cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dynamics of Galactic Disks and Mergers at z ~ 1.6: Spatially Resolved Spectroscopy with Keck Laser Guide Star Adaptive Optics

We present 0".2 resolution near-infrared integral field spectroscopy of Hα emission from six star-forming galaxies at z ~ 1.6 (a look-back time of ~9.6 Gyr). These observations were obtained with OSIRIS using the Keck Laser Guide Star Adaptive Optics system. All sources have a compact spatial extent of ~1", with an average half-light radius of r_(1/2) = 2.9 kpc and an average dereddened star formation rate of 22 M⊙ yr^(–1). Based on Hα kinematics we find that these six galaxies are dynamically distinguishable, and we classify them as either irregular/merger or disk candidate systems. We find three systems (HDF-BX1287, HDF-BX1315, and Q1623-BX491) with varying geometries and dynamical properties. Three galaxies (HDF-BMZ1299, Q2343-BX344, and Q2343-BM145) are well fitted by an inclined-disk model with low-velocity residuals (20 to 46 km s^(–1)). An average plateau velocity of ν(p) = 185 km s^(–1) is achieved within 1.0 kpc. The majority of observed velocity dispersions (σ ~ 88 km s^(–1)) can be explained by the residual seeing halo, and are not intrinsic to our sources. However, one irregular and one disk candidate have high-velocity dispersions (σ_(obs) ≳ 200 km s^(–1)) that cannot be solely explained by beam smearing. For two disk candidates, we detect [N II] emission and are able to map the [N II]/Hα ratio on kiloparsec scales. In both cases, [N II] emission is more concentrated than Hα emission (≾0".2), and peak ratios are best explained by the presence of an active galactic nucleus (AGN). These are among the weakest known AGNs at high redshift; however their emission is strong enough to impact high-redshift metallicity studies that use nebular ratios. All disk candidates have likely to be completed only a few orbital periods, and if left unperturbed are excellent candidates to become present-day spiral galaxies.
Mixed-mode stress intensity factors for a crack in an anisotropic bi-material strip

This paper provides a method for obtaining the mixed-mode stress intensity factors for a bi-material interface crack in the infinite strip configuration and in the case where both phases are fully anisotropic. First, the dislocation solution in a bi-material anisotropic infinite strip is investigated (the boundary of the strip is parallel to the bi-material interface). A surface distributed dislocation approach is employed to ensure the traction-free conditions at the strip bounding surfaces. Subsequently, the derived dislocation solution is applied to calculate the mixed-mode stress intensity factors of a crack located at, or parallel to, the interface in the bi-material anisotropic infinite strip. The crack itself is modelled as a distribution of the derived dislocation solutions for the strip. Results are presented and the effects of material mismatch, the length of the crack and the material interface on the stress intensity factors are investigated.
General Convergence Results for Linear Discriminant Updates

The problem of learning linear-discriminant concepts can be solved by various mistake-driven update procedures, including the Winnow family of algorithms and the well-known Perceptron algorithm. In this paper we define the general class of “quasi-additive” algorithms, which includes Perceptron and Winnow as special cases. We give a single proof of convergence that covers a broad subset of algorithms in this class, including both Perceptron and Winnow, but also many new algorithms. Our proof hinges on analyzing a generic measure of progress construction that gives insight as to when and how such algorithms converge. Our measure of progress construction also permits us to obtain good mistake bounds for individual algorithms. We apply our unified analysis to new algorithms as well as existing algorithms. When applied to known algorithms, our method “automatically” produces close variants of existing proofs (recovering similar bounds)—thus showing that, in a certain sense, these seemingly diverse results are fundamentally isomorphic. However, we also demonstrate that the unifying principles are more broadly applicable, and analyze a new class of algorithms that smoothly interpolate between the additive-update behavior of Perceptron and the multiplicative-update behavior of Winnow.
Shadow Sovereign Ratings for Unrated Developing Countries

Summary. — We predict sovereign ratings for developing countries that do not have risk ratings from agencies such as Fitch, Moody’s, and Standard and Poor’s. Ratings are important in determining the volume and cost of capital flows to developing countries through international bond, loan, and equity markets. Sovereign rating also acts as a ceiling for the foreign currency rating of sub-sovereign borrowers and can be important for their access to international debt and equity capital. We generate shadow ratings for several developing countries that have never been rated and find that unrated countries are not always at the bottom of the rating spectrum. Several of them are projected to have a “B” or higher rating, in a similar range to that of the emerging market economies with capital market access. 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
A Ring Expansion Strategy in Antiviral Synthesis: A Novel Approach to TAK‐779

Abstract A synthesis of TAK‐779 that relies on construction of a key carboxylic acid intermediate by a ring expansion with TMSCHN2 is described.
Nonlinear model reduction of chemical reaction systems

