cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The (Ir)relevance of the Aside in Golden Age Drama

The professionalization of public theatre in late sixteenth-century Spain transformed the public street drama of playwrights and actors such as Lope de Rueda into an activity whose survival and success depended on ticket sales and attendance. It is within this context that the aside became one of the most popular dramatic techniques of Spain's Golden Age theater. This article seeks to answer two questions about the aside: (1) Do Golden Age playwrights utilize the aside in the same manner? and (2) Does the subgenre of a comedia dictate the use of a particular category of aside? I propose to answer these questions, focusing in particular on the different ways that the following comedias utilize the aside to transform the audience from mere spectators to active accomplices of what they witness on stage: Calderon de la Barca's El alcalde de Zalamea (comedia de honor), Antonio Mira de Amescua's El esclavo del demonio (comedia hagiografica), and Tirso de Molina's El burlador de Sevilla (comedia moral).
Prediction of Equilibria of Lifted Logarithmic Radial Potential Fields

Many distributed manipulation systems are capable of generating planar force fields which act over the entire surface of an object to manipulate it to a stable equilibrium within the field. Passive air flow and other physical phenomena naturally generate force fields through the linear superposition of logarithmically varying radial potential fields. The main advantage of these fields is that they are realizable through very simple actuation. However, they do not lend themselves to analytical prediction of net forces or equilibria. In this paper we present an efficient means of numerically computing the net force and moment exerted by such fields on objects composed of multiple simple shapes, as well as efficient means of finding equilibrium points on these fields with experimental verification. Existence conditions of stable equilibria are investigated in analytic forms and incremental searching algorithms are proposed based on existence conditions.
Effect of zinc and lead on germination of Spartina alterniflora loisel seeds at various salinities

Abstract Spartina alterniflora seeds were germinated for 30 days in solutions containing zinc and lead at various salinity levels under chamber-controlled conditions. Daily counts of epicotyl emergence were used to calculate: (1) an initial rate of germination (first 5 days), (2) time for seeds treated with metal and salt to yield 50% of the response of untreated seeds (distilled water treatment) and (3) total germination at the end of the experiment (30 days). Seeds remaining ungerminated after 30 days were put through a series of washings and treatments to remove metal and salinity stresses. The latter was done in an attempt to identify and distinguish between osmotic and toxic effects. Results indicate that lead reduced the germination rate, total performance and long term germination potential after an initial stimulation of germination. Experimental units treated with lead at high salinities produced results indicative of toxic action (non-reversible inhibition). Zinc treatments did not produce results that would indicate any significant action by this metal, except at the lowest salinity level. However, stimulation of germination was induced by zinc treatments and salt-inhibition of germination was altered by zinc additions.
There is an equivalent norm on l1 that has the fixed point property

Abstract Let γ k = 8 k 1 + 8 k for all k ∈ N , and let ⦀ ⋅ ⦀ be the equivalent norm of l 1 defined by ⦀ ( a n ) ⦀ = sup k ∈ N γ k ∑ n = k ∞ | a n | for all x = ( a n ) ∈ l 1 . We prove that ( l 1 , ⦀ ⋅ ⦀ ) has the fixed point property for nonexpansive self-mappings.
Linear accuracy and reliability of cone beam CT derived 3-dimensional images constructed using an orthodontic volumetric rendering program.

Abstract Objective: To compare accuracy of linear measurements made on cone beam computed tomographic (CBCT) derived 3-dimensional (3D) surface rendered volumetric images to direct measurements made on human skulls. Materials and Methods: Twenty orthodontic linear measurements between anatomical landmarks on 23 human skulls were measured by observers using a digital caliper. The skulls were imaged with CBCT and Dolphin 3D (version 2.3) software used to generate 3D volumetric reconstructions (3DCBCT). The linear measurements between landmarks were computed by a single observer three times and compared to anatomic dimensions using Student's t-test (P ≤ .05). The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and absolute linear and percentage error were calculated. Results: The ICC for 3DCBCT (0.975 ± 0.016) was significantly less than for skull (0.996 ± 0.007) measurements. Mean percentage measurement error for 3DCBCT (2.31% ± 2.11%) was significantly higher than replicate skull measurements (0.63% ± 0.51%). Sta...
Complex Dynamics, Market Mediation and Stock Price Behavior

Abstract Most exchanges in a decentralized economy are mediated by agents who make markets. This paper applies the elementary theory of such mechanisms to equity markets. Based on stylized institutional and behavioral facts and exploiting the methods of nonlinear dynamics, it explains salient properties of stock market dynamics.
The effect of land-use restrictions on market values of single-family homes in Houston

This paper analyzes the effects of zoning and restrictive covenants on single-family housing prices in and around Houston, Texas. The calculation of a hedonic price index reveals that higher prices are paid for homes in neighborhoods with either type of land-use control than for comparable houses in neighborhoods without these controls. The premiums paid for these restrictions are not statistically distinguishable, but institutional constraints on these controls may explain why both forms continue to exist and to command market premiums.
Molt Patterns in the Barrow Ground Squirrel

