cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gravitational redshift of gravitational clocks

The gravitational redshift of gravitational clocks in a given weak gravitational field, within general relativity, is considered. Because the clocks in question have structure and dynamics determined by gravitational interactions, the full machinery of Einstein's equations must be used. Three specific examples are treated: (i) the redshift of the angular frequency of a rotating relativistic star in the gravitational field of a distant body; (ii) the redshift of the angular velocity of a slowly rotating black hole surrounded by an axisymmetric ring of matter; and (iii) the redshift of the observed orbital period of a nearly circular, post-Newtonian binary system in the field of a distant, third body. In all three cases the redshift is the same as if the clocks were non-gravitational, thereby governed by the Einstein equivalence principle. For an observer at infinity, the redshift Zequivalent..delta..v/v is given by Z = -Gm/Rc/sup 2/, where m is the mass of the distant object and R its distance from the clock in question. The result is independent of how relativistic the clock may be. The significance of this conclusion for the binary pulsar PSR 1913+16, where the gravitational redshift of the pulsar's frequency caused by the gravitational field of themore » pulsar's frequency caused by the gravitational field of its companion is an observable effect, is discussed. The extent to which this result is a manifestation of the strong equivalence principle, satisfied, as for is known, only be general relativity, is also noted.« less
A novel quantitative trait locus on chromosome 1 with pleiotropic effects on HDL-cholesterol and LDL particle size in hypertensive sibships.

Background High-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL particle size are correlated lipid traits. Abnormal levels of these traits are frequent in hypertensive individuals and contribute to increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). We performed univariate and bivariate linkage analyses to identify genomic regions that influence levels of these traits and exert pleiotropic effects on the traits in hypertensive sibships. Methods Subjects included 691 non-Hispanic white individuals (mean age 63.1±8.5 years, 57% women, 78% hypertensive) ascertained through sibships with two or more individuals diagnosed with hypertension before age 60 years. The LDL particle size was measured by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and triglycerides were log-transformed to reduce skewness. Genotypes were measured at 366 microsatellite marker loci distributed across the 22 autosomes. Univariate and bivariate linkage analyses were performed using a variance components approach. Results Significant ( P Conclusions These findings indicate the presence of a quantitative trait locus on chromosome 1 that has pleiotropic effects on HDL-cholesterol and LDL particle size and may therefore influence CHD susceptibility in hypertensive sibships.
Building a Better Battery

Innovations in the battery field are infrequent and hard-won. New electrochemical systems (a new positive or negative electrode, electrolyte, or combination thereof) reach the marketplace only once every few years, and the energy density of lithium-ion batteries as a class has increased on average by only 8 to 9% per year since the early 1990s. Thus, in the burgeoning field of nanoscale electrode materials, skepticism regarding new claims is perhaps not surprising because of the many requirements that any battery electrode must simultaneously meet to be commercialized. One route by which battery performance can be compromised is by mechanical failure due to the large volume changes associated with the charge-discharge cycle. On page 1515 of this issue, Huang et al. ( 1 ) report an ingenious in situ transmission electron microscope (TEM) experiment that uses a low–vapor pressure ionic liquid electrolyte to allow imaging of a SnO2 nanowire electrode in an “open” electrochemical cell. They observe a reaction mechanism in the SnO2 nanowires that progresses sequentially along the nanowire from end to end, allowing them to accommodate a ∼250% volume change without fracturing and at practical charging rates. These intriguing results raise the question of whether such one-dimensional phase transformations can be induced in other materials.
Infrared laser lines in arsenic vapor

Pulsed discharges in arsenic vapor have produced laser oscillation on a number of wavelengths in the near infrared. The transitions are assigned to the neutral arsenic atom.
Energy dispersion in graphene and carbon nanotubes and molecular encapsulation in nanotubes

Density-functional calculations of electronic and vibrational dispersion energies for pristine graphite monolayer graphene and single-walled carbon nanotubes SWCNTs are presented. Optimized parameters for nonlocal norm-preserving pseudopotentials which replace the potential field due to core electrons are given. Comparison with observations, where available, is made. The effect of encapsulation of carbon nanotubes with an alkali-halide matrix is numerically investigated. The electronic band structure of encapsulated SWCNT is noticeably modified, as is its charge density, and hence its optical properties.
The Composition of Licensing Fees and Arrangements as a Function of Economic Development of Technology Recipient Nations

The idea that the composition and organizational mode of a technology transfer between firms is a function of the recipient company's “technical absorptive capacity” and of the recipient nation's level of development has appeared in the literature without enunciation or testing. These hypotheses are tested using data for 33 countries.
Evaluation of HTTP QoS in a UMTS Network

This paper presents a methodology for evaluating the quality of service (QoS) provided by a Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) network for data services that use HTTP. Data collected from drive testing were used as the means to evaluate different drive routes of varying quality. The methodology presented in this paper can be easily modified to work with different networks.
0.1 μm gate length MODFETs with unity current gain cutoff frequency above 110 GHz

AlGaAs/GaAs modulation-doped field-effect transistors (MODFETs) have been fabricated with ‘T’ cross-section 0.1 μm gates using electron-beam lithography. A unity current gain cutoff frequency fT of 113 GHz has been measured for a spike-doped MODFET with a GaAs buffer. This is the highest measured fT reported to date for FETs of any kind.
Judgment processes in older adults' drug benefit evaluations.

