cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The role of the PMOC in modulating the deglacial shift of the ITCZ

Based on an energy-constraint framework, the effect of the Pacific meridional overturning circulation (PMOC) has been investigated on the meridional shift of the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ). During Heinrich Event 1, the global ITCZ displaces southward in response to a shutdown of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC). However, the PMOC resumes and induces an enhanced northward meridional heat transport (MHT). Further analyses show that the resumption of the PMOC and its associated MHT can relieve the decrease of oceanic cross-equatorial heat transport by the collapsed AMOC and lower the compensating decline of atmospheric cross-equatorial meridional heat transport by 0.09PW, leading to an offset of the southward shift of the global ITCZ by 0.5°. Regionally the developed PMOC does not affect the southward movement of the Atlantic ITCZ much since the latter is dominated by the collapsed AMOC that induces the change of Atlantic MHT. In contrast, the PMOC-induced northward heat transport largely abates the hemispheric temperature contrast in the tropical Pacific and reduces the southward ITCZ shift by as much as 5° in the eastern Pacific.
Whither the Asian American Coalition

This article offers a brief history of the Asian American coalition and suggests how possible new directions for the coalition in the future may affect the scope and preoccupations of Asian American history as it will be written. ““Asian American”” was an idea invented in the 1960s to bring together Chinese, Japanese, and Filipino Americans for strategic purposes. Soon other Asian-origin groups, such as Korean, Vietnamese, and South Asian Americans, were added. The article considers four groups who some people have suggested have strategic links with the Asian American coalition——Pacific Islander Americans, multiracial people of part-Asian descent, international adoptees from Asian countries, and Arab and other Middle Eastern Americans. It examines whether and how each group might be considered part of the Asian American coalition, and what impact their inclusion might have on the writing of Asian American history.
Thyroid dysfunction in patients with chronic hepatitis C treatment with interferon alpha

Objectives: To assess the pattern, risk factors and therapeutic modalities for patients with chronic hepatitis C who develop thyroid dysfunction when treated with Interferon-alpha.
Modification of Progesterone Translocation Into Brain

The effect of estradiol or of phenobarbital, infused into one internal carotid artery, upon the translocation of tritiated progesterone, administered intravenously, into the brain was studied in the intact female rat. The other side of the brain, exposed to the infusion of an appropriate solution, served as a control in the same animal. Estradiol (10−6 and 10−5m in carotid blood) and phenobarbital (10−3 and 10−2m) significantly reduced the translocation of progesterone into brain. (Endocrinology 83: 1353, 1968)
A Sperm Membrane Protein That Binds in a Species-specific Manner to the Egg Extracellular Matrix Is Homologous to von Willebrand Factor

We have purified a sperm membrane protein, designated zonadhesin, that binds in a species-specific manner to the extracellular matrix (zona pellucida) of the egg, and cloned its cDNA. The cDNA encodes a novel protein with a single transmembrane segment separating a 36 amino acid, highly basic intracellular C terminus from a 2418-amino acid extracellular region. The extracellular sequence specifies a mosaic protein comprising a unique N-terminal domain, a mucin-like domain, and five tandem domains proximal to the membrane that are homologous to prepro von Willebrand factor. The N-terminal and mucin-like domains were absent from zonadhesin that bound to the egg extracellular matrix, suggesting that processing occurs during sperm maturation and/or capacitation. By Northern blotting and in situ hybridization, zonadhesin mRNA was detected only within the testis, where it was expressed primarily in haploid spermatids. The unique domain structure of zonadhesin suggests multiple functions, one of which is to mediate sperm adhesion to the zona pellucida.
The clinical importance of the fat compartments in midfacial aging.

Facial aging is a multifactorial process that has been extensively studied. Changes in the skin, facial skeleton, and soft tissue all play contributory roles.1–3 Epidermal thinning, collagen loss, and dermal elastosis over time contribute to the fine rhytids of the aging face. Remodeling of the facial skeleton also adds to the gross morphological changes of aging. Computed tomographic (CT) studies have shown that posterior retrusion of the bony maxilla with age leads to a blunted midface and loss of support for the periorbital tissues above.4,5 The soft tissue is the third major component of facial aging and is also the focus of this article. Facial fat is compartmentalized in a multidimensional fashion on the midface. Distributional changes in these fat compartments contribute to the distinct morphology of the aging face.
Cochlear development: hair cells don their wigs and get wired.

