cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
27.3 A 13.8-ENOB 0.4pF-C IN 3 rd -Order Noise-Shaping SAR in a Single-Amplifier EF-CIFF Structure with Fully Dynamic Hardware-Reusing kT/C Noise Cancelation

Noise-shaping SAR (NS-SAR) ADCs are attracting rising attention for their low-power high-resolution capability. In most recent arts, a substantial focus is placed on improving the loop filter design by using techniques such as passive SC and dynamic amps (DAs) [1–2]. While some demonstrate power efficiency reaching 180dB FoMs with medium-high ENOB $( \sim13)$, NS-SARs targeting $\gt13 -$ENOB needs have yet to attain this leading efficiency. It calls for further efforts in two key aspects when pushing for higher ENOB. The first is to realize high-order $( \ge 3)$ NS without significant overhead, so it can use a low OSR and avoid excess digital power. Recent work reports $\mathrm{a}4 ^{th} -$order NS-SAR by cascading two $2 ^{nd} -$order EF structures, showing better simplicity over classic single-loop designs [3]. However, the use of static amps keeps power high. Also, due to the fact that its residue voltages $( \mathrm{V}_{RES})$ contain the DC offsets from the comparator/amp, the amp gain needs to be mild, which penalizes the thermal noise. The second need is to minimize the total kT/C noise. kT/C noise is largely unshaped and thus requires large capacitance, especially in the CDAC, to be reduced when high OSR is not desired. This makes the DAC area/power hungry and hard to drive. In the context of standard SAR, ref [4] realizes a kT/C noise cancelling scheme. Nonetheless, it cannot be directly applied to an NS-SAR. Moreover, it needs a power-hungry preamp.
Corruption-Robust Offline Reinforcement Learning.

We study the adversarial robustness in offline reinforcement learning. Given a batch dataset consisting of tuples $(s, a, r, s')$, an adversary is allowed to arbitrarily modify $\epsilon$ fraction of the tuples. From the corrupted dataset the learner aims to robustly identify a near-optimal policy. We first show that a worst-case $\Omega(d\epsilon)$ optimality gap is unavoidable in linear MDP of dimension $d$, even if the adversary only corrupts the reward element in a tuple. This contrasts with dimension-free results in robust supervised learning and best-known lower-bound in the online RL setting with corruption. Next, we propose robust variants of the Least-Square Value Iteration (LSVI) algorithm utilizing robust supervised learning oracles, which achieve near-matching performances in cases both with and without full data coverage. The algorithm requires the knowledge of $\epsilon$ to design the pessimism bonus in the no-coverage case. Surprisingly, in this case, the knowledge of $\epsilon$ is necessary, as we show that being adaptive to unknown $\epsilon$ is impossible.This again contrasts with recent results on corruption-robust online RL and implies that robust offline RL is a strictly harder problem.
Understanding newborn behavior and early relationships : the newborn behavioral observations (NBO) system handbook

The Newborn Behavioral Observations (NBO) System and the Theoretical and Clinical Principles Underlying Its Use The Newborn Parent: Promoting the Parent-Infant Relationship through the NBO The NBO Manual: Administration, Recording, Interpretation, Developmental Course and Implications for Caregiving Communication for Relationship: Working with Parents and Their Infants in the Newborn Period Incorporating the NBO into the Newborn Nursery Setting Uses of the NBO with Preterm or Medically Fragile Infants. The NBO in Clinical Settings: Nursing Perspectives Cultural Considerations in the Use of the NBO.
Recent Approaches to Fertility Control Based on Derivatives of LH-RH

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the recent approaches to fertility control based on derivatives of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH). The most recent advances on antisera to LH-RH and the agonistic and antagonistic analogs of this hormone are reviewed. Among several contraceptive approaches presently being considered and developed is one based on analogs and derivatives of the hypothalamic hormone that controls the secretion of both LH and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) from the pituitary. The work with antisera to LH-RH should be continued to investigate the possibilities of temporary active immunization against LH-RH. The development of contraceptives based on inhibitory analogs of LH-RH that could be conveniently applied as a nasal spray and that would be free of undesirable side effects. Basic and clinical research should also be continued on the phenomena of paradoxical fertility inhibition by large doses of superactive long-acting LH-RH analogs. The possible use of various derivatives of LH-RH for fertility control is also emphasized in the chapter.
Web Data Management and Electronic Commerce

Introduction Web Database Systems Architectures and Models Functions Interoperability Prototypes and Products Conclusion Emerging Technologies for Web Database Management Web Mining Web Security Multimedia and Real-Time Processing Knowledge Management Digital Libraries Emerging Standards from Web Data Management JDBC XML and Metadata Middleware and Components Electronic Commerce Process of Electronic Commerce Architectures and Models Functions Security Summary and Directions References Appendix A: Data Management Appendix B: Internet Appendix C: Security Appendix D: Object Technology Appendix E: Other Applications Index
Payton, Carolyn Robertson

