cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On-line robust trajectory generation on approach and landing for reusable launch vehicles

A major objective of next generation reusable launch vehicle (RLV) programs includes significant improvements in vehicle safety, reliability, and operational costs. In this paper, novel approaches that can deliver an RLV to its landing site safely and reliably are proposed. Trajectory generation on approach/landing (A&L) for RLVs using motion primitives (MPs) and neighboring optimal control (NOC) is first discussed. In this stage, the proposed trajectory generation approach is based on an MP scheme that consists of trims and maneuvers. From an initial point to a given touchdown point, all feasible trajectories that satisfy certain constraints are generated and saved into a trajectory database. An optimal trajectory can then be found off-line by using Dijkstra's algorithm. If a vehicle failure occurs, perturbations are imposed on the initial states of the off-line optimal trajectory, and it is reshaped into a neighboring feasible trajectory on-line by using an NOC approach. If the perturbations are small enough, a neighboring feasible trajectory existence theorem (NFTET) is then investigated and its proof is provided as well. The approach given in the NFTET shows that a vehicle with stuck effectors can be recovered from failures in real time. However, when the perturbations become large, for example, in severe failure scenarios, the NFTET is no longer applicable and often the vehicle cannot be recovered from such failures. A new method is then used to deal with this situation. The NFTET is now extended to the trajectory robustness theorem (TRT). According to the TRT and its proof, a robustifying term is introduced to compensate for the effects of the linear approximation in the NFTET. The upper bounds with respect to input deviation are adaptively adjusted to eliminate their uncertainty. In order to obtain best performance, @s-modification is employed. The simulation results verify the excellent robust performance of this method.
Interlocking of Weber's Law and Sensory Discrimination Data

Resume L'ENLACEMENT DE LA LOI DE WEBER ET DES DONNEES DE LA DISCRIMINATION SENSORIELLE Le nombre de discriminations qu'on peut faire dans l'intervalle borne par deux magnitudes d'une intensite de stimulus est une fonction de la vitesse du temps du changement du stimulus; ce trait distingue ce type d'activite des fonctions d'etat telles qu'on trouve dans l'etude des forces de gravitation et d'autres. Le concept d'intensite est un qui suggere des significations tres differentes comme il est applique aux divers sens; la loi de Weber peut ětre facilement generalisee pour expliquer grand nombre de significations et est ainsi pertinente, d'importe comment on definit l'intensite, pourvu que la relation Weber existe. La loi comme Weber l'a formulee suppose une reponse fixee quant au sujet et a cause de cette circonstance on ne peut l'amener au procede de limite du calcul. Cependant, une interpretation statistique, a ce point, permet l'application du procede de limite et ceci le rend possible de traiter les unites...
Live Load Distribution Factors in Two-Girder Bridge Systems Using Precast Trapezoidal U-Girders

The lever rule method is often used to determine live load distribution factors (LDFs) in two-girder bridge systems because of the ranges of applicability implicit in the simplified equations of the AASHTO LRFD bridge design specifications. This method is typically more conservative than the simplified equations, which take into account key parameters such as beam spacing, span length, longitudinal beam stiffness, and slab thickness. The lever rule method for yielding LDFs does not take into account these key parameters and only considers simple span distribution; therefore, a certain degree of conservatism is implied. This study demonstrates that the lever rule method in determining LDFs in two-girder bridge systems using precast trapezoidal U-girders is not overly conservative, as comparisons between LDFs from finite-element analysis (FEA) and the lever rule method of the AASHTO LRFD show that the lever rule method produces values for LDFs that are closely reflective of the actual response for shear and to a lesser degree for flexure. The effects of live load on parameters that include flexural response, slenderness, and span length are also considered.
Use of anti-idiotypic antibodies to explore genetic mechanisms of production of anti-DNA antibodies

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is characterized by the production of autoantibodies with a broad range of antigenic specificities, including specificity for double-stranded DNA. Analysis of the idiotypic profile of anti-DNA antibodies both in humans and mice has demonstrated presence of cross-reactive idiotypes, suggesting that they arise from a restricted number of germline genes. Our laboratory has previously reported the generation of 3I, a monoclonal anti-idiotypic antibody which recognizes a cross-reactive idiotype on anti-DNA antibodies in a majority of unrelated humans with SLE. We have recently studied the expression of 3I in sera of three human kindreds with familial SLE. We found 6 of 8 SLE patients and 15 of 19 unaffected family members had elevated 3I reactivity. Eleven of these family members had no anti-DNA activity despite elevated 3I reactivity, suggesting that expression of this idiotype in certain individuals is part of the normal immune response. In another set of experiments using an in vitro culture system we examined somatic mutants of the S107 mouse myeloma cell line. This line makes an antibody which bears the T15 idiotype, a common idiotype on antibodies to the bacterial antigen phosphoryl choline (PC). U4, a mutant, makes an immunoglobulin which varies by one amino acid from the parent protein, retains the T15 idiotype, but loses reactivity with PC and acquires reactivity with DNA. We have found that some anti-DNA antibodies in mice with spontaneous lupus and in mice immunologically induced to make anti-DNA antibodies bear the T15 idiotype and may represent somatic mutants arising in vivo.
Micro stereo lithography for fabrication of 3D polymeric and ceramic MEMS

In this paper, the applications of Micro Stereo Lithography for polymer and ceramic based microstructures and MEMS are discussed with some examples.
Timing and motor control in clumsy children.

