cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Pattern Search Method for Model Selection of Support Vector Regression.

We develop a fully-automated pattern search methodology for model selection of support vector machines (SVMs) for regression and classification. Pattern search (PS) is a derivative-free optimization method suitable for low-dimensional optimization problems for which it is difficult or impossible to calculate derivatives. This methodology was motivated by an application in drug design in which regression models are constructed based on a few high-dimensional exemplars. Automatic model selection in such underdetermined problems is essential to avoid overfitting and overestimates of generalization capability caused by selecting parameters based on testing results. We focus on SVM model selection for regression based on leave-one-out (LOO) and cross-validated estimates of mean squared error, but the search strategy is applicable to any model criterion. Because the resulting error surface produces an extremely noisy map of the model quality with many local minima, the resulting generalization capacity of any single local optimal model illustrates high variance. Thus several locally optimal SVMmodels are generated and then bagged or averaged to produce the final SVM. This strategy of pattern search combined with model averaging has proven to be very effective on benchmark tests and in high-variance drug design domains with high potential of overfitting. ∗This work is supported by the NSF Grants IIS-9979860 and IRI-97092306. †Dept. of Decision Sciences and Engineering Systems, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY 12180, mommam@rpi.edu ‡Dept. of Mathematical Sciences, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY 12180, bennek@rpi.edu
Mixed-signal real-time adaptive blind source separation

A mixed-signal adaptive VLSI architecture for real-time blind separation of linear source mixtures is presented. The architecture is digitally reconfigurable and implements a general class of independent component analysis (ICA) update rules in common outer-product form. In conjunction with gradient flow, a technique for converting wave sources into equivalent linear instantaneous mixtures by observing spatial and temporal derivatives of the field over a miniature array, the ICA architecture allows to separate and localize multiple acoustic sources in the acoustic scene. Experimental results from VLSI implementation of the ICA architecture demonstrate 30 dB separation of two mixtures of two speech signals.
Defining Suicide Terrorism

For social scientists, defining terrorism is not merely a theoretical issue. In order to create a new social science definition of terrorism, academics should take the following suggestions into consideration. First, the contemporary sociological definitions of terrorism must emphasize fundamental factors that recur across various forms of terrorism and attempt to understand it as a collective social phenomenon. Second, they should investigate the interconnectedness between world-systems and national politics as causes for this mass violence. Third, the new definitions should also consider new motives, adversaries and rationales; however, we must not confuse the situation any further by integrating the concept with other forms of violence. Finally, any new definitions should also recognize social pressure to stop such action. A new sociological definition of suicide terrorism should be created in order to compare today’s incidents to those of the past. The new definition should include micro level social circumstances such as personal revenge, macro level circumstances such as communal reasons that drive both the perpetrator and the collective terrorist group, and gender as a critical analytical variable. A sociological definition of suicide terrorism should consider three important elements: (1) The definition should consider micro level social circumstances such as personal reasons for revenge; (2) Macro level social circumstances such as communal reasons that drive both the perpetrator and the collective terrorist group behind the act; and (3) Gender as both a micro and macro analytical variable in conjunction with other social variables; economical, educational, cultural, political and historical as possible motivational factors leading to suicide terrorism.
Compositional Characterization and Pyrolysis of Loblolly Pine and Douglas-fir Bark

Two potential biofuel resources, Douglas-fir and Loblolly pine bark, were subjected to extensive chemical and compositional analysis. The barks were initially extracted with dichloromethane, and the resulting extracted compounds were characterized by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometric analysis. Characterization of the major bark biocomponents indicated that Douglas-fir and Loblolly pine bark contained 22.5 and 13.2 % tannins, 44.2 and 43.5 % lignin, 16.5 and 23.1 % cellulose, and 7.6 and 14.1 % hemicellulose, respectively. Of particular interest is the high content of tannins and lignin, which make these barks excellent potential precursors for bio-oils and/or other value-added chemicals. 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) was used to characterize the chemical structure of the lignin and tannins. These samples were also analyzed by 31P NMR after phosphitylation of the hydroxyl groups in lignin and tannins. The NMR spectral data indicated that the lignin in both barks contained p-hydroxyphenyl (h) and guaiacyl (g) of lignin monomers with an h/g ratio of 10:90 and 22:78 for Douglas-fir and Loblolly pine bark, respectively. Gel permeation chromatography was used to analyze the molecular weight distributions of extracted tannins, isolated cellulose, and ball-milled lignin. The pyrolysis of Douglas-fir and pine bark at 500°C in a tubular reactor generated 48.2 and 45.2 % of total oil, of which the light oil contents are 14.1 and 20.7 % and heavy oil are 34.1 and 24.4 %. Similarly, fast pyrolysis at 375°C yielded 56.1 and 49.8 % of total oil for Douglas-fir and pine bark, respectively.
Functional test-bench refinement through automatic constraint extraction

