cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Postbuckling of anisotropic flat and doubly-curved sandwich panels under complex loading conditions

Abstract A study of the postbuckling behavior of geometrically imperfect anisotropic sandwich doubly-curved and flat panels subjected to a system of compressive edge loads and a lateral pressure is presented. The study is carried out in the context of the weak core sandwich shell model whose superior structural performance as compared to those of the strong core sandwich or standard laminated structures has resulted in its increased use in the design of advanced flight vehicles. A detailed investigation of the influence played by a number of kinematical and physical parameters as well as by the character of tangential boundary conditions on the load carrying capacity of sandwich structures is performed and pertinent conclusions are outlined.
Methodologia oeconomiae et systematis dynamis

After enduring years of criticism from members of the economics profession, many system dynamicists have concluded that economists do not like system dynamics. This article outlines the methodologies of both neoclassical and institutional economics and demonstrates that the system dynamics modeling process is strikingly similar to the latter. Because a majority of economists trained in the West are neoclassicals, system dynamicists should not be surprised if many economists label system dynamics models unscientific. And since the institutional approach and the system dynamics approach are similar, it is argued, system dynamics should be used to strengthen and extend institutional economics.
On data integration and data mining for developing business intelligence

Business Intelligence (BI) allows a corporation's executives to acquire a better understanding of their customers, the market, supply and resources, and competitors in order to make effective strategic decisions. BI technologies provide historical, current and predictive views of business operations such as reporting, online analytical processing, business performance management, competitive intelligence, benchmarking, and predictive analytics. Web Services technologies responded quickly to help such evolution and in many situations the Web Services application is driving businesses and dictating a new way of doing business. Web information usually contains multimedia data with unstructured fashions. Through the effective analysis of company's Web information, we could make effective market analysis, compare customer feedback on similar products, discover the strengths and weaknesses of their competitors, retain highly valuable customers, and make smart business decisions. In this paper, we discuss two case studies on data integration and data mining. The first case is for the traditional data analytics using relational database techniques such as Oracle database and Cognos BI tool for integrating and mining a company's web site. The second case is for multimedia data analytics using Monago database and Pentaho BI tool for integrating and mining multimedia data presented in a company's web site. We compare both cases in aspects of Data Integration, Metadata, Query Performance and Data Analytics. Finally, we present experimental results for using the above data mining techniques and tools to better understand features of each customer group and develop customized customer reward programs.
Universal wiring and interconnection approach for fiber-optic local area networks

Regarding the status of local area network (LAN) technology today, two observations can be made.
Environmental Sustainability in the Contextof Third World Economic Development: Constraints and Possibilities

This paper discusses the constraints as well as the opportunities to sustainable development in third world countries. The argument is made that sustainable environments cannot be achieved in the third world unless the living standards of residents in the third world are raised substantially to enable them to achieve a critical minimum standard of living. The paper outlines the policy directions that are needed to achieve such levels of development as well as the commitments needed by the developed and third world countries in this regard.
High‐efficiency phosphorescent OLED technology

Universal Display Corp. (UDC), together with its academic partners at Princeton University and the University of Southern California, are developing high-efficiency electrophosphorescent small-molecule OLED devices, based on triplet emission. These device systems show good lifetimes, and are well suited for the commercialization of low-power-consumption full-color active-matrix OLED displays. In this paper we also show how these phosphorescent devices may be driven by low-cost amorphous-silicon backplanes, and discuss benefits that could be gained by employing bistable OLED pixels.
Academic sanction. Targeting South African science.

Academic sanction, the intentional denial of scholarly exchange for political reasons, presents grave practical and moral problems to the open pursuit of medical science. The focus of this article targets South African science. However, examples of academic sanction in Western Europe, the United States, the Soviet Union, China, Japan, and other areas are given to support the existence of discriminatory restrictions against scientists. Examples and reasons also are offered for and against academic sanction, with the recommendation that academic sanction be pursued only with judgment informed by factual knowledge as well as moral, ethical, and compassionate values. (JAMA. 1989;262:1499-1503)
Tunneling and Orthogonality Catastrophe in the Topological Mechanism of Superconductivity

We compute the angular dependence of the order parameter and tunneling amplitude in a model exhibiting topological superconductivity and sketch its derivation as a model of a doped Mott insulator. We show that ground states differing by an odd number of particles are orthogonal and the order parameter is in the {ital d} representation, although the gap in the electronic spectrum has no nodes. We also develop an operator algebra that allows one to compute off-diagonal correlation functions. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}
Equivalence Relations in Diffraction Theory

Certain equivalence relationships between different problems occurring in diffraction theory are established. The method used is essentially Schwarz's principle of analytic continuation by reflexion across a straight boundary. An explicit solution is also obtained by this method for a plane wave normally incident on a T-shaped structure.
Critique of “Footprint of uncertainty for type-2 fuzzy sets” [9]

