cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Solving ellipsoidal inclusion and optimal experimental design problems: theory and algorithms

This thesis is concerned with the development and analysis of Frank-Wolfe type algorithms for two problems, namely the ellipsoidal inclusion problem of optimization and the optimal experimental design problem of statistics. These two problems are closely related to each other and can be solved simultaneously as discussed in Chapter 1 of this thesis. Chapter 1 introduces the problems in parametric forms. The weak and strong duality relations between them are established and the optimality criteria are derived. Based on this discussion, we define e-primal feasible and e-approximate optimal solutions: these solutions do not necessarily satisfy the optimality criteria but the violation is controlled by the error parameter e and can be arbitrarily small. Chapter 2 deals with the most well-known special case of the optimal experimental design problems: the D-optimal design problem and its dual, the Minimum-Volume Enclosing Ellipsoid (MVEE) problem. Chapter 3 focuses on another special case, the A-optimal design problem. In Chapter 4 we focus on a generalization of the optimal experimental design problem in which a subset but not all of parameters is being estimated. We focus on the following two problems: the Dk-optimal design problem and the A k-optimal design problem, generalizations of the D-optimal and the A-optimal design problems, respectively. In each chapter, we develop first-order algorithms for the respective problem and discuss their global and local convergence properties. We present various initializations and provide some computational results which confirm the attractive features of the first-order methods discussed. Chapter 5 investigates possible combinatorial extensions of the previous problems. Special attention is given to the problem of finding the Minimum-Volume Ellipsoid (MVE) estimator of a data set, in which a subset of a certain size is selected so that the minimum-volume ellipsoid enclosing these points has the smallest volume. We discuss how the algorithms in Chapter 2 can be adapted in order to attack this problem. Many efficient heuristics and a branch-and-bound algorithm are developed.
Gene silencing in the endocrine pancreas mediated by short-interfering RNA.

Objectives RNA interference as mediated by short-interfering RNA (siRNA) offers a nonviral means to silence genes in tissue; however, few data exist about gene therapy using siRNA in pancreas tissue. To determine if siRNA treatment could silence an endogenous gene in pancreatic islets, we developed a murine model using the endocrine pancreas. Methods The insulin 2 (Ins2) gene was targeted with siRNA, and quantitative RT-PCR, fluorescent microscopy, and FACS were used to measure transcript levels and siRNA cellular uptake and transfection efficiency. Isolated pancreatic islets were transfected with siRNA in vitro using a liposomal delivery method in a dose titration (50-400 nM) or pooled from BALB/c mice having received siRNA (100 microg) via hydrodynamic tail vein injection. Results The Ins2 transcript level was significantly reduced by 55% in vitro with FACS data showing a transfection efficiency over 45% with the 400 nM concentration. In vivo delivery of siRNA to pancreatic islets revealed a 33% reduction in Ins2 mRNA levels, although siRNA was able to be detected in 19% of isolated islet cells. Conclusion We have successfully used RNA interference to silence an endogenous tissue-specific gene (Ins2) in pancreatic islets when transfected in vitro or administered in vivo.
A critical assessment of supported decision-making for persons aging with intellectual disabilities

Supported decision-making is increasingly being promoted as an alternative to guardianship for persons aging with intellectual disabilities. Proponents argue that supported decision-making, unlike guardianship, empowers persons with disabilities by providing them with help in making their own decisions, rather than simply providing someone else to make decisions for them. To evaluate the empirical support for these claims, we reviewed the evidence base on supported decision-making. Our review found little such empirical research, suggesting that significant further research is warranted to determine whether--and under what conditions--supported decision-making can benefit persons with intellectual disabilities. Indeed, without more empirical evidence as to how supported decision-making functions in practice, it is too early to rule out the possibility it may actually disempower individuals with disabilities by facilitating undue influence by their alleged supporters. We therefore suggest several key areas for future research.
Optically switchable gratings based on azo-dye-doped, polymer-dispersed liquid crystals

We report a holographically fabricated, optically switchable grating using azo-dye-doped, polymer-dispersed liquid crystals (LCs). Our experiments show that upon photoirradiation, the diffraction of the grating was decreased significantly. We believe that this switching behavior is due to two factors--nematic-isotropic phase transition of LCs and thermal expansion of the grating structure.
High-Order WENO Schemes for Hamilton-Jacobi Equations on Triangular Meshes

In this paper we construct high-order weighted essentially nonoscillatory (WENO) schemes for solving the nonlinear Hamilton--Jacobi equations on two-dimensional unstructured meshes. The main ideas are nodal based approximations, the usage of monotone Hamiltonians as building blocks on unstructured meshes, nonlinear weights using smooth indicators of second and higher derivatives, and a strategy to choose diversified smaller stencils to make up the bigger stencil in the WENO procedure. Both third-order and fourth-order WENO schemes using combinations of second-order approximations with nonlinear weights are constructed. Extensive numerical experiments are performed to demonstrate the stability and accuracy of the methods. High-order accuracy in smooth regions, good resolution of derivative singularities, and convergence to viscosity solutions are observed.
The photometabolism of glucose by an hydrogen-adapted alga.