Functional verification continues to be one of the most expensive and time-consuming steps in a typical design process. Effective tests can achieve higher verification coverage in shorter time, which saves engineering resource and improve confidence on the quality of the design. However, generating effective tests for complex designs has always been a challenging problem. Instead of generating tests, the idea is to analyze the simulation trace of tests from an initial test-bench, learn from it, and extract the input constraints for controlling signals internal to the unit under test. For the experiments we used OpenSPARC T1 which is a 64-bit open-source microprocessor designed by SUN Microsystems. OpenSparc is a complex design that makes it very suitable for the experiments.
Infrared Spectra of Ferrites

The infrared spectra of 7 ferrites of the formula $M{\mathrm{Fe}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{4}$, where $M$ designates a divalent metal, are presented and analyzed. Electronic absorption was observed in the visible and near-infrared regions. Two absorption bands arising from interatomic vibrations were measured and force constants calculated for the stretching of bonds between octahedral or tetrahedral metal ions and oxide ions. These force constants are in agreement with the elastic and thermodynamic properties of these compounds and are sensitive to distribution of metal ions between the alternate sites. The integrated vibrational band intensities were measured: they are compatible with predominantly ionic bonding for these structures.
Race and health profiles in the United States: an examination of the social gradient through the 2009 CHIS adult survey

Abstract Objective To examine the role of the social gradient on multiple health outcomes and behaviors. It was predicted that higher levels of SES, measured by educational attainment and family income, would be associated with positive health behaviors (i.e., smoking, drinking, physical activity, and diet) and health status (i.e., limited physical activity due to chronic condition, blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, BMI, and perceived health condition). The study also examined the differential effects of the social gradient in health among different racial/ethnic groups (i.e., non-Hispanic Whites, Blacks, Asian, Hispanics, and American Indians). Study design Cross-sectional study. Methods The data were from the adult 2009 California Health Interview Survey (CHIS). Weighted multivariable linear and logistic regression models were conducted to examine trends found between SES and health conditions and health behaviors. Polynomial trends were examined for all linear and logistic models to test for the possible effects (linear, quadratic, and cubic) of the social gradient on health behaviors and outcomes stratified by race/ethnicity. Results Findings indicated that, in general, Whites had more favorable health profiles in comparison to other racial/ethnic groups with the exception of Asians who were likely to be as healthy as or healthier than Whites. Predicted marginals indicated that Asians in the upper two strata of social class display the healthiest outcomes of health status among all other racial/ethnic groups. Also, the social gradient was differentially associated with health outcomes across race/ethnicity groups. While the social gradient was most consistently observed for Whites, education did not have the same protective effect on health among Blacks and American Indians. Also, compared to other minority groups, Hispanics and Asians were more likely to display curvilinear trends of the social gradient: an initial increase from low SES to mid-level SES was associated with worse health outcomes and behaviors; however, continued increase from mid-SES to high SES saw returns to healthy outcomes and behaviors. Conclusion The study contributes to the literature by illustrating unique patterns and trends of the social gradient across various racial/ethnic populations in a nationally representative sample. Future studies should further explore temporal trends to track the impact of the social gradient for different racial and ethnic populations in tandem with indices of national income inequalities.
The Efficiency of Cox's Likelihood Function for Censored Data

Abstract D.R. Cox has suggested a simple method for the regression analysis of censored data. We carry out an information calculation which shows that Cox's method has full asymptotic efficiency under conditions which are likely to be satisfied in many realistic situations. The connection of Cox's method with the Kaplan-Meier estimator of a survival curve is made explicit.
Inhibitory effects of cranberry polyphenols on formation and acidogenicity of Streptococcus mutans biofilms

Cranberry fruit is a rich source of polyphenols, and has shown biological activities against Streptococcus mutans. In the present study, we examined the influence of extracts of flavonols (FLAV), anthocyanins (A) and proanthocyanidins (PAC) from cranberry on virulence factors involved in Streptococcus mutans biofilm development and acidogenicity. PAC and FLAV, alone or in combination, inhibited the surface-adsorbed glucosyltransferases and F-ATPases activities, and the acid production by S. mutans cells. Furthermore, biofilm development and acidogenicity were significantly affected by topical applications of PAC and FLAV (P<0.05). Anthocyanins were devoid of any significant biological effects. The flavonols are comprised of mostly quercetin glycosides, and the PAC are largely A-type oligomers of epicatechin. Our data show that proanthocyanidins and flavonols are the active constituents of cranberry against S. mutans.
Ectopic pregnancy presenting as hemothorax

Summary An unusual case of ectopic pregnancy presenting with hemothorax stimulated a careful study of an interesting clinical experience. Postoperative pneumoperitoneum showed a defect in the central portion of the right leaf of the diaphragm. A review of the literature revealed only two other cases. A mechanism for migration of blood, fluid, and air through the diaphragm is discussed. Ruptured ectopic pregnancy and other causes of hemoperitoneum should be considered in the differential diagnosis of hemothorax.
US land use and energy policy — assessing potential conflicts

