cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Random integral matrices: universality of surjectivity and the cokernel

For a random matrix of entries sampled independently from a fairly general distribution in $${{\mathbf {Z}}}$$ we study the probability that the cokernel is isomorphic to a given finite abelian group, or when it is cyclic. This includes the probability that the linear map between the integer lattices given by the matrix is surjective. We show that these statistics are asymptotically universal (as the size of the matrix goes to infinity), given by precise formulas involving zeta values, and agree with distributions defined by Cohen and Lenstra, even when the distribution of matrix entries is very distorted. Our method is robust and works for Laplacians of random digraphs and sparse matrices with the probability of an entry non-zero only $$n^{-1+\varepsilon }$$ .
Statistical Inference with M-Estimators on Adaptively Collected Data

Bandit algorithms are increasingly used in real-world sequential decision-making problems. Associated with this is an increased desire to be able to use the resulting datasets to answer scientific questions like: Did one type of ad lead to more purchases? In which contexts is a mobile health intervention effective? However, classical statistical approaches fail to provide valid confidence intervals when used with data collected with bandit algorithms. Alternative methods have recently been developed for simple models (e.g., comparison of means). Yet there is a lack of general methods for conducting statistical inference using more complex models on data collected with (contextual) bandit algorithms; for example, current methods cannot be used for valid inference on parameters in a logistic regression model for a binary reward. In this work, we develop theory justifying the use of M-estimators -- which includes estimators based on empirical risk minimization as well as maximum likelihood -- on data collected with adaptive algorithms, including (contextual) bandit algorithms. Specifically, we show that M-estimators, modified with particular adaptive weights, can be used to construct asymptotically valid confidence regions for a variety of inferential targets.
Stateful ODE-Nets using Basis Function Expansions

The recently-introduced class of ordinary differential equation networks (ODE-Nets) establishes a fruitful connection between deep learning and dynamical systems. In this work, we reconsider formulations of the weights as continuous-in-depth functions using linear combinations of basis functions which enables us to leverage parameter transformations such as function projections. In turn, this view allows us to formulate a novel stateful ODE-Block that handles stateful layers. The benefits of this new ODE-Block are twofold: first, it enables incorporating meaningful continuous-in-depth batch normalization layers to achieve state-of-the-art performance; second, it enables compressing the weights through a change of basis, without retraining, while maintaining near state-of-the-art performance and reducing both inference time and memory footprint. Performance is demonstrated by applying our stateful ODE-Block to (a) image classification tasks using convolutional units and (b) sentence-tagging tasks using transformer encoder units.
The 'Quantum Game Show': A Very Simple Explanation of Bell's Theorem in Quantum Mechanics

In this article give a very simple presentation of Bell's inequality by comparing it to a 'quantum game show', followed by a simple description of Aspect's 1985 experiment involving entangled photons which confirms the inequality. The entire article is non-technical and requires no mathematical background other than high school mathematics and an understanding of basic concepts in probability. The physics involved in Aspect's experiment is also explained.
Unique sparse decomposition of low rank matrices

The problem of finding the unique low dimensional decomposition of a given matrix has been a fundamental and recurrent problem in many areas. In this paper, we study the problem of seeking a unique decomposition of a low rank matrix $Y\in \mathbb{R}^{p\times n}$ that admits a sparse representation. Specifically, we consider $Y = A X\in \mathbb{R}^{p\times n}$ where the matrix $A\in \mathbb{R}^{p\times r}$ has full column rank, with $r < \min\{n,p\}$, and the matrix $X\in \mathbb{R}^{r\times n}$ is element-wise sparse. We prove that this sparse decomposition of $Y$ can be uniquely identified, up to some intrinsic signed permutation. Our approach relies on solving a nonconvex optimization problem constrained over the unit sphere. Our geometric analysis for the nonconvex optimization landscape shows that any {\em strict} local solution is close to the ground truth solution, and can be recovered by a simple data-driven initialization followed with any second order descent algorithm. At last, we corroborate these theoretical results with numerical experiments.
Single-molecule imaging with cell-derived nanovesicles reveals early binding dynamics at a cyclic nucleotide-gated ion channel.

Ligand binding to membrane proteins is critical for many biological signaling processes. However, individual binding events are rarely directly observed, and their asynchronous dynamics are occluded in ensemble-averaged measures. For membrane proteins, single-molecule approaches that resolve these dynamics are challenged by dysfunction in non-native lipid environments, lack of access to intracellular sites, and costly sample preparation. Here, we introduce an approach combining cell-derived nanovesicles, microfluidics, and single-molecule fluorescence colocalization microscopy to track individual binding events at a cyclic nucleotide-gated TAX-4 ion channel critical for sensory transduction. Our observations reveal dynamics of both nucleotide binding and a subsequent conformational change likely preceding pore opening. Kinetic modeling suggests that binding of the second ligand is either independent of the first ligand or exhibits up to ~10-fold positive binding cooperativity. This approach is broadly applicable to studies of binding dynamics for proteins with extracellular or intracellular domains in native cell membrane. Here the authors use nanovesicles, microfluidics and single-molecule methods to observe individual ligand binding events that stimulate activation of CNG ion channels. They find that binding is followed by a conformational change of either independent or weakly cooperative binding domains.
Low cost and compact active integrated antenna transceiver for system applications