The Barrow ground squirrel, Spermophilus undulatus kennicotti Ross (= Citellus parryi barrowensis Merriam), is a resident of far northern Alaska in habitats where burrowing is possible during the summer months. It is active only five months of the year, first appearing above ground in early May, and rarely is seen after September 15. During this brief time the animal undergoes two molts, a spring molt in June or July and a winter molt in August or September. Personnel from the University of Southern California, under the direction of Dr. William V. Mayer, have been actively engaged in the study of this particular animal over a period of several years. During this time the University has accumulated a large number of study skins and presently maintains a colony of living animals. In this investigation 142 pelts were examined. Eighty-four skins were from the Meade River area 40 miles south of Point Barrow; Six skins were captive animals at Point Barrow; ten were from Umiat; five were from East Oumalik 100 miles south of Point Barrow; and one was from Paxson Lake. Thirty-six skins were not considered because of the unusual nature of experimental research on these animals. The skins are located in the mammal collections of the Allan Hancock Foundation, University of Southern California. Hansen (1954) described three basic molting patterns that occur in ground squirrels: (1) Those that show a diffuse pattern of hair replacement and molt once a year; (2) those that molt once a year but have a distinct molt line; and (3) those that have definite molt lines and replace their hair twice a year with two distinct coats, a summer and winter pelage. Spermophilus undulatus generally follows the pattern of Hansen's third type. Although the molt lines are distinct, they do not show smooth straight lines …
Nonrandom alignment of nucleosomes on 5S RNA genes of X. laevis

Mild digestion of Xenopus nuclei with micrococcal nuclease results in the cleavage of oocyte-type 5S RNA genes once every four nucleosomes, or about once per tandem repeating unit of 5S DNA. This specific cleavage pattern is observed with nuclei from somatic cells where oocyte-type 5S genes are never transcribed (blood and liver) and with cultured cell nuclei where these genes are in a DNAase I-sensitive chromatin conformation and low level transcription is observed. Cleavage of protein-free DNA with micrococcal nuclease does not result in a specific digestion pattern. The similarity of the nuclease-generated repeat length and the sequence repeat length of oocyte-type 5S genes suggested a sequence-specific arrangement of nucleosomes on these DNA sequences. Restriction endonuclease analysis indicates that micrococcal nuclease preferentially cleaves in a restricted region within the 5S repeating unit, about 200 bp from the single Hind III site. Using specific end-labeled DNA probes derived from cloned 5S DNA we can recognize at least four possible modes of organization of the nucleosomes on 5S DNA. In each of these phase arrangements, functionally significant regions of the 5S gene (start of transcription, middle control region and transcription termination site) are found in or near nucleosome linkers.
CHANGE AND CONTINUITY IN EARLY SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT: CLAIMING THE "RADICAL MIDDLE"

Debate over change and continuity in cognitive development has revolved around questions of qualitative transitions versus quantitative and incremental improvement. Piaget’s stage theory is the best-known example of a change/qualitative transition approach, while both nativism and empiricism have, for very different reasons, taken a continuity/quantitative increment stance. Recent proposals have, however, attempted to transcend this stark dichotomy, in a move that can be termed claiming the “radical middle.” This paper presents two examples of developmental analyses in spatial development. These two transitions are characterizable as either qualitative or quantitative, but are best thought of as both. A position of this kind allows for much more precise answers to practical questions about issues such as sensitive periods than would otherwise be possible.
Genetics and molecular mapping of genes for race-specific all-stage resistance and non-race-specific high-temperature adult-plant resistance to stripe rust in spring wheat cultivar Alpowa

Stripe rust, caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici, is one of the most widespread and destructive wheat diseases worldwide. Growing resistant cultivars is the preferred control of the disease. The spring wheat cultivar ‘Alpowa’ has both race-specific, all-stage resistance and non-race-specific, high-temperature adult-plant (HTAP) resistances to stripe rust. To identify genes for the stripe rust resistances, Alpowa was crossed with ‘Avocet Susceptible’ (AVS). Seedlings of the parents, and F1, F2 and F3 progeny were tested with races PST-1 and PST-21 of P. striiformis f. sp. tritici under controlled greenhouse conditions. Alpowa has a single partially dominant gene, designated as YrAlp, conferring all-stage resistance. Resistance gene analog polymorphism (RGAP) and simple sequence repeat (SSR) techniques were used to identify molecular markers linked to YrAlp. A linkage group of five RGAP markers and two SSR markers was constructed for YrAlp using 136 F3 lines. Amplification of a set of nulli-tetrasomic Chinese Spring lines with RGAP markers Xwgp47 and Xwgp48 and the two SSR markers indicated that YrAlp is located on the short arm of chromosome 1B. To map quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for the non-race-specific HTAP resistance, the parents and 136 F3 lines were tested at two sites near Pullman and one site near Mount Vernon, Washington, under naturally infected conditions. A major HTAP QTL was consistently detected across environments and was located on chromosome 7BL. Because of its chromosomal location and the non-race-specific nature of the HTAP resistance, this gene is different from previously described genes for adult-plant resistance, and is therefore designated Yr39. The gene contributed to 64.2% of the total variation of relative area under disease progress curve (AUDPC) data and 59.1% of the total variation of infection type data recorded at the heading-flowering stages. Two RGAP markers, Xwgp36 and Xwgp45 with the highest R 2 values were closely linked to Yr39, should be useful for incorporation of the non-race-specific resistance gene into new cultivars and for combining Yr39 with other genes for durable and high-level resistance.
On the relationship between open cellular convective cloud patterns and the spatial distribution of precipitation

