cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Classical Statistical Theory

In an area where there is so much acknowledged turmoil, such outspoken disagreement, and in which so many divergent points of view are so strongly represented as in statistics today, it is almost anomalous to refer to one particular theory as the ‘classical’ one. It is the stranger to use this term, in that the theory to which it is applied may be said to be no more than fifty years old. But in statistics, as in mathematics, things happen quickly — far more quickly than the layman, or even the professional consumer of statistics or mathematics, realizes. Many of the fundamental ideas of the theory of testing statistical hypotheses were developed in the first quarter of this century by Karl Pearson, Jerzy Neyman, and R. A. Fisher. By the nineteen-forties, the view, primarily associated with the name of Neyman, that the fundamental form of statistical inference was the choice between statistical hypotheses, had come to dominate other views in the English speaking world. It merely dominated other views among statisticians; but it utterly overwhelmed other views among those whose interest in statistics was primarily practical.
Templated Carbon from Pyrolysis of Pyrene in Pillared Clay Matrices

Unique carbonaceous materials suitable as anodes for lithium secondary batteries have been synthesized and characterized. The synthesis is based on the use of pillared clays and various organic precursors, including pyrene. Pyrolysis was performed at 500, 700 and 1000 °C followed by inorganic matrix removal. X-ray powder diffraction data show that the carbon samples have a highly disordered structure.
Off-Line Intermittent Computerized Cardiopulmonary Evaluation of Surgical Patients

In the last few years there is an increasing trend to monitor in critically ill patients not only the blood pressure, pulse and ECG, but to evaluate the functional status of cardiorespiratory system; that means the cardiac performance and oxygen transfer and utilization. Using large computer systems we can generate a sizable amount of data especially with continuous monitoring, but this method is usually limited to big institutions and requires specialized computer personnel. Therefore we decided to implement a simple computer system in a so-called Automated Physiologic Profile Analysis (PPA). This method, introduced by J. D. Cohn and L. DelGuercio, was successfully used at Montefiore Hospital in Pittsburgh for the past four years.
First report of capacitance-based self-sensing and in-plane electric permittivity of carbon fiber polymer-matrix composite

Abstract Capacitance-based damage self-sensing and the in-plane electric permittivity of continuous carbon fiber polymer-matrix composite are unprecedentedly reported. Capacitance-based self-sensing is advantageous over previously reported electrical-resistance-based self-sensing in not needing intimate electrical contacts and that two (rather than four) contacts suffice. Using a 220 × 220-mm2 unidirectional one-lamina polyamide-6-matrix composite, the capacitance (2 kHz) is measured in the through-thickness and in-plane directions using 25 × 25-mm2 aluminum-foil electrodes that are sandwiching and coplanar, respectively. Due to the composite's conductivity and the LCR meter's limitation, a dielectric film (adhesive tape) is positioned between electrode and specimen. In practice, this film can be the paint on the composite. Judiciously positioned artificial damage (1.1-mm diameter through-holes) causes the through-thickness capacitance to increase monotonically and the in-plane capacitance to decrease monotonically with increasing damage, due to the effect of the damage on the fringing electric field. The relative permittivity is 2160 ± 510 and 1640 ± 330 for the longitudinal and transverse directions, respectively, with anisotropy 1.3. The DC resistivity is 0.0072 ± 0.0004 and 10.9 ± 0.9 Ω cm in the longitudinal and transverse directions, respectively, with anisotropy 1500. The conductivity controls the current spreading, while the high permittivity provides the capacitance effect. The resistivity anisotropy causes the dependence of the capacitance-based sensing on the fiber orientation.
Population density and annual and seasonal space use by feral cats in an exurban area

Feral cats (Felis catus) exhibit contrasting behavior in urban and rural areas. Urban cats form dense social groups with small home range sizes while feral cats occupying rural areas are typically solitary and inhabit larger home ranges. Because feral cat behavior is influenced by their surroundings and exurban areas possess components of both urban and rural areas, it is expected that feral cats in exurban areas will demonstrate an intermediate behavior pattern. Given that feral cat ecology is understudied in exurban areas, our objectives were to estimate feral cat density, quantify annual and seasonal home range areas, and characterize macrohabitat use among annual and seasonal home ranges of feral cats within the exurban city of Russellville, Arkansas during October 2012–December 2013. In our study, home ranges of male feral cats (29.17 ± 7.70 ha) were larger than female home ranges (12.26 ± 2.90 ha), but the size of core areas did not differ by sex. Feral cats in Russellville disproportionately used developed areas and pasture and hay fields more than other habitats within the exurban matrix. Feral cat density in Russellville was found to be relatively low (0.10 cats/ha) and although home ranges (19.76 ± 4.28 ha) were similar to rural feral cat populations, areas of core use (3.73 ± 0.95 ha) were similar to urban and suburban living cats. Therefore, this exurban feral cat population appears to share characteristics with both rural and urban feral cat populations.
Institutional ownership and corporate governance of public companies in China