Integrated and active antennas incorporate component functions directly at the antenna terminals thereby reducing the size, weight, and cost of many microwave systems. Active integrated antennas have been used for distributed oscillators in spatial and quasi-optical power combining arrays, but the concept can be extended to include such applications as Doppler sensors, radars, and wireless communications to produce compact, low-cost products. In this paper, we report that a field-effect transistor (FET) and a Schottky mixer diode have been integrated within an inverted patch antenna for transceiver applications. The position of the mixer diode on the patch was optimized to achieve a minimum conversion loss. Preliminary results exhibit a 5.5 dB isotropic mixer conversion loss at 6 GHz for a 200 MHz intermediate frequency. The FET serves as both the transmitter and the local oscillator at 5.8 GHz. A two-way communication system using these transceivers is proposed.
Probing nucleon strange and charm distributions with lattice QCD

We present the first lattice-QCD calculation of the unpolarized strange and charm parton distribution functions using large-momentum effective theory (LaMET). We use a lattice ensemble with 2+1+1 flavors of highly improved staggered quarks (HISQ) generated by MILC collaboration, with lattice spacing $a\approx 0.12$ fm and $M_\pi \approx 310$ MeV, and clover valence fermions with two valence pion masses: 310 and 690 MeV. We use momentum-smeared sources to improve the signal up to nucleon boost momentum $P_z=2.18$ GeV, and determine nonperturbative renormalization factors in RI/MOM scheme. We compare our lattice results with the matrix elements obtained from matching the PDFs from CT18NNLO and NNPDF3.1NNLO global fits. Our data support the assumptions of strange-antistrange and charm-anticharm symmetry that are commonly used in global PDF fits, and we find smaller than expected parton distribution at mid to small $x$.
SmartON: Just-in-Time Active Event Detection on Energy Harvesting Systems

We propose SmartON, a batteryless system that learns to wake up proactively at the right moment in order to detect events of interest. It does so by adapting the duty cycle to match the distribution of event arrival times under the constraints of harvested energy. While existing energy harvesting systems either wake up periodically at a fixed rate to sense and process the data, or wake up only in accordance with the availability of the energy source, SmartON employs a three-phase learning framework to learn the energy harvesting pattern as well as the pattern of events at run-time, and uses that knowledge to wake itself up when events are most likely to occur. The three-phase learning framework enables rapid adaptation to environmental changes in both short and long terms. Being able to remain asleep more often than a CTID (charging-then-immediate-discharging) wake-up system and adapt to the event pattern, SmartON is able to reduce energy waste, increase energy efficiency, and capture more events. To realize Smar-tON we have developed a dedicated hardware platform whose power management module activates capacitors on-the-fly to dynamically increase its storage capacitance. We conduct both simulation-driven and real-system experiments to demonstrate that SmartON captures 1X–7X more events and is 8X–17X more energy-efficient than a CTID system. All source code and hardware design files are open-sourced1.
The Future of SIPP for Analyzing Child Care and Child Support

This paper focusses on two of SIPP's topical modules - child care and child support. Besides for the word child in their titles and the fact that they are often asked in the same wave of the sur­ vey, the two modules are Quite different and are discussed separately. In each case the paper traces the changes in the questions from 1984 to 1990, suggests research uses for the information gathered in the modules, and makes suggestions for future questionnaires. The work schedule module is also discussed briefly and it is suggested that it continue to be asked in conjunction with the child care module. The purpose of this paper is to examine the intersection of the Survey of In­ come and Program Participation (SIPP) and the analysis of child care and child support. SIPP has from its inception included sets of questions aimed at gathering information on child care and child support. These questions are part of the set of variable topical modules that are administered periodically within each SIPP panel. The 1984 and 1985 Panels of SIPP included the topical mod­ ule on child care and child support once in the course of each panel. Beginning in 1986 the topical modules of child care and child support were administered twice per panel, during the third and sixth wave. This provides the potential for longitudinal analysis of child care use or child support recipiency. In addi­ tion, because of the sample design of overlapping panels, the Wave 3 Topical Module of the more recent year's panel is administered in the same calendar months as Wave 6 Topical Module of the previous year's panel. This allows researchers to pool the information from both waves providing substantially larger samples. Table 1 lists the waves and calendar dates in which the child
Carbon Nanotubes in Electronics

Carbon nanotubes exhibit unique electronic properties, making them an interesting alternative in logic, memory and other nanodevice applications. An overview of growth and some of these applications is provided in this chapter. Possible near-term applications in interconnects, chip cooling and metrology in integrated circuit manufacturing are also discussed. Keywords: carbon nanotubes; nanoelectronics; interconnects; chip cooling; nanoprobe; nanodevice
Model-free probabilistic localization of wireless sensor network nodes in indoor environments