Abstract The study examined timing control in clumsy children and employed the Wing-Kristofferson (1973) model of repetitive movements in an attempt to identify the locus of timing control difficulties in clumsy children. Two groups of children classified as normal and clumsy (ages 6–7 and 9–10) performed tapping and perception of duration and loudness tasks. Results indicated that clumsy children were significantly more variable than normal children in maintaining a set rate of tapping and in accurately judging time intervals. Evidence indicated that the source of timing control problems in clumsy children may be in a central timekeeping mechanism, possibly the cerebellum.
Receptive fields of neurons in areas 3b and 1 of somatosensory cortex in monkeys.

Abstract Receptive fields of neurons within the separate representations of the glabrous hand in areas 3b and 1 of somatosensory cortex were studied in cynomolgus monkeys. Many neurons in area 1 have center-surround receptive fields with separate ‘on’ and ‘off’ zones, while neurons in area 3b exhibit largely uniform or homogeneous receptive fields.
Association of Maternal Obesity and Childhood Obesity: Implications for Healthcare Providers

The purpose of this critical appraisal was to assess the available literature on the association of maternal obesity as a risk factor for childhood obesity and to explore the implications for incorporating this evidence into practice. The increasing prevalence of childhood obesity, with its documented adverse health effects, is a critical public health threat in the United States and worldwide. Research studies have documented increased rates of childhood obesity associated with maternal obesity. Healthcare providers are challenged to expand their competencies to recognize the association of maternal obesity and childhood obesity and to address both primary and secondary prevention of childhood obesity. Stopping the cycle of obesity before it becomes the leading cause of preventable disease and death in the United States is a priority for community health nurses.
Abstract 859: miR-638, a novel tumor suppressor for ER-negative breast cancer.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous non-coding RNAs of 19∼25 nt in length, which regulate many protein-coding genes. miRNA dysregulation is observed in a variety of cancers, including breast cancer. miRNAs have emerged as an important set of biomarkers. miRNA profiling studies have led to the identification of miRNAs that are aberrantly expressed in human breast cancer, with miR-10b, miR-125b and miR-145 being down-regulated and miR-21, and 155 being up-regulated. In our previous miRNA expression profiling studies using microdissected FFPE tissues, we identified 8 clusters of miRNAs, which discrete the normal and breast lesions such as ADH, DCIS and IDC. miR-638 is one of the differentially expressed miRNAs during breast cancer progression. We first sought to determine the expression of miR-638 in different breast cancer cell lines such as MCF-7, Hs578T, T47D and MDA-MB-231 using qRT-PCR, which shows a very low expression compared to normal tissues. This led us to hypothesize that miR-638 may function as a tumor suppressor during breast cancer development. To determine the role of miR-638 in both ER+ and ER- breast cancer cells, we transfected miR-638 mimic oligos and scrambled oligo mocks into MCF-7 (ER+), T47D (ER+), MDA-MB-231 (ER-) and Hs578T (ER-) cells. After 48 hours, we found that the proliferation rate was significantly down-regulated in ER- cells but not in ER+ cells by MTT assay. Our preliminary matrigel analysis shows that miR-638 overexpressing MDA-MB-231 cells had 3∼4 fold invasiveness decrease compared to the control. Further, our TargetScan analysis revealed that BRCA1 is one of the direct targets of miR-638 among the 30 conservative target genes. We found that overexpression of miR-638 resulted in an upregulation of BRCA1 mRNA expressions in ER- cell lines, MDA-MB-231 and Hs578T but not in ER+ cell lines, T47D and MCF-7. Taken together, these findings showed that miR-638 may function as a tumor suppressor in ER- breast cancer, possibly in part by upregulating BRCA1 tumor suppressor gene. Further functional analysis is underway to decipher the exact role of miR-638 in ER- breast cancer, which could become a therapeutic target. Citation Format: Jin Peng, Yebo Fu, Rachel F. Brem, Christine B. Teal, Sidney W. Fu. miR-638, a novel tumor suppressor for ER-negative breast cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 859. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-859
Safety considerations for high-efficiency crystalline-silicon solar cell fabrication