Abstract In this Letter we provide some critiques of the 2014 Information Sciences paper by Mo, et al. [9], and point out and correct six erroneous statements and false impressions that have been made in this paper.
Cardiac Dynamics of the Langendorff Perfused Heart

The Langendorff perfused heart is studied in a closed system with (i) automatic regulations to maintain constancy of the perfusion column (Krebs-Henseleit + 0.5% albumin or 25-30% washed erythrocyte suspension), (ii) continuous recording of rate, coronary flow, and supravalvular aortic pressure. A microcomputer with software interface is used for storage treatment and on-line analysis of the recorded variables. In 38 preparations perfused with Krebs-Henseleit, minimal diastolic (61.2 +/- 2.8 mm Hg) is significantly below and peak systolic (98.7 +/- 3.6 mm Hg) significantly above perfusion pressure (80 mm Hg). Pressure difference between minimal diastolic and peak systolic (delta P) is 37.5 +/- 1.8 mm Hg. Increases in perfusion pressure will be associated with increases of coronary flow and delta P, which is also increased by isoprenaline administration. Oxygen consumption decreased by 76% when perfusion pressure was lowered from 80 to 60 mm Hg in hearts perfused with a 30% erythrocyte suspension. All of these experimental results were interpreted as indicating that delta P measured in this system resulted from an ejected volume (x acceleration) from the heart. The ejected volume corresponds to a valvular leak caused by the rigid nature of the system which is devoid of aortic compliance. delta P may be considered an index of left ventricular performance, an indication that the Langendorff preparation studied under the present conditions is a working heart. A 100-microliter volume constant infusion syringe for time administration of cardioactive drugs may be inserted at the base of the perfusion column to obtain dose-response effects.
Plasmon-Enhanced Photoemission from a Single Y3N@C80 Fullerene†

Rare earth ions are the backbone of a wide range of optoelectronic applications, ranging from solid-state lasers and fiber amplifiers to silicon photonics. So far experiments on single rare-earth i...
Does preschool intervention affect children's perceived competence?

This study investigates the effects of the federally funded Child-Parent Center (CPC) preschool program on children's perceived school competence in Grade 6. A total of 757 low-income Black children participated in this Head Start-type program at 3 and 4 years of age. One hundred thirty (130) eligible children from similar socio-economic circumstances served as the comparison group and entered school in kindergarten with no preschool experience. Multiple-regression analysis indicated that participation in preschool intervention was significantly associated with more positive perceptions of school competence. This finding, however, was not duplicated when the model was estimated using a two-stage estimation of treatment effects. Estimated effects of preschool participation on reading and math achievement in Grade 6 were consistently significant and meaningful across all methods of analysis. Findings support the positive direct effects of preschool intervention on school achievement rather than on perceived school competence.
Determination of ν-zeros of Hankel functions

On utilise la methode iterative de Muller pour des equations algebriques pour determiner les zeros. On obtient une approximation des 2 premiers zeros a partir d'une expression asymptotique appropriee
Synthesis and purification of racemic 2-(1-hydroxyethyl)thiamine revisited

Abstract A procedure is reported for the rapid (≤1 day) and reproducible purification of 2-(1-hydroxyethyl)thiamine (HET) from contaminating thiamine (≤50%) using aqueous cation exchange chromatography. The unhydrated product contains ≤0.2% thiamine on the basis of its 1H NMR spectrum, visualization on silica gel TLC by fluorescence quenching after development in 60% aqueous ethanol, and the failure to observe the hydrolysis of thiamine using an iodine trapping assay under conditions where hydrolysis of ≤0.2% contaminating thiamine would have been detected. This purification procedure is also applicable to the resolved R and S stereoisomers of HET. Several literature procedures for the synthesis and purification of racemic HET are discussed and critically evaluated.
Age-of-acquisition effects in word and picture identification

Words and pictures with earlier learned labels are processed faster than words and pictures with later learned labels. This age-of-acquisition (AoA) effect has been extensively investigated in many different types of tasks. This article provides a review of these studies including picture naming, word naming, speeded word naming, word pronunciation durations, lexical decisions, eye fixation times, face recognition, and episodic memory tasks. The measurement and validity of AoA ratings is discussed, along with statistical techniques used for exploring AoA's influence. Finally, theories of AoA are outlined, and evidence for and against the various theories is presented.
Cytochrome c oxidase assembly factors with a thioredoxin fold are conserved among prokaryotes and eukaryotes

Cytochrome c oxidase (COX) is a multi-subunit terminal oxidase of the eukaryotic respiratory chain involved in the reduction of oxygen to water. Numerous lines of evidence suggest that the assembly of COX is a multi-step, assisted process that depends on several assembly factors with largely unknown functions. Sco1/2 proteins have been isolated as high-copy number suppressors of a deletion of copper chaperone Cox17, implicating Sco1/2 in copper transport to COX subunits I or II. Here I report the similarity of Sco1/2 assembly factors to peroxiredoxins and thiol:disulfide oxidoreductases with a thioredoxin fold, suggesting that Sco-related proteins perform a catalytic rather than a copper transport function. Reported sequence similarities, together with the functional role of bacterial Sco-related proteins suggest that Sco-related proteins represent a new class of membrane-anchored thiol:disulfide oxidoreductases involved in COX maturation.
Real-time terahertz imaging of nonmetallic objects for security screening and anti-counterfeiting applications

