cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A POMDP framework for human-in-the-loop system

Human operators are involved in many real world systems such as automobile systems. Traditional human-assistance features such as warning systems in the aircraft and automatic braking systems in automobile only monitor the states of the machine in order to prevent human errors and enhance safety. We believe that next generation systems should be able to monitor both the human and the machine and give an appropriate feedback to them. Although having human in the control loop has its advantage, it lacks a unified modeling framework to manage the feedback between the human and the machine. In this paper, we will present how partially observable Markov decision process (POMDP) can be used as a unified framework for the three main components in a human-in-the-loop control system—the human model, the machine dynamic model and the observation model. We use simulations to show the benefits of this framework. Finally, we outline the key challenge to advance this framework.
SU-E-T-553: Characterization of Plastic Scintillator Detectors for Radiation Therapy

Purpose: To characterize basic performance of plastic scintillator detectors (PSD) designed for dosimetry of radiation therapy. Methods: The Exradin W1 Scintillator is a plastic scintillating fiber-based detector designed for highly accurate measurement of small radiotherapy fields used in patient plan verification and machine commissioning and QA procedures. The Cerenkov emissions were corrected using spectral separation. The optical signal was converted to electronic signal with a photodiode. We measured its dosimetry performance, including percentage depth dose, output factor, dose and dose rate linear response. We compared the dosimetry results with reference ion chamber measurements. Results: The dosimetry results of PSD agree well with reference ion chamber measurements. For percentage depth dose, the differences between PSD and ion chamber results are on average 1.7±1.1% and 0.8±0.8% with a maximum of 3.5% and 2.7% for 6MV and 15MV beams, respectively. For the output factors, PSD measurements are within 2% from ion chamber results. The dose linear response is within 1% when dose is larger than 20 MU for both 6 MV and 15 MV. The dose rate linear response is within 1% for the entire dose rate used (100 MU/min to 600MU/min). Conclusions: The current design of PSD is feasible for the dosimtry measurement in radiation therapy. This combination of PSD and photodiode system could be extended to multichannel array detection of dose distribution. It might as well be used as range verification in proton therapy. The work is partially supported by: DOD (W81XWH-09-2-0174) and American Cancer Society (IRG-78-002-28)
Delay-Adaptive Predictor Feedback for Systems With Unknown Long Actuator Delay $ $

Stabilization of an unstable system with an unknown actuator delay of substantial length is an important problem that has never been attempted. We present a Lyapunov-based adaptive control design, prove its stability and regulation properties for the plant and actuator states, and present a simulation example inspired by the problem of control of pitch and flight path rates in the unstable X-29 aircraft.
Can Computer-Based Feedback Improve Emergency Department Patient Uptake of Rapid HIV Screening?

Objective We determine whether (1) an audiocomputer-delivered tailored feedback intervention increases emergency department (ED) patient uptake of opt-in, nontargeted rapid HIV screening; and (2) uptake is greater among patients who report more HIV risk and among those whose self-perceived HIV risk increases from baseline after completion of an HIV risk assessment. Methods ED patients aged 18 to 64 years were randomly assigned to receive either an assessment about reported and self-perceived HIV risk or an identical assessment plus feedback about their risk for having or acquiring an HIV infection, tailored according to their reported risk. All participants were offered a fingerstick rapid HIV test. Two-sample tests of binomial proportions were used to compare screening uptake by study arm. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the relationship of reported HIV risk and an increase in self-perceived HIV risk with uptake of HIV screening. Results Of the 566 participants, the median age was 29 years, 62.2% were women, and 66.9% previously had been tested for HIV. Uptake of HIV screening was similar in the intervention and no intervention arms (54.1% versus 55.5% [Δ=−0.01%; 95% confidence interval {CI} −0.09% to 0.07%]). An increase in self-perceived HIV risk predicted greater uptake of HIV screening for women (odds ratio 2.15; 95% CI 1.08 to 4.28) but not men (odds ratio 1.61; 95% CI 0.60 to 4.30). Uptake of HIV screening was not related to reported HIV risk. Conclusion Uptake of rapid HIV screening in the ED was not improved by this feedback intervention. Other methods need to be investigated to improve uptake of HIV screening by ED patients.
Collision broadening and shift of the potassium 4P-7S and 4P-5D lines by argon

A two-step laser excitation technique has been used to investigate the collisional broadening and shift of excited-state potassium transitions. Values for the argon collisional broadening and shift constants for the potassium 4p-7s and 4p-5d transitions were determined from line shapes for argon pressures up to 100 Torr. The values of these constants (in units of 10/sup -9/ rad s/sup -1/ atom/sup -1/ cm/sup 3/) are (4P/sub 1/2/-7S/sub 1/2/): ..gamma..=11.60 +- 0.07, ..beta..=-6.68 +- 0.11; (4P/sub 3/2/-7S/sub 1/2/): ..gamma..=11.49 +- 0.15, ..beta..=-6.82 +- 0.14; (4P/sub 1/2/-5D/sub 3/2/): ..gamma..=8.64 +- 0.07, ..beta..=-4.62 +- 0.04; (4P/sub 3/2/-5D/sub 3/2/): ..gamma..=8.58 +- 0.10, ..beta..=-3.49 +- 0.32; (4P/sub 3/2/-5D/sub 5/2/): ..gamma..=9.13 +- 0.10, ..beta..=-4.73 +- 0.09. These broadening and shift constants are interpreted in terms of a Lennard-Jones interaction potential.
Morphological evolution of oxide scales grown on ferritic steels in steam

