cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Demonstration of extreme wavefront sensing performance on the TPF high contrast imaging testbed

The Terrestrial Planet Finder (TPF) high contrast imaging testbed (HCIT) facilitates the investigation into the diversity of engineering challenges presented by the goal of direct exo-planet detection. For instance, HCIT offers a high-density deformable mirror to control the optical wavefront errors, a configurable coronagraph to control the diffracted light, and translatable cameras for measuring the focal and pupil planes before and after the coronagraph. One of the principle challenges for a coronagraphic space telescope is the extreme level of wavefront control required to make the very faint planet signal reasonably detectable. A key component, the extremely accurate sensing of the wavefront aberrations, was recently shown to be achievable using a sufficiently constrained image-based approach. In this paper, we summarize the experimental performance a focus-diverse phase-retrieval method that uses symmetrically defocus point-spread function measurements that are obtained about the coronagraph occulter focal plane. Using the HCIT, we demonstrate the high level of wavefront sensing repeatability achieved with our particular choices of focus diversity, data fidelity and processing methodologies. We compare these results to traceable simulations to suggest a partitioning of the error sources that may be limiting the experimental results.
Regional Differences in Emergency Medical Services Use for Patients with Acute Stroke (Findings from the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey Emergency Department Data File)

Background Our objectives were to describe the proportion of stroke patients who arrive by ambulance nationwide and to examine regional differences and factors associated with the mode of transport to the emergency department (ED). Methods Patients with a primary discharge diagnosis of stroke based on previously validated International Classification of Disease, 9th revision codes were abstracted from the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey for the years 2007 to 2009. We excluded subjects Results Overall, 566 patients met the entry criteria, representing 2,153,234 patient records nationally, based on 2010 US census data. Of these, 50.4% arrived by ambulance. After adjustment for potential confounders, age was associated with use of an ambulance. In addition, patients residing in the west and south had lower odds of arriving by ambulance for stroke when compared to northeast (South: odds ratio [OR] 0.45 and 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.26-0.76; West: OR 0.45 and 95% CI 0.25-0.84; Midwest: OR 0.56 and 95% CI 0.31-1.01). Compared to the Medicare population, privately insured and self-insured patients had lower odds of arriving by ambulance (OR for private insurance 0.48 and 95% CI 0.28-0.84; OR for self-payers 0.36 and 95% CI 0.14-0.93). Gender, race, urban or rural location of ED, and safety net status was not independently associated with ambulance use. Conclusions Patients with stroke arrive by ambulance more frequently in the Northeast than in other regions of the United States. Identifying reasons for this difference may be useful in improving stroke care.
Assessing the objective measures of the evolving standards of decency: the history of measuring a moving target with an elastic ruler

In the 50 years since the Supreme Court ruled that the Eight Amendment’s guarantee against cruel and unusual punishments must be interpreted using the evolving standards of decency of a maturing society, scholars have frequently argued over how those standards should be measured. Justices have assessed the contemporary standards of decency using both subjective interpretations and a variety of objective measures in death penalty cases. Different objective indicia of these standards often support conflicting conclusions. Some decisions even may have been more the result of the measure chosen than the actual morality of society. The measures used to evaluate the use of the death penalty may be largely flawed. This creates a need for the evaluation and appraisal of each objective measure in order to determine which methodology best yields results that represent the views of society. The following analysis examines the strengths and weaknesses of the objective measures used in capital cases so that future decisions may utilise the most accurate and reliable measures.
Role of Dynamic Interactions in Effective Signal Transfer for Gβ Stimulation of Phospholipase C-β2

Abstract Heterotrimeric G protein subunits regulate their effectors by protein-protein interactions. The regions involved in these direct interactions have either signal transfer or general binding functions (Buck, E., Li, J., Chen, Y., Weng, G., Scarlata, S., and Iyengar, R. (1999) Science 283, 1332–1335). Although key determinants of signal transfer regions for G protein subunits have been identified, the mechanisms of signal transfer are not fully understood. We have used a combinatorial peptide approach to analyze one Gβ region, Gβ86–105, involved in signal transfer to the effector phospholipase C (PLC)-β2 to gain a more mechanistic understanding of Gβ/PLC-β2 signaling. Binding and functional studies with the combinatorial peptides on interaction with and stimulation/inhibition of phospholipase Cβ2 indicate that binding affinity can be resolved from EC50 for functional effects, such that peptides that have wild type binding affinities have 15- to 20-fold lower EC50 values. Although more potent, these peptides display a much lower extent of maximal stimulation. These peptides synergize with Gβγ or peptides encoding the second Gβ42–54 signal transfer region in maximally stimulating phospholipase C-β2. Other combinatorial peptides from the Gβ86–105 region that bind to PLC-β2 by themselves submaximally stimulate and extensively inhibit Gβγ stimulation of PLC-β2. The intrinsic stimulation function can be attributed to Arg-96 and Ser-97, the synergy function to Trp-99, and the binding affinity to Thr-87, Val-90, Pro-94, Arg-96, Ser-97, and Val-100. These results indicate that, even within signal transfer regions, residues involved in binding can be resolved from those involved in signal transfer and that signal transfer is likely to be achieved through dynamic rather than steady-state interactions.
Coordination Chemistry of 4-Methyl-2,6,7-trioxa-1-phosphabicyclo[2,2,1]heptane: Preparation and Characterization of Ru(II) Complexes