We report the use of a 160×120 pixel microbolometer camera, under illumination by a milliwatt-scale 3.6 THz quantum cascade laser, for real-time imaging of materials which are exclusively nonmetallic in character. By minimizing diffraction effects suffered by the camera system and operating the laser at bias currents approaching saturation values, an imaging scheme was developed in which overlapping samples of nonmetallic materials can be imaged with high fidelity and long persistence times. Furthermore, an examination of various security features embedded within domestic and foreign currency notes suggests that this imaging scheme could serve a future role in detection of assorted counterfeiting practices.
Anterior Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy

During a four-year period, 53 of 92 eyes (58%) undergoing vitreoretinal surgery for a retinal detachment with proliferative vitreoretinopathy demonstrated anterior proliferative vitreoretinopathy. We classified anterior proliferative vitreoretinopathy according to tractional direction, location, extent, and severity. Initially, the eyes were treated with a high scleral buckle and laser endophotocoagulation as an adjunct to vitrectomy. Treatment then evolved into a direct approach in which the anterior proliferative tissue was surgically cut or excised. Of the 42 eyes followed up for at least six months, 25 (59%) were totally reattached and 18 (43%) had a visual acuity of 5/200 or better.
Sedimentation of phytoplankton during a spring bloom in the Øresund

Abstract Rates of sedimentation of phytoplankton from a spring bloom in the Oresund, Denmark, were estimated from changes in the sediment content of phytoplankton pigments. From late March to early May about 20–26 g/m2 of phytoplankton carbon was deposited on the sediment surface. This deposition could explain 45–60% of the annual benthic metabolic activity. In the sedimentation period a fluid zone developed at the sediment-water interface, with high concentrations of organic matter and phytoplankton pigments. The existence of this zone is discussed in relation to feeding and growth of macrobenthos at this time. Observed microdistributions of sediment water, organic material and phytoplankton pigments were considered important for the distribution of benthos.
Doing Local History: A Case Study of New Brunswick, New Jersey

This article provides a methodology that teachers can use to incorporate themes and ideas related to local history in their classrooms. Using the city of New Brunswick, New Jersey as a case study, the article offers different approaches that allow local history to be connected to wider themes in American history. The focus here on a small, relatively anonymous city shows that history can be found in many places, and that one does not have to live in a famous or noteworthy place to find compelling historical resources. The article concludes with specific suggestions that teachers can use in their own classrooms. [Supplementary material is available for this article. Go to the publisher's online edition of The Social Studies for the following supplemental resource: Photographs 1–18, plus descriptive captions.]
Nesting Habitat of the Great Hornbill (Buceros bicornis) in the Anaimalai Hills of Southern India

Abstract Anecdotal evidence suggests the endangered Great Hornbill (Buceros bicornis) needs mature, large old-growth trees for nesting. We tested this hypothesis by measuring vegetation characteristics at 24 nest sites in southern India and compared these data with that obtained from equal numbers of unused forest sites. Characteristics significantly different from surrounding forest at hornbill nesting sites were several properties related to size of trees. The nesting habitat characteristics of the species stress the importance of mature forests with emergent trees for nests of the Great Hornbill. Trees used by Great Hornbills for nests, compared to unused trees, averaged 18.5 m taller, 0.85 m greater in diameter, and emerged more above the forest canopy by 12.7 m. Canopy height, canopy cover, and number of large trees >75 cm DBH were greater at nest sites than at unused sites by 5.79 m, 3.15%, and 1.63 trees, respectively.
Reaction of Primary and Secondary Amines to Form Carbamic Acid Glucuronides

Glucuronidation is an important mechanism used by mammalian systems to clear and eliminate both endogenous and foreign chemicals. Many functional groups are susceptible to conjugation with glucuronic acid, including hydroxyls, phenols, carboxyls, activated carbons, thiols, amines, and selenium. Primary and secondary amines can also react with carbon dioxide (CO(2)) via a reversible reaction to form a carbamic acid. The carbamic acid is also a substrate for glucuronidation and results in a stable carbamate glucuronide metabolite. The detection and characterization of these products has been facilitated greatly by the advent of soft ionization mass spectrometry techniques and high field NMR instrumentation. The formation of carbamate glucuronide metabolites has been described for numerous pharmaceuticals and they have been identified in all of the species commonly used in drug metabolism studies (rat, dog, mouse, rabbit, guinea pig, and human). There has been no obvious species specificity for their formation and no preference for 1 degrees or 2 degrees amines. Many biological reactions have also been described in the literature that involve the reaction of CO(2) with amino groups of biomolecules. For example, CO(2) generated from cellular respiration is expired in part through the reversible formation of a carbamate between CO(2) and the alpha-amino groups of the alpha- and beta-chains of hemoglobin. Also, carbamic acid products of several amines, such as beta-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA), ethylenediamine, and L-cysteine have been implicated in toxicity. Studies suggested that a significant portion of amino-compounds in biological samples (that naturally contain CO(2)/bicarbonate) can be present as a carbamic acid.
A Taylor-Galerkin finite element algorithm for transient nonlinear thermal-structural analysis