Abstract The photoreduction of the green alga, Ankistrodesmus braunii , is inhibited by glucose. The following experimental observations lead to the conclusion that inhibition results from a competition for the photochemically generated ATP between glucose assimilation (and subsequent starch formation) and carbon dioxide assimilation during photoreduction: 1. 1. The inhibition is not permanent but disappears after a period of time which is determined by the amount of glucose and carbon dioxide employed. 2. 2. Both carbon dioxide and hydrogen gas uptake is inhibited. Added glucose does not cause an accelerated output of carbon dioxide; often the evolution of hydrogen gas occurs. 3. 3.[ 14 C]glucose, in the light, is not metabolized via anaerobic glycolysis but instead is largely stored as starch.
The skeletal site-specific role of connective tissue growth factor in prenatal osteogenesis.

Background: Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF/CCN2) is a matricellular protein that is highly expressed during bone development. Mice with global CTGF ablation (knockout, KO) have multiple skeletal dysmorphisms and perinatal lethality. A quantitative analysis of the bone phenotype has not been conducted. Results: We demonstrated skeletal site-specific changes in growth plate organization, bone microarchitecture, and shape and gene expression levels in CTGF KO compared with wild-type mice. Growth plate malformations included reduced proliferation zone and increased hypertrophic zone lengths. Appendicular skeletal sites demonstrated decreased metaphyseal trabecular bone, while having increased mid-diaphyseal bone and osteogenic expression markers. Axial skeletal analysis showed decreased bone in caudal vertebral bodies, mandibles, and parietal bones in CTGF KO mice, with decreased expression of osteogenic markers. Analysis of skull phenotypes demonstrated global and regional differences in CTGF KO skull shape resulting from allometric (size-based) and nonallometric shape changes. Localized differences in skull morphology included increased skull width and decreased skull length. Dysregulation of the transforming growth factor-β-CTGF axis coupled with unique morphologic traits provides a potential mechanistic explanation for the skull phenotype. Conclusions: We present novel data on a skeletal phenotype in CTGF KO mice, in which ablation of CTGF causes site-specific aberrations in bone formation. Developmental Dynamics, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Assessing the “orphan effect” in determining development outcomes for children in 11 eastern and southern African countries

There are more than 45 million orphaned children in sub-Saharan Africa, 11.4 million because of AIDS – representing approximately 80% of all such orphans worldwide. Programming for orphans is therefore a major policy issue. This article uses the latest publicly available Demographic Health Survey data from 11 eastern and southern African countries to provide a snapshot of the distribution and demographic characteristics of orphans, and to test whether orphans have worse outcomes along a series of socioeconomic outcomes. While the analysis is primarily descriptive, multivariate analysis is undertaken to determine whether orphan/non-orphan differences persist after controlling for age, region of residence and household wealth. Results show, among other things, that while orphan prevalence is higher in urban areas, the majority of orphans live in rural areas. Furthermore, while urban orphans appear to be more vulnerable than their urban peers the most vulnerable children in the region are, in fact, living in...
Getting an on-line departmental teaching laboratory on-line

The major problems faced in building a department-wide undergraduate, computer-based teaching laboratory are discussed: selling the concept of the “ultimate dry lab,” assembling the hardware, motivating and rewarding faculty and staff effort, devising a systems approach for curriculum design, and program evaluation.
Histone acetyl transferases CBP and p300 are necessary for maintenance of renin cell identity and transformation of smooth muscle cells to the renin phenotype

In response to a homeostatic threat circulating renin increases by increasing the number of cells expressing renin by dedifferentiation and re-expression of renin in arteriolar smooth muscle cells ...
QuantiFERON TB gold testing for tuberculosis screening in an inflammatory bowel disease cohort in the United States.

Background: Reactivation of latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) is a rare, yet devastating infectious complication associated with anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) therapy. We evaluated the performance of the QuantiFERON TB Gold test (QFT-G) for TB screening in a cohort of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients in the United States. Methods: We performed a retrospective, observational study of patients initiated and/or maintained on an anti-TNF-α agent in a single IBD referral center and recorded the frequency and the test results of QFT-G testing and the rate of TB reactivation. Results: 512 QFT-G tests were done in 340 patients. Five patients (1.5%) had a positive, nine (2.7%) indeterminate, and 326 patients (95.8%) had a negative QFT-G. After a mean follow-up of 17 months there was one case of TB reactivation (0.3%). The use of immunosuppressive therapy or anti-TNF therapy at the time of testing did not affect the results of the QFT-G testing. Test–retest had substantial concordance (κ = 0.72). 25% of patients (n = 85) had TST testing. Concordance between the TST and QFT-G was found to be moderate (κ = 0.4152, P = 0.0041). Conclusions: Most patients with negative QFT-G tolerated anti-TNF therapy with no evidence of TB reactivation. Concomitant use of immunosuppressive therapy or anti-TNF did not seem to affect QFT-G results. One patient had an indeterminate QFT-G while on infliximab and later developed miliary TB. Concordance with TST is moderate. (Inflamm Bowel Dis 2011;)
Instrumentation to stimulate gap saccades, pro-saccades, and overlap saccades