Psychologist Carolyn Robertson Payton was the first female and first African-American Director of the United States Peace Corps. A pioneer in the field of multi cultural psychology, asked, “Who must do the hard things?”. She stressed that psychology has an important role to play in understanding and addressing social issues. As an educator, leader, mentor, scholar, and policy maker, Payton confronted issues of social inequality and justice, exemplifying her belief that psychology is not just about research but also direct action to improve the lives of others. Keywords: intelligence; human rights; race; identity
From Cold War science diplomacy to partnering in a networked world

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review the history, current activities, and prospects of Sino‐US cooperation in science and technology (S&T). It seeks to understand the role of S&T in Sino‐US relations, how the relationship has affected Chinese scientific development and, more generally, to better understand the ways S&T affect – and are affected by – the foreign policies of nation states.Design/methodology/approach – Employing an institutional perspective, the paper is based on interviews in China and the USA and reviews of government documents and press reports.Findings – Owing to the impacts of the Cultural Revolution on Chinese S&T, the relationship is highly asymmetrical when it began in the late 1970s. As Chinese capabilities have improved, aided measurably by the relationship with the USA, the two sides are now in a position to cooperate more fully across a wide range of areas of interest to both sides. Channels for cooperation have been developed through the two governments, through Chin...
Campeau's acquisition of Federated: Post-bankruptcy results

Abstract This paper updates Kaplan (1989) by comparing Federated Department Stores' value before its purchase by Campeau Corporation to its post-bankruptcy value. The post-bankruptcy value includes all direct and indirect costs of bankruptcy and financial distress. Federated's assets increased in value by $3.1 billion in 1992 dollars(or $1.6 billion in 1987 dollars). This increase is only slightly below that in Kaplan (1989), suggesting that net bankruptcy costs were modest, and, possibly, nonexistent. The Federated purchase illustrates that a highly-leveraged transaction can increase value, but still be unable to meet its debt obligations; and bankruptcy (and financial distress) need not be costly.
Solid-state nanopore for detecting individual biopolymers.

Solid-state nanopores have been fabricated and used to characterize single DNA and protein molecules. Here we describe the details on how these nanopores were fabricated and characterized, the nanopore sensing system setup, and the protocols of using these nanopores to characterize DNA and protein molecules.
COMPETITIVE DEVALUATION AND THE GREAT DEPRESSION A Theoretical Reassessment

Abstract Historical accounts indict the devaluations of the 1930s for worsening the Great Depression. To assess the consistency of these arguments, we develop a two-country model of the gold-exchange standard. Its analysis reveals that devaluation under a gold standard need not be beggar-thy-neighbor. Contrary to the thrust of the existing literature, competitive devaluations like those of the 1930s could have hastened recovery from the Great Depression.
High-Level Synthesis of Digital Circuits

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses state-of-the-art in the high-level synthesis of digital circuits, the success achieved by high-level synthesis, and the present difficulties. It mentions that high-level modeling is done by means of hardware description languages (HDLs). The lack of standardization of HDLs suitable for synthesis has been a major impediment in the diffusion of high-level synthesis. The chapter discusses modeling issues with particular reference to abstract circuit models, based on graphs that can serve as a common basis for synthesis and that decouple synthesis and optimization from the particular features of any given language. Sequel circuit models are discussed at both the functional and logic abstraction levels with behavioral and structural flavors. The chapter describes scheduling, resource binding, and control synthesis. Structural synthesis and the related tasks are described as applied to non-pipelined circuits, and extensions to pipelined models are reported. The chapter concludes by giving a short history of high-level synthesis and by describing and comparing high-level synthesis.
More than Just a Game? Combat-Themed Gaming Among Recent Veterans with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Abstract This article examines recent combat veterans' experiences of “first-person shooter” (FPS) gaming and its relationship to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Current PTSD treatment approaches increasingly use virtual reality (VR) technologies, which have many similarities with FPS games. To explore these similarities, this article presents six case studies from recently separated veterans in New York City who reported both current PTSD symptoms and regular use of combat-themed FPS games. In open-ended interviews, participants discussed a range of benefits as well as the importance of regulating use and avoiding particular contextual dimensions of gaming to maintain healthy gaming habits. Findings demonstrate the need for more comprehensive study and dissemination of best-practices information about FPS gaming in the context of combat-related PTSD symptomatology.
Magnetotail Energy Storage and the Variability of The Magnetotail Current Sheet

The antiparallel field configuration in the earth magnetotail is a prime location to search for the important astrophysical process known as magnetic reconnection. The magnetic evidence that reconnection occurs in the earth's magnetotail is that the energy of the tail invariably decreases at the time of global substorm onsets, and that an increased number of closed field lines are seen in the near-earth magnetotail after substorms. This increased northward flux is often convecting earthward from the expected site of the X line after the substorm onset, while southward flux is often convecting tailward. Prior to a substorm, energy accumulates in the tail as the field assumes a more taillike configuration with a smaller field component across the equatorial plane. The high-beta plasma sheet becomes thin and has been observed to be at least as thin as a few thousand km near substorm onset times. The small Bn component and thin plasma sheet are the conditions which favor the onset of the tearing-mode instability, which is thought to lead to neutral-line formation and the reconnection associated with substorm onset. Intervals of weak and highly variable fields in the plasma sheet provide evidence for the tearing-mode instability.
Women's Health in Sports and Exercise