A Taylor-Galerkin finite element method for solving large, nonlinear thermal-structural problems is presented. The algorithm is formulated for coupled transient and uncoupled quasistatic thermal-structural problems. Vectorizing strategies ensure computational efficiency. Two applications demonstrate the validity of the approach for analyzing transient and quasistatic thermal-structural problems.
Neuroendocrine cell differentiation in the CWR22 human prostate cancer xenograft: association with tumor cell proliferation prior to recurrence.

BACKGROUND Neuroendocrine (NE) cell differentiation is proposed to facilitate prostate cancer (CaP) recurrence following androgen deprivation through secretion by NE cells of growth factors and neuropeptides that support survival and proliferation of CaP cells and vasculature. METHODS The effect of androgen deprivation on NE differentiation and tumor cell proliferation in the CWR22 model of human CaP was determined by immunohistochemical analysis of the NE cell marker synaptophysin and the cell proliferation marker Ki67. RESULTS A significant increase in the number of NE cells was observed in CWR22 tumors between 28 and 66 days after castration compared to intact mice, that preceded the increase in tumor cell proliferation that began 70 days after androgen deprivation heralding recurrence. There was a significant positive correlation between the number of tumor-associated NE cells and proliferating CaP cells in tumors from mice after 28–34 days of androgen withdrawal. CONCLUSION In the CWR22 model, androgen deprivation induces an increase in tumor-associated NE cells prior to increased tumor cell proliferation, with NE cells possibly promoting tumor survival and recurrent disease. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Cultural History as a Thematic Study: Analyzing Advertisements to Interpret American Home Design

The traditional approach to teaching the history of interior design is through study of the decorative arts and architecture. This confines design to artifacts of high culture and visual discourse. We are interested in expanding the history of interior design beyond appearances and artifact to include the social and cultural forces that shape the design process. We offer an interdisciplinary approach for the study of design history. In particular, we present links between marketing and design. Studying design history through marketing and consumer culture provides valuable insight into design that is not available through the decorative arts and architecture. Advertising has played a central role in shaping the American home aesthetic. By examining advertisements as cultural artifacts, we come to a new understanding about design and its history.
Handheld Interface for Miniature Sensors

Miniaturization of laboratory sensors has been enabled by continued evolution of technology. Field portable systems are often desired, because they reduce sample handling, provide rapid feedback capability, and enhance convenience. Fieldable sensor systems should include a method for initiating the analysis, storing and displaying the results, while consuming minimal power and being compact and portable. Low cost will allow widespread usage of these systems. In this paper, we discuss a reconfigurable Personal Data Assistant (PDA) based control and data collection system for use with miniature sensors. The system is based on the Handspring visor PDA and a custom designed motherboard, which connects directly to the PDA microprocessor. The PDA provides a convenient and low cost graphical user interface, moderate processing capability, and integrated battery power. The low power motherboard provides the voltage levels, data collection, and input/output (I/O) capabilities required by many MEMS and miniature sensors. These capabilities are relayed to connectors, where an application specific daughterboard is attached. In this paper, two applications are demonstrated. First, a handheld nucleic acid sequence-based amplification (NASBA) detection sensor consisting of a heated and optical fluorescence detection system is discussed. Second, an electrostatically actuated MEMS micro mirror controller is realized.
Prevalence of glaucoma in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea--a cross-sectional case-series.

To determine the prevalence of glaucoma in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea. Cross-sectional case series. One hundred patients with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnoea. Within 48 h of the polysomnographic diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnoea, patients underwent the following tests: intraocular pressure, gonioscopy, automated perimetry, stereoscopic biomicroscopy, and fundascopic assessment for the presence of glaucomatous optic nerve changes. The prevalence of glaucoma in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea and the associations between patient characteristics and both glaucoma and intraocular pressure. Glaucoma was diagnosed in 27 of 100 patients yielding an estimated prevalence of 27% (95% CI 19–37%). The presence of glaucoma did not correlate with sex, body mass index (BMI), or AHI, but did appear to be associated with age (P=0.014). There was no evidence of a relationship between intraocular pressure and either the apnoea plus hypopnoea index or age. The prevalence of glaucoma in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea is an estimated 27%. Sex, age, body mass index or apnoea plus hypopnoea index are not factors influencing the presence of glaucoma in this population of patients.
Adenovirus-Mediated Overexpression of O-GlcNAcase Improves Contractile Function in the Diabetic Heart

