cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Salivary cortisol protocol adherence and reliability by socio-demographic features: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

Collection of salivary cortisol has become increasingly popular in large population-based studies. However, the impact of protocol compliance on day-to-day reliabilities of measures, and the extent to which reliabilities differ systematically according to socio-demographic characteristics, has not been well characterized in large-scale population-based studies to date. Using data on 935 men and women from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis, we investigated whether sampling protocol compliance differs systematically according to socio-demographic factors and whether compliance was associated with cortisol estimates, as well as whether associations of cortisol with both compliance and socio-demographic characteristics were robust to adjustments for one another. We further assessed the day-to-day reliability for cortisol features and the extent to which reliabilities vary according to socio-demographic factors and sampling protocol compliance. Overall, we found higher compliance among persons with higher levels of income and education. Lower compliance was significantly associated with a less pronounced cortisol awakening response (CAR) but was not associated with any other cortisol features, and adjustment for compliance did not affect associations of socio-demographic characteristics with cortisol. Reliability was higher for area under the curve (AUC) and wake up values than for other features, but generally did not vary according to socio-demographic characteristics, with few exceptions. Our findings regarding intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) support prior research indicating that multiple day collection is preferable to single day collection, particularly for CAR and slopes, more so than wakeup and AUC. There were few differences in reliability by socio-demographic characteristics. Thus, it is unlikely that group-specific sampling protocols are warranted.
The Influence of Pea Comb and Naked Neck on Apteria Width in Domestic Fowl

Abstract The effects of pea comb (P) and naked neck (Na) genes on apteria width were examined on 1020 chicks. Either Na or P resulted in significantly (P
μ-Hydrogen molecular ion and collisions between μ-Hydrogen atom and proton, deuteron and H atom

To the order mu /M, the ratio of meson and proton masses, the following quantities are calculated: (1) the energy of the ground state of the molecular ion (p-- mu --p)/sup +/; (2) the square of the meson wave function at the pcsition of a proton in (p-- mu --p)/sup +/, (3) the "vibrational" level of (p-- mu --p)/sup +/. The theory of direct and exchange collisions (p-- mu ) + d yields (p-- mu ) + d, (p-- mu ) + d yields (d-- mu ) + p is given in terms of the coupling between the meson and nucleon motions. These crcss-sections and that of the elastic scattering (p-- mu ) + p are calculated for energies corresponding to the temperature of liquid hydrogen. The cross-section of the (p- - mu --p)/sup +/ formation process (p-- mu ) + H yields (p-- mu --p)/sup +/ + e is calculated, leading to a value approx equal 1/18 for the relative chance of a mu meson being found in the atomic (p-- mu ) system and in the molecular system (p-- mu --p)/sup +/ in liquid hydrogen. This, together with (2), leads to the relative probability of approx equal 6.3more » of a mu -meson being captared by a proton in the molecular and the atomic state, if mu -capture in the hyperfine state F = 0 only (corresponding to an interaction V--A for the capture process) is assumed. (auth)« less
On Achieving a Better Understanding of the Polygonal Ferrite Microstructure in IF Steel Using Image Quality Analysis

The image quality of the diffraction pattern from EBSD has been used as an index distinguishing the degree of lattice imperfection. Since austenite decomposition products formed at different transformation temperatures have various dislocation or sub-grain boundary densities, this technique has been used to identify, group, and quantify the different types of ferrite. This article presents a study where the dislocation density variation, associated with different cooling rates from the austenite in a commercial IF steel, will be analyzed using this image quality analysis. Perhaps the most significant contribution of this work is the new insight into the strengthening mechanisms found in these steels.
Estimation of cell kinetic parameters from flow microfluorometry

Abstract This paper considers the estimation method for unknown parameters as well as cell-age state vectors used in the discrete-time model [12] previously described characterizing the dynamics of cell cycle and proliferating kinetics for a cancer-cell population. An iterative algorithm for determining optimal values of the parameters and age state vectors in the least-squares sense is derived on the basis of a set of sequential cell-DNA distributions. Once the parameters and initial cell-age distribution are determined, the time-course behavior of the cell-age and cell-DNA distributions for the given population are computed. A Chinese-hamster cell system is chosen for illustrating the quantitative technique developed. A computer simulation of the CHO cell population is shown.
Nuclear-spin-lattice relaxation in natural clays via paramagnetic centers.

