cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multi-dimensional parametric spectral estimation

Abstract The approach taken toward estimating the power spectral density (PSD) function of multi-dimensional ( m -d) data fields is sometimes too general considering that in many areas of application, the PSD is not arbitrary but is low order parametric. However, if the parametric form of such fields is not taken into account, then much is lost in estimating their power spectra. In this paper a new m -d ( m = 3, 4) parametric spectrum estimation approach is introduced based on the minimum variance representations of m -d data fields. These representations are defined in integrated and compact linear predictive forms with their PSD interpretations being generally ARMA. For example, in the 3-d case it is shown that there are four possible models: causal, semicausal I, semicausal II, and noncausal. The selected model parameters for spectral estimation achieve the minimum covariance recursion error of a given finite length m -d data field. Spectra computed from short, long, noisy, narrow-band and wide-band data fields are compared with spectra computed by standard techniques and show improvement in resolution and in accuracy of spectrum matching.
Auditory stimulus intensity effects on components of the late positive complex

Abstract Three groups of subjects were tested in experiments in which the late positive complex (LPC) was elicited by 50 msec white noise pips of various intensities. Principal Components Analysis was used to decompose event-related potential wave forms. In the first experiment noise pips were presented every 4 sec at intensities ranging from 55 to 115 dB SPL under 3 attention conditions: counting the stimuli, ignoring them, or performing a visual search task. Higher intensities produced larger blink, P190, P280 and P340 components. Attention affected blink, P190, P340 and slow wave (SW) components. In the second experiment stimulus intensity ranged in one run between 80 and 110 dB, the probability of the 110 dB stimulus being 0.25; in the other run, stimuli were always 110 dB. P310 was sensitive to both intensity and probability, while SW was affected only by probability. In the third experiment the habituation of the LPC and skin conductance response (SCR) to 115 dB noise pips presented at random intervals between 10 and 90 sec was examined over 62 trials. The amplitude of blink, N95 and P265 declined over trials, and SCR increased after an unexpected verbal message. These results show that components of the LPC with latencies around 300 msec have both exogenous and endogenous properties. Only SW was completely independent of stimulus intensity in these experiments.
Product platform design: method and application

In this paper we focus on scale-based product families derived from scalable product platforms that can be exploited from both a functional and a manufacturing standpoint to increase the potential benefits of having a common platform. While many companies have been successful with scalable product platforms, few, if any, have instituted a systematic approach to design (i) the product platform and (ii) the corresponding family of products which are scaled around the product platform. Accordingly, in this paper we address the following question: How can a scalable product platform and its resulting product family be efficiently and effectively modeled, analyzed, and designed?
The Lower Anogenital Squamous Terminology Project and Its Implications for Clinical Care

Despite the histologically identical nature of lesions, multiple complex terminologies and historically meaningful eponyms have been developed to describe this pathologic and clinical spectrum of disease for the purpose of patient management. Based on a growing recognition of a need for unified terminology the American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology and the College of American Pathologists Pathology and Laboratory Quality Center jointly convened a process to tackle this challenge. The Lower Anogenital Squamous Terminology (LAST) Project was designed to reassess and harmonize the terminology used to describe human papillomavirus-associated squamous lesions of the lower anogenital tract as manifested in a variety of end organs including the cervix, the vagina, the vulva, the perianus, the anus, the penis, and the scrotum. The clear unambiguous distinction between cancer precursors and those without malignant potential inevitably leads to greater consistency in the interpretation of management guidelines, and the therapeutic options offered to patients.
Determination Of Phosphorus In Low Alloy Steels By Inductively Coupled Plasma Emission Spectrometry

Abstract Trace amounts of phosphorus in various low alloy steels were determined by ICP emission spectrometry. Coexisting copper, a spectroscopically interfering element, was removed by solvent extraction with DBDTC. The proposed method is simple and does not require a monochromator with high resolving power nor a vacuum system.
An Interface of Interaction between Photoreceptor cGMP Phosphodiesterase Catalytic Subunits and Inhibitory γ Subunits