Although a great amount of research studying oculomotor function has been conducted, a full understanding of how it relates to and is affected by neurological and neurodegenerative disorders is still warranted. This experiment seeks to build a system comparing pro-saccades, gap saccades, and overlap saccadic eye movements. Gap saccades extinguish the visual targets for 200 msec while overlap saccades presents two visual targets simultaneously for 200 msec. This preliminary study used various analysis methods to determine changes in latency and the number of saccades generated through the experiment, which may reflect visual fatigue while studying binocularly normal subjects. Results showed consistent subject latency in horizontal movements, while vertical movements exhibited more variance compared to horizontal movements. Although the number of saccades initiated exhibited an upward trend as the experiment progressed, the Pearson correlation coefficient was low (r 2 =0.32). This study has developed instrumentation and analyses measurements to study pro-saccades, gap saccades, and overlap saccades movements. This tool will be used for future experiments to study those with neurological and neurodegenerative disorders.
The development of tolerance to the antidiuretic effect of morphine in the mouse

Abstract Mice treated for 8 days on a schedule of increasing doses of morphine develop tolerance more rapidly to the analgesic than to the antidiuretic effect. A schedule of treatment consisting of morphine 30 mg/kg b.i.d., the dosage being increased 30 mg/kg/day, produced a decrease in the antidiuretic effect when tested with morphine 30 mg/kg. The response declined 25% after 2 days, 40% after 3 days, and 46% after 4 days of treatment. Antidiuretic tolerance occurred concomitantly with an increase in sodium but not potassium excretion. Morphine treatment resulted in an immediate decrease of about 50% in daily food and water consumption accompanied by a decrease in body weight, while daily urine excretion was increased. The development of tolerance to morphine antidiuresis did not appear to be due to a depletion of pituitary vasopressin or a change in renal sensitivity to Pitressin.
Enzymatic mechanisms regulating protein S-nitrosylation: implications in health and disease.

Nitric oxide participates in cellular signal transduction largely through S-nitrosylation of allosteric and active-site cysteine thiols within proteins, forming S-nitroso-proteins (SNO-proteins). S-nitrosylation of proteins has been demonstrated to affect a broad range of functional parameters including enzymatic activity, subcellular localization, protein–protein interactions, and protein stability. Analogous to other ubiquitous posttranslational modifications that are regulated enzymatically, including phosphorylation and ubiquitinylation, accumulating evidence suggests the existence of enzymatic mechanisms for regulating protein S-nitrosylation. In particular, studies have led to the identification of multiple enzymes (nitrosylases and denitrosylases) that participate in targeted S-nitrosylation or denitrosylation of proteins in physiological settings. Nitrosylases are best characterized in the context of transnitrosylation in which a SNO-protein transfers an NO group to an acceptor protein (Cys-to-Cys transfer), but examples of transnitrosylation catalyzed by metalloproteins (Metal-to-Cys transfer) also exist. By contrast, denitrosylases remove the NO group from SNO-proteins, ultimately using reducing equivalents derived from NADH or NADPH. Here, we focus on the recent discoveries of nitrosylases and denitrosylases and the notion that their aberrant activities may play roles in health and disease.
No, You Do Not Have to Run Today, You Get to Run.

Abstract Using physical activity to teach fitness concepts across the curriculum will encourage students to develop good, lifelong, fitness habits.
Alcohol use of African Americans and Whites from ages 9-20: descriptive results from a longitudinal study.

African American and White youth (N = 405) were assessed annually for 8 years, providing alcohol use data spanning from ages 9–20 years. Alcohol use increased with age, as did binge drinking, drunkenness, peer alcohol use, and ease of obtaining alcohol. At younger ages, the usual alcoholic drink was wine; other drinks were preferred at older ages. Fewer African Americans than Whites reported alcohol use, binge drinking, drunkenness, peer alcohol use, and encouragement of alcohol. These results support and extend previous findings and suggest that contextual influences may help explain alcohol use differences and similarities between African American and White youth.
Bromine-rare-gas electron-transfer and electron-loss cross sections at 15-130-keV collision energies

Measurements are reported of the cross sections for the capture and loss of an electron by 15--130-keV bromine atoms during single collisions with rare-gas atoms. The bromine data fit well with similar data for the other halogens. The electron-capture cross sections peak at collision velocities that agree with the simple two-state model. Competition between target ionization and beam ionization, which is determined by relative ionization potentials, seems to account for the observed differences in the electron-loss cross sections.
The use of desmopressin in children with coagulation disorders