Nuclear-spin-lattice relaxation time measurements were made on $^{29}\mathrm{Si}$ nuclei in a series of 2:1 natural clay minerals. The magnetization recovery was found to be nonexponential. The nuclear relaxation arises from coupling to fixed paramagnetic impurities in the absence of spin diffusion. A theory is developed in which the nuclear spin relaxation behavior is expressed as an error function. These clays have very similar structures which allow the relative concentration of paramagnetic centers to be obtained from the fit of the magnetization recovery curves. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
Patriotism for Citizens of the Penultimate Superpower

: The United States of America confesses its penultimate status as “One nation under God.” Yet this relationship—of the ultimacy of God and the penultimacy of nations—is frequently forgotten when foreign policy is crafted. The arrogant autonomy of such superpowers operates on the mistaken conviction that they will not be called into account. But the preacher says otherwise. The Old Testament witness teaches us that there is a grave danger to nations making such unrestricted claims of temporal ultimacy. Any state that imagines that it can use its power in unrestrained ways against any other state or vulnerable population—no matter how weak—misunderstands its place in a world under divine rule. It is thus essential that the preacher, along with the congregation, must dare to recover the rhetoric of prophetic imagination concerning God's governance in the public sphere. Empowered and humbled by the mandate of scripture, the preacher must counter the rhetoric of popular patriotism and witness to God's sovereignty over nations. We may then move beyond analysis to alternative, and finally set our hearts and minds on the evangelical task of empowering the faithful to alternative forms of citizenship.
The Laplace transform of the derivative of a function with finite jumps

Abstract Generalized functions as developed by Laurent Schwartz are used to include finite jump contributions to transforms of derivatives. The expression of the bilateral Laplace transform of the derivative of a piecewise continuous function is first derived and then specialized to the unilateral transform. It is shown that the use of the Laplace transform of a generalized derivative resolves some well-known apparent contradictions. In this new context the distinction between “prescribed” and “actual” initial values disappears. Although the present investigation is restricted to ordinary differential equations, it can be extended to partial differential equations.
Two possible determinants of the timing of daily episodes of behavior in rats

The present experiment examined endogenous ultradian rhythms and regulatory metabolic processes as two potential determinants of daily out-of-nest episodes (ONEs) and feeding episodes (FEs) in rats living in a 24-h environment. Two types of photoperiod were used: a Standard 12:12 h L/D schedule and a Skeleton 12:12 h schedule. During each type of photoperiod rats were exposed to 4 feeding conditions of 7 to 12 days each: (a) a baseline of ad lib food and water; (b) restricted to the diurnal (inactive) portion of the cycle; (c) both food and water restricted to the inactive period; and (d) return to baseline. Time series analyses of nocturnal ONEs in baseline revealed a strong circadian rhythm and weaker ultradian rhythms with periods between 2 and 6 h. Analyses of FEs, though, revealed a general absence of circadian rhythms but strong ultradian rhythms with periods similar to those observed in ONEs. When food and water were restricted to the inactive part of the cycle, ONEs showed no change in frequency, but a decrease in average duration and changes in ultradian periodicities. The results indicated control of daily episodes of behavior in rats by ultradian oscillators that are weaker and more variable in affect than those found in voles, but similar in period.
Beyond vinyl: electronic structure of unsaturated propen-1-yl, propen-2-yl, 1-buten-2-yl, and trans-2-buten-2-yl hydrocarbon radicals.

Vertical excitation energies and oscillator strengths for several valence and Rydberg electronic states of vinyl, propen-1-yl, propen-2-yl, 1-buten-2-yl, and trans-2-buten-2-yl radicals are calculated using the equation-of- motion coupled cluster methods with single and double substitutions (EOM-CCSD). The ground and the lowest excited state (n r ﷿) equilibrium geometries are calculated using the CCSD(T) and EOM-SF-CCSD methods, respectively, and adiabatic excitation energies for the n r ﷿ state are reported. Systematic changes in the geometries, excitation energies, and Rydberg state quantum defects within this group of radicals are discussed. Unlike vinyl, propenyl and butenyl radicals have not been characterized theoretically. These radicals are derived from vinyl by substituting one or two of its hydrogen atoms with methyl or ethyl groups, and consequently, they inherit some of its properties with slight modifications. However, the substituents can also bring around some unique properties. In this work, we present accurate ab initio calculations of the ground and first excited state equilibrium structures of vinyl, propen-1-yl, propen- 2-yl, 1-buten-2-yl, and trans-2-buten-2-yl radicals. We also present vertical excitation energies and oscillator strengths for both valence and Rydberg states, as well as permanent dipole moments for the valence states. The changes in geometries, excitation energies, and properties of the ground and excited states in the above sequence of radicals are discussed and analyzed. Moreover, a qualitative picture of the effect of methyl or ethyl group substitutions on the electronic properties is derived to provide a basis for understanding the effects of molecular size and structure on the Rydberg states' quantum defect. In addition, we present new and interesting examples of hyperconjugation in hydrocarbons. The paper is organized as follows. Section 2.1 summarizes the technical details of the calculations. Section 2.2 presents the analysis of the ground state equilibrium geometries of the radicals. The calculated vertical electronic spectra are discussed in section 2.3. In sections 2.4, 2.6, 3, and 4, the changes in the excitation energies and properties for different groups of excited states are discussed for the vinyl f propen-1-yl f propen-2-yl f trans-2-buten-2-yl f 1-buten-2-yl sequence. Section 2.5 presents adiabatic excitation energies and optimized geometries, as well as their changes in the above sequence for the lowest excited 2 A'' r 2 A' (n r ﷿) state. Finally, section 5 summarizes our conclusions.
Effect of Succinylation on the Proteolysis of Food Proteins