A nonlinear model reduction method for nonisothermal reaction systems that exhibit dynamics in two different time scales owing to the presence of fast and slow reactions was developed. The method systematically identifies the independent algebraic constraints that define the low-dimensional state space where the slow dynamics of the reaction system are constrained to evolve. It also derives state-space realizations of the resulting differential algebraic system that describes the slow dynamics. This method is illustrated through the classic Michaelis-Menten reaction system, and is applied to an ozone decomposition reaction system and a reaction mechanism for esterification of carboxylic acid.
Spoof surface plasmon enhanced reflection in THz parallel plate waveguides

Back reflection from the end of a parallel-plate metal waveguide (PPWG) can be enhanced up to 99% at a selected frequency by patterning on the output facet. The enhanced reflectivity depends on the incident angle in the PPWG and shows a lateral shift comparing to mirror reflection, which is an analogue of the Goos-Hanchen effect in this context. We show how this concept can be used as the basis for designing resonant waveguide structures.
Object recognition and localization from scanning beam sensors

Model-based object recognition and object localization are fundamental tasks in industrial automation. In this article, we present a system that quickly recognizes (5 μs) and accurately localizes (0.025 mm) objects using a scanning beam sensor that consists of an array of binary light-beam sensors. Our scanning beam sensor is robust, inexpensive, compact, precise, and insensitive to ambient light, which are all prerequisites for industrial manufacturing applications. Scanning beam sensing involves moving objects with respect to the sensor and record ing the manipulator positions when the sensor outputs change. The recognition problem and the localization problem share the correspondence subproblem, the task of interpreting the sensed data in terms of model features. In this article, we present a constant-time indexing correspondence algorithm. Indexing in volves discretizing the sensed data to achieve integral indices, and using these indices to look up a table entry containing the correspondence informat...
Mooring Dynamics Phenomena Due to Slowly-Varying Wave Drift

The effects of slowly-varying wave drift forces on the nonlinear dynamics of mooring systems have been studied extensively in the past 30 years. It has been concluded that slowly-varying wave drift may resonate with mooring system natural frequencies. In recent work, we have shown that this resonance phenomenon is only one of several possible nonlinear dynamic responses of mooring systems to slowly-varying wave drift excitation. We were able to reveal new phenomena based on the design methodology developed at the University of Michigan for autonomous mooring systems and treating slowly-varying drift as an external time-varying force. In this paper, the U of M methodology is used systematically to reveal seven phenomena induced by mean and slowly-varying drift forces; one of those is resonance. Conceptually, numerous qualitatively different behaviors may be induced. The next step towards comprehensive identification of such phenomena is taken by introducing the method of harmonic balance to study nonautonomous mooring systems.© 2002 ASME
Structural Equation Modeling: Overview

Structural equation modeling (SEM) software programs analyze theoretical models using a sample variance–covariance matrix, although a correlation matrix with means and standard deviations for the observed variables can be input because these values can be used to create a variance–covariance matrix. A LISREL-SIMPLIS program is given below to illustrate how the theoretical model and sample data are included in a SEM program. LISREL-SIMPLIS Program Observed Variables: X1 X2 Y1 Y2 Correlation matrix: 1.00 .43 1.00 .15 .12 1.00 .14 .13 .53 1.00 Means: 29.57 24.80 15.96 9.95 Standard deviations: 6.91 4.45 8.32 3.38 Sample Size 150 Latent Variables Indep Dep Relationships X1 X2 = Indep Y1 Y2 = Dep Dep = Indep Path Diagram End of Problem Keywords: latent variable modeling; covariance structure analysis; model specification; model identification; model estimation; model testing; model modification; model validation; specification search
Pulsed electric field induced changes in dielectric properties of biological cells

Different electrical characteristics of cells not only determine their initial electrical responses to pulsed electric field exposure, but also allow devising exposure conditions for pulsed electric field treatments that can preferentially target specific cells, such as cancer cells. We have investigated the dielectric properties of Jurkat cells, a malignant human T-cell line, before and after application of microsecond and nanosecond pulsed electric fields by means of time domain reflectometry dielectric spectroscopy. Jurkat cells in suspension with a 10% volume fraction were exposed with a repetition rate of about 1Hz to either 8 consecutive 1-kV/cm electroporation pulses of 100 μs, or 8 consecutive 18-kV/cm pulses of 300 ns. Electrode polarization has a significant effect on the low frequency measurements (<1 MHz) and needs to be corrected. We modeled the effect with a constant-phase-angle element in series with the impedance of the cell suspension. A Cole-Cole relaxation function was employed to describe the dielectric dispersion of cell suspension. Preliminary data analysis shows that conductivities of cell suspensions increased dramatically following microsecond or nanosecond exposure, indicating that membrane poration had occurred. Further analysis based on combination of a Maxwell-Wagner mixture model and a single shell cell model suggests an increase in plasma membrane conductivity. The changes of low frequency conductivity of the cell suspensions were different for both regimens, indicating different membrane charging and pore forming mechanisms.
Processing Ternary Sulfide Ceramics: Powder Preparation, Sintering, and Hot‐Pressing