William E. Garrett Jr., Gayle E. Lester, Joan McGowan, and Donald T. Kirkendall, editors. Rosemont, Illinois: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons; 2001. 488 pages. $105.00. In 1972, the United States Congress passed Title IX, Educational Amendments, that prohibited discrimination in any educational program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. Because almost all schools receive federal funds, Title IX dramatically expanded the opportunities for women to participate in sports in colleges and high schools. In 1971, 300,000 girls participated in fourteen high-school sports. In 1997, 2.5 million high school girls participated in thirty-seven sports. There were 30,000 opportunities for women in college sports in 1972 compared with …
The star formation history of luminous red galaxies hosting Mg ii absorbers

We present a spectroscopic sample of z≈ 0.5 luminous red galaxies (LRGs) that are located within physical projected distances of a quasi-stellar object (QSO) sightline. Of the 37 LRGs in our sample, eight have associated Mg ii absorbers with rest-frame equivalent width Wr(2796)>0.3 A and velocity separation km s−1 and 29 do not have associated Mg ii absorbers to a 2σ limit of Wr(2796)=0.3 A. We perform a stellar population synthesis analysis using stacked spectra of the Mg ii absorbing and non-absorbing LRG subsamples. We find that LRGs with or without associated Mg ii absorbers share similar star formation histories and are best described by old stellar population models (≳1 Gyr). Younger stellar populations (≲1 Gyr) fail to reproduce their spectra. These findings are consistent with the lack of [O ii] emission features in the LRG spectra. The primarily old stellar populations in the LRGs indicate that starburst-driven outflows are unlikely to explain the observed Mg ii absorbers at large distances from the LRGs. In addition, the spectroscopic LRG sample allows us to derive a sensitive constraint for the cool gas covering fraction of 〈κ〉= 14 ± 6 per cent in the LRG haloes for absorbers of Wr(2796)>0.3 A. Finally, we speculate on the origin of the observed Mg ii absorbers around the LRGs.
Bantu history: Big advance, although with a chronological contradiction.

In their article “Bantu expansion shows that habitat alters the route and pace of human dispersals,” Grollemund et al. (1) have accomplished more than just their stated intention: to identify the role of habitat in channeling the directions of the early Bantu farming settlement of the African equatorial rainforest. What is most important is that the authors essentially bring closure to four decades of debate, at least with respect to the geography of the early stages and routes of expansion of Bantu speakers across vast portions of the African continent. On the geography of this spread, their findings confirm the validity of a particular line of linguistic and historical argument initiated more than 40 y ago (2) and developed and elaborated upon by a succession of investigations in the intervening years (3⇓–5). Grollemund et al. (1) rule out, as did those other studies, the idea that the ancestral speakers of the Eastern Bantu branch might have reached eastern Africa by a circuitous route around the north side of …
Blurring the love lines: The legal implications of intimacy with machines

Abstract In this paper, I explore an area of emerging science, android science, and attempt to start a dialogue about possible future legal implications of fully conscious robots, referred to in this essay as humanoids. While the world currently has millions of robots doing industrial, commercial, and household tasks, I focus specifically on the legal challenges of human sexual interaction with future humanoids, albeit notional technology at this point in time. While this humanoid is a giant leap forward technologically, if a self-aware, super-intelligent, thinking, feeling humanoid is developed, the legal system will be hard pressed to distinguish this creature legally from human actors on grounds not stemming from a religious or moral prejudice. I consider whether human–humanoid sexual interactions should be regulated, the possible rights that might devolve to humanoids, and, finally, possible cost and benefit implications to humans in providing protections to humanoids. The objective is to discuss how the legal framework might appear if humans are not the only legal actors.
Ethnography in Community Psychology: Promises and Tensions

Community psychology recognizes the need for research methods that illuminate context, culture, diversity, and process. One such method, ethnography, has crossed into multiple disciplines from anthropology, and indeed, community psychologists are becoming community ethnographers. Ethnographic work stands at the intersection of bridging universal questions with the particularities of people and groups bounded in time, geographic location, and social location. Ethnography is thus historical and deeply contextual, enabling a rich, in-depth understanding of communities that is aligned with the values and goals of community psychology. The purpose of this paper is to elucidate the potential of ethnography for community psychology and to encourage its use within the field as a method to capture culture and context, to document process, and to reveal how social change and action occur within and through communities. We discuss the method of ethnography, draw connections to community psychology values and goals, and identify tensions from our experiences doing ethnography. Overall, we assert that ethnography is a method that resonates with community psychology and present this paper as a resource for those interested in using this method in their research or community activism.
Fitness advantage from nuptial gifts in female fireflies