To examine whether excessive protein O-GlcNAcylation plays a role in the dysfunction of the diabetic heart, we delivered adenovirus expressing O-GlcNAcase (Adv-GCA) into the myocardium of STZ-induced diabetic mice. Our results indicated that excessive cellular O-GlcNAcylation exists in the diabetic heart, and that in vivo GCA overexpression reduces overall cellular O-GlcNAcylation. Myocytes isolated from diabetic hearts receiving Adv-GCA exhibited improved calcium transients with a significantly shortened T(decay) (P<0.01) and increased sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ load (P<0.01). These myocytes also demonstrated improved contractility including a significant increase in +dL/dt and -dL/dt and greater fractional shortening as measured by edge detection (P<0.01). In isolated perfused hearts, developed pressure and -dP/dt were significantly improved in diabetic hearts receiving Adv-GCA (P<0.05). These hearts also exhibited a 40% increase in SERCA2a expression. Phospholamban protein expression was reduced 50%, but the phosphorylated form was increased 2-fold in the diabetic hearts receiving Adv-GCA. We conclude that excess O-GlcNAcylation in the diabetic heart contributes to cardiac dysfunction, and reducing this excess cellular O-GlcNAcylation has beneficial effects on calcium handling and diabetic cardiac function.
Medical Bankruptcy: Myth Versus Fact

David Himmelstein and colleagues recently contended that medical problems contribute to 54.5 percent of personal bankruptcies and threaten the solvency of solidly middle-class Americans. They propose comprehensive national health insurance as a solution. A reexamination of their data suggests that medical bills are a contributing factor in just 17 percent of personal bankruptcies and that those affected tend to have incomes closer to poverty level than to middle class. Moreover, for national health insurance to have an impact, it would have to define “medical” expenses in a much broader way than is now typical of either private or government-funded plans.
Using XML and XQuery for data management in HPSS

The XML and XQuery language capabilities of modern databases can provide a powerful and flexible method of data management within a mass storage system. Within the High Performance Storage System (HPSS), the implementation of XML and XQuery capabilities for user metadata is called “User-defined Attributes” or UDA. The UDA feature provides a method for user applications to associate arbitrary metadata with HPSS namespace objects and store it in an organized, scalable, and searchable manner using XML. The implementation includes a simple key-value interface as well as exposure of the database's XQuery interface to allow for highly customized and atomic update, retrieval, and namespace-wide search requests. Using this architecture enables HPSS to provide client applications a high degree of flexibility in the storage, management, and access of user-defined metadata. This paper describes a brief history of data management within HPSS as well as the architectural decisions, implementation, and results of the UDA feature. Also discussed are considerations for planning and management of the UDA feature, current and in development UDA solutions created by developers and customers, and possible future data management work within HPSS.
Applications of atomic-force microscopy in environmental colloid and surface chemistry

Abstract Atomic-force microscopy (AFM) is a powerful technique for imaging mineral surfaces in air or immersed in solution and at sub-nanometer-scale resolution. As the technique continues to develop, AFM is emerging as an important means not only for imaging the surface structure and microtopography of environmental particles, but also for determining changes in microtopography over the course of dissolution, growth, sorption, heterogeneous nucleation, and redox reactions. Additionally, AFM can provide a direct means of probing the structure of the double layer. As AFM use continues to proliferate, there is an increasing need for critical evaluation of image acquisition and processing techniques. This manuscript reviews the “state of the art” in force microscopy with regard to theoretical considerations, technological advances, and current and potential applications. Some common artifacts are discussed, with the purpose both of preventing new users from re-making old mistakes and of enabling non-users to evaluate AFM results. Finally, examples of applications in colloid and surface chemistry are used to illustrate the potential of AFM for providing new insight into a wide range of environmental processes.
Daily rhythmic variations in blood coagulation times in rats

With all other environmental factors rigidly standardized, normal Sprague-Dawley rats were maintained under the following schedules: (1) 12 hours of artificial light 0600 to 1800 alternating with 12 hours of darkness-LD; (2) reversal of the first-DL; (3) constant darkness-DD, and (4) constant illumination-LL. After the animals had been under a specific lighting regimen for at least three weeks, blood coagulation times were determined on separate groups of 8 to 16 animals at bi-hourly intervals during a 24-hour period. Significant daily fluctuations or rhythms in coagulation times under all lighting conditions were found by plotting each of the bi-hourly mean values as a function of time. The temporal phasing of all rhythms in LD, DL, LL and DD were similar. The major changes found in the different lighting schedules involved overall magnitude, e.g., the overall 24-hour mean coagulation time for rats maintained in LL was 21% greater than for rats maintained in DD. Although total adrenalectomy or adrenal medullectomy did not abolish the characteristic LD rhythm, there was about a 100% decrease in the mean 24-hour coagulation time of LD adrenalectomized animals when compared to normal LD animals. No significant decrease was seen in adrenal demedullectomized animals when similarly compared with normal LD animals.
Fate of 2-Phenethylarnino-l-phenylethanol,2-14C in Rats