Abstract Background The Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 will provide drug coverage to older adults through a variety of mechanisms, including stand-alone prescription drug benefits. Variation in cost-sharing and utilization controls is permitted, leading potentially to a wide variety of prescription benefit plans. However, little is known regarding the manner in which beneficiaries will integrate information to form plan evaluations. Objectives The objectives of this study were to assess and compare the use of compensatory and configural judgment models in older adults' evaluations of drug benefit plans. Methods Three focus groups were conducted with a total of 19 seniors to elicit relevant drug plan attributes. A separate group of 32 seniors then judged the suitability of 48 drug benefit profiles based on these attributes. Within-subjects regression analysis was used to reveal each participant's judgment policy. Results Focus groups suggested that copayment, premium, deductible, formulary use, and mail-service use were relevant plan attributes. Regression analyses showed that while most participants used compensatory judgment models in evaluation formation, 12 (37.5%) subjects used conjunctive judgment models. Conclusions Configural judgment processes are used frequently by older adults when evaluating drug benefit plans. Future research using more fine-grained techniques (eg, process tracing) might help further elucidate judgment processes in this context.
Fitting Smooth Histories to Rotation Data

Consider two tectonic plates diverging at a mid-ocean ridge. Geophysicists are able to estimate the rotation of one plate relative to the other at a discrete sequence of times in the earth's history; also they usually have information as to the likely errors in these rotation estimates. We address the problem of fitting a smooth history to such rotation data. We employ a modification of the method used by Jupp and Kent in their 1987 article dealing with fitting a smooth history to time-labeled points on the surface of the unit sphere in three-dimensional space. They use parallel translation to “unroll” data from the surface of the sphere to a plane. We replace unrolling via parallel translation by unrolling via left group multiplication, using the group structure of SO(3). We explain why our understanding of the errors in tectonic plate reconstructions dictates that left group multiplication is preferable both to parallel translation and to right group multiplication. To choose the smoothing parameter we use the discrepancy method; for the Central Atlantic data set which we consider this method gives considerably better results than cross-validation.
Implications of the advanced mini-max (AMM) classifier on non-cooperative standoff biometrics

AMM classification is an advanced version of the typical nearest neighbor classifier that allows one to minimize interclass dispersion while at the same time, maximizing intraclass separation. A technique based on the simple orthogonal feature space of Pentland eigenfaces, the combination of these two embodiments will become essential components to a non-cooperative standoff biometric system for military, medical and homeland security applications. The incorporation of robotic assistance further pushes the frontiers of possible surveillance and authentication that can be realized with such a system. The ability to perform out of the line of sight (OLS)-based surveillance adds an additional dimension, and thus novelty, to the already expanding methods to acquire and process environment-specific data.
Herpes simplex virus latency in the rabbit trigeminal ganglia: ganglionic superinfection.

It has been confirmed and further documented that infection of the rabbit cornea with the E-43 strain of HSV-1 precludes superinfection of the corresponding trigeminal ganglia by another HSV strain, i.e., the challenging virus does not establish latency and can not be recovered from the ganglia. It was shown that after primary infection, a state of resistance is established in the neuronal cells of the ganglia, and although the challenging strain reaches the ganglia, it does not cause discernible acute infection, and does not displace the resident virus in the ganglia. This protection was present 6 months after primary infection, was independent of immune factors such as circulating or secretory antibodies, and was localized to the point of entry of the primary infecting strain and the sensory neurons that innervate that site. The smallest inoculum that provided protection from ganglionic superinfection was that which produced overt disease in the eye, although different degrees of disease resulted from varying inocula above this minimum. Asymptomatic primary infections produced by subminimal inocula of the E-43 strain or by the HSV recombinant strain, F(MP)F, which is avirulent for the rabbit eye, protected against severe disease and death, but the degree of protection against ganglionic superinfection was variable and depended on the time of challenge. These findings suggest that susceptible neurons in the trigeminal ganglion, when "occupied" by an infecting strain, cannot be superinfected by a second strain.
The Control Operator Method (COM)

The control operator method is reviewed for use in the design of a general purpose computer. The control operator digital optical computer (CODOC) concept appears to provide a suitable basis for beginning the systems engineering of an optical supercomputer.
Brachialis Muscle Transfer to the Forearm Muscles in Obstetric Brachial Plexus Palsy