1. In many insects, males provide nuptial gifts to females in the form of spermatophores, sperm-containing structures produced by male accessory glands. 2. The work reported here examined the influence of both spermatophore number and spermatophore size on female reproductive output in two related firefly beetles, Photinus ignitus and Ellychnia corrusca (Coleoptera: Lampyridae). Based on differences in adult diet, male spermatophores were predicted to increase female reproductive output to a greater extent in P. ignitus than in E. corrusca. 3. Female fecundity was significantly higher in triply mated females than in singly mated females in both species, with no difference between mating treatments in female lifespan or egg hatching success. No effects of second male spermatophore size on fecundity, lifespan, or egg hatching success were detected in either species. 4. These results suggest a direct fitness advantage from multiple mating for females in both species, although enhanced fecundity may be due either to allocation of spermatophore nutrients to eggs or to other substances transferred within the spermatophore acting as oviposition stimulants.
Spindle‐cell carcinoma of the oral mucosa(A light and electron microscopic study of apparent sarcomatous metastasis to cervical lymph nodes)

Two tumors of the tongue, both initially diagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma, recurred as spindle-cell carcinomas which metastasized to cervical lymph nodes. In each case, a transition from squamous to spindle-shaped cells was observed at the site of recurrence. However, only spindle-cell elements were seen in the metastases, together with plasma cells and macrophages. Electron micrographs showed that the tumor metastasis was composed primarily of active fibroblast-like cells which elaborated large amounts of collagen. The mesenchymal nature of the intercellular material was confirmed histochemically, and areas of calcified osteoid tissue were identified. There was a striking resemblance ultrastructurally between the metastatic tumor and the fibroblastic portion of an osteogenic sarcoma.
Harmonics of Circadian Gene Transcription in Mammals

The circadian clock is a molecular and cellular oscillator found in most mammalian tissues that regulates rhythmic physiology and behavior. Numerous investigations have addressed the contribution of circadian rhythmicity to cellular, organ, and organismal physiology. We recently developed a method to look at transcriptional oscillations with unprecedented precision and accuracy using high-density time sampling. Here, we report a comparison of oscillating transcription from mouse liver, NIH3T3, and U2OS cells. Several surprising observations resulted from this study, including a 100-fold difference in the number of cycling transcripts in autonomous cellular models of the oscillator versus tissues harvested from intact mice. Strikingly, we found two clusters of genes that cycle at the second and third harmonic of circadian rhythmicity in liver, but not cultured cells. Validation experiments show that 12-hour oscillatory transcripts occur in several other peripheral tissues as well including heart, kidney, and lungs. These harmonics are lost ex vivo, as well as under restricted feeding conditions. Taken in sum, these studies illustrate the importance of time sampling with respect to multiple testing, suggest caution in use of autonomous cellular models to study clock output, and demonstrate the existence of harmonics of circadian gene expression in the mouse.
Instrumental neutron activation analysis for bromine in pig tissues.

Abstract Bromine was determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis in tissues and organs of pigs as an indicator of brominated vegetable oil residues. The bromine content was found to be dose-related. An advantage of this technique is that the sample was not treated chemically. The analyses were done with the aid of an automatic sample changer and computer reduction of the data. Rapid and reliable analyses were obtained at the p.p.m. level.
Portfolio Rebalancing and the Turn‐of‐the‐Year Effect

This paper finds that, for the 1935-1986 period, the market’s risk-return relation does not have a January seasonal. The findings differ from those of other studies due to the use of value-weighted, rather than equally weighted, portfolios. Inferences are sensitive to the weighting procedure because of the small-firm return patterns in January. In particular, even in those Januaries for which the market return is negative, small-firm returns are positive, and they are more positive the higher is beta. This is consistent with the portfolio rebalancing explanation of the turn-of-the-year effect. SINCE AT LEAST 1926, THE average return on small firms in January has been unusually high, a phenomenon known as the turn-of-the-year effect. In this paper, we present new evidence regarding the risk-return characteristics of small firms in January. We find that, for small firms, there is a positively sloped riskreturn relation in both up and down markets. This pattern is difficult to reconcile with the belief that the high return on small firms in January is equilibrium compensation for risk bearing. We show how these patterns in small firms’ returns have led others to conclude that the market’s risk-return relation has a January seasonal. In particular, Rozeff and Kinney [21] and Tinic and West [22,23], among others, using equally weighted portfolios formed on the basis of historical betas, have found a steeper slope for the CAPM’s risk-return relation in January than in other months. We demonstrate that this pattern exists only for small firms. Consequently, statistical inferences about the risk-return relation are heavily dependent upon whether equally weighted or value-weighted portfolio returns are used in the estimation. We show that, for 1935-86, when monthly cross-sectional regressions are estimated using value-weighted portfolio returns, there is no more of a statistically significant difference in the estimated return to risk bearing in January than in the other eleven months of the year. The notion that there is a January seasonal in the CAPM’s risk-return relation for the US. has rapidly become accepted knowledge. For example, Corhay, Hawawini, and Michel [6] accept this conclusion and investigate whether other
Cyclooxygenase Activity in the Thoracoabdominal Aorta After 24 Hours of Intraaortic Balloon Counterpulsation: An Assessment of the Effects of Localized Mechanical Trauma