Cyclic guanosine 5′-monophosphate (cGMP) phosphodiesterase (PDE) regulates the level of cGMP on transduction of a visual signal in vertebrate photoreceptor cells. Two identical inhibitory PDE γ subunits (Pγs) block catalytic activity of PDE-α and -β subunits (Pαβ) in the dark. The primary regions of Pγ involved in the interaction with Pαβ are a central polycationic region, Pγ-24-45, and a C-terminal region of Pγ. Recently, we have shown that the C-terminal region of Pγ, which is the major Pγ inhibitory domain, blocks PDE activity by binding to the catalytic site of PDE (Artemyev, N. O., Natochin, M., Busman, M., Schey, K. L., and Hamm, H. E. (1996) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 93, 5407-5412). Here, we localize the site on the rod cGMP PDE α subunit that binds to the central polycationic domain of Pγ. This site is located within a region that links a second noncatalytic cGMP binding site with the catalytic domain of PDE. A polypeptide coresponding to this region, Pα-461-553, expressed as a glutathione S-transferase fusion protein in Escherichia coli and isolated after cleavage of the fusion protein with thrombin, blocks inhibition of PDE activity by Pγ. In addition, Pα-461-553 binds to the Pγ-24-45 region (Kd, 7 µM), as measured by a fluorescent increase in a Pγ-24-45Cys peptide labeled with 3-(bromoacetyl)-7-diethylaminocoumarin. The Pα-461-553 region was further characterized by using a set of synthetic peptides. A peptide corresponding to residues 517-541 of Pα (Pα-517-541) effectively suppressed inhibition of PDE activity by Pγ and bound to Pγ-24-45Cys labeled with 3-(bromoacetyl)-7-diethylaminocoumarin (Kd, 22 µM). Pα-517-541 also competes with the activated rod G-protein α-subunit for binding to Pγ labeled with lucifer yellow vinyl sulfone. This suggests that light activation of rod PDE by the G-protein transducin involves competition between transducin α-guanosine 5′-triphosphate and Pα-517-541 for binding to the Pγ-24-45 region. Based on the results, we propose a linear model of interactions between catalytic and inhibitory PDE subunits.
Husserl and Putnam on the Human Sciences versus the Natural Sciences

Putnam etablit une distinction entre le realisme avec un petit «r», egalement nomme realisme interne, et le realisme avec un grand «R», correspondant au realisme scientifique et qui selon lui est le seul capable de saisir la maniere dont les choses sont reellement. L'A. se demande dans quelle mesure la classification de Husserl parmi les partisans du realisme interne est pertinente, ce qu'il voit certes a travers l'ouvrage «La crise des sciences europeennes et la phenomenologie transcendantale», mais egalement a travers toute l'oeuvre de Husserl
An improved pegasus method for root finding

A method of Regula Falsi type for finding a simple root of a non-linear equation is presented. It is similar to the Pegasus procedure, but exhibits a higher asymptotic convergence efficiency. This is accomplished by eliminating one or two of the slower Pegasus substeps.
Simulation of serrated yielding with noise effects included

The phenomenon of repeated yield drops is extensively studied using computer simulation. The basic input is the Cottrell-Bilby model for dislocation drag, used in conjunction with a suitable scenario for work hardening. Stochastic effects associated with dislocation velocity and density are built in via multiplicative noise. Using the above scheme for modelling the plastic response and assuming first that the yielding is homogeneous, the machine equation is solved for successive time steps to obtain complete stress-strain curves, similar to those obtained in laboratory experiments. Real-life patterns are well simulated, including several detailed features observed in diverse experiments. The role of noise in the region of marginal stability is explored. The simulation study is next extended to the case of inhomogeneous yielding where, in addition to the model earlier proposed by Penning, we explore one which takes some account of dislocation flow across the sample. Attention is then drawn to similarities observed in the flow of sand in a sand pile. Finally, some suggestions are made for further work.
Production of heavy quarks from W-gluon fusion.

We show that heavy-quark production via W-italic-gluon fusion in high-energy p-italicp-italic and p-barp-italic collisions is an important source of the heavier member of an SU(2)/sub L-italic/ doublet of quarks if the mass splitting within the doublet is large. W-italic-gluon fusion exceeds the strong production of heavy quarks for mass splittings greater than 300--350 GeV at ..sqrt..s-italic = 10 TeV and 400--450 GeV at ..sqrt..s-italic = 40 TeV. An alternative way to regard W-italic-gluon fusion is as the production of the heavier quark by fusing its light partner with a W-italic boson. We use a distribution function for the light partner to show that this process gives results which agree qualitatively with W-italic-gluon fusion. We also discuss the Drell-Yan production of an SU(2)/sub L-italic/ doublet of heavy quarks via a virtual W-italic boson and corrections to this process from initial gluons. We find that at the Fermilab Tevatron energy ..sqrt..s-italic = 2 TeV, W-italic-gluon fusion exceeds the Drell-Yan production of top quarks for masses above 100 GeV.
Activity variation between and within two soybean trypsin inhibitor electrophoretic forms.

The Kunitz soybean proteinase inhibitors (SBTI-A2) of 13 soybean pure-lines were examined for variation in antitryptic activity. Extraction of the inhibitor from individual seeds, electrophoresis on polyacrylamide gels, and excision of the inhibitor region from the gels were used to prepare inhibitor samples for assay. Protein content of eluate from the gel portions was determined by absorbance at 280 nm after applying corrections for background absorbance due to gel chemicals. Enzyme inhibition and protein content of the gel eluate were used to calculate the specific activity of the inhibitor obtained from each seed. The coefficient of variation for specific activity measurement was about 12%, and analysis of variance on data from 13 pure-lines showed significant variation in inhibitor activity from genetic and environmental sources. There appeared to be three levels of inhibition averaging 21.9, 29.2, and 39.5 specific activity units.
Synthesis of Novel Cationic Poly(Ethylene Glycol) Containing Lipids

