cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Heuristic networks for space exploration

Abstract This paper reports new results from the development of Linguistic Geometry. This formal theory is intended to discover the inner properties of human expert heuristics, which have been successful in a certain class of complex control systems, and apply them to different systems. Linguistic Geometry relies on the formalization of search heuristics of high-skilled human experts, which allow for the decomposition of a complex system into a hierarchy of subsystems, and thus solve intractable problems by reducing the search. Currently, we investigate heuristics extracted in the form of hierarchical networks of paths. Employing Linguistic Geometry tools, the dynamic hierarchy of networks is represented as a hierarchy of formal attribute languages. This paper includes a formal survey of a Linguistic Geometry, and a new example of a solution of optimization problems for space robotic vehicles. This example includes the actual generation of the hierarchy of languages, with some details of trajectory generation, and it demonstrates the dramatic reduction of search in comparison with conventional search algorithms.
Immobilization of Heavy Metal Ions (CuII, CdII, NiII, and PbII) by Broiler Litter-Derived Biochars in Water and Soil

Chars, a form of environmental black carbon resulting from incomplete burning of biomass, can immobilize organic contaminants by both surface adsorption and partitioning mechanisms. The predominance of each sorption mechanism depends upon the proportion of organic to carbonized fractions comprising the sorbent. Information is currently lacking in the effectiveness of char amendment for heavy metal immobilization in contaminated (e.g., urban and arms range) soils where several metal contaminants coexist. The present study employed sorbents of a common biomass origin (broiler litter manure) that underwent various degrees of carbonization (chars formed by pyrolysis at 350 and 700 degrees C and steam-activated analogues) for heavy metal (Cd(II), Cu(II), Ni(II), and Pb(II)) immobilization in water and soil. ATR-FTIR, (1)H NMR, and Boehm titration results suggested that higher pyrolysis temperature and activation lead to the disappearance (e.g., aliphatic -CH(2) and -CH(3)) and the formation (e.g., C-O) of certain surface functional groups, portions of which are leachable. Both in water and in soil, pH increase by the addition of basic char enhanced the immobilization of heavy metals. Heavy metal immobilization resulted in nonstoichiometric release of protons, that is, several orders of magnitude greater total metal concentration immobilized than protons released. The results suggest that with higher carbonized fractions and loading of chars, heavy metal immobilization by cation exchange becomes increasingly outweighed by other controlling factors such as the coordination by pi electrons (C=C) of carbon and precipitation.
Delivery Room Continuous Positive Airway Pressure/Positive End-Expiratory Pressure in Extremely Low Birth Weight Infants: A Feasibility Trial

Objective. Although earlier studies have suggested that early continuous airway positive pressure (CPAP) may be beneficial in reducing ventilator dependence and subsequent chronic lung disease in the extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infant, the time of initiation of CPAP has varied, and there are no prospective studies of infants who have received CPAP or positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) from initial resuscitation in the delivery room (DR). Current practice for the ELBW infant includes early intubation and the administration of prophylactic surfactant, often in the DR. The feasibility of initiating CPAP in the DR and continuing this therapy without intubation for surfactant has never been determined prospectively in a population of ELBW infants. This study was designed to determine the feasibility of randomizing ELBW infants of Methods. Infants who were of 0.3 with an oxygen saturation by pulse oximeter of 55 mm Hg, or apnea requiring bag and mask ventilation. Results. A total of 104 infants were enrolled over a 6-month period: 55 CPAP and 49 control infants. No infant was intubated in the DR for the exclusive purpose of surfactant administration. Forty-seven infants were intubated for resuscitation in the DR: 27 of 55 CPAP infants and 20 of 49 control infants. Only 4 of the 43 infants who had a birth weight of Conclusions. This study demonstrated that infants could be randomized successfully to a DR intervention of CPAP/PEEP compared with no CPAP/PEEP, with intubation provided only for resuscitation indications, and subsequent intubation for prespecified criteria. Forty-five percent (47 of 104) of infants
An evidence-based national quality measurement and reporting system.

Background Evidence-based medicine and evidence-based guidelines are widely supported among physicians and other health professionals, although practice may still fall far short of the ideas contained in the concept. Insufficient attention has been given to using the concepts of evidence-based practice in the selection of measures, diffusion of innovations, and adoption of quality improvement (QI) techniques. Objectives To describe in greater detail how evidence serves as a foundation for a national quality measurement and reporting system (NQMRS) and to consider the different types of evidence that will be used. The role of the NQMRS in adding to the evidence base is explored. Research design A descriptive, conceptual discussion. Results Many different types of evidence are available for use in the NQMRS. The NQMRS could add substantial new evidence on how well different approaches to quality measurement, reporting, and improvement work and also expand the evidence base on the effectiveness of clinical interventions for which efficacy has been established. Conclusions An evidence-based NQMRS will require substantial leadership from government and private entities. The gains from a greater focus on evidence are expected to be found in accelerating QI. Reliance on evidence-based approaches should not be used to stifle innovation.
Nursing Peer Review: Developing a Framework for Patient Safety