AbstractThis study is concerned with the thermally-grown oxide scales formed inside tubes in a steam boiler during normal operation, and the influence of the morphological evolution of those scales on how strains are developed and accommodated. Understanding such details is an important consideration in modeling the tendency for scale spallation or exfoliation. Overall, the scales formed on ferritic steels in steam can be simplistically described as a layer of essentially pure magnetite in contact with the steam, and a second layer of magnetite containing alloying elements (especially Cr) next to the alloy. Hematite also can develop as a third, outermost oxide layer that may be non-uniform in thickness, and penetrate inwards along grain boundaries in the magnetite layer. A peculiar variant of this morphology often reported on low-alloy ferritic steels after boiler service (but not on laboratoryoxidized specimens) has a relatively thick outer magnetite layer and multiple ‘inner layers’ described as decreas...
PHOTOCHEMISTRY, PHOTOPHYSICS, AND MECHANISM OF PYRIMIDINE DIMER REPAIR BY DNA PHOTOLYASE

DNA photolyases photorepair pyrimidine dimers (Pyr Pyr) in DNA as well as RNA and thus reverse the harmful effects of UV-A (320-400 nm) and UV-B (280-320 nm) radiations. Photolyases from various organisms have been found to contain two noncovalently bound cofactors; one is a fully reduced flavin adenine dinucleotide (FADH-) and the other, commonly known as second chromophore, is either methenyltetrahydrofolate (MTHF) or 8-hydroxydeazaflavin (8-HDF). The second chromophore in photolyase is a light-harvesting molecule that absorbs mostly in the near-UV and visible wavelengths (300-500 nm) with its high extinction coefficient. The second chromophore then transfers its excitation energy to the FADH-. Subsequently, the photoexcited FADH- transfers an electron to the Pyr Pyr generating a dimer radical anion (Pyr Pyr.-) and a neutral flavin radical (FADH.). The Pyr Pyr.- is very unstable and undergoes spontaneous splitting followed by a back electron transfer to the FADH.. In addition to the main catalytic cofactor FADH-, a Trp (Trp277 in Escherichia coli) in apophotolyase, independent of other chromophores, also functions as a sensitizer to repair Pyr Pyr by direct electron transfer.
Anti-SCID mouse reactivity shapes the human CD4+ T cell repertoire in hu-PBL-SCID chimeras.

Injecting human peripheral blood mononuclear cells into severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice results in long-term engraftment of human lymphocytes, of which > 98% are phenotypically mature, activated T cells. Here we have characterized the human T cells that populate such hu-PBL-SCID chimeras. We report that these human T cells do not mobilize Ca2+ after CD3 stimulation, i.e., their T cell receptor (TCR)-mediated signal transduction is deficient. Chimera-derived human T cells do not secrete lymphokines or undergo blastogenesis after CD3 stimulation, but proliferate in response to interleukin 2 (IL-2), defining the chimera derived human T cells as anergic. Anergy was seen in both the CD4+ and the CD8+ subpopulations. We established human T cell lines from chimeras. These T cells retained their anergic state for 1-2 mo in culture, after which they simultaneously regained the ability to mobilize Ca2+, secrete lymphokines, and to undergo blastogenesis following stimulation via the TCR. Once regaining proliferative responsiveness to CD3 stimulation, these CD4+ T cell lines displayed anti-SCID mouse reactivity and showed no specificity for recall antigens. All CD3-responsive CD4+ T cell clones obtained from such lines were SCID mouse specific, recognizing native major histocompatibility complex class II products on the murine cells. In contrast, chimera-derived human CD8+ cell lines and clones did not display detectable anti-mouse reactivity. The data show that the human T cell system in long term hu-PBL-SCID chimeras is nonfunctional due to both anergy and the limitation of the CD4+ repertoire to xenoreactive clones. The data suggest that long-term hu-PBL-SCID chimerism represents an atypical graft-versus-host reaction in which the human effector T cells become anergic in the murine environment.
Improving Rates for Pneumococcal and Influenza Vaccines

