cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Test and Evaluation Resource Allocation Using Uncertainty Reduction

Determining the optimum allocation of resources for testing Department of Defense (DoD) systems is challenging, primarily due to the lack of an accepted and easily obtained value for test results. Past attempts to quantify test value have focused on prioritization schemes or estimates of cost savings postulated to occur by finding and fixing problems as early as possible. These methods have not gained traction, largely due to difficulties in obtaining cost estimates and historical data. In addition, the use of a cost metric does not capture the true value of DoD testing, which is to reduce technical uncertainty and programmatic risk. We propose a methodology to determine test value by estimating the amount of uncertainty reduction a particular test is expected to provide using Shannon's information entropy as a basis for the estimate. We apply the methodology to a small aircraft portfolio consisting of five actual DoD flight tests and a simulated large test portfolio with a single decision maker involved in a cost-constrained resource allocation. We conclude that using uncertainty reduction to measure test value is easy to apply, produces results that are intuitively appealing, and produces portfolios that outperform those selected using the existing subjective DoD process.
Generalized conic concentrators

Explicit forms for the six coefficients of a generalized quadric surface are given in terms of the parameters of a tilted and displaced elliptical or hyperbolic surface. The parent conic parameters, together with the values for its tilt and displacement, are then related to the physical conic concentrators. The parent conic parameters are related to the concentrator's large and small aperture sizes and the angle of the limiting ray.
Europe and the Israel–Palestinian peace process: the urgency of now

Abstract The resolution of the Israeli–Palestinian conflict has long occupied a prominent place on the foreign agenda of the European Union (EU). Over the past 40 years, the member states of the EU have defined with increasingly coherence their approach to the resolution to the Israeli–Palestinian conflict: a commitment to Israel's right to live in peace and security and support of the Palestinians to national self-determination. At the same time, European discourse on the Israeli–Palestinian conflict has shifted as its own internal needs and strategic concerns have changed. This changing narrative has impacted critically on the policy instruments and approach adopted by the EU to the conflict. Through an analysis of European statements and speeches, this article argues that European discourse in the 1980s and 1990s was underscored by a normative, justice-based framing. The collapse of peace process in 2000 has led to a noticeable securitization of European discourse on the conflict, one now marked by a g...
Development and Organization of Ocular Dominance Bands in Primary Visual Cortex of the Sable Ferret

Thalamocortical afferents in the visual cortex of the adult sable ferret are segregated into eye-specific ocular dominance bands. The development of ocular dominance bands was studied by transneuronal labeling of the visual cortices of ferret kits between the ages of postnatal day 28 (P28) and P81 after intravitreous injections of either tritiated proline or wheat germ agglutinin-horseradish peroxidase. Laminar specificity was evident in the youngest animals studied and was similar to that in the adult by P50. In P28 and P30 ferret kits, no modulation reminiscent of ocular dominance bands was detectable in the pattern of labeling along layer IV. By P37 a slight fluctuation in the density of labeling in layer IV was evident in serial reconstructions. By P50, the amplitude of modulation had increased considerably but the pattern of ocular dominance bands did not yet appear mature. The pattern and degree of modulation of the ocular dominance bands resembled that in adult animals by P63. Flat mounts of cortex and serial reconstructions of layer IV revealed an unusual arrangement of inputs serving the two eyes in the region rostral to the periodic ocular dominance bands. In this region, inputs serving the contralateral eye were commonly fused along a mediolateral axis, rostral to which were large and sometimes fused patches of ipsilateral input.
Virus-specific RNA and DNA in nuclei of cells infected with fowlpox virus.

Abstract Poxviruses appear to be assembled exclusively in the cytoplasm of infected cells, and it has been generally held that all replicative events are restricted to the cytoplasm. Previous work in this laboratory has shown that fowlpox virus (FPV) stimulates DNA synthesis both in vivo and in vitro , which, together with the ability of FPV to cause hyperplasia in vivo , suggests that the host cell nucleus is affected during FPV infection. To investigate this possibility, FPV-infected cells were pulse labeled with either [ 14 C]thymidine or [ 14 C]uridine at various times after infection, harvested, and separated into nuclear and cytoplasmic fractions. By hybridization techniques, both viral RNA and DNA were detected in the nucleus of infected cells from 24 to 72 hr after infection. Less than 10% of the total labeled nuclear DNA is viral specific at 24 hr after infection, but by 48–72 hr, more than 50% of the newly synthesized nuclear DNA is viral specific. The newly synthesized nuclear viral-specific DNA represents more than half of the total labeled viral-specific DNA found in the infected cell at all times studied. In contrast, the viral-specific RNA located in the nucleus always comprises the minor fraction of the total FPV-specific RNA. At 24 hr after infection, approximately 10% of the newly synthesized viral-specific RNA was located in the nucleus, while at 72 hr, about one-third of the total labeled viral-specific RNA could be found in the nuclear fraction. FPV infection does not result in the rapid cessation of host cell nucleic acid synthesis. The amount of ribosomal RNA synthesized in FPV-infected cells from 30 to 48 hr p.i. was found to be only slightly less than in mock-infected cells. Significant host cell DNA synthesis could also be demonstrated until approximately 48 hr after infection.
Temporal and spatial variation in the sizes of California current macrozooplankton: analysis by optical plankton counter