Casein, bovine serum albumin and soy globulin were succinylated and used as substrates, in both forms, for initial velocity studies of proteolysis by α-chymotrypsin and pepsin. Succinylation resulted in modification of at least 91% of the free amine groups of the proteins. Proteolysis was determined by fluorometrically monitoring the appearance of amine groups. Kinetic constants were estimated by the direct equation plot using FORTRAN programs. Succinylation enhanced the initial proteolysis of all substrates by either enzyme as evidenced by an increased maximum velocity and decreased Michaelis constant for the modified substrates. Modification of casein caused the most pronounced differences in rates of proteolysis, resulting in the largest change in kinetic constants for pepsin and the smallest change for α-chymotrypsin.
Ascertaining Partner HIV Status and its Association with Sexual Risk Behavior Among Internet-Using Men Who Have Sex with Men

The aims of this study were to understand strategies and consistency of strategy used by HIV-negative and HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM) to ascertain the HIV status of their male sexual partners and their associations with unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) and serodiscordant UAI (SDUAI) in the past 3 months. Participants (n = 640) completed an online survey in December 2007. The most commonly reported strategy was checking online profiles (85%), followed by talking before sex (82%), talking after sex (42%), and guessing (29%). Adjusting for demographic and behavioral factors, guessing the HIV status of sex partners was associated with greater UAI and SDUAI partners, as was using an inconsistent strategy. Ascertaining HIV status before having sex was associated with fewer SDUAI partners. Prevention should target MSM who guess the HIV status of their sex partners and emphasize explicit safer sex agreements.
Myth and Epic

Anthrologists and literary critics tend to read even sacred ancient literature in the manner of Homer’s and Virgil’s epics, that is, as fiction with historical elements. They don’t, however, always follow up with the implications of that. Mesopotamian myths and epics are similar to Greek and Roman ones in that regard. The pertinent questions are who believed what and what effect literal belief in myths hadon given social orders. One answer in the Hebraic tradition is typical of other traditions, namely that calls for reform at home and for campaigns against enemies abroad rely heavily on the presumed historicity of the texts. For the Israelites, that means the unquestioned validity of covenants struck between legendary patriarchs and Yahweh, at least within the Yahweh cult itself. The hybrid forms of Dante, Milton, and others in the Christian European tradition draw on both well-traveled epic conventions and the veracity of biblical traditions, as Milton does in turning a Homeric invocation of the muse into an appeal to the Holy Spirit. Much as Milton, too, is now read as a poet rather than an inspired seer, so probably were earlier authors who claimed direct personal revelations. If that was in fact the case, it would have weakened moral teachings less than cult recruitment andthecall for military campaigns against foreign powers. Whereas legal and ethical matters have muchto recommend them independently of their origin, waging war on religious grounds requires strong convictions.
Transitioning from parenteral treprostinil to inhaled treprostinil in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension.

AbstractTreprostinil is a potent prostacyclin vasodilator indicated for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH, World Health Organization Group I). Previously, treprostinil was available only in subcutaneous (SC) or intravenous (IV) formulations. Availability of an inhaled formulation of treprostinil has provided clinicians with an alternative to continuous SC or IV treprostinil in appropriate patients. Stable PAH patients whose quality of life has been dramatically impacted by side effects of parenteral therapy or those who have had recurrent, life-threatening bloodstream infections but are otherwise responding well to treatment may be the candidates for continuing prostacyclin therapy with inhaled treprostinil. However, there is little clinical experience with transitioning patients from parenteral to inhaled treprostinil. We present the results of two cases that highlight important considerations in transitioning patients from parenteral to inhaled therapy, including the pharmacologic an...
Transcriptional regulation in myelopoiesis: Hematopoietic fate choice, myeloid differentiation, and leukemogenesis