ISSUE: This is a 60-bed community hospital with approximately 13.4% of inpatient admissions being = > 65 years old. Chart review revealed under-use of the pneumococcal and influenza vaccine in the over 65 patient population. Over the years, administration of these vaccines has been left to the discretion of the primary care physician. The numbers reported in the chart review were consistent with numbers reported for vaccine use in the literature for the eligible patients. In October 2002, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid had published a final rule permitting the use of standing orders for these vaccines, allowing their administration without a physician's signature. This project was done to increase pneumoccal and influenza vaccine rate among eligible patients in this hospital. PROJECT: In lieu of a standing order, in 2003 the Case managers were asked to assess patients and put a reminder in the progress notes of eligible patients' charts to remind physicians to order the vaccines. This method met with little success. In 2004 we started a workgroup involving case management, nursing, pharmacy, quality improvement and infection control. The workgroup was to develop and implement a standing order protocol. The workgroup wrote a policy, developed forms for assessment and reminder stickers, prepared a self-study packet and conducted a house-wide education for nurses, pharmacy and physicians. The case managers were assigned the task of assessing the patients and implementing the standing order protocol. RESULTS: Vaccination rates improved greatly. Influenza vaccinations went from being administered to 50% of eligible patients in 2003 to 84% of eligible patients in 2005 and subsequently a rise was seen in the pneumococcal rates, which went from 50% of eligible patients in 2003 to 85% of eligible patients in 2005. Vaccine failure rates were mainly seen for patients admitted on weekends or holidays and dismissed without case management involvement. LESSONS LEARNED: Standing order is important in improving vaccination rates however without proper implementation it is relatively ineffective. Thus, creating a protocol for proper implementation of the order becomes even more important. Cues and reminders proved to be very important. Incremental implementation helped with physician buy-in for full implementation. Improvement is still needed in creating and implementing a weekend protocol for eligible patients who are dismissed before being seen by case managers.
Analysis of three-phase magnitude-phase detection method based on double dq transformation

The detection method of voltage for control of reactive power is an important issue because stability of voltage affects the operating characteristic and security of power grid when large wind generator integrated into the grid. The conventional three-phase magnitude-phase detection method of voltage, which adopted PI control method, had a low speed of dynamic response because of negative-sequence and harmonic components. Also it could not exactly extract the fundamental positive-sequence magnitude/phase of a three-phase power system. Based on double dq synchronous reference frame, a novel three-phase magnitude-phase detection method which can decouple the positive dq and negative dq sequences and detect the magnitudes/phases of fundamental positive-sequence component and negative-sequence component of three-phase voltages or currents has been proposed. The simulation results approved that the response speed of proposed method is more quickly than the conventional method. In addition, the magnitudes and phases of the fundamental positive-sequence voltage could be tracked more accurately and detecting precision be higher by suppressing harmonic propagation effectively with new method.
Orientational ordering in 2- and 3-dimensional systems

Abstract Recent theoretical results concerning hexatic bond orientational order in amorphous two-dimensional binary mixtures and icosahedral bond order in bulk systems are reviewed.
Rotationally resolved fluorescence emission from coriolis-coupled vibrational levels with zero-order components

Abstract The 1 1 4 1 and 5 1 levels in S 1 H 2 CO are a -axis Coriolis coupled. The rotationally resolved fluorescence emission from the 1 1 4 1 (and 5 1 ) level has been studied in the “collision-free” regime of pressure. The emission from each vibronic eigenstate contains not only fluorescence from the “parent” vibrational zero-order component but also fluorescence from a third “mixed-in” vibrational zero-order component which has not been previously considered. It is shown that the measurement of the rotational line intensities deviating from the Honl—London formulae allows one to calculate the mixing coefficients due to Coriolis interactions.
Gastric submucosal polyps: histological diagnosis is not always necessary.

(2003). Gastric submucosal polyps: histological diagnosis is not always necessary. Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology: Vol. 38, No. 11, pp. 1196-1196.
Validating Measures of Algebra Teacher Subject Matter Knowledge and Pedagogical Content Knowledge

The purpose of this study was to validate inferences about scores of one task designed to measure subject matter knowledge and three tasks designed to measure aspects of pedagogical content knowledge. Evidence for the validity of inferences was based on two expectations. First, if tasks were sensitive to expertise, we would find group differences. Second, tasks that measured similar types of knowledge would correlate strongly, and tasks that measured different types of knowledge would correlate weakly. We recruited and assessed 4 groups of participants including 46 experienced algebra teachers (2+ years experience), 17 novice algebra teachers (0–2 years experience), 10 teaching experts, and 13 subject matter experts. Results indicate that one task differentiated among levels of expertise and measured several aspects of knowledge needed to teach algebra. Results also highlight that future studies should use a combination of tasks to accurately measure different aspects of teacher knowledge.
Design and Dynamic Modeling of a Flexible Feathering Joint for Robotic Fish Pectoral Fins