Abstract Macrozooplankton in the southern California sector of the California Current had been reported to decrease from 1951 to 1998. We analyzed some of the same preserved samples of macrozooplankton taken in non-El Nino years 1955, 1956, 1966, 1981, 1984, 1991, 1995, and 1996, and also 1999, with the optical plankton counter (OPC) to determine whether all size categories changed similarly over time. The results from 1955 to 1996 could be interpreted either as a linearly decreasing trend (total biovolume decreased by 45%) or as a regime shift (decrease of 38% from pre- to post-1975 regimes). The largest zooplankters (>2.7 mm equivalent circular diameter, ecd) were relatively more important, in terms of biovolume, at night than by day, and offshore than onshore. Their biovolume decreased by the greatest relative amount, and biovolume of the smallest zooplankters (0.75–0.80 mm ecd) decreased hardly at all. The decrease in relative importance of large zooplankters was most evident in winter and spring, and was qualitatively similar by day and at night and in nearshore and offshore regions. Total biovolume increased in 1999 to the pre-1975 level, consistent with a possible shift to a new regime. Our results are consistent with (i) a change in biovolume of the large zooplankton over the sampled period; and (ii) a regime shift in the mid-1970s and, possibly, the late 1990s. The laboratory OPC is a useful instrument for the rapid and cost-effective analysis of preserved samples of zooplankton.
Pathologic predictors of early local recurrence in Stage I and II breast cancer treated by primary radiation therapy

Thirty-four gross and histologic features of the primary tumor in 231 cases of clinical Stage I and II invasive breast cancer were reviewed in an attempt to identify features which might correlate with an increased risk of local recurrence within the breast following biopsy and primary radiation therapy. Local recurrence risk at 5 years was calculated for each feature studied. While results are reported in terms of 5-year actuarial local recurrence risk, not all patients were followed for 5 years (median follow-up period, 44 months). Patients with cases in which the biopsy was less than excisional had a considerably greater actuarial risk of local recurrence at 5 years than those in which the biopsy was excisional (36% versus 8%; P = 0.0005). Among 154 infiltrating ductal carcinomas treated by excisional biopsy prior to radiotherapy, histologic features associated with a significantly increased local recurrence risk at 5 years were the combination of extensive intraductal involvement by carcinoma and high nuclear grade and/or high mitotic index. Twenty-seven tumors demonstrated this constellation of features, and there was a 5-year actuarial local recurrence risk of 39% among this group. The local recurrence risk for the remainder of the population was only 4% (P less than 0.0001). Thus, through pathologic examination of the primary, the authors identified a subgroup of patients with a considerably increased risk of local recurrence following biopsy and primary radiotherapy.
Applying an evidence-based approach to the management of patients with ocular hypertension: Evaluating and synthesizing published evidence

Abstract Purpose The use of evidence-based medicine in managing patients with ocular hypertension has been constrained by the limited availability of high-quality data from controlled clinical trials and by limited formal training of clinicians in evaluating published evidence. This article will provide strategies and techniques to evaluate critically the quality of published research, synthesize the findings, and integrate published evidence in the care of patients with ocular hypertension. Design Review of the published literature and consensus of a panel of experts. Methods The published literature on evidence-based medicine was reviewed. Strategies and techniques in evaluating the quality of evidence and how to integrate evidence into the practice setting using the following three major questions were discussed by a panel of experts: Are the results of the study valid? What are the results? Do the study outcomes apply to individual patient care? Results Approaches to assessing study validity and the importance of considering the size of the treatment effect and precision of the effect size were detailed. The importance of using the “number-needed-to-treat” as a tool for translating results of clinical trials to individual patient care and the “number-needed-to-harm” as a method of comparing the potential benefit and harm of a given therapy was acknowledged. Conclusion As the volume of high-quality data increases, the information provided herein may help ophthalmologists apply evidence-based medicine techniques as they seek to optimize the care of individual patients with ocular hypertension.
The costs of being dark: the genetic basis of melanism and its association with fitness-related traits in the sand cricket.