The features necessary for safe operation of a crystalline-silicon solar cell processing lab are detailed. For comparison, the analogous safety measures that need to be taken in a thin-film solar cell production facility are also noted. The most serious hazard is associated with the storage and use of silane, phosphine, and diborane gases, although it may be possible to avoid them entirely through the use of alternative doping sources. This is in contrast with the case of amorphous silicon, where no substitutes have been used successfully. Even if alternate doping sources cannot be used, costly exhaust-gas processing can be avoided, because the hydrides are consumed in the process. This is again in contrast with the thin-film processes, which require elaborate and expensive exhaust-gas conditioning systems. The vast quantities of toxic and explosive gases required for thin-film processing can be avoided, since the bulk material for these cells is wafered silicon which is already available in large quantities. Hence, it is concluded that the present findings demonstrate the inherently safer nature of crystalline-silicon solar cell processing, and consequently its lower safety-related costs. >
I band (8-10 GHz) TRAPATT-diode sources

The feasibility of a high-pulsed-power I band source using both n-type and p-type TRAPATT diodes has been demonstrated. Deep-diffused n-type diodes have generated more than 100 W in the I band.
The fragile X–cerebellum connection

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is an inherited form of mental retardation that results from the loss of function of the fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP). A recent report demonstrated alterations in the structure and plasticity of synapses on cerebellar Purkinje cells in Fmr1 knockout mice, which are a model of FXS. These synaptic alterations are associated with deficits in the cerebellar learning both in the mice and humans with FXS. This work forges an important link between the FMR1 gene, altered synaptic plasticity in the cerebellum and mental retardation.
A Study of the Superfluid Transition in \(^4\hbox {He}\) Films Adsorbed to Rough \(\hbox {CaF}_2\) Over a Large Temperature Range

Rough two-dimensional substrates, such as thermally deposited \(\hbox {CaF}_2\), have been shown to modify the experimental signatures of the superfluid transition in adsorbed thin helium films. Previous experiments have investigated a series of increasingly rough surfaces over a limited temperature range and found that the features at the superfluid transition become less defined as substrate roughness is increased. In this work we study the superfluid transition in adsorbed helium films over a wide range of temperatures for a series of \(\hbox {CaF}_2\) substrates. Our results show that as the transition temperature increases the abrupt jump in superfluid density at the transition becomes less distinct. The changing characteristics of the transition on a single \(\hbox {CaF}_2\) substrate with temperature suggest that the reduced observability of the transition on rough substrates cannot be explained entirely by superfluid drag. We discuss several other possible scenarios which may be relevant to the helium films on \(\hbox {CaF}_2\).
The role of the total artificial heart in the treatment of post-myocardial infarction ventricular septal defect.

improved durability and performance relative to previous VADs. Our major rationale for choosing the HeartWare HVAD was its relatively small size and ability to be contained within the pericardium, thus eliminating the potential need to create a pocket or rotate the pump configuration. In addition, the device’s integrated inflow cannula could decrease the chance of inflow obstruction related to the abnormal position of the ventricles in CC-TGA. TEE guidance ensured successful selection of the optimal insertion site for the VAD inflow cannula. In summary, we report a case of successful HeartWare HVAD implantation in a patient with CC-TGA to support the function of the RV (systemic ventricle).
Squamous cell carcinoma in dominant type epidermolysis bullosa dystrophica

The unusual genetic disorder epidermolysis bullosa dystrophica has been reported in several patients in whom the chronic cutaneous scars led to the development of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. However, only one of these previously reported cases involved the autosomal dominant form of the disease; the remainder occurred in its recessive counterpart. We report the second and third patients with squamous cell carcinoma associated with the dominant form of epidermolysis bullosa dystrophica. In addition, we not only observed the previous electron microscopic findings of decreased numbers of anchoring fibrils beneath the basal lamina but have also noted marked disruption of the basal lamina itself.
Depeaking Schedules: Beneficial for Airports and Airlines?

After deregulation, many U.S. airlines created hubs with banked schedules. However, in the past decade, these same airlines began to experiment with depeaking their schedules to reduce costs and to improve operational performance. Little research has investigated revenue shifts associated with depeaked schedules, yet an understanding of the trade-offs between revenue, costs, and operational performance at a network level is critical before airlines will consider further depeaking and related strategies for managing congestion. This paper develops data-cleaning and data analysis methodologies that are based on publicly available data used to quantify airport- and network-level revenue changes associated with schedule depeaking. These methodologies are applied to a case study of Delta's depeaking at the airport in Atlanta, Georgia. Results show that this depeaking was associated with Delta's revenue increasing slower than that for the rest of the network and the industry as a whole but that the depeaking could have been profitable if costs had been cut to a sufficient degree. The Atlanta airport likely benefits from the increase in connection time. The methodologies developed in this paper can be extended to other depeaking cases to provide a comprehensive assessment of revenue shifts and to understand airport and network characteristics that are most conducive to schedule depeaking.
Couples and Diabetes: A 30-Year Narrative Review of Dyadic Relational Research