In this paper, we propose a novel design for a pectoral fin joint of a robotic fish. This joint uses a flexible part to enable the rowing pectoral fin to feather passively and thus reduce the hydrodynamic drag in the recovery stroke. On the other hand, a mechanical stopper allows the fin to maintain its motion prescribed by the servomotor in the power stroke. The design results in net thrust even when the fin is actuated symmetrically for the power and recovery strokes. A dynamic model for this joint and for a pectoral fin-actuated robotic fish involving such joints is presented. The pectoral fin is modeled as a rigid plate connected to the servo arm through a pair of torsional spring and damper that describes the flexible joint. The hydrodynamic force on the fin is evaluated with blade element theory, where all three components of the force are considered due to the feathering degree of freedom of the fin. Experimental results on robotic fish prototype are provided to support the effectiveness of the design and the presented dynamic model. We utilize three different joints (with different sizes and different flexible materials), produced with a multi-material 3D printer, and measure the feathering angles of the joints and the forward swimming velocities of the robotic fish. Good match between the model predictions and experimental data is achieved, and the advantage of the proposed flexible joint over a rigid joint, where the power and recovery strokes have to be actuated at different speeds to produce thrust, is demonstrated.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Immunologic-mediated protection of Trypanosoma congolense-infected mice by polyribonucleotides.

SYNOPSIS. When the synthetic polyribonucleotides polyinosinic acid-polycytidylic acid (poly I poly C) and polyadenylic acid-polyuridylic acid (poly A poly U) were tested against mice infected with varying numbers of Trypanosoma congolense the results varied with the method of passage of trypanosomes in mice. Thus, when 100 flagellates were passaged every 7th day and experiments were initiated with these trypanosomes from mice on the 7th day of their infection, the protective effects of poly I poly C and poly A poly U apparently varied independently of each other as assayed by the mean parasitemias and cumulative mortalities of infected mice. Poly I poly C-resistant and poly I poly C-susceptible variants (“R” and “S”, respectively) were isolated and maintained in mice by passage of 106 trypanosomes every 4th day. Mice infected with these variants responded consistently to poly I poly C and poly A poly U injections in that mice infected with the “R” variant showed no response to either polyribonucleotide but those infected with the “S” variant consistently had a decrease in mean parasitemias and cumulative mortality when treated with poly I poly C, but not with poly A poly U. Using mice infected with the “S” variant, the protective effect of poly I poly C was dose-dependent and best protection was afforded when 1st injections of poly I poly C were given around the time of infection of the mice. The protective effects of the synthetic polyribonucleotides used in these experiments are probably due to their immunologic enhancing capacities and not to interferon. To support this, injections of Newcastle disease virus, a strong inducer of interferon in mice, did not protect against T. congolense in mice. It was not possible to determine whether serum from poly I poly C-treated mice had a greater neutralizing effect upon trypanosomes in vitro than serum from saline-treated mice since any effect of antibody was masked by a naturally occurring inhibitor in normal mouse serum which was reduced during infection. The protective effects of poly I poly C in T. congolense-infected mice were reversed by treatment with cyclophosphamide. This strong immunosuppressant, however, could not reverse the protective effects of poly I poly C against mice infected with Semliki Forest virus, strongly suggesting that the protective mechanisms stimulated by poly I poly C in these 2 infections were different. The response of mice infected with the “R” and “S” variants of T. congolense to synthetic polyribonucleotides is discussed in relation to antigenic variation of trypanosomes.
Lifestyle: Mythinformation in the high-tech era: The romanticization of the personal computer as a social panacea threatens to blind society to the fact that without guiding wisdom even the best tool can be misused

?[With powerful personal computers] revolution, transformation and salvation are all to be carried out.?
Biodiversity and Potential Use of Marine Macroalgae From the Offshore Oil Platforms in the Gulf of Mexico

In the north-western Gulf of Mexico, more than 3000 oil and gas platforms are supporting a significant community of marine organisms in an area wherein natural hard substrata are scarce. This preliminary study is designed to provide information on the algal component in terms of species diversity of marine red, brown and green macroalgae and cyanobacteria colonizing these artificial reefs. The vertical, horizontal and seasonal distribution and relative abundance are being documented. Taxonomic results are being evaluated for potential use of some of the algae present as sources of natural products for the biotechnological industry. The island character of this steel archipelago in the north-western Gulf of Mexico provides an ideal environment to test biogeographical relationships with adjacent floras. This research is supported in part by the Minerals Management Service, US Department of the Interior.
Trajectories of mobility and IADL function in older patients diagnosed with major depression.

Objective—Research has shown an association between depression and functional limitations in older adults. Our aim was to explore the latent traits of trajectories of limitations in mobility and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) tasks in a sample of older adults diagnosed with major depression. Methods—Participants were 248 patients enrolled in a naturalistic depression treatment study. Mobility/IADL tasks included walking ¼ mile, going up/down stairs, getting around the neighborhood, shopping, handling money, taking care of children, cleaning house, preparing meals, and doing yardwork/gardening. Latent class trajectory analysis was used to identify classes of mobility/IADL function over a 4-year period. Class membership was then used to predict functional status over time. Results—Using time as the only predictor, three latent class trajectories were identified: 1) Patients with few mobility/IADL limitations (42%), 2) Patients with considerable mobility/IADL limitations (37%), and 3) Patients with basically no limitations (21%). The classes differed primarily in their initial functional status, with some immediate improvement followed by no further change for patients in classes 1 and 2, and a stable course for patients in class 3. In a repeated measures mixed model controlling for potential confounders, class was a significant predictor of functional status. The effect of baseline depression score, cognitive status, selfperceived health, and sex on mobility/IADL score differed by class.
Phase transitions in shear-induced segregation of granular materials.