Melanism is an important component of insect cuticle and serves numerous functions that enhance fitness. Despite its importance, there is little information on its genetic basis or its phenotypic and genetic correlation with fitness-related traits. Here, we examine the heritability of melanism in the wing dimorphic sand cricket and determine its phenotypic and genetic correlation with wing morphology, gonad mass and size of the dorso-longitudinal muscles (the principle flight muscles). Previously demonstrated trade-offs among these traits are significant factors in the evolution of life history variation. Using path analysis, we show that melanization is causally related to gonad mass, but not flight muscle mass. Averaged over the sexes, the heritability of melanism was 0.61, the genetic correlation with gonad mass was −0.36 and with wing morph was 0.51. The path model correctly predicted the ranking of melanization score in lines selected for increased ovary mass, increased flight muscle mass, an index that increased both traits and an unselected control. Our results support the general hypothesis that melanization is costly for insects and negatively impacts investment in early reproduction.
Clinical nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy: Insight into metabolism☆

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy can nondestructively evaluate changes in metabolites with different disease states, as well as with therapeutic interventions. Animal studies have provided the basis for understanding changes in high-energy phosphates with myocardial ischemia. Studies of graded ischemia due to partial coronary stenosis have shown the sensitivity of the ratio of phosphocreatinine to inorganic phosphate to small reductions in myocardial blood flow and its relation to myocardial function. The application of NMR spectroscopy to humans requires precise localization techniques to avoid acquiring contaminating information from structures around the heart, such as the chest wall and diaphragm. With these localization techniques, metabolic evidence of ischemia has been demonstrated in patients with myocardial infarction and patients with known coronary disease, although the sensitivity of this technique for the diagnosis of inducible ischemia is unknown. At rest, patients with dilated and hypertrophic cardiomyopathies often have an elevated phosphodiester resonance, possibly signifying abnormal breakdown of membrane phospholipids. Increasing oxygen demand in these patients does not usually alter high-energy phosphates, suggesting that oxidative energy metabolism is preserved under these conditions. NMR spectroscopy is a powerful tool to increase understanding of metabolic changes in a variety of pathologic conditions.
Bacillus sp. R2 and Bacillus Cereus Immobilized Amylases for Glucose Syrup Production

Abstract The availability of starch from inexpensive sources such as agro-wastes and agricultural byproducts, added to a large-scale production of amylolytic enzymes, facilitates the production of syrups containing glucose, fructose or maltose, which are of considerable importance in the pharmaceutical and food industries. This study aimed to produce a glucose syrup from an agricultural by-product i.e. wheat bran; using amylase immobilization in calcium alginate beads. To improve the amylase production of the two used strains Bacillus sp . R2 and Bacillus cereus , a continuous immobilization in 2% calcium alginate beads was conducted. The best amylase activity (421,73U/ml) was obtained after 20 h with Bacillus cereus . The hydrolysis product analyzed by thin layer chromatography TLC was predominantly identified as glucose and xylose. The obtained results showed a great potential of the two Bacillus species to produce amylases, also the entrapped enzymes gave significantly higher hydrolysis activity compared to free amylases.
Winds over saltcedar

Abstract An analysis of hourly wind speeds above and within a stand of saltcedar near Buckeye, Arizona, reveals that in 90% of all observed cases, the wind profiles above the stand can be represented by the simple logarithmic equation: u z = u* k 1 n ( z z 0 ) where u z is the velocity at height z. The roughness length (z 0 ), (disregarding zero displacement), varies with a stability ratio similar to Richardson's number. The friction velocity, u* , depends on the wind speeds above the vegetation. Von Karman's constant, k, equals 0.41. Within the thickets there is considerable turbulence, and irregular wind inversions occur during daylight hours. The results are important for estimating water losses by evapotranspiration by either the energy-budget or the mass-transfer formulae.
Youth Homelessness and Social Stigma

Building upon previous exploratory qualitative research (Kidd SA (2003) Child Adol Social Work J 20(4):235-261), this paper examines the mental health implications of social stigma as it is experienced by homeless youth. Surveys conducted with 208 youths on the streets and in agencies in New York City and Toronto revealed significant associations between perceived stigma due to homeless status and sexual orientation, pan handling and sex trade involvement, and amount of time homeless. Higher perceived stigma was also related to low self esteem, loneliness, feeling trapped, and suicidal ideation, with guilt/self-blame due to homeless status having the strongest impact on mental health variables.
Unified gauge theories with right-handed currents and heavy fermions

Gauge models with heavy fermions and right-handed currents are discussed based on the gauge groups ${\mathrm{SU}(2)}_{A}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}\mathrm{U}(1)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{\mathrm{SU}(4)}^{\ensuremath{'}},{\mathrm{SU}(2)}_{A}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{\mathrm{SU}(2)}_{B}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{\mathrm{SU}(4)}^{\ensuremath{'}}$, and SU(4) \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} SU${(4)}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ and are constructed so as to lead to the $\ensuremath{\Delta}I=\frac{1}{2}$ rule. SU(4) \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} SU${(4)}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ is advocated as the ultimate unifying gauge group of nature, and it is shown how at various stages of spontaneous breakdown both the ${\mathrm{SU}(2)}_{A}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{\mathrm{SU}(2)}_{B}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{\mathrm{SU}(4)}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ and ${\mathrm{SU}(2)}_{A}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}\mathrm{U}(1)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{\mathrm{SU}(4)}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ groups manifest themselves. We also show that $\mathrm{CP}$ violation takes an interesting complexion in these models and leads to exactly the relations ${\ensuremath{\eta}}_{+\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{\simeq}{\ensuremath{\eta}}_{00}$ in ${K}_{L}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}2\ensuremath{\pi}$ decays. Furthermore, we show that the magnitude of $\mathrm{CP}$ violation is related to gauge interactions that violate the heavy quark degeneracy.
Effects of nonimmobilizers and halothane on Caenorhabditis elegans