Abstract. Precipitation is thought to be a necessary but insufficient condition for the transformation of stratocumulus-topped closed cellular convection to open cellular cumuliform convection. Here we test the hypothesis that the spatial distribution of precipitation is a key element of the closed-to-open cell transition. A series of idealized 3-D simulations are conducted to evaluate the dependency of the transformation on the areal coverage of rain, and to explore the role of interactions between multiple rainy areas in the formation of the open cells. When rain is restricted to a small area, even substantial rain (order few mm day−1) does not result in a transition. With increasing areal coverage of the rain, the transition becomes possible provided that the rain rate is sufficiently large. When multiple small rain regions interact with each other, the transition occurs and spreads over a wider area, provided that the distance between the rain regions is short. When the distance between the rain areas is large, the transition eventually occurs, albeit slowly. For much longer distances between rain regions the system is anticipated to remain in a closed-cell state. These results suggest a connection to the recently hypothesized remote control of open-cell formation. Finally it is shown that this transition occurs along a consistent path in the phase space of the mean vs. coefficient of variation of the liquid water path, droplet number and optical depth. This could be used as a diagnostic tool for global analyses of the statistics of closed- and open-cell occurrence and transitions between them.
Sacrococcygeal teratomas: clinico-pathological characteristics and isochromosome 12p status

The biological behavior of teratomas is highly variable, and morphologic features alone are insufficient to predict their clinical course. Prognostic factors that influence behavior include the following: patient sex, age, anatomic site, coincident neoplasm, and cytogenetic abnormalities. Gonadal teratomas have been well-characterized; postpubertal testicular teratomas are commonly associated with isochromosome 12p (i12p) and considered to nearly always carry a potential for malignant behavior, whereas ovarian and prepubertal testicular teratomas are i12p negative and predominantly benign in behavior. For extragonadal sites, such as sacrum and coccyx, clinical characteristics and i12p status are yet to be adequately characterized. As part of this study, we identified 19 sacrococcygeal teratomas in our surgical pathology archives from 1990 to 2012. Clinical records and slides were reviewed to confirm the original diagnosis. Gains in chromosome 12p, including i12p status were assessed in representative paraffin sections by fluorescence in situ hybridization. Our cases included 16 mature sacrococcygeal teratomas (11 prepubertal and 5 postpubertal) and three immature saccrococygeal teratomas (all prepubertal). Among mature teratomas, the average tumor size was larger in adults compared with prepubertal patients. A higher number of adult cases were recurrences (80% vs 21%), but only pediatric recurrences were managed with postoperative chemotherapy. All examined tumors were negative for i12p. 100% survival was documented in our cohort with a median follow-up of 6 years. We present a large series of sacrococcygeal teratomas and the first series to examine postpubertal adults at this anatomic site. All tumors lacked chromosome 12p gains, including i12p. Both pre- and postpubertal sacrococcygeal teratomas had a favorable outcome regardless of age or sex.
New looks in leukemia

Immunologic markers are now available for acute leukemia. These show that most patients now diagnosed as having acute lymphatic leukemia have blast cells which react with antihuman T antisera. In addition, about 20% of patients have blast cells which form E rosettes. These patients tend to be those with high white counts and aggressive disease. Tumor-associated antigens have been identified in acute leukemia. Antisera raised in other species by immunization appear to detect some antigens common to all acute leukemias and other antigens which can distinguish the myeloid from the lymphoid leukemias. The reactivity to leukemia antigens can be related to prognosis. The immune manipulations required to produce cure, however, are not understood. These antigenic markers, by allowing us to detect smaller amounts of tumor than can be detected by morphology alone, may help us to predict relapse and define cure.
A Note on the Armstrongl Mitroff Debate

Recently, Armstrong and Mitroff have joined an important debate over the methods of science. We are afraid that because of the tongue-in-cheek fashion in which it was done that two important issues were intertwined and may not be fully appreciated. The issues involved the practice of science versus the methods and theory versus data.
State-plane trajectories used to observe and control the behavior of a voltage step-up DC-DC converter

State-plane analysis techniques are employed to study the voltage step-up energy-storage dc-to-dc converter. Within this framework, an example converter operating under the influence of a constant on-time and a constant frequency controller is examined. Qualitative insight gained through this approach is used to develop a conceptual free-running control law for the voltage step-up converter which can achieve steady-state operation in one on/off cycle of control. Digital computer simulation data is presented to illustrate and verify the theoretical discussions presented.
Raising the minimum drinking age: Some unintended consequences of good intentions

In 1986 the state of Florida raised its minimum drinking age from 19 to 21. The new legislation was meant in part to reduce the frequency of youthful drinking and driving. In the year when the law ...
Driving with an arm immobilized in a splint: a randomized higher-order crossover trial.