Patient safety is of great concern to healthcare leaders and is a top priority in all healthcare organizations. It is essential to promote an organizational commitment that values a culture of safety through reporting of medical error and analysis of untoward events. Nursing peer review facilitates the establishment of a culture of safety, as it seeks to analyze medical errors and eliminate the reoccurrence of untoward events.
Response of Strawberries to Preplant Sulfur Fertilization in Sandy Soils

The response of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) to different rates of preplant sulfur (S) fertilization was assessed in two studies in Florida. The preplant S rates were 0, 25, 50, 125, 200, and 275 lb/acre and elemental S was used as the nutrient source. Preplant S application did not affect plant canopy diameters or shoot dry biomass. However, leaf greenness increased with preplant S. The foliar concentrations of S and magnesium (Mg) also increased when the S rate reached 50 lb/acre, whereas the application of S rates of 125 lb/acre or higher increased the concentration of manganese (Mn) in the leaves. Total marketable fruit weight increased by 10% with 50 lb/acre of S in comparison with the non-treated control. There were no further yield increases with S rates higher than 50 lb/acre. Preplant S rates higher than 50 lb/acre did not improve strawberry marketable fruit weight. A similar response was found for strawberry root dry biomass at the end of the season.
Wildlife contact rates at artificial feeding sites in Texas.

Given the popularity of feeding white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in Texas and the increasing amount of corn that is distributed, more information is needed on the impacts of this activity on non-target wildlife. Our objectives were to report visitation, intra- and interspecific contact, and contact rates of wildlife at artificial feeding sites in Texas. Our study was conducted at three sites in Kleberg and Nueces counties, Texas. We trapped animals from February to April and August to September, 2009 and marked animals with passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags. At each site and season, we placed one feeder system containing a PIT tag reader within 600 m of trap locations. Readers detected PIT tags from a distance of 25 cm. We determined a contact event to occur when two different PIT tags were detected by feeder systems within 5 s. We recorded 62,719 passes by raccoons (Procyon lotor), 103,512 passes by collared peccaries (Pecari tajacu), 2,923 passes by feral swine (Sus scrofa), 1,336 passes by fox squirrels (Sciurus niger), and no passes by opossums (Didelphis virginiana) at feeder systems. For site–season combinations in which contact events occurred, we found intraspecific contact rates (contacts per day) for raccoons, collared peccaries, and feral swine to be 0.81–124.77, 0.69–38.08, and 0.0–0.66, respectively. Throughout our study we distributed ~2,625 kg of whole kernel corn, which resulted in 6,351 contact events between marked wildlife (2.4 contacts per kg of corn). If 136 million kg of corn is distributed in Texas annually, we would expect >5.2 billion unnatural contact events between wildlife would result from this activity each year in Texas. Consequently, we do not believe that it is wise for natural resource managers to maintain artificial feeding sites for white-tailed deer or other wildlife due to pathogen transmission risks.
Polytypoid structure of Pb-modified Bi-Ca-Sr-Cu-O superconductor.

Pb addition has been found to improve the superconducting properties of a Bi-Ca-Sr-Cu-O superconductor. We report zero resistance at 104 K in a ${\mathrm{Bi}}_{1.4}{\mathrm{Pb}}_{0.6}{\mathrm{Ca}}_{2}{\mathrm{Sr}}_{2}{\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}{\mathrm{O}}_{y}$ alloy with no steps in the resistivity. Pb replaces Bi in the unit cell, as determined by x-ray microanalysis. The superconducting phase has the same structure as the alloy without lead, with the $c$ parameter uniformly 38.2 \AA{}. The Cu+Ca content of these regions has also been found to be higher than in the undoped sample, indicating that the periodicity is determined by the composition leading to polytypoids. Such polytypoid structures appear to correlate well with the critical temperatures.
Genetic Analyses Provide Insight into the Early Ocean Stock Distribution and Survival of Juvenile Coho Salmon off the Coasts of Washington and Oregon

Abstract Estimating the stock proportions of mixed-stock fishery samples by means of genetic stock identification has played an important role in the management of salmon fisheries. In addition, stock identification of individual fish has applications for population studies, forensic cases, and management issues. We examined 11 microsatellite DNA loci in 84 populations of coho salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch sampled at 78 locations from southern British Columbia to northern California to construct a database of microsatellite allele frequencies. We then evaluated the applicability of the database for estimating stock proportions in a mixed fishery and assigning individuals to their regions of origin. The loci were highly polymorphic: observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.754 to 0.943. Using genetic distance calculations, we identified six major geographic regions and 15 smaller subregions into which the populations grouped. Computer simulations and a sample of 143 coho salmon with known origins showed that th...
Theory of plastic instability in thin-wall tubes

