cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Webinar-Based Study Group Helps Infection Preventionists and Public Health Experts Achieve Certification

BACKGROUND Certification in Infection Control (CIC) is the gold standard for infection prevention professional designation. Evidence suggests patient outcomes are improved when infection prevention programs are led by certified Infection Preventionists (IPs) yet according to the 2017 Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) Mega survey only 43% of eligible IPs are certified nationally. Historically, public health experts were not encouraged to achieve CIC. Public health professionals work with IPs to conduct healthcare associated infection (HAI) surveillance and assist with ?outbreak investigations. We describe the utility of a complimentary CIC webinar-based study group for IPs and public health. METHODS From July 2016-September 2018 the State Health Department (SHD) partnered with the local APIC chapter to host a weekly one-hour webinar-based CIC study group. The APIC 6th Edition CIC study guide was utilized as the primary resource for the course. Sessions were designed to cover the eight exam domains (e.g. surveillance and epidemiologic investigations). Each week, 25 questions were reviewed with answer rationale. The 11-week course was offered 9?times. The chat box and an interactive polling system were utilized for audience engagement. Resources were shared between participants via a shared drive. RESULTS Over the study period, course registration increased by 12-times, from 17 to 199. Weekly attendance averaged 24 (range 9, 68). Participants from 14 states included representatives from hospitals (113), PH (63), long-term care (5), outpatient (12), Indian Health Services (2) Quality/Research (3) and Behavioral Health (1). Fifty-nine (30%) of registrants have achieved CIC. The majority of these were from hospitals (61%) and public health (34 %). CONCLUSIONS The CIC study group is a model for APIC chapters and public health departments to support professional development of their members and provide a platform for IPs and public health professionals to achieve CIC designation.
Computing the Bézier Control Points of the Lagrangian Interpolant in Arbitrary Dimension

The Bernstein--Bezier form of a polynomial is widely used in the fields of computer aided geometric design, spline approximation theory, and, more recently, in high order finite element methods for the solution of partial differential equations. However, if one wishes to compute the classical Lagrange interpolant relative to the Bernstein basis, then the resulting Bernstein--Vandermonde matrix is found to be highly ill-conditioned (though not as severe as in the Vandermonde case). In the univariate case of degree $n$, Marco and Martinez [Linear Algebra Appl., 422 (2007), pp. 616--628] showed, using an approach based on Neville elimination, that one can obtain an $\mathcal{O}(n^2)$ algorithm for solving the system, which also exploits the total positivity of the Bernstein basis. Remarkable as it may be, the Marco--Martinez algorithm has some drawbacks: The derivation of the algorithm is quite technical; the interplay between the ideas of total positivity and Neville elimination are not part of the standard...
A uniform-grid discretization algorithm for stochastic optimal control with risk constraints

In this paper, we present a discretization algorithm for the solution of stochastic optimal control problems with dynamic, time-consistent risk constraints. Previous works have shown that such problems can be cast as Markov decision problems (MDPs) on an augmented state space where a “constrained” form of Bellman's recursion can be applied. However, even if both the state space and action spaces for the original optimization problem are finite, the augmented state in the induced MDP problem contains state variables that are continuous. Our approach is to apply a uniform-grid discretization scheme for the augmented state. To prove the correctness of this approach, we develop novel Lipschitz bounds for “constrained” dynamic programming operators. We show that convergence to the optimal value functions is linear in the step size, which is the same convergence rate for discretization algorithms for unconstrained dynamic programming operators. Simulation experiments are presented and discussed.
Evaluation of XL370A-Derived Maize Germplasm for Resistance to Leaf Feeding by Fall Armyworm1

The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is an economically important insect with larvae damaging maize (Zea mays L.) leaves and ear tissue. The pest has become resistant to several classes of insecticide and Bt-maize grown in some geographical areas. Once discovered and characterized, native sources of maize resistance to this pest could be effectively integrated with existing control tactics. The objective for this study was to test experimental lines derived from maize germplasm XL370A for resistance to leaf feeding by fall armyworm. Plants were grown in the field in 2018 and 2019, artificially infested with fall armyworm, and leaf damage scores recorded. Average 14-day scores for experimental maize lines GEMN-0095 (5.8), GEMN-0096 (5.7), and GEMN-0133 (5.6) were moderately resistant and 7- and 14-day scores for these entries were not significantly different across both years. Cuba 94 was not significantly different from the three entries with the exception of having greater 7-day damage scores in 2019. GEMN-0048 was not resistant but variability was observed in 14-day scores between 4 (resistant) and 8 (susceptible) in individual plants. The experimental lines are adapted for growth in temperate regions and might provide maize breeding programs with useful levels of resistance to fall armyworm.
Characterizing Network Controllability and Observability for Abstractions and Realizations of Dynamic Networks