Abstract In this article the author identifies areas of potential conflict between land use planning and energy policy. Conflicts centre on the rate and intensity of land use, location of land using activities, and the diversity and interaction of these activities. A range of regulations affecting land use and energy planning are presented and areas of policy choice are indicated. Three energy programmes — decentralized technologies, energy conserving land use planning, and energy facility siting — are used to illustrate land use planning issues. The policy research needed for conflict resolution is also outlined.
Novel mass spectral fragmentation of heptafluorobutyryl derivatives of acyl analogues of platelet-activating factor

Direct derivatization of the acyl analogue of platelet-activating factor (acyl.PAF) with heptafluorobutyric anhydride results in replacement of the phosphocholine moiety with a heptafluorobutyryl (HFB) group. Electron capture (EC) mass spectrometric analysis of this compound that makes use of negative ion detection along with subsequent accurate mass measurement and tandem mass spectrometry studies revealed that in addition to expected fragmentation due to losses of elements of HF, ketene, and/or acetic acid, there is a rearrangement reaction between the HFB group and the subsequent on carbon-2 of the glycerol backbone. For 2-acetyl isomers, this fragmentation yields a characteristic ion at m/z 237; for 1-acetyl isomers, the analogous ion is observed at [M-135]−, along with a corresponding carboxylate anion. The use of the HFB derivative is invaluable for analysis of PAF homologues and analogues because it provides detailed structural information in combination with the high sensitivity of a gas chromatography combined with EC-mass spectrometry assay.
Multilayer near-IR metallo-dielectric zero index metamaterials with matched impedance

In this study, we report multilayer metallo-dielectric stacks that simultaneously possess a zero refractive index and an impedance match to free space in the near-IR. A genetic algorithm (GA) was used to optimize the screen geometries and dimensions of the zero index metamaterials (ZIMs) that consisted of alternating gold (Au) and polyimide films. Examples of three- and nine-layer ZIMs are shown. The fabrication procedure and characterization methods of the multilayer metallo-dielectric ZIMs are also described.
Thyroid carcinoma during youth

Abstract In the treatment of thyroid carcinoma in 60 patients under 21 years, local recurrence developed in 3 of 17 patients who had thyroid lobectomy, but there was no recurrence in 25 patients treated by subtotal thyroidectomy or in 28 patients who had total thyroidectomy. The frequency of recurrent nerve injury was the same in all types of thyroidectomy, but permanent hypoparathyroidism occurred only after total thyroidectomy. Modified neck dissection was an effective as radical neck dissection in the control of cervical lymph node metastases.
Isotopic Evidence of Methane Oxidation across the Surface Water–Ground Water Interface

ABSTRACT Biogenic methane (CH4) from wetlands plays a crucial role in the carbon cycle, but the dynamics of dissolved methane flux across the surface water-ground water interface remain poorly understood. This study focused on the effects of spatial transformation of dissolved methane and the role of ground-water recharge in the distribution of dissolved methane across the surface water-ground water interface. Here we present carbon isotopic measurements of biogenic methane and dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) from the Sarita Wetland, on the St. Paul Campus of the University of Minnesota, and also in six monitoring wells located down gradient from the wetland. The δ13C values of CH4 vary between −10.6 and −58.4‰, and the δ13C values of DIC vary between +0.8 and −14.1‰ across the study site. Based on dissolved methane concentrations during the growing season, we estimate that ground water methane represents 8%–38% of total methane dissolved in the wetland. Using the carbon isotopic composition of methane a...
Modeling of a Pulsed-Power SF6 Plasma

Pulsing the input power has received much attention to eliminate anomalous side wall etching problems in high density discharges. A simple model consisting of mass conservation equations for ions, neutrals, and electrons and a power balance is used to analyze the characteristics of a pulsed-power SF6 plasma. The model shows an abundant production of negative ions in the after glow and a strong modulation of their density and production rate for a wide range of pulse periods and duty ratios. The results suggest that a pulse period of 100–250 µ s with a duty cycle 25–50% is sufficient to maintain low electron temperature and plasma potential and produce a high concentration of negative ions during the off-part of the cycle.
Efficient estimation of dynamic panel data models: Alternative assumptions and simplified estimation

Abstract This paper considers the estimation of dynamic models for panel data. It shows how to count and express the moment conditions implied by a variety of covariance restrictions. These conditions can be imposed in a GMM framework. Many of the moment conditions are nonlinear in the parameters. We derive a simple linearized estimator that is asymptotically as efficient as the nonlinear GMM estimator, and convenient tests of the validity of the nonlinear restrictions.
Effect of ring closure on rheological behavior

Abstract A comparison is given between the rheological behavior of dilute solutions of linear polymers and ring-shaped polymers. Both types of molecules are modeled as freely jointed bead-spring structures, with Hookean springs. It is shown that the ring closure results in lowering the viscosity by a factor of two regardless of the number of beads, N . The first normal stress coefficient is lowered by a factor between 5 (for N = 3) and 8 (for N → ∞). The form of the constitutive equation for rings is the same as that for chains, but the spectrum of relaxation times is altered. Formal expressions are obtained for the ring configurational distribution function and the single link distribution function for an arbitrary time-dependent homogeneous flow.
Report of Committee on Glaciers, April 1939