Abstract The conditions for plastic instability in thin-wall tubes are described in terms of stress, strain and strainrate. For rate-sensitive testing, the onset of plastic instability occurs when the strain and strain rates in the tangential ( e gq , ϵ gq ) and axial ( e z , ϵ z ) directions sa (∂ ϵ gq + ∂ ϵ z ) (∂e gq + ∂e z ) = ϵ z . A comparison is then made with another proposed instability condition which is based on the assumption that instability occurs when dp = 0. This assumption is then shown to be invalid. Tensile instability criterion similar to those previously derived by Hart are also developed in a manner which allows comparison with the thin-wall development.
Differential Effects of Small and Large Molecular Weight Wine Phytochemicals on Endothelial Cell Eicosanoid Release

Yearly, thousands of plant extracts are screened for biochemical effects in vitro, often with little regard to the medium used or the presence of unabsorbable large molecular weight chemicals. Here, dealcoholized red wine was separated by ultrafiltration, and each fraction was investigated for effects on endothelial cell eicosanoid release. Following a 20 min incubation with cells, medium containing either 0.6% whole red wine or the large components of 0.6% red wine had more 6-ketoprostaglandin F1-α and thromboxane B2 than control medium. Sample medium containing only the small components of 0.6% red wine had increased 6-ketoprostaglandin F1-α. The small red wine components were more effective in plasma and in whole blood than in culture medium. Therefore, we conclude that the potential for differential effects of medium type and small and large extract components should be considered in the design or interpretation of data from investigations into biological effects of plant extracts. Keywords: Ultrafilt...
Are maternal depression or symptom severity associated with breastfeeding intention or outcomes

Objective Breastfeeding confers many health benefits to mothers and infants, while depression negatively affects mothers and infants. The aims of this study were to determine relationships between (1) major depressive disorder (MDD) and depressive symptom severity during pregnancy and breastfeeding intention; (2) MDD and depressive symptom severity during pregnancy and breastfeeding initiation and status at 2 and 12 weeks; and (3) serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SRI) use and breastfeeding intention, initiation, and status at 2 and 12 weeks. Method Women were followed prospectively from pregnancy through 12 weeks postpartum for infant feeding intention (breast, breast and formula, formula, and uncertain), feeding practices and MDD (Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Disorders), and depressive symptom severity (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale). Bivariate analyses and multivariable regression modeling were conducted. The study was conducted from July 2004 to September 2007. Results Study participants (intention n = 168, initiation n = 151, 2 weeks n = 137, 12 weeks n=103) were well educated (63% college degrees), older (49% ≥ or = 31 years), and predominantly white (77%). At enrollment, 23% had MDD, 21% had significant depressive symptoms, and 16% were taking an SRI. Neither MDD nor depressive symptom severity in pregnancy was related to breastfeeding intention, initiation or duration at 2 and 12 weeks. Intention to exclusively breastfeed was the most significant predictor of breastfeeding initiation and duration. SRI use in pregnancy was negatively associated with breastfeeding intention. SRI use at 2 weeks was negatively associated with 12-week breastfeeding status. Conclusion Pregnancy is the optimal time to intervene to increase breastfeeding rates. Future research should identify strategies to overcome breastfeeding barriers posed by SRI use.
Preparing Students for Culturally Competent Practice Among Ethnic Minority Elders

The increase in the nation's present and projected multicultural aged population is both dramatic and well documented. One result of this growth is a sharpened focus on racial and ethnic disparities in health, health care access, and utilization of services that impact aging adults. This paper presents work conducted by a university-community collaborative project in gerontology. The thrust of the project is that cultural competency is a key ingredient for preparing social work students for work with ethnic minority elders and for potentially improving services to older minority populations. A brief description of the project is presented with highlights of the standards of cultural competencies that were developed for three specific populations: Japanese, Filipino, and Native Hawaiians. In general, standards organized around knowledge, values and skills consistently reflect the importance of the family system in caring for older adults.
How I was led to the frequency approach

Probably the first necessary step in adopting the frequency approach to numerical analysis is to realize that there are serious defects in the polynomial approach. I will give a few examples of these, more or less in the order that they came to my attention. In 1945 while in the computer group at Los Alamos I discovered that the classical Simpson’s iterated formula for numerical integration makes no statistical sense. If you think of the integration of a function y (1~) from 0 to 1 as computing the average value of the function in that interval, then the iterated formula is
Determination of interfacial properties of thermal barrier coatings by shear test and inverse finite element method

Determination of interfacial properties of thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) is very important for designing and evaluating the durability of TBCs. A new method combining a simple shear test and an inverse finite element analysis was developed and applied to measure the interfacial properties of two flame-sprayed yttria-stabilized zirconia TBCs. Nanoindentation testing was performed to determine the mechanical properties of different materials of the TBC systems. Variation of the lateral force during the shear test was recorded and analyzed to obtain the nominal ultimate shear strength of TBCs. The interfacial properties, namely fracture energy and stress intensity factor (mode II), of different TBC systems under both as-deposited and heat-treated conditions were determined through inverse finite element analysis.
Optical and electronic design for a field prototype of a laser-based vehicle delineation detection system