Abstract One method for managing the complexity of a dynamic network is to abstract some of this complexity away by using a simpler, yet behaviorally equivalent, mathematical model. A theory for such abstractions is currently under development (cf. Kivits and Van den Hof (2018) as well as Woodbury and Warnick (2019)). While recent work has considered concepts of controllability and observability for networked dynamic systems (cf. Xiang et al. (2019) and Liu and Barabasi (2016)), this paper analyzes these concepts for abstractions of dynamic networks. In particular, we present the notion of a complete abstraction and an extraneous realization of a dynamic network and show that these concepts characterize the controllability and observability properties of a class of abstractions of dynamic networks.
Wage Transparency, Negotiation, and Reference-dependent Utility

Wage transparency has become increasingly prevalent across industries as a result of government mandates, companies' voluntary disclosure, and digitization. A commonly cited benefit of wage transparency is that it can prompt underpaid workers to negotiate and thus reduce wage inequality. To empirically address how peer wage information influences wage negotiation and the subsequent implications for wage inequality, we conducted two field experiments on online labor markets where we manipulated information about historical peer wages and assessed workers' responses to job offers. Contrary to predictions of the prior literature, workers become more likely to negotiate not only when they learn that they are paid lower than others (by 34%-132%), but also when they learn that they are paid the same wage as others (by 38%-88%). We conjecture that the latter finding occurs because at least some workers believe they should be paid more than the average due to (warranted or inflated) positive assessments about themselves. This conjecture is supported by a laboratory experiment. Based on our empirical findings, we build a reference-dependent model to describe worker behavior and use it to derive the long-term implications of wage transparency for wage inequality. Our model and the subsequent numerical study reveal that wage transparency may amplify wage inequality by prompting workers who are already highly paid to ask for more. Our work highlights that wage transparency is not necessarily a panacea for wage inequality, and discusses additional measures that governments and organizations may consider along with wage transparency to combat wage inequality.
DICER1 Mutation Detected in an Infant Guides Accurate Diagnosis of Auto-Amputated Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma.

Abstract Background The DICER1 mutation is a pathogenic, germline mutation that predisposes patients to uncommon malignancies at a young age. Case A 6-month-old female infant presented with vaginal bleeding and a protruding vaginal mass of unclear pathogenesis. Chemotherapy was initially targeted toward a germ cell tumor; after pathologic testing and auto-amputation of the tumor, the patient was diagnosed with a rare DICER1-associated embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma. Subsequently, her treatment course was restructured and family genetic surveillance instituted. Summary and Conclusion Consideration for DICER1 mutation in tumors with complex pathology and unique presentation is critical to aid in diagnosis and management, and direct future comprehensive surveillance.
High-speed functional photoacoustic microscopy using a water-immersible two-axis torsion-bending scanner

Abstract Optical-resolution photoacoustic microscopy (OR-PAM) can provide functional, anatomical, and molecular images at micrometer level resolution with an imaging depth of less than 1 mm in tissue. However, the imaging speed of traditional OR-PAM is often low due to the point-by-point mechanical scanning and cannot capture time-sensitive dynamic information. In this work, we demonstrate a recent effort in improving the imaging speed of OR-PAM, using a newly developed water-immersible two-axis scanner. Driven by water-compatible electromagnetic actuation force, the new scanning mirror employs a novel torsion-bending mechanism to achieve fast 2D scanning. The torsion scanning along the fast-axis works in the resonant model, and the bending scanning along the slow-axis operate at the quasi-static mode. The scanning speed and scanning range along the two axes can be independently adjusted. Steered by the two-axis torsion-bending scanning mirror immersed in water, the focused excitation light and the generated acoustic wave can be confocally aligned over the entire imaging area. Thus, a high imaging speed can be achieved without sacrificing the detection sensitivity. Equipped with the torsion-bending scanner, the high-speed OR-PAM system has achieved a cross-sectional frame rate of 400 Hz, and a volumetric imaging speed of 1 Hz over a field of view of 1.5 × 2.5 mm2. We have also demonstrated high-speed OR-PAM of the hemodynamic changes in response to pharmaceutical and physiological challenges in small animal models in vivo. We expect the torsion-bending scanner based OR-PAM will find matched biomedical studies of tissue dynamics.
PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS OF LARGE BOILING WATER REACTORS

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the basic problems and characteristics of the large boiling water plant for central station use, and to attempt to convey a status of knowledge relative to these characteristics. It describes the large boiling water reactor and, as Dresden is the first large boiling water nuclear plant and it presents the principal basis for experimental determination of the characteristics. The Dresden reactor is a light-water-moderated-and-cooled core; the fuel is 1.5% enriched uranium oxide encased in zirconium tubing. The temperature coefficient was measured by heating the water to 180°F and then making period measurements with a fixed control rod configuration while the system slowly cooled. To calculate the feedback function, it is necessary to consider the dynamics of the components that affect reactivity. These are fuel temperature, water temperature, and steam voids in the fuel channels. Control rod oscillation tests on boiling water reactors provide one of the best methods for checking the analytical feedback functions.
Employee weight management through health coaching