We present a technique that makes up a practical probabilistic approach for locating wireless sensor network devices using the commonly available signal strength measurements (RSSI). From the RSSI measurements between transmitters and receivers situated on a set of landmarks, we construct appropriate probabilistic descriptors associated with a device's position in the contiguous space using a pdf interpolation technique. We then develop a localization system that relies on these descriptors and the measurements made by a set of clusterheads positioned at some of the landmarks. The localization problem is formulated as a composite hypothesis testing problem. We develop the requisite theory, characterize the probability of error, and address the problem of optimally placing clusterheads. Experimental results show that our system achieves an accuracy equivalent to 95% < 5 meters and 87% < 3 meters.
Studies in human reproduction

Summary 1. The reported incidence of congenital malformations in the general population is influenced by a number of factors such as: (a) definition of congenital malformation; (b) source of the statistics; (c) who diagnoses the anomaly; (d) methods employed in arriving at diagnosis, i.e., inspection, x-ray, etc.; (e) maturity of fetus at the time that the diagnosis is made; (f) whether the infant is alive or dead when examined; (g) autopsy incidence. 2. The above factors, as well as the lack of comparability of the various reports in the literature, make it difficult to establish a malformation rate for the general population which would be satisfactory to all students of the subject. The same considerations make it equally difficult to ascertain the incidence of congenital anomalies in the infants of diabetic patients. The incidence of anomalies in the infants born to diabetic women is reported in the literature as ranging from none to 16 per cent, with an average rate of approximately 5.3 per cent. The frequency of defects in infants in the general population probably averages 2 to 3 per cent. 3. The infants of the diabetic women reported in the literature appear to have been observed more closely than those used as controls. This would probably lead to a higher reported incidence of malformations in the infants of diabetic mothers. 4. The mortality rate of infants of diabetic women is 3 to 5 times that of infants of nondiabetic women. The malformation rate in dead infants, of both diabetic and nondiabetic women, is 6 to 8 times higher than in living infants in the general population. Hence, the higher mortality rate in the offspring of diabetic women plays a role in explaining the high malformation rate in their children. 5. The high mortality rate of the infants of diabetic women is not due primarily to congenital anomalies. 6. When the above factors are taken into consideration, the reported high frequency of malformations in the offspring of diabetic women losses much of its significance. 7. No evidence could be found in the literature to indicate that congenital anomalies occur with unusual frequency in the offspring of diabetic men. 8. The incidence of congenital malformations was studied in 463 offspring of a series of 140 diabetic men. It did not differ significantly from that found in 350 infants of 154 nondiabetic men.
Treatment for Drug Abusing Offenders during Correctional Supervision: A Nationwide Overview.

ABSTRACT With the country's correctional institutions awash with drug offenders, the treatment of such persons during their period of custody is opportune, cost-effective and likely to be successful with the use of research-tested technologies for human change. This paper presents the overall scope of the problem; the relationship between drugs and crime; the history of treating drug-using−offenders including national efforts in the past decade; efforts afoot in the Federal Correctional Options Program and the Bureau of prisons; describes efforts in a number of states, and highlights important successful treatment results from California, Florida, Texas, New York, Oregon, and Delaware.
Superior mesenteric artery syndrome in acute traumatic quadriplegia: case reports and literature review.

Abstract Superior mesenteric artery syndrome is a condition in which the third portion of the duodenum is intermittently compressed by the overlying superior mesenteric artery, resulting in gastrointestinal obstruction. Predisposing factors include rapid weight loss, prolonged supine positioning, and using a spinal orthosis, all of which are common among acute traumatic quadriplegic patients. This paper presents three patients, aged 24, 16, and 20 years, with traumatic quadriplegia treated with supine positioning and cervical orthoses, who had postprandial nausea and emesis, bloating, and abdominal pain during rehabilitation. Upper gastrointestinal radiographic series demonstrated abrupt duodenal obstruction to barium flow in all three patients. Two of the patients had complete relief of symptoms with conservative management, and one required surgical duodenojejunostomy. Enhanced awareness of this condition may result in improved recognition of this disease as a cause of persistent, unexplained gastrointestinal disturbances in quadriplegic persons, thereby optimizing its treatment and reducing its potential morbidity.
Identifying Candidate Oocyte Reprogramming Factors Using Cross-Species Global Transcriptional Analysis