The complexes TpRu[P(OCH2)2(OCCH3](PPh3)Cl (2) [Tp = hydridotris(pyrazolyl)borate; P(OCH2)2(OCCH3) (1) = (4-methyl-2,6,7-trioxa-1-phosphabicyclo[2,2,1]heptane] and TpRu(L)(PPh3)Cl [L = P(OCH2)3CEt (3), PMe3 (4) or P(OMe)3 (5)], (η6-C6H6)Ru(L)Cl2 [L = PPh3 (6), P(OMe)3 (7), PMe3 (8), P(OCH2)3CEt (9), CO (10) or P(OCH2)2(OCCH3) (11)] and (η6-p-cymene)Ru(L)Cl2 [L = P(OCH2)3CEt (12), P(OCH2)2(OCCH3)P(OCH2)2(OCCH3) (13), P(OMe)3 (14) or PPh3 (15)] have been synthesized, isolated, and characterized by NMR spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, mass spectrometry, and, for some complexes, single crystal X-ray diffraction. Data from cyclic voltammetry and solid-state structures have been used to compare the properties of (1) with other phosphorus-based ligands as well as carbon monoxide. Data from the solid-state structures of Ru(II) complexes show that P(OCH2)2(OCCH3) has a cone angle of 104°. Cyclic voltammetry data reveal that the Ru(II) complexes bearing P(OCH2)2(OCCH3) have more positive Ru(III/II) redox potential...
Heave compensated response of long multi-segment drill strings*

A model for estimating the dynamic behavior of a long drill string excited by the heaving motion of the drill ship in a seaway, is presented. The drill string is modeled as an assembly of continuous rod segments of varying cross section and material properties, to which a large package can be attached. A passive heave compensation model is derived which represents the system used for deep water scientific drilling activities. The drill string model allows the specification of the seaway modeled as a single design wave or in terms of a wave spectrum. The drill string system response is characterized in terms of transfer functions representing displacement and stress at selected elevations along the drill string. The heave compensation for a variety of 20,000 ft (6,096m) drill string systems is discussed. The numerical results illustrate the sensitivity of the dynamic response estimates in near resonant conditions, and excitation of higher modes for very long drill string systems and the motion control available due to the introduction of passive heave compensation.
Building a Knowledge Base for MIS Research: A Meta-Analysis of a Systems Success Model

This study was conducted to create a knowledge base for MIS research. Building on two previous theoretical models, a systems success model relating six independent variables external environment, organizational environment, user environment, IS operations environment, IS development environment, and information systems to four success variables use, satisfaction, individual impact, and organizational impact was developed. This model was tested using data from 82 empirical studies in a meta-analysis. Results showed that all but one independent variable, external environment, had a significant relationship with success variables. In addition, each independent variable had varying strengths of relationships with different success variables. The findings yield important guidelines for the selection of variables in future research. The validated systems success model is general and theory based, and is useful in providing directions for future research.
Accuracy of predonation Hct sampling affects donor safety, eligibility, and deferral rates.

BACKGROUND: Safe blood donation depends upon reliable predonation Hct screening. Earstick (ES) capillary samples are frequently used, but they may not be accurate. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Predonation ES and fingerstick (FS) and postdonation venous Hct results were compared in 1960 whole-blood and 210 apheresis donors. The validity of using postdonation venous samples to evaluate predonation ES and FS Hct was assessed in 20 whole-blood donors. The impact of Hct screening method on donor Hct deferrals was examined during periods when either ES or FS sampling was used exclusively. RESULTS: All donors were eligible to donate on the basis of a predonation capillary Hct of ≥38 percent. In venous samples obtained immediately after donation, 36 percent of whole-blood donors had a Hct <38 percent. With correction for a decrease of approximately 2 Hct units during donation, 20 percent of these donors had a predonation Hct <38 percent. The lowest venous Hct was 23.1 percent. FS samples showed better correlation with venous Hct. Hct discrepancies were similar for apheresis donors. Hct deferrals were significantly higher with FS sampling, especially among women. CONCLUSION: Hct determinations from ES samples overestimate venous Hct. Fingerstick samples are more sensitive in detecting anemia. The accuracy of predona-tion Hct sampling has implications for donor safety, eligibility, and deferral rates.
Immunization of Chickens Against Adenovirus Infection

Abstract Chickens were vaccinated with monovalent and polyvalent adenovirus vaccines using three different serotypes, types 1, 2 and 3. No cross-protection was elicited by the heterologous serotypes but satisfactory protection from lesions and the shedding of challenge virus was induced by the homologous serotypes in the monovalent and polyvalent vaccines. The virus neutralizing (VN) titers were occasionally lower where the polyvalent vaccines were used when compared to those from chickens given the monovalent vaccines. This suggested possible interference though protection did exist against the appearance of lesions. Where chickens were vaccinated at an early age and in the presence of congenital homologous VN antibodies, protection against the effects of infection was satisfactory whereas the VN antibody titers were low or insignificant by the assay methods employed. The vaccine virus was not shed beyond 28 days after vaccination. No physical effects of vaccination were noted in any of the chickens during the post-vaccination period.
Biomarkers for severity of neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy and outcomes in newborns receiving hypothermia therapy.