OBJECTIVE: This study will evaluate the effectiveness of an interactive health coaching intervention at lowering weight. METHODS: The study involved 5405 employees aged 18–85, during 2001–2008. RESULTS: Average body mass index (BMI) significantly decreased from 32.1 at baseline to 31.4 at 3 months, 31.0 at 6 months, and 30.6 at 12 months. Decreasing BMI was more pronounced in older age groups and among women, those using weight loss medication, those with higher BMI, and those with higher motivation and confidence to make behavior changes. When the effects of these variables on the decreasing trend in BMI were simultaneously estimated, only baseline classifications of BMI, health status, and confidence remained significant. Change in BMI through 12 months was −0.7% for those with normal weight, −2.0% for overweight, −3.6% for obese, and −7.1% for morbidly obese individuals at baseline. Among morbidly obese individuals, decrease in BMI through 12 months was −7.6% for those with “high” confidence to lose weight at baseline vs −4.4% for those with low confidence. Better health status at baseline is also related to more pronounced weight loss. CONCLUSION: Interactive health coaching significantly lowered BMI among participants through 3, 6, and 12 months of follow-up.
Low residual noise speech enhancement utilizing time-frequency filtering

Spectral subtraction is a well known technique for enhancing speech corrupted by additive wideband noise. In this technique, the "clean" signal is approximated by subtracting a noise estimate from the spectrum of the corrupted signal. A negative side effect is the residual "musical" noise that is produced when isolated spectral peaks exceed the noise estimate. In this paper, a low residual noise enhancement method is presented. This method is based on spectral subtraction but incorporates an algorithm developed to suppress "musical" noise without affecting speech. The algorithm is referred to as time-frequency filtering because spectral peaks due to noise are eliminated on the basis of duration, bandwidth, and proximity to other peaks. Results showing the effects of combining spectral subtraction and time-frequency filtering are given. >
Radioactive Ion Beams - Research Motivation and Methods of Production

Radioactive ion beams can provide research opportunities not available with ordinary ion beams. In particular, radioactive beams allow investigation of nuclear reactions important to the stellar burning and nucleosynthesis which occur in high temperature and/or density environments in stars. General design considerations are presented which apply to any such facility. The facility presently being built at Ohio State University is described.
Heat-shock protein expression is absent in the antarctic fish Trematomus bernacchii (family Nototheniidae)

The heat-shock response, the enhanced expression of one or more classes of molecular chaperones termed heat-shock proteins (hsps) in response to stress induced by high temperatures, is commonly viewed as a 'universal' characteristic of organisms. We examined the occurrence of the heat-shock response in a highly cold-adapted, stenothermal Antarctic teleost fish, Trematomus bernacchii, to determine whether this response has persisted in a lineage that has encountered very low and stable temperatures for at least the past 14-25 million years. The patterns of protein synthesis observed in in vivo metabolic labelling experiments that involved injection of (35)S-labelled methionine and cysteine into whole fish previously subjected to a heat stress of 10 degrees C yielded no evidence for synthesis of any size class of heat-shock protein. Parallel in vivo labelling experiments with isolated hepatocytes similarly showed significant amounts of protein synthesis, but no indication of enhanced expression of any class of hsp. The heavy metal cadmium, which is known to induce synthesis of hsps, also failed to alter the pattern of proteins synthesized in hepatocytes. Although stress-induced chaperones could not be detected under any of the experimental condition used, solid-phase antibody (western) analysis revealed that a constitutively expressed 70 kDa chaperone was present in this species, as predicted on the basis of requirements for chaperoning during protein synthesis. Amounts of the constitutively expressed 70 kDa chaperone increased in brain, but not in gill, during 22 days of acclimation to 5 degrees C. The apparent absence of a heat-shock response in this highly stenothermal species is interpreted as an indication that a physiological capacity observed in almost all other organisms has been lost as a result of the absence of positive selection during evolution at stable sub-zero temperatures. Whether the loss of the heat-shock response is due to dysfunctional genes for inducible hsps (loss of open reading frames or functional regulatory regions), unstable messenger RNAs, the absence of a functional heat-shock factor or some other lesion remains to be determined.
Use of restriction endonucleases and exonuclease III to expose halogenated pyrimidines for immunochemical staining