There is mounting evidence to suggest that the epigenetic reprogramming capacity of the oocyte is superior to that of the current factor-based reprogramming approaches and that some factor-reprogrammed induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) retain a degree of epigenetic memory that can influence differentiation capacity and may be linked to the observed expression of immunogenicity genes in iPSC derivatives. One hypothesis for this differential reprogramming capacity is the "chromatin loosening/enhanced reprogramming" concept, as previously described by John Gurdon and Ian Wilmut, as well as others, which postulates that the oocyte possesses factors that loosen the somatic cell chromatin structure, providing the epigenetic and transcriptional regulatory factors more ready access to repressed genes and thereby significantly increasing epigenetic reprogramming. However, to empirically test this hypothesis a list of candidate oocyte reprogramming factors (CORFs) must be ascertained that are significantly expressed in metaphase II oocytes. Previous studies have focused on intraspecies or cross-species transcriptional analysis of up to two different species of oocytes. In this study, we have identified eight CORFs (ARID2, ASF1A, ASF1B, DPPA3, ING3, MSL3, H1FOO, and KDM6B) based on unbiased global transcriptional analysis of oocytes from three different species (human, rhesus monkey, and mouse) that both demonstrate significant (p 3) expression in oocytes of all three species and have well-established roles in loosening/opening up chromatin structure. We also identified an additional 15 CORFs that fit within our proposed "chromatin opening/fate transformative" (COFT) model. These CORFs may be able to augment Shinya Yamanaka's previously identified reprogramming factors (OCT4, SOX2, KLF4, and cMYC) and potentially facilitate the removal of epigenetic memory in iPSCs and/or reduce the expression of immunogenicity genes in iPSC derivatives, and may have applications in future personalized pluripotent stem cell based therapeutics.
Is Rhus-living Eriosomatinae aphid in Turkey really a new species?

Seven alate females collected on Rhus sp. by Dr. Murat Aslan in Turkey are re-studied. Originally considered as an undescribed species, the specimens are determined as Baizongia pistaciae (L.). Misidentification of the host plant probably contributed to lead on the initial confusion. Morphological measurements and ratios of diagnostic characters for the alatae are provided.
Surgical Anatomy of the Deep Fascia of the Neck

With the advent of antibiotics and the ease of controlling infections, the practical importance of the deep cervical fascia has been considerably reduced. Nevertheless, the knowledge of the fascial layers and spaces is often helpful to the clinician in understanding certain disease processes in the neck.
Vegetation Zonation in a Neotropical Montane Forest: Environment, Disturbance and Ecotones

Gradual changes in vegetationstructure and composition are expected to result from continuous environmental change with increasing elevation on mountains. Hence, the occurrence of abrupt or discrete ecotones in vegetation patterns is intriguing and may suggest key controls on community assembly in montane forests. We review tropical montane forest (TMF) zonation patterns focusing on a case study from the Cordillera Central, Hispaniola where a striking discontinuity in forest composition occurs consistently at � 2000m elevation, with cloud forest below and monodominant pine forest above. We propose that a discontinuity in climatic factors (temperature, humidity) associated with the trade-wind inversion (TWI) is the primary cause of this and other ecotones in TMFs that occur at a generally consistent elevation. Low humidity, fires and occasional frost above the TWI favor pine over cloud forest species. Fires in the high-elevation pine forest have repeatedly burned down to the ecotone boundary and extinguished in the cloud forest owing to its low flammability, reinforced by high humidity, cloud immersion and epiphytic bryophyte cover. Small-scale fire patterns along the ecotone are influenced by topography and where forest structure is impacted by hurricanes and landslides. Analogous patterns are observed worldwide in other TMFs where the TWI is important, high-elevation fires are frequent, and the flora contains frost-tolerant species (often of temperate lineage). The response of this and other TMFs to anthropogenic climate change is highly uncertain owing to potentially countervailing effects of different climatic phenomena, including warming temperatures and decreased frost; changes in the TWI, high-elevation drought or cloudiness; and increased frequency or
Sclerosing osteomyelitis of the mandible and maxilla.

Abstract A review of the literature on sclerosing osteomyelitis of the mandible and maxilla has been presented, and the possible etiologies have been discussed. The histologic, radiologic, and clinical features are described. These features and the clinical management of the condition are illustrated by the five case reports presented.
Clinical Impact of Cytomegalovirus Infections of the Nervous System in Patients with AIDS

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) causes five distinct neurological syndromes in patients with AIDS: retinitis, myelitis/polyradiculopathy, encephalitis with dementia, ventriculoencephalitis, and mononeuritis multiplex. The clinical syndromes associated with CMV ventriculoencephalitis and diffuse encephalitis in patients with AIDS have only recently been clearly described despite the fact that multiple neuropathologic descriptions of CMV in the brain have been published over the past decade. Even more-subtle levels of cognitive impairment have been detected in patients with CMV retinitis who are also at increased risk of developing diffuse CMV encephalitis. Demonstration of CMV DNA in the CSF with use of the polymerase chain reaction may provide both a sensitive and specific method for diagnosis of these syndromes. The effectiveness of aggressive early treatment of CMV syndromes in the nervous system, with the exception of retinitis, is unclear and warrants formal trials.
Briefings: Mauritania\'s Political Development 1960-2003: Mirage Democracy, All Too Real Woes