A field prototype of a laser-based non-intrusive vehicle detection system has been developed for the measurement of delineations of moving vehicles on the highway. This prototype is based on our previous research on the principle of the measurement. The detection system uses two laser lines that are projected onto the ground as probes. The reflected light is collected and focused onto a photodiode array by an optical system. Vehicle presence is detected based on the absence of reflected laser light. By placing two identical laser/sensor pairs at a known distance apart, the speed of both the front and rear of a vehicle can be calculated based on the times when each sensor is triggered. The detector data are acquired and processed by a real-time system to obtain speed, acceleration, and length of a detected vehicle. The travel time of a vehicle can be acquired by detecting a vehicle at the beginning of a link and re-identifying the same vehicle at the end of the link. Several tests have been done with the field prototype system on the highway. The testing results show that the system can obtain the accuracy of measurement necessary to distinguish between moving vehicles on the highway. This article describes the design and implementation of each functional component of an advanced version of the field prototype system.
"PSYCHOLOGICAL MOMENTUM": A PHENOMENON AND AN EMPIRICAL (UNOBTRUSIVE) VALIDATION OF ITS INFLUENCE IN A COMPETITIVE SPORT TOURNAMENT

This field study reports the first attempt to define theoretically a phenomenon called “psychological momentum” and empirically to demonstrate its influence. Psychological momentum was defined as an added or gained psychological power which changes interpersonal perceptions and influences an individual's mental and physical performance. Based upon this theoretical premise, it was hypothesized that, when two persons compete against each other, the competitor who has psychological momentum is more likely to win. On the other hand, if neither competitor has psychological momentum the probability of winning is equal for both. Archival data used in testing this hypothesis were obtained from a competitive sports tournament. The results strongly supported the hypothesis. It was also found that the over-all positive effect of psychological momentum was greater for male than female competitors. This effect, however, seemed to be mediated by the amount of competitors' experience. That is, the influence decreased as...
New horizons in semimetal alloys

A small number of free carriers, a small cyclotron mass, a very high mobility at superconducting temperatures?these are among the properties that make bismuth, along with its alloys, the subject of intensive research efforts. The ``cleanness'' of these materials, for example, makes them ideal for new kinds of plasma experiments in solids. Results so far could be described as intriguing to the scientist and promising to the engineer.
An Ecological Basis for Managing Giant Sequoia Ecosystems

A strategy for management of giant sequoia groves is formulated using a conceptual framework for ecosystem management recently developed by Region Five of the USDA Forest Service. The framework includes physical, biological, and social dimensions. Environmental indicators and reference variability for key ecosystem elements are discussed in this paper. The selected ecosystem elements include: 1) attitudes, beliefs, and values; 2) economics and subsistence; 3) stream channel morphology; 4) sediment; 5) water; 6) fire; 7) organic debris; and 8) vegetation mosaic. Recommendations are made for the attributes of environmental indicators that characterize these elements. These elements and associated indicators will define and control management activities for the protection, preservation, and restoration of national forest giant sequoia ecosystems.
Analysis of trawl selectivity studies (addendum): implementation in SAS

Abstract The SAS code herein is presented as an addendum to Millar and Walsh (1992, Fish. Res., 13: 205–220) in which a version of the SELECT (Share Each LEngth's Catch Total) model was developed for analysis of selectivity data from trouser trawl or alternate haul studies. To be more useful to selectivity researchers, the logistic selection curve is parametrized here in terms of l50 (length of 50% retention) and SR (selection range, l75–l25), rather than by the usual mathematical parameters of the logistic curve.
VALUES DUALISM AND SOCIAL POLICY AFFECTING THE ELDERLY

The impact of American values on social policy for and affecting older people is a little explored and complex area. A conceptual framework is developed which reveals the dual and often contradictory nature of the American value system. This framework sets forth the interrelationships of fundamental value-laden issues such as adequacy/equity, work/leisure and religious/secular.
Developmental capacity of bovine cumulus oocyte complexes after transcriptional inhibition of germinal vesicle breakdown.