The Committee on Glaciers at present is constituted as follows: Harry Fielding Reid—Professor-Emeritus of Geology, Johns Hopkins University (former member of the International Glacier Commission), 608 Cathedral Street, Baltimore, Maryland William H. Hobbs—Professor-Emeritus of Geology, University of Michigan (until recently Vice- President of the International Glacier Commission, at present associate member), Ann Arbor, Michigan J. E. Church—Professor of Classics, University of Nevada (President of the International Commission of Snow, and Chairman of the Committee on Snow of the Section of Hydrology, American Geophysical Union), Reno, Nevada Colonel Lawrence Martin—Chief of the Division of Maps, Library of Congress, Washington, D. C. Wm. Osgood Field, Jr.—Explorer, 18 West Twelfth Street, New York, N.Y. Earl A. Trager—Chief of the Naturalist Division, National Park Service, Washington, D. C. Glenn L. Parker—District Engineer, Water Resources Branch, United States Geological Survey, 406 Federal Building, Tacoma, Washington Oliver Kehrlein—Chairman, Committee on Glacier Studies, Sierra Club, 1050 Mills Tower, San Francisco, California Kenneth N. Phillips—Associate Hydraulic Engineer, Water Resources Branch, United States Geological Survey, Chairman, Research Committee of the Mazamas, 606 Post-Office Building, Portland, Oregon William S. Cooper—Professor of Botany, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota Gerald FitzGerald, Senior Topographic Engineer, Alaska Branch, United States Geological Survey, Washington, D.C. Laurence M. Gould, Professor of Geology, Carleton College, Northfield, Minnesota Francois E. Matthes, Chairman, Senior Geologist, Section of Glacial Geology, United States Geological Survey (titular member of the International Glacier Commission), Washington, D.C. In 1938, as in previous years, the Committee devoted its energies primarily to the collecting of data on the variations in length and volume of American glaciers, it being felt that the maintenance of a continuous record of these variations is of prime importance, not only to hydrology and glaciology, but, as has become increasingly evident recently, also to climatology, geomorphology, geography, ecology, history, and archaeology. As the time available for the work of the Committee is limited and does not permit covering the entire field of glaciology, it seems best to devote it before all else to this line of research which yields results of value to so many different sciences. Besides, the gathering of data on glacier-oscillations is not a one-man job that can be taken up or dropped at convenience from time to time, but is an organized and far-flung enterprise whose success depends upon the faithful cooperation of many volunteer workers located in different parts of the country. Such an enterprise, once launched, must be kept running or it will disintegrate and the precious enthusiasm of the field-workers will be lost.
Decision Making for Management of Craniovertebral Junction Pathology

In 1977, I proposed a physiological surgical approach to treatment of abnormalities at the craniocervical junction. This strategy has been reinforced by improved neurodiagnostic imaging and surgical techniques. The evaluation of more than 5000 patients symptomatic with abnormalities at the craniocervical junction was the basis for this approach. The factors that influence specific treatment for craniovertebral abnormalities are as follows: (1) the reducibility of the bony lesion; (2) the direction of encroachment and the mechanics of compression; (3) the cause of the pathological process as well as the presence of neural, vascular and cerebrospinal fluid abnormalities; and (4) the presence of abnormal ossification centers and epiphyseal growth plates. The primary aim of treatment is to relieve compression at the cervicomedullary junction. Stabilization is paramount for reducible lesions to maintain the neural decompression. Irreducible lesions require decompression at the site of compression. For ventral compressive abnormalities, decompression is performed through a palatopharyngeal route, a transmaxillary procedure, or lateral extrapharyngeal route. For lateral or dorsal compression, posterolateral decompression or a dorsal approach is required. If instability is present after decompression, posterior fixation is mandated for stability. A decision tree illustrates the management strategy.
An Unnatural Amino Acid that Induces β-Sheet Folding and Interaction in Peptides

This paper introduces a unique amino acid that can readily be incorporated into peptides to make them fold into β-sheetlike structures that dimerize through β-sheet interactions. This new amino acid, Orn(i-PrCO-Hao), consists of an ornithine residue with the β-strand-mimicking amino acid Hao [J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2000, 122, 7654−7661] attached to its side chain. When Orn(i-PrCO-Hao) is incorporated into a peptide, or appended to its N-terminus, the Hao group hydrogen bonds to the three subsequent residues to form a β-sheetlike structure. The amino acid Orn(i-PrCO-Hao) is readily used in peptide synthesis as its Fmoc derivative, Fmoc-Orn(i-PrCO-Hao)-OH (3). Fmoc-Orn(i-PrCO-Hao)-OH behaves like a regular amino acid in peptide synthesis and was uneventfully incorporated into the peptide o-anisoyl-Val-Orn(i-PrCO-Hao)-Phe-Ile-Leu-NHMe (4) through standard automated Fmoc solid-phase peptide synthesis, with DIC and HOAt as the coupling agent for Fmoc-Orn(i-PrCO-Hao)-OH and o-anisic acid and HATU as the coupling age...
The negative gamma varactor