Myeloid cells (granulocytes and monocytes) are derived from multipotent hematopoietic stem cells. Gene transcription plays a critical role in hematopoietic differentiation. However, there is no single transcription factor that is expressed exclusively by myeloid cells and that, alone, acts as a "master" regulator of myeloid fate choice. Rather, myeloid gene expression is controlled by the combinatorial effects of several key transcription factors. Hematopoiesis has traditionally been viewed as linear and hierarchical, but there is increasing evidence of plasticity during blood cell development. Transcription factors strongly influence cellular lineage during hematopoiesis and expression of some transcription factors can alter the fate of developing hematopoietic progenitor cells. PU.1 and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α (C/EBPα) regulate expression of numerous myeloid genes, and gene disruption studies have shown that they play essential, nonredundant roles in myeloid cell development. They function in cooperation with other transcription factors, co-activators, and co-repressors to regulate genes in the context of chromatin. Because of their essential roles in regulating myeloid genes and in myeloid cell development, it has been hypothesized that abnormal expression of PU.1 and C/EBPα would contribute to aberrant myeloid differentiation, i.e. acute leukemia. Such a direct link has been elusive until recently. However, there is now persuasive evidence that mutations in both PU.1 and C/EBPα contribute directly to development of acute myelogenous leukemia. Thus, normal myeloid development and acute leukemia are now understood to represent opposite sides of the same hematopoietic coin.
TH-C-T-617-07: MCPI, An Accelerated Monte Carlo Dose-Calculation Engine for Real-Time Prostate Implant Dosimetry

Purpose: To present a new accelerated Monte Carlo code (MCPI: Monte Carlo for Prostate Implant) intended for use as a dose calculation engine for planning clinical prostate implants. MCPI simulates physically a set of radioactive seeds with arbitrary positions and orientations, merged in a 3D CT‐based heterogeneous phantom representing the prostate and surrounding tissue. Method and Materials: MCPI uses a phase space data source‐model to account for seed self‐absorption and seed anisotropy. A “hybrid geometry” model (full 3D seed geometry merged in a 3D mesh of voxels) is developed for rigorous treatment of the interseed attenuation effect. MCPI is based upon the GEPTS general‐purpose Monte Carlo code. Compton scattering, coherent scattering, and photoelectric effect (with emission of fluorescence X‐rays) are modeled in detail, using the XCOM/EPDL97/NIST95 cross‐section data. MCPI is benchmarked against the MCNP5 code for the case of an idealized prostate implant, consisting of 83 103 Pd (or 125 I ) seeds. Results: MCNP5 and MCPI are in excellent agreement. The average difference between the dose distributions from the two codes is less than 0.5% for both seed models. For a 2×2×2‐mm3 voxel mesh, MCPI calculates the 103 Pd and 125 I prostate dose distributions with 2% average statistical uncertainty in 2.1 to 2.2 minutes using a single Pentium 4 PC. More than 3 hours calculation time is required for MCNP5 to achieve the same statistical precision. MCPI is about 90 and 700 times faster than MCNP5 for 2 and 1‐mm3 voxels, respectively. Conclusion: The use of multiprocessor parallel calculation can further increase the speed of MCPI and makes sub‐minute dose calculations for prostate implant planning a reality.
The Nature of Cancer: Morphogenesis and Progressive (Self)-Disorganization in Neoplastic Development and Progression

The aberrant forms of life, neoplasia and cancer, are discussed under the events at the beginning of neoplasia and under five classes of neoplastic lesions. The lesional classes are: 1) The precursor state; 2) Intermediate lesions; 3) Primary cancer; 4) Metastasis; and 5) Metastasis from metastasis. The events at the beginning are a diverse group of agents and mechanisms that induce the lesions of the precursor state, not cancer. The lesions and events produced by induction are similar regardless of the agent. Thus, there must be similar biological principles and mechanisms operative in different neoplastic systems. The classes of neoplastic lesions and cancer are described and a theory derived therefrom. The theory is: Any perturbation that alters a cell or group of cells and their stroma so that they no longer respond appropriately to the forces of tissue, organ, and organismal maintenance, may induce a neoplastic system. The sequential progression of lesions of the induced neoplastic system is the result of a successive series of flaws in the continuum of reciprocal interactions between a group of cells and their stroma. The flaws, appearing seriatim, produce progressive (self)-disorganization of the lesions and progressive loss of response to the forces of tissue and organ maintenance.
The influence of ambient temperature on tailpipe emissions from 1985 to 1987 model year light-duty gasoline motor vehicles—II

Motor-vehicle emissions are sensitive to a number of variables including ambient temperature, driving schedule (speed versus time), and fuel composition. Hydrocarbon, aldehyde, carbon monoxide, and oxides of nitrogen emissions were examined with nine recent technology 4-cylinder gasoline motor vehicles at 70F, 40F, and 20F. About 200 hydrocarbon and 12 aldehyde compounds were included in the organic emissions characterization. Two fuels and two driving schedules were used. Typically, hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions were significantly increased by reduced ambient temperature. Oxides of nitrogen emissions also increased, but to a lesser extent. There were no predictable formaldehyde emissions trends with temperature. Paraffinic and aromatic hydrocarbon emission fractions were sensitive to fuel composition, but the olefinic emission fraction (dominated by ethylene and propylene) was not. With low temperature cold start tests, preceding transient driving with a 5 minute engine idle resulted in reduced carbon monoxide emission rates and elevated oxides of nitrogen emission rates. Hydrocarbon emission rates were not predictable sensitive to the preliminary idle.
Deterministic convergence of a Clarke-Gawthrop self-tuning controller

