cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Immune alterations induced by a conditioned aversive stimulus : evidence for a time-dependent effect

This study investigated the immune alterations induced in rats by an aversive conditioned stimulus (CS), which had been developed through pairings with electric shock. The results showed that the CS induced pronounced alterations of splenic lymphocyte function as indicated by a reduction in the mitogenic responsiveness to the T-cell mitogens concanavalin-A (Con-A) and phytohemag-glutinin (PHA) and the B-cell mitogen lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a reduction in interleukin-2 production, and a reduction in natural-killer-cell activity. The magnitude of the immune alterations was dependent on the time interval between the training and testing of the CS. There was little evidence of an immunomodulatory effect of the CS 1 day following training, but the effect developed as the interval between training and test was extended (3, 6, and 12 days). In contrast, a mitogen-stimulation assay using blood lymphocytes showed a reduction in the mitogenic responsiveness to Con-A and PHA that was comparable across the days following training. These results establish a time-dependent, compartment-specific, CS-induced immunomodulatory effect.
The role of emotion in computer skill acquisition

In response to recent calls for researchers to identify the underlying causes of training effectiveness, this study investigated the role of emotion in computer skill acquisition (CSA). The current study introduced empathetic emotion as a behavior model training (BMT) intervention within the observational learning model (OLM) of CSA developed and validated by Yi and Davis (2003). Recent research studies indicate that emotion is an integral part of cognitive processing and decision making in humans because emotion focuses attention on stimuli that are relevant to needs and goals. Research also indicates that emotional arousal tends to increase human memory. Attention and memory are very similar to the attention and retention process dimensions in Yi and Davis’ (2003) OLM. Therefore, this study posited that an emotion-based training intervention would increase attention and memory thereby improving training outcomes. A training workshop, including a custom software simulation, was developed for the current research study. The software simulation recorded data related to training effectiveness and randomly assigned trainees to either a treatment group (receiving emotion-based performance feedback) or control group (receiving performance feedback void of emotion). Data related to individual differences, perceptions, and attitudes were collected using paper-based survey questions. Empirical testing of the proposed theoretical model and hypotheses was conducted using PLS-Graph, and multi-group comparisons were conducted using t-tests. The test results of the proposed model were favorable, but no significant differences were found between the training outcomes for the control and treatment groups. The findings of the empirical model indicate that emotion has a significant affect on learning processes, and highlights the need to better understand the role of emotion within the context of computer skill training.
Arbitration in Tamper Proof Systems

Given that tamperfree devices exist it is possible to construct true signature schemes that have the advantages of arbitrated signature schemes, protection against disavowing or forging messages, and lacking certain short commings. Other cryptographic protocols can also be improved. The contents of tamperfree devices cannot be examined as well as not modified.
Evaluation of growth curves of Brahman cattle of various frame sizes.

Partial stage and complete life-cycle growth curves of Brahman cattle were obtained for small, medium, and large frame sizes for a herd under grazing conditions in a subtropical environment. Data were grouped into three stages: birth to weaning (stage 1), weaning to 20 mo (males) or 32 mo (females) of age (stage 2), and 32 mo of age to maturity (females only; stage 3). Within each stage, multiplicative growth models were developed for each frame size and sex. Body weight growth on age t was represented as exp(a + bt + ct2) for stages 1 and 2, and as exp(A + B exp(kt)) for stage 3. The effects of sire and progeny within sire were considered in all models. For stages 2 and 3, the effect of season was also included. To obtain complete life-cycle curves, a growth stage-multiplicative model with stages 1 and 2 was defined; stage 3 was also included for females. Due to a 1-mo adaptation period after weaning, a transition stage between stages 1 and 2 was defined and represented by the model exp(a + bt). In stage 1, the shape of the growth curve differed (P < .05) among frame size groups; sex did not affect the shape of the growth curves, but bull calves had heavier (P < .05) weights than heifer calves. In stage 2, the shape of the growth curves did not differ among frame sizes, but BW differed among frame sizes (P < .05) and sex affected (P < .05) the shape of the growth curves. In stage 3, the shape of the growth curves differed (P < .05) among frame sizes. There were sire effects (P < .05) for stages 1 and 2, but sire effects were not significant for stage 3. Season effects were important (P < .05) for stages 1 and 2. These results suggest that variability in growth patterns provides an opportunity to use management and nutrition to improve production efficiency in cattle of different frame sizes.
Noise reduction in hydraulic system driven by swash plate pump by optimizing the control unit