Using a canine model, the authors evaluated the effects of twenty-four hours of intraaortic balloon counterpulsation (IABCP) on the morphology of the thoracoabdominal aorta and its spontaneous and arachidonate stimulated pro duction of prostacyclin (PGI2). The treated group was counter-pulsed at a 1:1 ratio with a 40 cc balloon. The control group had the balloon inserted and left deflated across the thoracoabdominal aorta.There were no differences between the IABCP or sham groups in prostanoid production either in the thoracic or abdominal aorta. Baseline PGI2 production in the control versus treated group of thoracic aortas was 1880 ± 1140 pg/cm2/ min vs 1992 ± 1125. The stimulated response in the control group, 9180 ± 1198, was statistically different from baseline (P < .001). The stimulated in crease in the IABCP group, 6269 ± 5240, relative to baseline was also signifi cant (P < .01). There were no significant differences, either between or within groups in the abdominal aortas. Poststimulation values...
Mechanical Effects of Peripherally Binding Proteins on Membrane Tethers

Our understanding of cell membrane remodeling by proteins has been informed largely by observations of membrane tubulation by proteins in vitro and in vivo. Structural and spectroscopic studies have revealed some important details of the interactions between these proteins and lipids. However, a quantitative description of membrane curvature sensing and generation by proteins, which would guide assessment of the roles of specific proteins and evaluation of hypothesized mechanisms of action, is currently lacking.We are studying membrane curvature sensing and generation by purified proteins using a fluorescence microscopy-based biomimetic curvature gradient manipulation system, the properties of which are described by membrane elasticity theory. Using tethers of controllable curvature pulled from giant vesicles, we monitor protein partitioning between vesicle and tether, and the effects of proteins on tether properties. These measurements direct our assessment and development of statistical mechanical models that clarify the parameters responsible for protein sensing and control of membrane curvature. Our quantitative framework is used with varying membrane composition and solution conditions to reveal subtle differences between various proteins in their membrane restructuring and curvature propensities.
Oxidation of homogentisic acid catalyzed by horse-radish peroxidase

Horse-radish peroxidase catalyzes the oxidation of homogentisic acid in the presence of sulfhydryl compounds to form products similar to those obtained by the spontaneous reaction of benzoquinoneacetic acid with sulfhydryl agents. Other heme proteins, such as catalase, cytochrome c, hemoglobin and methemoglobin, do not catalyze this oxidation. Studies on substrate specificity have indicated that a number of aromatic compounds containing disubstituted hydroxy or amino groups in the para position are oxidized in this system. A scheme is presented illustrating a mechanism to explain the formation of thioether derivatives of homogentisic acid and sulfhydryl agents in the presence of horse-radish peroxidase. Similar reactions may be involved in the formation of ochronotic pigment in the connective tissues of alcaptonuric subjects or after topical application of phenol or resorcinol.
The rise of regional film production centers in North America, 1984-1997

During the later half of the 1980s through the mid 1990s the American film production industry experienced significant growth due to an increase in the production of television shows. Because of this growth, the economic geography of film production changed dramatically. I examine how the film production market has changed over the period 1984–1997, using a modified version of Storper and Christopherson's (1985) film market model of developed centers, second-order centers, edge-centers and occasional sites. I modify this model by including two new factors in the locational decision process: one, the effects of increased television production on the film market model; and two, the availability of different types of landscapes within regional film production centers.
Mutual coupling in a slotted phased array, infinite in E-plane and finite in H-plane

The mutual admittance matrix is computed for a planar phased array of thin slots with assumed single-mode cosinusoidal aperture electric field. The array is of infinite extent in the E-plane and of finite extent in the H-plane. The H-plane excitation is arbitrary and the array is phase scanned in the E-plane. Resultant active row-port admittances and H-plane aperture distribution are in agreement with large strictly finite array calculations and with a Floquet mode infinite array model, for the example case of uniform H-plane excitation. >
Scanning plasmon optical microscope operation in atomic force microscope mode

A scanning plasmon optical microscope has been operated with an atomic force microscope rather than a scanning tunnel microscope to scan a surface. The instrument produced a nanoscale optical image of dye-molecule crystals adsorbed on a silver film. Images of dye-molecule crystal islands are presented.
American Intransigence: The Rejection Of Continental Drift In The Great Debates Of The 1920'S