We describe an enzymatic procedure for exposure of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) containing the halogenated pyrimidines (HdUrd) bromodeoxyuridine (BrdUrd) or iododeoxyuridine (IdUrd) in single cells to antibodies that bind to HrdUrd only in ssDNA. Production of ssDNA was accomplished by digesting the DNA using either restriction endonucleases alone or endonucleases followed by exonuclease III. The enzymatic production of ssDNA was maximal when 0.1 N HCl or 0.1 M citric acid plus Triton X-100 was added to extract nuclear proteins prior to enzymatic denaturation. The restriction endonucleases Bam HI, Dde I, Eco RI, and Hind III produced significant ssDNA when used alone to allow binding of detectable amounts of the anti-HdUrd antibody IU-4 in Chinese hamster ovary cells labeled with 10 microM BrdUrd or 10 microM IdUrd. However, these treatments did not expose sufficient ssDNA to allow binding of IU-1, an anti-HdUrd antibody with lower binding affinity. IU-4 binding was most intense after treatment with Eco RI. Treatment with exonuclease III following endonuclease digestion allowed substantially more IU-4 binding.
Zooplankton production and manipulation in striped bass rearing ponds

Abstract Zooplankton production and survival of striped bass fry ( Morone saxatilis ) were examined in ponds treated either with organic fertilizer (in 1980) or with a combination of organic and liquid inorganic fertilizers and inoculated with Daphnia pulex (in 1981). In 1980, there were significant differences in water quality variables and chlorophyll α levels among treatments in three series of three ponds fertilized only with different amounts of ground hay. Production of crustacean zooplankton was low, and rotifer populations increased as the number of crustaceans was reduced by predation. Electron transport system (ETS) activity was low in all treatments. Survival of striped bass differed greatly within and between treatments, ranging from 1 to 64% and averaging 17%. In 1981, water quality variation was less among treatments in four series of three ponds inoculated with Daphnia and fertilized either with chicken litter-chicken manure in combination with liquid ammonium nitrate and phosphoric acid, or with ground hay. Rotifer species were less abundant and numbers of crustacean zooplankton, total protein, and ETS activity were higher than in 1980. Survival of striped bass in 1981 ranged from 1 to 96% and averaged 45% in the ponds fertilized and inoculated with Daphnia . Numbers of striped bass fingerlings produced per hectare and percent survival were significantly greater in 1981 (manure-fertilized ponds) than in 1980 (hay-fertilized ponds). Combinations of organic and liquid inorganic fertilizers and zooplankton inoculation are suggested to develop and maintain the zooplankton forage base in striped bass rearing ponds. Management effort (including the amounts and timing of organic and liquid inorganic fertilizers) should be shifted to maximize crustacean zooplankton foods during the period 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after the fish are stocked.
Analysis of poor outcomes after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding.

Recent studies document excess weight loss (EWL) of more than 50% with the laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LGB). This study reviews the LGB experience at an urban academic center in terms of complications, reoperative rates, and comorbidities. In this study, 144 consecutive patients undergoing LGB were prospectively reviewed. Data were collected including weight, body mass index (BMI), excess weight loss (EWL), comorbidities, and complications. Demographics were analyzed using a t-test. Linear regression was used to analyze the relationship of BMI, race, and age to EWL at 12 months. The study participants were 130 women with a mean age of 43 ± 11 years, a mean weight of 127.1 kg ± 20.5 kg, and a mean BMI of 45.6 ± 6.1. The mean follow-up period was 16 months. The mean EWL was 20% ± 14% at 6 months (n = 118), 26% ± 16% at 12 months (n = 106), 30% ± 20% at 18 months (n = 68), and 34% ± 23% at 24 months (n = 43). Patients with a BMI higher than 50 kg/m2 had a lower EWL at 12 months than patients with a BMI lower than 50 kg/m2 (P = 0.00005). The mean EWL at 12 months was significantly less for African Americans than for Caucasians (P = 0.0046; 95% confidence interval [CI] 3–15%). Patients older than 50 years had a lower EWL, but the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.07). Complete and partial resolution of comorbidities occurred for 10% and 4% of the patients, respectively. Removal of the band with revision to a sleeve gastrectomy for inadequate EWL was required for 14 patients (11.5%). Complications occurred for 8% of the patients (n = 15) including port flipping, stoma obstruction, tube disconnection, port infections, dysphagia, and band slippage. Overall, 16.7% of the patients (n = 24) required reoperation. After LGB, a majority of the patients failed to achieve a 50% EWL, and 16.7% required reoperation. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding may not be the optimal bariatric procedure for patients older than 50 years, patients with a BMI higher than 50 kg/m2, or African Americans.
Tissue plasminogen activator inhibits reactive oxygen species production by macrophages.