Purpose of review Hair cells and spiral ganglion neurons form functional pairings in the cochlea that transduce the mechanical energy of sound into signals that are carried to the brainstem. Mutations of genes affecting the development and maintenance of these two cell populations cause deafness in humans and other animals. This review highlights recent findings regarding the development of hair cell stereocilia and spiral ganglion neurons in the cochlea. Recent findings Genes underlying Usher syndrome 1A have shed light on possible molecular participants in the development and structure of the hair cell stereocilia. Analysis of deaf mouse mutants have uncovered genes involved in stereocilia elongation and the orientation of the stereociliary bundles. Studies on the regulation of spiral ganglion neuronal survival and guidance suggest that the timing of expression of specific growth factors along the cochlear spiral is involved in maintaining the divergence of vestibular and cochlear nerve fibers. Summary Examining human and mouse genes affecting hearing has not only provided insight into causes of human deafness, but has also opened a window into how stereociliary bundles are constructed and spiral ganglion neurons are preserved and guided during development. Synthesis of information from diverse lines of research pinpoints genes for screening or repair in the genetic medicine of the future and dramatizes the intimate relationship between strict adherence to complex developmental programs and hearing. In addition, future improvements in the efficacy of cochlear implants may depend on the preservation and manipulation of adult spiral ganglion neurons. Developmental mechanisms promise to yield insight into possible interventions to redirect or reconnect spiral ganglion neurons in damaged cochlea.
Mathematical linkage of units commitment and optimal dispatch of large grid power system

Abstract This paper introduces mathematical model for power generating units commitments and optimization of economic power dispatch in a large interconnected multi-area grid power system. The model incorporates the developed method by this author in previously published work of the calculation for the transmission losses through its matrix in the 6th reference frame, into the optimization mechanism using the first and the 2nd gradient methods in addition to the base point and participation factors methods.
Absolute calibration of the Agfa Structurix series films at energies between 2.7 and 6.2 keVa)

Although photo-emulsion technology is many decades old, x-ray film still remains a key asset for diagnosing hydrodynamic features in High-Energy Density (HED) experiments. For decades, the preferred option had been Kodak's direct exposure film. After its discontinuance in 2004, the push to find alternatives began. In many situations, the Agfa Structurix series offers the most favorable substitute, but being new to the HED community, its characterization was lacking. To remedy this, recent experiments, conducted at Brookhaven's National Synchrotron Light Source, provide absolute, monochromatic calibration data for the Agfa Structurix series films at K-shell backlighter energies between 2.7 and 6.2 keV. Absolute response curves are presented for Agfa D8, D7, D4, D4sc, D3, and D2. Moreover, the transmission of each film type is also measured.
Generating gamma variates

An algorithm to generate variates having a gamma distribution with shape parameter greater than one is presented in this paper. This algorithm is faster than Schmeiser and Lal's G4PE, which is the fastest one currently available, yet is equally simple and easy to implement.
Patrick White: The eye of the language∗

(1976). Patrick White: The eye of the language. World Literature Written in English: Vol. 15, No. 2, pp. 339-358.
The U. S. Geological Survey's program of Alaskan gravity observations

The U. S. Geological Survey began gravity surveys in Alaska in 1958. About 700 observations were made along the highways and on the shores of major lakes in the area covered by the Copper River aeromagnetic survey. During the following years the gravity measurements were extended to include parts of the Alaska Range and Tanana Valley, and they have gradually evolved into a program designed to prepare a reconnaissance gravity map of the whole state within the next five years. Before the surveys began, published data from gravity surveys in Alaska consisted of records from (1) about 6000 stations obtained in a 26,000-square-mile area of northern Alaska, Naval Petroleum Reserve 4, by the U. S. Navy and by United Geophysical Corporation [Woolson, 1962]; (2) about 500 widely scattered stations observed by members of the University of Wisconsin [Thiel et al., 1958; Woollard et al., 1960]; (3) a few traverses near Prince William Sound by the Carnegie Institution of Washington [Tatel, 1956]; and (4) some control stations established by the U. S. Coast and Geodetic Survey [Rice, 1958]. Petroleum companies had already made surveys (unpublished) of the Bethel basin, Nushagak basin, Cook Inlet basin, Yakataga geosyncline, and some other possible petroleum areas.
A Low-Temperature Crossover in Water Dynamics in an Aqueous LiCl Solution: Diffusion Probed by Neutron Spin-Echo and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance

Aqueous solutions of lithium chloride are an excellent model system for studying the dynamics of water molecules down to low temperatures without freezing. The apparent dynamic crossover observed in an aqueous solution of LiCl at about 220 to 225 K [Mamontov, JPCB 2009, 113, 14073] is located practically at the same temperature as the crossover found for pure water confined in small hydrophilic pores. This finding suggests a strong similarity of water behavior in these two types of systems. At the same time, studies of solutions allow more effective explorations of the long-range diffusion dynamics, because the water molecules are not confined inside an impenetrable matrix. In contrast to the earlier incoherent quasielastic neutron scattering results obtained for the scattering momentum transfers of 0.3 A(-1) ≤ Q ≤ 0.9 A(-1), our present incoherent neutron spin-echo measurements at a lower Q of 0.1 A(-1) exhibit no apparent crossover in the relaxation times down to 200 K. At the same time, our present nuclear magnetic resonance measurements of the diffusion coefficients clearly show a deviation at the lower temperatures from the non-Arrhenius law obtained at the higher temperatures. Our results are consistent with a scenario in which more than one relaxational component may exist below the temperature of the dynamic crossover in water.
Electric mixer-inflicted scalp injury: a case report and review of CPSC data.