Objective To evaluate serum neuronal and inflammatory biomarkers to determine whether measurements of umbilical cords at birth can stratify severity of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), whether serial measurements differ with hypothermia-rewarming, and whether biomarkers correlate with neurological outcomes. Study design This is a prospective cohort of inborn term newborns with varying degrees of HIE by neurological assessment. Neuronal glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase L1, and inflammatory cytokines were measured in serum from umbilical artery at 6-24, 48, 72, and 78 hours of age. Neurodevelopmental outcomes (Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development-III scales) were performed at 15-18 months. Results Twenty neonates had moderate (n = 17) or severe (n = 3) HIE and received hypothermia; 7 had mild HIE and were not cooled. At birth, serum GFAP and ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase L1 increased with the severity of HIE ( P P Conclusions The severity of the hypoxic-ischemic injury can be stratified at birth because elevated neuronal biomarkers in cord serum correlated with severity of HIE and outcomes.
Twenty years of progress in implant prosthodontics

Prosthodontic focus on the restoration of osseointegrated dental implants has evolved dramatically in the last 20 years. Many of the original guiding principles for restoring implants have changed and/or disappeared altogether, and new ideas have taken their place. It is appropriate that this evolution be examined with a 2-fold focus. First, the art and science of prosthodontics as it relates to dental implants today is the result of very real and important lessons learned during the past 2 decades. Second, an appreciation of the history of implant prosthodontics as it relates to osseointegration gives insight into the future direction of research and clinical exploration aimed at continually improving the state of the art and, ultimately, the quality of care provided to patients. This article reviews what the authors consider the most important aspects of the evolution of osseointegrated implants. Pertinent literature was selected for citation, but the discussion does not represent a comprehensive review of the literature.
Capsule commentary on Fontil, et al. physician underutilization of effective medications for resistant hypertension at office visits in the United States: NAMCS 2006-2010

Resistant hypertension is defined as elevated blood pressure despite optimal or best-tolerated treatment with at least three antihypertensive agents (one of which is usually a diuretic). Compared to patients with controlled blood pressure, patients with resistant hypertension are 50 % more likely to experience adverse cardiovascular events over a 4-year period.1 The first management guideline for management of resistant hypertension was published by the American Heart Association (AHA) in 2008.2 Currently, there are several guidelines on treating resistant hypertension. Using data from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, Fontil et al. described trends in physician (general/family practitioners, internists, cardiologists) use of recommended medications for resistant hypertension before and after the 2008 AHA guidelines.3 The authors found that use of recommended medications for resistant hypertension was low and remained low 2 years after guideline publication. Assuming that the contribution of pseudo-resistant hypertension to these results is limited (e.g., minimal white coat hypertension), these findings are unfortunately in line with previous studies that highlighted the limited impact of guideline publications.4 Fontil et al. discussed the use of treatment algorithms to encourage prescription of recommended medications including the importance of feedback to physicians regarding patterns of medication use. It is not clear whether it will be sufficient to swiftly improve the care of patients with resistant hypertension. Indeed, the clinical inertia of physicians not specialized in hypertension (an inertia due to several factors including misguided acceptance of elevated blood pressure and underestimation of cardiovascular disease risk)5 might remain a meaningful barrier to changing treatment of resistant hypertension even after the implementation of a treatment algorithm. An alternative would be to consider a “detect and redirect” approach. Non-specialist practitioners could be trained and helped (including by algorithms) to detect patients with resistant hypertension and then be guided to redirect them to physicians (including general internists) or to units/clinics specialized in the management of hypertension. In addition to improving the recommended medication use, this approach could also contribute to improving the investigation of resistant hypertension in general (e.g., diagnosis, secondary causes, target organ damage). Whether this would improve outcomes is worthy of future research.
Vancomycin Use for Pediatric Clostridium difficile Infection Is Increasing and Associated with Specific Patient Characteristics