Tendon transfers are frequently needed to improve hand function in obstetric brachial plexus injuries. The reconstruction cannot always be achieved using local donor transfers in the forearm as these are not always available. In such cases, we propose the use of the brachialis muscle as a useful donor for transfer. Five adolescents with obstetric brachial plexus palsy were operated on to reconstruct wrist extension and/or pronation using the brachialis muscle transfer to the pronator teres ( n = 1 ) , extensor carpi radialis brevis ( n = 1 ) and extensor carpi radialis longus ( n = 3 ) . Twelve months after surgery, average active motion recovery was 20° for wrist extension and 14° for pronation. Active and passive range of motion was similar.
Anthryl-Based Poly(phenylene ethynylene)s: Tuning Optical Properties with Diels−Alder Reactions

Soluble anthryl-based conjugated poly(phenylene ethynylene)s (PPEs) have been synthesized using palladium-catalyzed Sonogashira−Hagihara cross-coupling polymerization reactions. Molecular weights up to 3.5 × 104 g·mol-1 were obtained, making them suitable for spectroscopic solution characterizations and thin film processing. The selective reactivity of these polymers as multidienes has been successfully demonstrated with strong dienophiles. Diels−Alder reactions proceed cleanly to completion with unhindered dienophiles such as N-alkylated maleimide derivatives. TGA analysis revealed thermal retro-Diels−Alder reactions at modest temperatures around 210 °C. Compared with their parent polymers, the cycloadduct polymers exhibited dramatic hypsochromic shifts of their emission and absorption maxima up to 80 nm along with a considerable quantum yield enhancement. These original anthryl-based polymers appear attractive as reactive conjugated materials whose optical properties can easily be tuned with quantitativ...
Ethambutol compared to rifampin in original treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis

Two hundred and eighteen patients with pulmonary tuberculosis were randomly allocated to three regimens: (1) isoniazid (INH)-rifampin (RIF), (2) INH-RIF-ethambutol (EMB), and (3) INH-EMB. The dose of INH was 300 mg, RIF 600 mg, and EMB 25 mg/kg/day for four months. All patients then continued treatment with INH 300 mg-EMB 15 mg/kg/day for 20 months.
CDTI Enabled Delegated Separation (CEDS) in the vertical domain: Initial feasibility assessment

This paper summarizes the findings of a pilot-in-the-loop simulation which examined the initial feasibility of an air traffic management operations concept for using a cockpit display of traffic information (CDTI) to support a delegated separation task in the vertical domain. In this concept a flight crew is directed to maintain safe vertical separation from one other aircraft during a climb through en route transition airspace. This is one of several delegated separation concepts known broadly as CDTI Enabled Delegated Separation or CEDS. The CEDS concepts evaluated in previous studies have been adaptations of visual separation as conducted in today's operations. Although visual separation in the vertical domain is occasionally used in the current system, it is more of an exception, and visual separation in general is relatively rare in the en route domain due to the high speeds and larger distances involved. The application reported in this study, delegated vertical separation, introduces the feasibility of a visual-like procedure enabled by a CDTI in the en route domain where visual separation is rarely used today, and in a flight segment (i.e., climb) where it is used even less. In this vertical separation concept the traffic can be ahead, directly above or below, or even behind ownship; the ability to achieve visual contact is not assumed and is not required. The separation task is conducted entirely using information from the CDTI.
Mechanistic Diversity in the RuBisCO Superfamily: RuBisCO from Rhodospirillum rubrum Is Not Promiscuous for Reactions Catalyzed by RuBisCO-like Proteins

d-Ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenases (RuBisCOs) are promiscuous, catalyzing not only carboxylation and oxygenation of d-ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate but also other promiscuous, presumably nonphysiological, reactions initiated by abstraction of the 3-proton of d-ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate. Also, RuBisCO has homologues that do not catalyze carboxylation; these are designated RuBisCO-like proteins or RLPs. Members of the two families of RLPs catalyze reactions in the recycling of 5'-methylthioadenosine (MTA) generated by polyamine synthesis: (1) the 2,3-diketo-5-methylthiopentane 1-phosphate (DK-MTP 1-P) "enolase" reaction in the well-known "methionine salvage" pathway in Bacillus sp. and (2) the 5-methylthio-d-ribulose 1-phosphate (MTRu 1-P) 1,3-isomerase reaction in the recently discovered "MTA-isoprenoid shunt" that generates 1-deoxy-d-xylulose 5-phosphate for nonmevalonate isoprene synthesis in Rhodospirillum rubrum. We first studied the structure and reactivity of DK-MTP 1-P that was reported to decompose rapidly [Ashida, H., Saito, Y., Kojima, C., and Yokota, A. (2008) Biosci., Biotechnol., Biochem. 72, 959-967]. The 2-carbonyl group of DK-MTP 1-P is rapidly hydrated and can undergo enolization both nonenzymatically and enzymatically via the small amount of unhydrated material that is present. We then examined the ability of RuBisCO from R. rubrum to catalyze both of the RLP-catalyzed reactions. Contrary to a previous report [Ashida, H., Saito, Y., Kojima, C., Kobayashi, K., Ogasawara, N., and Yokota, A. (2003) Science 302, 286-290], we were unable to confirm that this RuBisCO catalyzes the DK-MTP 1-P "enolase" reaction either in vitro or in vivo. We also determined that this RuBisCO does not catalyze the MTRu 1-P 1,3-isomerase reaction in vitro. Thus, although RuBisCOs can be functionally promiscuous, RuBisCO from R. rubrum is not promiscuous for either of the known RLP-catalyzed reactions.
The effect of low concentrations of an organic lead compound on the transport and release of putative neurotransmitters