Ceramic processing of various AB2S4 sulfides with the Th3P4, CaFe2O4, and spinel structure types was investigated. These refractory sulfides show good sinterability when fired in flowing H2S. They can be densified by a combination of hot-pressing and hot isostatic pressing into theoretically dense ceramics.
Automating Deep Space Network scheduling and conflict resolution

The Deep Space Network (DSN) is a central part of NASA's infrastructure for communicating with active space missions, from earth orbit to beyond the solar system. Consisting of more than a dozen major ground antennas at three sites spaced around the globe, it must be carefully scheduled to satisfy the requirements of the various mission users, subject to many constraints. Scheduling the communication services for these missions is a fairly large scale negotiation problem since each mission cannot give up control of its spacecraft. While we will give details of this problem, this paper focuses more on describing an agent that provides scheduling advice to a single user within a collaborative scheduling system being developed. This agent can provide guidance to the user about feasible and optimal solutions to the problem they are working on. We describe our recent work in modeling the complexities of user requirements, and then scheduling and resolving conflicts on that basis.
Function-based Intersubject Alignment of Human Cortical Anatomy

Making conclusions about the functional neuroanatomical organization of the human brain requires methods for relating the functional anatomy of an individual's brain to population variability. We have developed a method for aligning the functional neuroanatomy of individual brains based on the patterns of neural activity that are elicited by viewing a movie. Instead of basing alignment on functionally defined areas, whose location is defined as the center of mass or the local maximum response, the alignment is based on patterns of response as they are distributed spatially both within and across cortical areas. The method is implemented in the two-dimensional manifold of an inflated, spherical cortical surface. The method, although developed using movie data, generalizes successfully to data obtained with another cognitive activation paradigm—viewing static images of objects and faces—and improves group statistics in that experiment as measured by a standard general linear model (GLM) analysis.
The Landau-Ginzberg Theory for the Two-Dimensional Bose Gas

Using results from sheaf theory combined with the phenomenological theory of the two-dimensional superfluid, the precipitation of quantum vortices is shown to be the genesis of a macroscopic order parameter for a phase transition in two dimensions.
Reductive deoxygenation using hydridozirconium enolates: A new synthesis of α,β-unsaturated esters

An unusual new reaction of Cp2ZrHCl transforms β-ketoesters into α,β-unsaturated esters in one step and provides a useful alternative to the traditional, three-step process of reduction, mesylation/tosylation, and elimination.
Development of Electrostatic Levitator at JPL

Preliminary results on the design and operation of electrostatic levitators developed at JPL are reported. Particular attention is given to the single-axis levitators for ground-based operation and for operation in the reduced gravity environment. Descriptions are given of the design principles and the performance of final products. A levitator designed for zero-g environment is shown. It is a single-axis system, so there is no active lateral damping. Two ring and two disk electrodes are included. The ring electrodes always maintain a constant voltage difference with respect to the central disk electrodes. This is to ensure that there is always a centering force that does not depend on the voltage difference between the top and bottom electrodes. As the ring-to-disk voltage increases, there is a proportionate increase in the centering force.
Lead-free piezoelectric ceramics vs. PZT?

Investigations in the development of lead-free piezoelectric ceramics have recently claimed properties comparable to that of PZT-based materials. In this work, the dielectric and piezoelectric properties of the various systems were contrasted in relation to their respective Curie temperatures. Analogous to PZT, enhanced properties are noted for morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) compositions in the Na,BiTiO3–BaTiO3 and the ternary system with K,BiTiO3, but offer properties significantly lower than that of PZTs. The consequence of a ferroelectric to antiferroelectric transition well below T C further limits their usefulness. Though comparable with respect to T C, enhanced properties reported in the K,NaNbO3 family are the result of increased polarizability associated with the T orthor-tetragonal polymorphic phase transition being compositionally shifted downward and not from a MPB as widely reported. As expected, the properties are strongly temperature dependent unlike that observed for MPB systems.
Hadronic Fluctuations and Correlations

Author(s): Koch, Volker | Abstract: We will provide a review of some of the physics which can be addressed by studying fluctuations and correlations in heavy ion collisions. We will discuss Lattice QCD results on fluctuations and correlations and will put them into context with observables which have been measured in heavy-ion collisions. Special attention will be given to the QCD critical point and the first order co-existence region, and we will discuss how the measurement of fluctuations and correlations can help in an experimental search for non-trivial structures in the QCD phase diagram.
Process dependent morphology of the Si/SiO2 interface measured with scanning tunneling microscopy