Abstract The fate of 2-phenethylamino-1-phenylethanol,2- 14 C was determined following i.p.administration to rats.Little if any radioactivity was detected in tissue samples 2 days after dosage.The radioactivity was eliminated primarily in the urine.Recovery amounted to 91 % in the urine and 6.8 % in the feces after 3 days.The radioactivity in the urine was due to the administered compound.LD 50 determination and in vivo MAO inhibition are also reported.
Nonparametric estimation of convex models via mixtures

We present a general approach to estimating probability measures constrained to lie in a convex set. We represent constrained measures as mixtures of simple, known extreme measures, and so the problem of estimating a constrained measure becomes one of estimating an unconstrained mixing measure. Convex constraints arise in many modeling situations, such as estimation of the mean and estimation under stochastic ordering constraints. We describe mixture representation techniques for these and other situations, and discuss applications to maximum likelihood and Bayesian estimation.
Use of intraoperative isocentric C-arm 3D fluoroscopy for sextant percutaneous pedicle screw placement: case report and review of the literature

Abstract Background context Three-dimensional (3D) fluoroscopy-based image guidance system using an isocentric C-arm (Iso-C) fluoroscope was shown to be as effective as computed tomography–based systems in guiding the accurate percutaneous placement of lumbar pedicle screws in cadavers. To date, however, no description is available of the intraoperative use of 3D fluoroscopy to guide lumbar pedicle screw placement in an actual spinal fusion procedure. Purpose We report a case in which isocentric 3D fluoroscopic images, along with image-guidance software, were used to guide the placement of percutaneous pedicle screws for fusion in a patient with degenerative spondylolisthesis. Study design/setting Operating room of a large academic medical center during the placement of percutaneous pedicle screws in a patient with degenerative spondylolisthesis. Methods A percutaneous dynamic reference array was attached to the L3 spinous process. A satisfactory image set was obtained and automatically registered. The L4 and L5 pedicles were localized, and pedicle holes were then cannulated, drilled and tapped. A screw was then inserted using the Sextant system for percutaneous pedicle screws. In this manner, bilateral pedicle screws were inserted into the L4–L5 pedicles. All steps of pedicle cannulation were performed under Iso-C 3D image guidance. Results A postoperative computed tomography scan showed accurate placement of all pedicle screws. The patient experienced an improvement in leg pain with no new neurologic deficits. Conclusions The present case is the first case to demonstrate the intraoperative use of a 3D fluoroscopy-based image-guidance system for accurate navigation during lumbar pedicle screw placement.
The Role of Over‐the‐Counter Supplements for the Treatment of Male Infertility—Fact or Fiction?

Many over-the-counter (OTC) vitamins and supple- ments have been used to improve male fertility. The purpose of this study is to review the effects of these OTC supplements on male fertility. A Pub Med and Medline review of the randomized controlled studies utilizing OTC vitamins and supplements readily available in the United States over the last 3 decades was performed. Many studies demonstrate the positive effects of OTC supplementation on semen parameters and pregnancy outcomes. Conversely, many studies also demonstrate a lack of improvement and potential complications with supplementation. Confounding factors include lack of standard dosing regimens, duration of treatment, and control for dietary intake. No standard exists for which OTC supplement and vitamin studies have been conducted or the medications dosed. Definitive conclusions as to their true effects on male subfertility and dosing regimen could not be identified.
Investigating parasitic capacitance cancellation for EMI suppression

This paper begins with the review of different parasitic capacitance cancellation techniques. The effectiveness of different cancellation techniques is discussed. The critical parameters and constraints for each cancellation technique are identified. The cancellation techniques are then applied to different applications based on their characteristics. Experiments are carried out to verify the analysis.
Transformers for Electric Furnaces

Important Features that should be considered in designing transformers, for supplying power to electric furnaces, are pointed out in this paper. The extremely high secondary currents and low secondary voltages, together with the wide variation in voltage required by many furnaces, demand special design considerations in both the transformer and its associated equipment.
Comparative Morphology and Evolution of Genital Papillae in a Genus of Darters (Percidae: Etheostoma)

A morphological study of female genital papillae of Etheostoma was conducted to examine the evolution of papillae as predicted by molecular phylogenies, and to examine correlations between papilla morphology and spawning behaviors and oviposition. Thirteen characters were used to describe variation in papillae in 128 species. Based on maximum likelihood ancestral state reconstructions, we corroborated several molecular phylogenetic hypotheses with morphology and developed hypotheses on several functional traits/adaptive traits and their associations with spawning behaviors. Papillar synapomorphies supported a close relationship between Allohistium and (Etheostoma + Nanostoma) + Ulocentra, a monophyletic Catonotus, and a sister-group relationship between E. vitreum and Boleosoma. Results suggest that the most recent common ancestor of Etheostoma buried eggs and had a simple tube with a distal, posteriorly oriented genital pore. All egg-burying species, except species of Nothonotus, have tube papillae that ...
The Estimation of Elastic Properties from Analogue Compounds