This letter gives efficiency and power handling capacities of frequency doublers and up-converters for negative values of γ where S(V) = V1/γ. It is shown that negative values of γ yield greater efficiencies than varactors with γ = 1/2, 1/3, and 0 which are commonly used.
Characterization of diamond thin films deposited by a CO2 laser-assisted combustion-flame method

Abstract Diamond thin films were deposited by a CO2 laser-assisted O2/C2H2/C2H4 combustion-flame process. The effect of the deposition parameters, in particular the laser wavelength and power, on the film surface morphology, microstructure and phases present was the primary focus of the work. The laser power was set at 100, 400 and 800 W while the wavelength was varied and set at 10.591 µm in the untuned condition and set at 10.532 µm to resonantly match the CH2-wagging vibrational mode of the C2H4 molecule when in the tuned condition. When the laser was coupled to the combustion flame during deposition the diamond film growth was enhanced as the lateral grain size increased from 1 µm to greater than 5 µm. The greatest increase in grain size occurred when the wavelength was in the tuned condition. Scanning transmission electron microscopy images from focused-ion beam cross-sectioned samples revealed a sub-layer of smaller grains less than 1 µm in size near the substrate surface at the lower laser powers and untuned wavelength. X-ray diffraction results showed a more intense Diamond (111) peak as the laser power increased from 100 to 800 W for the films deposited with the tuned laser wavelength. Micro-Raman spectra showed a diamond peak nearly twice as intense from the films with the tuned laser wavelength.
Velocity Limits for Rigid Body Penetrators With Ogive Noses

In this paper, the authors use recent results for predicting the onset of lateral instability to discuss the limitations on rigid body penetration. An analysis of lateral instability was proposed in [1] and verified experimentally for laboratory-scale projectiles [2]. After the onset of lateral instability, declining performance was observed even though the projectile does not catastrophically fail. The authors utilized an analysis to estimate the critical velocity at which the penetrator becomes laterally unstable. With this estimate, a maximum penetration depth for each penetrator aspect ratio is predicted. The objective of the analysis is to determine the velocity limits to achieve the maximize penetration depth. The results are supported by a limited set of experimental data.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Basic technique and anatomically imposed limitations of confocal scanning laser Doppler flowmetry at the optic nerve head level

Many studies have suggested an association between blood flow dysregulation and glaucomatous damage to the optic nerve. Confocal scanning laser Doppler flowmetry (CSLDF) is a technique that measures the capillary blood flow of the retina and optic nerve head and provides a two-dimensional map of ocular perfusion in these areas. This review discusses the anatomy of the anterior optic nerve vasculature and the capabilities and limitations of the CSLDF. Methods to minimize error and to acquire more reliable measurements of capillary blood flow are also outlined.
Natriuretic peptides in ESRD.

Natriuretic peptides are involved in the regulation of volume homeostasis. Their levels generally are increased in the setting of volume expansion and act on multiple effector systems to cause vasodilation and natriuresis in an effort to return volume status back to normal. In patients with end-stage renal disease, the natriuretic capabilities of these peptides are limited. However, there has been much interest in the potential applicability of measurement of these peptides as a surrogate marker of volume status and in the determination of dry weight. Furthermore, atrial natriuretic peptide and brain natriuretic peptide can serve as markers of left ventricular dysfunction and may have utility in determing cardiac prognosis in patients on long-term dialysis therapy.
Network computer analysis of the human kidney

Abstract A computer model of the human nephron is presented that predicts urine flow, sodium and potassium excretion, urine osmolality, etc., as well as pressures, flows and solute concentrations throughout the nephron as a function of arterial pressure, neural and hormonal inputs to the kidney and the concentrations of various solutes in the medullary interstitium. The model includes a feedback control system for regulating glomerular filtration rate and equations that equate model parameters to plasma levels of renal hormones. By modifying any of 49 parameters in an interactive control section of the program, the effects of complex abnormalities in hormonal control of the kidney and/or various renal diseases can be studied. Moreover, the model appears useful in evaluating hypotheses concerning the mechanism(s) of such complex phenomena as pressure diuresis, glomerular-tubular balance, the role of the kidney in hypertension and the influence of aging on renal function.
A Purpose-Oriented Life: Is It Potentially Neuroprotective?