We studied the effects of two nonimmobilizers, a transitional compound, and halothane on the nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans, by using reversible immobility as an end point. By themselves, the nonimmobilizers did not immobilize any of the four strains of animals tested. Toluene appears to be a transitional compound for all strains tested. The additive effects of the nonimmobilizers with halothane were also studied. Similar to results seen in studies of mice, the nonimmobilizers were antagonistic to halothane in the wild type nematode. However, the nonimmobilizers did not affect the 50% effective concentrations of halothane for two other mutant strains. For halothane, the slopes of the dose response curves were smaller in more sensitive strains compared with the wild type. As in mammals, nonimmobilizers antagonize the effects of halothane on the nematode, C. elegans. The variation in slopes in the response to halothane in different strains is consistent with multiple sites of action. These results support the use of C. elegans as a model for the study of anesthetics.
IV. Neurotoxicity of colchicine and other tubulin-binding agents: A selective vulnerability of certain neurons to the disruption of microtubules

Colchicine and certain other agents which disrupt microtubules and interfere with axonal and dendritic transport are highly toxic to certain CNS neurons. The present chapter summarizes our knowledge about this selective neurotoxicity. Injections of colchicine into several bran regions lead to the death of selected populations of neurons within those regions. Intra-hippocampal injections selectively destroy granule cells of the dentate gyrus; hippocampal pyramidal cells are essentially unaffected. Injections into the cerebellum, olfactory bulb, and caudate nucleus also destroy resident neurons. In these areas several cell types are vulnerable. Neurons of the cerebral cortex appear to be much less affected by colchicine, although some neurons of paleocortical regions are vulnerable. Colchicine does not appear to be an excitotoxin like kainic acid. The neurotoxicity of colchicine appears to be related to the destruction of microtubules, since other agents which disrupt microtubules have similar toxic effects, and since analogs of colchicine which do not disrupt microtubules are non-toxic. Colchicine may induce an autotoxic response which leads to neuronal death in certain populations due to the accumulation of some toxic cellular product which is normally transported by a microtubule-dependent process. The selective vulnerability of neurons to the neurotoxic effects of colchicine may be a model for system degenerations of the central nervous system in which certain subpopulations of neurons are selectively vulnerable to abnormal accumulations of metabolic products.
KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE TOWARD NURSE-MIDWIFERY AMONG WOMEN TAKING CHILDBIRTH EDUCATION CLASSES

This study assessed the knowledge of and attitudes toward nurse-midwifery of a selected group of 183 women attending ASPO certified childbirth education classes in the St. Louis metropolitan area. All of the women were at least high school graduates and were primarily of middle class background. A pretested, written questionnaire was used as the data collection tool. Results from this study indicate that women with prior exposure to nurse-midwifery have a higher level of knowledge and a more favorable attitude toward nurse-midwifery than women without such exposure. It was also found that knowledge was unrelated to the age, educational level or family income of the respondents; knowledge was related to parity of the women. In addition, attitudes toward nurse-midwifery were related to women's age, educational level, parity, and family income. A moderate, positive relationship between attitude and knowledge (r = 0.34, p < 0.001) may suggest that as knowledge about nurse-midwifery is acquired, attitudes toward nurse-midwifery may become more favorable. There was a general lack of information about nurse-midwives in this sample. These data may also be applicable to women who do not take childbirth education classes under the assumption that they may know even less about nurse-midwifery. This study suggests that additional public knowledge about nurse-midwifery is essential to informed choice among maternity health care options and to improved maternity care.
Steady non-Newtonian flow of Vitreloy-1 in continuous extrusion

Abstract The steady thermal flow evolution of Vitreloy-1 (Zr 41.25 Ti 13.75 Cu 12.5 Ni 10 Be 22.5 ) during continuous extrusion is simulated by means of finite element modeling. The conjugate coupling between fluid dynamics and heat transfer via convection, viscous dissipation, and temperature-dependent properties is implicitly accounted for in the finite element solver. The flow model incorporates the viscosity dependence on temperature and strain-rate, hence it accounts for flow deceleration near the walls as a consequence of cooling, as well as for non-Newtonian effects such as shear thinning. At the melt-mold interface, shear-rate dependent slip and imperfect thermal contact were accommodated. In order to assess the extent to which crystallization occurs during the flow a Lagrangian transformation of coordinates is implemented to track the temporal response of flow elements from a moving frame of reference. For a 5 mm channel within a 100 mm thick copper mold, where the melt is injected above its melting point (~1000 K) at 1 mm/s and the mold walls are actively cooled at 373 K, the simulation predicts that the melt is quenched to near glass transition (~600 K) at a rate fast enough such that crystallization is entirely evaded, as the nose of the TTT curve (~900 K) is bypassed by virtually all flow elements, and consequently 5 mm purely amorphous plate is extruded.
Deposition of Self-Assembled Monolayers in Mesoporous Silica from Supercritical Fluids