Abstract Oocytes cultured in the presence of FSH and the transcriptional inhibitor, 5,6-dichloro-1-β- d -ribofuranosylbenzimidazole (DRB), remain in meiotic arrest at the germinal vesicle (GV) stage. The objectives of this study were to assess the kinetics of maturation and the developmental capacity of bovine cumulus oocyte complexes (COC) following release from prolonged meiotic arrest by DRB. In Experiment I, COC were cultured for 20 h in Tissue culture medium (TCM)-199 supplemented with 10% estrus cow serum (ECS), 5 μg/ml FSH and 1 μg/ml estradiol in the presence of 120 μM DRB. COC were then released from meiotic arrest and cultured for 20 h in DRB-free medium. Control COC were cultured for 20 h in DRB-free medium, with culture initiated concomitant to the release of DRB-treated COC from meiotic arrest. Nuclear maturation was assessed after 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 h of culture in DRB-free medium. The proportion of DRB-arrested oocytes reaching metaphase II (MII) following 20 h culture in DRB-free medium was not significantly different from controls (96±4% versus 99±4%). In Experiment II, COC were cultured for 20 h in TCM-199 supplemented with 10% ECS, 10 μg/ml LH, 5 μg/ml FSH, and 1 μg/ml estradiol in the presence or absence of 120 μM DRB. COC in the DRB-treated group were then washed and matured coincident with a second group of control COC for 20 h in DRB-free medium. COC in both groups were fertilized and then randomly assigned to one of two culture systems: TCM-199+10%ECS or mSOF+0.6% fatty acid-free BSA. Development was assessed at 72 h post insemination (hpi), 168 hpi (Day 7) and 216 hpi (Day 9). In this experiment, culture with DRB-arrested oocyte maturation at the GV stage (DRB, 85±3% GV; Control, 2±3% GV; P P P P
Being and Becoming: A Field Approach to Psychology

Dr. Combs updates his groundbreaking Field Theory of personality. This model grows out of Carl Rogers' ideas on client-centered therapy and has long been a major influence on theories of psychotherapy and personality within the humanistic and phenomonlogical traditions. Here Dr. Combs ties field psychology to the paradigm shifts in biophysical sciences, and so provides a unifying frame of reference for all branches of psychology. His concise approach to the topic makes this book of practical interest to students, clinical psychologists and counselors, as well as academics teaching upper-level or graduate courses in personality and on therapeutic techniques.
Likelihood Function of Stationary Multiple Autoregressive Moving Average Models

Abstract Procedures to estimate parameters in multivariate autoregressive moving average (ARMA) models are developed. Gaussian errors are assumed. Exact maximum likelihood estimation procedures are developed for pure moving average models. Approximate procedures are obtained to estimate stationary mixed ARMA models. Properties of the estimates and an example are given.
Effect of isoelectric point on biodistribution and inflammation imaging with indium-111-labelled IgG

Electrostatic effects play an important role in protein interactions and may alter the biodistribution of antibodies. To study the effect of molecular charge of the biodistribution and infection imaging properties of human polyclonal immunoglobulin G (IgG), its isoelectric point was varied by changing the level of diethylene triamine penta-acetic acid (DTPA) substitution: 0.8, 0.9, 3.7, 5.1 and 5.9 DTPA/IgG. Biodistributions of the different IgG preparations were determined at 10 min, 1, 6, 24, and 48 h post injection in normal rats, and infection imaging properties were determined in rats with Escherichia coli thigh infections. The biodistribution was significantly affected by pI. The immunoglobulin preparations with 0.9 and 3.7 DTPA/IgG showed faster clearance from the circulation and generally lower accumulation in most organs. The images had a target-to-background ratio of approximately 1.3-2.3:1. These results suggest that even though targeting is not affected by the level of DTPA substitutions, preparations with 0.9 and 3.7 DTPA/IgG may be superior imaging agents because of reduced accumulation by background organs.
Rapid halogenated hydrocarbon toxicity in isolated hepatocytes is mediated by direct solvent effects.

Abstract The toxicity of several halogenated and non-halogenated hydrocarbons (CH 2 Cl 2 , CHCl 3 , CCl 4 , C 6 H 14 , C 8 H 10 ) in isolated rat hepatocytes were compared. Release of aspartate eminotransferase (AST) activity was rapid and concentration-dependent. Fractional AST release plateaued at 10–60 min following hydrocarbon exposure. Enzyme leakage at 60 min correlated with the oil/water partition coefficient (π) of the compounds. All compounds, except n -hexane, also caused an immediate inhibition of the rate of cellular respiration. Inhibition of cell respiration also correlated with π and was reversible. The recovery of cellular oxygen consumption was examined in detail for CCl 4 and correlated with evaporation of the compound. These data suggest that acute hydrocarbon-induced injury in isolated hepatocytes is mediated by concentration-dependent direct solvent effects. Since halogenated hydrocarbons are widely used to induce general anesthesia, the clinical implications of possible direct effects by halocarbons on liver function in vivo and the potential relationship to liver injury are discussed.
MicroRNAs, fibrotic remodeling, and aortic aneurysms

Aortic aneurysms are a common clinical condition that can cause death due to aortic dissection or rupture. The association between aortic aneurysm pathogenesis and altered TGF-β signaling has been the subject of numerous investigations. Recently, a TGF-β-responsive microRNA (miR), miR-29, has been identified to play a role in cellular phenotypic modulation during aortic development and aging. In this issue of JCI, Maegdefessel and colleagues demonstrate that decreasing the levels of miR-29b in the aortic wall can attenuate aortic aneurysm progression in two different mouse models of abdominal aortic aneurysms. This study highlights the relevance of miR-29b in aortic disease but also raises questions about its specific role.
Online routing and wavelength assignment in WDM rings