Summary Hemophilia A, von Willebrand's disease and uremia prolong the bleeding time in affected children. Management of hemorrhage is difficult in these patients, and often requires multiple therapeutic modalities. Desmopressin, a synthetic analog of arginine vasopressin (DDAVP), decreases the bleeding time in patients with these disorders. We describe a case of a child with uremia and spontaneous epistaxis originating from the adenoid. Bleeding was controlled with administration of DDAVP and other measures. DDAVP is effective for the rapid, temporary correction of prolonged bleeding time associated with hemophilia A, von Willebrand's disease or uremia. The use of DDAVP avoids the risks associated with blood component transfusion. DDAVP may be used as a single hemostatic agent in minor surgical procedures, or in combination with other therapeutic modalities in major surgical procedures.
Dendrimer encapsulation of [MoVOS4] cores: implications for the DMSO reductase family of enzymes.

Recent crystal structures of DMSO reductases show that the active site is deeply buried inside the protein matrix. We have evaluated the effect of encapsulation on the reduction potential of the ox...
A narrative analysis of the party platforms: The democrats and republicans of 1984

This essay examines the 1984 party platforms from the perspective of Fisher's narrative paradigm. In doing so the author evaluates Fisher's logic of good reasons in action within these two partisan constructions of political reality. The work concludes that though these two narratives followed different strategies, they both displayed the internal consistency required by Fisher's perspective as they reflected transcendent values that were both relevant to and consistent with party tradition.
Excitation coupling in muscle.

(1) Threshold strength-duration for transverse field stimulation of muscle in normal ringer is given by a relation with two time constants which are independent of temperature.(2) Increase of latency relaxation with transverse field strength of stimulation in normal ringer (Goodall, 1958) is not due to synchronisation of stimulus.(3) In choline ringer the amplitude of both latency relaxation and twitch height varies for low levels of stimulation as the sixth power of the field for pulses of constant duration.(4) This amplitude depends linearly on duration after an apparent induction time.(5) The induction time is temperature dependent and smaller than would be expected from the charging time of the membrane derived from (1).(6) The amplitude for constant stimulation depends on resting potential, having a maximum somewhat below the normal resting potential.(7) On replacing chloride by nitrate the amplitude is increased and this maximum shifted to a higher potential.(8) Induction time increases with potassium concentration and is independent of calcium.(9) Two pulse experiments show that activity following an undirectional pulse is localised to one side of the fibres.
Transmission, evolution, and helix handedness of nucleic acid conformation

In aqueous solution nucleic acid structures are conformationally pluralistic. The composition of the conformational blend and the preferred intramolecular order are largely determined by the constitution and sequence which control the torsional and flexural movements about the internucleotide phosphodiester bond. At the level of a trimer in many cases an important contributing structure is a bulged configuration in which the central residue is bulged out, allowing the end nucleotide units to interact intramolecularly. Ribonucleic acids transmit conformation through a series of stereochemical domino effects due to the presence of a synchronous (?) coupled set of base sequence dependent conformational parameters and interdependent structural changes linked to base-base stacking interactions. Nucleic acids have 3′5′, and not 2′5′, phosphodiester bonds because the intrinsic molecular stereodynamics of 2′5′ internucleotide systems are such that they cannot support stable helical structures with base stacking interactions at the single-or double-stranded level. Because polynucleotides mostly express themselves in double helical configurations, this probably provided the 3′5′ internucleotide bond an evolutionary advantage over their 2′5′ analogs. The experimental geometry of the miniature double helix of the cyclodimer A5pU0 agrees with that of the novel vertical double helix [W. K. Olson, Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. US 74, 1775 (1977)] and disagrees with the theoretical helix parameters that Sundaralingam and Yathindra [Int. J. Quant. Chem. Quant. Biol. Symp. No. 4, 285 (1977)] have derived from the rigid nucleotide concept.
Private and social wage expansion in the advanced market economies

The sources of family income in advanced market economies have become increasingly complex. A family's real income depends not only on the money wages its members receive in the labor market, but also on the extent to which those wages are taxed and the public services and transfer payments it receives from the state. The income and services households receive from the state constitute a social wage, which is growing in importance relative to the private wage. Growth in state support of living standards has added a new institutional locus of conflict over the distribution of income.
Poly[bis(pyrrol-2-yl)arylenes]: Conducting Polymers from Low Oxidation Potential Monomers Based on Pyrrole via Electropolymerization