Abstract Using information on the identity and percentage ownership of the ten largest shareholders in Chinese nonfinancial firms during the period of 1999–2010, we examine institutional investors' preferences for specific firm characteristics and investigate how institutional ownership affects firm value. We classify institutional investors under two dimensions: (1) pressure-sensitive (or grey) institutions versus pressure-insensitive (or independent) institutions, and (2) state-owned versus privately-owned institutions. We find that institutional ownership is positively associated with company Tobin's Q, and the effect is mainly driven by the ownership of independent institutions, rather than driven by the ownership of privately-owned institutions. Moreover, this positive relation gets stronger after 2005, when significant progress has been made in strengthening the legal and institutional foundation of the capital markets in China. In contrast, ownership by grey institutions is in general negatively associated with firm performance, manifesting the value-destructive consequences of the conflicts of interest these investors cultivate. The significant change after 2005 suggests that the enhanced external legal and corporate governance environment is critical for independent institutions' monitoring role to strengthen.
Impact of the Hydrocodone Schedule Change on Opioid Prescription Patterns in South Dakota.

INTRODUCTION Prescription opioid use is becoming increasingly common; consequently, opioid overdose deaths are increasing at an alarming rate. Hydrocodone, one of the most commonly abused opioids, was changed from a schedule III controlled substance to the more stringent schedule II to decrease abuse and diversion, effective Oct. 6, 2014. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of the hydrocodone schedule change on opioid prescribing in South Dakota. METHODS Opioid prescription patterns were examined in the following six-month phases: the baseline phase before the change, the transition phase when existing hydrocodone prescriptions could still be refilled, and the final phase. The South Dakota Board of Pharmacy Prescription Drug Monitoring Program provided aggregate monthly data for South Dakota opioid prescriptions (i.e., total number of prescriptions and days supplied), including urban and rural stratification. T-tests were performed on the monthly values for each phase to determine the significance of differences in prescription features between phases. RESULTS The number of hydrocodone prescriptions significantly decreased 14 percent from baseline to final phase, while the days supplied per prescription significantly increased 7.4 percent. These changes were greater in rural areas than in urban areas. Conversely, the number of other opioid prescriptions significantly increased by 6.5 percent over this timeframe. CONCLUSIONS The number of hydrocodone prescriptions decreased, while the days supplied per prescription increased. These changes were greater in rural areas than in urban areas. In addition, the number of other opioid prescriptions increased. These trends may reflect some unintended effects of the schedule change.
Plasma Biochemistry and Hematologic Values of Cold-Stunned Loggerhead Sea Turtles (Caretta caretta)

Cold-stunned loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) strand annually in the northeastern United States and are admitted to rehabilitation facilities when rescued alive. Hematologic and plasma biochemical data were retrospectively evaluated from 133 cold-stunned loggerhead turtles that were admitted for rehabilitation between 2008 and 2016. Convalescent data were compared with initial data for 24 turtles for which paired data were available. Convalescent values for white blood cell count, heterophil count creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, glucose, and uric acid were significantly lower than initial values, whereas convalescent eosinophil count, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, albumin, gamma-glutamyl transferase, total protein, globulin, blood urea nitrogen, calcium, phosphorus, chloride, and potassium were significantly higher. Results indicate that cold-stunned loggerhead turtles may be affected by dehydration, reduced renal function, cellular injury, deranged metabolic status, and activation of the adrenocortical stress response. Specific derangements associated with mortality could not be statistically characterized because only four turtles died.
Modified Veterans Health Administration Clostridioides difficile Infection (CDI) Prevention Bundle: Progress Over 8 Years Decreasing CDI Laboratory-Identified (LabID) Events at a Large Veterans Affairs Medical Center