French Resume Le 7 Novembre 2003, a moins d\'un improbable coup de tonnerre politique, la reelection de Ould Taya, l\'actuel president de la Mauritanie depuis 1984, est assuree pour un troisieme mandat de cinq ans. Dans ce context, pour comprendre la tentative de coup d\'etat sanglant des 8 et 9 Juin, 2003 qui a failli lui couter le pouvoir – et la vie, il convient de la situer and le context historique de l\'evolution politique de la Mauritanie depuis son accession a l\'independance en 1960. Celleci sera traumatisante et laborieuse du fait, notamment, des revendications Marocaines appuyees par le monde Arabe. Cette evolution politique peut etre suivie en se referant a quelques dates qui l\'ont particulierement marquee. La creation par le premier president Ould Daddah, du parti unique en 1961 pour combattre les forces centrifuges et forger l\'Etat-nation, les troubles raciaux de 1966, la guerre desastreuse pour le control Sahara Occidental en 1975, et bien sur l\'arrivee des militaires au pouvoir en 1978 sont de celles-la. L\'arrivee au pouvoir de Ould Taya avec le soutien de la France en 1984 en fut une date charniere. Ould Taya a preside a une deterioration sans precedant des tensions ethniques et raciales qui se sont accompagnees de massacres et de deportations, et autres abus des droits de humains entre 1986 et 1992, decevant les espoirs qu\'il avait suscites. Il fut contraint, sous la pression de boulversements internationaux de ‘democratiser\' le regime militaire en 1992 tout en prenant soin de controller tous les aspects du processus, pendant la ‘transition,\' en eludant notamment le ‘deficit humanitaire\'. Celui-ci continue a empoisonner la politique en Mauritanie et a force Ould taya a s\'appuyer de plus en plus sur le nationalisme Arabe, a raviver le tribalisme, le clientelisme, le regionalisme, et la repression politique comme instruments de government, ainsi qu\'a prendre des initiatives diplomatiques controversees. Dans ce context, le dernier coup d\'etat sanglant n\'est pas necessairement attribuable aux Islamistes, comme hâtivement presume, et ses motifs sont sans doute multiples. Mene exclusivement par des officiers et sous-officiers des tribus de l\'Est du pays, il semble etre une consequence previble, et peut-etre expiatoire, d\'un verrouillage politique illustre par la dissolution reccurente de partis d\'opposition et la vague d\'arrestations d\'opposants immediatement avant la tentative de putsch. Dans sa gestion de l\'apres-coup, (et dans l\'optique des prochaines presidentielles, notamment), les decisions et calculs du President Ould Taya dans le secteur de la securite, mais aussi les changements de personnel politique operes peuvent avoir des consequences aussi inattendues que risquees pour le systeme politique tout entier apres les elections. Democracy & Development Vol.4(1) 2004: 77-99
Modeling of surface tension and contact angles with smoothed particle hydrodynamics

A two-dimensional numerical model based on smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) was used to simulate unsaturated (multiphase) flow through fracture junctions. A combination of standard SPH equations with pairwise fluid-fluid and fluid-solid particle-particle interactions allowed surface tension and three-phase contact dynamics to be simulated. The model was validated by calculating the surface tension in four different ways: (i) from small-amplitude oscillations of fluid drops, (ii) from the dependence of the capillary pressure on drop radius, (iii) from capillary rise simulations, and (iv) from the behavior of a fluid drop confined between parallel walls under the influence of gravity. All four simulations led to consistent values for the surface tension. The dependence of receding and advancing contact angles on droplet velocity was studied. Incorporation of surface tension and fluid-solid interactions allowed unsaturated flow through fracture junctions to be realistically simulated, and the simulation results compare well with the laboratory experiments of Dragila and Weisbrod.
Nuclear structure calculations with density-dependent effective interactions

Abstract An investigation of density-dependent interactions, such as those of Vautherin and Brink, and Moszkowski and Ehlers, is carried out. The interactions are constrained to give the correct binding energies and mean square radii of closed-shell nuclei such as 16 O and 40 Ca. Such quantities as the single-particle energies, the effective charges for E0 and E2 transitions, the mean energies of electromagnetic collective states, and the low-lying states consisting of either two particles, two holes, or a particle-hole relative to a given closed shell are then considered. Harmonic oscillator wave functions are used, but radial self-consistency is satisfied. The prescription for handling density-dependent or three-body interactions to obtain bulk properties or to do shell model calculations is given. The rearrangement prescription for the interaction of two particles beyond a closed shell is the same as it is for the interaction of a particle and hole of the same closed shell. It is found that the J = 0 breathing mode state and the E0 effective charge are most affected by the density dependence. But this can be simulated by merely adding a monopole-monopole term to a density-independent interaction. The spin dependence of the interactions is also considered. In this respect the Vautherin-Brink interaction (II) has some desirable consequences for particle-hole calculations, i.e. the J = 0, T = 1 “Coulomb mixing state” is very high in energy. However, two identical particles in a J = 0 state have a repulsive interaction energy. This is precisely the opposite of the wellknown pairing property of nuclei. Unfortunately, if one attempts to modify the spin dependence to improve the particle-particle situation one makes the particle-hole situation worse. Evidently, additional components are required if we are to have a universal interaction.
Second-Order Analysis of Multistory Building Frames by Marching Technique