Arch Gen Psychiatry Effect of a Purpose in Life on Risk of Incident Alzheimer Disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment in Community-Dwelling Older Persons Patricia A. Boyle, PhD; Aron S. Buchman, MD; Lisa L. Barnes, PhD; David A. Bennett, MD Context: Emerging data suggest that psychological and experiential factors are associated with risk of Alzheimer disease (AD), but the association of purpose in life with incident AD is unknown. Objective: To test the hypothesis that greater purpose in life is associated with a reduced risk of AD. Design: Prospective, longitudinal epidemiologic study of aging. Setting: Senior housing facilities and residences across the greater Chicago metropolitan area. Participants: More than 900 community-dwelling older persons without dementia from the Rush Memory and Aging Project. Main Outcome Measures: Participants underwent baseline evaluations of purpose in life and up to 7 years of detailed annual follow-up clinical evaluations to document incident AD. In subsequent analyses, we examined the association of purpose in life with the precursor to AD, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and the rate of change in cognitive function. Results: During up to 7 years of follow-up (mean, 4.0 years), 155 of 951 persons (16.3%) developed AD. In a proportional hazards model adjusted for age, sex, and education, greater purpose in life was associated with a substantially reduced risk of AD (hazard ratio, 0.48; 95% confidence interval, 0.33-0.69; P P = .02) and a slower rate of cognitive decline (mean [SE] global cognition estimate, 0.03 [0.01], P Conclusion: Greater purpose in life is associated with a reduced risk of AD and MCI in community-dwelling older persons. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2010;67(3):304-310..
An evaluation and comparison of vertical profile data from the VISSR Atmospheric Sounder (VAS)

A statistical evaluation is used to compared vertical profiles of temperature and moisture derived from VISSR Atmospheric Sounder (VAS) with three different algorithms to that of corresponding rawinsonde measurements for a clear cold environment. To account for time and space discrepancies between the data sets, rawinsonde data were adjusted to be representative of the satellite sounding times. Both rawinsonde and satellite sounding data were objectively analyzed onto a mesoscale grid. These grid point values were compared at 50 mb pressure increments from the surface up to 100 mb. The data were analyed for horizontal and vertical structure, representatives of derived parameters, and significant departure (improvement) from the apriori (first guess) information. Results indicate some rather strong temperature and moisture biases exist in the satellite soundings. Temperature biases of 1 to 4 C and dewpoint biases of 2 to 6 C generally occur in layers where strong inversions are present and vary with time as these atmospheric features evolve. The biases also changes as a function retrieval scheme suggesting limitations and restrictions on the applications of the various techniques. Standard temperature deviations range from 1 to 2 C for each retrieval scheme with maximum values around 800 and 400 mb. Derived parameters (precipitable water and thickness) suffer from similar biases, though to a somewhat lesser extent. Gradients of basic and derived parameters are generally weaker but have good horizontal structure where magnitudes of the parameters are relatively strong. Integrated thermal (temperature) and moisture (precipitable water) parameters show mixed results.
Association of Vision Loss and Work Status in the United States

Importance Working is critical to personal health and well-being. We examine the association of vision measured objectively with work status using a nationally representative sample of working-age Americans. Observation A total of 19 849 participants from the 1999-2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey completed a vision examination and employment/demographic questionnaires. Employment rates for men with visual impairment, uncorrected refractive error, and normal vision were 58.7%, 66.5%, and 76.2%, respectively; employment rates for women with visual impairment, uncorrected refractive error, and normal vision were 24.5%, 56.0%, and 62.9%, respectively. In multivariable models adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, and chronic disease status, both uncorrected refractive error (odds ratio [OR], 1.36; 95% CI, 1.15-1.60) and visual impairment (OR, 3.04; 95% CI, 1.93-4.79) were associated with a higher likelihood of not working. Subgroups in which visual impairment was associated with even higher odds of not working included women (OR, 4.9; 95% CI, 2.5-9.6), participants younger than 55 years (OR, 4.3; 95% CI, 2.9-6.5), and diabetic individuals (OR, 14.8; 95% CI, 5.8-37.3). Conclusions and Relevance Decreased vision is associated with a significantly higher likelihood of not working. Visually impaired diabetic individuals, women, and those younger than 55 years have a particularly high risk of not working. Further investigation is warranted to understand barriers for employment in individuals with decreased vision.
Adsorption of baboon fibrinogen and the adhesion of platelets to a thin film polymer deposited by radio-frequency glow discharge of allylamine.