In adults with Clostridium difficile infection (CDI), enteral vancomycin is considered the preferred initial regimen for severe disease; however, patterns of antimicrobial use for children with CDI are unknown. We sought to describe trends in and predictors of vancomycin use for the treatment of children with CDI admitted to tertiary-care children's hospitals in the United States. We used a database of freestanding children's hospitals to identify patients 1 to 18 years old with CDI between January 2006 and June 2011. The first hospitalization with a diagnosis of CDI for each patient was identified, and CDI-directed therapy was assessed. Generalized estimating equations were used to identify predictors of vancomycin receipt, controlling for clustering within hospitals. Vancomycin use has increased significantly (P = 0.005), with substantial variability between hospitals (0 to 16%). In multivariate analyses, vancomycin use was more common in children age 7 to 13 years old (versus children 1 to 2 years old: adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.57; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.13 to 2.18), 14 to 18 years old (AOR = 1.40; 95% CI = 1.11 to 1.76), in an ICU (AOR = 1.37; 95% CI = 1.05 to 1.80), or with chronic gastrointestinal conditions (AOR = 2.01; 95% CI = 1.44 to 2.81). Vancomycin use was less common in black (AOR = 0.53; 95% CI = 0.39 to 0.73) and Hispanic (AOR = 0.63; 95% CI = 0.47 to 0.84) patients and in children with malignancies (AOR = 0.57; 95% CI = 0.36 to 0.89). Despite a lack of empirical evidence to suggest superiority, vancomycin use for pediatric CDI is increasing. Furthermore, there is substantial variability in vancomycin use between hospitals. Further studies are needed to explore potential racial and ethnic differences in CDI management and to investigate clinicians' rationale for using vancomycin for initial therapy in selected populations.
Understanding NOx formation in nonpremixed flames: Experiments and modeling

Abstract Experimental studies and models of NOx formation in simple nonpremixed flames at atmospheric pressure are reviewed. Laminar flames are briefly discussed, while the bulk of the review focuses on axisymmetric, turbulent, jet flames. The issue of the scaling of NOx emission indices with nozzle exit diameter, initial jet velocity, and fuel type is a major theme of the article. The failure of a simple leading-order scaling is investigated and interpreted in terms of the various interrelated parameters affecting NO formation: the relative importance of various NO-forming chemical pathways, departures of O-atom concentrations and temperatures from their equilibrium values, flame strain, and flame radiation.
The psychological impact of orthognathic surgery: A 9-month follow-up

In an attempt to determine the impact of surgical orthodontics on patients' personality and perceptions of oral function, fifty-five patients were examined longitudinally. Patients completed five questionnaires during the course of treatment, from 1 month before to 9 months after surgery. Orthodontic appliances were still being worn by 56.1 percent at the 9-month assessment. Satisfaction with surgery, self-esteem, and body image were high throughout the postsurgical stage but showed significant changes. Satisfaction peaked at 4 months but declined at 9 months postsurgery, as did self-esteem and facial body image. Most of this decline was attributable to patients being still under orthodontic treatment, but those with continuing problems of pain, paresthesia, and oral dysfunction were not more likely to report psychological dissatisfaction. Results are examined from the perspectives of integration of body image and patient expectations from orthognathic surgery.
PAR6: PROPHYLACTIC MEDICATION UTILIZATION AND HEALTH CARE COSTS IN OLDER ADULTS WITH CHRONIC PULMONARY AILMENTS

OBJECTIVES: To examine the relationship between self-reported health status, prophylactic medication utilization, and health care service utilization in older adults with asthma. METHODS:Design: A prospective longitudinal cohort study was conducted over a 2-year post-enrollment period in a population of managed care enrolled asthmatic older adults. Patients completed a comprehensive health risk screen at time of enrollment in the plan. Setting: A Medicare HMO in the Southeastern United States with prescription benefit. Participants: A total of 129 Medicare-HMO enrolled older adults with asthma using inhaled corticosteroid therapy as prophylaxis were available for complete follow up. Measurements: We measured self-reported health perception, falls, lifestyle, depressive symptomatology, and pre-enrollment health care service use using a comprehensive risk screen. We used the medication possession ratio and total annual health care charges as measures of post-enrollment inhaled corticosteroid and health care service use. RESULTS: After adjusting for the effects of other variables we found that depressive symptomatology (DS) at baseline and increased comorbidity severity (using the Charlson comorbidity index) were associated with significant reductions in prophylactic medication possession (27% with DS, and 6% with unit increase in Charlson's index, p < 0.05). Additionally we found, after adjusting for the effects of baseline health status, a 10% increase in prophylactic medication possession was associated with a 5% decrease in total annual health care charges in this population (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: There seem to be strong associations between poor health status at time of enrollment, decreased post-enrollment prophylactic medication use and increased post-enrollment health care service utilization in older adults with asthma.
Effect of Hypertext Cue Presentation on Knowledge Representation

One important element of hypertext design is the presentation of the hypertext cue. This study compared learning relationships about animals in an oriental zodiac using one of two online, hypertext presentation styles and printed text. In one hypertext condition, the cues were embedded in the text; in the other condition, the cues were located in the margins. A control condition contained unrelated study materials. The database on the zodiac consisted of a multiple hierarchy. Two measures of learning were used. Reaction time before and after a brief study period was used to assess knowledge about the relationships among animals in the zodiac. Participants' ability to correctly reproduce the underlying model of the zodiac in the database using a card sorting task was used to assess the degree to which they learned the underlying model. Analysis of variance revealed a significant interaction between learning (pre- and post-study period) and presentation condition (hypertext embedded in text, hypertext in th...
The mechanism and prediction of critical heat flux in inverted geometries