Deposition of silane-based self-assembled monolayers onto mesoporous ceramic substrates has been found to be substantially faster from supercritical fluids than from typical condensed phase solutions. In addition, the monolayers so prepared display higher silane population density (6.5 vs 4.6 silanes/nm2), fewer defects, and greater stability than those prepared via standard solution methods. A mechanistic rationale for the pressure-induced rate enhancement and reduced defect density is presented.
Differences in impact factor across fields and over time

The bibliometric measure impact factor is a leading indicator of journal influence, and impact factors are routinely used in making decisions ranging from selecting journal subscriptions to allocating research funding to deciding tenure cases. Yet journal impact factors have increased gradually over time, and moreover impact factors vary widely across academic disciplines. Here we quantify inflation over time and differences across fields in impact factor scores and determine the sources of these differences. We find that the average number of citations in reference lists has increased gradually, and this is the predominant factor responsible for the inflation of impact factor scores over time. Field-specific variation in the fraction of citations to literature indexed by Thomson Scientific's Journal Citation Reports is the single greatest contributor to differences among the impact factors of journals in different fields. The growth rate of the scientific literature as a whole, and cross-field differences in net size and growth rate of individual fields, have had very little influence on impact factor inflation or on cross-field differences in impact factor. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Multiplicity distributions in 28-GeV/ c pd interactions and double scattering in deuterium

We study the multiplicity distribution of charged particles produced in 28-GeV/c $\mathrm{pd}$ interactions in the BNL 80-inch deuterium bubble chamber. We find that (18.3 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 2.9)% of the three- and more-prong $\mathrm{pd}$ events result from double scattering in deuterium, a fraction observed to be constant from 28-to-400-GeV/c incident momentum. We extract $\mathrm{pn}$ topological cross sections from the odd-prong $\mathrm{pd}$ data by correcting for the effects of spectator visibility, double scattering, and Glauber screening. We find the dispersion of 28-to-400-GeV/c $\mathrm{pd}$ multiplicity distributions to have the same linear dependence on the mean multiplicity as found for $\mathrm{pp}$ data, while the $\mathrm{pn}$ data exhibit a different dependence. Both the $\mathrm{pd}$ and $\mathrm{pn}$ multiplicity distributions at 28 GeV/c are observed to be inconsistent with Koba-Nielsen-Olesen scaling.
Psycho-social impacts of terrorism and organized crime: The counterfinality of the practico-inert

(1995). Psycho-Social Impacts of Terrorism and Organized Crime: The Counterfinality of the Practico-Inert. Journal of Social Distress and Homelessness: Vol. 4, No. 4, pp. 265-286.
An impact sensing platform for spinal cord injury experiments

Real-time measurement of rat/guinea pig spinal cord mechanics during ex vivo experiments remains a nontrivial task due to the small size of the cord and the short impulse duration. To address this issue, we present an inexpensive strain measurement platform. It consists of an array of flexible, Parylene-C-passivated, pointed cantilevers of polyvinyl fluoride (PVDF) that penetrate the wall of an acrylic chamber. When a spinal cord is placed in the chamber and stimulated mechanically, its vibrations translate onto the PVDF cantilevers which in turn generate an electrical signal for recording. Vibrometer experiments of the cantilever reveal a deflection of up to 58 nm at its resonant frequency (~50 kHz). Voltage from a cantilever in a cord phantom has been recorded at two distances from the point of impact, showing 37 mV at 5 mm and 21 mV at 20 mm for a 40 kPa impact pressure.
Cost Estimating in the Age of 3-D CAD Software and Object Databases

Cost estimating is a vital activity for contractors. An estimate is not only necessary for proposal preparation but also for several project management functions. Despite the importance of estimating, it has remained a very time consuming process. The most inefficient part of construction cost estimating is determination of the amount of resources needed for the construction of a project -- also known as quantity takeoff. The quantity takeoff process is still very slow, is not very accurate, and does not eliminate the possibility of an estimator missing or duplicating estimating items. New parametric CAD software is revolutionizing the way architects design buildings and will significantly increase construction cost estimator productivity by substantially reducing the manual work necessary for performing quantity takeoff. The data model of parametric CAD software allows easy exchange of building design information among various software systems used during design, construction and service life of projects. This paper discusses the architecture of an object-oriented estimating system that eliminates the need for manual quantity takeoff by obtaining the necessary building element dimensions and properties from the project CAD model. The paper explains how Autodesk Revit parametric CAD software exposes project information and the class diagram of an object-oriented estimating system that performs quantity takeoff by obtaining project information from building models prepared using Revit. The paper uses an object-oriented database for persistence of estimating objects and discusses the advantages of object databases over relational databases for applications with a complex information model.
Flatfield correction errors due to spectral mismatching