In this paper, the synthesis of novel divalent cationic lipids with poly(ethylene glycol) segments is described. The lipids consist of an unsaturated double-chain hydrophobic moiety based on 3, 4-dihydroxy benzoic acid, attached to a hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) spacer which contains a divalent cationic end group. As poly(ethylene glycol) spacers monodisperse triethylene glycol and telechelic poly(ethylene glycol)s with an average degree of polymerization of 9, 23, and 45 were used. The divalent cationic end group was attached by coupling a protected dibasic amino acid to the PEG spacer and following cleavage of the protecting groups. These novel class of cationic lipids is of particular interest for nonviral gene delivery applications.
Fracture phenomenology of a sintered silicon nitride containing oxide additives

Crack propagation mechanisms in a sintered silicon nitride containing various oxide additives (ceria, magnesia, zirconia and strontium oxide) were studied as a function of initial flaw size, temperature, applied stress and time. Surface cracks of controlled size were introduced using the microhardness indentation-induced-flaw technique. At 20° C, the fracture stress was found to depend on initial crack size according to the Griffith relationship and extrapolation of the data indicated that processing flaws of 20 to 35 μ were strength-controlling. The flexural strength was found to be independent of temperature from 20 to 800° C and the mode of crack propagation was primarily transgranular. At temperatures above 800° C the flexural strength decreased significantly, due to viscous flow of the glassy phase present in the material and resulting in sub-critical crack growth (SCG). The mode of crack propagation during SCG was essentially intergranular. Flexural stress-rupture evaluation in the temperature range 800 to 1000° C has identified the stress levels for time-dependent and time-independent failures.
Effects of the liability climate on the academic health center.

THE purposes of the academic health center are to educate tomorrow's health professionals, conduct clinical and basic research, and provide patients with care at a level of technological sophistica...
Exploring the internal state of user interfaces by combining computer vision techniques with grammatical inference

In this paper, we present a promising approach to systematically testing graphical user interfaces (GUI) in a platform independent manner. Our framework uses standard computer vision techniques through a python-based scripting language (Sikuli script) to identify key graphical elements in the screen and automatically interact with these elements by simulating keypresses and pointer clicks. The sequence of inputs and outputs resulting from the interaction is analyzed using grammatical inference techniques that can infer the likely internal states and transitions of the GUI based on the observations. Our framework handles a wide variety of user interfaces ranging from traditional pull down menus to interfaces built for mobile platforms such as Android and iOS. Furthermore, the automaton inferred by our approach can be used to check for potentially harmful patterns in the interface's internal state machine such as design inconsistencies (eg,. a keypress does not have the intended effect) and mode confusion that can make the interface hard to use. We describe an implementation of the framework and demonstrate its working on a variety of interfaces including the user-interface of a safety critical insulin infusion pump that is commonly used by type-1 diabetic patients.
The buckling of thin cylindrical shells under axial compression

In two previous papers [1,2] the authors have discussed in detail the inadequacy of the classical theory of thin shells in explaining the buckling phenomenon of cylindrical and spherical shells. It was shown that not only the calculated buckling load is 3 to 5 times higher than that found by experiments, but the observed wave pattern of the buckled shell is also different from that predicted. Furthermore, it was pointed out that the different explanations for this discrepancy advanced by L. H. Donnell [3] and W. Flugge [4] are untenable when certain conclusions drawn from these explanations are compared with the experimental facts. By a theoretical investigation on spherical shells [1] the authors were led to the belief that in general the buckling phenomenon of curved shells can only be explained by means of a non-linear large deflection theory. This point of view was substantiated by model experiments on slender columns with non-linear elastic support [2] . The non-linear characteristics of such structures cause the load necessary to keep the shell in equilibrium to drop very rapidly with increase in wave amplitude once the structure started to buckle. Thus, first of all, a part of the elastic energy stored in the shell is released once the buckling has started; this explains the observed rapidity of the buckling process. Furthermore, as it was shown in one of the previous papers [2] the buckling load itself can be materially reduced by slight imperfections in the test specimen and vibrations during the testing process.
Differential Item Performance in Mathematics Achievement Test Items: Effect of Item Arrangement:

Past research on gender differences in performance on mathematics achievement test items has focused on characteristics of test items on which males and females perform differentially. In most instances, such studies have employed a post-hoc content analyses of test items identified via statistical analyses to function differentially for males and females. This study, in contrast, used an experimental design approach to investigate the effect of item context on differential item performance on mathematics test items between males and females. The analyses were based on a modified one parameter IRT methodology. Although some significant differences in performance were found between and within item arrangements for males and females, given the number of statistical tests employed, these significances could be due to chance alone.
Measurement of a modulated DFB laser spectrum using gated delayed self-homodyne technique

The mixing of a modulated DFB laser with a CW local oscillator can be achieved with a single laser by using a gated modulation technique combined with an appropriate optical delay. Frequency chirp measurements up to ±22 GHz are demonstrated using this technique.
Precambrian tidalites from the Baraboo Quartzite Wisconsin, U.S.A.