Historians of the early debate on the Wegenerian continental drift hypothesis all point to the 1926 symposium of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists as instrumental in turning American geologists against Alfred Wegener. Many of them believe that the anti-Wegener papers presented in this symposium were cogent enough to warrant rejecting all forms of mobilism. I argue herein that neither of the above contentions is well founded. Drift was discussed extensively in the United States before 1926, the symposium in New York was inconsequential compared with the publication in 1928 of what purported to be papers given at New York, and the final contemptuous rejection of drift was sparked by a concerted effort of a few mandarins of the geological community who were deaf to the judgments of foreigners. The coup de grace was administered by Bailey Willis and Charles Schuchert in coordinated articles published in the Geological Society of America Bulletin in 1932.
Estimation of gap acceptance parameters within and across the population from direct roadside observation

Abstract This paper explores the feasibility of maximum likelihood as an approach to determine the parameters of gap acceptance functions when these functions vary from individual to individual. Specifically, it is shown that it is theoretically possible to estimate the average critical gap of a population of drivers (or pedestrians) and its variance, within and across individuals, from direct roadside observations. Although the Multinomial Probit Model provides a natural theoretical framework for the estimation of these parameters, the model seems not to be statistically estimable for this particular problem. It was shown, however, that if one of the parameters is known, the other two become estimable and a two-stage estimation process that takes into account this phenomenon can be utilized. The technique is demonstrated with the 203-driver data set included in Appendix A. The Multinomial Probit Model can also be used to determine simultaneously the mean critical gap, the mean critical lag (the first gap considered by a driver), and the variances of these. For the data set in Appendix A, the mean critical gap was significantly smaller than the mean critical lag, as one might expect. The techniques proposed in this paper have the further advantage of being statistically efficient with large data sets and of not requiring a panel of individuals to be observed under controlled conditions.
Ultrasonic frequency metal fatigue: A review of the investigations of the institute for the study of fatigue (fracture) and (structural) reliability

Abstract Investigations carried out by the staff of the Fatigue Institute in the area of ultrasonic frequency metal fatigue are reviewed. The development of the ultrasonic fatigue device is traced from its inception over 25 yr ago to the current modern device capable of fatiguing many metallic materials while simultaneously monitoring the strain and internal friction. The results and interpretations of the many ultrasonic frequency fatigue tests performed by the Institute staff are summarized. The behavior of the specimen internal friction as a function of the strain amplitude is interpreted in terms of a dislocation model. The model is used to explain the effects of impurities, temperature, prestraining and annealing on the internal friction and fatigue. The various regions of the internal friction vs strain curve are correlated to the ultrasonic frequency fatigue mechanism determined from surface microscopy. The effects of impurities, crystal structure, pre-straining and temperature on the ultrasonic frequency fatigue mechanism are discussed. The difference between the ultrasonic frequency fatigue mechanism and the mechanisms operating at the low frequencies normally used for engineering fatigue tests are presented. Conclusions are given on the usefulness and applicability of ultrasonic frequency fatigue tests.
Immunohistochemical expression of apoptosis regulating proteins and sex hormone receptors in meningiomas

Meningiomas are well known to be responsive to estrogen/progesterone stimulation, and their expression of estrogen/progesterone receptor (ER/PR) has been documented. On the other hand, there are several reports studying expression of apoptosis-regulating proteins (ARPs) and its significance in meningiomas. However, very limited published information exists on the exact relation among sex hormone receptor status, apoptosis, proliferation index (PI), and histological grade in meningiomas. A total of 57 cases of non-malignant meningiomas were selected, and histologically reviewed and graded (WHO grades 1, 2). All these cases were immunostained for ER, PR, Ki-67, and ARPs including bax, bcl-2, and bcl-xL. Sections were graded semiquantitatively for intensity and extent of immunostaining. PI was expressed as a percentage of Ki-67 positive tumor cells. Expression of bax, bcl-2, bcl-xL, ER, and PR was seen in 100, 35.1, 24.6, 10.4, and 87.2% of cases, respectively. Bax was expressed diffusely and strongly, while Bcl-2 tended to be expressed weakly and focally. Bcl-xL appeared to be expressed relatively strongly and diffusely in a small subset. There was significantly higher PI as well as expression of PR in grade 1 group than in grade 2 group. A weak negative correlation was observed between Bcl-2 and PR (r =-0.472, P < 0.0014). Given high-level expression of pro-apoptotic bax, which seems to be constitutionally expressed, in contrast to low-level expression of antiapoptotic bcl-2 and bcl-xL, other antiapoptotic proteins may involve the proliferation of meningiomas. A significant negative relation exists between PR and Bcl-2 in meningiomas, which might have some biological and clinical significance.
Vomiting-induced gastric emphysema: a rare self-limiting condition.