Abstract Tri- n -butyl lead acetate at concentrations of 5.10 −5 -10 −7 M was effective in inhibiting high affinity uptake and in stimulating release of accumulated radioactive putative neurotransmitters by mouse brain homogenates. Mercurycontaining compounds and lead acetate were much less potent in inhibiting such transport and stimulating release. It is suggested that the neurotoxicity of organic lead compounds is, in part, related to effects on neurotransmission and that dopaminergic synapses are especially susceptible to such toxicity.
Open tubular column supercritical fluid chromatography/mass spectrometry on a benchtop mass spectrometer

A benchtop SFC/MS system is described which utilizes supercritical carbon dioxide in a 50 micron diameter open tubular column interfaced directly to an unchanged commercially available benchtop capillary GC/MS system equipped with a chemical ionization (CI) source. A small amount of methane reagent gas was admitted co-axially to a capillary restrictor at the exit of the capillary chromatographic column. This make-up gas served as the CI reagent gas and appeared to optimize the sensitivity of the system while providing abundant (M+1) ions for the analytes investigated in this study. Good chromatographic intergrity was obtained for the GC/MS test compound, decafluorotriphenylphosphine (DFTPP), but the capillary restrictor appeared to cause some tailing of the ion current profiles resulting from low nanogram levels of caffeine and some fatty acid esters. Improvements in the SFC/MS capillary restrictor interface and the pumping system of the benchtop GC/MS system should increase the capability of this system for future applications.
Letter to the Editor-Criterion Equivalence in Discrete Dynamic Programming

This note shows that for finite state-and-action-space Markovian decision processes, a policy is 1-optimal if and only if it is average overtaking optimal, so the two criteria are equivalent.
Dirty-paper coding versus TDMA for MIMO Broadcast channels

We compare the capacity of dirty-paper coding (DPC) to that of time-division multiple access (TDMA) for a multiple-antenna (multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO)) Gaussian broadcast channel (BC). We find that the sum-rate capacity (achievable using DPC) of the multiple-antenna BC is at most min(M,K) times the largest single-user capacity (i.e., the TDMA sum-rate) in the system, where M is the number of transmit antennas and K is the number of receivers. This result is independent of the number of receive antennas and the channel gain matrix, and is valid at all signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs). We investigate the tightness of this bound in a time-varying channel (assuming perfect channel knowledge at receivers and transmitters) where the channel experiences uncorrelated Rayleigh fading and in some situations we find that the dirty paper gain is upper-bounded by the ratio of transmit-to-receive antennas. We also show that min(M,K) upper-bounds the sum-rate gain of successive decoding over TDMA for the uplink channel, where M is the number of receive antennas at the base station and K is the number of transmitters.
In vivo characterization of pancreatic and lymph node tissue by using EUS spectrum analysis: a validation study

Background Quantitative spectral analysis of the radiofrequency (RF) signals that underlie grayscale EUS images can be used to provide additional, objective information about tissue state. Objective Our purpose was to validate RF spectral analysis as a method to distinguish between (1) benign and malignant lymph nodes and (2) normal pancreas, chronic pancreatitis, and pancreatic cancer. Design and Setting A prospective validation study of eligible patients was conducted to compare with pilot study RF data. Patients Forty-three patients underwent EUS of the esophagus, stomach, pancreas, and surrounding intra-abdominal and mediastinal lymph nodes (19 from a previous pilot study and 24 additional patients). Main Outcome Measurements Midband fit, slope, intercept, and correlation coefficient from a linear regression of the calibrated RF power spectra were determined. Results Discriminant analysis of mean pilot-study parameters was then performed to classify validation-study parameters. For benign versus malignant lymph nodes, midband fit and intercept (both with t test P P Limitations Moderate sample size and spatial averaging inherent to the technique. Conclusions This study confirms that mean spectral parameters provide a noninvasive method to quantitatively discriminate benign and malignant lymph nodes as well as normal and diseased pancreas.
Highly sensitive amyloid detection enabled by thioflavin T dimers.