Background: The aim of this study was to determine whether immobilization of an arm has detrimental effects on driving performance. Methods: Thirty-six healthy officers-in-training were assigned a sequence of fiberglass splints (left and right-sided above-the-elbow thumb spica and below-the-elbow splints) with use of a randomized higher-order crossover design. Runs were scored on a cone-marked driving course used for officer certification with predetermined passing requirements. Driving time, the number of cones hit per course section, and the cone-adjusted total time (a five-second penalty per hit cone) were recorded. A linear mixed-effect model with random environmental and learning effects for cone-adjusted time analysis was used. Participants rated perceived driving difficulty and safety with each splint, and ratings were compared with the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results: Thirty participants completed the entire set of runs. Analysis of total cone-adjusted time revealed a significant performance decrease with the left arm in an above-the-elbow thumb spica splint (average, 22.2 seconds; p < 0.001) and with the left arm in a below-the-elbow splint (average, 16.2; p = 0.007). Analysis of forward-only course sections revealed poorer performance trends with all splints, with the worst performance with the left arm in an above-the-elbow thumb spica splint. Driving with the left arm in an above-the-elbow thumb spica splint had the highest perceived difficulty (median, 8.0) and lowest perceived safety (median, 3.0). Conclusions: Driving performance as measured with a standardized track and scoring system was significantly degraded with splint immobilization of the left arm. Further studies are required to determine the effect of arm immobilization on normal driving conditions.
Languages in the Post-war World1

Author's summary.— American attitude toward languages is a symptom of our attitude toward world problems. Linguistic isolationism and linguistic imperialism must give way to linguistic collaboration if we are to convince other nations of our own desire for peace and equality among nations. The post-war world will open fields of opportunity to people who are linguistically equipped to take advantage of them.
The effect of surface corrugation on molecule-crystal collisions

Abstract The effect of varying the corrugation of the molecule-crystal potential surface in N 2 -crystal collisions has been investigated. Increasing the corrugation parameter, β, increased the average rotational energy transfer. In addition, large values of β allow quite marked deviation from m j conservation.
Lewis base-promoted carbon–carbon sp3–sp3 coupling reactions of α-silyl silylethers

A Lewis base-promoted addition of α-silyl silylethers to primary halides has been developed. This new carbon–carbon sp3–sp3 bond-forming process accesses an unconventional reactivity pattern (d1 synthon) from easily accessible precursors. The strategy accommodates a variety of primary alkyl, allylic and benzylic electrophiles and α-silyl silylethers. These d1 synthons have also been used in the synthesis of cross pinacol and benzil products. Mechanistic studies indicate significant intermolecular silyl group exchange during the reaction.
Case Study of a Survivability Analysis of a Small Intelligent Transportation System

With the rapid implementation of intelligent transportation systems throughout the nation, the surface transportation system has become dependent on an extensive network of communication and computing devices. It is no longer sufficient to consider the analysis of the transportation network, its communication infrastructure, and its power supply in separation. Given the increased threats to surface transportation networks, it is imperative that such systems be designed not only for safety and efficiency but also for survivability. A case study to assess the survivability of a small urban transportation system is presented. Two different survivability assessment techniques are presented and applied. The first approach provides a qualitative assessment and is based on a survivable systems analysis modified for critical infrastructures. The second technique provides a quantitative assessment of network survivability using a multilayered graph-based approach. Three layers of critical infrastructure in a trans...
Mapping licit and illicit mining activity in the Madre de Dios region of Peru

Since the early 2000s, the Madre de Dios Region of southern Peru has experienced rapid expansion of both licit and illicit mining activities, in the form of artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM). ASM typically takes place in remote, inaccessible locations and is therefore difficult to monitor in situ. This paper explores the utility of Landsat-5 imagery via decision tree classification to determine ASM locations in Madre de Dios. Spectral mixture analysis was used to unmix Landsat imagery, using WorldView and QuickBird l imagery to aid spectral endmember selection and validate AMS maps. The ASM maps had an overall area-weighted accuracy of 96% and indicated a large proportion of illicit ASM activity (~65% of all ASM in the study area) occurring outside the permitted concessions. Holistic visual comparison of ASM output maps with reference imagery showed that these methods produce reasonable, realistic maps of mined area extent.
A Theoretical Investigation of the Ring Strain Energy, Destabilization Energy, and Heat of Formation of CL-20