Abstract Radiological evidence of presence of air or gas within the stomach wall is termed “gastric pneumatosis” and is considered an ominous sign. However, the etiological associations range from benign self-limiting causes to life-threatening emergencies. The authors report the case of gastric pneumatosis in a 34-year-old man who presented to the emergency department with severe abdominal pain after multiple episodes of vomiting. The authors also review the clinical associations of this uncommon condition and discuss risk stratification and management strategies.
Photon Correlation Spectroscopic Studies of Filamentous Actin Networks

Actin plays a major role in the structural integrity and motility of cells as well as in the intracellular dynamics of other macromolecules. Photon Correlation Spectroscopy (PCS) has been used to monitor the diffusion of polystyrene latex spheres (PLS) of different sizes within in vitro polymerized actin solutions under a variety of conditions. Specific actin-binding proteins were added to regulate the actin filament lengths as well as to cross-link filaments together. PCS measurements give information on the mobility of PLS over probing distances equal to the inverse scattering vector magnitude which range from 40 to 420 nm for the data. Results allow estimation of the mean pore sizes within the actin networks as a function of both actin concentration (0.4 - 5 mg/ml) and the presence of actin-binding proteins. Probe diffusion coefficients were measured for PLS samples in length-regulated actin networks at a fixed actin concentration, c (0.65 mg/ml) as c*, the semi-dilute overlap concentration, was varied. There was a change in the dependence on c/c* near the value 1 at which the filaments just overlap. Quasi-static low-angle diffraction patterns from actin solutions have been detected and quantified using a CCD video camera/frame grabber system to study the spatial and slow temporal variations in the intensity patterns.
Transitional Justice and Protracted Accountability in Re-democratised Uruguay, 1985–2011

This article analyses the protracted process by which democratised Uruguay has come to terms with its legacy of human rights violations. Central to this process has been the nature of Uruguayan transitional policies and their more recent partial unravelling. Due to the negotiated transition to electoral democracy, civilian political elites approached the transitional dilemma of balancing normative expectations and political contingency by promulgating legal immunity, for years avoiding initiatives to pursue trials or launch an official truth commission, unlike neighbouring Argentina. A constellation of national and transnational factors (including recurrent initiatives by social and political forces) eventually opened up new institutional ground for belated truth-telling and accountability for some historical wrongs – and yet, attempts to challenge the blanket legal impunity failed twice through popular consultation and in a recent parliamentary vote. Each time, the government officially projected a narrative that sacralised national consensus and reconciliation, now enshrined in two sovereign popular votes, and the adoption of a forward-looking democratic perspective.
Methods of control for robotic brick masonry

The major use of brick masonry units in the U.S. is in facades for office buildings and single family homes. The traditional method for building masonry walls is on-site by bricklayers. An alternative method is panelization or prefabrication of brick panels in a plant environment. While many mechanical problems exist, the real-time control represents a challenging aspect of robotizing brick masonry work. This paper presents an effort to study the development of an experimental robotic masonry system and its relevant control modules. It also describes two control frameworks for different levels in a robotic brick masonry prototype: (a) local control, and (b) global control. The local control system includes three work cells: (a) gripping and handling, (b) quality control, and (c) brick placement. First, the components and equipment used in a work cell are listed, then the experimental work performed with them is discussed to show how sensors are used for dehacking, brick placement, brick color detection, and brick size measurements. The paper then continues to describe a global control system that will integrate the three local work cells utilizing a hierarchical structure.
Quantum Chemical Study of Autoignition of Methyl Butanoate.

Methyl butanoate is a widely studied surrogate for fatty acid esters used in biodiesel fuel. Here we report a detailed analysis of the thermodynamics and kinetics of the autoignition chemistry of methyl butanoate. We employ composite CBS-QB3 calculations to construct the potential energy profiles of radicals derived from methyl butanoate. We compare our results with recently published G3MP2B3 results for reactions of peroxy (ROO•) and hydroperoxy alkyl (•QOOH) radicals and comment on differences in barrier heights and reaction enthalpies. Our emphasis, however, is on hydroperoxy alkylperoxy (•OOQOOH) radicals that are critical for autoignition of diesel fuel. We examined four classes of reactions: peroxy radical interconversion of •OOQOOH (•OOQOOH→ HOOQOO•), H-migration reactions (from carbon to oxygen), HO2 elimination, and cyclic ether formation with elimination of OH radical. We evaluate the significance of reaction pathways by comparing rate coefficients in the high-pressure limit. Unexpectedly, we fi...
Vasopressin and oxytocin but not glucose stimulate hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylcholine in a hamster insulinoma.

Abstract HIT-T15 cells prelabeled with [ 3 H]-arachidonate were incubated for 15 minutes at 37° C in Krebs Ringer buffer (pH 7.1) in the presence and absence of various agonists. Radioactivity remaining in major phospholipids was measured at the end of incubation period. Oxytocin (1 μM), vasopressin (1 μM), and A23187 (5 μM) stimulated loss of radioactivity from phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylcholine. No loss of radioactivity from either of the phospholipids, however, was detected in the presence of 10 mM D-glucose, an insulin secretagogue in HIT-T15 cells. The lack of phosphatidylinositol response to glucose was also evident when the cells were prelabeled with myo-[ 3 H] inositol. The formation of inositol phosphates at 15 minutes was readily observed upon the treatment of myo-[ 3 H] inositol-labeled cells with oxytocin or vasopressin but not glucose or A23187. Inability of glucose to stimulate phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylcholine hydrolysis in beta cell-derived HIT-T15 cells contrasts sharply with results from studies with pancreatic islets, where hydrolysis of these two phospholipids is readily observed and thought to contribute to the signaling mechanism responsible for stimulation of insulin secretion.
Design and retrofit of sensor networks in process plants