Abstract A proof of global asymptotic stability of a single input-single output deterministic self-tuning controller is given in this paper. The controller considered minimizes a quadratic cost measure of the Clarke-Gawthrop type which penalizes input and output deviations from the desired values as well as excessive control action. The parameter estimation scheme employs a variable forgetting factor. It is established that the output error converges to zero, even for nonminimum phase systems, for appropriate cost functions.
Effect of Radiation Therapy on Bronchial Obstruction due to Bronchogenic Carcinoma

We evaluated the effect of radiation therapy in 57 patients with obstruction of a large bronchus with NSCC. Response with aeration of the atelectatic lung was seen in 12 patients (21 percent). Three patients (5 percent) showed partial response with persistent partial atelectasis, and nine patients (16 percent) showed good response with complete aeration of the atelectatic lung. In these patients the response appeared to be related to the dose of radiation. All of the patients who responded received more than 50 Gy. The difference in the response rate related to the dose of radiation was statistically significant (p
Ketorolac and spinal morphine for postcesarean analgesia

This study was designed to compare spinal morphine (SM), ketorolac (K), and a combination of the two drugs with respect to analgesic efficacy and side effects in postcesarean patients. Forty-eight parturients having bupivacaine spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery randomly received in a double-blind manner either: SM: 0.1 mg or SM: 0.2 mg (but no K); SM: 0.1 mg plus K 60 mg intravenously (i.v.) one hour after spinal injection, and 30 mg i.v. every 6 h for three doses or i.v. K dosed as previously described (but no SM). Analgesia and side effects were evaluated during the first 20 h. Forty-eight women were studied. There were no significant differences in analgesia among the groups, although patients receiving SM: 0.1 mg tended to have less satisfactory intraoperative analgesia. Pruritus was common in all patients receiving SM whereas patients who received K had the lowest overall scores for severity of side effects. No serious complications occurred and all groups expressed similarly high satisfaction at the 24 h visit. We conclude that there is no advantage to combining SM and K, and that K provides satisfactory postcesarean analgesia with few side effects.
Cognitive control in hypnosis and biofeedback.

Abstract The relation between biofeedback and hypnotic self-control abilities was examined in the EEC alpha biofeedback situation. 17 Ss, selected on the basis of group hypnotic susceptibility tests, completed 4 EEG alpha training sessions, with enhance, suppress, and unreinforced baseline conditions. The 5 Ss who scored high on the hypnotic susceptibility test did not gain significant control over their EEC alpha, whereas those Ss who scored moderate or low on the test did gain control over their alpha. “Control” in this experiment was gained by learning contingent alpha suppression. There were no differences between the hypnotizability groups in baseline EEC alpha production.
Indian business groups: Evolution and transformation

Business groups are an important constituent of many emerging economies. In this paper, we focus on the evolution and transformation of Indian business groups (IBGs) over two economic eras — pre-reform era (pre 1991) and reform era (post 1991). To this end, we analyze IBG behavior during these periods, and explain the implications of such behavior on IBG value creation. Our conceptualization of IBG dynamics utilizes the perspectives of product relatedness and institutional relatedness, and undertakes a broad review of the extant literature.
Light rare earth element enrichments in ureilites: A detailed ion microprobe study

— This paper explores the possible origin of the light rare earth element (LREE) enrichments observed in some ureilites, a question that has both petrogenetic and chronologic implications for this group of achondritic meteorites. Rare earth element and other selected elemental abundances were measured in situ in 14 thin sections representing 11 different ureilites. The spatial microdistributions of REEs in C-rich matrix areas of the three ureilites with the most striking V-shaped whole-rock REE patterns (Kenna, Goalpara, and Novo Urei) were investigated using the ion imaging capability of the ion microprobe. All olivines and clinopyroxenes measured have LREE-depleted patterns with little variation in REE abundances, despite large differences in their major element compositions from ureilite to ureilite. Furthermore, we searched for but did not find any minor mineral phases that carry LREEs. The only exception is one Ti-rich area (∼20μm) in Lewis Cliff (LEW) 85400 with a major element composition similar to that of titanite; REE abundances in this area are high, ranging from La ≅ 400 × CI to Lu ≅ 40 × CI. In contrast, all ion microprobe analyses of C-rich matrix in Kenna, Goalpara, and Novo Urei revealed large LREE enrichments. In addition, C-rich matrix areas in the three polymict ureilites, Elephant Moraine (EET) 83309, EET 87720, and North Haig, which have less pronounced V-shaped whole-rock REE patterns, show smaller but distinct LREE-enrichments. The C-rich matrix in Antarctic ureilites tends to have much lower LREE concentrations than the matrix in non-Antarctic ureilites. There is no obvious association of the LREEs with other major or minor elements in the C-rich areas. Ion images further show that the LREE enrichments are homogeneously distributed on a microscale in most C-rich matrix areas of Kenna, Goalpara, and Novo Urei. These observations suggest that the LREEs in ureilites most probably are absorbed on the surface of fine-grained amorphous graphite in the C-rich matrix. It is unlikely that the LREE enrichments are due to shock melts or are the products of metasomatism on the ureilite parent body. We favor LREE introduction by terrestrial contamination.
An information typology for the understanding of social systems