A computer algorithm, expressed in the BASIC language, is described to make the second order analysis of multistory building frames by marching technique. Material property has to be linear elastic, and deformation due to axial force is ignored. Two second-order effects are considered; they are the reduction of column stiffness due to the presence of axial force, and the inclusion of the overturning moment arising from the product of the column load and the sidesway. To minimize computer storage and running time, the marching technique is used wherein the global stiffness matrix is established one story at a time upon calling input data progressively downward beginning with the top story. Joint displacements of each story are expressed in terms of those of the story immediately below so that their values of the lowest story are obtained first. In this way, the largest inversion is of the size of the degree of freedom at any one story level. One file is used to store the intermediate information so that the joint displacements of each story, along with the moments at ends of all beams and columns in that story, may be computed progressively upward beginning with the lowest story.
Ultrasonic Sensors for Health Monitoring of Pressure Vessels: A Survey

Ageing pressure vessels are potentially dangerous in that when not properly monitored they can lead to catastrophic failure. This report surveys some novel sensor techniques for monitoring the health of gas pressure vessels. They emphasize non-invasive techniques such as provided by ultrasonic inspection. They range from acoustic emission, to resonance acoustic gas pressure measurement, to crack imaging by acoustic microscopy, to ultrasonic position indication.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Expected returns on value, growth, and HML

Abstract In this paper, I analyze the predictability of returns on value and growth portfolios and examine time variation of the expected value premium. As a primary tool, I use the filtering technique, which accounts for time variation in expected cash flows and explicitly exploits the constraints imposed by the present value relation. I demonstrate that returns on value and growth portfolios are predictable, and the predictability is stronger for growth stocks. Applying the filtering technique to the HML portfolio, I build a novel powerful forecaster for the value premium. The new forecaster appears to be only weakly related to business cycle variables.
The Treatment of Desquamative Gingival Lesions

The treatment of desquamative gingival lesions is dependent on the correct diagnosis of the underlying disease, which is frequently dermatologic. This is determined by clinical observations, as well as by histologic and immunologic examination of gingival biopsy specimens. The recommended treatment of desquamative lesions caused by lichen planus, cicatricial pemphigoid (benign mucous membrane pemphigoid), pemphigus, and psoriasis, the most common dermatoses causing gingival lesions, is summarized on the basis of 62 cases and reports in the literature.
Investigation of longitudinal vascular changes in control and chemotherapy‐treated tumors to serve as therapeutic efficacy predictors

The impact of chemotherapy on longitudinal vascular changes taking place during the growth of an animal tumor, R3230 AC adenocarcinoma, was investigated. Two contrast agents of different molecular weights, gadolinium-diethylene-triamine-pentaacetic acid (Gd-DTPA; < 1 kD) and gadomer-17 (35 kD), were used in the dynamic imaging studies. Enhancement kinetics were analyzed by a pharmacokinetic model to derive parameters related to vascular volume and permeability on a pixel-by-pixel basis. Responders and non-responders were separated according to tumor size 10 days after the therapy. Changes in the vascular volume measured by gadomer-17 at 4 days after therapy revealed a clear distinction between the controls and the responders/non-responders. Mean vascular volume decreased by 42% in responders but was not significantly changed in the controls. The one non-responder had increased vascular volume after chemotherapy. Enhancement kinetics of gadomer-17 detected the changes earlier and with greater sensitivity than Gd-DTPA. In the control group, vascular permeability determined by gadomer-17 correlated with the longitudinal growth rates of tumors, suggesting that vascular permeability assessed by gadomer-17 could potentially serve as an indicator of aggressive tumor growth.
Transient response of impulse voltage dividers

With modern test instruments it is possible to measure the transient response of an impulse-voltage-divider system directly and with good accuracy. The response to a step function, a wave which rises to its steady-state amplitude instantaneously, is particularly easy to determine. This is fortunate since a good approach to understanding the transient response of a complicated system is through study of the step response. The purpose of this paper is threefold: to explain the significance of the step response, to relate the step response to the over-all transient response of the system, and to relate the crest accuracy and step response of a divider system by means of simple accuracy curves. Certain methods which may sometimes be used to improve the response of practical impulse voltage dividers will also be discussed.
The release of parathyroid hormone and the exocytosis of a proteoglycan are modulated by extracellular Ca2+ in a similar manner.

Abstract Secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH) is regulated in part by a classical "stimulus-secretion" pathway responsive to catecholamines. The primary physiological modulator of PTH exocytosis in parathyroid cells, however, is extracellular free Ca2+. Ca(2+)-modulated PTH release exhibits several characteristics suggestive of constitutive secretion. The aim of this work was to obtain further information about the possible intracellular origins of Ca(2+)-modulated exocytosis in parathyroid cells. Freshly dissociated bovine parathyroid cells labeled with [35S]sulfate synthesized a soluble chondroitin/dermatan sulfate proteoglycan (M(r) approximately 90-150 K) that was secreted into the medium. The export of [35S]sulfated proteoglycan satisfied several criteria that generally define constitutive release: 1) export is detected in the medium shortly (7-15 min) after a 5-min pulse, 2) there is minimal intracellular storage after equilibrium labeling (because of combined processes of rapid release and intracellular degradation), and 3) there is insensitivity to stimulation with isoproterenol, a known secretagogue in parathyroid cells. Nevertheless, the increase in extracellular Ca2+ from 0.5 to 2.0 mM reduced the export of the [35S]sulfated proteoglycan from 60% of total labeled to 30%. In addition, a secreted pool of immunoreactive PTH and [35S]sulfated proteoglycan was modulated by external Ca2+ to the same degree and sensitivity, although isoproterenol was more effective in stimulating the release of PTH than that of proteoglycan. Together, our experimental results show that in the parathyroid cell extracellular Ca2+ modulates negatively the export of both PTH and proteoglycan, a putative marker for constitutive secretion. We further suggest that a portion of newly synthesized PTH also enters this pathway, whereas another portion proceeds to an isoproterenol-releasable compartment from which the proteoglycan is largely excluded.
Stimulus luminance and dichoptic pattern masking.