We computationally study shear-induced segregation of different-sized particles in vertical chute flow. We find that, for low solid fractions, large particles segregate toward regions of low shear rates where the granular temperature (velocity variance) is low. As the solid fraction increases, this trend reverses, and large particles segregate toward regions of high shear rates and temperatures. We find that this is a global phenomenon: local segregation trends reverse at high system solid fractions even where local solid fractions are small. The reversal corresponds to the growth of a single enduring cluster of 30%--60% of the particles that we propose changes the segregation dynamics.
A Physiological Authentication Scheme in Secure Healthcare Sensor Networks

In this paper, we propose a novel two-tier authentication scheme based on physiology. Our sensors are fused with a patient, where a physiological key is generated in a decentralized fashion. Secure aggregation and secure routing are deployed in the authentication procedure. This scheme lies on our unique secure architecture for Healthcare WSN that explores the characteristics of Healthcare WSN, departing from general purpose WSN. We conduct extensive analysis to study the effectiveness and efficiency of our scheme.
Homicide, psychopathology, prosecutorial and jury discretion and the death penalty

Introduction The American preoccupation with the death penalty persists and, in fact, shows no sign of abatement. This is demonstrated not only by attitudinal measures but also by the quickening pace of executions. In California, homicide convictions can result in either 25-year-to-life, life-with-no-possibility-of-parole, or death sentences. The ultimate outcome in any given case is determined by a complex interaction of prosecutorial and jury decisions. Three vignettes illustrate how heinous crimes have been handled quite variably. Method A data set comprising 115 homicide cases was examined. To determine how murderers who qualify for the death penalty differed, if at all, from those who did not so qualify, 52 defendants who met the criteria for a death sentence were compared with 63 who did not. Criteria utilized and ignored by prosecutors in seeking the death penalty were analysed by comparing 39 cases in which death sentences could have been and were sought with 13 cases in which prosecutors chose to seek a lesser penalty instead. Finally, criteria utilized and ignored by juries to reach sentencing decisions were analysed by comparing 25 cases in which juries chose not to hand down death sentences with 14 cases in which they did render death verdicts. Results Special circumstance murderers did not differ significantly on personal variables from ordinary murderers. (1) Special circumstances were invariably charged when more than one criterion for this was present. Robbery and sexual assault usually provoked a special circumstances charge. Mitigating factors did not deter prosecutors from charging a special circumstance. (2) There was no excess of aggravating factors in individuals sentenced to death by juries, indeed there was a trend for the opposite to be the case, but there was a trend for mitigating factors to be commoner in those excused the death penalty. Conclusion It is not clear that the death penalty process in California carries out the legislature's intent but the US Supreme Court's 1976 mandate that mitigating and aggravating factors should provide discretion may be having a modest impact. Copyright © 2000 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Social desirability in measures of subjective well-being: Age comparisons

The present investigation evaluated the relationship between measures of psychological well-being and social desirability in three age groups: 21–40, 41–60, and 61–82 year-old samples. Data on 330 people, consisting of community and clinical groups, yielded high correlations between three measures of well-being (the MUNSH, the LSI-Z, and the PGC) and the Edwards Social Desirability Scale for all age groups, but only moderate ones between well-being scales and the Marlow-Crown Social Desirability Scale. Partial correlations between well-being measures and an external criterion of happiness, controlling for social desirability, failed to improve on the 0-order criterion/well-being relationship. Controlling for social desirability, therefore, does not enhance the construct validity of well-being scales in adult populations at any age. These results, combined with those on the factor structure of scale totals and on the discriminant validity of the well-being measures, suggest that the high 0-order correlations between measures of well-being and the Edwards scale are more readily attributed to content similarity between the Edwards scale and measures of well-being than to a social desirability response bias in well-being measures.
Dynamics of Potassium Flux in Cardiac Arrhythmias

Abstract A considerable net myocardial potassium loss was demonstrated in the dog during rapid ventricular tachycardias. This net potassium loss was associated with some serious arrhythmias which invariably induced resistant ventricular fibrillation. The myocardial potassium loss was associated with an increased myocardial oxygen consumption and lactic acid production. These studies suggest that restoration of the myocardial potassium balance may provide a more proper rationale for the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias.
Objectivist misinterpretations of Bayesian Nuances in portfolio theory and the models