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects both members of a couple. However, relatively few studies have focused on the entire couple system as the unit of observation when examining the psychosocial impact of this disease. This narrative review examines the literature between 1980 and 2010 that uses the couple as the unit of observation. A total of 49 articles were identified for review. Articles were grouped by their central themes or outcomes: (1) sexual functioning, (2) relationship adjustment and support, (3) culture and spirituality, (4) treatment/education programs, and (5) diabetes as a risk factor. Research and clinical implications such as increasing the utilization of dyadic analytical strategies and the importance of assessing illness burden from each partners’ perspective are discussed. Identified benefits of incorporating the couple dyad for future research and clinical practice included: (1) understanding the influence of variables such as a non-diabetic partner and gender have on diabetes adjustment and management, (2) the role disease severity and management of diabetes by the partner living with diabetes has on spousal support and non-diabetic partner emotional wellbeing, (3) the interdependent nature of couple outcomes in the areas of adjustment to sexual dysfunction, perceived illness burden, and couple satisfaction, as well as, (4) disease as both an individual and a shared experience among couples.
The effect of amino acids on the survival of the hyperthyroid rat

Abstract Methionine, added to a casein diet which is complete for normal rats, markedly increases the survival time of hyperthyroid rats. That the improved survival is due to the labile methyl group of methionine is supported by the fact that betaine, another labile methyl-containing compound, also increases the survival time of hyperthyroid rats.
Combat vehicle reliability assessment simulation model (CVRASM)

A simulation model capable of analyzing manufacturers' claims of reliability has been developed. The model takes into account the manufacturers' predetermined reliability inputs and incorporates these statements into the army's current maintenance and repair system. The model portrays the disposition or status of vehicles over time. This information may be used to initialize other combat models in which reliability may not previously have been a consideration. The program is formulated with a FORTRAN user interface to allow the modeler to provide the initial database for the particular vehicle types and maintenance facilities. Additionally, the model portrays the commander's predefined combat minimum and flags the information to the commander that his unit is combat ineffective due to down time in repairs. Sensitivity analysis is easily accomplished through the input system database. >
Enhanced-fluidity liquid chromatography using mixed-mode hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography/strong cation-exchange retention mechanisms.

The potential of enhanced-fluidity liquid chromatography, a subcritical chromatography technique, in mixed-mode hydrophilic interaction/strong cation-exchange separations is explored, using amino acids as analytes. The enhanced-fluidity liquid mobile phases were prepared by adding liquefied CO2 to methanol/water mixtures, which increases the diffusivity and decreases the viscosity of the mixture. The addition of CO2 to methanol/water mixtures resulted in increased retention of the more polar amino acids. The “optimized” chromatographic performance (achieving baseline resolution of all amino acids in the shortest amount of time) of these methanol/water/CO2 mixtures was compared to traditional acetonitrile/water and methanol/water liquid chromatography mobile phases. Methanol/water/CO2 mixtures offered higher efficiencies and resolution of the ten amino acids relative to the methanol/water mobile phase, and decreased the required isocratic separation time by a factor of two relative to the acetonitrile/water mobile phase. Large differences in selectivity were also observed between the enhanced-fluidity and traditional liquid mobile phases. A retention mechanism study was completed, that revealed the enhanced-fluidity mobile phase separation was governed by a mixed-mode retention mechanism of hydrophilic interaction/strong cation-exchange. On the other hand, separations with acetonitrile/water and methanol/water mobile phases were strongly governed by only one retention mechanism, either hydrophilic interaction or strong cation exchange, respectively.
TISSUE CULTURE STUDIES : II. THE RELATIONSHIP OF NUCLEIC ACID INCREASE TO THE GROWTH OF CELLS IN VITRO

The content of ribo- and desoxyribonucleic acids in chick heart cultures at regular intervals after implanting has been determined both with standard culture medium and with Tyrode's solution alone. With an inadequate medium, both nucleic acids dropped in a consistent manner but ribonucleic acid was affected to a much greater extent. When the medium was adequate for growth, both fractions rose smoothly and paralleled each other closely, after an initial drop. The final content of each fraction was markedly higher than the amount present in the original implant. The fundamental definition of growth and the relationship of these data to it are discussed.
A Scalable Process for Production of Single-walled Carbon Nanotubes (SWNTs) by Catalytic Disproportionation of CO on a Solid Catalyst