Summary The concept of isostructural compounds as elastic analogues is extended to include some new correlations involving the bulk modulus, K, the shear modulus, p, and their pressure derivatives, K and p', and these are combined here with some previously demonstrated correlations. For many simple compounds, K correlates with the mole atomic volume, V, according to the well-known relation KV" = C,, where C1 is a constant characteristic of crystal structure, and n is usually about 1. An analogous relation, pV" = Cz, is shown here to be an equally accurate approximation. C2 is again characteristic of crystal structure and m is usually about $. Some exceptions are related to the presence of transition metal ions, and possibly to magneto-elastic coupling and non-stoichiometry. These relations are poorer approximations for more complex compounds. Much of the irregularity can be attributed either to the presence of more than one dominant bond type or to the presence of transition metal ions and associated effects. For complex compounds, an alternative correlation, previously demonstrated, is updated and refined using the above insights into simple compound properties: the ratios of elastic velocities and density of a compound to those of its isochemical mixture of simple compounds are characteristic of the crystal structure of the compound. The behaviour of the dimensionless derivatives (8 In K/8 In P)~ = K' and (8 In p/ula In P)~ = Kp'/p is examined. Kp'/p decreases rapidly with increasing cation size in isostructural series, and increases with increasing co-ordination number. K' is remarkably constant for alkali halides, but irregularly variable for oxides and silicates. Much of this irregularity may be due to experimental inaccuracies.
U.S. nuclear laboratories in a nuclear-zero world

In an era of nuclear disarmament, the role of the national labs must be redefined because continued modernization of nuclear activities is a step backward, rather than forward.
Adolescents' Attachment Orientation Influences Ambulatory Blood Pressure Responses to Everyday Social Interactions

OBJECTIVES Adult attachment theory provides a useful framework for understanding how early developmental experiences affect social processes, associated physiological stress responses, and ultimately, health across the lifespan. The current study examined the effects of attachment orientation on physiological responses to naturalistic social interactions in adolescents. METHODS Two-hundred five black (49%) and white high school students (14-16 years; 50% boys) completed a measure of anxious and avoidant attachment, and underwent 1.5 days of ambulatory blood pressure and heart rate (AmBP and AmHR) monitoring while they tracked social experiences. RESULTS As predicted, individuals with higher avoidant attachment reported fewer interactions with friends (t [299] = -3.18, p < .01) and more anxious adolescents experienced less pleasant interactions both during (t [299] = -3.59, p < .01) and outside of school hours (t [298] = -3.59, p < .01). Individuals who were higher in anxious attachment showed augmented ambulatory diastolic and systolic blood pressure (AmDBP, AmSBP; both p < .05) in conjunction with current or recent interactions with friends. More avoidant adolescents exhibited augmented AmDBP responses to social conflict (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS The current findings suggest that adolescent attachment orientation may shape later physical health through influences on the nature of, and physiological responses to, social interactions in everyday life.
Tracking a moving target in cluttered environments with ranging radios

In this paper, we propose a framework for utilizing fixed, ultra-wideband ranging radio nodes to track a moving target node through walls in a cluttered environment. We examine both the case where the locations of the fixed nodes are known as well as the case where they are unknown. For the case when the fixed node locations are known, we derive a Bayesian room-level tracking method that takes advantage of the structural characteristics of the environment to ensure robustness to noise. We also develop a method using mixtures of Gaussians to model the noise characteristics of the radios. For the case of unknown fixed node locations, we present a two-step approach that first reconstructs the target node's path and then uses that path to determine the locations of the fixed nodes. We reconstruct the path by projecting down from a higher-dimensional measurement space to the 2D environment space using non-linear dimensionality reduction with Gaussian Process Latent Variable Models(GPLVMs). We then utilize the reconstructed path to map the locations of the fixed nodes using a Bayesian occupancy grid. We present experimental results verifying our methods in an office environment. Our methods are successful at tracking a moving target node and mapping the locations of fixed nodes using radio ranging data that are both noisy and intermittent.
Assessing Expenditure Changes Related to Welcome Center Visits

This article illustrates a methodology for assessing expenditure changes associated with welcome center visits and applies this methodology to assess the effectiveness of the Rhode Island Interstate 95 welcome center. The model is distinguished by (1) the use of detailed information from both on-site and follow-up surveys and (2) a means to correct for potential nonresponse bias in the follow-up sample. Results of the analysis illustrate that a visit to the Rhode Island welcome center increases visitors' average in-state expenditures. The estimated expenditure change for the average visitor group—which varies from $104 to $111, depending on model specification—is significantly greater than the expenditure change anticipated during the initial on-site survey. On the basis of model estimates, the authors conclude that the welcome center generates approximately $35 in new tourism expenditures for every dollar of operating budget.
Effects of Individual, Occupational, and Industrial Characteristics on Earnings: Intersections of Race and Gender