It is argued that we can improve our understanding of social systems by focusing on their informational processes. Recent developments, primarily in evolutionary biology, cybernetics and systems theory, suggest that informational processes are of at least two, and probably three, different types; and that the interaction of these types can be seen as a basis for the self-construction of social systems. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Workmanship Factors Influencing Quality of Installed Parking Garage Waterproofing Membranes

Elastomeric waterproofing membrane performance is dependent not only on material properties, but also on the quality of the installation. Currently marketed products are cold, liquid applied, self-adhering elastomers that vary in chemical composition and method of application. Material properties are governed by the response of each material to many site factors encountered in the installation. Application problems can result from a variation of ambient weather conditions, the quality of workmanship, and the surface preparation of the substrate. The influence of workmanship factors and surface preparation on the performance of five elastomeric membranes was investigated. The results show that poor on-site practice and a lack of quality control during installation often produce a final product of low durability.
Bayesian hierarchical model with MCMC for optical cable flame retardancy tests

We report a model and method for calculating the probability of an optical fiber cable passing a flame retardancy test (FRT). The method uses a Bayesian approach that accounts for variations in the experimental conditions between tests. We show that adding a hierarchy to the empirical model shrinks the posterior distributions and discuss the applicability of the hierarchical model to various test environments. The model uses the average smoke parameter as the predictor and can be extended to other test responses such as the peak smoke, flame spread, or toxicity.
Bootstrap sequential decoding at high spectral efficiencies

Sequential decoding of large memory codes has been investigated for 8-PSK, 16-QAM, and larger constellations. The results show that high reliability can be achieved at channel signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) where the code rate is nearly equal to R/sub 0/, yielding 1-1.5 dB coding gain over Viterbi decoding of small memory codes. Since bootstrap hybrid decoding (BHD) is known to improve the cut-off rate of a sequential decoder for binary modulation, further improvements can be expected using this method applied to TCM. We present a lower bound to the computational cut-off rate for the extension of the BHD scheme to TCM. Our analysis is based on the original derivation for the case of binary modulation proposed by Jelinek and Cocke (1971). Numerical evaluations of the expressions obtained for the cases of hard-decision 8-PSK and 8-level quantized 4AM modulation show significant improvements over the usual cut-off rate, similar to the results obtained by Jelinek et al. for BPSK modulation. These results suggest that performance close to capacity can be achieved with sufficiently powerful TCM systems and bootstrap sequential decoding.
ARMA spectral estimation based on non-linear least squares

An autoregressive moving average (ARMA) spectral estimation method based on the nonlinear least squares technique is presented. Simultaneous estimates of the AR and MA parameters are obtained by minimizing the prediction error using the Levenburg-Marqudit optimal search algorithm. If the model order is properly selected, it can be shown that this technique converges to the true model parameter values assuming that the model is stable and minimum phase. This technique is valid when applied to non-Gaussian white noise. Results for simulated data are presented to illustrate the application and accuracy of the technique. >
The 7500 to 4500 angstrom Absorption System of the Free HCO Radical

A fairly extensive absorption spectrum o f the free HCO radical produced by flash photolysis of acetaldehyde and other substances has been investigated with long absorbing paths and under high resolution. The corresponding DCO spectrum has also been studied. The absorption spectrum consists of simple bands with P, Q and R branches. It is shown that the molecule is linear in the upper state, but bent in the lower state with an angle of about 120° and a CO bond length of approximately 1.20 A. Rotational constants of HCO and DCO in both upper and lower states have been derived. Various arguments based on the high-resolution measurements lead to the conclusion that the main progression of bands corresponds to transitions to the vibrational levels of the upper state with even v9 2 (the vibrational quantum number of the bending mode). This conclusion is confirmed by the observation under low dispersion of some of the intermediate bands with odd v’ 2 which are diffuse and therefore not easily recognizable under high resolution. Apparently all levels of the upper state with l≠0 are predissociated. The type of the electronic transition is shown to be 2 Σ+ ← 2 A”, that is, the transition moment is perpendicular to the molecular plane. The lower state cannot arise from normal CO and H.
EXERCISE PARTICIPATION IN A FRAIL ELDERLY POPULATION