Conflicting Bayesian and objectivist views of probability and statistics were argued long before Markowitz came on the scene. The probability perceptions that Markowitz expresses in his seminal paper (1952), more recently in his Nobel lecture (1991), and in virtually every paper written in-between, are decidedly Bayesian. In his monograph (1959), for example, Markowitz argued that “the results of a portfolio analysis are no more than the logical consequence of its information concerning securities.” Arrow (1971) refers to this alleged (i.e., theoretical) transference between ex ante probability belief and decision outcome as the framework of risk. Transformations of this sort are consistent with Bayesian views and definitions, but are totally inconsistent with sample theory definitions. Under conditions of generalized uncertainty, therefore, where ex ante expectations are based on objective probabilities (subject to estimation error), no such simple one-to-one transformation between the information set, ex ante expectations, and decision outcomes exists or can be assumed. Markowitz’s idiomatic references to Bayesian statistical concepts are more than mere window dressing. He has a purpose in arguing (1959) for example, that future returns “are uncertain events rather than random variables subject to known objective probabilities,” and therefore that “expected returns, variances of returns, and covariances of return . . . should be interpreted as based on probability belief rather than objective probabilities.” His mean-variance utility maxim and deterministic solution approach cannot be fully justified except under conditions of risk-where probability is defined in precisely this way. Under conditions of risk, one assumes that the probability determining parameters of an event-generating process are known by introspection:
Retardation of 17-oxidation of 16α-[18F]fluoroestradiol-17β by substitution of deuterium for hydrogen in the 17α position(6)

Abstract We describe the synthesis, in vitro metabolism and biodistribution of [17α-2H]16α-[18F] fluoroestradiol ([18F]DFES). The clinically useful breast cancer imaging agent, 16α-[18F]fluoroestradiol-17β ([18F]FES), was deuterated at the C-17α position to lower the rate of C-17 alcohol oxidation. Metabolism studies in immature female rat and mature female baboon isolated hepatocytes showed [18F]DFES being consumed ca. 2.5 times slower than [18F]FES. Biodistribution studies and time-activity curve measurements in female rats showed [18F]DFES to have superior uptake characteristics compared to [18F]FES for imaging estrogen-receptor rich targets.
Load relaxation studies of four alkali halides

Load relaxation experiments were performed on single crystals of KI, LiF, NaCl and NaF at room temperature (T/TM = 0.30, 0.26, 0.27 and 0.23 respectively) and on LiF at 200 °C (T/TM = 0.42). For LiF at 200°C and for KI, the resulting log σ — log ϵ curves, called hardness curves, are concave downward independent of pre-strain history. At 22°C. the log σ — log ϵ curves for well-annealed LiF are concave upward: as LiF is work-hardened, the hardness curves become straight or slightly concave downward. The hardness curves for NaCl and NaF are similar to those for work-hardened LiF. These observations are in qualitative agreement with the work of Hart and Li on metals in that at low homologous temperatures and low hardness levels the hardness curves are concave upward; as the temperature and/or hardness level is increased, the hardness curves become first straight and then concave downward. This behavior suggests the following: at low homologous temperatures, glide controlled processes dominate and a model in which the strain rate ϵ is a function of the effective stress σ∝ to the power M (ϵ ∞ σ∝M) is adequate. At higher homologous temperatures, thermally activated processes predominate.
Pretreatment with the Cyclosporin Derivative, NIM811, Improves the Function of Synaptic Mitochondria following Spinal Cord Contusion in Rats

Trauma to the spinal cord causes a cascade of secondary events, such as mitochondrial dysfunction, which disrupts cellular functions and ultimately leads to cell death. Cyclosporin A (CsA) is a potent immunosuppressant that promotes mitochondrial function by inhibiting mitochondrial permeability transition (mPT). Clinical trials examining CsA in traumatic brain injury are currently underway, but CsA is potentially neurotoxic. NIM811 is a non-immunosuppressive CsA derivative that inhibits mPT at nanomolar concentrations and with significantly less cytotoxicity than CsA. In the present study, we investigated the effects of NIM811 treatment on mitochondrial bioenergetics and the production of reactive oxygen species following spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats. Rats were pretreated with NIM811 or vehicle, and after 15 min the rats received a “mild/moderate” spinal cord contusion. After 24 h, the spinal cords were rapidly removed and synaptosomal mitochondria were isolated. NIM811 pretreatment significantly imp...
Optimization of radiation therapy: Integral-response of a model biological system

Abstract Several radiotherapy treatment planning criteria have been proposed for dose distribution optimization. Here we present a simple mathematical model of an idealized biological system. From it we have derived an objective function designed to achieve an extremum for that particular plan which minimizes the probabilities of occurrence of unacceptable complications in healthy tissue and of recurrence or spread of disease. The model assumes that an organism is separable into physiologically discrete compartments or organs, each consisting of a set of microscopic functional units with their own dose-response characteristics. In analogy to the integral-dose, we define an integral-response parameter ν as a measure of radiation-induced damage; the value of this ν may be calculated for any given spatial distribution of dose in a compartment or organ. A Probability of Serious Complications function, PSC(ν), then provides an estimate of the likelihood of occurrence of unacceptable complications. Special problems arising with paired organs (kidneys), “series” organs (spinal cord), and the recurrence and spread of disease are addressed. The PSC for the various organs and neoplasia can be combined to form a compound Complication Factor (CF) objective function; the lower the value of the CF, the better the overall plan. Prospects for making the model explicitly time /fractionation dependent, and for incorporating utility theoretic ideas, are discussed.
Management of dabigatran-induced bleeding with continuous venovenous hemodialysis