Existing single-walled carbon nanotube synthesis methods are not easily scalable, operate under severe conditions, and involve high capital and operating costs. The current cost of SWNT is exceedingly high. A catalytic method of synthesis has been developed that has shown potential advantages over the existing methods. This method is based on a catalyst formulation that inhibits the formation of undesired forms of carbon; it can be scaled-up and may result in lower production costs.
Edge Crack Solution Through Use of Dislocation Shielding/Antishielding

The edge crack problem in an elastic solid has been treated by a number of investigators. The crack tip stress intensity factor, under uniform loading, of a mode I edge crack of length a has been shown to be 12% greater than a crack of half-length a within an infinite solid. In this paper a new method of solution for this old problem is presented. The crack within an infinite solid can be considered to be a distribution of infinitesimal dislocations on the (horizontal) crack plane. The edge crack is made up of both an infinitesimal edge dislocation distribution on the (horizontal) crack plane and an infinitesimal edge dislocation distribution on the (vertical) free surface when the edge crack is treated by the image dislocation method. (That is, the edge crack is considered to be within an infinite solid and image dislocations are used to cancel surface tractions on the free surface.) The image dislocations on the free surface shield or antishield the crack tip. The dislocation crack tip stress shielding/antishielding stress intensity factor L for a dislocation (of arbitrary Burgers vector) situated at an arbitrary position about a crack was derived earlier. The edge crack solution is derived with use of this L. The use of L is the novel feature of the solution. The crack intensity factor for the mode I edge crack under uniform loading is found to be 12% greater than the equivalent crack within an infinite solid.
Quantifying Compositional Homogeneity in Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 Using Atom Probe Tomography

Atom probe tomography (APT) is a powerful materials characterization technique capable of ppm chemical resolution and near atomic scale spatial resolution. However, owing to a number of factors, the technique has not been widely applied to insulating materials and even less to complex oxides. In this study, we outline the methodology necessary to obtain high-quality results on a technologically relevant complex oxide Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 (or PZT) using laser-assisted APT on both bulk and thin film specimens. We show how, with optimized and well-controlled conditions, APT complements conventional techniques such as STEM-EDS. The correlative information can be used to obtain the nanoscale 3-D chemical information and investigate the nanoscale distribution of cations. Using nearest-neighbor cluster analysis routines, 5–10 nm segregation of B-site cations was detected in bulk sintered PZT 53/47 from chemically prepared powders. No statistically significant segregation of B-site cations was observed in thin film specimens. This work opens new avenues toward understanding the process-structure properties in complex materials at length scales heretofore unachievable.
Development and validation of a computer science self-efficacy scale for CS0 courses and the group analysis of CS0 student self-efficacy

A 21-item self-efficacy scale was developed to measure perceptions of capability associated with success in CS0 students. Data from 377 subjects enrolled in CS0 breadth-first courses over three years were used to assess the reliability and construct validity of the instrument. A principal factor analysis, with Varimax rotation, produced a six factor solution that closely aligned with the constructs of Bandura's (1986) self-efficacy model. The self-efficacy group analysis used participant factor scores that were calculated by adding the sum of Likert-type responses to items associated with each of the six derived factors. Subjects received a success, no-success designation based on final course grade. Significant differences were found between the factor scores of: success, no-success groups; males and females; males and females in success group; and males in success, no-success groups.
Coping, Negative Cognitive Style and Depressive Symptoms in Children of Depressed Parents.

Coping and negative cognitive style were studied in relation to depressive symptoms in children at risk for depression. In a sample of 165 children (ages 9–15) of depressed parents, the main and interaction effects of coping and negative cognitive style were examined in association with children’s depressive symptoms measured by parent and child report on questionnaires and diagnostic interviews. Negative cognitive style was related to three types of coping (primary control, secondary control, and disengagement). Furthermore, coping and negative cognitive style made independent contributions to depressive symptoms. Little support emerged for interactive effects on depressive symptoms. Implications for future research with this high-risk population of children are considered.
Propagation of Sound Waves through a Linear Shear Layer

Closed-form solutions are presented for sound propagation from a line source in or near a shear layer. The analysis is exact for all frequencies and is developed assuming a linear velocity profile in the shear layer. This assumption allows the solution to be expressed in terms of parabolic cylinder functions. The solution is presented for a line monopole source first embedded in the uniform flow and then in the shear layer. Solutions are also discussed for certain types of dipole and quadrupole sources. Asymptotic expansions of the exact solutions for small and large values of Strouhal number give expressions which correspond to solutions previously obtained for these limiting cases.
Learning content using complex data in project‐based science: An example from high school biology in urban classrooms

This chapter explores the extent to which project-based science (PBS) curricula designed with supports for students' inquiry into complex scientific data can help urban students make sense of such data and promote their deep understanding of standards-based content. We review qualitative and quantitative data from classroom enactments of a PBS high school biology curriculum called Disease Detectives.
A model for cardiopulmonary bypass redesign.