Flat field calibration of broadband imaging systems is widely used, and it has been said that users should try to make the spectrum of the flatfield calibration light source as close as possible to that of the measurement object. However, a quantitative analysis of the error induced by a mismatch of calibration and object spectra has been lacking. In order to develop this quantitative analysis, we provide a theoretical radiometric model for flatfield calibration and show how this spectral mismatching error arises. Simulations covering a variety of measurement scenarios indicate that spectral mismatching can create quantitative errors of up to a factor of 5 in situations that are regularly encountered by researchers performing quantitative work.
The deterrent effects of economic integration

Economic interdependence and international conflict studies have traditionally focused on the role of bilateral trade on direct deterrence, mostly omitting its indirect effects on third-party states. While scholars in the extended deterrence literature have examined the role of defender—target trade in deterring aggressors, most empirical research has remained limited to immediate deterrence and neglected general deterrence. This article synthesizes these literatures and goes beyond the dyad-level analysis in trade—conflict studies by focusing on the deterrent effects of trade. I claim that trade ties between the defender and target are not sufficient for extended general deterrence. This is mainly because international trade by itself is a poor indicator of the extent to which the target is an economically important friend of the defender, worth defending against aggressors. Empirical analysis of militarized disputes between rival states in the post-1945 period supports this point and shows that extended deterrence success is most likely in cases where the defender and target are economically integrated through regional trade institutions as well as conducting heavy trade. Economically minded defenders can successfully generate credible signals of resolve if they have institutional ties with their important trade partners.
Single and Double Variant Cupt-B Ordered GalnAs

Nominally lattice-matched GaInAs layers grown by metal organic vapor phase epitaxy on InP substrates have been studied using high-resolution x-ray diffraction (HRXRD) to determine the growth conditions under which ordering is introduced. HRXRD provides an independent means to quantify the order parameter of semiconductor heterostructures as well as the ordering on different {111} planes, i.e., double variant ordering. This independent means to determine ordering provides for a better understanding of the effects of ordering on the electronic and optical properties. Double variant ordering was observed for epitaxial layers grown on exact (001) InP substrates, with an order parameter of about 0.1 in both variants. For substrates that were miscut by 6 degrees, single variant ordering was detected. In these cases, an order parameter as high as 0.66 was measured for certain growth conditions. The layers grown on vicinal substrates are all of high crystalline quality, those on (001) substrates exhibit some mosaic spread.
Polarization evolution due to the Kerr nonlinearity and chromatic dispersion

This paper numerically investigated the evolution of the degree of polarization of individual channels and their Stokes parameters in a wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) system in which Kerr nonlinearity and chromatic dispersion are taken into account but in which polarization mode dispersion as well as polarization-dependent loss and gain are neglected. We compared the results to a mean field model which assumes that the channels are strongly dispersion-managed so that each channel is only affected by the Stokes parameters of the others. This model predicts no change in the degree of polarization of each of the channels so that an initially polarization-scrambled channel does not repolarize. The full simulations showed that the repolarization of a polarization-scrambled signal is small for parameters corresponding to realistic communication systems, validating the use of the mean field model. However, we also found that the repolarization can become significant for low data rates and a small number of channels in a dispersion-managed system with a short length map, thus setting limits on the model's validity and indicating operating regimes that should be avoided in real communication systems.
An LM Test for a Unit Root in the Presence of a Structural Change

In this paper, we examine a suitably modified version of the unit root test proposed by Schmidt and Phillips (1992). A one-time structural break in the intercept does not affect its asymptotic distribution under the null hypothesis, and this is true whether the break is allowed for in the model or not. This implies that the asymptotic validity of this test statistic under the null is not affected by the incorrect placement of the structural break, by the allowance for a break when there is no break, or by no allowance for a break when there is a break.
Pulsed Doppler accuracy assessment due to frequency-dependent attenuation and Rayleigh scattering error sources

It is pointed out that frequency-dependent attenuation and Rayleigh scattering are significant error sources for pulsed Doppler ultrasound, used for human blood flow measurement, because the transmitted ultrasound signal has a finite width spectrum. The former causes a frequency downshift and the latter a frequency upshift, both of which are independent of the actual Doppler frequency shift. These error sources were evaluated through computer simulation, and the computed error is compared with experimental data. >
Sensory motor mechanisms unify psychology: the embodiment of culture

Sensorimotor mechanisms can unify explanations at cognitive, social, and cultural levels. As an example, we review how anticipated motor effort is used by individuals and groups to judge distance: the greater the anticipated effort the greater the perceived distance. Anticipated motor effort can also be used to understand cultural differences. People with interdependent self-construals interact almost exclusively with in-group members, and hence there is little opportunity to tune their sensorimotor systems for interaction with out-group members. The result is that interactions with out-group members are expected to be difficult and out-group members are perceived as literally more distant. In two experiments we show a) interdependent Americans, compared to independent Americans, see American confederates (in-group) as closer; b) interdependent Arabs, compared to independent Arabs, perceive Arab confederates (in-group) as closer, whereas interdependent Americans perceive Arab confederates (out-group) as farther. These results demonstrate how the same embodied mechanism can seamlessly contribute to explanations at the cognitive, social, and cultural levels.
Path loss predictions in the presence of buildings on flat terrain: a 3-D vector parabolic equation approach