Dabigatran, a direct thrombin inhibitor, is increasingly used for stroke prevention in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. Dabigatran has a stable pharmacokinetic profile with minimum drug interactions, and requires no routine laboratory evaluation to measure level of anticoagulation. This provides a huge advantage over warfarin, and has the potential to improve patient compliance. The disadvantages of dabigatran are the lack of a reversal agent to counter dabigatran-related bleeding and the absence of a widely available laboratory test that can quantify the extent of coagulopathy in dabigatran overdose. Hemodialysis can rapidly lower dabigatran levels and assist in controlling bleeding secondary to dabigatran overdose. However, in cases in which hemodynamic instability precludes the use of hemodialysis, alternative methods have to be utilized to control dabigatran-associated bleeding. Here we document a case of massive gastrointestinal bleeding secondary to dabigatran use that was successfully managed by continuous venovenous hemodialysis (CVVHD), along with supportive care with blood product transfusions. CVVHD reduces thrombin time and activated partial thrombin time, and causes a parallel decrease in amount of active bleeding. Finally, we show that compared to the rapid lowering of elevated thrombin time observed in hemodialysis, CVVHD requires several days to reduce thrombin time to normal range.
Boron-induced Bioelectric Field Change in Mung Bean Hypocotyl

Low concentrations of boron were found to affect the bioelectric field potentials of hypocotyls excised from 4-day-old mung bean (Phaseolus aureus cv. Oklahoma 612) seedlings grown in darkness and irradiated with red light. The significance of this effect is discussed in relation to the possible role of boron in some membrane function.
Are polar bears threatened

Nunavut, Canada, has increased the harvest quota for the 12 subpopulations of polar bears found within the territory from 403 in 2004 to 518 in 2005 partly based on the perception by Inuit (not supported by scientific data) that some subpopulations have been increasing under the historical harvest
Deflection Distortions Contributed by the Principal Field of a Ring Deflection Yoke

To achieve a more detailed understanding of the factors contributing to deflective distortions, an analysis was made of a simple ring deflection yoke. This type of yoke was selected because its magnetic field can be described by an infinite series whose first term is of principal significance. A practical ring yoke can be wound (with a simple sinusoidal winding distribution) which will establish a magnetic field described completely by this first term. Additional windings can also be added which produce fields corresponding to any of the subsequent terms of the series. This permits a detailed study of the effects of the winding distribution function upon the deflection distortions. Fortunately, these higher order fields are all zero on the yoke axis and are always negligible in the study of small angle deflections.
A mass-conservative finite volume predictor-corrector solution of the 1D Richards' equation

Summary Numerical solution of the Richards’ equation (RE) in variably saturated soils continues to be a challenge due to its highly non-linear behavior. This is particularly true as soils approach saturation and the behavior of the fundamental partial differential equation changes from elliptic to parabolic. In this paper, a finite volume predictor–corrector method with adaptive time-stepping was developed to solve the 1D vertical RE. The numerical method was mass-conservative and non-iterative. In the predictor step, the pressure head-based form of the RE was solved using the cell-centered finite volume method and the pressure head was updated. In the corrector step, the soil water content was calculated by solving the mixed form RE. Five different schemes to evaluate the inter-cell hydraulic conductivity were investigated. The robustness and accuracy of the numerical model were demonstrated through simulation of experimental tests, including free drainage, field infiltration into wet and dry soils, and laboratory infiltration with falling water table. Numerical results were compared against laboratory measurements, simulation results from the Hydrus-1D program, or analytical solution when available. Results showed that the developed scheme is robust and accurate in simulating variably saturated flows with various boundary conditions. The arithmetic mean and Szymkiewicz’s mean of inter-cell hydraulic conductivity performed better than other methods especially in the case of infiltration into very dry soil.
Real-time attractors

The global properties of attractors of a class of dynamical systems are studied in the state space. The concept of real-time attractor is introduced with the view on practical applications. The abstract properties of attractors and real-time attractors are illustrated on classical examples in mechanics by computing the domains of attraction of asymptotically stable equilibria and periodic solutions using the method of point mapping. The properties of transient attractors are also studied. One of the possible applications here is to use them in generating the map of a differential game in the state space
Regulation of the Annual Testis Cycle by Photoperiod and Temperature in the Lizard Anolis Carolinensis