Introduction: A portion of patients undergoing cardiac surgery may develop focal and/or subtle brain injuries secondary to cardiac surgery. There is evidence that, in some cases, these injuries may...
Detecting future social unrest in unprocessed Twitter data: “Emerging phenomena and big data”

We have implemented a social media data mining system capable of forecasting events related to Latin American social unrest. Our method directly extracts a small number of tweets from publicly-available data on twitter.com, condenses similar tweets into coherent forecasts, and assembles a detailed and easily-interpretable audit trail which allows end users to quickly collect information about an upcoming event. Our system functions by continually applying multiple textual and geographic filters to a large volume of data streaming from twitter.com via the public API as well as a commercial data feed. To be specific, we search the entirety of twitter.com for a few carefully chosen keywords, search within those tweets for mentions of future dates, filter again using various logistic regression classifiers, and finally assign a location to an event by geocoding retweeters. Geocoding is done using our previously-developed in-house geocoding service which, at the time of this writing, can infer the home location for over 62M twitter.com users [1]. Additionally, we identify demographics likely interested in an upcoming event by searching retweeter's recent posts for demographic-specific keywords.
Characteristics of Survey Participants with and without a Telephone: Findings from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

This study examines the potential coverage bias in telephone surveys. Data were analyzed from the first phase of the third National Health and Nutrition and Examination Survey conducted from 1988 to 1991. In that survey, 10,120 persons 17 years and older were interviewed and 9034 were examined. About 2.7% of respondents reported not having a telephone. Differences in demographic and lifestyle variables, but not physiological or anthropometric variables, existed between persons with a telephone and those without one. Respondents without a telephone were more likely to report that an impairment or health problems limited their work or activities. Compared with respondents with a telephone, those without one were more likely to be current smokers, to be less physically active, to never have had their blood pressure checked or have had it checked more than 5 years ago, and to never have had their cholesterol checked. Based on data from a 24-hour dietary recall, persons without a telephone consumed less vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and carotene than did respondents with a telephone. However, prevalence estimates of health characteristics obtained from telephone surveys in populations with high telephone coverage are unlikely to be seriously affected by coverage bias nor are conclusions of comparisons involving populations with low telephone coverage.
Primobucco mcgrewi (Aves: Coracii) from the Eocene Green River Formation: New Anatomical Data from the Earliest Constrained Record of Stem Rollers

ABSTRACT The Eocene Green River Formation provides one of the richest records of fossil birds worldwide. As part of a reevaluation of this avifauna, we describe 12 new specimens of the stem roller Primobucco mcgrewi from the well-dated (51.66 ± 0.09 Ma) Fossil Butte Member (FBM) of the Green River Formation of Wyoming. FBM specimens represent most of avian diversity in the Green River Formation and include the oldest well-constrained record of the roller lineage (Coracii). These fossils provide new anatomical data, including the first observations on the palate, and broaden our understanding of the distribution, abundance, and taphonomy of P. mcgrewi. Using museum records and lithological comparisons, 14 of the 15 known P. mcgrewi specimens can now be assigned to specific quarries within Fossil Lake. The species is now known from five distinct localities representing both nearshore and mid-lake environments and accounts for >10% of the 148 FBM avian specimens reviewed in this study. Pectoral elements are ...
On Modified l_1-M inimization Problems in Compressed Sensing

Sparse signal modeling has received much attention recently because of its application in medical imaging, group testing and radar technology, among others. Compressed sensing, a recently coined term, has showed us, both in theory and practice, that various signals of interest which are sparse or approximately sparse can be efficiently recovered by using far fewer samples than suggested by Shannon sampling theorem. Sparsity is the only prior information about an unknown signal assumed in traditional compressed sensing techniques. But in many applications, other kinds of prior information are also available, such as partial knowledge of the support, tree structure of signal and clustering of large coefficients around a small set of coefficients. In this thesis, we consider compressed sensing problems with prior information on the support of the signal, together with sparsity. We modify regular `1-minimization problems considered in compressed sensing, using this extra information. We call these modified `1-minimization problems. We show that partial knowledge of the support helps us to weaken sufficient conditions for the recovery of sparse signals using modified `1 minimization problems. In case of deterministic compressed sensing, we show that a sharp condition for sparse recovery can be improved using modified `1 minimization problems. We also derive algebraic necessary and sufficient condition for modified basis pursuit problem and use an open source algorithm known as `1-homotopy algorithm to perform some numerical experiments and compare the performance of modified Basis Pursuit Denoising with the regular Basis Pursuit Denoising.
Changes in hemodynamics and aortic volume as assessed with a dual-Doppler system