The cage compound CL-20 (a.k.a., 2,4,6,8,10,12-hexanitro-2,4,6,8,10,12-hexaazaisowurtzitane, HNIW, or 2,4,6,8,10,12-hexanitro-2,4,6,8,10,12-hexaazatetracyclo[5.5.0.03,11.05,9]dodecane) is a well-studied high-energy-density material (HEDM). The high positive gas- ) and solid- () phase heat of formation values for CL-20 conformers have often been attributed to the strain energy of this cage compound and, by implication, to the conventional ring strain energy (CRSE) inherent in isowurtzitane which may be viewed as a “parent compound” (although not the synthetic precursor) of CL-20. values and destabilization energies (DSEs), which include the contribution from CRSE, were determined by computation using a relatively new multilevel ab intio model chemistry. Compared to cubane, isowurtzitane does not have an exceptionally high CRSE. It is about the same as that of cyclopropane and cyclobutane. These investigations demonstrate that instead of the CRSE inherent in the isowurtzitane parent compound, the relatively high and DSE values of CL-20 conformers must be due, primarily, to torsional strain (Pitzer strain), transannular strain (Prelog strain), and van der Waals interactions that occur due to the presence of the six >N–NO2 substituents that replace the six methylene (–CH2–) groups in the isowurtzitane parent compound. These conclusions are even more pronounced when 2,4,6,8,10,12-hexaazaisowurtzitane is viewed as the “parent compound.”
Optimal discrete search with technological choice

Consider a search problem in which a stationary object is in one of $$L \epsilon \mathcal {N}$$ locations. Each location can be searched using one of $$T \epsilon \mathcal {N}$$ technologies, and each location-technology pair has a known associated cost and overlook probability. These quantities may depend on the number of times that the technology is applied to the location. This paper finds a search policy that maximizes the probability of finding the object given a constraint on the available budget. It also finds the policy that maximizes the probability of correctly stating at the end of a search where the object is. Additionally it exhibits another policy that minimizes the expected cost required to find the object and the optimal policy for stopping.
The geopolitics of Russia's annexation of Crimea: narratives, identity, silences, and energy

This article analyzes official Russian government narratives for the annexation of Crimea and connects these narratives of identity and territory to the energy implications and narratives of Black Sea resources and the recent 30-year gas agreement with China. We argue that the events of Crimea’s annexation in the “west” signal a Russian shift “eastward.” With the occurrence of the Euromaidan protest movement and Ukraine’s president, fleeing from power, a pro-European Union government came to power in Kyiv. The Russian government reacted by deploying unmarked troops to support the holding of a secessionist referendum for the peninsula’s population. The Russian government incorporated Crimea by engaging in a sophisticated effort, through nonmilitary and military means, to promulgate narratives justifying Russia’s annexation of Crimea. The Russian government appealed to Russia’s geopolitical and historical imaginations of Crimea. There were two other, no less important, factors for annexing Crimea: control o...
Untangling ontology from epistemology in causation

W. V. O. Quine and I have proposed and defended a model for capturing the direction of the causal relation, one which utilizes the direction of the transference of quantities such as energy, momentum and heat in order to make sense of its asymmetrical features.1 While such an analysis is at loggerheads with the traditional Humean approach to causation, I feel that this "ontological" approach may help us understand, among other things, how the causal relationship can be stronger than that of the mere corre? lation of events; the transference model also serves as a criterion for de? termining the direction of causation without appealing to anthropomor? phic standards such as Gasking's manipulation version. Thus, it allows us to perceive causation in objective terms, retaining its rightful place in the physical sciences. Recently, D. Fair developed this model even further in order to antici? pate a variety of objections that have been raised, as well as to bring out its virtues.2 He, too, has met with criticism in D. Dieks' note on causation and the flow of energy3 while T. Beauchamp and A. Rosenberg have just re? cently submitted yet another batch of objections.4 It is clear that several important issues about the nature of causation have surfaced since the transference model was first proposed and subsequently attacked. If any? thing, I feel that their reactions indicate that the model is misunderstood, calling out for a clarification of its workings. Below, I will attempt to systematically cover and meet these criticisms, with hopes that the reader will see the model in a new and more favorable light. We often find in the physical sciences that there are certain fundamental quantities which are conserved throughout a physical interaction. The con? servation of momentum and energy are such well-known examples. Once such quantities are ascribed to objects an "accounting" problem arises when bodies interact in that we wish to know what happens to them before, during and after interaction takes place. For the purposes of illust? ration, consider the following experiment. It consists of two spheres, a and b, one moving and the other at rest at time^ At time2, a makes contact with b, comes to a halt while b moves off at time3. In other words, a lost all
Detection of Double MP3 Compression