Background: In March 2012, the Veterans’ Health Administration (VHA) published the Guideline for the Prevention of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in VHA Inpatient Acute-Care Facilities, with a goal of 30% reduction of cases within 2 years. In March 2011, this facility, along with 31 others, served as a pilot site to develop the guidelines. Methods: The CDI prevention bundle was implemented to prevent new onset CDI cases in the facility with 4 core measures: (1) environmental cleaning (EMS), (2) hand hygiene, (3) contact precautions, and (4) cultural transformation. Education was provided to EMS staff, nursing, and care providers on the CDI case definition, criteria for testing, empiric isolation for patients with diarrhea, hand hygiene, and PPE to control spread. In 2014, antimicrobial stewardship was added, and within 5 years an algorithm for isolation and testing was published. Cases were reviewed weekly using TheraDoc software and were reported monthly to the national VHA Inpatient Evaluation Center (IPEC). Isolation was communicated using a ward roster/isolation list in TheraDoc for all unit champions to consult daily. CDI cases were classified using NHSN definitions for a laboratory-identified (LabID) event, recurrent cases, and community-onset cases. Real-time case review and weekly multidisciplinary case discussions identified opportunities for improved compliance with the core measures. Results: Over an 8-year period, CDI healthcare-onset LabID events decreased by 73%. The cases decreased from 149 to 40 over the 8-year period. The infection rate decreased 70% from 16.19 per 10,000 bed days of care in FY2011 (October 2010) to 4.88 in FY2019. The incidence of community onset infections increased from 75 in FY2011 to a high of 146 in FY2018 for a rate of 8.15 to 18.17. In FY2019, there was a decrease in both LabID events and community-onset cases to lows of 40 and 102, respectively. Inappropriate testing decreased by 84% from 50 in FY2011 to 8 in FY2019. Conclusions: A multidisciplinary team approach that included support from leadership and clinical providers as well as front line staff involvement, daily rounding, and case review by infection preventionists has reduced all CDI cases over an 8-year period using the modified VHA CDI bundle. TheraDoc enabled case review, correct isolation, changes to cleaning practices, and more appropriate lab testing. The antimicrobial stewardship program that includes clinical pharmacists working daily with providers was a strong driver for change. Funding: None Disclosures: None
Intraoperative dextrose rate during exploratory laparotomies in neonates and the incidence of postoperative hyperglycemia: A retrospective observational study

INTRODUCTION Compared with the older pediatric population, neonates have greater perioperative morbidity and mortality. Difficulty with glucose regulation may be a contributing modifiable risk factor during perioperative anesthetic management. To mitigate the risk of hyperglycemia in neonates, some providers empirically halve the preoperative rate of dextrose-containing infusions during surgery. AIM To assess the association between halving the preoperative maintenance dextrose rate and postoperative euglycemia in neonatal intensive care unit patients undergoing exploratory laparotomies. METHODS Neonatal intensive care unit patients who underwent exploratory laparotomy under general anesthesia from 1/1/2014 to 11/21/2019 were included in this analysis. Hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia were defined as >150 mg/dL and <46 mg/dL. A calculated dextrose ratio was utilized to categorize patients into full and half intraoperative dextrose rate cohorts. Univariate analyses were performed with Fisher's exact test, the Wilcoxon rank sum test, or Spearman's correlation. Multivariable analyses with regression models were conducted after graphical evaluation of a predetermined set of independent variables. RESULTS 107 patients were included in the full dextrose rate cohort and 96 patients in the half dextrose rate cohort with postoperative hyperglycemia occurring in 47 and 28 patients, respectively. On univariate analysis, halving the preoperative dextrose rate was associated with decreased postoperative hyperglycemia (odds ratio: 0.53; 95% CI: 0.28-0.98, P = 0.041). This association continued in the regression model (adjusted odds ratio: 0.49; 95% CI: 0.25-0.80, P = 0.008) after controlling for preoperative dextrose rate, preoperative serum glucose, preoperative pH, surgical duration, postmenstrual age at surgery, and the presence of necrotizing enterocolitis. Only one patient was hypoglycemic postoperatively, and they were in the full dextrose cohort. CONCLUSION Halving of preoperative dextrose rates intraoperatively during exploratory laparotomy in neonatal intensive care unit patients was associated with a decreased risk of postoperative hyperglycemia without substantially increasing the occurrence of postoperative hypoglycemia. The practice of halving preoperative dextrose rates may be an effective empirical approach for intraoperative glucose management in the high-risk neonatal population when blood glucose monitoring is challenging.
HIV and AIDS Stigma and Discrimination in China: Results from a National Survey

In order to combat stigma and the associated discrimination against HIV-positive people, it is important to understand the knowledge, beliefs and attitudes among groups in a country. A recent nationally representative opinion survey in China included questions on knowledge of HIV and AIDS and stigma and discrimination towards HIV-positive co-workers and family members. The paper shows remarkable consistency of views. Fully 60 percent of all respondents said that an HIV-positive co-worker should not be allowed to continue working. Regarding family members, 50 percent of respondents said they would be willing to care for a sick family member. At the same time, 44 percent of the respondents said they would want the HIV status of the family member to remain secret. Multivariage models related to stigma and discrimination against a co-worker and a family member showed little variation by background characteristics. The findings also reveal ambivalence among a substantial minority of Chinese about people living with HIV. These findings are important for the Chinese HIV and AIDS Program. This study reinforces that views held by HIV-related stigma and discrimination are pervasive and that interventions to reduce stigma and discrimination need to reach all Chinese people, particularly the majority of Chinese who live outside of China's cities.
Report for the European Association of Tax Law Professors 2015 Congress: 'Tax Penalties as Instruments of Cooperative Tax Compliance Regimes'

This is a thematic report on the topic of "Administrative Surcharges: Instruments of Cooperative Tax Compliance Regimes" for the 2015 annual meeting of the European Association of Tax Law Professors in Milan. Professors participating in the meeting were surveyed regarding their countries' use of tax penalties and other surcharges. The Report first examines how the surveyed countries use tax surcharges, and for what purposes. It then briefly considers from a theoretical perspective how penalties can best help foster tax compliance.
Allergen Immunotherapy in an HIV+ Patient with Allergic Fungal Rhinosinusitis