Abstract The Baraboo Quartzite is a 1.7 billion year old, almost pure meta-quartzarenite unit that is 1500 m thick and that crops out in a doubly-plunging syncline in south-central Wisconsin, U.S.A. It is one of several similar quartzites that are exposed throughout the upper part of the Midwestern United States. Two general depositional environments are represented by this well-sorted, quartzarenite: a lower braided stream complex characterized by wedge sets of cross-strata with pebble conglomerate at the base and small cut and fill structures, and an upper, tidally-influenced environment characterized by small-scale planar–tabular cross-strata separated by reactivation surfaces and scattered tidal bedding sequences. The Baraboo Quartzite represents one of the oldest tidally influenced rock units known but has no direct modern analog.
Single-incision laparoscopic colectomy for malignant disease.

Background Laparoscopic colectomy has been shown to confer equivalent disease-free and overall survival compared to traditional open colectomy. Patients experience benefit in length of hospital stay as well as diminished narcotic use. Single-incision laparoscopic colectomy (SIL-C) may offer additional benefit compared to traditional laparoscopic colectomy without compromising oncologic principles.
The urethral syndrome: Sexual components

It is our suggestion that concomitant medical, sexual, and psychological evaluation and treatment be undertaken for patients with urethral syndrome refractory to traditional medical management. Although this approach may seem ponderous, it could well prove to be cost effective when compared with multiple inpatient and outpatient courses of ineffective and potentially toxic antimicrobial therapy. Multiple painful medical procedures such as cystoscopy and urethral dilation may only succeed in reinforcing the conditioned vaginal muscle contraction and in aggravating the common vaginismus component of the problem.
Reprint of “Cortical reorganization of language functioning following perinatal left MCA stroke” [Brain and Language 105 (2008) 99–111] ☆

Abstract Objective Functional MRI was used to determine differences in patterns of cortical activation between children who suffered perinatal left middle cerebral artery (MCA) stroke and healthy children performing a silent verb generation task. Methods Ten children with prior perinatal left MCA stroke (age 6–16 years) and ten healthy age matched controls completed an executive language activation task. fMRI scans were acquired on a 3 T scanner using T2 ∗ weighted gradient echo, echo-planar imaging (EPI) sequence. Random effects analysis and independent component analysis (ICA) were used to compute activation maps. Results Both analysis methods demonstrated alternative activation of cortical areas in children with perinatal stroke. Following perinatal stroke, typical left dominant productive language areas in the inferior frontal gyrus were displaced to anatomical identical areas in the right hemisphere ( p = .001). In addition, stroke patients showed more bilateral activation in superior temporal and anterior cingulate gyri and increased activation in primary visual cortex when compared to healthy controls. There was no relation between lesion size and the degree of right hemisphere activation. ICA showed that the healthy controls had a negative correlation with the time course in the right inferior frontal gyrus in the same region that was activated in stroke subjects. Interpretation This functional MRI study in children revealed novel patterns of cortical language reorganization following perinatal stroke. The addition of ICA is complementary to Random Effects Analysis, allowing for the exploration of potential subtle differences in pathways in functional MRI data obtained from both healthy and pathological groups.
Innate immune evasion by filoviruses

Ebola viruses and Marburg viruses, members of the filovirus family, cause severe hemorrhagic fever. The ability of these viruses to potently counteract host innate immune responses is thought to be an important component of viral pathogenesis. Several mechanisms of filoviral innate immune evasion have been defined and are reviewed here. These mechanisms include suppression of type I interferon (IFN) production; inhibition of IFN-signaling and mechanisms that either prevent cell stress responses or allow the virus to replicate in the face of such responses. A greater understanding of these innate immune evasion mechanisms may suggest novel therapeutic approaches for these deadly pathogens.
Dyskinetic cerebral palsy and birth asphyxia

Of 115 children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy (CP) in the Mersey region, 17 were born at term and at an appropriate weight for age, and have preserved cognitive abilities. 10 of these are likely to have sustained intrapartum asphyxial brain-damage as the cause of their CP. In such circumstances, a characteristic pattern is usually seen of severe fetal distress occurring late in labour, severe but short-lived birth asphyxia and only mild or moderate hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy. This clinical picture should be distinguished from the pattern of birth asphyxia which precedes the development of spastic quadriplegic CP.
Technology Artifacts, Instrumentalism, and the Humanist Manifestos Toward an Integrated Humanistic Profile for Technical Communication