Abstract Recent interest in a severe accident management scheme known as ‘In-Yessel Retention’ has created the need to establish the coolability limits of large, inverted geometries. In this paper, full-scale simulations conducted at UCSB's ULPU facility are examined at the microscopic level. Because of the peculiar geometry, it has become possible to directly visualize the boiling transition phenomenon, and with the help of microthermocouples to quantitatively identify the mechanism of dryout. Altogether, a new boiling transition regime was identified, with a significant coupling between overall systems dynamics and the microphenomena. This leads the way to the a priori prediction of critical heat flux and factors that may influence it.
A K-Means Cluster Analysis Computer Program With Cross-Tabulations and Next-Nearest-Neighbor Analysis:

A cluster analysis computer program is presented which uses the K-Means algorithm to obtain partitions of multivariate data which have low within-class variance. The program provides a somewhat nov...
The Spontaneous Order of Words: Economics Experiments in Haiku and Renga

The search is on for low cost collaborative learning models that foster creative cooperation and growth through spontaneous competition. I propose that a traditional renga competition for stakes can fulfill several of those goals at once. “Capitalistic Crisis,” composed by five undergraduate students, is an example of what might be called renganomics – a spontaneous, collaboratively written linked haiku about economics, inspired by haiku economics (Ziliak 2011, 2009a) and classical Japanese renga. A renga is in general a spontaneous, collaboratively written linked haiku poem with stanzas and links conventionally arranged in 5-7-5-7-7 syllabic order. In medieval Japan renga gatherings were social, political, and economic exchanges – from small to elaborate parties – with a literary end: a collectively written poem to provoke and entertain the assembled audience about a theme, mood, and season – economic seasons included. Since their ancient and royal beginnings among 8th century Japanese courtiers, renga have been written competitively and by all social classes for stakes. The current group of five student authors competed in a Spring 2014 economics class with forty other students grouped into teams of 3 or 5 at Roosevelt University. The renga competition, judged by Stephen T. Ziliak, lasted forty five minutes for a predetermined cash prize of fifty U.S. dollars. So far as we know this is the first spontaneous renga in English, or any language, to focus on economics. After a brief discussion of renga rules and the renga-haiku relationship, there follows the prize winning “Capitalistic Crisis” by Cathleen Vasquez, Joseph Molina and others, together with “Fashions of Economics: Haiku,” by Samuel Barbour, who was master-in-training at the renga.
Xeroderma pigmentosum endonuclease complexes show reduced activity on and affinity for psoralen cross-linked nucleosomal DNA.

Abstract Two DNA endonuclease complexes have been isolated from the chromatin of normal human and xeroderma pigmentosum, complementation group A (XPA), lymphoblastoid cells which are active on DNA damage with psoralen plus long wavelength ultraviolet radiation (UVA). In both normal and XPA cells, one endonuclease complex, p I 4.6, recognizes the psoralen cross-link and the other endonuclease complex, p I 7.6, recognizes the psoralen monoadduct. The levels of activity of these complexes from both normal and XPA cells are similar on damaged naked DNA. Kinetic analysis of assays using graduated concentrations of substrate revealed that selective activity of these endonuclease complexes on 8-MOP plus UVA treated DNA correlates with a reduction in K m of these complexes, indicating an increased affinity for, or rate of association with, damaged naked DNA. When the damaged substrates were reconstituted into core nucleosomes (without histone H1), both normal endonuclease complexes showed a 2.5-fold enhancement of activity, which correlated kinetically with a further increase in affinity, or rate of association (decreased K m ), for this damaged nucleosomal substrate. This increase in activity and in affinity was reduced but not eliminated when histone H1 was present. By contrast, neither XPA endonuclease complex showed this enhanced activity on, or affinity for, damaged core nucleosomal DNA, and actually showed decreased activity, and affinity, when histone H1 was present. Introduction, via electroporation, of either of the normal complexes into 8-MOP plus UVA treated XPA cells in culture corrected their DNA-repair defect, further confirming the role of these complexes in the repair process.
Release of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide by electrical field stimulation of rabbit ileum

The release of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) induced by electrical field stimulation (EFS) of rabbit ileum was studied in vitro. EFS parallel to the muscularis propria caused a significant increase in VIP concentration in the buffer bathing the serosal surface of full-thickness ileum. This effect was blocked by 10(-7) M tetrodotoxin. When circular and longitudinal muscle was removed, the amount of measurable VIP in the tissue decreased to about one-half that of full-thickness ileum, and EFS no longer caused release of VIP into the serosal or mucosal buffers. Our data indicate that EFS of rabbit ileum causes release of VIP, presumably form VIP-containing nerves present in the tissue. These results support the idea that VIP may be a physiological neuroregulator of intestinal function.
A note on the properties of the optimal solution(s) of the Greed and Regret problem