A new control strategy with a single PID controller for the reduction of noise levels in hydraulic system driven by Swash plate pump, by optimizing the control unit, is evaluated. The length of piston stroke in the Swash plate pump is determined by the angle of inclination of the swash plate, which is varied by a control cylinder. The control unit determines the swiveling angle of the swash plate and the piston stroke, while the hydraulic input is generated by the hydraulic unit consisting of a secondary pump. The noise levels investigated for a control strategy with a single PD controller shows that the parameters of the controller are the proportional gain of unity and the derivative gain equals 0.02. The PID is parameterized to have a proportional gain of 1.9, integral gain of 8.4, and derivative gain of 0.01.
Production of highly concentrated, heat-stable hepatitis B surface antigen in maize

Summary Plant-based oral vaccines are a promising emergent technology that could help alleviate disease burden worldwide by providing a low-cost, heat-stable, oral alternative to parenterally administered commercial vaccines. Here, we describe high-level accumulation of the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) at a mean concentration of 0.51%TSP in maize T1 seeds using an improved version of the globulin1 promoter. This concentration is more than fourfold higher than any previously reported lines. HBsAg expressed in maize seeds was extremely heat stable, tolerating temperatures up to 55 °C for 1 month without degradation. Optimal heat stability was achieved after oil extraction of ground maize material, either by supercritical fluid extraction or hexane treatment. The contributions of this material towards the development of a practical oral vaccine delivery system are discussed.
Structural, compositional, and sensorial properties of United States commercial ice cream products.

UNLABELLED Commercial vanilla ice cream products from the United States (full fat, low fat, and nonfat) were analyzed for their structural, behavioral (i.e., melt rate and drip-through), compositional, and sensorial attributes. Mean size distributions of ice crystals and air cells, drip-through rates, percent partially coalesced fat, percent overrun and total fat, and density were determined. A trained panel carried out sensory analyses in order to determine correlations between ice cream microstructure attributes and sensory properties using a Spectrum(TM) descriptive analysis. Analyses included melt rate, breakdown, size of ice particulates (iciness), denseness, greasiness, and overall creaminess. To determine relationships and interactions, principle component analysis and multivariate pairwise correlation were performed within and between the instrumental and sensorial data. Greasiness and creaminess negatively correlated with drip-through rate and creaminess correlated with percent total fat and percent fat destabilization. Percent fat did not determine the melt rate on a sensorial level. However, drip-through rate at ambient temperatures was predicted by total fat content of the samples. Based on sensory analysis, high-fat products were noted to be creamier than low and nonfat products. Iciness did not correlate with mean ice crystal size and drip-through rate did not predict sensory melt rate. Furthermore, on a sensorial level, greasiness positively correlated with total percent fat destabilization and mean air cell size positively correlated with denseness. These results indicate that commercial ice cream products vary widely in composition, structure, behavior, and sensory properties. PRACTICAL APPLICATION There is a wide range of commercial ice creams in the United States market, ranging from full fat to nonfat. In this research we showed that these ice creams vary greatly in their microstructures, behaviors (the melt/drip-though, collapse, and/or stand up properties of ice cream products at ambient temperatures), and sensory properties.
Symmetric Tensors And Geometry of \({\mathbb{P}} ^N\) Subvarieties

This paper using a geometric approach produces vanishing and nonvanishing results concerning the spaces of twisted symmetric differentials $$H^{0}(X, S^{m}\Omega^{1}_{X} \bigotimes \mathcal {O}_{X}(k))$$ on subvarieties $$X \subset {\mathbb{P}}_{ N}$$ , with k ≤ m. Emphasis is given to the case of k = m which is special and whose nonvanishing results on the dimensional range dim X > 2/3(N − 1) are related to the space of quadrics containing X and the variety of all tangent trisecant lines of X. The paper ends with an application showing that the twisted symmetric plurigenera, $$Q _{\alpha, m}(X_{ t}) = {\rm dim} H^{0}(X, S^{m}(\omega^{1}_{X_t} \bigotimes \alpha K_{X_t} ))$$ along smooth families of projective varieties Xt are not invariant even for α arbitrarily large.
Convergent evolution: limited forms most beautiful