We present new theoretical results on the performance limits of on-line routing and wavelength assignment (RWA) algorithms in a single-hub wavelength division multiplexing ring network architecture. An RWA algorithm is said to be on-line if at each point in time, the algorithm assigns a lightpath to a current connection request based only on past information and with no knowledge whatsoever about the future requests. We derive tight bounds on the throughput performance of an on-line min-hop algorithm in comparison with that of an optimal off-line algorithm. In addition, we show that when there are sufficiently many nodes in the ring, the min-hop algorithm achieves the best possible throughput performance among all on-line RWA algorithms. On the other hand, when the number of nodes is not greater than the number of wavelengths in the ring, an on-line algorithm that minimizes the maximum load of the network is shown to achieve better throughput performance than the min-hop algorithm.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Controlling cardiac alternans.

TWA is an electrocardiogram (ECG) manifestation ofrepolarization or action potential duration (APD) alternans.Because of the close association between TWA and ven-tricular arrhythmias, an interesting question arises: Canprevention of APD alternans prevent arrhythmias? Oneway to prevent alternans is to use control theories ofnonlinear systems to control APD alternans by electricalpacing. The ﬁrst such control algorithm was proposed byChristini and Collins
Cooling of Paper Using Chill Rollers

ABSTRACT A mathematical model is developed to understand the heal transler characteristin ofa chill roll assembly used in the heat-set web-oflset printing industry. Thechill roll assembly permils the waling olpaper after the paper has undergone drying in an oven to allow for hardening of the ink The heat transfer is modelled and solved using a series expansion. The heat conducted from the paper at each roll is calculated from this, as well a temperature distribution through the paper and around the roll. The resulls are compared with a real system and the resulling error is found to be of the order of 5%.
Predictive value and diagnostic accuracy of F-18-fluoro-deoxy-glucose positron emission tomography treated grade 1 and 2 follicular lymphoma.

F-18-fluoro-deoxy-glucose positron emission tomography (PET) is a powerful tool for the imaging of aggressive B-cell lymphomas. In contrast, there is relatively little data on PET in follicular lymphoma grade 1 (FL-1) and grade 2 (FL-2). In this manuscript, we present our findings utilizing PET in treated FL-1 and FL-2. A retrospective review of patients who underwent PET examinations at our institution produced 95 PET examinations among 31 patients with FL-1 and FL-2. PET was obtained at initial staging, mid-induction and post-treatment. Results were compared with clinical follow-up. PET had high sensitivity (95%) and specificity (88%) for lesion detection in treated FL-1 and FL-2. Abnormal foci in FL-1 and FL-2 had similar intensities. Post-induction PET positive patients had shorter mean progression free survivals compared with PET negative patients (p-value ≤0.001), post-salvage PET positive trended toward shorter mean response duration compared with negative patients (p-value: 0.09). Our results indi...
Method for measurement of the top quark mass using the mean decay length of b hadrons in tt̄ events

We present a new method for the experimental determination of the top quark mass that is based upon the mean distance of travel of b hadrons in top quark events. The dominant systematic uncertainties of this method are not correlated with those of other methods, but a large number of events is required to achieve small statistical uncertainty. Large tt event samples are expected from Run II of the Fermilab Tevatron and the CERN Large Hadron Collider (LHC). We show that by the end of Run II, a single experiment at the Tevatron could achieve a top quark mass uncertainty of ∼ 5 GeV/c 2 by this method alone. At the CERN LHC, this method could be comparable to all others methods, which are expected to achieve an uncertainty of ∼1.5 GeV/c 2 per experiment. This new method would provide a useful cross-check to other methods, and could be combined with them to obtain a substantially reduced overall uncertainty.
Fine structure of an Aleutian crustal section

Summary An observed seismic profile running from 0 to 80 km is modelled synthetically to determine the fine structure of a complete oceanic crustal section and to more fully understand the propagational effects involved. The synthetic seismograms are generated using generalized ray theory assuming a point source explosion in a horizontally layered Earth. The results indicate that the only sharp boundary in the crustal section occurs at the ocean bottom interface which appears mostly as a density contrast and is the strongest reflector at range, Δ, equal to zero. As Δ increases the sub-bottom arrival becomes apparent, dominating all other responses beyond 5 km in the 5-Hz range. The transition zone modelling this arrival goes from a velocity of about 1.8–3 km s-1over about 0.25 km. Other major features include a strong velocity gradient in the oceanic layer, 6.5—7 km s −1, and a 2 km crust–mantle transition zone.
Climate, ecological release and bill dimorphism in an island songbird