Electric mixers present a major risk for childhood injuries. Scalp injury, although rarely encountered, results from hair entanglement in the mixer blades. Potential for serious injury and disfigurement exists. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission data indicate that most injuries inflicted by electric mixers are either minor electrical shock or traumatized fingers and hands. Constant observation is mandatory when operating an electric mixer in the presence of children. Language: en
A large population approach to estimation of parameters in Markov population models

SUMMARY It is known that in the limit of large population sizes certain classes of Markov population processes can be approximated by a deterministic process plus a noise term. In the usual approximation procedures the noise term is proportional to a Wiener process. This allows us to derive an estimation procedure for Markov population processes that are observed periodically at times A, 2A,.... 1. INTRODIUCTION In this paper we are concerned with the general problem of estimating parameters in a time homogeneous Markov population process. If the trajectory of the process can be observed in continuous time, then parameter estimation is straightforward in principle, for it is possible to write down the likelihood explicitly, and even if explicit maximum likelihood estimators for the required parameters are not obtainable they can be obtained numerically. We refer to Billingsley (1975) for a general approach to the problem, and to Moran (1951, 1953), Bartlett, Brennan & Pollock (1971), Bailey & Thomas (1971) and Keiding (1974) for detailed analyses in particular cases. In many situations, it is not possible to observe the process continuously but rather, observations are sampled at regular or irregular epochs. In this case the likelihood involves a product of factors, where a typical factor is the conditional distribution of the process at time t + A, say, given its value at time t. In most applications these distributions are intractable, and some approximation is required. Fortunately, there is a straightforward Gaussian approximation which is valid whenever the number of jumps between observation epochs is large. There have been a number of recent investigations into the asymptotic behaviour of Markov population processes under these conditions (Barbour, 1972, 1974; Kurtz, 1971; McNeil, 1972; McNeil & Schach, 1973; van Kampen, 1961, 1973). In ?? 2 and 3, below, we specify the class of processes to which our results will be usefully applied, and outline the general estimation procedure. In the remaining sections the procedure is illustrated using the example of the linear growth birth and death process, and an example is given in which a problem of identifiability of parameters arises because of the Gaussian approximation used.
Counting points on Igusa varieties

Igusa varieties are smooth varieties over Fp which are higher-dimensional analogues of Igusa curves. They were introduced by Harris and Taylor [HT] to study the bad reduction of some PEL Shimura varieties and were generalized by Mantovan [M1], [M2]. The present article gives a group-theoretic formula for the traces of certain operators on the cohomology of Igusa varieties, suitable for applications via comparison with the Arthur-Selberg trace formula. Our formula generalizes the results of [HT, Chap. V, Prop. 4.8] to the case of any PEL Shimura varieties of types (A) and (C) and puts it in a more natural framework, in the spirit of [K7]
Risk Factors for Intimate Partner Violence in a Migrant Farmworker Community in Baja California, México.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is one of the most common forms of violence against women worldwide. Among Mexican women, it is estimated that 15 to 71% have experienced physical or sexual abuse by an intimate male partner in their lifetime. This study examined the prevalence of four leading risk factors associated with IPV (alcohol consumption, education, socioeconomic status (SES), and gender roles) in adult women (n = 68) in a migrant farmworker community in Mexico. Alcohol consumption among women was higher than the national average, and partner consumption was lower. Education level and SES were low, and women identified with a feminist ideology more than a traditional gender role. Results also revealed that 86.4% (n = 57) of participants identified violence against women as a common problem in the community, and the majority (94.0%, n = 62) of participants believe that IPV specifically is a problem within the community.
The heterogeneous spectrum of the long QT syndrome.

Abstract The long QT syndrome affects predominantly younger people who demonstrate structurally normal hearts. The underlying defect in the long QT syndrome seems to be genetic mutations in the cardiac ionic channels responsible for generating action potentials. Genetic linkage mapping has identified six genes (designated LQT1–6) associated with the Romano–Ward syndrome; two of these genes (LQT1, LQT5) are associated with the Jervell and Lange-Nielsen syndrome. All of these genes encode potassium channels with the exception of LQT3, which encodes a sodium channel. Mutations affecting these channels will lead to a derangement in ionic flows across the cytoplasmic membranes of cardiac cells, thereby leading to prolongation of the cardiac action potential and lengthening of the QT interval on the surface electrocardiogram. Long QT syndrome is a cause of death in young, otherwise healthy individuals. The heterogeneity of the long QT syndrome also makes prognosis and risk stratification difficult. In patients with long QT syndrome genotypes 1 and 2, as well as during slower heart rates, men exhibited shorter mean QTc interval durations than did women; thus, women possess a predilection for developing torsades de pointes. In female probands with the congenital long QT syndrome, the postpartum period appears to confer a significant risk for experiencing a cardiac event. The study determined that certain combinations, such as exhibiting a QTc of 500 ms or more, along with the presence of LQT1, LQT2, and LQT3 (with male gender), conferred a 50% or greater risk of a first cardiac event. Based on the observation that physical exertion and emotional stress are significant triggers for cardiac events in the setting of congenital long QT syndrome (specifically the LQT1 and LQT2 genotypes), avoidance of competitive sports seems to be a prudent lifestyle modification. This heterogeneity stems from the presence of different mutations in the genes that encode cardiac ion channels. The triggering events, prognosis, and risk stratification of the patient with long QT syndrome appear to be influenced by the underlying genotype. The primary treatment of congenital long QT syndrome, i.e., beta-blockade therapy with internal cardioverter defibrillator therapy, appears to be useful in a subset of patients.
Quantum point contact switches.