Starting from a parabolic approximation to the Helmholtz equation, a three-dimensional (3-D) vector parabolic equation technique for calculating path loss in an urban environment is presented. The buildings are assumed to be polygonal in cross section with vertical sides and flat rooftops and the terrain is assumed to be flat. Both buildings and ground are allowed to be lossy and present impedance-type boundary condition to the electromagnetic field. Vector fields are represented in terms of the two components of Hertzian potentials and depolarization of the fields is automatically included in the formulation. A split-step algorithm is presented for marching the aperture fields along the range. Boundary conditions on the building surfaces are treated by using a local Fourier representation of the aperture fields. Several test cases are considered to check the boundary treatment used in the technique as well as to validate the overall approach. Comparison is shown with uniform theory of diffraction (UTD), exact solutions, as well as with measurements.
The Effect of Delaying Initial Feedlot Implant on Body Weight, Average Daily Gain, and Carcass Characteristics of Calf-Fed Steers1

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effect of delaying initial feedlot implant on BW, ADG, and carcass characteristics. At receiving, steers were assigned to 1 of 2 treatments: 1) implant at feedlot entry (NORM) or 2) implant 30 d after feedlot entry (DELAY). In Exp. 1, steers (n = 200) were not implanted until feedlot entry; however, in Exp. 2 steers (n = 209) were implanted at approximately 50 d of age. In Exp. 1, there was a tendency (P = 0.11) for BW at d 30 to be heavier (10 kg) for NORM compared with DELAY; however, all other BW measures were similar (P = 0.29). In Exp. 2, BW measures were also similar (P = 0.82) for NORM and DELAY. In both experiments, carcass weight, fat thickness, LM area, and YG were similar (P = 0.51). Additionally, in both experiments marbling scores (P = 0.58) and the percentage of carcasses grading USDA Choice and greater were similar (P = 0.54) when comparing NORM and DELAY. In these studies, delaying initial feedlot implant had no effect on BW, ADG, or carcass measures including YG and QG.
Reducing power density through activity migration

Power dissipation is unevenly distributed in modern microprocessors leading to localized hot spots with significantly greater die temperature than surrounding cooler regions. Excessive junction temperature reduces reliability and can lead to catastrophic failure. We examine the use of activity migration which reduces peak junction temperature by moving computation between multiple replicated units. Using a thermal model that includes the temperature dependence of leakage power, we show that sustainable power dissipation can be increased by nearly a factor of two for a given junction temperature limit. Alternatively, peak die temperature can be reduced by 12.4/spl deg/C at the same clock frequency. The model predicts that migration intervals of around 20-200 /spl mu/s are required to achieve the maximum sustainable power increase. We evaluate several different forms of replication and migration policy control.
Mitochondrial DNA Phylogeography of the North American Brown Bear and Implications for Conservation

The historical distribution of the brown bear (Ursus arctos) in North America included Alaska, western Canada, the western and midwestern states, plus northern Mexico. Currently, the brown bear is lim- ited to Alaska, the Canadian provinces of the Yukon, Northwest Territories, British Columbia, and Alberta, and six threatened subpopulations in the lower 48 states. To examine the evolutionary history of U. arctos in North America and to assess the genetic divergence between individuals from different geographic regions, we obtained 294 nucleotides of mitochondrial DNA sequence data from the control region for 317 free-rang- ing brown bears. Twenty-eight unique sequences, or mitochondrial DNA haplotypes were detected. The aver- age sequence divergence between haplotypes was high (43 %/), and some haplotypes differed by as many as 23 nucleotides. Phylogenetic analyses using maximum parsimony revealed four major mitochondrial DNA phy- logeographic groups, or clades. The significant phylogeographic structure detected in brown bears strongly contrasts with results obtainedfor other large carnivores and suggests limitedfemale-mediated gene flow. The mitochondrial DNA phylogeographic clades do not correlate with taxonomic classifications for U. arctos, and we hypothesize that the clades were formed prior to migration of this species into North America. We suggest evolutionarily significant units for conservation in three geographic regions: (1) the Alaskan islands of Admi- ralty, Baranof; and Chichagof; (2) mainland Alaska, Kodiak Island, and northern Canada; and (3) southern British Columbia, southern Alberta, and the states of Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming.
Culture and Conflict Resolution; Culture Variation and Conflict Resolution: Alternatives to Violence

Culture and Conflict Resolution. Kevin Avruch. Washington, DC: United States Institute of Peace, 1998. 154 pp. Culture Variation and Conflict Resolution: Alternatives to Violence. Douglas P. Fry and Kaj Bjorkqvist. eds. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, 1997. 274 pp.
A Path Selection Global Router

In this paper, a new path selection heuristic search algorithm is proposed for connecting two components of vertices. A novel feature of the algorithm is that the active terminals (vertices in the net which are not yet connected) are modeled as magnets during the path searching process. The heuristic search algorithm is applied to two commonly used multi-terminal net tree connection algorithms. Experimental results show that the new path selection heuristic search algorithm is better than the other algorithms which do not consider the active terminals.
Mandatory diagnostic angiography for carotid artery stenosis prior to carotid artery intervention.