Fluorescent molecules that specifically target amyloid structures are highly desirable for amyloid research. Herein, we show a dimeric design of thioflavin T improves its binding affinity to Aβ amyloid by up to 70 fold, while not sacrificing the specificity and the “light-up” feature upon amyloid binding.
Constructing stable path in Parameter Variation Space

Although generating the largest or the most-extended set of points in the “Parameter Variation Space” (PVS), when its corresponding perturbed matrices are stable is the main topic of research in linear systems under multiple, large-parameter variations; a thorough analysis of this problem reveals that bridging two stable conditions forms its nucleus.
Lactones as minor products of the electrochemical reduction of glutaryl dichloride at mercury cathodes in acetonitrile

Abstract Electrochemical reduction of glutaryl dichloride at a mercury electrode in acetonitrile containing 0.1 M tetraethylammonium perchlorate results in the formation of 5-chlorovalerolactone, valerolactone, and a polymeric species.
Magnetic Flux Tube in a Stratified Atmosphere Under the Influence of the Vertical Magnetic Field

The magnetohydrostatic equilibrium of a magnetic flux tube in a homogeneous gravitational and vertical magnetic field is studied. Gas pressure and density are presented explicitly as a function of the external magnetic field. The influence of the external magnetic field on the magnetic and thermodynamic structures is illustrated by two exact solutions. The possible applications to sunspot and facular modeling are discussed.
Special Day Class Teachers' Perceptions of the Role of the School Nurse.

School nurses are on the front lines of health care in public schools. The integration of students' health care needs as components of educational programs has become increasingly important as medically fragile children rely on school nurses to deliver or coordinate their health care services. The purpose of this descriptive study was to determine which school nurse services special day class teachers perceive as very important, important, somewhat important, or not important. Perceptions were surveyed via the School Nurse Services Data Collection Tool. The data were analyzed using percentages, mean values, and frequencies. The data were then aligned to match the role concepts set forth in the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) standards for school nurse preparation. The findings of this survey suggested that most of the services provided by school nurses were rated as important or somewhat important.
Multigrid methods for variation problems: The V-cycle☆

Abstract In an earlier paper, we developed a convergence theory for a class of multigrid methods applied to differential boundary value problems, where the differential operator is self-adjoint and positive definite. The multigrid structure assumed a variational setting (although it applies to finite differences as well as finite elements) and incorporated the so-called W-cycle process. In the present paper, we extend this theory to include some results on the corresponding V-cycle multigrid algorithm.
Friendship Without Partiality

Consequentialism involves a kind of strong impartiality which seems incompatible with the sort of partiality manifested in friendships. Consequentialists such as Kagan respond that friendship does not, in fact, require partiality. Against this, I argue that friendship cannot exist without expressions of personal feeling, and that such expressions necessarily involve a kind of partiality. Because her every action is determined by the goal of maximizing the impersonal good, a consequentialist cannot use her actions (including actions of speech) to express her feelings for her fellows. I argue that we should expect this problem to afflict sophisticated as well as straightforward consequentialism. Finally, I consider and reject the suggestion that the consequentialist agent, who has no particular friends, can be considered a friend to everybody.
Dietary composition regulates Drosophila mobility and cardiac physiology

The impact of dietary composition on exercise capacity is a subject of intense study in both humans and model organisms. Interactions between diet and genetics are a crucial component of optimized dietary design. However, the genetic factors governing exercise response are still not well understood. The recent development of invertebrate models for endurance exercise is likely to facilitate study designs examining the conserved interactions between diet, exercise and genetics. As a first step, we used the Drosophila model to describe the effects of varying dietary composition on several physiological indices, including fatigue tolerance and climbing speed, cardiac performance, lipid storage and autophagy. We found that flies of two divergent genetic backgrounds optimize endurance and cardiac performance on relatively balanced low calorie diets. When flies are provided with unbalanced diets, diets higher in sugar than in yeast facilitate greater endurance at the expense of cardiac performance. Importantly, we found that dietary composition has a profound effect on various physiological indices, whereas total caloric intake per se has very little predictive value for performance. We also found that the effects of diet on endurance are completely reversible within 48 h if flies are switched to a different diet.
Observation of Superaggregates from a Reversed Gravity Low-Sooting Flame

Superaggregates (SAs) are formed due to late stage aggregation occurring near the gelling point of an aggregating system (Dhaubhadel et al. 2006). Percolation theory best describes their formation mechanism (Sorensen and Chakrabarti 2011). SAs have a long-range overall structure described by a fractal dimension Df ≈ 2.6 and a short-range local structure described by Df ≈ 1.8 (Sorensen et al. 1998; Sorensen and Chakrabarti 2011). Recently, based on the mechanism of SA formation in an aggregating system, Dhaubhadel and co-workers (Dhaubhadel et al. 2007) carried out enclosed-chamber aerosol aggregation to create “aerosol gels”—a novel material similar in properties to aerogels (Akimov 2003; Lerner 2004). Flame synthesis—which has been shown to be a cost-effective, scalable, and versatile route for large-scale production of nanoscale materials (Ulrich 1984)—is yet to be established as a viable method for production of aerosol gels. An upward-pointing flame system cannot facilitate steady and consistent formation of SAs in its product outflow upstream because of the aggregate fragmentation effects associated with buoyancy-driven flickering and shear stress of the flame’s “tipping” front (Shaddix and Smyth 1996). Here, we report our observations of steady outflow of SAs from a nontipping, reversed gravity (-g, up-side-down configuration) laminar methane–air diffusion flame. Figure 1 shows a
LEAPS introductions and the value of the underlying stocks