Switching behavior between electron tunneling and ballistic transport states was induced by repeatedly bringing a sharpened nickel wire into contact with a gold surface. The high-conductivity ballistic state had a quantized conductance of 0.977 ± 0.015 (2e2/h). Switching was accomplished by moving the electrodes with a piezoelectric actuator over a distance of 2 angstroms. The two electrodes and the actuator form a three-terminal device that is demonstrated to be a reliable digital and analog switch; it shows good discrimination between high and low states and possesses the important property of power gain. The conductance channel is most likely only one atom wide and possibly consists of a single atom.
Organic and polymer transistors for electronics

S o m e of t h e m aj o r a p pli c a ti o n a r e a s f o r o r g a ni c a n d p ol y m e ric transistors are reviewed. Organic complementary devices are promising on account of their lower power dissipation and ease of circuit design. The first organic large-scale integrated circuits have been implemented with this circuit approach. Organic transistor backplanes are ideally suited for electronic paper applications and other display schemes. Lowcost and other processing advantages, as well as improving performance, have led to organic-based radio frequency identification tag development. The chemical interaction between various organic and polymer semiconductors can be exploited in chemical and biological sensors based upon organic transistors.
The Role of Age in Susceptibility to Pneumococcal Infections

Whether or not age by itself increases susceptibility to pneumococcal infections separate from the effects of chronic disease is controversial. To address this issue, data collected for a retrospective cohort study of pneumococcal infections among 63 middle-aged and older veterans and 126 uninfected controls were reanalysed. Univariate analysis suggested a linear increase in risk with increasing age for patients 50 years old and older (p = 0.03). Subjects over age 80 years seemed to be at particularly high risk when compared with patients under 50 (odds ratio = 4.3, p less than 0.03). The odds of pneumococcal infection increased by an estimated factor of 1.33 (95% confidence interval = 1.03, 1.71) for each 10-year increase in age. Controlling for other risk factors did not appreciably change the point estimate of the age effect, but statistical significance was lost. This result however suggests that age has an independent association with the risk of pneumococcal infections. The potential impact of this finding on public policy urges that the association of age with the risk of pneumococcal disease be re-examined in a study of sufficient sample size to resolve the issue.
Numerical modelling of multiphase flow in porous media

Abstract The simultaneous flow of immiscible fluids in porous media occurs in a wide variety of applications. The equations governing these flows are inherently nonlinear, and the geometries and material properties characterizing many problems in petroleum and groundwater engineering can be quite irregular. As a result, numerical simulation often offers the only viable approach to the mathematical modelling of multiphase flows. This paper provides an overview of the types of models that are used in this field and highlights some of the numerical techniques that have appeared recently. The exposition includes discussions of multiphase, multispecies flows in which chemical transport and interphase mass transfers play important roles. The paper also examines some of the outstanding physical and mathematical problems in multiphase flow simulation. The scope of the paper is limited to isothermal flows in natural porous media; however, many of the special techniques and difficulties discussed also arise in artificial porous media and multiphase flows with thermal effects.
Transcription Termination by Vaccinia RNA Polymerase Entails Recognition of Specific Phosphates in the Nascent RNA

Vaccinia virus RNA polymerase terminates transcription downstream of a UUUUUNU signal in the nascent RNA. Transduction of the RNA signal to the elongating polymerase requires a termination factor (vaccinia termination factor/capping enzyme) and is coupled to the hydrolysis of ATP. It was shown previously that incorporation of 5-bromouracil or 5-iodouracil within the UUUUUNU element abolishes termination by preventing factor-dependent release of the nascent chain from the polymerase elongation complex. Here, we report that termination is prevented by phosphorothioate substitution at UMP residues in the nascent RNA. In contrast, phosphorothioate substitution at AMP, CMP, and GMP nucleotides does not inhibit termination. Thus, the action of a eukaryotic termination factor entails recognition of the nucleotide bases and the phosphate groups of the target sequence in nascent RNA.
THE KINETICS OF BACTERIAL DEGRADATION OF THE AQUATIC WEED 'HYDRILLA' SP.