A series of derivatized bis(pyrrol-2-yl) arylenes, specifically 1,4-bis(pyrrol-2-yl)benzene (1e, BPB), 1,4-bis(pyrrol-2-yl)-2,5-dimethoxybenzene (2e, BPB(OCH3)2), 1,4-bis(pyrrol-2-yl)-2,5-diethoxybenzene (3e, BPB(OC2H5)2), 1,4-bis(pyrrol-2-yl)-2,5-didodecyloxybenzene (4e, BPB(OC12H25)2), 2,6-bis(pyrrol-2-yl)naphthalene (5e, BPN), and 4,4‘-bis(pyrrol-2-yl)biphenyl (6e, BPBP) have been synthesized. Cyclic voltammetry shows these monomers to oxidize at relatively low potentials to form cation radicals. The lowest peak monomer oxidation potential of +0.15 V vs Ag/Ag+ is observed for 2e, lower than that reported for any other pyrrole-based monomer. Electrochemical polymerization from a 0.01 M monomer, 0.1 M tetrabutylammonium perchlorate (TBAP), and acetonitrile solution was carried out using multiple scanning cyclic voltammetry to yield polymers having E1/2 values ranging from −0.1 to +0.1 V. These low oxidation potentials cause the polymers to be quite stable in the electrically conducting form. The electron...
Application of rough hard-sphere theory to diffusion in n-alkanes

Tracer diffusion coefficients are reported for n-alkane solutes in n-dodecane, n-eicosane, n-eicosane, and n-octacosane in the temperature range 304–533 K at 1.38 MPa. Rough hard-sphere theory is used to interpret the data. The translational-rotational coupling parameters are determined for each solute-solvent pair at each temperature. The nature of the coupling parameter and the possibility of relating it to molecular properties and temperature in a homologous series are discussed.
Equivalent Circuits with Transformer Elements for Eddy Current Rotor Induction Motors Derived from Field Equations II-Drag Cup Rotor Motors

The characteristic problem in analysis of drag cup rotor motors by field theory is that field equations appear with different coefficients and co-ordinates in sleeve and web sections. By solving for both sections separately and synthesizing the complete field pattern, an equivalent circuit is derived in a manner similar to that for sleeve motors. Hence, performance characteristics can be computed readily. Examples of such calculations are given for both sleeve and drag cup rotor motors in Appendixes I through III, and test results are presented.
Mechanistic models of thrust force and torque in step-drilling of Al7075-T651

In the aerospace industry, burr removal is an important and expensive part of the manufacturing process. One approach to minimizing burrs is to lower the thrust force in drilling through suitable modification of the drill geometry such as the use of step drills. This paper focuses on the modeling of thrust force and torque for step drills. A mechanistic model capturing the various material removal mechanisms, i.e. oblique cutting, orthogonal cutting, and indentation, active on different sections of the step drill is developed. Subsequently, a series of experiments is conducted to calibrate and validate the model. The validation results show that the predicted thrust and torque values are in good agreement with measured values, although the torque is slightly underestimated. The validated model was further used to investigate the effects of step drill geometry parameters on the thrust force and torque. The model predictions suggest that the thrust force increases and the torque decreases for larger secondary point angles and inner diameters.
Acromioclavicular and coracoclavicular cerclage reconstruction for acute acromioclavicular joint dislocations.

Background Little information is available on the results of the different stabilization techniques described for treatment of acute acromioclavicular (AC) joint injuries. Additionally, no studies have analyzed isometric performance of the shoulder after AC stabilization. The objective of our study was to present functional outcome including isokinetic testing and radiographic evaluation of patients treated with stabilization of AC joint dislocations. Patients and methods Thirty-seven patients with acute type III to V AC joint disruption underwent open coracoclavicular (CC) and AC stabilization with nonabsorbable sutures. Results The mean follow-up was 4.5 ± 2.5 years (range, 2-10.5). The mean Constant score (CS) was 96. There were 34 (91.9%) excellent results, 1 good (2.7%), 1 satisfactory (2.7%), and 1 fair (2.7%). The disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) questionnaire revealed good overall subjective evaluation with a mean of 7 points. The mean visual analog scale (VAS) pain score was 0.8. Patients with a CC distance <5 mm, or an anterosuperior AC reduction less than 50%, showed significantly better results in CS and DASH score in comparison to patients with a subluxated AC joint (P < .005). Twenty-two patients agreed to undergo isokinetic evaluation. We were unable to demonstrate any clinically significant difference between the involved and the uninvolved side. Discussion The described technique of cerclage augmentation offers an attractive alternative in AC joint stabilization, with good to excellent results. In comparison to other techniques, there were no complications related to any implants, no graft donor site morbidity, or need for implant removal.
Knowledge-based optimization for intelligent machining

Abstract In this paper, we develop a knowledge-based machining system that uses experimental machining data based on the adaptive control with optimization (ACO) concept. ACO has been extensively researched to determine optimum machining conditions such as feed rate and spindle speed in a way that increases the metal removal rate without violating machining constraints. In this work, we develop a linear recursive adaptive tool failure identifier model and a cutting condition constraint model using experimentally measured cutting forces. We also discuss the optimization strategy using a knowledge-based system, develop the intelligent controller, and illustrate a practical machining application that provides on-line direct measurement of tool failure.
Regional habitat selection of large gliding possums at forest stand and landscape scales in southern Queensland, Australia I. Greater glider (Petauroides volans)