The Greed and Regret problem is a simple model with applications in areas such as studies of crime, ultimatums, bidding, setting service levels and sales force compensation. In general, the Greed and Regret problem is not concave, and may admit several local optima. Nevertheless, the optimal solution exhibits some intuitive monotonicity properties with respect to the problem parameters. We identify a sufficient condition for uniqueness of the optimal solution, which is a generalization of the Increasing Generalized Failure Rate property developed by Lariviere and Porteus (2001).
Sparse Interpolation of Symmetric Polynomials

We develop efficient algorithms for computing the expansion of a given symmetric polynomial into Schur functions. This problem frequently arises in applications as the problem of decomposing a given representation of the symmetric (or general linear) group into irreducible constituents. Our algorithms are probabilistic, and run in time which is polynomial in the sizes of the input and output. They can be used to compute Littlewood?Richardson coefficients, Kostka numbers, and irreducible characters of the symmetric group.
Efficient analysis of microwave structures using a matrix interpolation method

This paper presents a new impedance matrix interpolation algorithm, in the context of method of moments (MoM), for planar microstrip structures. Three different interpolating functions are implemented, depending upon the distance between the locations of the basis and the testing functions. The accuracy and computation times for the direct MoM and the impedance matrix interpolation methods are compared for several planar microstrip structures. It is demonstrated that the use of the proposed impedance matrix interpolation scheme can result in significant savings in the computation time with little or no compromise in the accuracy of the solution. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 36: 439–447, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.10785
Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor Activation Produces Extrapyramidal Motor System Activation That Is Mediated by Striatal Dopamine

Little is known about the in vivo function of the GTP-binding protein-coupled "metabotropic" excitatory amino acid (EAA) receptor. In vitro studies on agonist-induced brain phosphoinositide hydrolysis have shown that (1S,3R)-1-aminocyclopentane-1,3-dicarboxylic acid is a highly selective and efficacious metabotropic EAA agonist. We have recently reported that in vivo unilateral intrastriatal injection of (1S,3R)-1-aminocyclopentane-1,3-dicarboxylic acid induces transient extrapyramidal motor activation that manifests itself as contralateral turning. In this study, we fully characterized the onset of turning behavior following intrastriatal (1S,3R)-1-aminocyclopentane-1,3-dicarboxylic acid injection and the possible involvement of striatal dopamine neurons in the mediation of this effect. Rats were anesthetized with the short-acting agent halothane to allow for rapid surgical recovery and thus early behavioral measurements. Intrastriatal (1S,3R)-1-aminocyclopentane-1,3-dicarboxylic acid (1 mumol/2 microliters) produced an incremental increase in contralateral turning starting at 1 h and plateauing 3-6 h after injection (peak effect, 39.1 +/- 6.7 rotations per 5 min). Dopamine depletion with alpha-methyl-DL-p-tyrosine (250 mg/kg i.p., 80% depletion) resulted in greater than 85% inhibition of (1S,3R)-1-aminocyclopentane-1,3-dicarboxylic acid-induced contralateral turning. The dopamine antagonist haloperidol (0.3 mg/kg i.p.) produced 48% inhibition of the (1S,3R)-1-aminocyclopentane-1,3-dicarboxylic acid response. In time course studies, turning behavior correlated with increases in levels of the dopamine metabolites 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid and homovanillic acid. These results suggest a functional interaction between the metabotropic EAA receptor and the dopaminergic system in the striatum.
Numerical simulation of rapid pressurization and depressurization of a zeolite column using nitrogen

The required durations of pressurization and depressurization steps of a rapid pressure swing adsorption process are primarily governed by adsorbent particle size, adsorption kinetics, column pressure drop, column length to diameter ratio, and the valve constant of the gas inlet and outlet control valve attached to the adsorbent column. A numerical model study of the influence of these variables for an adiabatic LiX zeolite column is presented using pure N2 as an adsorbate gas. An adsorbent particle size range of 200–350 μm was found to minimize (<1 s) the times required for the pressurization and depressurization steps.
Cutting effectiveness of diamond instruments subjected to cyclic sterilization methods

The effect of repeated sterilization on the cutting effectiveness of one brand of rotary dental diamond cutting instruments was measured. Four groups of five diamond burs were sterilized by four methods: (1) sterilization with a chemical agent (Sporicidin); (2) steam under pressure (autoclave); (3) dry heat (Dri-Clave); or (4) chemical vapor (Chemiclave). Each group of diamond instruments made a timed cut in a ceramic block. This cut and all subsequent cuts were measured and were used to determine a baseline cutting effectiveness. Each group of diamond burs was then ultrasonically cleaned, sterilized, and another cut was made. At the end of 10 cycles there was no difference in cutting efficiency of the dental diamond instruments. However, there are differences in the cutting efficiency of individual diamond instruments. The SEM evaluation made prior to cutting and at the end of the 10 cycles of sterilization demonstrated that diamond wear was similar in all groups and that little diamond particle loss occurred in any group.
Charge pumping and photovoltaic effect in open quantum dots