Degradation rates of the rooted hydrophyte Hydrilla sp. by a gram-negative non-motile rod shaped bacterium were determined. A first order model was conceived, which included the effects of nitrate nitrogen on the rate constants. The rate constants varied between 0.0239 day−1 and 0.0907 day−1 for nitrate nitrogen values of 0.48 mg l−1 to 5.38 mg l−1 A strong inverse relationship between degradation rate and nitrate levels within the range of 0.5 to 6.0 mg l−1 NO3-N was observed. The resultant model was able to predict plant degradation rates quite accurately as a function of nitrate levels.
Mathematical model for enterovirus inactivation by ozone

Abstract A mathematical model for enterovirus inactivation by ozone was developed based on kinetics and mechanistic information. Viral inactivation by ozone was observed to deviate from single order kinetics; this deviation could not be attributed to the heterogeneity of the viral population. The predicted per cent survival values of the model was in close agreement with the experimental data.
Sportfishing Participation on Lake Ontario: Modeling the Past, Predicting the Future

Abstract Lake Ontario, one of the five Great Lakes bordering the United States and Canada, has a long, rich tradition of sportfishing. The lake provides a good case study showing how biological, societal, and managerial factors interact with each other to affect fishing participation. Fishing effort at Lake Ontario peaked in 1990 and has since trended downward. Using multiple-regression analysis, we found three variables that explain the number of fishing boat trips taken on Lake Ontario over time. The first variable, time, may be acting as a surrogate for two interacting phenomena: the novelty of Great Lakes salmonid fishing specifically, which appears to be gradually declining, and the declining interest in fishing and outdoor recreation seen nationally. Stakeholders may look first for local explanations for changes, but they need to consider that national and societal trends may be very important. Second, a biological variable, the number of Pacific salmon Oncorhynchus spp. stocked in Lake Ontario, is ...
Toxocara vitulorum in beef calves in North Central Florida

In this study, we evaluated the prevalence of Toxocara vitulorum in beef calves in North Central Florida. Fecal samples from 433 calves under 9 months of age were analyzed for the presence of eggs in their feces. The prevalence in calves less than 3 months of age was 17.6%, 3-4 months of age was 0.4% and those 5-6 months old had a 0.9% prevalence. As expected, no eggs were detected in any calves older than 6 months. Calves were treated with fenbendazole (10% FBZ) at 5mg/kg after fecal samples were collected. Twenty calves that had T. vitulorum eggs in the feces were resampled 2 weeks after treatment to evaluate effectiveness of FBZ. No T. vitulorum eggs were seen in the feces of 17/20 (85%) of the calves that were sampled after FBZ treatment. FBZ was effective in 85% of calves treated for T. vitulorum infection in calves. We would like to make beef ranchers and veterinarians in the southern states aware that the prevalence of this parasite has greatly increased recently in northern Florida beef units.
Related Services Decision-Making: A Foundational Component of Effective Education for Students with Disabilities.

This article presents a variety of issues pertaining to how decisions are made about educationally related services for students with disabilities. The first section discusses areas of general agreement in the field, as well as challenges, associated with the current state-of-the-art in related services decision-making. The second major section of the article highlights a series of guidelines that offer alternatives believed to address some of the limitations associated with current practices. Topics include: (a) teamwork; (b) defining educational components; (c) the relationship between program, placement, and services; (d) values that underlie decision-making; (e) functions of related services; (f) critieria for related service decision-making; (g) decision-making authority practices; (h) modes of service provision; (i) location and strategies for service provision; and (j) implementation and evaluation of related services.
Predicting improvement in depression across therapies using indicators of romantic relationship functioning: a preliminary investigation

The purpose of this preliminary study is to expand research on the effects of relational processes on depression treatment outcomes. We tested whether initiator tendency, attachment anxiety, attachment avoidance, and marital satisfaction predicted improvement in depression for women with Major Depressive Disorder enrolled in a depression treatment clinical trial (n = 17). We found that higher baseline levels of partner initiator tendency resulted in less change in depression (worse outcomes), regardless of treatment type; higher baseline levels of attachment avoidance predicted better depression outcomes in treatment. Initiator tendency is discussed as a critical romantic relationship factor for depression treatment outcomes.
Adrenal Haemorrhage: presenting as acute scrotal swelling in a neonate.

A case of neonatal adrenal haemorrhage presenting as a unilateral acute scrotum is reported, and the role of ultrasound (US) examination in diagnosis is discussed.
The crystal and molecular structure of 3β-acetoxy-5,6β-dichloromethylene-5β-androstan-17-one

Abstract The compound 3β-acetoxy-5, 6β-dichloromethylene-5β-androstan-17-one crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group, P 2 1 2 1 2 1 , with four molecules per unit cell, having the following dimensions: a =7.936(2) A , b =11.593(2) A , and c =22.955(4) A . X-ray analysis of single crystal data (1764 observed reflections), collected on a Syntex P 1 auto-diffractometer, led to complete structural assignment. Solution by direct methods and refinement by least-squares calculations resulted in a final R of 0.037. The conformation of ring A represents one of the few examples of a distorted boat and ring B approximates a distorted chair, both conformations attributable to the strain of the cyclopropyl ring. The spatial relationship between the endo chlorine atom, and the angular methyl group, C(19) is 3.095(5) A. Ring C is a normal chair and ring D adopts a 13β-envelope conformation. The steroid molecules pack perpendicular to the c axis with screw axes intersecting the A-B ring junction.
An intelligent control method based on fuzzy logic for a robotic testing system for the human spine.