MPEG-1 Audio Layer 3, more commonly referred to as MP3, is a popular audio format for consumer audio storage and a de facto standard of digital audio compression for the transfer and playback of music on digital audio players. MP3 audio forgery manipulations generally uncompress a MP3 file, tamper with the file in the temporal domain, and then compress the doctored audio file back into MP3 format. If the compression quality of doctored MP3 file is different from the quality of original MP3 file, the doctored MP3 file is said to have undergone double MP3 compression. Although double MP3 compression does not prove a malicious tampering, it is evidence of manipulation and thus may warrant further forensic analysis since, e.g., faked MP3 files can be generated by using double MP3 compression at a higher bit-rate for the second compression to claim a higher quality of the audio files. To detect double MP3 compression, in this paper, we extract the statistical features on the modified discrete cosine transform and apply a support vector machine to the extracted features for classification. Experimental results show that our designed method is highly effective for detecting faked MP3 files. Our study also indicates that the detection performance is closely related to the bit-rate of the first-time MP3 encoding and the bit-rate of the second-time MP3 encoding.
Neural potentials and micro-signals of non-linear deep and shallow conical shells

Conventional sensors, such as proximeters and accelerometers, are add-on devices usually adding additional weights to structures and machines. Health monitoring of flexible structures by electroactive smart materials has been investigated over the years. Thin-film piezoelectric material, e.g. polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) polymeric material, is a lightweight and dynamic sensitive material appearing to be a perfect candidate in monitoring structure's dynamic state and health status of flexible shell structures with complex geometries. The complexity of shell structures has thwarted the progress in studying the distributed sensing of shell structures. Linear distributed sensing of various structures have been studied, e.g. beams, plates, cylindrical shells, conical shells, spherical shells, paraboloidal shells and toroidal shells. However, distributed microscopic neural signals of non-linear shell structures has not been carried out rigorously. This study is to evaluate microscopic signals, modal voltages and distributed micro-neural signal components of truncated non-linear conical shells laminated with distributed infinitesimal piezoelectric neurons. Signal generation of distributed neuron sensors laminated on conical shells is defined first. The dynamic neural signal of truncated non-linear conical shells consists of microscopic linear and non-linear membrane components and linear bending component based on the von Karman geometric non-linearity. Micro-signals, modal voltages and distributed neural signal components of two different truncated non-linear conical shells are investigated and their sensitivities discussed.
Allocation of Responsibility for Medication Errors

This study was designed to assess perceptions of responsibility for consumer safety while using prescription medication. Twenty-five university students were presented with four scenarios depicting an adverse outcome due to negligence involving the administration of a prescription medication. Responsibility could be assigned to the physician, the pharmacist, or the consumer (patient). Scenarios were framed either with no information regarding who committed the error, a physician error, or a patient error. The consumer was given significantly more responsibility overall, mean = 54.59 percent for consumer, compared to 34.48 percent for physician. The percent responsibility allocated to the pharmacist was not a focus of this study as its mean allocation was small, mean = 10.92, and did not vary with experimental manipulations. The shift in responsibility assigned to the consumer when the scenario highlighted consumer error was significantly greater than the corresponding shift in responsibility assigned to t...
Anomaly Detection and Reconstruction From Random Projections

Compressed-sensing methodology typically employs random projections simultaneously with signal acquisition to accomplish dimensionality reduction within a sensor device. The effect of such random projections on the preservation of anomalous data is investigated. The popular RX anomaly detector is derived for the case in which global anomalies are to be identified directly in the random-projection domain, and it is determined via both random simulation, as well as empirical observation that strongly anomalous vectors are likely to be identifiable by the projection-domain RX detector even in low-dimensional projections. Finally, a reconstruction procedure for hyperspectral imagery is developed wherein projection-domain anomaly detection is employed to partition the data set, permitting anomaly and normal pixel classes to be separately reconstructed in order to improve the representation of the anomaly pixels.
Investigating the Role of Feedback and Motivation in Clinical Reaction Time Assessment

Objective To investigate the influence of performance feedback and motivation during 2 tests of simple visuomotor reaction time (RT). Design Cross-sectional, observational study. Setting Outpatient academic physiatry clinic. Participants Thirty-one healthy adults (mean [SD], 54 ± 15 years). Methods Participants completed a clinical test of RT (RT clin ) and a computerized test of RT with and without performance feedback (RT compFB and RT compNoFB , respectively) in randomly assigned order. They then ranked their degree of motivation during each test. RT clin measured the time required to catch a suspended vertical shaft by hand closure after release of the shaft by the examiner. RT compFB and RT compNoFB both measured the time required to press a computer key in response to a visual cue displayed on a computer monitor. Performance feedback (visual display of the previous trial and summary results) was provided for RT compFB , but not for RT compNoFB . Main Outcome Measurements Means and standard deviations of RT clin , RT compFB , and RT compNoFB and participants' self-reported motivation on a 5-point Likert scale for each test. Results There were significant differences in both the means and standard deviations of RT clin , RT compFB , and RT compNoFB (F 2,60 = 81.66, P 2,60 = 32.46, P clin being both the fastest and least variable of the RT measurements. RT clin was more strongly correlated with RT compFB ( r = 0.449, P = .0011) than with RT compNoFB ( r = 0.314, P = .086). The participants reported similar levels of motivation between RT clin and RT compFB , both of which were reported to be more motivating than RT compNoFB . Conclusions The stronger correlation between RT clin and RT compFB as well as the higher reported motivation during RT clin and RT compFB testing suggest that performance feedback is a positive motivating factor that is inherent to RT clin testing. RT clin is a simple, inexpensive technique for measuring RT and appears to be an intrinsically motivating task. This motivation may promote faster, more consistent RT performance compared with currently available computerized programs, which do not typically provide performance feedback.
Asian adolescents’ out-of-school encounters with English and Korean literacy