Patients with HIV/AIDS can present with multiple types of fungal rhinosinusitis, fungal balls, granulomatous invasive fungal rhinosinusitis, acute or chronic invasive fungal rhinosinusitis, or allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS). Given the variable spectrum of immune status and susceptibility to severe infection from opportunistic pathogens it is extremely important that clinicians distinguish aggressive fungal invasive fungal disease from the much milder forms such as AFRS. Here we describe a patient with HIV and AFRS to both remind providers of the importance of ruling out invasive fungal disease and outline the other unique features of fungal sinusitis treatment in the HIV-positive population. Additionally we discuss the evidence for and against use of allergen immunotherapy (AIT) for fungal disease in general, as well as the evidence for AIT in the HIV population.
The sarcoidal variant of annular elastolytic granuloma.

A 59-year-old woman who was otherwise healthy presented for evaluation of an annular plaque on the left forehead. The plaque had an erythematous scaly raised border, and the central portion was hypopigmented and subtly atrophic (Figures 1 and 3). The plaque was solitary, as a full body examination did not reveal additional cutaneous lesions. It was asymptomatic and longstanding but had been slowly expanding. A biopsy of the plaque had been previously performed in 2004, at which time the patient was under the care of a different clinical team. At the time, scant clinical information was included with the specimen. The 2004 biopsy showed tightly packed nodular collections of histiocytes and was interpreted as probably representing sarcoidosis. Subsequent systemic evaluation for sarcoidosis, including a chest x-ray and an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) level, was negative. The patient recently presented to our institution, where our clinicians were unable to reconcile the histopathology with the clinical presentation. Therefore, an additional biopsy was performed. The biopsy showed dense small and large compact sarcoidal aggregations of histiocytes distributed in a vaguely band-like configuration in the upper dermis (Figures 2 and 4). The aggregations were accompanied by small lymphocytes (Figures 4 and 5). A diagnosis of sarcoidal granulomatous dermatitis was rendered, and a differential diagnosis that included sarcoidosis, infection, granulomatous rosacea, and a cutaneous manifestation of Crohn’s disease was offered. Special stains (Fite, PAS-D, and Brown-Brenn) were performed and failed to reveal organisms (mycobacteria, fungi and bacteria, Fig. 1. Frontal view displaying an annular plaque with an erythematous raised border and central subtle atrophy with hypopigmentation.
Phase and amplitude computations in the midbrain of an electric fish: intracellular studies of neurons participating in the jamming avoidance response of Eigenmannia

Electric fish monitor modulations in sensory feedback from their own electric organ discharges (EODs) to locate moving objects and to detect interfering EODs of their neighbors. The gymnotoid genus Eigenmannia minimizes detrimental effects of jamming by EODs of its neighbors by shifting its own EOD frequency away from a neighbor's EOD frequency that is too close to its own. Since the animal lowers its own frequency if its neighbor's frequency is higher and raises its frequency if its neighbor's frequency is lower, this jamming avoidance response (JAR) requires that the animal determine the sign of the difference frequency, Df, between the interfering EODs. Eigenmannia obtains this information by evaluating modulations in the amplitude and phase which its nearly sinusoidal EOD signal experiences due to the interference with the neighbor's EODs. The necessary logical operations are executed in the dorsal torus semicircularis, an analogue of the inferior colliculus of higher vertebrates, and are similar to operations underlying directional hearing. By intracellular labeling of physiologically identified cells we have identified the anatomy and functional characteristics of neurons involved in the processing of amplitude and phase information. The JAR is controlled by hierarchical and parallel processing of information in several laminae of somatotopically ordered neurons. Phase differences between signals received by electroreceptors in different parts of the body surface are computed in lamina 6. Information about differential phase is then relayed to multipolar cells in the deeper laminae 8, b and c, which also receive information about modulations in local signal amplitude. These cells are excited by a rise or fall of amplitude as well as by a lead or lag of phase. According to their responses to either of these two variables, these neurons can be divided into four classes. These classes encode all information necessary for the control of the JAR and project to the optic tectum. Dynamic properties and sensory specificities of the JAR are not found in individual, properly tuned neurons but rather emerge statistically from the joint effects of a large population of imprecisely tuned neurons. This system is characterized by a distributed pattern of organization and by the absence of a small number of key neurons whose malfunction would jeopardize the behavioral response. The complexity of this neural machinery appears unnecessary for the logically simple task of the JAR, and it suggests that this behavior was acquired later in evolution by being derived from more general motor responses to moving objects.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Structure on a Scale of a Tenth the Event Horizon