In previous biomechanical studies of the human spine, we implemented a hybrid controller to investigate load-displacement characteristics. We found that measurement errors in both position and force caused the controller to be less accurate than predicted. As an alternative to hybrid control, a fuzzy logic controller (FLC) has been developed and implemented in a robotic testing system for the human spine. An FLC is a real-time expert system that can emulate part of a human operator’s knowledge by using a set of action rules. The FLC provides simple but robust solutions that cover a wide range of system parameters and can cope with significant disturbances. It can be viewed as a heuristic and modular way of defining a nonlinear, table-based control system. In this study, an FLC is developed which uses the force difference and the change in force difference as the input parameters, and the displacement as the output parameter. A rule-table based on these parameters is designed for the controller. Experiments on a physical model composed of springs demonstrate the improved performance of the proposed method.
A kindred with Cockayne syndrome caused by multiple splicing variants of the CSA gene.

Cockayne syndrome (CS) is an autosomal recessive disorder, which is associated with abnormal UV hypersensitivity, growth retardation, and psycho-neural abnormalities. Recently, CSA protein was found to be associated with CS. We obtained mRNAs from immortal lymphoblasts derived from members of the kindred, and sequenced the CSA gene of all family members after reverse transcription (RT) of the coding region. The intact length of the CSA transcript was found in all family members except the proband with CS. Multiple abnormal splicing variant forms were revealed in all cases. No mutation was found in the sequences of the splice donor and acceptor sites of each exon in the CSA gene. UVA irradiation suppressed cell growth in the proband. There was no significant alteration of UVA sensitivity among the normal control and the family members except for the proband. These data suggest that multiple splicing variant forms of CSA mRNA, in the absence of the full-length form of the mRNA, are associated with CS. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
On a problem of Yuzvinsky on separating the n -cube

Abstract The following problem of Yuzvinsky is solved here: how many vertices of the n-cube must be removed from it in order that no connected component of the rest contains an antipodal pair of vertices? Some further results and problems are described as well.
Finance, Investment and Investment Performance: Evidence from the REIT Sector

We examine financing, investment and investment performance in the equity REIT sector over the 1981–1999 time period. Analysis reveals significant differences between the old-REIT (1981–1992) and new-REIT (1993–1999) eras. The sector experienced rapid growth in the new-REIT era, primarily from firm-level investment as opposed to new entry. Firm-level investment was largely financed by equity and long-term debt, with little reliance on retained earnings. Financing policy stabilized in the new-REIT era, and capital structures became more complex. We find that REITs provided returns over and above their cost of capital, where most of the value-added investment occurred in the new-REIT era by newer firms. Finally, we present novel evidence on IPO activity and new firm investment–investment performance relations that is consistent with Tobin's q theory of investment.
Multiple Dependent Variables in Program Evaluation.

Many purposes can be served by using multiple dependent variables in a study, and the application of path analysis to multiple measures can increase both conceptual and statistical power.
Asymptotic behavior of solutions of Poincaré recurrence systems

Abstract Sufficient conditions are given for the Poincare recurrence system y(m+1) = (A + P(m)) y(m) to have a solution ŷ such that y (m) = λ m (1 + o(1))v as m → ∞ , where λ is an eigenvalue of the constant matrix A and v is an associated eigenvector. The summability conditions on P permit conditional convergence and the o (1) terms are specified precisely.
A Monte-Carlo Method for Initializing Distributed Tracking Algorithms

Distributed processing algorithms are attractive alternatives to centralized algorithms for target tracking applications in sensor networks. In this paper, we determine an initial probability distribution of multiple target states in a distributed manner to initialize distributed trackers. Our approach is based on Monte-Carlo methods, where the state distributions are represented as a weighted set of discrete state realizations. The filter state vector consists of the target positions and velocities on the 2D plane. Our approach can determine the state vector distribution even if the individual sensors alone are not capable of observing it. The only condition is that the network as a whole be able to observe the state vector. A robust weighting strategy is formulated to account for missed detections and clutter. To demonstate the effectiveness of the algorithm, we simulate a network with direction-of-arrival nodes and range-doppler nodes.
Microstrip antennas integrated with electromagnetic band-gap (EBG) structures: a low mutual coupling design for array applications