Abstract We examine the change in the value of the underlying stock associated with long-term option introduction. Analysis of the abnormal returns associated with LEAPS (Long-Term Equity Anticipation Security) introductions indicates a decline in firm value even after we control for the endogenous nature of the listing decision. However, the evidence does not support previously-offered explanations for the price change associated with option introductions. In particular, we do not find the predicted relations between the cumulative abnormal returns and variables associated with loosening of short sale constraints such as beta, proxies for the dispersion in investor beliefs, and change in relative short interest.
Does Physical Activity Improve Sleep in Impaired Nursing Home Residents

OBJECTIVES: To determine if two physical activity programs of varying intensity would result in improved sleep among incontinent and physically restrained nursing home residents. DESIGN: Controlled trials of two physical activity programs. SETTING: Seven community nursing homes in the Los Angeles area. PARTICIPANTS: Residents were included if they had urinary incontinence or were physically restrained. Sixty-five subjects were studied. Mean age was 84.8 years, 85% were female, mean length of residency in the nursing home was 19.9 months, and mean Mean Mini-Mental State Exam score was 13.1. INTERVENTION: The first physical activity program involved sit-to-stand repetitions and/or transferring and walking or wheelchair propulsion. These activities were performed every 2 hours during the daytime, 5 days per week for 9 weeks. The second, less frequent physical activity program involved rowing in a wheelchair-accessible rowing machine plus walking or wheelchair propulsion once per day three times per week for 9 weeks. MEASUREMENTS: The physical function measures reported here include mobility endurance (maximum time walking or wheeling) and physical activity as measured by motion sensors (Caltrac). Nighttime sleep was estimated by wrist activity monitors. Nighttime sleep measures included total time asleep, percent sleep, average duration of sleep, and peak duration of sleep. Daytime sleep was measured by timed behavioral observations of sleep versus wakefulness performed every 15 minutes during the day. RESULTS: Nighttime sleep was markedly disrupted in both groups at baseline. Across all subjects at baseline, the average total sleep time was 6.2 hours and the percent sleep was 72.0%, but the average duration of sleep episodes was only 21.2 minutes and the peak duration of sleep episode averaged only 83.8 minutes. During the daytime, subjects were observed asleep during 14.5% of observations. Although there was improvement in mobility endurance in the intervention subjects compared with controls (MANOVA F = 4.36, P = .042), there were no differences in the night and day sleep measures at follow-up testing. Even among a subgroup of intervention subjects who showed a 30% or greater improvement in mobility endurance, sleep did not improve at follow-up compared with baseline. CONCLUSION: This study supports our previous findings of marked sleep disruption in impaired nursing home residents. In addition, despite documented improvements in physical function with activity, we did not find improvements in sleep in the intervention versus control groups. These results suggest that increasing daytime physical activity alone is not adequate to improve sleep in impaired NH residents. Future efforts to improve sleep in this population should take into account the multifactorial nature of sleep disruption, including individual health problems that effect sleep and the disruptive nature of the nighttime NH environment.
An introduction to QSIM and qualitative simulation

Abstract This paper is an introductory overview of qualitative simulation, with particular emphasis on Benjamin Kuipers' QSIM algorithm. An example of qualitative simulation is presented which is intended to give an insight into its methods and potential, followed by a short informal discussion of what constitutes a ‘qualitative’ model. A brief historical overview attempts to put QSIM into a coherent perspective in the context of the main pertinent research work. Advantages and limitations of the methodology are discussed and some more specific technical issues are reviewed: the problems of bridging the gap between the real world and qualitative representations of it; the preservation and use of quantitative information in the context of a qualitative system; similarities between simulating successive states and completing descriptions of a single state about which partial information is available; and the use of qualitative reasoning as a basis for explanation.
Measurement methods for the position errors of a multi-axis machine. Part 2: applications and experimental results

To increase the practicality of the two measurement methods introduced in Part 1, procedures for obtaining well distributed measurements are proposed and supported by programs which aid the choice of the lengths of the ball-bar and the determination of the disposition of the magnetic sockets. In addition, the results of experiments conducted for the determination of the position errors of a CNC machining center, to verify the two proposed ball-bar measurement methods (triangulation and single socket method), are discussed.
Optimal Server Provisioning and Frequency Adjustment in Server Clusters

Green computing is a hot topic that received a great amount of interest in the past few years. This paper explores the benefits of Dynamic Voltage/Frequency Scaling (DV/FS) and server number controlling Vary-On Vary-Off (VOVF) for power management in a server cluster. Previous work mostly addressed the DV/FS and VOVF separately. In this paper, an optimization problem is formulated to achieve energy savings while ensure performance. DV/FS and VOVF mechanisms are combined to obtain an optimal power management tactics. The presented optimization model provides controllable and predictable quantitative control of power consumption with theoretically guaranteed service performance. We further study overhead of the proposed scheme and provide a Double Control Periods (DCP) model to compensate the transition overhead. The power optimization model and DCP model are evaluated via extensive simulations, they are also justified by the real workload data trace. The results prove the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed models.
Model Families of Quadratic Forms