Abstract The effect of stimulus luminance on dichoptic pattern masking was tested using a backward masking paradigm. Nine subjects were selected from a group of 24 (potential subjects) such that each yielded approximately equal masking results with the target stimulus in either eye. Changes in target and mask luminance produced results similar to changing interstimulus interval—the greater the luminance of the stimulus, the sooner its effect occurred. Since other studies of dichoptic pattern masking have found no effect of stimulus luminance, it is suggested that only subjects who show approximately equal masking effect with the target in either eye be included in future studies.
Molluscan immunity: induction of elevated immunity in the land snail (Helix) by injections of bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa).

In contrast to most other phyla, molluscs have rather limited capabilities of inducing elevated immune responses; they possess an effective innate internal defense system. The land snail Helix can overcome injections of Pseudomonas aeruginosa at doses 30d. Doses of <107 g−1 are not protective. Heat-killed bacteria allow snails to prolong survival after 108 vc g−1, but not to overcome that dose. Of various immunogens tried, P. aeruginosa provided the only effective vaccine.
Hydrogen activation by biomimetic [NiFe]-hydrogenase model containing protected cyanide cofactors.

Described are experiments demonstrating incorporation of cyanide cofactors and hydride substrate into [NiFe]-hydrogenase (H2ase) active site models. Complexes of the type (CO)2(CN)2Fe(pdt)Ni(dxpe) (dxpe = dppe, 1; dxpe = dcpe, 2) bind the Lewis acid B(C6F5)3 (BArF3) to give the adducts (CO)2(CNBArF3)2Fe(pdt)Ni(dxpe), (1(BArF3)2, 2(BArF3)2). Upon decarbonylation using amine oxides, these adducts react with H2 to give hydrido derivatives [(CO)(CNBArF3)2Fe(H)(pdt)Ni(dxpe)]− (dxpe = dppe, [H3(BArF3)2]−; dxpe = dcpe, [H4(BArF3)2]−). Crystallographic analysis shows that Et4N[H3(BArF3)2] generally resembles the active site of the enzyme in the reduced, hydride-containing states (Ni–C/R). The Fe–H···Ni center is unsymmetrical with rFe–H = 1.51(3) A and rNi–H = 1.71(3) A. Both crystallographic and 19F NMR analyses show that the CNBArF3– ligands occupy basal and apical sites. Unlike cationic Ni–Fe hydrides, [H3(BArF3)2]− and [H4(BArF3)2]− oxidize at mild potentials, near the Fc+/0 couple. Electrochemical measuremen...
Using a Community-Based Participatory Research Approach to Develop a Faith-Based Obesity Intervention for African American Children:

Childhood obesity is a major epidemic, with African American (AA) children aged 6 to 11 years experiencing increased burden. The AA faith community has numerous assets that point to the need for the intersection of faith and health to address obesity-related racial disparities. The purpose of the Our Bodies, God's Temples (OBGT) study was to examine diet, physical activity, and body image behaviors among AA children aged 6 to 11 years; receptivity to a faith-based obesity intervention among AA children, parents, and church leaders; and strengths and barriers of implementing a faith-based obesity curriculum in the Sunday school setting. A community-based participatory research approach was used to develop an obesity intervention to be integrated into the church Sunday school setting for AA children. A Community Advisory Network worked with researchers to develop a 12-week culturally appropriate faith-based obesity intervention. Future work will test the effectiveness of the newly created curriculum on obesity-related outcomes in AA children.
Transport in Haroldfrostland: A Metaphor for Fluid Movement to and through Basic Multicellular Units