Males of the lizard Anolis carolinensis are potentially continuous breeders but an annual testicular cycle is induced by seasonal climatic changes. Both photoperiod and temperature are involved as proximate factors in the regulation of testes activity but the importance of each varies with the phase of the cycle. The regenerative phase of spermatogenesis between late fall and spring is controlled primarily by temperature, whereas, the maintenance and eventual regression of the testis in late summer depends primarily on photoperiod. The male reproductive system shows a discrete period of photosensitivity; in nature the lizard shows photo—sexual responses only between late June and mid—October. It is the reduction in day length below about 13.5 hours (the critical day length) in August that induces gonadal regression. The onset and rate of regression is slightly retarded by high temperatures (32 degrees C). The critical day length and temperature dependence of these photoperiodic responses gradually change during the 4—month photosensitive period; and some photorefractoriness is evident early in this period. The factors that determine the onset of the photosensitive phase are poorly understood; short day lengths appear to be important for the termination of this phase. Photoperiod may also affect appetite and growth but these photoperiodic responses differ in several respects from the photo—sexual responses. The two types of photoperiodic responses have different seasonalities, critical day lengths and temperature dependencies. Analysis of the photo—thermal relations of testis activity in A. carolinensis in light of phenological and experimental data for testis cycles in other species indicates that considerable interspecific variation exists in saurian physiological adaptations.
Anatomical and functional plasticity in early blind individuals and the mixture of experts architecture.

As described elsewhere in this special issue, recent advances in neuroimaging over the last decade have led to a rapid expansion in our knowledge of anatomical and functional correlations within the normal and abnormal human brain. Here, we review how early blindness has been used as a model system for examining the role of visual experience in the development of anatomical connections and functional responses. We discuss how lack of power in group comparisons may provide a potential explanation for why extensive anatomical changes in cortico-cortical connectivity are not observed. Finally we suggest a framework – cortical specialization via hierarchical mixtures of experts – which offers some promise in reconciling a wide range of functional and anatomical data.
Low temperature silicon epitaxy using supersonic molecular beams

Epitaxy of silicon using a non-Maxwellian beam source is demonstrated. Pulses of monoenergetic, high kinetic energy supersonic beams of a Si 2 H 6 -H 6 mixture are directed at the substrate leading to epitaxial growth. Reflection high energy electron diffraction (RHEED) intensity variations are observed for low temperature growth (< 500°C) of silicon on Si(100). Arrhenius plots from these data indicate surface hydrogen desorption processes. Cross sectional transmission electron microscopy has been used to characterize the thin films for thickness and crystallinity. Results show that good quality crystalline films can be obtained at temperatures as low as 300°C with this novel technique
Magnetic Force Microscopy Study of New Nanocrystalline Soft Magnetic Ribbons.

New nanocrystalline, multicomponent extremely soft magnetic materials with superior high temperature magnetic properties hold great promise in power applications. Fabricated in ribbon form by rapid solidification methods, the initial material is amorphous. By controlled annealing procedures, the amorphous material was transformed into a nanocrystalline form with the degree of crystallinity determined by the annealing temperature and time. The magnetic structures of ribbons, as-fabricated and annealed at temperatures from 550 to 750 °C were examined by magnetic force microscopy to determine the impact of residual stress and nanocrystallinity on the observed structure. A correlation was seen between the magnetic structures and surface microstructure. The wheel side of the as-processed ribbon was rougher than the top side of the ribbon and a complicated magnetic domain structure was present in the amorphous material. After annealing, nanocrystals formed, increasing in size with increasing temperature. The lowest temperature annealed sample had a bimodal grain size distribution and a combination of stripe and localized domains. After annealing little difference was seen between the two sides of the ribbons. Stripe domains were absent in the ribbons annealed at the highest temperatures.
Systematic valence coding of Mexican “hot"—"cold” food

Field research among bilingual Spanish‐Zapotec peasants in Oaxaca, Mexico has revealed a system of classifying foods “hot” or “cold,” a classification which forms the basis for a good share of folk beliefs concerning health in Latin America. Most of the articles printed in the last few decades on this “hot"‐"cold” syndrome report that foods are arbitrarily labeled “hot” or “cold.” This paper shows that in one community in Mexico a systematic code is used for determining this label. After a brief review of the literature, the findings from field research are presented. This is followed by a discussion of the possibility that assignation of valences to foods, though reported as arbitrary by other researchers, might indeed by an ordered system. Implications that this system might have for beliefs and behaviors regarding health are described.
Toward a Coherent Theory of Race in the Education of School Leaders: fly fishing across the racial divide

ABSTRACT The preparation of school leaders in an increasingly diverse country such as the USA has been hampered by the use of racial theories that are contradictory, disingenuous, or both. Educational researchers typically treat race as an objective and biological reality with explanatory powers; conversely, many teachers and principals have adopted the color‐blind perspective and insist that they do not see race. Using fly fishing as a metaphor, the author critiques the origins of racial categories and describes traditions of resistance by African‐Americans and, more recently, European‐American educators. Using Omi & Winant's (1993) framework, he describes some of the features needed to shape a coherent theory of race in the training of school leaders.
Bipolar electrode phase shift analysis of multiple unit activity with digital output.

Abstract A method is described for deriving probabilistic information on the net physical movement of electrical phenomena in nuclei of the central nervous system. This is accomplished by measuring the phase shift or real time delay between the points of maximum amplitude for two coincident neuronal spikes arriving at a bipolar electrode. A digital logical device is described which computers the phase shift and interfaces such information with a computer.