Since the late 1970s, technical communication scholars and teachers have largely agreed that technical communication’s humanistic character can be found in the field’s rhetorical nature and the social nature of discourse. Building on Patrick Moore’s efforts to rehabilitate “instrumental discourse” in the face of such general consensus, this essay argues that such notions of technical communication’s humanistic character, although unquestionably groundbreaking and crucial to the field’s sense of self and mission, remain too deeply indebted to traditional academic humanities’ and English studies’ constructions of humanistic purview, which largely refuse to accommodate technology, especially physical technology artifacts. Considering alternatives that recast the technology-humanities relationship and situate technology within a humanistic framework can yield benefits for both technical communication and English studies broadly construed.
Constitutive model for quasi‐static deformation of metallic sandwich cores

SUMMARY All-metal sandwich construction holds promise for significant improvements in stiffness, strength and blast resistance for built-up plate structures. Analysis of the performance of sandwich plates under various loads, static and dynamic, requires modelling of face sheets and core with some fidelity. While it is possible to model full geometric details of the core for a few selected problems, this is unnecessary and unrealistic for larger complex structures under general loadings. In this paper, a continuum constitutive model is proposed as an alternative means of modelling the core. The constitutive model falls within the framework of a compressible rate-independent, anisotropic elastic– plastic solid. The general form of the model is presented, along with algorithmic aspects of its implementation in a finite element code, and selected problems are solved which benchmark the code against existing codes for limiting cases and which illustrate features specific to compressible cores. Three core geometries (pyramidal truss, folded plate, and square honeycomb) are considered in some detail. The validity of the approach is established by comparing numerical finite element simulations using the model with those obtained by a full three-dimensional meshing of the core geometry for each of the three types of cores for a clamped sandwich plate subject to uniform pressure load. Limitations of the model are also discussed. Copyright 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pleomorphic adenoma of the breast: A clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical study of 10 cases

Pleomorphic adenomas of the breast (PAB) are uncommon tumors. We studied the clinicopathologic features of 10 cases of PAB, seven of which were assessed immunohistochemically. Nine patients were women, with a median age at diagnosis of 65 years. Eight patients presented with a palpable mass; two had a nipple discharge. Nine of the tumors were periareolar. The latter epidemiologic findings, coupled with histologic observations, appeared to indicate a preferential origin for PAB within large intramammary ducts. These neoplasms histologically resemble their analogues in salivary glands. Moreover, a gradual histologic transition between different morphologic areas in PAB, especially between mesenchymal and epithelial regions, supported the contention that the neoplasm arises from a single cell type capable of divergent differentiation and thus should not be considered a "mixed" tumor. This contention was further substantiated by immunohistochemical findings, in which three intermediate filaments (cytokeratin, vimentin, and glial fibrillary acidic protein) and muscle-specific actin were expressed conjointly in tumor cells with a variety of morphologic appearances. In addition, cells differentiating along mesenchymal lines by conventional microscopy were found to express epithelial membrane antigen or gross cystic disease fluid protein-15 in five cases. The benign nature of PAB was supported by a lack of metastases in this series during a median follow-up period of 4.9 years. However, one lesion recurred locally. Regarding therapy, we believe that PAB can be excised successfully with only a narrow circumferential margin of uninvolved breast.
Effect of disorder on photonic band gaps

We study the transmission of electromagnetic waves propagating in three-dimensional disordered photonic crystals that are periodic on the average with a diamond symmetry. The transmission has been calculated using the transfer matrix method. We study two different geometries for the scatterers: spheres and rods connecting nearest neighbors. We find that the gaps of the periodic structure survive to a higher amount of disorder in the rods’ case than in the spheres’ case. We argue that this is due to the connectivity of the rod structure that exists for any amount of disorder. @S0163-1829~99!04120-X#
Optical guiding in a Raman FEL: Computation and experiment

A computational study of optical guiding in a Raman FEL (wavelength < 2 mm) has been made, including effects of space charge and two-dimensional diffraction in an overmoded waveguide. A 2 mm radius electron beam having energy ∼ 800 kV and current density ∼ 2000 A/cm2 is used with a helical undulator of period 17 mm. It is found that optical guiding increases the filling factor of the system as well as the exponential gain. Upon termination of the electron beam (using a witness plate transparant to the 2 mm radiation), the optically guided electromagnetic energy diffracts out of the beam into an overmoded waveguide with a characteristic pattern which has been observed and compared with the computational result.
Aspects of the immunopharmacology of thymosin α1

Abstract In this report some of the salient features of thymosin-α 1 's immunopharmacology are summarized. Our studies have shown that therapy using IRX-3 (a combination of thymosin-α 1 with IRX-2—natural cytokine mixture) produced more dramatic effects than either alone in reversing immunodeficiency in aged mice. If these effects translate into the human, we would anticipate that we would observe correction of T lymphocytopenia and to do so at least in part by promoting development and exodus from the thymus of recent thymic emigrees. We expect that IRX-3 will find use in a variety of conditions associated with cellular immune deficiency including infections and cancer.
Expanding functions of lipoprotein receptors

Lipoprotein receptors are evolutionarily ancient proteins that are expressed on the surface of many cell types. Beginning with the appearance of the first primitive multicellular organisms, several structurally and functionally distinct families of lipoprotein receptors evolved. Originally, these cell surface proteins were thought to merely mediate the traffic of lipids and nutrients between cells and, in some cases, by functioning as scavenger receptors, remove other kinds of macromolecules, such as proteases and protease inhibitors from the extracellular space and the cell surface. Over the last decade, this picture has fundamentally changed. We now appreciate that many of these receptors are not mere cargo transporters; they are deeply embedded in the machinery by which cells communicate with each other. By physically interacting and coevolving with fundamental signaling pathways, lipoprotein receptors have occupied essential and surprisingly diverse functions that are indispensable for integrating the complex web of cellular signal input during development and in differentiated tissues.
An Exploration of Definition and Procedural Fluency in Integral Calculus.