A new experimental technique to determine Si/SiO2 interface morphology is described. Thermal oxides of silicon are chemically removed, and the resulting surface topography is measured with scanning tunneling microscopy. Interfaces prepared by oxidation of Si (100) and (111) surfaces, followed by post oxidation anneal (POA) at different temperatures, have been characterized. Correlations between interface structure, chemistry, and electrical characteristics are described.
Path-integral analysis of fluctuation theorems for general Langevin processes

We examine classical, transient fluctuation theorems within the unifying framework of Langevin dynamics. We explicitly distinguish between the effects of non-conservative forces that violate detailed balance, and non-autonomous dynamics arising from the variation of an external parameter. When both these sources of nonequilibrium behaviour are present, there naturally arise two distinct fluctuation theorems.
Effects of Load, Speed, and Surface Roughness on Sliding EHD Contact Temperatures

An infrared technique has been used to determine the effects of load, speed and surface roughness on temperature in a sliding elastohydrodynamic (EHD) point contact. Ball surface temperatures are reported for sliding speeds of 0.35 to 5.08 m/s at 0.52 to 2.03 GN/per sq m maximum pressure with surface roughness in the range 0.01 to 0.38 micron c.l.a. The relationship between asperity interaction, as measured by relocation surface profilimetry and high frequency temperature measurements, and the ratio of film thickness to surface roughness has also been studied.
Room temperature continuous wave operation of single-mode, edge-emitting photonic crystal Bragg lasers

We report the first room temperature CW operation of two dimensional single-mode edge-emitting photonic crystal Bragg lasers. Single-mode lasing with single-lobed, diffraction limited far-fields is obtained for 100mum wide and 550 mum long on-chip devices.
Quarterly Storage Model of U.S. Cotton Market: Estimation of the Basis under Rational Expectations

The paper outlines an approach to estimation and analysis of the futures basis in the U.S. cotton market under weakly rational expectations. Given the model specification derived from the underlying dynamic profit optimization problem of the dealers, the intermediary market model is estimated using the self-organizing state-space (SOSS) approach. Estimation results are used to evaluate the prediction power of the method and test the main assumptions about the existence and consistency of the subjective rational expectations incorporated in the model.
High-performance motion control of an induction motor with magnetic saturation

Generalizes the authors' work on high-performance control of induction motors to machines that exhibit significant magnetic saturation. The controller design is based on the standard d-q model of the induction motor which has been modified to account for the saturation of the iron in the main (magnetic) path of the machine. An input-output linearization controller is used to provide independent (decoupled) control of the speed and flux. With this controller, the flux reference becomes an extra degree of freedom for the designer to help achieve performance objectives. Taking into account saturation along with the voltage and current constraints, the flux reference is chosen to achieve the optimal torque (maximum for acceleration and minimum for deceleration) at any given speed. Experimental results are given to demonstrate the input-output controller's effectiveness in providing the tracking of a given position and speed trajectory while simultaneously tracking the optimal flux reference. The set of experiments are fast point-to-point motion control moves with an inertial load comparing the input-output controller based on the saturated magnetics model with that based on the linear magnetics model.
Reduction of Azobenzenes to Diphenylhydrazines

Abstract A selective, rapid and simple reduction of azobenzenes to diphenylhydrazines using borane-THF is described.
Two dimensional fermions in three dimensional YM

Dirac fermions in the fundamental representation of SU(N) live on the surface of a cylinder embedded in R3 and interact with a three dimensional SU(N) Yang Mills vector potential preserving a global chiral symmetry at finite N. As the circumference of the cylinder is varied from small to large, the chiral symmetry gets spontaneously broken in the infinite N limit at a typical bulk scale. Replacing three dimensional YM by four dimensional YM introduces non-trivial renormalization effects.
Cohomology and profinite topologies for solvable groups of finite rank

Assume $G$ is a solvable group whose elementary abelian sections are all finite. Suppose, further, that $p$ is a prime such that $G$ fails to contain any subgroups isomorphic to $\mathbb Z/p^\infty$. We show that if $G$ is nilpotent, then the pro-$p$ completion map $G\to \hat{G}_p$ induces an isomorphism $H^\ast(\hat{G}_p,A)\to H^\ast(G,A)$ for any discrete $\hat{G}_p$-module $A$ of finite $p$-power order. For the general case, we prove that $G$ contains a normal subgroup $N$ of finite index such that the map $H^\ast(\hat{N}_p,A)\to H^\ast(N,A)$ is an isomorphism for any discrete $\hat{N}_p$-module $A$ of finite $p$-power order. Moreover, if $G$ lacks any $\mathbb Z/p^\infty$-sections, the subgroup $N$ enjoys some additional special properties with respect to its pro-$p$ topology. DOI: 10.1017/S0004972711003340
Bulk Burning Rate in¶Passive–Reactive Diffusion