We propose a random matrix theory to describe the influence of a time-dependent external field on electron transport through open quantum dots. We describe the generation of the current by an oscillating field for the dot, connected to two leads with equal chemical potentials. For low-frequency fields, our results correspond to adiabatic charge pumping. Finite current can be produced if the system goes along a closed loop in parameter space, which covers a finite area. At high frequency, a finite current is produced even if the loop is a line in parameter space. This result can be explained in the same way as adiabatic pumping, but considering the evolution of the system in phase space rather than in parametric space.
Forced response of a cantilever beam with a dry friction damper attached, part II: Experiment☆

A theoretical and experimental study of the forced vibration response of a cantilevered beam with Coulomb damping nonlinearity is described. Viscous damping in the beam is neglected. Beam and dry friction damper configurations of interest for applications to turbine blade vibrations are considered. It is shown that the basic phenomena found by Dowell (1983) for a simply supported beam with an attached dry friction damper of specific geometry also apply to a cantilevered beam and a more general representation of the dry friction damper and its associated mass and stiffness.
POLITICS: Automated Ideological Reasoning*

POLITICS is a system of computer programs which simulates humans in comprehending and responding to world events from a given political or ideological perspective. The primary theoretical motivations were: (1) the implementation of a functional system which applies the knowledge structures of Schank and Abelson (1977) to the domain of simulating political belief systems; (2) the development of a tentative theory of intentional goal conflicts and counterplanning. Secondary goals of the POLITICS project include developing a representation for belief systems, investigating cognitive processes such as goal-directed inferencing, and the integration of several types of knowledge representations into a functional system.
Mechanism for neuronal spike generation by small and large ion channel clusters.

pressed in the statistical properties of the neuronal spike train. We further explore the role of synaptic noise on the generation of action potentials by a small and large clusters of ion channels in the neuronal membrane. Since synaptic noise is extrinsic to the ion channel processes that generate the action potentials, it appears as noise term in the equation for the membrane voltage. Intrinsic channel noise appears in the equations for the gating variables [10,11]. In Sec. II, we describe the stochastic Hodgkin-Huxley model in the presence of channel noise and synaptic noise. In Sec. III, four algorithms are described that are commonly used to evaluate the stochastic Hodgkin-Huxley model, the straightforward simulation of each individual gate of each channel, a Markov process mimicking transitions between occupation-number states of the ion channel cluster, the Gillespie method, and a Langevin approach. In Sec. IV we describe results for the spiking rates, variability of the spiking and temporal coherence of the generated spike trains. In Sec. V our results are summarized.
Algebraic-eikonal approach to electron-molecule scattering: Diatomic molecules.

We propose an algebraic-eikonal approach to electron-molecule scattering. In this approach the coupling to both rotational and vibrational molecular states is taken into account simultaneously and to all orders in the coupling strength. We present closed analytic expressions for the transition matrix elements for the two dynamical symmetries of the vibron model for diatomic molecules, the U(3) and O(4) limits. It is shown that the large-N limit of the O(4) result corresponds to the rigid-rotor case. The extension to triatomic and polyatomic molecules is straightforward.
Graph-cut based interactive segmentation of 3D materials-science images

Segmenting materials' images is a laborious and time-consuming process, and automatic image segmentation algorithms usually contain imperfections and errors. Interactive segmentation is a growing topic in the areas of image processing and computer vision, which seeks to find a balance between fully automatic methods and fully-manual segmentation processes. By allowing minimal and simplistic interaction from the user in an otherwise automatic algorithm, interactive segmentation is able to simultaneously reduce the time taken to segment an image while achieving better segmentation results. Given the specialized structure of materials' images and level of segmentation quality required, we show an interactive segmentation framework for materials' images that has three key contributions: (1) a multi-labeling approach that can handle a large number of structures while still quickly and conveniently allowing manual addition and removal of segments in real-time, (2) multiple extensions to the interactive tools which increase the simplicity of the interaction, and (3) a web interface for using the interactive tools in a client/server architecture. We show a full formulation of each of these contributions and example results from their application.
Real and perceived danger in police officer assisted suicide

Abstract In order to determine the danger involved, 123 cases of police officer assisted suicide were collected from various sources and the contents analyzed. In 56 percent of the incidents, police or bystanders were threatened with lethal force, and in 22 percent an intermediate level of threat was present. In the remaining 22 percent of the cases there was no real danger, with the subject using an empty gun or a prop. These nondangerous incidents were typically perceived as more dangerous, and resulted in a slightly higher percentage of subjects being killed by police. The only variable that distinguished the nondangerous incidents—prior planning by the subjects—was unlikely to be useful for guiding police tactics in an actual situations.
Flow-aligning and tumbling in small-molecule liquid crystals: pure components and mixtures