Platelet adhesion under static and flow conditions from a washed platelet suspension containing albumin to a polymer deposited by radio-frequency glow discharge of allylamine vapour on a poly(ethylene terephthalate) substrate was measured. Electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis was used to characterize the surface. Fibrinogen adsorption from a series of dilute plasma solutions to radio-frequency glow discharge/allylamine, measured using 125l radiolabelled baboon fibrinogen, increased with decreasing plasma dilution to a level much higher than that previously observed on polyurethanes. Elutability by sodium dodecyl sulphate of fibrinogen adsorbed from dilute plasma also increased with increasing plasma concentration, but fibrinogen preadsorbed from plasma became non-elutable when surfaces were stored in buffer for 5 d before contact with sodium dodecyl sulphate. Platelet adhesion to substrates which had been pre-adsorbed with dilute plasma was measured using baboon platelets radiolabelled with 111In. Adhesion greatly decreased as the plasma concentration used for preadsorption increased, suggesting that non-specific platelet binding to the bare surface occurs when protein coverage is incomplete. Non-specific platelet binding was inhibited to varying degrees by preadsorption of different proteins to the surface. Platelet adhesion to surfaces preadsorbed with dilute (1.0%) baboon and human plasmas lacking fibrinogen (i.e. serum, heatdefibrinogenated plasma and congenially afibrinogenemic plasma) was diminished compared with normal plasma. Addition of exogenous fibrinogen to the deficient plasma partially restored platelet adhesion to normal levels. Adhesion to surfaces preadsorbed with human plasma deficient in von Willebrand factor was comparable to that observed with normal plasma. The plasma preadsorption studies with fibrinogen deficient media suggested that adsorbed fibrinogen is necessary for platelet adhesion to the radio-frequency glow discharge/allylamine substrate at high protein coverage. However, since adhesion was greatly reduced when the plasma preadsorbed substrate was stored in buffer before platelet contact, the conformation of adsorbed fibrinogen is also important in mediating platelet adhesion to radio-frequency glow discharge.
An empirical assessment of the process of restorative justice

Abstract This study involved an empirical assessment of restorative justice processes with an application of a theoretical model proposed by Presser and Van Voorhis (2002). Their model identified three common procedural activities associated with restorative justice: dialogue, relationship building, and communication of moral values. This study utilized secondary data, consisting of observation and interview data, originally obtained by Sherman, Braithwaite, Strang, and Barnes (1999) for their Reintegrative Shaming Experiments (RISE) in Australia, 1995-1999, to test the theoretical model. The results generally supported the hypothesis that the restorative justice program engaged offenders in dialogue, relationship building, and moral communication to a greater degree than traditional court proceedings. An unexpected result emerged in the interview data showing that violent offenders in the restorative justice program did not report a greater sense of relationship building than those in court proceedings. Possible explanations accounting for the anomaly are provided. Implications for policy and future studies derived from the findings are also discussed.
Quantitative Analysis of Brittle Fracture Surfaces Using Fractal Geometry

Fractal geometry is a non-Euclidean geometry which has been developed to analyze irregular or fractional shapes. In this paper, fracture in ceramic materials is analyzed as a fractal process. This means that fracture is viewed as a self-similar process. We have examined the fracture surfaces of six different alumina materials and five glass-ceramics, with different microstructures, to test for fractal behavior. Slit island analysis and Fourier transform methods were used to determine the fractal dimension, D, of successively sectioned fracture surfaces. We found a correlation between increasing the fractional part of the fractal dimension and increasing toughness. In other words, as the toughness increasing the fracture surface increases in roughness. However, more than just a measure of roughness, the applicability of fractal geometry to fracture implies a mechanism for generation of the fracture surface. The results presented here imply that brittle fracture is a fractal process; this means that we should be able to determine processes on the atomic scale by observing the macroscopic scale by finding the generator shape and the scheme for generation inherent in the fractal process.
Design and implementation of an all-fiber ultrafast widely tunable wavelength filter

In this paper, we will provide a brief review on the progress of a unique all-fiber tunable filter based on the combination of single resonant band long period grating (LPG) and harsh environment electro-optic polymer second cladding layer recently developed at Penn State University. The single resonant band LPG is used to select the resonant wavelength and the tuning of resonant wavelength is realized by changing the refractive index of electro-optic polymer cladding layer via external electric field. Although the basic operational principle and implementation of this unique tunable filter have been previously reported by authors, this paper is focused on recent progress in this project.
Extended theory of Kapitza-Dirac scattering

The standard theoretical treatment of the Kapitza-Dirac effect\char22{}that is, the scattering of an electron passing through a standing-wave laser field\char22{}is extended here through the use of the Pauli equation to account for the interaction of the electron spin with the magnetic field of the standing wave. Prescriptions for determining unitarity-preserving approximations for the transition probabilities for scattering both with and without rotation of the electron spin direction are provided. This formalism is used to develop a perturbation theory for the spin-flip probability which, in the strong-field limit of interest here, reduces to a fairly simple relation between $S$-matrix elements for scattering with and without change in spin orientation, each expressed in terms of a Bessel function. A similar perturbative procedure is applied to estimate corrections to the standard theory for scattering in the absence of spin-flip processes, in which interactions that change the net number of photons in the field are ignored.
Alignment and orientation in the electron-impact excitation of the 2 /sup 1/P state of He from 40 to 500 eV

Electron-photon angular correlations between electrons which have excited the $2^{1}P$ state of He and photons from the $2^{1}P\ensuremath{\rightarrow}1^{1}S$ transition have been studied for 100-, 200-, and 500-eV incident electrons. Values of $\ensuremath{\lambda}$ and $|\ensuremath{\chi}|$ obtained from these measurements are compared to values which have been obtained in other experiments and calculations. The results are in good agreement with the recent distorted-wave calculation of Madison. The values of $\ensuremath{\lambda}$ and $|\ensuremath{\chi}|$ from all experiments have been combined to examine the behavior of the Fano-Macek alignment and orientation parameters for electron energies from 40 to 500 eV.
Pedagogical Incompetence and the Courts.