In two recent articles (Tully 1986, 1987), I have argued for the existence of clustering of Abell clusters on a scale of 0.1 c. The purported structures would involve of order 60 Abell clusters and 1018 M ⊙ each. Further, I have claimed that we must reside in something I have called the Pisces-Cetus Supercluster Complex, which has the extraordinary property that it is concentrated to a plane coincident with the much more nearby plane of the Local Supercluster.
Resolving geometrically necessary dislocation density onto individual dislocation types using EBSD-based continuum dislocation microscopy

Abstract Modeling of plasticity is often hampered by the difficulty in accurately characterizing dislocation density on the microscale for real samples. It is particularly difficult to resolve measured dislocation content onto individual dislocation types at the length scales most commonly of interest in plasticity studies. Methods have been developed to analyze dislocation content at the continuum level using the Nye tensor and Kroner's fundamental relation of continuum dislocation theory to interpret the local strain gradients obtained from high resolution electron backscatter diffraction (HREBSD). This paper assesses an implementation of the Nye–Kroner–Bilby method for resolving measured geometrically necessary dislocation content onto individual dislocation types via a novel simulation of distortion fields around continuum fields of dislocation density based on classical continuum elasticity equations. It is then applied to HREBSD data for a micro-indented nickel single crystal.
Reduction in High-Frequency Hearing Aid Gain Can Improve Performance in Patients With Contralateral Cochlear Implant: A Pilot Study

Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine whether an alternate fitting strategy, specifically adjustment to gains in a hearing aid (HA), would improve performance in patients who experienced poorer performance in the bimodal condition when the HA was fit to traditional targets. Method This study was a retrospective chart review from a local clinic population seen during a 6-month period. Participants included 6 users of bimodal stimulation. Two performed poorer in the cochlear implant (CI) + HA condition than in the CI-only condition. One individual performed higher in the bimodal condition, but the overall performance was low. Three age range–matched users whose performance increased when the HA was used in conjunction with a CI were also included. The HA gain was reduced beyond 2000 Hz. Speech perception scores were obtained pre- and postmodification to the HA fitting. Results All listeners whose HA was programmed using the modified approach demonstrated improved speech perception scores with t...
WE-G-BRB-08: TG-51 Calibration of First Commercial MRI-Guided IMRT System in the Presence of 0.35 Tesla Magnetic Field.

Purpose: The first real‐time‐MRI‐guided radiotherapy system has been installed in a clinic and it is being evaluated. Presence of magnetic field (MF) during radiation output calibration may have implications on ionization measurements and there is a possibility that standard calibration protocols may not be suitable for dose measurements for such devices. In this study, we evaluated whether a standard calibration protocol (AAPM‐ TG‐51) is appropriate for absolute dose measurement in presence of MF. Methods: Treatment delivery of the ViewRay (VR) system is via three 15,000Ci Cobalt‐60 heads positioned 120‐degrees apart and all calibration measurements were done in the presence of 0.35T MF. Two ADCL‐ calibrated ionization‐chambers (Exradin A12, A16) were used for TG‐51 calibration. Chambers were positioned at 5‐cm depth, (SSD=105cm: VR's isocenter), and the MLC leaves were shaped to a 10.5cm × 10.5 cm field size. Percent‐depth‐dose (PDD) measurements were performed for 5 and 10 cm depths. Individual output of each head was measured using the AAPM‐ TG51 protocol. Calibration accuracy for each head was subsequently verified by Radiological Physics Center (RPC) TLD measurements. Results: Measured ion‐recombination (Pion) and polarity (Ppol) correction factors were less‐than 1.002 and 1.006, respectively. Measured PDDs agreed with BJR‐25 within ±0.2%. Maximum dose rates for the reference field size at VR's isocenter for heads 1, 2 and 3 were 1.445±0.005, 1.446±0.107, 1.431±0.006 Gy/minute, respectively. Our calibrations agreed with RPC‐ TLD measurements within ±1.3%, ±2.6% and ±2.0% for treatment‐heads 1, 2 and 3, respectively. At the time of calibration, mean activity of the Co‐60 sources was 10,800Ci±0.1%. Conclusions: This study shows that the TG‐ 51 calibration is feasible in the presence of 0.35T MF and the measurement agreement is within the range of results obtainable for conventional treatment machines. Drs. Green, Goddu, and Mutic served as scientific consultants for ViewRay, Inc. Dr. Mutic is on the clinical focus group for ViewRay, Inc., and his spouse holds shares in ViewRay, Inc.
Risk factors for potential occupational exposure to HIV: A study of correctional officers

Abstract This study examined social determinants that explain correctional officer exposure to blood/bodily fluids. Seasoned officers in five prisons were selected at random to complete an anonymous mail survey regarding situations which may have placed them at risk for exposure to HIV while at work. Institutional variables more strongly predicted officer chances of occupational exposure in a corrections setting than did perceptual and individual level variables, particularly the custody level of inmates supervised, length of time in the corrections career, and being in a position of rank. Years of experience increased the number of exposures to blood and bodily fluid, and increased officer apprehensiveness concerning uses of force with seropositive inmates. Knowledge about HIV and the frequency of use of personal protective equipment was not related to the likelihood of encounters with blood or bodily fluids.
1968 FLORIDA CUMULUS SEEDING EXPERIMENT: NUMERICAL MODEL RESULTS