Sexual size dimorphism is expected to be more pronounced in vertebrates on islands, particularly in trophic characters, as a response to decreased interspecific competition for food. We found (based on measurements of 1423 museum specimens) that bill size dimorphism was greater in island than mainland populations of song sparrows. However, dimorphism varied among islands and was positively correlated with high summer temperature and island size. Island song sparrow bills follow the overall positive temperature bill size relationship for California song sparrows, which includes larger bills on large, warmer islands. Large bills dissipate more heat and may be an adaptation to summer heat stress. Dimorphism increases because the slope for males is greater than females. Thus, the greater magnitude of bill dimorphism on islands with warmer summers may result from males experiencing greater thermal stress during territorial activity, creating different thermal optima. In contrast, bill dimorphism was unrelated to climate on the mainland. We hypothesize that reduced interspecific competition releases island populations from a constraint so that sex-specific physiological optima can be achieved, whereas mainland birds are constrained.
The autonomic effects of cardiopulmonary decompression sickness in swine using principal dynamic mode analysis.

Methods to predict onset of cardiopulmonary (CP) decompression sickness (DCS) would be of great benefit to clinicians caring for stricken divers. Principal dynamic mode (PDM) analysis of the electr...
Minimally invasive technique for insertion of ventriculopleural shunt catheters

Object Cerebrospinal fluid diversion to the pleural space has employed various methods to insert the distal catheter into the pleural space. The authors report on a minimally invasive method of pleural catheter insertion that they have developed and have used safely in a small series of patients. Methods Pleural shunt catheters were inserted using a split trochar into the pleural space (technique described in further detail in the article). All cases over the previous 10 years in which this technique was employed were reviewed from the existing electronic medical records. Patient age at insertion, sex, reason for hydrocephalus, early and late complications, valve type, and follow-up were recorded. Results Fourteen shunt procedures performed in 10 patients were identified. Two small pneumothoraces were detected on routine postoperative imaging and required no intervention. There were 3 late mechanical complications, including migration of a catheter out of the pleural space, catheter fracture at the insert...
An Investigation of Stall Inception in Centrifugal Compressor Vaned Diffuser1

In compression systems the stable operating range is limited by rotating stall and/or surge. Two distinct types of stall precursors can be observed prior to full scale instability: the development of long-wavelength modal waves or a short-wavelength, three-dimensional flow breakdown (so-called “spike” stall inception). The cause of the latter is not well understood; in axial machines it has been suggested that rotor blade-tip leakage flow plays an important role, but spikes have recently been observed in shrouded vaned diffusers of centrifugal compressors where these leakage flows are not present, suggesting an alternative mechanism may be at play. This paper investigates the onset of instability in a shrouded vaned diffuser from a highly loaded turbocharger centrifugal compressor and discusses the mechanisms thought to be responsible for the development of short-wavelength stall precursors. The approach combines unsteady 3D RANS simulations of an isolated vaned diffuser with previously obtained experimental results. The unsteady flow field simulation begins at the impeller exit radius, where flow is specified by a spanwise profile of flow angle and stagnation properties, derived from single-passage stage calculations but with flow pitchwise mixed. Through comparison with performance data from previous experiments and unsteady full-wheel simulations, it is shown that the diffuser is accurately matched to the impeller and the relevant flow features are well captured. Numerical forced response experiments are carried out to determine the diffuser dynamic behavior and point of instability onset. The unsteady simulations demonstrate the growth of short-wavelength precursors; the flow coefficient at which these occur, the rotation rate and circumferential extent agree with experimental measurements. Although the computational setup and domain limitations do not allow simulation of the fully developed spike nor full-scale instability, the model is sufficient to capture the onset of instability and allows the postulation of the following necessary conditions: (i) flow separation at the diffuser vane leading edge near the shroud endwall; (ii) radially reversed flow allowing vorticity shed from the leading edge to convect back into the vaneless space; and (iii) recirculation and accumulation of low stagnation pressure fluid in the vaneless space, increasing diffuser inlet blockage and leading to instability. Similarity exists with axial machines, where blade-tip leakage sets up endwall flow in the circumferential direction leading to flow breakdown and the inception of rotating stall. Rather than the tip leakage flows, the cause for circumferential endwall flow in the vaned diffuser is the combination of high swirl and the highly non-uniform spanwise flow profile at the impeller exit.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Enabling location-aware pervasive computing applications for the elderly

The Pervasive Computing Laboratory at the University of Florida is dedicated to creating smart environments and assistants to enable elderly persons to live a longer and a more independent life at home. By achieving this goal, technology will increase the chances of successful aging despite an ailing health care system (e.g. Medicaid). One of the essential services required to maximize the intelligence of a smart environment is an indoor precision tracking system. Such system allows the smart home to make proactive decisions to better serve its occupants by enabling context-awareness instead of being solely reactive to their commands. This paper presents our hands-on experience and lessons learnt from our first phase work to build up a smart home infrastructure for the elderly. We review location tracking technology and describe the rationale behind our choice of the emerging ultrasonic sensor technology. We give an overview of the House of Matilda (an in-laboratory mock up house) and describe our design of a precision in-door tracking system. We also describe an OSGi-based robust framework that abstracts the ultrasonic technology into a standard service to enable the creation of tracking based applications by third party, and to facilitate the collaboration among various devices and other OSGi services. Finally, we describe three pervasive computing applications that use the location-tracking system which we have implemented in Matilda's house.
Financial Problems of the American Aircraft Industry, 1906–1940