Study Objective. To determine whether tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) alters macrophage reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Intervention. Cultured macrophages were exposed to either phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) or zymosan (ZMA) after a 1-hour incubation with either tPA 100 μg/ml or l-arginine 3.5 mg/ml, an excipient used in the formulation of tPA. Measurements and Main Results. Production of ROS was measured using chemiluminescence (CL). Tissue plasminogen activator reduced the mean peak CL of macrophages exposed to PMA or ZMA by 20% and 36%, respectively (p=0.0008 and p=0.028, analysis of variance). l-arginine had no effect on either PMA- or ZMA-induced macrophage CL. Conclusion. Our results suggest that tPA has broad inhibitory effects on inflammatory cell ROS production. In diseases such as atherosclerosis and acute respiratory distress syndrome, these data suggest the possible utility of exogenous tPA as an antiinflammatory agent and a physiologic role for endogenous tPA that goes beyond maintenance of homeostasis.
Intelligent surveillance lifecycle architecture for epidemiological data clustering using Twitter and novel genetic algorithm

Social media has spread globally. Over the past few years, Twitter has climbed to over one billion active users. On average, they send out 340 million tweets per day. That produces a massive amount of information, calculated to be in excess of 150 gigabytes of data per year. This research, as reported in this paper, focuses on creating an Intelligent surveillance lifecycle architecture for epidemiological data clustering using Twitter and novel genetic algorithm (ISLA/EDC). The purpose of the architecture is to develop concepts and techniques such that epidemiologists can be able to more efficiently and effectively determine the locations of disease outbreaks as they occur. They do not have to rely on the illnesses being directly reported to them. The technical solution of the architecture provides medical tasks that support strategic decision making and operational business processes. The design of the architecture is based on Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA). In a SOA environment, the technical solution develops new intelligent concepts of integrating approaches of search methodologies, information extraction, data clustering, genetic algorithm, and intelligent agents. A prototype is created and examined in order to validate the concepts.
Assessment of student learning outcomes at the institutional level

While the assessment movement has spanned more than two decades, there is great variation in its degree of implementation among community colleges throughout the country. Building on literature in the field, this chapter discusses and gives examples of concepts and major areas involved in the assessment of student learning at the institutional level.
A System for Digital Videodensitometry

The first few years of any new imaging technology are characterized by rapid developments in equipment. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is no exception. These improvements must be accompanied by an increase in understanding of the interaction between equipment and the patient. Several articles have discussed the impact of various components on the signal to noise ratio (SNR). While most users have recognized the importance of certain biological factors, e.g. heart rate, cardiac output, etc., only recently has the equipment evolved to the state permitting systematic study of these variables.© (1983) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Fatigue limits of enamel bonds with moist and dry techniques

Abstract Objective Shear fatigue limit (SFL) testing, coupled with shear bond strength (SBS) measurements can provide valuable information regarding the ability of adhesive systems to bond to mineralized tooth structures. The clinical technique for enamel bonding with adhesive resins has shifted from bonding to a thoroughly dried acid conditioned surface to a moist surface to facilitate dentin bonding. The purpose of this study was to compare the performance of ethanol-containing etch-and-rinse adhesive (ERA) systems on moist and dry enamel by determining the resin composite to enamel SBS and SFL, and examining the relationship of SBS and SFL. Methods Twelve specimens each were used to determine 24-h resin composite (Z100 – 3M ESPE) to enamel SBS to moist and dry surfaces with two ERA systems, Adper Single Bond Plus (SBP) and OptiBond Solo Plus (OBP). A staircase method of fatigue testing was used in a four-station fatigue cycler to determine the SFL of resin composite to enamel bonds (moist and dry) with the two ERA systems (20 specimens for each test condition) at 0.25 Hz for 40,000 cycles. ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test were used for the SBS data and a modified t-test with Bonferroni correction was used for comparisons of SFL. Results The two ERA systems each generated statistically similar SBS (p > 0.05) to moist and dry enamel and the SBS of SBP was significantly higher than OBP on dry enamel (p Significance Fatigue testing may provide more useful information than SBS tests regarding the performance of dental adhesive systems. The chemical composition, solvents and filler components of ERA systems may influence their ability to develop long-term durable bonds to both moist and dry enamel surfaces.
Optimization of polymer‐solvent interaction in a multisolvent system by the UNIFAC group‐contribution method

The solubility parameter scheme is an exceptionally useful tool for predicting the solubility behavior of simple polymer systems. However, this scheme is unable to handle well enough complicated systems, such as those involving donor-acceptor interactions and those containing more than two solvents. More advanced thermodynamic treatments and computer techniques, such as UNIFAC, can be a key to solving these kinds of problems. The UNIFAC group-contribution method utilizes a volume parameter and a surface-area parameter for each structural group and a pair of interaction-energy parameters for each pair of groups, which can be deduced from experimental activity data. The method was originally derived for mixtures of ordinary liquids and has been extended to polymer solutions by adding a free-volume correction. The modified UNIFAC method can be used to estimate the activities of solvents in a polymer solution, even when no experimental data are available for the mixture. In the present study, the UNIFAC method was applied to optimize polymer-solvent interactions in three-solvent systems. A three-dimensional plot, displaying polymer activity as a function of the solvent composition, was constructed for each polymer system. The minimum in polymer activity was used as the criterion for maximum polymer-solvent interaction. Dissolution rate and solution clarity were used to test the polymer-solvent interaction experimentally. Comparison of theoretical predictions with experimental results indicated that a better agreement could be obtained by using the UNIFAC method rather than the solubility parameter method.
Tensor SVD and distributed control