Abstract A one-dimensional numerical cumulus model was tested against data from a randomized seeding experiment made in South Florida in 1968. Fourteen GO clouds were studied. Nine were seeded by pyrotechnics with 1 kg of silver iodide each, while five were studied identically as controls. Various seeding subroutines and assumptions regarding the ice phase are compared. The experimental aircraft data are used to guide the modeling assumptions and to select the most realistic ones. Seedability and seeding effect correlate to 0.96 for seeded clouds in the three best models. A high correlation is found between seedability and radar-measured rainfall increase from seeding. Also, a high correlation is found between model predictions of the difference in precipitation fallout between seeded and control clouds and the measured rainfall differences, although the model predictions are much smaller in magnitude. A calculation is undertaken showing that coalescence within the cloud body on descent of the raindrops e...
Ground‐Water Quality Variation in Phelps County, Missouri

Information from 675 water wells in and around Phelps County, Missouri shows that discrete areas of differing ground-water quality can be identified and mapped. The best quality ground water, as judged by its low nitrate content and coliform bacteria density, is found in areas of relatively little agricultural (pasture and livestock) land use. The poorest quality is found in areas of intensely developed karst and greater agricultural land use. The adverse effect of agricultural land use on ground-water quality is more severe in the intensely developed karst than in the less intensely developed. Rural population density and soil association variations have no readily discernible effects on ground-water quality. Nitrate content varies seasonally and in response to rainfall, and decreases with increasing well depth. Coliform bacteria density is positively correlated with nitrate content.
Harmonic projection methods for large non-symmetric eigenvalue problems

The problem of finding interior eigenvalues of a large nonsymmetric matrix is examined. A procedure for extracting approximate eigenpairs from a subspace is discussed. It is related to the Rayleigh–Ritz procedure, but is designed for finding interior eigenvalues. Harmonic Ritz values and other approximate eigenvalues are generated. This procedure can be applied to the Arnoldi method, to preconditioning methods, and to other methods for nonsymmetric eigenvalue problems that use the Rayleigh–Ritz procedure. The subject of estimating the boundary of the entire spectrum is briefly discussed, and the importance of preconditioning for interior eigenvalue problems is mentioned. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inducible protein degradation in Bacillus subtilis using heterologous peptide tags and adaptor proteins to target substrates to the protease ClpXP

Summary The ability to manipulate protein levels is useful for dissecting regulatory pathways, elucidating gene function and constructing synthetic biological circuits. We engineered an inducible protein degradation system for use in Bacillus subtilis based on Escherichia coli and Caulobacter crescentusssrA tags and SspB adaptors that deliver proteins to ClpXP for proteolysis. In this system, modified ssrA degradation tags are fused onto the 3′ end of the genes of interest. Unlike wild-type ssrA, these modified tags require the adaptor protein SspB to target tagged proteins for proteolysis. In the absence of SspB, the tagged proteins accumulate to near physiological levels. By inducing SspB expression from a regulated promoter, the tagged substrates are rapidly delivered to the B. subtilis ClpXP protease for degradation. We used this system to degrade the reporter GFP and several native B. subtilis proteins, including, the transcription factor ComA, two sporulation kinases (KinA, KinB) and the sporulation and chromosome partitioning protein Spo0J. We also used modified E. coli and C. crescentus ssrA tags to independently control the degradation of two different proteins in the same cell. These tools will be useful for studying biological processes in B. subtilis and can potentially be modified for use in other bacteria.
A helium isotope perspective on the Dixie Valley, Nevada, hydrothermal system

Abstract Fluids from springs, fumaroles, and wells throughout Dixie Valley, NV were analyzed for noble gas abundances and isotopic compositions. The helium isotopic compositions of fluids produced from the Dixie Valley geothermal field range from 0.70 to 0.76 Ra, are among the highest values in the valley, and indicate that ∼7.5% of the total helium is derived from the mantle. A lack of recent volcanics or other potential sources requires flow of mantle-derived helium up along the valley bounding Stillwater Range Front Fault, from which the geothermal fluids are produced. Using a one-dimensional flow model, a lower limit fluid flow rate up through the fault of 7 mm/yr is estimated, corresponding to a mantle 3 He flux of ∼10 4 atoms m −2 s −1 . A comparison between the fluids from Dixie Valley springs, fumaroles, and wells and the fluids produced from the geothermal field reveals a mixing trend between the geothermal fluid and younger, cooler groundwaters. The exceptions are those features that either emanate directly from the Stillwater fault or wells that penetrate and extract fluids from the fault zone, all of which have helium isotopic compositions that are indistinguishable from the geothermal production fluids. The results of our study indicate that the Stillwater Range Front Fault system must act as a permeable conduit that can sustain high vertical fluid flow rates from deep within the crust and crust-mantle boundary and that high permeability may exist along most of its length. This suggests that the geothermal potential of the Stillwater fault may be significantly greater than the 6–8 km long system presently under production. Since all the numerous springs, wells, and fumaroles in the valley also contain a fluid component that is indistinguishable from the geothermal/Stillwater fault fluid, the potential for an additional deeper and more pervasive geothermal system also exists and should be further evaluated. Furthermore, we suggest that elevated helium isotope compositions in regions with little or no recent magmatism are an indicator of the deep crustal permeability that is required to drive and sustain extensional geothermal systems.
Fractal dimensions of mass estimated from intact and eroded soil aggregates

