurrence relations of the required type for the entries of F and G .
Buried container detection using ground-probing radar

Abstract This paper contains the results of a continuing study to assess the capabilities and limitations of a ground-penetrating radar (GPR) system to detect and locate various subsurface anomalies — in this case, various size containers, both metal and non-metalic.This containers are located in various configurations at different burial depths. The site consisted of a relatively uniform sandy soil of low water content and represented nearly ideal conditions for the tests. The results show that steel drums are the most easily detected and located. Plastic drums, if empty, cannot be located; however, if liquid-filled they can be detected. Closely spaced drums cannot be resolved to determine the exact number of drums. Accurate depth predictions were made to all drums located using the GPR system.
Some unusual aspects of unimolecular falloff of importance in combustion modeling

This review is concerned with the appearance and treatment of unimolecular falloff under typical combustion conditions where it represents one of the most difficult problems in modeling. It begins with the proposal of a normal or standard form of RRKM theory, most appropriate for hydrocarbons in rare gases, which can be used for evaluation and prediction of falloff effects. Successful applications of this standard model to large-molecule dissociation are presented. Several important and common deviations from the standard model are then discussed. The first appears in the dissociation of large and unstable radicals that can be formed by either abstraction or dissociation. It is suggested that these may need to be treated as separate species, those formed by abstraction dissociating rapidly without falloff, whereas the others are deep into falloff, often dissociating much more slowly. In the case of very stable large radicals, recombination of the thermalized radical with other pool radicals can produce a species so highly energized that many otherwise inaccessible decomposition channels are now open. The standard model can also be used to uncover anomalies that lead to new and interesting theoretical insights. Several recent examples, HCN, C2H2, and allene/propyne, are considered, wherein anomalously large low-pressure C−H fission rates have been ascribed to a state-density increase resulting from a conversion of bending modes to hindered rotors at high energies.
State-based monitoring and goal-driven project steering: field study of the SEMAT essence framework

At Carnegie Mellon University in Silicon Valley, the graduate master program ends with a practicum project during which students serve as software engineering consultants for an industry client. In this context, students are challenged to demonstrate their ability to work on self-managing and self-organizing teams. This paper presents a field study of the Software Engineering Method and Theory (SEMAT) Essence framework. The objective is to evaluate the effectiveness of the Essence’s novel state-based monitoring and goal-driven steering approach provided by the Essence kernel alphas and their states. The researchers conducted the study on seven graduate master student teams applying the approach throughout their practicum projects. The research methodology involves weekly observation and recording of each team’s state progression and collecting students’ reflection on the application of the approach. The main result validates that the approach provides student teams with a holistic, lightweight, non-prescriptive and method-agnostic way to monitor progress and steer projects, as well as an effective structure for team reflection and risk management. The paper also validates that the Essence kernel provides an effective mechanism for monitoring and steering work common to most student software projects. This includes the work done during project initiation as well as the work done at the project or release level. Support for technical work should come from additional practices added on top of the kernel, or by extending or altering the kernel definition. The conclusion is that the approach enables students to learn to steer projects effectively by addressing the various dimensions of software engineering. Hence the approach could be leveraged in software engineering education.
Response to Comments on "The Consensus Coding Sequences of Human Breast and Colorectal Cancers"

Forrest and Cavet, Getz et al ., and Rubin and Green describe a variety of statistical methods to analyze the mutational data published in Sjoblom et al . However, their conclusions are inaccurate because they are based on analyses that do not fully take into account the experimental design and other critical features of our study. When these factors are incorporated, their methods provide estimates similar to those we reported and support the conclusion that a large number of genes are mutated at rates greater than the passenger mutation rate.
Particle concentration characterization for jet engine emissions under cruise conditions

Airborne particle measurements during NASA project SUCCESS have shown that particle concentration profiles serve as good indicators of aircraft exhaust plume encounters. During exhaust plume penetrations there is a strong anticorrelation between the ratio of nonvolatile/total particulates and Nitrogen Oxide (NO) concentrations. An increase in fuel sulfur content was found to increase the total particle emission index, while the nonvolatile emission index remained unchanged. The EI's increased by a factor of 2.6 as the fuel sulfur increased from 70–700 ppm. The large particle size distribution (200–400 nm) was seen as a good long term indicator of an aircraft exhaust plume.
The characterization and development of bioactive hydroxyapatite coatings

Bioactive coatings are currently being plasma-sprayed on implant surfaces in order to optimize bone-implant interactions. However, there are problems with the existing coating process, such as poor interfacial adhesion strength, alteration of coating properties, and the lack of an existing coating standard. To overcome some of the problems with the existing plasma-spraying process, investigators are working on other experimental coating methods to increase the adhesion strength as well as to have better control of the coating properties. This review will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of plasma spraying as well as the experimental coating processes.
The monetary compensation mechanism: An alternative to the clean development mechanism

Abstract One of the key challenges in resolving global warming problem is how to induce developing countries to reduce emissions. The CDM was proposed in the Kyoto Protocol as a means of obtaining the cooperation of developing countries in controlling greenhouse gases, but it has some intrinsic problems and has generated considerable controversy. This paper presents an alternative mechanism — the Monetary Compensation Mechanism (MCM). I study the characteristics of this mechanism with a dynamic principal-agent model. By solving the model numerically, I obtain the optimal solution for a scenario based on 1990 data. The monetary compensation rate under the MCM is comparable to the price of CERs in the CDM, but the MCM has several advantages over the CDM.