The acquisition of second language (L2) academic literacy has attracted increasing interest among L2 literacy researchers as the number of English Language Learners (ELLs) studying in schools in Anglophone countries like Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States continues to grow. However, this emphasis on academic literacy has led L2 researchers to overlook the importance of exploring other types of literacy, especially out-of-school literacy. In particular, few studies have examined the impact of out-of-school literacy activities on overall literacy acquisition, as well as on the development of academic literacy skills. This article describes a study that examined the nature of three Asian adolescent ELLs’ out-of-school literacy practices and their implications for school-based literacy growth. These Asian adolescent ELLs engaged in various types of reading and forms of writing in both their native language (L1), Korean, and their L2, English, within both print and computer-based contexts. The findings suggest some often overlooked connections, direct or indirect, between in and out-of-school literacy. The article discusses the implications of these findings for pedagogy and future research.
Effect of atomic oxygen on the initial growth mode in thin epitaxial cuprate films

The basic growth mode of a thin epitaxial cuprate film (200 A\r{}) on a given substrate depends sensitively on the balance between various thermodynamic and kinetic factors related to the high-${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}}$ phase formation and the surface microstructure at the growth front of the deposited film. Under the standard optimized growth conditions for high-quality epitaxial films, the deposition of a ${\mathrm{YBa}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}$${\mathrm{O}}_{7\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\delta}}}$ film on an atomically smooth (110) ${\mathrm{SrTiO}}_{3}$ substrate, for example, is characterized by a strong damping in the reflection high-energy electron diffraction (RHEED) oscillation suggesting a predominant island growth mode. We have demonstrated that with an atomic oxygen and the technique of RHEED-controlled growth interruption it is possible to minimize surface roughness and to fabricate unit-cell smooth ${\mathrm{YBa}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}$${\mathrm{O}}_{7\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\delta}}}$ films over a large area (\ensuremath{\sim}0.5 cm\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1 cm). The results of this study suggest that two-dimensional layer growth can be induced by the combined use of atomic oxygen and growth conditions, such as low deposition rate, low oxygen partial pressure (2 mTorr), that produce low supersaturation at the growth front.
Educational Reform: Implications for Educational Psychologists

The Holmes Group report, titled Tomorrow's Teachers (1986), and the report of the Carnegie Forum on Education and the Economy, titled A Nation Prepared: Teachers for the 21st Century (1986), contain major reform proposals that have implications for educational psychologists. To understand the nature of these proposals, we performed a content analysis of the Holmes and Carnegie documents and constructed a 149-item survey instrument. Three separate mailings were conducted to solicit volunteer respondents from the initial Holmes Group, Division 15 of APA, and the Teacher Education Council of State Colleges and Universities (TECSCU). A principal components analysis with varimax rotation was performed on data collected from 1039 respondents, and three factors were found to underlie the survey instrument: Incremental Changes, Sweeping Changes, and Financial Changes. A multivariate analysis of variance on the three factor scores revealed that the Holmes Group more strongly supported Incremental and Sweeping Changes than did TECSCU respondents, and that Division 15 members more strongly endorsed Sweeping Changes than did TECSCU. Recommendations are made for involving educational psychologists in the reform process.
Oxidation of hydrosulphide ions on gold Part II: Characterization of gold/aqueous hydrosulphide solution interface

The results of studies to characterize the gold/aqueous hydrosulphide solution interface are presented in this paper. The interface was characterized with impedance spectroscopy, contact angle and cathodic charge transfer measurements. The studies complement the cyclic voltammetry investigations presented in Part I. A detailed mechanism of the oxidation and reduction of sulphur species at gold electrodes has been suggested on the basis of this investigation. The results show that the surface becomes hydrophobic under the conditions when polysulphide ions or elemental sulphur are present at the interface.
Relative Hedging of Systematic Mortality Risk

Abstract We study indifference valuation mechanisms for mortality contingent claims under stochastic mortality age structures. Our focus is on capturing the internal cross-hedge between components of an insurer’s portfolio, especially between life annuities and life insurance. We carry out an exhaustive analysis of the dynamic exponential premium principle, which is the representative nonlinear valuation rule in our framework. Using this valuation rule we derive formulas for optimal quantity of contracts to sell. Our results are further enhanced by asymptotic expansions that show the relative effects of model parameters. We also compare the exponential premium principle to other valuation rules. Furthermore, we provide numerical examples to illustrate our approach.
The r-Point Biserial Limitation

A study was made of the r-point biserial coefficient using four non-normal distributions for the continuous variable: rectangular, bimodal-normal, bimodal-peaked, and bimodal-peaked and skewed. Ns of 10,30, and 100 were used. It was argued that linearity was the main assumption required when using Pearson correlations and that the usual maximum r -point biserial of .798 could be exceeded when the shape of the continuous variable more nearly approached that of the dichotomized variable. Correlations were found over .80 with rectangular distributions, and over .90 with bimodal-peaked distributions.
Microwave Instability across the Transition Energy