A low-intensity exercise demonstration project was developed jointly by researchers, social service practitioners, and program participants to actively involve frail older people in their own health maintenance. This article describes this collaborative process and its impact on the success of the health promotion program, which was conducted at three senior centers serving a low-income, urban elderly population. Participants were predominantly sedentary women over age 70 with multiple chronic conditions. The program was conducted with peer leaders to facilitate its continuation after the research demonstration phase. In addition to positive health outcomes related to functional mobility, blood pressure maintenance, and overall well-being, this intervention was successful in sustaining active participation in regular physical activity through the use of peer leaders selected by the program participants. The planning, implementation, and outcomes of this project illustrate the benefits and challenges of combining research and practice perspectives in conducting health promotion interventions with older populations.
PAC 2005 Grounding of SNS Accelerator Structure

The entire facility grounding consists of 100'x100' mat of 4/0Cu wire exothermically welded. Each crossing is tied to a grounding rod. An additional grounding rod is added on building perimeter for lighting protection. (SNS grounding grid and FE_) The facility has enhanced (low impedance) RF grounding for the klystron building at each klystron station. Owing the fact that the building lay out has not finalized at the time of RF grounding being installed, the additional RF mat is terminated on the north wall of the klystron building to a grounding plate. (E7-01-02.PDF)
Beam-pattern-scanning dynamic-time block coding: achieving high performance

In this paper, we introduce a novel transmit diversity in which the space diversity in space-time block codes (STBC) is combined with time diversity created by beam pattern scanning (BPS). Via this merger, we achieve high bit-error-rate (BER) performance via time diversity inherent in BPS and space-time codes in STBC. A dynamic time (that is, time-varying) block coding (DTBC) is introduced to compensate the effect of time varying array vectors applied to the array elements in BPS. Hence, we call the scheme BPS dynamic time block coding (BPS/DTBC). We discuss the structure of the BS antenna array and receiver, and generate the BER performance simulations
Frequency tuning of microchip lasers using pump-power modulation

Pump-power modulation can be an effective means to change the output frequency of microchip lasers. The frequency response of the microchip laser to pump-power modulation is derived in closed form. The theoretical result is in excellent agreement with experiment. >
Interaction of Arabidopsis BRASSINOSTEROID‐INSENSITIVE 1 receptor kinase with a homolog of mammalian TGF‐β receptor interacting protein

*† ‡ § Summary Brassinosteroids (BRs) regulate multiple aspects of plant growth and development and require an active BRASSINOSTEROID-INSENSITIVE 1 (BRI1) receptor serine/threonine kinase for hormone perception and signal transduction. In mammals, the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-b) family of polypeptides modulate numerous aspects of development and are perceived at the cell surface by a complex of type I and type II TGF-b receptor serine/threonine kinases. TGF-b receptor interacting protein (TRIP-1) is a cytoplasmic substrate of the TGF-b type II receptor kinase and plays a role in TGF-b signaling. TRIP-1 is a WD domain protein that also functions as an essential subunit of the eIF3 eukaryotic translation initiation factor in animals, yeast and plants. We previously cloned putative TRIP-1 homologs from bean and Arabidopsis and found that transgenic Arabidopsis plants expressing antisense TRIP-1 RNA exhibited a broad range of developmental defects including some morphological characteristics that resemble the phenotype of BR-deficient and insensitive mutants. We now show that the BRI1 kinase domain phosphorylates Arabidopsis TRIP-1 on three specific sites in vitro (Thr-14, Thr-89 and either Thr-197 or Ser-198). Co-immunoprecipitation experiments using antibodies against TRIP-1, BRI1 and various fusion proteins strongly suggest that TRIP-1 and BRI1 also interact directly in vivo. These findings support a role for TRIP-1 in the molecular mechanisms of BR-regulated plant growth and development, possibly as a cytoplasmic substrate of the BRI1 receptor kinase.
Enhancing the Randomized Hough Transform with k-means clustering to detect mutually-occluded ellipses

In the attempts to resolve the problem of ellipse detection, the Randomized Hough Transform (RHT) serves as a powerful variant of the standard Hough transform that exploits the geometric properties of ellipses in order to speed up the detection process. Despite its simplicity and efficiency, the RHT performs poorly if the target ellipses are overlapped (or mutually-occluded) with each other. We present a novel method that utilizes k-means clustering to boost the performance of the RHT in detecting mutually-occluded ellipses, and test its effectiveness for both synthetic and real-world images. However, as a result of using k-means clustering, this method is susceptible to being stuck at a local optima.
Convenience stores are the key food environment influence on nutrients available from household food supplies in Texas Border Colonias

Few studies have focused on the relationship between the retail food environment and household food supplies. This study examines spatial access to retail food stores, food shopping habits, and nutrients available in household food supplies among 50 Mexican-origin families residing in Texas border colonias.
Rain microstructure retrievals using 2-D video disdrometer and C-band polarimetric radar