Utilization of electromagnetic band-gap (EBG) structures is becoming attractive in the electromagnetic and antenna community. In this paper, a mushroom-like EBG structure is analyzed using the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method. Its band-gap feature of surface-wave suppression is demonstrated by exhibiting the near field distributions of the electromagnetic waves. The mutual coupling of microstrip antennas is parametrically investigated, including both the E and H coupling directions, different substrate thickness, and various dielectric constants. It is observed that the E-plane coupled microstrip antenna array on a thick and high permittivity substrate has a strong mutual coupling due to the pronounced surface waves. Therefore, an EBG structure is inserted between array elements to reduce the mutual coupling. This idea has been verified by both the FDTD simulations and experimental results. As a result, a significant 8 dB mutual coupling reduction is noticed from the measurements.
THE RELATION BETWEEN MAXIMUM RATE OF PHOTOSYNTHESIS AND CONCENTRATION OF CHLOROPHYLL.

Willstatter and Stoll have studied the rate of photosynthesis as a function of chlorophyll content. However, their experiments fail to reveal any regular relationship between these two quantities, probably because, in order to obtain material differing widely in chlorophyll content, they were obliged to use leaves which were not comparable in other respects. The writer describes a method for varying the chlorophyll content per unit volume of cells of Chlorella vulgaris, maintaining other factors constant. Experiments are described which show that the maximum rate of photosynthesis is a smooth function of the chlorophyll content.
Laser-excited fluorescence studies of matrix-induced errors in inductively coupled plasma spectrometry : implications for ICP-mass spectrometry

Laser-induced Sr ion fluorescence measurements were made as a function of nebulizer gas flow rate and applied power in the presence and absence of concomitant species for comparison to previously published ICP-MS data. The fluorescence data are used to assess the contribution of matrix effects in the plasma itself to errors observed in ICP-MS due to the presence of concomitant species. Significant matrix effects do appear to originate in the plasma. Reconsideration of ambipolar diffusion shows that the matrix effects in the plasma should not be dependent on the mass of the analyte or concomitant species. Experimental, radially resolved measurements confirm the lack of mass dependence.
STEREO : A program on a PC-Windows 95 platform for recording and evaluating quantitative stereologic investigations of multistage hepatocarcinogenesis in rodents

The most common organ site of neoplasms induced by carcinogenic chemicals in the rodent bioassay is the liver. The development of cancer in rodent liver is a multistage process involving sequentially the stages of initiation, promotion, and progression. During the stages of promotion and progression, numerous lesions termed altered hepatic foci (AHF) develop. STEREO was developed for the purpose of efficient and accurate quantitation of AHF and related lesions in experimental and test rodents. The system utilized is equipped with a microcomputer (IBM-compatible PC running Windows 95) and a Summagraphics MICROGRID or SummaSketch tablet digitizer. The program records information from digitization of single or serial sections obtained randomly from rat liver tissue. With this information and the methods of quantitative stereology, both the number and volume percentage fraction of AHF in liver are calculated in three dimensions. The recorded data files can be printed graphically or in the format of tabular numerical data. The results of stereologic calculations are stored on floppy disks and can be sorted into different categories and analyzed or displayed with the use of statistics and graphic functions built into the overall program. Results may also be exported into Microsoft Excel for use at a later time. Any IBM-compatible PC capable of utilizing Windows 95 and MS Office can be used with STEREO, which offers inexpensive, easily operated software to obtain three-dimensional information from sections of two dimensions for the identification and relative potency of initiators, promoters, and progressors, and for the establishment of information potentially useful in developing estimations of risk for human cancer.
MEASUREMENTS OF NEUTRAL KAON DECAYS TO TWO ELECTRON-POSITRON PAIRS

OF THE DISSERTATION Measurements of Neutral Kaon Decays to Two Electron-Positron Pairs by Eva Halkiadakis Dissertation Director: Sunil V. Somalwar We observed 441 KL → e+e−e+e− events with a background of 4.2 events in the KTeV/E799II experiment at Fermilab. We present here a measurement of the KL → e+e−e+e− branching ratio (B), a study of CP symmetry and the first detailed study of the e+e− invariant mass spectrum in this decay mode. We used the e+e− mass spectrum in KL → e+e−e+e− to measure the KLγ∗γ∗ form factor which sheds light on the structure of KL → γ∗γ∗ transitions. The parameter αK∗ of Bergstrom, Masso and Singer [1] describes the relative strength of an intermediate pseudoscalar decay amplitude and a vector meson decay amplitude. We measured αeff K∗ = −0.14± 0.16stat ± 0.15syst, which takes into account both the form factor and radiative effects. This is the first form factor measurement using KL → e+e−e+e− . We also measured B(KL → e+e−e+e− ) = (3.72± 0.18stat ± 0.23syst)× 10−8. Using the the distribution of the angle between the planes of the e+e− pairs, we measured the CP parameters βCP = −0.23 ± 0.09stat ± 0.02syst and γCP = −0.09 ± 0.09stat ± 0.02syst for Mee > 8MeV . The parameter βCP is an indicator of the CP eigenstate of KL and γCP measures the amount of CP violation in the decay. We found that the 90% CL limit on |γCP| is < 0.21. The CP measurements are based on a restricted sample of 264 events, a factor of 10 more than the previous measurement.
Mouse × pig chimeric antibodies expressed in Baculovirus retain the same properties of their parent antibodies