Introduction: Revascularization is an important strategy for reducing stroke risk in patients with severe carotid atherosclerosis. Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) and/or carotid ultrasound have traditionally been used as the only diagnostic modalities prior to revascularization. Patients undergoing CEA frequently have no further assessments of carotid anatomy prior to surgery. Evaluation with carotid ultrasound and MRA can often overestimate the degree of stenosis. We sought to determine if noninvasive imaging was sufficient for determining whether a patient should be referred for carotid intervention. Methods: We performed an analysis of 101 patients referred for carotid artery stenting (CAS). All patients had previously been evaluated with carotid ultrasound and 94% had undergone MRA as well. We sought to determine if noninvasive diagnostic imaging for carotid stenosis was sufficient to determine the necessity for endovascular intervention. Results: Of the 101 patients referred for carotid intervention, 36 (36%) were shown to have <70% stenoses and did not require intervention. Of those who had significant disease, 49 (75%) underwent successful CAS, 15 (23%) underwent CEA, and 1 patient was treated medically for a total occlusion. Three of the 36 patients not requiring carotid intervention were found to have subclavian stenosis. Two (4%) of the patients undergoing CAS and 4 (27%) of the patients undergoing CEA had minor complications. No patients suffered a major stroke, MI, or death at follow-up. Conclusion: This analysis demonstrates that 36% of patients referred for endovascular intervention based on noninvasive imaging did not meet criteria by angiography. This emphasizes the need for carotid angiography prior to carotid intervention.
Consideraciones éticas en epilepsia

Resumen De todas las enfermedades, la epilepsia es probablemente una de las mas pobremente entendida por el publico en general. Para muchas personas con epilepsia, la realidad social de su condicion es equivalente a un estigma. Si bien se han documentado progresos en las actitudes publicas hacia la epilepsia, los restos de las “antiguas” ideas acerca de la epilepsia continuan formando conceptos populares que resultan en un contexto social dificil para los afectados. La relacion entre el estigma y el deterioro de la calidad de vida esta bien documentada. Abordar el problema de las falsas interpretaciones en torno a la epilepsia requiere efectivamente de una educacion adecuada de la sociedad en su conjunto, incluidos los pacientes, los proveedores de cuidado de la salud, trabajadores sociales, grupos de apoyo y particularmente de los responsables de confeccionar politicas de salud.
A Sense of Belonging among College Students with Disabilities: An Emergent Theoretical Model.

Higher education research suggests that the development of a sense of belonging is key to academic success and persistence, yet we know little about how first-year students with disabilities develop a sense of belonging as they transition into and through their first year in postsecondary environments. Themes from a grounded theory study of 8 college students, most of whom had invisible disabilities, provided the foundation for an emerging model of belonging. Student narratives suggest there are interconnections between the development of a sense of belonging, self-advocacy, social relationships, and mastery of the student role for first-year students with disabilities.
Intercellular transport of lysosomal acid lipase mediates lipoprotein cholesteryl ester metabolism in a human vascular endothelial cell-fibroblast coculture system.

Abstract We present results from studies of human cell culture models to support the premise that the extracellular transport of lysosomal acid lipase has a function in lipoprotein cholesteryl ester metabolism in vascular tissue. Vascular endothelial cells secreted a higher fraction of cellular acid lipase than did smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts. Acid lipase and lysosomal beta-hexosaminidase were secreted at approximately the same rate from the apical and basolateral surface of an endothelial cell monolayer. Stimulation of secretion with NH4Cl did not affect the polarity. We tested for the ability of secreted endothelial lipase to interact with connective tissue cells and influence lipoprotein cholesterol metabolism in a coculture system in which endothelial cells on a micropore filter were suspended above a monolayer of acid lipase-deficient (Wolman disease) fibroblasts. After 5-7 d, acid lipase activity in the fibroblasts reached 10%-20% of the level in normal cells; cholesteryl esters that had accumulated from growth in serum were cleared. Addition of mannose 6-phosphate to the coculture medium blocked acid lipase uptake and cholesterol clearance, indicating that lipase released from endothelial cells was packaged into fibroblast lysosomes by a phosphomannosyl receptor-mediated pathway. Supplementation of the coculture medium with serum was not required for lipase uptake and cholesteryl ester hydrolysis by the fibroblasts, but was necessary for cholesterol clearance. Results from our coculture model suggest that acid lipase may be transported from intact endothelium to cells in the lumen or the wall of a blood vessel. We postulate that delivery of acid hydrolases and lipoproteins to a common endocytic compartment may occur and have an impact on cellular lipoprotein processing.