Abstract. Measurements using the 2-D video disdrometer (2DVD) taken during a heavy rainfall event in Huntsville, Alabama, are analysed. The 2DVD images were processed to derive the rain microstructure parameters for each individual drop, which in turn were used as input to the T-matrix method to compute the forward and back scatter amplitudes of each drop at C-band. The polarimetric radar variables were then calculated from the individual drop contribution over a finite time period, e.g., 1 min. The calculated co-polar reflectivity, differential reflectivity, specific differential propagation phase and the co-polar correlation coefficient were compared with measurements from a C-band polarimetric radar located 15 km away. An attenuation-correction method based on the specific differential propagation phase was applied to the co-polar and differential reflectivity data from the C-band radar, after ensuring accurate radar calibration. Time series comparisons of the parameters derived from the 2DVD and C-band radar data show very good agreement for all four quantities, the agreement being sometimes better than the computations using the 1-min drop size distribution and bulk assumptions on rain microstructure (such as mean shapes and model-based assumptions for drop orientation). The agreement is particularly improved in the case of co-polar correlation coefficient since this parameter is very sensitive to variation of shapes as well as orientation angles. The calculations mark the first attempt at utilizing experimentally derived "drop- by-drop" rain microstructure information to compute the radar polarimetric parameters and to demonstrate the value of utilizing the 2-D video disdrometer for studying rain microstructure under various precipitation conditions. Histograms of drop orientation angles as well as the most probable drop shapes and the corresponding variations were also derived and compared with prior results from the 80 m fall "artificial rain" experiment.
Certain Microbial Indices of Frozen Uncooked Fish Filletsa

SUMMARY Frozen fish fillets from commercial outlets representing 26 producers were analyzed for total aerobic plate counts, coliform organisms, fecal streptococci, and eoagulase-positive staphylococci. Total plate counts ranged from 1300 to 1,800,000/g; 72% were below 200,000/g. Coliform counts were low (0–190/ g). Only 14 of the 78 samples contained coliform organisms. Presumptive fecal streptococci counts were usually appreciably higher than coliform counts, and in only a few samples were none found. The highest count noted was 19,000 organisms/g. Coagulase-positive staphylococci were present in 25 Samples, representing 17 producers. Unlike in a previous study on frozen shrimp, half of the egg-yolk-positive micrococci were not coagulase-positive.
The Expert System as a Decision Support Tool

The commercial application of expert systems indicates a role for this technology as a competitive tool in a wise variety of business activities. The ability of an expert system to duplicate the problem‐solving process of a human expert can be utilized in the managerial decisions process. Two potential roles of expert systems in this function are examined: a direct role in decision support and an indirect role in systems support. A discussion of the limitations of current expert systems technology yields several observations concerning the function of expert systems in a decision support environment. A strategy is presented to assist in identifying potential areas for developing expert system applications and evaluating their feasibility.
Preventing denial and forgery of causal relationships in distributed systems

In a distributed system, it is often important to detect the causal relationships between events, where event e/sub 1/ is causally before event e/sub 2/ if e/sub 1/ happened before e/sub 2/ and could possibly have affected the occurrence of e/sub 2/. The authors argue that detecting causal relationships among events can be important for security, in the sense that it may be essential to the correct implementation of a security policy that a process be able to determine if two events are causally related, and if so, how. They formulate attacks on causality in terms of causal denial and forgery, formalize possible security goals with respect to causality, and present simple algorithms to attain these goals in some situations. >
Mated Drosophila melanogaster females require a seminal fluid protein, Acp36DE, to store sperm efficiently.

Mated females of many animal species store sperm. Sperm storage profoundly influences the number, timing, and paternity of the female’s progeny. To investigate mechanisms for sperm storage in Drosophila melanogaster , we generated and analyzed mutations in Acp36DE. Acp36DE is a male seminal fluid protein whose localization in mated females suggested a role in sperm storage. We report that male-derived Acp36DE is essential for efficient sperm storage by females. Acp36DE 1 (null) mutant males produced and transferred normal amounts of sperm and seminal fluid proteins. However, mates of Acp36DE 1 males stored only 15% as many sperm and produced 10% as many adult progeny as control-mated females. Moreover, without Acp36DE, mated females failed to maintain an elevated egg-laying rate and decreased receptivity, behaviors whose persistence (but not initiation) normally depends on the presence of stored sperm. Previous studies suggested that a barrier in the oviduct confines sperm and Acp36DE to a limited area near the storage organs. We show that Acp36DE is not required for barrier formation, but both Acp36DE and the barrier are required for maximal sperm storage. Acp36DE associates tightly with sperm. Our results indicate that Acp36DE is essential for the initial storage of sperm, and that it may also influence the arrangement and retention of stored sperm.