John Elson Northwestern University School of Law Chicago, Illinois Justice Pashman of the New Jersey Supreme Court in his concurring opinion in Robinson v. Cahill1 noted the practical and theoretical obstacles to adopting and enforcing standards focused directly upon the question of whether public schools are in fact educating the students who attend them. Nevertheless, he said "that question is precisely the one that is of most importance to children, their parents, and, ultimately, to society as a whole."2 In any discussion of the relation between student rights and educational quality it is important to keep in mind this seemingly obvious yet unique judicial insight; for, the significance of all of the recent student rights cases that have reduced or eliminated barriers to equal access to schooling on the basis of race, sex, language, poverty and physical and mental handicaps depends upon the validity of the assumption that whatever is going on inside the classroom is benefiting students. In finding that the State of New Jersey was not meeting its state constitutional obligation of providing students with a "thorough and efficient" education and in demanding that the State take financial and educational measures to meet that obligation, the New Jersey Supreme Court has thus far been the only appellate level court willing to treat seriously a direct legal challenge to the quality of a school system's educational services. The general unwillingness of lawyers and courts to challenge the assumption of educational competence is seen by many inner city parents as a personal affront, for they are unwilling to accept the blame for themselves or their children for the fact that each year in school massive numbers of inner city students fall further and further behind national norms until they drop-out, or graduate, in either case without elementary reading, writing, or math skills. These parents realize that their children begin school with as much innate ability and eagerness to learn as any other group of students, and that as parents they have as much desire for their children's success as any other group of parents.
Generalized anxiety and depression. Assessment over 2 years after stroke.

The authors examined the course of anxiety up to 2 years after stroke in relation to depressive symptoms, impairment in activities of daily living (ADLs), and social functioning. One hundred forty-two patients were evaluated at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after stroke. Anxiety was associated with greater depression severity at all follow-up visits. Depression severity was associated with impairment in ADLs at follow-up; association of anxiety and impairment in ADLs was present only at the intake visit, with independent effects only for women. Women reported more symptoms of both anxiety and depression during the 2-year period. Younger patients reported more anxiety symptoms, but there was no difference between age-groups in depressive symptoms. Severity of anxiety was also related to higher depression scores at initial hospitalization, but not in the remainder of the 2-year period. In summary, anxiety is associated with increased severity of depressive symptoms and greater impairment in function primarily during the acute hospitalization period. Women and younger patients also may be more vulnerable to anxiety after stroke.
Examining Race and Ethnicity in the Context of General Strain Theory, Depression, and Delinquency

The current study draws on general strain theory (GST) to explore the relationship between strain, race, and delinquent behavior. White, black, and Hispanic youth were examined to assess the effect of strain on nonserious and serious delinquency. Results indicate mixed support for GST in that indicators of strain to varying degrees predicted depression and youth involvement in delinquency. However, depression did not mediate the strain–delinquency relationship, and race and ethnicity were still directly related to delinquent coping. While white, black, and Hispanic youth experienced certain types of strain, these groups overall were not statistically different from one another.
Papillary hyperplasia of the palate

Abstract This report does not offer evidence on the etiology of papillary hyperplasia. The study sets forth several common practices found in patients with the disease and the usual complications arising from dentures which have been in use too long. The possible influence of relief areas remain suspect. Several recommendations follow this report. Most patients are unable to evaluate tissue change and denture deterioration. These are professional responsibilities and can be judged only by the dentist. Since papillary hyperplasia is irreversible and may progress to malignancy, the dentist must inform the patient that this disease may occur. Since the etiology is unknown, the disease cannot be prevented. Complete denture patients must be taught to seek professional examination at regular intervals. Among the patients reported in this study, the shortest period from the delivery of a denture to diagnosis of the disease was six months. This interval might well serve as the period for examination. Not only should the soft tissue be examined but the dentures, too, should be examined for the common faults found in this study. The patient must be reminded to remove the dentures during the sleeping hours. Stress cleanliness and how to keep the denture and supporting tissue clean. Advise the patient that old dentures may become pathogenic.
Performance Evaluation of Incremental Vector Clocks

The vector clock is an important mechanism to track logical time and causality in distributed systems. Vector clocks incur an overhead of n integers on each message, where n is the number of processes in the system. The incremental vector clock technique attaches only the changed components of the vector clock to a message. This technique to reduce the size of the message overhead is popularly used. We evaluate the performance of the incremental vector clock technique via extensive simulations under a wide range of network loads and communication patterns. Our simulations confirm the intuition that this technique shows marked gains when application processes communicate with locality patterns. In addition, the simulations revealed the following behaviour: (i) the message overhead is not much dependent on the number of processes, (ii) a higher multicast frequency, as opposed to unicasting, lowers the message overhead, and (iii) a slower network speed relative to the inter-message generation time lowers the message overhead.