Scaling of mass within soil aggregates is characterized with a power-law model relating mass, M, and radius, r, of aggregates. When distribution of mass is fractal, the constants of the power-law model are the fractal dimension of mass, Dm, with a value 1 cm and r 1Þ of the Gladstone and Holmdel soils. For the wooded Gladstone and Holmdel soils, mass scaling of intact and eroded aggregates was statistically characterized by the same values of Dm and km, suggesting a concentric arrangement of mass, but only within aggregates that are not subjected to tillage. The km values of intact and eroded aggregates were correlated ðR ¼ 0:97Þ to aggregate bulk density of intact aggregates. Typically, small aggregates ðr < 1c mÞ, aggregates from wooded sites, and intact aggregates had larger values of lacunarity than their corresponding counterparts. This study indicates that fractal scaling of mass cannot be assumed for all soils, but it can be maintained in cultivated soils despite changes in mass scaling introduced by tillage. # 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Modeling and Mitigating Noise and Nuisance Parameters in Received Signal Strength Positioning

Localization via received signal strength (RSS) is often employed in cases where the received signal is fairly weak, either due to distance or due to deliberate covert operation or interference avoidance. However, most research on source localization via RSS implicitly assumes that the background noise is negligible, and that parameters of the transmitter and environment are known. Many commercial chipsets provide per-frame RSS measurements obtained when demodulating the signal, which do not include background noise; however, noise can still cause signal outages. In law enforcement, surveillance, and emergency situations, RSS may be obtained more crudely, such as by energy detection, in which case the RSS will include contributions from the background noise as well. This paper proposes new probabilistic RSS models that account for background noise in both types of RSS measurements. We also derive and evaluate maximum likelihood estimators (MLEs) for these new models, as well as for differential RSS, which has hitherto not been rigorously analyzed in the literature. Several of these MLEs are extended to estimate the transmit power and/or path loss if they are unknown. The new models are justified by extensive measured data.
A bold approach to developing leaders for low-performing schools:

Prompted by the need for leaders able to turn around chronically low-performing schools, states, universities, education groups, and school districts in the US have initiated a variety of principal...
Density of states of a two-dimensional electron gas in a long-range random potential.

The thermodynamic density of states and the density of states as obtained from the activation energy of the conductivity are calculated taking into account both linear and nonlinear electron screening. In the linear screening regime the density of states in a strong magnetic field is negative, and it is determined by electron-electron interaction. Linear screening fails when the filling factor is close to an integer. In the nonlinear screening regime the density of states is positive. The crossover between these regimes is shown to be very sharp. The quantitative results are obtained by computer modeling. They are in a good agreement with recent magnetocapacitance measurements and previous measurements of the activation energy in the regime of the quantum Hall effect.
Implementation of a knowledge based seismic risk evaluation system on microcomputers

Abstract The introduction of microcomputers to the civil engineering community has gone hand in hand with an ever increasing population of engineering software. The recent development of microcomputer expert system shells opens the path to yet a new set of applications. This article reports on the use of an expert system to determine the level of risk a building may face due to seismic hazard. The risk level is dependent on the building use, design, construction, and the ground motion level to which the building may be exposed. Theories about the many factors involved in a seismic risk evaluation are not well defined. Measurements are difficult to verify. However, seismic risk experts do have judgemental and heuristic rules based upon their broad knowledge and experience. Using heuristics based upon such experience, a set of rules was developed and implemented on Deciding Factor (™) , a microcomputer program for developing expert systems. An internal validation performed over several buildings showed that the system evaluation corresponded favourably with the expert's opinion. When further validated and refined, this seismic risk evaluation system could be used to aid in city planning, insurance assessment, and disaster mitigation.
International Emergency Medicine Reference List.