The Esophageal Doppler Monitor (EDM) is a minimally-invasive device to measure aortic blood flow and quantify hemodynamics in patients. A modified dual-Doppler EDM, combined with pressure measurements, allows for measurement of aortic volume via the Bramwell-Hill equation. An in-vitro flow system was developed to model the cardioaortic circulation. This system consists of a pump to expel a viscous fluid through a thin-walled latex tube, to models the aorta, and stiff tubes to complete the flow loop and add “peripheral” resistance. Doppler analysis by Matlab programming yields critical hemodynamic parameters including pulse wave velocity (PWV), stroke volume (SV), pulse pressure (PP), heart rate (HR) and compliance (C) which combine to yield the Bramwell-Hill tube volume (V BH ).
300 mm fab design-a total factory perspective

This paper identifies 300 mm issues that affect the design of the factory from the individual machine to the overall concept, and assess which factors have the greatest potential impact on the physical factory. The discrimination between the facility and the manufacturing equipment blurs: the melding of the equipment and the facility progresses to the point wherein the design of the facility is synergetic with the equipment and the wafer handling scheme. This suggests a scenario wherein the entire physical factory is considered as an integral part of the manufacturing "machine". This paper details many of the potential issues and outlines the elements of an advanced production factory.
Analysis of Emissions at Congested and Uncongested Intersections with Motor Vehicle Emission Simulation 2010

The motor vehicle emission simulator (MOVES) modeling software of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency enables researchers and practitioners to model vehicle emissions at the project level. With this tool, agencies can identify and evaluate the effectiveness of local traffic control strategies to reduce emissions at project hot spots, such as congested intersections. This study analyzes vehicle emissions at congested and uncongested signalized intersections under three traffic intersection scenarios, ranging from Level of Service (LOS) B to LOS E. Emissions are much less sensitive to congestion than control delay. A shift in operation from LOS E to LOS B reduced per vehicle nitrogen oxide emissions by 15% and particulate matter emissions by 17%, while control delay decreased by 40%. The largest sources of emissions were cruising and acceleration; they accounted for more than 80% of total emissions under all scenarios. Idling accounted for less than 18% of all intersection emissions. This analysis calc...
Adaptive algorithms and their convergence characteristics

The convergence characteristics of the gradient transversal filter (LMS), the one coefficient gradient lattice (GL1), and the least squares lattice (LSL) are explored via two examples. The first investigates their ability to track the frequency dynamics of dual sinusoids whose power levels are widely separated and the second investigates the rate at which each algorithm is able to whiten a fourth order, complex, autoregressive process.
Satellite Remote Sensing of Isolated Wetlands Using Object-Oriented Classification of Landsat-7 Data

There has been an increasing interest in characterizing and mapping isolated depressional wetlands due to a 2001 U.S. Supreme Court decision that effectively removed their protected status. Our objective was to determine the utility of satellite remote sensing to accurately detect isolated wetlands. Image segmentation and object-oriented analysis were applied to Landsat-7 imagery from January and October 2000 to map isolated wetlands in the St. Johns River Water Management District of Alachua County, Florida. Accuracy for individual isolated wetlands was determined based on the intersection of reference and remotely sensed polygons. The January data yielded producer and user accuracies of 88% and 89%, respectively, for isolated wetlands larger than 0.5 acres (0.20 ha). Producer and user accuracies increased to 97% and 95%, respectively, for isolated wetlands larger than 2 acres (0.81 ha). Recently, the Federal Geographic Data Committee recommended that all U.S. wetlands 0.5 acres (0.20 ha) or larger should be mapped using 1-m aerial photography with an accuracy of 98%. That accuracy was nearly achieved in this study using a spatial resolution that is 900 times coarser. Satellite remote sensing provides an accurate, relatively inexpensive, and timely means for classifying isolated depressional wetlands on a regional or national basis.
Optimal Design Considerations for a Modified LLC converter with wide input voltage range capability suitable for PV applications

The paper proposed a modified LLC converter with two transformers in series, which has four operation configurations, covering the range of four times the minimum input voltage. To optimize the proposed LLC converter in attempt to achieve good efficiency, a numerical method is developed based on the LLC converter's steady state equations. Optimal criterion and optimization procedure are given to guide optimal design for LLC converters and an optimal design example is given as well. A 250W 210V output prototype with input voltage ranging from 25V to 100V is built to verify the proposed converter and the developed numerical model. Experimental results show the proposed converter can achieve the efficiency up to 98%, while maintaining a very wide input voltage range.
High-resolution microtubule structures reveal the structural transitions in αβ-tubulin upon GTP hydrolysis.