We consider a passive scalar that is advected by a prescribed mean zero divergence-free velocity field, diffuses, and reacts according to a KPP-type nonlinear reaction. We introduce a quantity, the bulk burning rate, that makes both mathematical and physical sense in general situations and extends the often ill-defined notion of front speed. We establish rigorous lower bounds for the bulk burning rate that are linear in the amplitude of the advecting velocity for a large class of flows. These “percolating” flows are characterized by the presence of tubes of streamlines connecting distant regions of burned and unburned material and generalize shear flows. The bound contains geometric information on the velocity streamlines and degenerates when these oscillate on scales that are finer than the width of the laminar burning region. We give also examples of very different kind of flows, cellular flows with closed streamlines, and rigorously prove that these can produce only sub-linea enhancement of the bulk burning rate.
A hybrid approach for core-based system-level power modeling

Reducing power consumption has become a key goal for system-on-a-chip (SOC) designs. Fast and accurate power estimation is needed early in the design process, since power reduction methods tend to have greater impact at higher abstraction levels. Unfortunately, current approaches to power estimation which concentrate on register-transfer-level models or lower are quite slow. Higher-level approaches, while faster, may suffer from inaccuracy. However the advent of cores enables a hybrid approach, described in this paper yielding both fast and accurate estimates from high-level models. In particular, we use power estimation data obtained from the gate-level for a core's representative input stimuli data (instructions), and we propagate this data to a higher (object-oriented) system-level model, which is parameterizable and executable. Depending on the kind of cores, various parameterizable equation or look-up table based techniques are used, resulting in self-analyzing core models. We have applied our technique to several cores of a digital camera SOC and have achieved simulation speedups of over 1000 with accuracies suitable for making reliable power-related system-level design decisions. Although we focus on power estimation, our approach can be used for estimating other metrics as well, such as performance and size.
Low pressure vinylation of aryl and vinyl halides via Heck–Mizoroki reactions using ethylene

Aryl bromides and iodides in the presence of catalytic amounts of a palladacycle derived from acetophenone oxime and 2 equiv of potassium acetate react with ethylene under ambient pressure (15–30 psi) to give the corresponding vinylarenes. The reactions work with both electron-deficient and electron-rich aryl compounds and tolerate wide variety of common functional groups. Vinyl bromides lead to 1,3-dienes in moderate yields.
Toll roads and economic development: exploring effects on property values

An increasing number of toll projects are being considered across the country, and questions are often raised about the impact of toll roads on the economy and economic development in the region. This paper examines the effects of toll roads in a major metro area. Toll roads in Dallas County, Texas, are examined for their impacts on property values, one indicator for economic development impacts. Particular emphasis is placed on the temporal and spatial nature of the impacts. The paper examines impacts of existing toll roads using residential transactions data spanning a period of 20 years and a combination of traditional and spatial econometric approaches.
Iterative algebraic soft-decision list decoding of Reed-Solomon codes

In this paper, we present an iterative soft-decision decoding algorithm for Reed-Solomon (RS) codes offering both complexity and performance advantages over previously known decoding algorithms. Our algorithm is a list decoding algorithm which combines two powerful soft-decision decoding techniques which were previously regarded in the literature as competitive, namely, the Koetter-Vardy algebraic soft-decision decoding algorithm and belief-propagation based on adaptive parity-check matrices, recently proposed by Jiang and Narayanan. Building on the Jiang-Narayanan algorithm, we present a belief-propagation-based algorithm with a significant reduction in computational complexity. We introduce the concept of using a belief-propagation-based decoder to enhance the soft-input information prior to decoding with an algebraic soft-decision decoder. Our algorithm can also be viewed as an interpolation multiplicity assignment scheme for algebraic soft-decision decoding of RS codes.
New methods for characterizing phases of 2D supersymmetric gauge theories

We study the physics of two-dimensional $ \mathcal{N} $ = (2, 2) gauged linear sigma models (GLSMs) via the two-sphere partition function. We show that the classical phase boundaries separating distinct GLSM phases, which are described by the secondary fan construction for abelian GLSMs, are completely encoded in the analytic structure of the partition function. The partition function of a non-abelian GLSM can be obtained as a limit from an abelian theory; we utilize this fact to show that the phases of non-abelian GLSMs can be obtained from the secondary fan of the associated abelian GLSM. We prove that the partition function of any abelian GLSM satisfies a set of linear differential equations; these reduce to the familiar A-hypergeometric system of Gel’fand, Kapranov, and Zelevinski for GLSMs describing complete intersections in toric varieties. We develop a set of conditions that are necessary for a GLSM phase to admit an interpretation as the low-energy limit of a non-linear sigma model with a Calabi-Yau threefold target space. Through the application of these criteria we discover a class of GLSMs with novel geometric phases corresponding to Calabi-Yau manifolds that are branched double-covers of Fano threefolds. These criteria provide a promising approach for constructing new Calabi-Yau geometries.
Direct and Indirect Methods for Calculating Thermal Emission From Layered Structures With Nonuniform Temperatures