The (approximate) diagonalization of symmetric matrices has been studied in the past in the context of distributed control of an array of collocated smart actuators and sensors. For distributed control using a two dimensional array of actuators and sensors, it is more natural to describe the system transfer function as a complex tensor rather than a complex matrix. In this paper, we study the problem of approximately diagonalizing a transfer function tensor via the tensor singular value decomposition (TSVD) for a locally spatially invariant system, and study its application along with the technique of recursive orthogonal transforms to achieve distributed control for a smart structure.© (2005) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Multi-wavelength data collection strategies in inelastic neutron scattering

Abstract The overwhelming tradition in neutron-scattering research was the use of a monochromatic incoming beam with a single wavelength for essentially all kinds of experiments, with only a very few exceptions in the practice at continuous neutrons sources. The situation dramatically changed with the spread of pulsed spallation sources, where the wavelength scanning “energy dispersive” time-of-flight approach is the natural rule in all diffraction type work and in inverted geometry inelastic spectroscopy. In recent years, a number of new applications of multi-wavelength data collection strategies emerged in inelastic neutron spectroscopy, both at continuous and pulsed sources. The aim of the present paper is to review these developments. Time-of-flight (TOF) and Neutron Spin Echo (NSE) lend themselves most easily to such methods, since they allow rather exact comparison of absolute scattering intensities measured at different instrumental configurations. The use of multiple wavelengths can offer different kinds of advantages in neutron spectroscopy. Since the resolution of spectrometers rapidly changes with the wavelength, its variation can be effectively used to extend the available dynamic range. Inelastic multiple scattering effects can be precisely identified and corrected for by their inherently strong wavelength dependence. At pulsed spallation sources the multi-wavelength approach opens up the way to enhance data collection rates by eliminating at least a large part of the dead time between too distant source pulses.
Multilevel selection and the social transmission of behavior

Many evolutionary models assume that behaviors are caused directly by genes. An implication is that behavioral uniformity should be found only in groups that are genetically uniform. Yet, the members of human social groups often behave in a uniform fashion, despite the fact that they are genetically diverse. Behavioral uniformity can occur through a variety of psychological mechanisms and social processes, such as imitation, consensus decision making, or the imposition of social norms. We present a series of models in which genes code for social transmission rules, which in turn govern the behaviors that are adopted. Transmission rules can evolve in randomly formed groups that concentrate phenotypic variation at the between-group level, favoring the evolution of altruistic behaviors and other group-advantageous traits. In addition, a direct bias toward adopting altruistic behaviors can evolve. Our models begin to show how group selection can be a strong force in human evolution, despite the absence of extreme genetic variation among groups.
Density related growth of grass carp, Ctenopharyngodon idella (Val.) in managed small impoundments in Alabama

Growth data for grass carp, Ctenopharyngodon idella, in managed small impoundments were examined for density related effects. Ponds ranged in area from 0.02 to 5.0 ha; various species stocking combinations were used. Growth during the first year of life was strongly affected by density. Total standing stock increased and average size decreased with increasing density. This growth–density relationship was more variable among fish in the second year of life, primarily because of differences in availability of preferred food in different ponds. Survival tended to vary during the first year of life depending on the size at stocking but was uniformly high in the second year.
Compression fatigue performance of a fire resistant syntactic foam

Abstract Compression–compression fatigue test study of a fire resistant Eco-Core was conducted at two values of stress ratios (R = 10 and 5). Tests were conducted at Smin/So values of 0.9–0.6 for R = 10 and 0.95–0.8 for R = 5. Here Smin is the maximum compression stress and So is the compression strength. The study showed that Eco-Core has well defined failure modes and associated fatigue lives. The failure modes are: damage on-set; damage progression, and final failure. The damage on-set, propagation and final failure were characterized by 2%, 5% and 7% changes in compliance. The three failure modes were found to be same for both static and fatigue loadings. The endurance limit was found to be 0.72So, 0.75So and 0.76So, respectively for three failure modes for R = 10 and 0.81So, 0.82So and 0.82So, respectively for R = 5. The fatigue life is defined by a power law equation, Smin/So = AoNα. Constants of the equation were established for all three modes of failures and the two stress ratios. Finally, fatigue life was found to be less sensitive to R ratio when expressed in terms of stress range versus number of load cycles, which is similar to that of metallic materials.
Comparing Sexual-Minority and Heterosexual Young Women's Friends and Parents as Sources of Support for Sexual Issues.