The results of an experimental study to measure the tumbling parameter, λ, for various small-molecule liquid crystals and their mixtures are presented. The methods used include textural observations (twist walls), a direct method, a rheological method, and the oscillatory method developed by Mather, Pearson, and Burghardt in 1995. The single-component results are compared with a molecular theory derived in 1995 by Archer and Larson as well as Kroger and Sellers, which predicts the temperature dependence of λ, while the results from the binary mixtures are compared to a continuum theory derived by Rey in 1996, giving the concentration dependence of λ. The results from the four experimental methods agree with each other for single-component liquid crystals, but not for mixtures. This suggests a failure of the single director Leslie-Ericksen theory to describe the rheology of liquid crystal mixtures.
Wild bird surveillance for highly pathogenic avian influenza H5 in North America

It is unknown how the current Asian origin highly pathogenic avian influenza H5 viruses arrived, but these viruses are now poised to become endemic in North America. Wild birds harbor these viruses and have dispersed them at regional scales. What is unclear is how the viruses may be moving from the wild bird reservoir into poultry holdings. Active surveillance of live wild birds is likely the best way to determine the true distribution of these viruses. We also suggest that sampling be focused on regions with the greatest risk for poultry losses and attempt to define the mechanisms of transfer to enhance biosecurity. Responding to the recent outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza in North America requires an efficient plan with clear objectives and potential management outcomes.
Effects of nutritional status on autonomic nervous system function.

yr have demonstrated an effect of dietary intake on the function of the sympathetic nervous system. These studies have raised the possibility that diet-induced changes in sympathetic nervous system activity may underlie some of the changes in organ function that accompany alterations in nutritional status. Utilizing measurements of norepinephrine (NE) turnover rate to estimate sympathetic activity in innervated organs of experimental animals, fasting has been shown to suppress, and overfeeding has been shown to stimulate the sympathetic nervous system. The data indicating an effect of diet on sympathetic activity are reviewed here, along with evidence suggesting an important role for insulin-mediated glucose metabolism as a signal in the relationship between dietary intake and the sympathetic nervous system. In the experiments described here, NE turnover was measured by a technique involving the administration of a tracer dose of tritriated NE given as an intravenous bolus; under these circumstances the tracer is rapidly cleared from the circulation, in part by uptake into sympathetic nerve endings. Within the sympathetic nerve endings the tracer rapidly equilibrates with the endogenous NE store and is released, along with endogenous NE, in response to sympathetic nerve impulses. By determining the change in NE specific activity over time the turnover rate of NE in a particular organ may be measured. Since central sympathetic outflow
Dynamic assessment of oxygen content and isolation quality of pre-oxygenated solutions used for pancreatic preservation in islet transplantation

Little is known about mechanism of action of pre-oxygenated University of Wisconsin solution (UW) over perfluorodecalin (PFD) in enhancing islet yield after cold storage. Therefore, the specific aims of this study were (1) to investigate the dynamic oxygen content changes in gassed preservation solutions (PFD and UW) in the presence of rat pancreas, and (2) to correlate this information with islet yields and morphology after organ storage under these conditions. Methods. Wistar rat pancreata were preserved with either UW solution, pre-gassed UW solution (0.25 L/min of 100% oxygen for 50 min) or pre-gassed TLM solutions for 24 h. During preservation, pO2 of solutions was measured once per hour with an oxygen meter. After preservation, pancreata were digested for islet isolation via standard techniques, and yields were calculated. Some pancreata in each group underwent formalin fixation and hematoxylin and eosin (HE ANOVA was used to compare multiple groups, and P < 0.05 was considered significant. Results. After 24-h preservation, pO2 of PFD in TLM (824.8 ± 40.6 mbar) was not significantly different from pO2 at 0 h (829.2 ± 34.5 mbar, P = NS). While pO2 in UW in TLM (455.6 ± 13.1 mbar) significantly decreased 24 h later (208.5 ± 9.6, P < 0.05), pO2 (161.5 ± 20.5 mbar, P = NS) in the gassed UW alone was not different at 24 h, although these pO2’s were significantly higher than in ungassed UW (70.0 ± 5.6 mbar). IEQs of “fresh,” “TLM,” and “gassed UW” group (595.7 ± 115, 531.2 ± 72.7, and 497.6 ± 61.0, respectively) were all significantly higher than that of “cold UW” group (288.3 ± 49.8, P < 0.05), without significant differences among these three groups. Microscopically, nuclear pyknosis (apoptotic changes) and karyolysis were more widely observed in pancreata preserved in ungassed UW than in gassed UW and TLM. Conclusions. UW in TLM and pre-oxygenated UW alone result in similar oxygen decay profiles and tissue preservation in the presence of rat pancreas compared with unoxygenated UW alone.
Families of compact Riemann surfaces which do not admit nth roots

Let π : V → B be a holomorphic family of compact Riemann surfaces of genus p ≥ 2 (to be defined in section 1). For any t ? B, the fiber X t = π-1(t) is a closed Riemann surface; the canonical line bundle K(X t ) is the holomorphic cotangent bundle of X t . A standard construction (see section 1 for details) produces a line bundle K rel(V) → V, called the relative canonical bundle, whose restriction to each Riemann surface X t ⊆ V is equivalent to the canonical bundle K(X t ). (Throughout this paper, all line bundles will be holomorphic complex line bundles and equivalence will be holomorphic equivalence.)