ABSTRACT A survey was administered to calculus students who had previously been exposed to a course on integral calculus. The purpose of the survey was to explore students' understanding of the definition of a definite integral, their abilities to evaluate definite integrals, and their graphical interpretations of definite integrals. The analysis of participants' survey responses developed insight into their conceptions of integration. Survey results suggest that understanding the definition of a definite integral did not imply procedural fluency and that these students did not make connections between definitions and procedures in integral calculus.
Metastatic carcinoma in the cervical lymph nodes from an unknown primary site: results of bilateral neck plus mucosal irradiation vs. ipsilateral neck irradiation

Purpose To compare the outcome for patients with squamous cell carcinoma of cervical lymph nodes metastatic from an unknown primary site who were irradiated to both sides of the neck and potential mucosal sites with opposed photon beams, and for those irradiated to the ipsilateral side of the neck alone with an electron beam. Methods and materials Fifty-two patients with squamous cell carcinoma metastatic to cervical lymph nodes from an unknown primary site were irradiated by two different methods. Thirty-six were irradiated with a bilateral technique (BT), i.e., to both sides of the neck, including the naso-oro-hypopharyngeal mucosa, and 16 were irradiated with an electron beam (EB) to the ipsilateral side of the neck alone. Twenty patients of the BT group and 11 of the EB group had cervical lymph node dissections, and the remaining 21 patients had lymph node biopsies, prior to radiotherapy. Results Tumor control in the ipsilateral side of the neck did not differ for either radiation technique, but was significantly higher after lymph node dissection than after biopsy (90 vs. 48%; p = 0.0004). Control of subclinical metastases in the contralateral cervical lymph nodes was higher for patients irradiated with BT than for patients irradiated with EB (86 vs. 56%; p = 0.03). The occult primary was later discovered in 8% of the patients in the BT group and 44% of the EB group (p = 0.0005). The disease-free survival rate at 5 years for patients who had lymph node dissection prior to irradiation was 61%, and was 37% for those who had biopsy (p = 0.05). Only 20% of patients who subsequently developed an occult primary were salvaged and survived for 5 years after salvage treatment. Conclusion Bilateral neck and mucosal irradiation is superior to ipsilateral neck irradiation in preventing contralateral cervical lymph node metastases and the subsequent appearance of an occult primary cancer. Both techniques combined with cervical lymph node dissection were equally effective in controlling the ipsilateral neck disease.
A Reduced State Estimator for Orbital Heading Reference

It is practical to estimate only yaw, using a single gyro, rather than estimating bom roll and yaw with the more conventional two-gyro arrangement. In the development of observer theory, such a mechanization is termed a "reduced state estimator." A decoupled single-skewed-gyro gyrocompass is developed using estimation theory, and design curves are presented for parameter selection as a function of noise models for the gyro and horizon sensor. The modern development of mis gyrocompass system is compared with earlier analyses showing the advantage of the modern approach. Noise models are discussed for each instrument and related to performance through the mechanization parameters for use in design. Design parameter selection is based on a numerical optimization technique. It is concluded that the reduced state estimator can provide reliable and accurate yaw measurements on the ordej of 0.1° without the cost and complexity of a stellar reference system or of the two-gyro gyrocompassing mechanism.
Effects of ethanol and acetaldehyde on the heart

Abstract In anesthetized dogs, direct perfusion of the sinus node with acetaldehyde produced marked stimulation in concentrations similar to those occurring in human alcoholism. Ethanol and closely related compounds had only depressant effects, which during these acute experiments were observed only with unusually high concentrations. The stimulating action of acetaldehyde resembled that of tyramine, was not altered by atropinization, could be reversed and blocked with propranolol, and was virtually absent after reserpinization, which suggests that it is due to the direct release of myocardial norepinephrine. Both the acute and chronic cardiac effects of alcoholism may be due in part to the release of myocardial norepinephrine by acetaldehyde, the principal metabolite of ethanol.
Spanish Civil War materials

Describes the Spanish Civil War collection in the General Research Division of the New York Public Library. Lists some of the more than 2,500 entries on the Spanish Civil War and attempts an ideological balance between by providing a broad range of sources — Lists items in both English and Spanish.
Angiographic demonstration of a common link between unstable angina pectoris and non-Q wave acute myocardial infarction☆