The present study provides a comparative analysis of sexual-minority and heterosexual emerging adult women's experiences seeking support for sexual issues from parents and friends. Participants included 229 college women (88 sexual-minority women; 141 heterosexual women), ranging from 18 to 25 years of age, who provided written responses to an inquiry about a time they went to friends and parents for support for a issue related to their sexuality. Responses indicated that the majority of participants had sought support from either a parent or a friend and that mothers and female friends were more likely involved than fathers or male friends, respectively. Sexual issues that participants reported discussing with parents and friends were inductively grouped into five categories: dating and romantic relationships, sexual behavior, sexual health, identity negotiation, and discrimination and violence. Issues that were discussed differed based on sexual orientation identity and the source of support (parent or friend); they did not differ by age. Participants generally perceived parents and friends' responses as helpful, though sexual-minority participants perceived both parents and friends' responses as less helpful than did heterosexual participants. Overall, results suggest both similarities and differences between sexual-minority and heterosexual young women's experiences seeking support for sexual issues from parents and friends.
Social behavior of captive, group-living Orangutans

The behavior of orang-utans (Pongo pygmaeus)was observed in two captive groups (one adult group, one juvenile group). Activity profiles,animal interactions, and compartmental spatial use for both adult-group and juvenile-group individuals were recorded over a 9-month period. Behavioral repertoires for both groups included large amounts of social activity. Equivalent amounts of social activity were found for each group. The social behavior of juvenile animals involved more active behavior such as play. The social behavior of the adult animals was more subtle, involving social monitoring and allogrooming. These results indicate that orangutans, at least when group-living in captivity, exhibit the potential to display social behavior which is apparently of greater frequency and complexity than that which has been observed in the wild. These findings suggest that the solitary behavior of wild orangutans is not a necessary characteristic of orangutan behavior. Under different environmental conditions orangutans appear to readily adapt socially, and, like other nonhuman primates,they have the capacity to exhibit complex and subtle social behavior.
Developing Parameters for Uncommon Exposures

ABSTRACT Common exposure scenarios form the basis for exposure assessments included in human health risk assessments. The quantitative parameters that are used to calculate the receptor's dose associated with these common exposure scenarios are readily available. When humans have uncommon exposures, these often are excluded from the dose calculations because of the lack of parameters or parameters are estimated, which can increase the uncertainty in calculated dose. This study evaluates a third option of performing laboratory experiments to estimate parameters for uncommon exposures. Two exposures, the handling and hand-washing of contaminated work clothes and the drinking of water with sufficient free-phase hydrocarbons to form a visible sheen, were simulated in a laboratory. Parameters were developed for each exposure such that doses could be calculated. Parameters developed include a mass of oily contaminants on skin after washing contaminated clothes and the mass of a visible oily sheen on an aqueous ...
Pressure effect in capillary rheometer

Steady shear viscosity data of a polypropylene resin were obtained at two elevated temperatures using an Instron capillary rheometer. When the pressure drop across the capillary is small, the hydrostatic pressure in the barrel is low, and the data from the capillary rheometer follow a linear Bagley plot. For long capillary and under a high hydrostatic pressure, the pressure drop increases at a faster rate than the length. A. pressure-dependent viscosity function is proposed to explain the deviation and a new method to evaluate the pressure coefficient is introduced in this study. The results indicate that there is a significant increase in viscosity at a typical injection molding pressure, e.g., above 108 Pa.
Localization of Sphingomyelin in Cholesterol Domains by Imaging Mass Spectrometry

The location of each lipid in a palmitoyloleoylphosphatidylcholine/18:0 sphingomyelin/cholesterol monolayer system is laterally resolved using imaging time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) without the necessity of adding fluorescent labels. This system of coexisting immiscible liquid phases shows cholesterol domains with sizes and shapes comparable to those in the fluorescence microscopy literature. The results show that SM localizes with cholesterol and that palmitoyloleoylphosphatidylcholine is excluded. Moreover, the segregation is not complete, and there is a small amount of both phospholipids distributed throughout.
A magnetic resonance spin label study of human dental enamel.

Abstract The rotational mobility of nitroxide spin labels in human dental enamel indicates that the regions accessible to the largest label used were of the order of 15 A (1.5nm). The nitroxide coupling constants were used to determine the degree of label-solvent replacement. Calibration of the microwave cavity Q with liquid water samples indicate that about 2.3 per cent by weight of the enamel samples was liquid water. 55, 50 and 23 per cent of this liquid water appeared to be removed by vacuum-drying or equilibration with ethanol or benzene, respectively. Decay of the radical species was observed; the mechanism of reduction of the labels is unknown but use of a model of diffusion with simple first order decay allowed the calculation of an apparent diffusion constant D of 6 × 10 −9 cm 2 /s (6 × 10 5 nm 2 /s) at 22 °C.
Effects of low temperature storage upon subsequent energy metabolism of rabbit embryos.