The determination of emissivity of layered structures is critical in many applications, such as radiation thermometry, microelectronics, radiative cooling, and energy harvesting. Two different approaches, i.e., the “indirect” and “direct” methods, are commonly used for computing the emissivity of an object. For an opaque surface at a uniform temperature, the indirect method involves calculating the spectral directional-hemispherical reflectance to deduce the spectral directional emissivity based on Kirchhoff’s law. On the other hand, a few studies have used a combination of Maxwell’s equations with the fluctuation-dissipation theorem to directly calculate the emissivity. The present study aims at unifying the direct and indirect methods for calculating the far-field thermal emission from layered structures with a nonuniform temperature distribution. Formulations for both methods are given to illustrate the equivalence between the indirect and the direct methods. Thermal emission from an asymmetric Fabry–Perot resonance cavity with a nonuniform temperature distribution is taken as an example to show how to predict the intensity, emissivity, and the brightness temperature. The local density of states, however, can only be calculated using the direct method.
Health‐Related Quality of Life and Functional Status Quality Indicators for Older Persons with Multiple Chronic Conditions

Objectives: To explore central challenges with translating self-reported measurement tools for functional status and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) into ambulatory quality indicators for older people with multiple chronic conditions (MCCs). Design: Review. Setting: Sources including the National Quality Measures Clearinghouse and National Quality Forum were reviewed for existing ambulatory quality indicators relevant to functional status, HRQOL, and people with MCCs. Participants: Seven informants with expertise in indicators using functional status and HRQOL. Measurements: Informant interviews were conducted to explore knowledge about these types of indicators, particularly usability and feasibility. Results: Nine important existing indicators were identified in the review. For process, identified indicators addressed whether providers assessed functional status; outcome indicators addressed quality of life. In interviews, informants agreed that indicators using self-reported data were important in this population. Challenges identified included concerns about usability due to inability to discriminate quality of care adequately between organizations and feasibility concerns regarding high data collection burden, with a correspondingly low response rate. Validity was also a concern because evidence is mixed that healthcare interventions can improve HRQOL or functional status for this population. As a possible first step, a structural standard could be systematic collection of these measures in a specific setting. Conclusion: Although functional status and HRQOL are important outcomes for older people with MCCs, few relevant ambulatory quality indicators exist, and there are concerns with usability, feasibility, and validity. Further research is needed on how best to incorporate these outcomes into quality indicators for people with MCCs.
Common Mode Noise Reduction for Boost Converters Using General Balance Technique

In this paper, the boost converter model for electromagnetic interference noise analysis is first investigated. Based on this model, a general balance concept is proposed to cancel the common mode noise. Theoretical analysis, simulation, and experiment prove that the proposed balance technique is efficient enough to reduce common mode noise.
Fault isolation and performance characterization of high speed digital multichip modules

This paper describes two methods for testing high performance digital multichip modules (MCM's). The first technique provides a method for multiplexing automatic test system channels so that clock and data rates can be extended beyond the normal frequency limits of the automatic test equipment (ATE). The multiplexing method has been successfully applied at rates up to 1.6 GHz using 200 MHz ATE. The second approach utilizes an electron beam probe system operating in the voltage contrast mode to measure electrical signals within the MCM. The e-beam probe can be used to supplement scan-based techniques for isolating faults. It can also be used for characterizing signal quality (risetime, overshoot, crosstalk, reflections) and measurement of relative delays in high performance MCM's. >
Systolic arrays for lattice-reduction-aided mimo detection

Multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology provides high data rate and enhanced quality of service for wireless communications. Since the benefits from MIMO result in a heavy computational load in detectors, the design of low-complexity sub- optimum receivers is currently an active area of research. Lattice- reduction-aided detection (LRAD) has been shown to be an effective low-complexity method with near-maximum-likelihood performance. In this paper, we advocate the use of systolic array architectures for MIMO receivers, and in particular we exhibit one of them based on LRAD. The "Lenstra-Lenstra-Lovasz (LLL) lattice reduction algorithm" and the ensuing linear detections or successive spatial-interference cancellations can be located in the same array, which is considerably hardware-efficient. Since the conventional form of the LLL algorithm is not immediately suitable for parallel processing, two modified LLL algorithms are considered here for the systolic array. LLL algorithm with full-size reduction- LLL is one of the versions more suitable for parallel processing. Another variant is the all-swap lattice-reduction (ASLR) algorithm for complex-valued lattices, which processes all lattice basis vectors simultaneously within one iteration. Our novel systolic array can operate both algorithms with different external logic controls. In order to simplify the systolic array design, we replace the Lovasz condition in the definition of LLL-reduced lattice with the looser Siegel condition. Simulation results show that for LR-aided linear detections, the bit-error-rate performance is still maintained with this relaxation. Comparisons between the two algorithms in terms of bit-error-rate performance, and average field-programmable gate array processing time in the systolic array are made, which shows that ASLR is a better choice for a systolic architecture, especially for systems with a large number of antennas.
An implicit small gain condition and an upper bound for the real structured singular value