*Division of Emergency Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia; †Center for International Emergency Medicine, Penn State, College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania; ‡Division of Emergency Medicine, Stanford Health Services, Stanford, California; and §Department of Emergency Medicine, Albert Einstein Medical, Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Reprint Address: Philip Shayne, MD, FACEP, Division of Emergency Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, 69 Butler Street, SE, Atlanta, GA 30303-3219
Identifying, prioritizing, and using multiple objectives

Analyzing decisions with multiple objectives requires thought about issues not relevant to single-objective decisions. The two key issues are identifying an appropriate set of objectives and prioritizing them. Both tasks may appear to be almost trivial: just write down your objectives and state your priorities. Experiments and experience indicate that this approach is inadequate for decisions worthy of thought. Identifying a complete set of independent objectives and prioritizing those objectives requires concepts, logical foundations, and thought-provoking procedures to create quality results. Those concepts, foundations, and procedures are presented and illustrated. Their use is described on two significant problems, allocating funds to alleviate different homeland security hazards and evaluating potential customers for American Express charge and credit cards.
Solubility and substitution of Fe2O3 IN LiNbO3

Abstract Iron impurities play an important role in photorefractive optical damage in lithium niobate crystals. Yet, in spite of its importance, the plentiful studies of iron incorporation into the lattice still leave no quantitative model of the substitution site or the appropriate chemical incorporation reaction. X-ray powder diffraction studies have been used to examine the solid solution changes in the lattice constants. Both the a-lattice constant and volume were found to decrease with increasing Fe2O3 content while the c-lattice constant increased with increasing Fe2O3 content. These changes were associated specifically with an iron oxide solution mechanism where iron substitutes onto both lithium and niobium lattice sites. The defect chemical reactions used to describe this solid solution process are discussed.
Statistical uncertainties in RKR potentials: An exercise in error propagation

Abstract RKR potential curves are generally computed from experimentally determined rotational and vibrational parameters; thus the statistical errors in the latter quantities can be propagated into statistical uncertainties in the RKR turning points. A simple algorithm employing numerical differentiation to obtain needed partial derivatives is tested on a recent data set for an electronic transition in BrF. The results support long-held ideas regarding the sources of unphysical behavior in the inner or repulsive branches of RKR potentials.
Bacteriuria and urinary incontinence in aged female nursing home residents

Although urinary incontinence (UI) is identified as a symptom of urinary tract infection (UTI), the incontinent elderly frequently are not treated for UTI unless clinically significant manifestations are present. The purpose of this research was to identify variables that may be associated with bacteriuria in the female person who is already known to be incontinent. A sample of 65 incontinent female nursing home residents was divided into three groups: (1) those with negative urine screens; (2) those with a bacterial count of over 100,000 per ml of urine; and (3) those with a bacterial count of below 100,000 per ml urine. Variables examined were: (1) physical symptoms; (2) physical examination findings; (3) mental status; and (4) functional abilities. Significant group differences were found regarding awareness of the urge to void and ability to hold urine. A near significance finding suggested that the higher the level of cognitive function the less likely the presence of UTI. There was some evidence to suggest the higher the level of independence the less likely the presence of UTI. Recommendations for nursing practice and future nursing research are made.
Genetic Analysis of an Unusual Population of the Problematic Tiger Beetle Group, Cicindela Spendida/C. Limbalis, from Virginia, U.S.A. (Coleoptera: Cicindelidae) Using MTDNA

ABSTRACT: Previous morphological studies within the claybank group of tiger beetles concluded that C. limbalis, C. splendida, and C. denverensis were separate species, but results from a limited mitochondrial DNA analysis suggested they may represent a single species. Here we review relevant literature on the relationships between C. limbalis and C. splendida and present results of mtDNA analysis of several populations of these taxa, including a Virginia population with specimens morphologically matching both species. Mitochondrial haplotypes for cob and coxl revealed that C. limbalis and C. splendida from several populations were closely related and could not be diagnosed under the criterion of exclusivity. Phylogenetic analyses were conducted under parsimony criteria and Bayseian inference, and in all reconstructions, C. limbalis and C. splendida (and a reference sample of C. denverensis) were united into a large polytomy. Nested clade analysis revealed no patterns of geographic distribution significant...
Integration of channel decisions in a decentralized reverse production system with retailer collection under deterministic non-stationary demands

The inclusion of return flows of postconsumer materials into a forward supply chain system poses many challenging questions arising from the interaction between the forward and return flows of materials. This paper presents a model that integrates pricing, production, and inventory decisions in a reverse production system (RPS) with retailer collection. The returned products are assumed valuable to the manufacturer for creating as-new products, but the retailer must divide effort between selling the new product and collecting the returns. The manufacturer offers incentives to the retailer to participate in the overall system. The model employs a continuous time, differential game framework, based on a Stackelberg game with the manufacturer as leader and retailer as follower. Comparing two different optimal decisions in the RPS and the corresponding open-loop system, we show that the retailer retains the same form of decision by identifying an analogous closed-loop production efficiency. We identify key parameters which are important for determining the conditions under which the firms can obtain lower optimal prices to drive higher demands. We also show that our dynamic optimization approach is useful in determining a profitable apportionment of effort between the manufacturer and retailer for various types of product recovery processes.