Abstract The coronary morphology of ischemia-related arteries in unstable angina and Q-wave acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has been described. An eccentric stenosis with overhanging edges or irregular borders (type II eccentric) was seen in most lesions
Sputtered coatings for protection of spacecraft polymers

Kapton polyimide oxidizes at significant rates (4.3x10(-24) gram/incident oxygen atom) when exposed in low Earth orbit to the ram atomic oxygen flux. Ion beam sputter deposited thin films of Al2O3 and SiO2 as well as a codeposited mixture of predominantly SiO2 with a small amount of polytetrafluoroethylene were evaluated and found to be effective in protecting Kapton from oxidation in both laboratory plasma ashing tests as well as in space on board shuttle flight STS-8. A protective film of or = 96 percent SiO2 and or = 4 percent polytetrafluoroethylene was found to be very flexible compared to the pure metal oxide coatings and resulted in mass loss rates that were 0.2 percent of that of the unprotected Kapton. The optical properties of Kapton for wavelengths investigated between 0.33 and 2.2 microns were not significantly altered by the presence of the coatings or changed by exposure of the coated Kapton to the low Earth orbital ram environment.
Induction of Intrahepatic HCV NS4B, NS5A and NS5B-Specific Cellular Immune Responses following Peripheral Immunization

Numerous studies have suggested that an effective Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) vaccine must induce strong cytotoxic and IFN-γ+ T cell responses targeting the non-structural region of the virus. Most importantly, these responses must be able to migrate into and remain functional within the liver, an organ known to cause T cell tolerance. Using three novel HCV DNA vaccines encoding non-structural proteins NS4B, NS5A and NS5B, we assessed the ability of peripheral immunization to induce functional intrahepatic immunity both in the presence and absence of cognate HCV antigen expression within the liver. We have shown that these constructs induced potent HCV-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses in the spleen of C57BL/6 mice and that these responses were detected within the liver following peripheral immunization. Additionally, using a transfection method to express HCV antigen within the liver, we showed that intrahepatic HCV-specific T cells remained highly functional within the liver and retained the ability to become highly activated as evidenced by upregulation of IFN-γ and clearance of HCV protein expressing hepatocytes. Taken together, these findings suggest that peripheral immunization can induce potent HCV-specific T cell responses able to traffic to and function within the tolerant environment of the liver.
State regulation and professional accounting educational reforms: An empirical test of regulatory capture theory

Abstract Our study utilized predatory capture theory to design and test a model to discriminate between states which have or have not adopted the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) 150-hour educational reform. This was accomplished while controlling for alternative public interest and quality-demand explanations. Simply stated, predatory capture theory maintains that the strength of the economic interests and demands of a profession, relative to those of competing interest groups, can explain differences in levels of professional regulation across states (Becker, 1986, p. 223). Results from a Logit analysis generally supported this application of predatory capture theory. After controlling for public interest theory and quality-demand theory explanations for 150-hour adoption, we found that state adoption of a 150-hour accounting education requirement is directly related to two measures of CPA lobbying strength: (1) the number of state-licensed CPAs divided by the number of non-CPAs performing accounting services in the state; and (2) the percentage of a state's CPAs who belong to that state's Society of CPAs. The measure of educational institution lobbying strength was not significantly related to adoption of a 150-hour requirement.
Optical quality of supersonic jets of various gases

The optical qualities of supersonic jets of four different gases were investigated. The ratios (optical wavelength)/(jet thickness) were approximately 0.8 < 10(-4). Near-field schlieren photographs and interferograms and far-field intensity distributions of a circular beam traversing the jets are presented. The jets tested could be arranged in the following order of improving optical quality: Ar, N2, He, 62% He/38% Ar. Higher optical quality could be qualitatively correlated with lower values of |n(jet) - n (ambient air)| and [n(jet) - 1], where n is the refractive index. The far-field Strehl ratios for circular beams passing just below the nozzle exit ranged from approximately 0.65 for Ar for which the refractive-index functions were 3.4 x 10(-4) and 6.0 10(-4), respectively, to as high as 0.92 for the He-Ar mixture where the jet refractive index matched that of the ambient air and [n(jet) - 1] was 2.7 x 10(-4). Measured far-field Strehl ratios are compared with values calculated from measurements of near-field phase errors. Methods of improving the optical quality of the jets are discussed.
p53 Activation by Knockdown Technologies