Abstract Forest stand and landscape scale habitat selection of the greater glider (Petauroides volans) was investigated at 506 survey sites sampling a variety of forest types in southern Queensland, Australia. While greater gliders were detected in a wide range of forest types, they were most abundant in the more productive, tall eucalypt forests. The generated model predicted that Corymbia citriodora and Eucalyptus tereticornis were important in greater glider habitat selection, as were live hollow-bearing trees, a currently limited resource in southern Queensland. The model also predicted a negative response by greater gliders to more intensive harvesting in selectively logged stands. The introduction of a new, more intensive harvesting regime in areas of greater glider habitat in south-east Queensland will therefore have a significant impact upon glider populations, unless current habitat tree prescriptions are adjusted to specify the retention of large C. citriodora and E. tereticornis trees, and species that rapidly form hollows. The retention of patches and corridors of mature eucalypt forest will also be important to ensure greater glider conservation in intensively logged forest landscapes of southern Queensland. Greater glider densities were also influenced by one landscape scale variable, proportion of cleared habitat within a 1 km spatial extent. Densities of greater gliders were predicted to decline to less than one glider per 3 ha if >15% of habitat was cleared in the landscape. Recent amendments to tree clearing legislation in Queensland, whereby all broadscale clearing will be phased out by the end of 2006, will greatly facilitate greater glider conservation in remaining habitat patches. However, the management of structural characteristics important for greater gliders within forest remnants will be essential for ensuring habitat suitability for gliders in the long term.
Asymptotic analysis of SH-wave modes in geologic resonators (sedimentary basins) of non-separable geometry

Abstract The problem investigated in this paper is that of estimating the normal modes of oscillation (resonant frequencies and wave functions) of scalar waves in a two-dimensional enclosure or resonator. Because the study is aimed to applications in geologic (seismic) situations, we consider SH-waves and wave resonators limited above by a flat reflector - the earth's free surface - and below by a curved one. The curved reflector is smooth, but otherwise of arbitrary shape. Commonly occuring sediment-filled valleys or sedimentary basins with such configuration act as seismic wave resonators to incoming earthquake waves. Determining the eigenmodes of basins of arbitrary geometry is a difficult problem in seismic wave propagation; even to simulate the dynamic response of basin models of simple non-separable geometry often requires the use of sophisticated numeric codes and high-performance computers. The accurate determination of the eigenfrequencies is important because in practice aby buildings or engineered structures with natural frequencies of oscillation close or equal to those of the resonant basin, may themselves resonate with the ground motion. This coincidental match of oscillation frequencies, known as “double resonance” is potentially very destructive, and in most cases leads to the total collapse of the building. It thus becomes important to clearly understand the effects of realistic basin geometries on seismic waves, and especially to accurately predict the resulting predominant frequencies of ground motion. We simplify the calculation of ground motions through asymptotic and numeric schemes that can be programmed on a personal computer. For this purpose we use analytic approximations based upon semiclassical quantization; the so-called EBK (Einstein-Brillouin-Keller) method for estimating the eigenmodes of non-linearly coupled mechanical oscillators. The EBK method solves for the eigenvalues (resonant frequencies) by imposing resonance conditions on the accumulated phase of the trapped waves (seismic ray trajectories) over topologically independent closed paths in phase space. To obtain the wave functions associated with the resonant frequencies, we propose a class of equations of motion whose asymptotic solutions are described by Hermite polynomials with an argument that is itself a function of the valley's geometry. The accuracy of the resonant frequencies and wave functions thus obtained is demonstrated by comparisons with finite element results. The approach can be easily applied to resonating alluvial valleys with an upper surface free of tractopm and a lower boundary that can be assumed rigid.
The Role of the Investment Horizon in Optimal Portfolio Sequencing (An Intuitive Demonstration in Discrete Time)

This paper examines the role played by the investor's investment horizon in the choice of optimal portfolios. A complete discrete-time, multiperiod, portfolio model is presented with a choice criterion that is consistent with the traditional utility approach but which is more amenable to a multiperiod environment. It is shown that investors should choose progressively less risky single-period portfolios as their investment horizons grow shorter, even if they do not become more risk averse. This result holds both in the presence and in the absence of a riskless asset. The results are consistent with empirical evidence and the financial planning practice of moving investors into progressively less risky portfolios as they grow older.
Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in an apparently nonimmunocompromised host

Abstract Invasive aspergillosis generally occurs in patients with hematologic malignancies, neutropenia or other severe derangements of host defense. An adult patient without such a predisposition, and without a previous history of susceptibility to infections, had rapidly progressive zrespiratory failure associated with repeated growth of Aspergillus fumigatus on culture of sputum and bronchoscopy specimens. At autopsy he proved to have invasive pulmonary aspergillosis.
A parametric investigation of the cyclic CO2 injection process