Abstract The oxidation of pyruvate by two-cell rabbit embryos occurred at a very low rate at 10 °C, but increased 10–15 times upon rewarming to 37 °C. Pyruvate utilization of these embryos increased with continued development parallel to embryos not cooled to 10 °C, but incubated directly at 37 °C. Storage at 10 °C did not affect the amount of glucose subsequently oxidized at 37 °C, nor the shift from the pentose shunt to glycolysis and the Krebs cycle that normally occurs between the morula and blastocyst stage. Thus, the temporary inhibition of carbohydrate metabolism induced through temperature reduction did not impair the subsequent ability of the embryos to metabolize pyruvate and glucose normally.
Intercomparisons of upper air and surface winds in an urban region

During the Regional Air Pollution Study (RAPS), winds in the St. Louis region were recorded by surface stations (hourly averages) and by multiple upper air releases (on-the-hour). This study analyzes differences (1) between upper air and surface resultant winds, (2) among upper air winds at 4 sites, and (3) among surface winds at 25 sites. The extensive data set provides a statistical basis for indicating the representativeness of individual observations, and the results show considerable variation between simultaneously-measured winds determined by alternate means. Based on Gaussian plume dispersion, the spatial variations in wind direction are translated into expected departures between predictions and observations of pollutant concentrations. Inaccurate specification of winds in air quality simulation models is likely to be a substantial contributor to differences between short-term predictions and observations on an urban scale.
The Effect of Inducer Polarity and Contrast on the Perception of Illusory Figures

A study designed to determine how inducer-surround contrast and inducer polarity affect the contour clarity and the lightness of illusory figures is reported. Using magnitude estimation procedures, ten naive subjects rated both the contour clarity and the lightness of Kanizsa squares. The magnitude of the inducer-surround contrast and the inducer polarity (all-black, all-white, or black-and-white) were varied randomly on each trial. The data indicate that contour clarity increases with contrast at the same rate across polarity conditions but that contour clarity at any given contrast level depends significantly on polarity. Contour clarity judgments were significantly lower when the inducers were all-white than when the inducers were all-black or black-and-white, and significantly greater in the 'mixed' polarity case (black-and-white inducers) than in the 'same' polarity case (the average of the all-black and all-white inducer conditions). Inducer contrast and polarity significantly affected the lightness of the illusory figure in a manner consistent with simultaneous spatial contrast. Also, for a given increment in contrast, contour clarity altered significantly more than surface lightness, regardless of inducer polarity. The findings suggest that the mechanism which mediates boundary formation is sensitive to the direction of contrast, and that the boundary formation mechanism is more sensitive than the surface lightness mechanism to changes in contrast magnitude. The results are considered within the context of neural network models of form perception.
“Ghosts in the Psychoanalytic Nursery”: Response to Lieberman & Harris

In this discussion, I elaborate on the question of why fear, per se, has been relatively absent from psychoanalytic dialogues, and of how to think about the relative primacy of fear, aggression, and infantile sexuality. In response to Harris, I consider some of the ways that contemporary neuroscience and evolutionary theory deepen this discussion. And, following Lieberman, I reflect on why it can be so difficult to hold and process our patients’ fear and trauma.
The stress tensor in field dynamics

The stress tensor is not completely determined by the usual conditions required of it. However, if one has a Hamiltonian formulation of the field equations on general space-like surfaces in space-time, one can connect the density of the Hamiltonian function, provided it satisfies a certain condition of curvature independence, with the stress tensor and so fix the latter completely. Conversely, if one is given a Hamiltonian formulation only on flat surfaces and one is also given the stress tensor, one can use it to provide the Hamiltonian formulation on general surfaces, provided the Poisson bracket relations of the stress tensor satisfy certain conditions equivalent to curvature independence.
Evaluation of a bilayer resist system based on a zirconium-containing polymer

In the present work, the bilayer system investigated was comprised of a negative working portable conformable mask (PCM) and an underlying planarizing layer. The lithographic evaluation of the PCM as a stand-alone single-layer resist (SLR) was presented in an earlier paper. The DPEPA acts as a sensitizer to e-beam radiation by enhancing exposure-induced crosslinking. The presence of Zr in the form of an organometallic in the PCM results in the formation of an oxide-based barrier to etch in oxygen and CF 4 /0 2 plasmas. The PCM in the bilayer system was found to have improved contrast (approximately 0.7-3.0) relative to the SLR, though it was also less sensitive (sensitivity in the range of 1.5-15 (mu) C/cm 2 ). Features of 0.5 micron were delineable with this resist scheme, using acetic acid as a developer. Increasing the DPEPA improved sensitivity but resulted in a deterioration of contrast. The bilayer resist etch rates during RIE were studied in a parallel plate etcher as a function of power density, chamber pressure, etchant gas flow rate and mole% CF 4 in the plasma. For the system described here and under identical etching conditions, the bilayer etched 1/12 as fast as pure PMMA in oxygen and at 80 nm/min (versus 214 nm/min for PMMA) in a 92:8 CF 4 /0 2 plasma. The presence of the PCM afforded the PMMA resist more RIE time, the upper limit of etch duration increasing with increased planarizer thickness. Post-etch scanning electron micrographs indicate that the imaged stencils are dimensionally stable to prolonged etches in these environments.