Morpholino phosphorodiamidate antisense oligonucleotides (MOs) and short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are commonly used platforms to study gene function by sequence-specific knockdown. Both technologies, however, can elicit undesirable off-target effects. We have used several model genes to study these effects in detail in the zebrafish, Danio rerio. Using the zebrafish embryo as a template, correct and mistargeting effects are readily discernible through direct comparison of MO-injected animals with well-studied mutants. We show here indistinguishable off-targeting effects for both maternal and zygotic mRNAs and for both translational and splice-site targeting MOs. The major off-targeting effect is mediated through p53 activation, as detected through the transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling assay, acridine orange, and p21 transcriptional activation assays. Concurrent knockdown of p53 specifically ameliorates the cell death induced by MO off-targeting. Importantly, reversal of p53-dependent cell death by p53 knockdown does not affect specific loss of gene function, such as the cell death caused by loss of function of chordin. Interestingly, quantitative reverse-transcriptase PCR, microarrays and whole-mount in situ hybridization assays show that MO off-targeting effects are accompanied by diagnostic transcription of an N-terminal truncated p53 isoform that uses a recently recognized internal p53 promoter. We show here that MO off-targeting results in induction of a p53-dependent cell death pathway. p53 activation has also recently been shown to be an unspecified off-target effect of siRNAs. Both commonly used knockdown technologies can thus induce secondary but sequence-specific p53 activation. p53 inhibition could potentially be applicable to other systems to suppress off-target effects caused by other knockdown technologies.
Gene Mutations and Familial Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms A Walk on the Mild Side

Ascending thoracic aortic aneurysms leading to acute dissection (TAAD) are responsible for significant premature mortality in the United States and are associated with a wide range of underlying conditions including hypertension, bicuspid aortic valve, and syndromic conditions such as Marfan syndrome (MFS) or Loeys-Dietz syndrome.1 In the absence of a syndromic cause, it has been estimated that 19% to 20% of TAAD cases have a genetic component leading to familial TAAD (FTAAD). These conditions display interfamilial variability as well as variable penetrance and severity.2,3 Article see p 36 Because of the high mortality rate associated with acute ascending aortic dissection (≈40% to 50%), it is crucial to not only identify patients with enlarged ascending aortas and to attempt to slow aortic growth using medical treatments but also to intervene surgically in an elective fashion before dissection occurs.1 How, then, is the clinician to determine when to proceed to surgery? Knowledge of the likely risk of dissection for a given condition and aortic diameter becomes paramount. Surgery is generally recommended in cases in which the ascending diameter exceeds 5.0 to 5.5 cm; however, a large proportion of dissections occur at smaller diameters, and even in patients with no visible enlargement.4 Management is made all the more complex by the variable natural history that is observed between and within defined genetic causes of TAAD. In MFS, which results from autosomal dominant mutations in the gene for microfibril component fibrillin-1 ( FBN1 ), the clinical course is typically characterized by slow, progressive enlargement of the aortic root with low risk of dissection below a diameter of 5.0 cm. Despite this, and contrary to standard practice, a decision …
Psychosocial Screening in Pediatric Practice: A Survey of Interested Physicians

This study followed up on 201 pediatricians and family practitioners who had requested information about the Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSC), a parent-completed questionnaire which screens for psychosocial dysfunction in school-aged children. The physicians were sent a postcard survey asking whether they had used the PSC in their practices. Of the 157 (78%) who responded to the postcard survey, 36 (23%) reported that they had used the PSC. On a follow-up questionnaire, all of these physicians rated the PSC as useful, and nearly 80% reported that it led to increased case-finding and/or referrals. Ninety-six percent stated that they will continue to use the PSC; more than half of them routinely or frequently. The findings indicate a widespread interest in psychosocial screening, and suggest that additional educational efforts may be necessary to support the acceptance of the PSC in pediatric practice.
Long-Run Performance of Emerging Market ADRs: Evidence From Issues Listed on the New York Stock Exchange From 1990 Through 2009:

This article examines the three-year monthly aftermarket returns of emerging market firm equities traded on the New York Stock Exchange as American Depository Receipts (ADRs). Excess return results are broken down by the type of issue (IPO versus SEO) and the date of issue (those issued in the 1990s versus the 2000s). The total emerging market sample of 193 ADRs significantly outperformed the SP however, those issued before 2000 underperformed the index by nearly 18 percent while those listed after January 1, 2000 outperformed the index by nearly 41 percent. SEOs outperformed the market index by 32 percent while IPOs underperformed by 2 percent. Both portfolios (IPOs and SEOs) significantly outperformed the market for issues that were listed in the 2000s.
A Real-Time Guidance Algorithm for Aerospace Plane Optimal Ascent to Low Earth Orbit

Problems of on-board trajectory optimization and synthesis of suitable guidance laws for ascent to low Earth orbit of an air-breathing, single-stage-to-orbit vehicle are addressed A multimode propulsion system is assumed which incorporates turbojet, ramjet, SCRAMJET, and rocket engines. An algorithm for generating fuel-optimal climb profiles is presentd. This algorithm results from application of the minimum principle to a low order dynamic model that includes angle of attack effects and the normal component of thrust Maximum dynamic pressure and maximum aerodynamic heating rate constraints are considered. Switching conditions are derived which, under appropriate assumptions, govern optimal transition from one propulsion mode to another. A nonlinear transformation technique is employed to derive a feedback controller for tracking the computed trajectory. Numerical results illustrate the nature of the resulting fuel-optimal climb paths.