Abstract The influences of important process and reservoir parameters on the cyclic CO 2 injection process were investigated. The parameters examined included gravity segregation, remaining oil saturation, reservoir dip, the presence of a gas cap, and the use of a drive gas. Experiments were performed in Berea Sandstone cores using a light crude oil from the Timbalier Bay field. Gravity segregation, the presence of a gas cap, and a higher remaining oil saturation improved process performance. Oil recovery efficiencies and gas utilization factors were affected by the inclination of the core and the site of injection. Process performance was benefitted when CO 2 was injected into the lower end of a core tilted at an angle of 45 ° or more. A poorer response was obtained when the core was horizontal or when CO 2 was injected into the top of a tilted core. The use of a nitrogen drive (or chase) gas dramatically boosted oil recovery as compared to injection of the same mass of CO 2 alone. Over twice as much oil was recovered by the first cycle injection of CO 2 followed by nitrogen as compared to first cycle injection of that mass of CO 2 alone. The second injection cycle of the drive gas experiment recovered over three times as much oil as recovered by a second cycle injection of that mass of CO 2 alone.
From Neural Networks to Deep Learning: zeroing in on the human brain

Pondering the brain with the help of machine learning expert Andrew Ng and researcher-turned-author-turned-entrepreneur Jeff Hawkins.
Nonforward dispersion relations and the Algebra of current commutators

A general relation between the integral over energy of the discontinuity of a scattering amplitude and a form factor, obtained from the algebra of current commutators, is discussed. The relation is analysed as a function of (momentum transfer)2t and of the external masses. It is shown how the high-energy part of the discontinuity generates the singularities int of the form factor and also how, when the external masses are those of strongly interacting particles, the relation reduces to a purely strong-interaction condition. The case of isotopic-spin currents is discussed in detail and illustrations involving spin-zero and spin-one-half particles are given.
Dispute settlement in the law of the sea convention: The military activities exception

Abstract This paper considers the military activities exception in the settlement of disputes part of the Law‐of‐the‐Sea Conference's Informal Single Negotiating Text. It notes that although the exception, on its face, seems to favor naval powers, in practice it would not. The emerging rules of the law of the sea are favorable to naval operations and it is more likely that the military activities exception would be used by coastal states resisting superpower naval activities. The military activities exception will remove activities from dispute settlement procedures which are almost certainly in need of peaceful resolution.
Separate Locations of the Active and Passive Microtubule Interfaces in Kinetochores Inferred from Direction-Dependent Structural Changes

Chromosomes must be evenly segregated between daughter cells for cell viability, and the kinetochore, a protein complex linking chromosomes to microtubules, is crucial to this process. Despite a long list of kinetochore molecules, our understanding of kinetochore mechanics, and higher-level structural organization, is still poor. Here, we use live imaging of a two-color sensor with sub-pixel resolution to measure structural dynamics of individual kinetochores under both natural force fluctuations provided by metaphase chromosome oscillations in Ptk2, and external mechanical perturbations. The distance between our probes (CenpC and Cdc20) decreased by ∼ 16% in poleward-moving (P) compared to away-from-poleward-moving (AP) kinetochores. Informed by extensive analysis of sister kinetochore dynamics, we interpret this change as due to compression within P kinetochores, where microtubules are depolymerizing, compared to AP where they depolymerizing. The data point to two mechanically relevant microtubule interaction interfaces: an active, force-generating interface located between the CenpC and Cdc20 probes, and a passive, frictional interface located at least 8 nm outward from the active interface. P kinetochores are compressed by movement of the active interface outward towards the passive interface, while in AP kinetochores the force at the passive interface is exerted in the opposite direction, leading to increased distance between the probes. Our assay relates kinetochore structure and dynamics at 10 nm and 10 s scales to mechanical behavior, and should be useful for generating a spatial map of all the interactions between kinetochore subunits and microtubules that participate in chromosome movement.
Letter to the Editor-An Approach to Reducing the Computing Time for Dynamic Programming

This note presents a procedure for reducing the computing time for dynamic programming when the optimal control function can be assumed to be piecewise smooth.
The Support Gap: New Teachers' Early Experiences in High-Income and Low-Income Schools.