A novel procedure to find cost-optimal sensor networks is proposed. Cost is minimized subject to qualifying constraints that are related to certain requirements of data reconciliation. One basic qualifying constraint is a desired level of precision of reconciled values for a selected set of variables. Since precision requirements lead to multiple solutions, other qualifying constraints are proposed. These constraints are availability, resilience, and error detectability. Definitions for these terms are given and their impact on the results is presented.
The regulation of cerebral blood flow during intravenous cocaine administration in cocaine abusers.

: Cocaine abuse is associated with heightened risk of life-threatening neurological complications such as strokes, seizures, and transient ischemic attacks. We used transcranial Doppler (TCD) sonography, a continuous measure of cerebral blood flow velocity, to better understand the changes in cerebral hemodynamics produced by cocaine administration, which may lead to an increased risk for stroke in cocaine abusers. Heart rate and blood pressure were also measured. Blood flow velocity of seven cocaine abusers was studied during placebo, 10-, 25-, and 50-mg intravenous (i.v.) injections of cocaine. A significant increase in mean and systolic velocity which lasted for about two minutes was observed with all doses of cocaine, with no change in the placebo condition. This increase in systolic velocity indicates that cocaine produces an immediate and brief period of vasoconstriction in large arteries of the brain. The present results elucidate the time course of cocaine's acute cerebrovascular effects and provide a better understanding of etiology of cocaine-related stroke and transient ischemic attacks.
Deep groundwater mediates streamflow response to climate warming in the Oregon Cascades

Recent studies predict that projected climate change will lead to significant reductions in summer streamflow in the mountainous regions of the Western US. Hydrologic modeling directed at quantifying these potential changes has focused on the magnitude and timing of spring snowmelt as the key control on the spatial-temporal pattern of summer streamflow. We illustrate how spatial differences in groundwater dynamics can also play a significant role in determining streamflow responses to warming. We examine two contrasting watersheds, one located in the Western Cascades and the other in the High Cascades mountains of Oregon. We use both empirical analysis of streamflow data and physically based, spatially distributed modeling to disentangle the relative importance of multiple and interacting controls. In particular, we explore the extent to which differences in snow accumulation and melt and drainage characteristics (deep ground water vs. shallow subsurface) mediate the effect of climate change. Results show that within the Cascade Range, local variations in bedrock geology and concomitant differences in volume and seasonal fluxes of subsurface water will likely result in significant spatial variability in responses to climate forcing. Specifically, watersheds dominated by High Cascade geology will show greater absolute reductions in summer streamflow with predicted temperature increases.
Stress: A Potential Disruptor of Parent Perceptions and Family Interactions

Reviews research on the relationship between extra familial stressors (e.g., unemployment, low socioeconomic status), interpersonal stressors (e.g., marital distress, divorce), and child stressors and parents' perceptions and family interactions in families with conduct-problem children. Various stressors appear to have the power to disrupt parenting practices seriously by causing some parents to be more irritable, critical, and punitive. Such parenting behaviors increase the likelihood that children develop conduct problems, setting in motion a cycle of negative parent-child interactions and further stress on the parents. This process appears to be mediated by patents' psychological well being, quality of social support or degree of isolation, sex and drug use.
On the implementation of perfectly matched layers in a three‐dimensional fourth‐order velocity‐stress finite difference scheme

[1] Robust absorbing boundary conditions are central to the utility and advancement of 3-D numerical wave propagation methods. It is in general preferred that an absorbing boundary method be capable of broadband absorption, be efficient in terms of memory and computation time, and be widely stable in connection with sophisticated numerical schemes. Here we discuss these issues for a promising absorbing boundary method, perfectly matched layers (PML), as implemented in the widely used fourth-order accurate three-dimensional (3-D) staggered-grid velocity-stress finite difference (FD) scheme. Numerical results for point (explosive and double couple) and extended sources, velocity structures (homogeneous, 1-D and 3-D), and different thickness PML zones are excellent, in general, leaving no observable reflections in PML seismograms compared to the amplitudes of the primary phases. For both homogeneous half-space and 1-D models, typical amplitude reduction factors (with respect to the maximum trace amplitude) range between 1/100 and 1/625 for PML thicknesses of 5–20 nodes. A PML region of thickness 5 outperforms a simple exponential damping region of thickness 20 in a homogeneous half-space model by a factor of 3. We find that PML is effective across the simulation bandwidth. For example, permanent offset artifacts due to particularly poor absorption of long-period energy by the simple exponential damping are effectively absent when PML is used. The computational efficiency and storage requirements of PML, compared to the simple exponential damping, are reduced due to the need for only narrow absorbing regions. We also discuss stability and present the complete PML model for the 3-D velocity-stress system.