It is well known that during the acceleration of hadrons in a storage ring, the beam always goes above the microwave instability threshold near the transition energy ?t. The reason is that the longitudinal revolution frequency spread of the beam which otherwise provides Landau damping vanishes at the transition energy. The amount of the beam dilution near the transition energy is determined by ?th, the length of time when the beam stays unstable, and the growth rate of the instability. It is pointed out in this paper that ?th is proportional to the fourth power of ?t, and thus the choice of a large ?t is not desirable from this point of view. An analysis is also given of the microwave instability induced beam dilution for the proposed Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider at BNL.
α- versus β-Elimination Photochemistry of Oligosilyl− and Oligosilylmethyl−Iron Complexes: Photochemistry of FpSiMe2SiMe2CH2Fp (Fp = (η5-C5H5)Fe(CO)2)

The bimetallic oligosilylmethyl complex Fp(SiMe2)2CH2Fp (1) has been prepared and characterized. Upon photolytic irradiation 1 rearranges, via β-elimination chemistry at the iron−carbon end of the chain, to form FpSiMe2CH2SiMe2Fp (2). No evidence for α-elimination chemistry at the other iron center was observed. The crystal structures of both 1 and 2 are presented for complete characterization.
Prenatal diagnosis and neonatal management of congenital urethral diverticulum

Purpose: We present a series of male neonates with prenatally detected anterior urethral diverticula and discuss postnatal management.Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 3 cases of prenatally detected anterior urethral diverticula presenting between 1998 and 2005.Results: An anterior urethral cystic mass was identified prenatally in all 3 patients. One mass spontaneously ruptured prenatally. The patient underwent diverticulectomy and urethroplasty at age 6 months. Two patients had obstructive uropathy with oligohydramnios and were delivered at 32 weeks of gestation. Both cases were managed by urethrostomy and subsequent diverticulectomy and urethroplasty at age 6 months.Conclusions: Infravesical obstruction from a urethral diverticulum can be accurately identified and differentiated from other causes prenatally. Marsupialization is an excellent option for temporary urinary diversion when the clinical situation precludes primary excision and repair.
Xenopsin-related peptide(s) are formed from xenopsin precursor by leukocyte protease(s) and cathepsin D.

Abstract Lysates of isolated rat polymorphonuclear leukocytes and macrophages were found to generate xenopsin-related peptides when incubated with a liver extract used as a source of precursor. The lysosomal enzyme, cathepsin D, was also shown to display this property and to share with the lysate a similar pH dependence (optimum, ∼pH 3.5) and sensitivity to the acid protease inhibitor, pepstatin A (ID 50 : lysate, 10 nM; cathepsin D, 30 nM). When subjected to HPLC on μ-Bondapak C-18, the xenopsin-related peptides generated by the lysate eluted near to those formed by cathepsin D and when tested in a radioreceptor assay for neurotensin, they displayed similar cross-reactivities (peak 2, ∼50%; peak 1, ∼100%). These results indicate that cathepsin D from lysed granulocytes can process precursor protein(s) to form radioreceptor-active xenopsin-related peptides.
Carbonaceous fillers for shape memory actuation of polyurethane composites by resistive heating

The effectiveness of carbonaceous, electrically conductive fillers in shape memory actuation of polyurethane composites by resistive heating was evaluated. Specifically, the dependence of electrical resistivity on specimen temperature and imposed tensile strains encountered in shape memory test cycles was determined for shape memory polyurethane (SMPU) composites of carbon nanofiber (CNF), oxidized carbon nanofiber (ox-CNF), and carbon black (CB). The SMPU composites with crystalline soft segments were synthesized from diphenylmethane di-isocyanate, 1,4-butanediol, and poly(caprolactone)diol in a low-shear chaotic mixer and in an internal mixer. The materials synthesized in the chaotic mixer showed higher soft segment crystallinity and lower electrical percolation threshold. A reduction in soft segment crystallinity was observed in the presence of CNF and ox-CNF; the reduction was smaller in the case of ox-CNF. Only the composites of CB showed pronounced positive temperature coefficient (PTC) effects. The observed PTC effects bore a close relationship with non-linear thermal expansion during heating. The composites of CNF and ox-CNF did not show PTC effects due to low levels of soft segment crystallinity. The resistivity of composites of CB increased by several orders of magnitude with imposed tensile strain while composites of CNF and ox-CNF showed weak dependence on strain.
Surface resonant tunneling transistor: A new negative transconductance device

A new three‐terminal device, the surface resonant tunneling transistor, is realized by the molecular beam epitaxial cleaved edge overgrowth technique in the GaAs/AlGaAs system. The device exhibits negative transconductance as well as negative differential resistance. Some possibilities for future applications of the device to low‐power logic circuits are discussed.