Dynamic instability, the stochastic switching between growth and shrinkage, is essential for microtubule function. This behavior is driven by GTP hydrolysis in the microtubule lattice and is inhibited by anticancer agents like Taxol. We provide insight into the mechanism of dynamic instability, based on high-resolution cryo-EM structures (4.7-5.6 A) of dynamic microtubules and microtubules stabilized by GMPCPP or Taxol. We infer that hydrolysis leads to a compaction around the E-site nucleotide at longitudinal interfaces, as well as movement of the α-tubulin intermediate domain and H7 helix. Displacement of the C-terminal helices in both α- and β-tubulin subunits suggests an effect on interactions with binding partners that contact this region. Taxol inhibits most of these conformational changes, allosterically inducing a GMPCPP-like state. Lateral interactions are similar in all conditions we examined, suggesting that microtubule lattice stability is primarily modulated at longitudinal interfaces.
The relative effect of voice, autonomy, and the wage on satisfaction with work

This article uses data from the 2004 wave of the Workplace Employment Relations Survey to investigate the relative effects of the wage, worker autonomy and voice on self-reported satisfaction with work. The article adds two innovations: it considers a disaggregated measure of job satisfaction that considers satisfaction with the work task itself, and it explicitly compares the relative explanatory power of the wage, voice and autonomy. It is found that voice and autonomy play a much larger role than the wage in explaining satisfaction with work. The results are consistent with the assertion that there is an important distinction between how individuals choose their place of work (decision utility) and what drives job satisfaction once they are employed (experience utility).
Molecular and immunological characterization of allergens from the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana

Background Entomopathogenic fungi such as Beauveria bassiana are considered promising biological control agents for a variety of arthropod pests. Beauveria species, however, have the potential to elicit allergenic reactions in humans, although no specific allergens have been characterized to date.
ADMP: An Adaptive Multicast Routing Protocol for Mobile Ad Hoc Networks

We present ADMP, the adaptive mesh-based multicast routing protocol, in which nodes are able to independently tune the amount of redundancy used to transmit data packets with the goal of improving the overall packet delivery ratio while keeping the retransmission overhead as low as possible. ADMP is based on a novel distributed algorithm for computing connected dominating sets. ADMP uses a single type of control packet, called multicast announcement, which is used to build the meshes of multicast groups, elect the core of each mesh and obtain two-hop neighborhood information. Using detailed simulations for different scenarios, we show that ADMP achieves similar or better reliability than two mesh-based multicast protocols that are very resilient (ODMRP and PUMA) while inducing low packet retransmission overhead.
Symposium -- The Civil Rights Act of 1964 at 50: Past, Present, and Future

This Symposium, “The Civil Rights Act of 1964 at 50: Past, Present, and Future,” published in the Boston University Law Review (volume 95, pp. 683-1232), observes the fiftieth anniversary of the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964. Growing out of a live conference held at Boston University School of Law in November 2014, the Symposium includes twenty-two articles by prominent scholars from law, economic history, political science, and sociology. Topics addressed include: (1) historical perspectives on the 1964 Act and other civil rights laws; (2) classifications and categories in the 1964 Act and in subsequent civil rights laws; (3) reshaping public and private space in public accommodations, neighborhoods, and housing; (4) reshaping public and private space in education, the workplace, and the military; (5) proving discrimination; and (6) the limits and future of antidiscrimination law. The Symposium concludes with remarks on the role of transformational leadership in the civil rights movement by a colleague at Boston University’s School of Theology, the alma mater of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The articles are also available for download at the website of the Boston University Law Review.
Santa Teresa en los conventos de monjas de Nueva España

The transfer of the spiritual message of Saint Teresa to the viceregal court of New Spain tested the ability of Teresa’s teachings to adapt to new societies within the Spanish empire. Although the Carmelites founded only seven convents in Mexico, the Order succeeded in following the key precepts of the Teresian charisma, although nuanced by a baroque style of observance that insisted on spiritual and corporal mortification, complete humility and obedience, visionary experiences, and the imitation of Christ to achieve God’s love. Despite their small numbers, Carmelite nuns earned the respect of colonial society for their dedication to an ascetic way of life, personal poverty and the centrality of prayer.
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) is a disease induced by the human immunodeficiency retrovirus designated HIV-1. Although first observed in homosexual men, the disease affects both males and females equally in central Africa and is beginning to affect an increasing number of heterosexuals with cases in both males and females in the Western countries including North America and Europe. Following exposure to the AIDS virus, the incubation period is variable and may extend to 11 years before clinical AIDS occurs in HIV positive males in high risk groups. It is transmitted by blood and body fluids but is not transmitted through casual contact, or through air, food or other means. Besides homosexual and bisexual males, others at high risk include intravenous drug abusers, hemophiliacs, the offspring of HIV infected mothers, and sexual partners of any HIV infected individuals in the above groups.