In 1963, Harold Frost published his basic multicellular unit (BMU) model in which osteoblasts and osteoclasts were viewed as partners in remodeling, linked both in time and space1. The model has become known as the “Utah paradigm.”2 According to the paradigm, bone cells are coordinated within osteons at the anatomical BMU site. The traditional mechanism linking mechanical stress with BMU activities is the so-called “Wolff's Law.”3 Although not fitting scientific guidelines which define a true law4, this purely solid mechanical concept is still accepted as valid by some members of the orthopaedic community5. The questions (1) How do the messages by which bone cells communicate travel; and (2) How is mechanical stress transmitted? were not answered by “Wolff's Law.” Question 1 was left to diffusion6. Question 2 was answered by non-specific piezoelectric models7. In 1970, Anderson and Eriksson7 pushed the first pin nail into the balloon that was Wolff's Law, and, in 1977, Piekarski and Munro6 drove in the nail that punctured it. Fluid flow, not cell-stretching, was the mechanical stimulus to which bone cell receptors responded in vivo. The amount of stretching required to stimulate bone cells did not occur in vivo without resulting in fracture. Hillsley and Frangos subsequently showed that the specific activating stimulus was fluid shear stress at the cell surface8. As a bonus, this bone interstitial fluid flow (BIFF) mechanism provided transport enhancement for molecules that serve as messengers and nutrients within the BMU. This review will attempt to bring together the Utah and BIFF paradigms in a concept that honors the memory of Dr. Frost. It describes a viewpoint of how solutes that are moved by solvent drag are transported in cortical bone. To make the concept vivid …
Expression of a dominant negative IκB-α modulates hypersensitivity of ataxia telangiectasia fibroblasts to streptonigrin-induced apoptosis

Ataxia telangiectasia (AT) cells exhibit greater levels of apoptosis than normal fibroblasts following exposure to X-rays or radiomimetic drugs. In this study, we investigated apoptosis in AT cells whose radiation sensitivity has been altered by transfection with a cDNA expressing truncated I kappa B-alpha (delta I kappa B-alpha). delta I kappa B-alpha functions as a dominant negative regulatory protein of NF-kappa B. The transfected cells (ATCL11) were compared to parental cells after treatment with the radiomimetic drug streptonigrin. ATCL11 cells exposed to streptonigrin demonstrated less apoptosis (approximately 2%) at 24 hr than did parental AT cells (approximately 24%). These data indicate that the mechanisms underlying apoptosis induction by streptonigrin are modulated by regulation of NF-kappa B.
The role of reading strategies in integrated L2 writing tasks

Abstract Integrated second-language writing tasks elicit writing performances that involve other abilities such as reading or listening. Thus, understanding the role of these other abilities is necessary for interpreting performance on such tasks. This study used an inductive analysis of think-aloud protocol data and interviews to uncover the reading strategies of 12 non-native English writers who completed an integrated reading-writing task. Strategy frequency was considered overall, during composing, and across writers. Word-level strategies were most common along with global and mining strategies. Higher scoring writers used more mining and global strategies, while lower scoring writers showed similar frequency in overall strategy use but differences in choice of strategy. These results suggest that reading plays a role in the process and performance of integrated writing tasks, an important consideration when using such tasks for learning or assessment.
Seeking activity: on the trail of users in open and community source frameworks

Usage data captured and logged by computers has long been an essential source of information for software developers, support services personnel, usability designers, and learning researchers [1, 2]. Whether from mainframes, file servers, network devices, or workstations, the user event data logged in its many forms has served as an essential source of information for those who need to improve software, analyze problems, monitor security, track workflow, report on resource usage, evaluate learning activities etc. With today's generation of open and community source web-based frameworks, however, new challenges arise as to how, where, and when user activity gets captured and analyzed. These frameworks' flexibility in allowing easy integration of different applications, presentation technologies, middleware, and data sources has side effects on usage data: fragmented logs in a wide range of formats often bestrewn across many locations. This paper focuses on common issues faced especially by academic computing support personnel who need to gather and analyze user activity information within heterogeneous, distributed open source web frameworks like Sakai and uPortal. As described in this paper, these kinds of challenges can be met by drawing upon techniques for coordinated distributed event monitoring along with some basic data mining and data visualization approaches. In particular, this paper describes a work-in-progress to develop an approach towards building a distributed capture and analysis systems for a large production deployment of the Sakai Collaboration and Learning Environment in order to meet a wide range of tracking, monitoring, and reporting log analysis in one university setting.
Influence of daylength and temperature on diagnosis of immunity from virus X in potato

Virus X-infected scions of Green Mountain grafted to stocks of S 41956 (virus-X-immune) when held under an 8-hour day at 65° to 70° F. formed aerial tubers more consistently than when held under 12- and 16-hour day lengths at this temperature range. Similarly grafted plants held at 70° to 75° F. under a 12-hour daylength wilted rapidly and died. Aerial tubers did not form and wilting did not occur when scions of S 41956 were grafted to stocks of Green Mountain and subjected to the conditions described. Under an 8-hour day and at the lower temperatures, the strain of virus X which Green Mountain scions were carrying when grafted to immune stocks, had no effect on formation of the aerial tubers.
The negative images of blacks in some medieval Iranian writings

In 1961, in my last year of high school in Tehran, I wrote two emotional poems inspired by current black liberation movements in Africa and America. Like most Iranians, I did not suspect that the Middle East was as guilty of racism against blacks as Europe and America were. Ironically, it was in New York, in the late '60s, that I came across medieval Iranian sources showing racism against blacks. I decided then to do a paper on the subject, but resisted the project for a decade. In November 1979, when Khomeini ordered the release of all blacks among the American hostages "because [blacks] are oppressed by American society" (The New York Times, November 19, 1979, A:12), I was finally prompted to undertake tne present study, to set the record straight.