Critics of the "women's agenda" in both research and policy have complained of its exclusivefocus on the experiences of white women. They maintain that as a result of this focus, we know relatively little about the experiences of black women in the labor market compared to those of white women. This article concentrates on generalizations regarding the effects of experience, education, marital status, occupational characteristics, and industrial sector on earnings. To investigate how these variables interact with gender and race to affect pay, we use fixed effects on panel data (1966-81) from the National Longitudinal Survey (NLS). We use regression decomposition to ascertain (1) what factors explain the gender gap in earnings and whether these factors explain the same portion of this gap among blacks and whites, and (2) what factors explain the race gap in earnings and whether thesefactors explain the same portion of this gap among women and men.
Preparation and use of aldehyde fuchsin stain in the dry form.

A three-day old aldehyde fuchsin staining solution (Gomori, 1950) was precipitated in a separatory funnel by adding 50 ml. of chloroform and 200 ml. of distilled water to each 100 ml. of the staining solution. The mixture was shaken, allowed to settle and the precipitate-bearing layer filtered through paper. The precipitate was dried at 50°C, scraped from the paper and stored in a stoppered vial. To use, 0.5 g. of the dry stain was dissolved in 100 ml. of 70% ethanol containing 1 ml. of concentrated hydrochloric acid. In the dry form, the dye has retained its property of staining thyrotroph cells and neurosecretory substance in the hypophysis of the rat for several months.
Physical planning with retiming

In this paper, we propose a unified approach to partitioning, floorplanning, and retiming for effective and efficient performance optimization. The integration enables the partitioner to exploit more realistic geometric delay model provided by the underlying floorplan. Simultaneous consideration of partitioning and retiming under the geometric delay model enables us to hide global interconnect latency effectively by repositioning FF along long wires. Under the proposed geometric embedding based performance driven partitioning problem, our GEO algorithm performs multi-level top-down partitioning while determining the location of the partitions. We adopt the concept of sequential arrival time [14] and develop sequential required time in our retiming based timing analysis engine. GEO performs cluster-move based iterative improvement on top of multi-level cluster hierarchy [4], where the gain function obtained from the timing analysis is based on the minimization of cutsize, wirelength, and sequential slack. In our comparison to (i) state-of-the-art partitioner hMetis [9] followed by retiming [11] and simulated annealing based slicing floorplanning [15], and (ii) state-of-the-art simultaneous partitioning with retiming HPM [7] followed by floorplanning [15], GEO obtains 35% and 23% better delay results while maintaining comparable cutsize, wirelength, and runtime results.
Ultrafast infrared spectroscopy in biomolecules: Active site dynamics of heme proteins

Rapid advances in the generation of intense tunable ultrashort mid-infrared (IR) laser pulses allow the use of ultrafast IR pump-probe and vibrational echo experiments to investigate the dynamics of the fundamental vibrational transition of CO bound to the active site of heme proteins. The studies were performed using a free-electron laser (FEL) and an experimental set up at the Stanford University FEL Center. These novel techniques are discussed in some detail. Pump-probe experiments on myoglobin-CO (MbCO) measure CO vibrational relaxation (VR). The VR process involves loss of vibrational excitation from CO to the protein and solvent. Infrared vibrational echoes measure CO vibrational dephasing. The quantum mechanical treatment of the force-correlation function description of vibrational dynamics in condensed phases is described briefly. A quantum mechanical treatment is needed to explain the temperature dependence of VR in Mb-CO from 10 to 300 K. A molecular-level description including elements of heme protein structure in the treatment of vibrational dynamics is also discussed. Vibrational relaxation of CO in Mb occurs on the 10−11-s time scale. VR was studied in proteins with single-site mutations, proteins from different species, and model heme compounds. A roughly linear relationship between carbonyl stretching frequency and VR rate has been observed. The dominant VR pathway is shown to involve anharmonic coupling from CO through the π-bonded network of the porphyrin, to porphyrin vibrations with frequencies > 400 cm−1. The heme protein influences VR of bound ligands at the active site primarily via altering the through π-bond coupling between CO and heme. Preliminary vibrational echo studies of the effects of protein conformational relaxation dynamics on ligand dephasing are also reported. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Use of modified cages attached to growing calves to measure the effect of stable flies on dry matter intake and digestibility, and defensive movements

The effects of stable flies on growing calves were examined using fly cages attached to the animals. Dry matter intake, DM digestibility (DMD), and behavioral responses of calves were monitored. Nine Holstein calves were exposed to 3 levels of stable flies (0, 10,