The early patterns of finance in a twentieth-century transportation industry are examined by Professor Rae. His analysis is especially illustrative of the problems of companies manufacturing a product to highly exacting technical standards and for sale to a limited number of customers.
Look Ma, No Hands: Analyzing the Monotonic Feature Abstraction for Text Classification

Is accurate classification possible in the absence of hand-labeled data? This paper introduces the Monotonic Feature (MF) abstraction—where the probability of class membership increases monotonically with the MF's value. The paper proves that when an MF is given, PAC learning is possible with no hand-labeled data under certain assumptions. We argue that MFs arise naturally in a broad range of textual classification applications. On the classic "20 Newsgroups" data set, a learner given an MF and unlabeled data achieves classification accuracy equal to that of a state-of-the-art semi-supervised learner relying on 160 hand-labeled examples. Even when MFs are not given as input, their presence or absence can be determined from a small amount of hand-labeled data, which yields a new semi-supervised learning method that reduces error by 15% on the 20 Newsgroups data.
Joint transmitter-receiver optimization in the downlink CDMA systems

To maximize the downlink code-division multiple access (CDMA) system capacity, we propose to minimize the total transmitted power of the system subject to users' signal-to-interference ratio (SIR) requirements via designing optimum transmitter sequences and utilizing linear optimum receivers (minimum mean square error (MMSE) receiver). In our work on joint transmitter-receiver design for the downlink CDMA systems with multiple antennas and multipath channels, we develop several optimization algorithms by considering various system constraints and prove their convergence. We empirically observed that under the optimization algorithm with no constraint on the system, the optimum receiver structure matches the received transmitter sequences. A simulation study is performed to see how the different practical system constraints penalize the system with respect to the optimum algorithm with no constraint on the system.
A supervised clustering algorithm for computer intrusion detection

We previously developed a clustering and classification algorithm—supervised (CCAS) to learn patterns of normal and intrusive activities and to classify observed system activities. Here we further enhance the robustness of CCAS to the presentation order of training data and the noises in training data. This robust CCAS adds data redistribution, a supervised hierarchical grouping of clusters and removal of outliers as the postprocessing steps.
The impossible capital: monumental rome under liberal and fascist regimes, 1870‐1943

Every nation‐state has a capital city from where the central government's institutions operate and where the past of the nation is remembered monumentally. Following unification in 1870 Rome became...
On the robustness of blind linear receivers for short-code CDMA

In this paper, we examine the performance of minimum output energy, subspace, and minimum entropy criteria for blind acquisition/ linear-equalization of short-code CDMA signals. Environments with significant multipath, user load, and asynchronism are considered, and it is found that a minimum entropy criterion offers significantly superior MSE performance in these situations.
An integrated PHY and MAC layer model for half-duplex IEEE 802.11 networks

This paper introduces an IEEE 802.11 analytical model that examines uplink and downlink communications between non-saturated stations and a non-saturated access point. The model integrates channel effects and collisions into a single expression for the probability of frame loss, and does not treat Physical (PHY) and Medium Access (MAC) layer events as independent. In addition, the model considers the half-duplex nature of the IEEE 802.11 channel in determining when transmission attempts succeed.
Parental Divorce, Family Conflict and Friendship Networks

This study examines the relationship between parental divorce, family conflict and characteristics of the friendship network. It also evaluates the contributions of family and network characteristics to the prediction of friendship satisfaction and loneliness. College students from divorced (n = 113) and intact families (n = 96) reported on the friendship network characteristics (size, affective experiences and supportive behaviors), family conflict, friendship satisfaction and loneliness. The results indicate that the experience of parental divorce has limited effect on the characteristics and functioning of the friendship network. The more important developmental experience is that of family conflict since higher levels of family conflict appear to compromise network size and the affective quality of the friendships and to heighten the experience of loneliness. The pattern of results also supports a mediational model of the impact of family experiences on friendship satisfaction. This study demonstrates...
The portrayal of women in advertising: An overlooked area of societal marketing

The changing life styles of the American woman necessitate attention from marketing practitioners and academicians. The scope of this article is restricted to an examination of the portrayal of women in advertisements. Following a review of complaints of women in advertising and a look at selected research studies, the article deduces that the phenomena of sex roles in advertising has been inadequately investigated. Given this determination, the authors present a step-by-step framework for research on the portrayal of the sexes in promotion.