In this paper we develop an upper bound for the real structured singular value that has the form of an implicit small gain theorem. The implicit small gain condition involves a shifted plant whose dynamics depend upon the uncertainty set bound and, unlike prior bounds, does not require frequency-dependent scales or multipliers. Numerical results show that the implicit small gain bound compares favorably with real-μ bounds that involve frequency-dependent scales and multipliers.
SEMANTIC BIOLOGICAL IMAGE MANAGEMENT AND ANALYSIS

Most commercially available image retrieval systems are so generic that they are not specialized to handle biological images and the feature domains associated with them. In molecular biology, neurobiology and cellular biology, for example, the recognition, classification and retrieval of distinct cellular features is a critically needed tool representing a computational problem that embodies the central challenges facing biological image database research. It often requires the consideration of expert/conceptual knowledge of images and the objects contained within such images. This paper discusses the feasibility of developing a set of imaging algorithms that allows the user to train an imaging system/database to recognize biological objects of various sorts based on their own criteria. The image software builds a model of the selected objects by reiterative training, evolving the ability (i.e., the underlying rules) to recognize these objects. These objects are in turn archived into a growing database t...
Moments and characteristic function of a nonstationary particle distribution after injection.

This paper studies the injection process into a storage ring and presents an analytic model for the nonstationary particle distribution after mismatched or off-axis injection. The effects of nonlinear fields as well as the coupling to the longitudinal motion are described by analytic expressions for the first moments of the particle distribution. The result contains two distinct approximations: first, the Hamiltonian has been replaced by a Hamiltonian averaged over the phase variable; second, the characteristic function of the longitudinal distribution has been confined to the first two cumulants. Functions of moments that remain invariant for this averaged Hamiltonian are constructed.
In Vivo Measurement of Age-Related Stiffening in the Crystalline Lens by Brillouin Optical Microscopy

The biophysical and biomechanical properties of the crystalline lens (e.g., viscoelasticity) have long been implicated in accommodation and vision problems, such as presbyopia and cataracts. However, it has been difficult to measure such parameters noninvasively. Here, we used in vivo Brillouin optical microscopy to characterize material acoustic properties at GHz frequency and measure the longitudinal elastic moduli of lenses. We obtained three-dimensional elasticity maps of the lenses in live mice, which showed biomechanical heterogeneity in the cortex and nucleus of the lens with high spatial resolution. An in vivo longitudinal study of mice over a period of 2 months revealed a marked age-related stiffening of the lens nucleus. We found remarkably good correlation (log-log linear) between the Brillouin elastic modulus and the Young's modulus measured by conventional mechanical techniques at low frequencies (~1 Hz). Our results suggest that Brillouin microscopy is potentially useful for basic and animal research and clinical ophthalmology.
Control of Photonic Package Alignment With Asynchronous Laser Spot Welds

The precise alignment of an optical fiber to a laser diode for maximum optical coupling is often accomplished with synchronous laser spot welds in three symmetric locations. To improve precision and reduce operational complexity, the utility of single-beam spot welds made in an asynchronous manner has been investigated. Independent measurements of fiber tip post weld shift have been made using eddy current sensors and CCD camera imaging analysis. For the cylindrical radially aligned Kovar ferrules examined, post weld shift has been found to be independent of both the location and number of prior spot welds. Post weld shift direction has been shown to be relatively consistent and predictable when the fiber containing ferrule is properly restrained. It has been demonstrated that through the application of an axial restraining force on radially aligned ferrules, post weld shift can be reduced to less than 2 mum. Analytical equations have been presented that predict the magnitude of the measured post weld shift and also serve to guide engineers in optimal design geometries and preferred welding conditions.
Autoantibodies in systemic sclerosis.

Objectives To describe the clinical, laboratory, and prognostic features associated with the scleroderma-specific autoantibodies. Methods Using the Pittsburgh Scleroderma Databank, all consecutive patients seen between 1980 and 1995 who had autoantibody studies performed were studied. Anticentromere antibodies (ACA), antitopoisomerase (TOPO), anti-U1-RNP (U1-RNP), anti-RNA Polymerase III (Pol 3), anti-U3-RNP (U3-RNP), anti-Th/To (Th/To), and anti-Pm/Scl (Pm/Scl) were determined according to previously described methods. The frequency of clinical features, organ system outcomes, and survival within the patients with a specific antibody were cumulative over the course of the disease. The frequency of a specific feature was compared across groups to identify significant manifestations and outcomes in patients with a specific antibody. Results Some demographic, clinical, and organ system findings were associated with the specific antibody, and other features with the scleroderma subtype (limited cutaneous or diffuse cutaneous scleroderma). U3-RNP, U1-RNP, and TOPO were seen more commonly in African-American patients, and ACA was seen in older, female Caucasians. Muscle inflammation was seen in patients with U1-RNP and U3-RNP. Digital tip ulcers and digital tuft resorption were seen more frequently in those with ACA and TOPO. A vasculopathy causing pulmonary hypertension typically occurs with ACA and pulmonary fibrosis with TOPO; however, both types of lung disease were seen in patients with nucleolar antibodies, Th/To and U3-RNP. Importantly, severe interstitial fibrosis was rarely seen in cases with Pol 3. Renal crisis was strongly associated with Pol 3. Survival within limited scleroderma was decreased in the Th/To patients compared with ACA patients. Within the diffuse scleroderma group, patients with Pol 3 had the best survival. Conclusions Scleroderma autoantibodies are associated with very specific demographic, clinical, organ system, and survival features. Relevance The determination of scleroderma autoantibodies may be helpful in assessing the prognosis, monitoring, and treatment of scleroderma patients.
Disturbance rejection in control systems with saturating actuators