Abstract Let [unk] be the subinterval of R of values σ ≤ γ. Let there be given a family F of real valued symmetric quadratic forms [Formula: see text] in real variables z1,...,zμ. If for fixed σ[unk][unk] a nonnull μ-tuple z is a critical point of Qσ, σ will be called a characteristic root of F. When F satisfies Conditions I, II, and III below, the index of Qσ is the “count” of characteristic roots of F less than σ.
Theism, Secularism, and Sexual Education in the United States

Substantial bodies of literature have examined public opinion about sexual education, the politicization of sexual education in public schools, and connections between population characteristics and social policies. At present, however, little is known about whether and how population characteristics predict the likelihood of specific sexual education policies. We analyze data at the state level in the USA to determine if and how specific religious aspects of states’ populations influence the likelihood of specific sexual education policies. Results indicate that high levels of theism significantly increase the likelihood of sexual education policies stressing abstinence, while higher levels of individuals not actively participating in organized religion correlate with a significantly higher likelihood of having sexual education policy that mandates the coverage of contraception. We discuss these findings in a framework of symbolic politics and moral communities, focusing on the intersections of religion, politics, and sexuality.
Concordance between isolated cleft palate in mice and alterations within a region including the gene encoding the beta 3 subunit of the type A gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor.

Abstract Genetic and molecular analyses of a number of radiation-induced deletion mutations of the pink-eyed dilution (p) locus in mouse chromosome 7 have identified a specific interval on the genetic map associated with a neonatally lethal mutation that results in cleft palate. This interval, closely linked and distal to p, and bracketed by the genes encoding the alpha 5 and beta 3 subunits of the type A gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor (Gabra5 and Gabrb3, respectively), contains a gene(s) (cp1; cleft palate 1) necessary for normal palate development. The cp1 interval extends from the distal breakpoint of the prenatally lethal p83FBFo deletion to the Gabrb3 locus. Among 20 p deletions tested, there was complete concordance between alterations at the Gabrb3 transcription unit and inability to complement the cleft-palate defect. These mapping data, along with previously described in vivo and in vitro teratological effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid or its agonists on palate development, suggest the possibility that a particular type A gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor that includes the beta 3 subunit may be necessary for normal palate development. The placement of the cp1 gene within a defined segment of the larger D15S12h (p)-D15S9h-1 interval in the mouse suggests that the highly homologous region of the human genome, 15q11-q13, be evaluated for a role(s) in human fetal facial development.
REGULATION OF CFTR CHANNEL GATING

The debilitating symptoms of cystic fibrosis stem from the reduced Cl- permeability of epithelial cells owing to mutations in the gene encoding the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) Cl- channel. In cells with normal CFTR channels, receptor-mediated activation of cyclic-AMP-dependent protein kinase causes phosphorylation of several serines in the regulatory domain of CFTR, permitting channel opening and closing via cycles involving ATP hydrolysis. Cellular phosphatases rapidly dephosphorylate the channels, inactivating them. Here we discuss recent advances in our understanding of this complex mechanism for regulating channel gating.
Enhanced S phase delay and inhibition of replication of an undamaged shuttle vector in UVC-irradiated xeroderma pigmentosum variant

Xeroderma pigmentosum variant (XP-V) cells are defective in bypass replication of UVC-induced thymine dimers in DNA because they lack a novel DNA polymerase (polymerase eta). In this study the effects of UVC on S phase cells were compared in fibroblasts derived from normal donors (IDH4) and XP-V patients (CTag) and immortalized by expression of the SV40 large T antigen. These transformed fibroblasts did not activate the G(1) checkpoint or inhibit replicon initiation when damaged by UVC or gamma-rays. The transformed XP-V cells (CTag) retained the increased sensitivity to UVC-induced inhibition of DNA strand growth previously observed with their diploid counterpart. Cell cycle progression analyses showed that CTag cells displayed a stronger S phase delay than transformed fibroblasts from normal individuals (IDH4) after treatment with only 2 J/m(2) UVC. Low doses of UVC also caused a lag in CTag cell proliferation. The extent of replication of an episomal DNA (pSV011), not previously exposed to radiation, was measured after the host cells were irradiated with 1-3 J/m(2) UVC. Replication of pSV011 was barely affected in irradiated IDH4 cells. Plasmid replication was inhibited by 50% in irradiated CTag cells and this inhibition could not be accounted for by increased killing of host cells by UVC. These results suggest that even in transformed cells UVC induces DNA damage responses that are reflected in transient cell cycle arrest, delay in proliferation and inhibition of episomal DNA replication. These responses are enhanced in CTag cells, presumably because of their bypass replication defect. The accumulation of replication complexes blocked at thymine dimers and extended single-stranded regions in chromosomal DNA might sequester replication factors that are needed for plasmid and chromosomal replication. Alternatively, aberrant replication structures might activate a signal transduction pathway that down-regulates DNA synthesis.
Estimation and detection in non-Gaussian noise using higher order statistics