In this article, the authors consider three sources of support for new teachers—hiring practices, relationships with colleagues, and curriculum—all found in earlier research to influence new teachers’ satisfaction with their work, their sense of success with students, and their eventual retention in their job. They find that a "support gap" exists: new teachers in low-income schools are less likely than their counterparts in high-income schools to experience timely and information-rich hiring, to benefit from mentoring and support by experienced colleagues, and to have a curriculum that is complete and aligned with state standards, yet flexible for use in the classroom. Such patterns of difference between high-income and lowincome schools warrant careful consideration because they reveal broad patterns of inequity, which can have severe consequences for low-income students. Survey data for this study were collected from random samples of teachers in five states. One survey, focusing on hiring practices and teachers’ relationships with colleagues, was administered to 374 first-year and secondyear teachers in Florida, Massachusetts, and Michigan. A second survey, focusing on curriculum, was administered to 295 second-year elementary school teachers in Massachusetts, North Carolina, and Washington. The inequitable patterns of support for teachers reported here have important implications for the work of state policymakers, school district administrators, and principals. The authors describe these and offer recommendations for policy and practice in the conclusion.
Compact electron accelerators based on lasers and plasmas: Towards a 10 GeV machine

Accelerators are essential tools of discovery and have many practical uses. At the forefront of accelerator technology are the machines that deliver beams for particle physics, for synchrotron and free electron based radiation sources. The technology that drives these accelerators is extremely sophisticated but is limited by the maximum sustainable accelerating field. This impacts the size and cost of the device. More than three decades ago, lasers were proposed as power source for driving novel accelerators based on plasmas as the accelerating medium. An overview will be presented of the basic principles of laser plasma accelerators (LPA) and of the research at LBNL. This includes the 2004 demonstration of high quality electron beams, the 2006 demonstration of GeV class beams from a 3 cm long accelerating structure, recent work on controlled injection, staging of modules and the BELLA project which aims at a 10 GeV meter scale accelerator. We then discuss the challenges of this technology towards applicability for advanced light sources and colliders.
Principal geodesic analysis for the study of nonlinear statistics of shape

A primary goal of statistical shape analysis is to describe the variability of a population of geometric objects. A standard technique for computing such descriptions is principal component analysis. However, principal component analysis is limited in that it only works for data lying in a Euclidean vector space. While this is certainly sufficient for geometric models that are parameterized by a set of landmarks or a dense collection of boundary points, it does not handle more complex representations of shape. We have been developing representations of geometry based on the medial axis description or m-rep. While the medial representation provides a rich language for variability in terms of bending, twisting, and widening, the medial parameters are not elements of a Euclidean vector space. They are in fact elements of a nonlinear Riemannian symmetric space. In this paper, we develop the method of principal geodesic analysis, a generalization of principal component analysis to the manifold setting. We demonstrate its use in describing the variability of medially-defined anatomical objects. Results of applying this framework on a population of hippocampi in a schizophrenia study are presented.
Three clonal types of urothelium with different capacities for replication

Objectives: Similar to other epithelia, urothelium in vivo has a hierarchal organization of cells each with specific gradients of differentiation. While distinct cell types have been described as important in bladder cancer in vitro, clonal and proliferative capacities of normal urothelial cells have not been characterized. Materials and methods: Three cell types and colony types were identified from primary porcine urothelial culture. Proliferative activity, patterns of apoptosis and differentiation, colony forming efficiency and ability to change phenotype with passage were determined and compared. Results: Small, T-I colonies with large flattened (type-1) cells had low levels of proliferation and high levels of apoptosis. Large T-III colonies had a central area of small (type-3) cells surrounded by type-1 and type-2 cells. Proliferation and apoptosis were asymmetrically distributed in the periphery of T-II and T-III colonies. T-III colonies proved to be significantly more clonogenic and proliferative. With appropriate induction, type-1 cells were able to proliferate upon passage and form type-3 cells, yet long-term culture demonstrated that progeny of type-1 cells appeared to have inherited a clonogenic handicap. Conclusions: Type-3 cells in the centre of T-III colonies appear to harbour stem-like qualities with a relatively low proliferative and apoptotic index at homeostasis and the ability to become highly proliferative upon passage. This study demonstrates that distinct urothelial cell types with differing clonal capacities can be isolated from the bladder and these cells may have implications for tissue engineering and carcinogenesis.
Identity, spatial distribution, and variability of induced chemical responses in tomato plants

Using four-leaf tomato plants (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill) as a model system, we examined the spatial distribution of damage-induced changes in foliar protein activities. Terminal leaflets of third leaves of tomato plants were subjected to one of four types of damage, and the activities of four putative defenses - polyphenol oxidase, peroxidase, lipoxygenase, and proteinase inhibitors - were determined at four leaflet positions relative to the damaged leaflet. Multiple proteins were differentially induced by the different damage types. For a given damage type, the spatial pattern of induction was different for different proteins. More exhaustive spatial mapping of the polyphenol oxidase response to feeding by Helicoverpa zea Boddie revealed that damaged plants were more variable, both within and between plants, in the activity of this enzyme than undamaged plants. The spatial patterns of induction of these four putative defenses throughout the plant suggest that the induced plant is chemically heterogeneous and that different mechanisms of defense operate in different regions of the plant. These data are critical to an elucidation of cause-effect relationships between induced chemicals and induced resistance in tomato foliage. In addition, these data suggest that induction functions, in part, to increase chemical variation in tomato plants; the potential role of phytochemical variation in plant defense is discussed.