Addresses the disturbance rejection problem in control systems with saturating actuators by using the method of stochastic linearization. The disturbance is assumed to be white noise and the performance measure considered is the output variance. Both analysis and synthesis problems are investigated. In the analysis part, a method is developed to predict disturbance rejection quality of a given control system. In the synthesis part, a systematic controller design method that achieves suboptimal disturbance rejection is presented.
Testing the Effectiveness of Regulation and Competition on Cable Television Rates

Regulation of the cable television industry was marked by remarkable periods of deregulation, re-regulation, and re-deregulation during the 1980s and 1990s. Using Federal Communications Commission firm-level survey data spanning 1993–2001, we model and econometrically estimate the effect of regulation and competition on cable rates. Our calculations indicate that although regulation lowered rates for small system operators, it raised them for medium and large systems. Meanwhile, competition consistently decreased rates from 5.6 to 8.8 percent, with even larger declines during periods of regulation. Our results suggest that competition is more effective than regulation in containing cable prices.
Infectious Complications of Antilymphocyte Therapies in Solid Organ Transplantation

Antilymphocyte therapies are widely used for immunosuppression in solid organ transplantation. These agents have varied mechanisms of action, with resulting differences in the intensity and duration of immunosuppression and in associated infectious complications. Induction therapy with antithymocyte globulins is associated with a greater incidence of cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, and BK polyomavirus infections, compared with therapy with interleukin (IL)-2a receptor antagonists. However, long-term experience with the IL-2a receptor antagonists is lacking. By contrast, the treatment of graft rejection with T cell-depleting antibodies is associated with an increased risk of opportunistic infections. This is likely a reflection of the intensification of immunosuppression in the treatment of graft rejection and, often, a failure to link the use of antilymphocyte agents to prophylaxis for infection. The use of T cell-depleting agents, especially in the treatment of acute graft rejection, must be linked to monitoring and risk-adjusted prophylaxis for Pneumocystis, other fungi, Epstein-Barr virus, BK polyomavirus, and cytomegalovirus infection.
Money and fame: vividness effects in the National Basketball Association

In his widely reprinted paper “On the Folly of Rewarding A, While Hoping for B,” Kerr argued that vividness was one of the major reasons for distorted rewards. Using both archival and survey data, the present paper directly tests Kerr's proposal by investigating whether, how, and why highly visible behaviors are over-rewarded and less visible, but similarly (or more) important behaviors are under-rewarded. The National Basketball Association (NBA) was chosen as the domain of this study because scoring is particularly vivid, even though both non-scoring and scoring performances are critical for winning games. Findings from four studies demonstrated that the scoring performance of NBA players was weighed more heavily than their non-scoring performance. Scorers were rewarded with higher salaries and received more support in the NBA All-Star balloting than defenders, even though they might not necessarily make more contribution than their teammates. This pattern of findings suggests that the vividness effect may lead to pronounced differences in people's judgments, especially when they face abundant real-world information with similar validity. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Supervised Learning Approach to Monaural Segregation of Reverberant Speech

A major source of signal degradation in real environments is room reverberation. Monaural speech segregation in reverberant environments is a particularly challenging problem. Although inverse filtering has been proposed to partially restore the harmonicity of reverberant speech before segregation, this approach is sensitive to specific source/receiver and room configurations. This paper proposes a supervised learning approach to monaural segregation of reverberant voiced speech, which learns to map from a set of pitch-based auditory features to a grouping cue encoding the posterior probability of a time-frequency (T-F) unit being target dominant given observed features. We devise a novel objective function for the learning process, which directly relates to the goal of maximizing signal-to-noise ratio. The models trained using this objective function yield significantly better T-F unit labeling. A segmentation and grouping framework is utilized to form reliable segments under reverberant conditions and organize them into streams. Systematic evaluations show that our approach produces very promising results under various reverberant conditions and generalizes well to new utterances and new speakers.