The development of hybridoma and recombinant DNA technologies has made it possible to use antibodies against cancer, autoimmune disorders, and infectious diseases in humans. These advances in therapy, as well as immunoprophylaxis, could also make it possible to use these technologies in agricultural species of economic importance such as pigs. Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is an arterivirus causing very important economic losses to the industry. Passive transfer of antibodies obtained by biotechnology could be used in the future to complement or replace vaccination against this and other pig pathogens. To this end, we constructed and studied the properties of chimeric mouse x pig anti-PRRSV antibodies. We cloned the constant regions of gamma-1 and gamma-2 heavy chains and the lambda light chain of pig antibodies in frame with the variable regions of heavy and light chains of mouse monoclonal antibody ISU25C1, which has neutralizing activity against PRRSV. The coding regions for chimeric IgG1 and IgG2 were expressed in a baculovirus expression system. Both chimeric antibodies recognized PRRSV in ELISA as well as in a Western-blot format and, more importantly, were able to neutralize PRRSV in the same fashion as the parent mouse monoclonal antibody ISU25C1. In addition, we show that both pig IgG1 and IgG2 antibodies could bind complement component C1q, with IgG2 being more efficient than IgG1 in binding C1q. Expressing chimeric pig antibodies with protective capabilities offers a new alternative strategy for infectious disease control in domestic pigs.
Earthquake damage detection in the Imperial County Services Building II: Analysis of novelties via wavelets

The former Imperial County Services Building is a rare case of an instrumented building damaged by an earthquake. In this paper, it is used to test a structural health monitoring method, based on detecting novelties in the recorded seismic response, by examining the correlation between their occurrence, spatial distribution and magnitude with the degree of the observed damage. The novelties are detected using expansion in a basis of bi-orthogonal wavelets. For this building, most of the larger novelties can be associated with the observed damage. The novelties suggest that damage first occurred at about 6.4 s, proceeded between 8.2 and 9.2 s, and culminated at about 11.2 s with the collapse of the first story columns at the east end of the building. These times are consistent with large inter-story drifts, and significant drops in the NS and EW system frequencies, reported previously. The major damage followed large pulses of input power within about 2 s. The time delays between novelties in different recording channels indicate velocity of propagation of the disturbances within the structure, consistent with other independent estimates. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Experience of Stress for Open Heart Surgery Patients and Their Caregivers

The purpose of this research was to understand the modern experience of stress among adult coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) patients who are hospitalized less than 10 days and among their significant caregivers. The naming of stressors and the nature and triggers for the stress response that either contributed to or ameliorated stress were examined. A qualitative research method using hermeneutic phenomenology was used to interpret and understand the experience of stress. The stressors identified by both patient and family participants in this study were shock and disbelief leading to a feeling of being overwhelmed. Among patients, mortality was foremost. Among family caregivers, anger was expressed. The importance of providing information, honesty, and trust were pivotal to alleviating stress. A more thorough knowledge of history and complementary therapies are needed to reduce stress.
The Dynamic Tree Expression Problem

We present a uniform method for obtaining efficient parallel algorithms for a rather large class of problems. The method is based on a logic programming model, and it derives its efficiency from fast parallel routines for the evaluation of expression trees.
When promises are broken in a recruitment context: The role of dissonance attributions and constraints in repairing behavioural integrity

We extend prior research on behavioural integrity (BI) by challenging the perspective of many researchers who have posited that BI is extremely resistant to repair after it has been damaged. Specifically, we examined the promise-keeping dimension of BI (BI-PK). In a hypothetical vignette, the effects of dissonance attributions and constraints on BI-PK perceptions were investigated in the context of a hiring manager breaking a promise to meet a job applicant for a highly desired interview. The results from two studies indicated that there was a strong positive effect for constraints on BI-PK, and BI-PK partially mediated the effect of constraints on attraction to the organization. Practitioner points When individuals are in a position where their behavioural integrity is likely to be assessed by others, it is important to maintain communication when circumstances inhibit promise fulfilment. Applicants are a key stakeholder group who are highly sensitive to the behavioural integrity of recruiters and hiring managers. In fact, recruiter behavioural integrity matters to applicants in more ways than merely providing realistic job information. The perceived behavioural integrity of recruiters and hiring managers appears to be an important factor in applicant attraction to the organization. Accordingly, recruiters and hiring managers should monitor their promise-fulfilment behaviours carefully.
Institutional researchers' roles in the twenty‐first century

Because of a fundamental shift in the way decisions are being made in colleges and universities, institutional researchers can no longer be content to merely collect, analyze, and disseminate information to support decision making. In addition, institutional researchers must also become information architects, change agents, and consultants of choice within their respective institutions.