One of the primary applications of higher order statistics has been for detection and estimation of nonGaussian signals in Gaussian noise of unknown covariance. This is motivated by the fact that higher order cumulants of Gaussian processes vanish. We study the opposite problem, namely, detection and estimation in nonGaussian noise. We estimate cumulants of nonGaussian processes in the presence of unknown deterministic and/or Gaussian signals, which allows either parametric or nonparametric estimation of the covariance of the nonGaussian noise. Our approach is to augment existing second-order detection methods using cumulants. We propose solutions for detection of deterministic signals based on matched filters and the generalized likelihood ratio test which incorporate cumulants, where the resulting solutions are valid under either detection hypotheses. This allows for single record detection and obviates the need for noise-only training records. The problem of estimating signal strength in the presence of nonGaussian noise of unknown covariance is also considered, and a cumulant-based solution is proposed which uses a single data record. Examples are used throughout to illustrate our proposed methods. >
The Attenuation of Seismic Shear Waves in Quaternary Alluvium in Santa Clara Valley, California

We used shear waves, generated by an air-powered source at the ground surface and recorded in a borehole, to estimate the shear-wave quality factor at strong-motion station Gilroy no. 2. We find similar values of Q using both the decay of the spectra with depth and the slope of the spectral ratio at two depths; we find no evidence of a frequency dependence of Q . The mean value of Q over the depth range 10 to 115 m is close to 10. The use of this value over the depth of the borehole and the observed travel time of 0.358 sec gives a cumulative attenuation factor t * of 0.036 sec for the upper 180 m of the Quaternary alluvium. This is comparable to the differential decay between Gilroy no. 2 and a rock site 1.9 km away (Gilroy no. 1), as measured from the decay of the high-frequency spectra of accelerograms from large earthquakes, plotted on a log-linear scale: t * = 0.05, 0.04, and 0.03 sec for the 1979 Coyote Lake, 1984 Morgan Hill, and 1989 Loma Prieta earthquakes, respectively. The similarity between the attenuations measured from the low-strain surface source and those from the larger amplitude earthquake sources suggests that increases of damping due to nonlinear wave propagation effects are limited.
The Decision to Lever

Working Paper # 2013- 01 The Decision to Lever Robert M. Anderson, University of California at Berkeley Stephen W. Bianchi, University of California at Berkeley Lisa R. Goldberg, University of California at Berkeley July 1, 2013 University of California Berkeley
Students Studying Students: An Assessment of using Undergraduate Student Researchers in an Ethnographic Study of Library Use

This paper reports on the use of undergraduate students enrolled in an Applied Anthropology course as researchers for a library use study at Brigham Young University‘s (BYU) Harold B. Lee Library (HBLL). This is a common practice at BYU, but has not been reported extensively in the literature. The study was carried out by the authors with the assistance of undergraduate students, the students being the researchers and was conducted in order that the HBLL could determine student ideas for reconfiguring some newly opened space in the Periodicals room. Using students assisted the library as well as met a curricular need in the Anthropology course. Ethnographic methods were the primary means used to gather the data. The paper asserts that the peer interaction during the data collection significantly enriched the quality of the data collected. 1 Introduction: Using Student Researchers Brigham Young University is a private, coeducational, residential university with an annual enrollment of approximately 30,000 undergraduate students and 2,000 graduate students. The Library is classified as a research library and is a member of the Association of Research Libraries. With the exception of the library in the Law school, the HBLL is the sole university library. All library functions and resources, as well as subject disciplines areas, are spread throughout the six floors of the building. In addition to their teaching responsibilities, BYU professors, similar to faculty at other higher education institutions, engage in a rigorous program of research to stay abreast of developments in their respective fields. However, there is another research emphasis, not often seen at similar institutions. An extremely important aspect of research at BYU is the institution-wide emphasis on mentoring undergraduates involved in research projects. Undergraduates assist faculty with research and creative work on campus, often working in labs and co-authoring papers with faculty members. The students' work, which often results in presentations, performances and publications in academic journals,
Traceability Link Evolution Management with Incremental Latent Semantic Indexing

As dynamic as software development, software artifacts are also constantly in evolution. As a result, traceability links among them are also changing over time. Even though traceability link recovery (TLR) tools have been successful in generating traceability relations among documentation and source code, they work on a snapshot of the artifacts at a particular time. Traceability link evolution has not been well-addressed. This hinders developers from having good understanding of the evolution of software. In this paper, we describe our incremental approach to traceability link recovery and management with the latent semantic indexing method. To complement with that approach, we suggest the use of the versioned hypermedia technology (VH). Traceability links can be consistently stored, versioned, and managed across different types of software artifacts.