Convergent Evolution: Limited Forms Most Beautiful by George McGhee attempts the first systematic examination of the timely topic of convergent evolution. The author’s expertise and passion really lie in studies of morphology and behavior and these trajectories are the strongest of the work.
Revenge of the “Nerds”: Collective Action against Intellectual Property Maximalism in the Global Information Age

For the first time in thirty years of ever stronger intellectual property policies, a transnational coalition of Internet users was able to kill two US anti-piracy bills that were backed by some of the most politically connected and economically powerful interests in US politics. Combining insights from the literatures on social movements, networks, and Internet activism, I analyze the structure for social mobilization, the form of the coalition, the role of framing, and the use of technology contributing to its success. The literature on social movements and contentious politics addresses situations of threats or grievances that lead actors to mobilize for collective action. In this case, Goliath's latest gambit to ratchet up intellectual property standards threatened David's use of the Internet. This time David beat Goliath.
Physical therapists' health promotion activities for older adults.

Background and Purpose: It is not known to what extent and how effectively physical therapists working with older adults are promoting health with their patients. The purpose of this study was to describe what physical therapists in a midwestern urban area do with older adults (65 years and older) for health and wellness promotion in the clinical setting. Subjects: A total of 65 physical therapists were invited to participate in the study. Of them, 24 respondents met the inclusion criteria and 14 were able to attend 1 of 3 focus group interviews held at the investigators' university location. Participants were female physical therapists mostly in their 30s who worked with older adults greater than 60% of the time in inpatient, outpatient, or home care settings. Methods: Focus group interviews were tape-recorded and field notes were taken. Data were transcribed, coded individually, and underwent member-checking and peer review to ensure trustworthiness of the study's findings. Results: Three major themes emerged. First, participants believed health promotion is a part of physical therapist practice. Second, participants described the health promotion benefits of more one-on-one time with patients. Third, these physical therapists acknowledged several factors that impact their delivery of health promotion. Conclusions: We found that these experienced physical therapists from a variety of practice settings were consistently practicing health promotion while treating older adults. Participants reported the one-on-one time spent that helped build relationships as the main facilitator of practicing health promotion. Although there were no objective measures of the effectiveness of their health-promoting efforts, subjectively all felt confident in their ability to promote health with their older patients.
On the Convergence of a Class of Iterative Methods for Solving the Weber Location Problem

The location problem is to find a point M whose sum of weighted distances from m vertices in p-dimensional Euclidean space is a minimum. The best-known algorithm for solving the location problem is an iterative scheme devised by Weiszfeld in 1937. The procedure will not converge if some nonoptimal vertex is an iterate, however. This paper solves the problem of vertex iterates and presents a general proof permitting a variable step length within certain bounds. This property is used, in particular, to show the convergence of a modified gradient Newton-Raphson type of procedure.
Adaptive control of Markov chains under the weak accessibility

The author considers the adaptive control of Markov chains under the weak accessibility condition with the objective of minimizing the learning loss. First, it is shown that, by using a stationary randomized control scheme, the maximum likelihood estimate of the unknown parameter converges exponentially fast to its true value. Then a certainty equivalence control with a forcing type scheme is constructed with alternative phases of forcing and certainty equivalence control. The stationary randomized control scheme for forcing is used in such a way that by cutting and pasting the resulting observations a single Markov chain is obtained. This in turn allows the rate of forcing to be chosen appropriately, giving a learning loss of O(f(n)log n) for any function f(n) to infinity as n to infinity . >
Pressure-Induced Phase Transition in a La-Doped Lead Zirconate Titanate

Ceramic samples of Pb 0.99 La 0.01 (Zr 0.91 Ti0.09)O 3 were studied by dielectric and time-of-flight neutron diffraction measurements at 300 and 250 K versus pressure. Isothermal dielectric data (300/250 K) suggest structural transitions with onsets near 0.35/0.37 GPa, respectively, for increasing pressure. On pressure release, only the 300K transition occurs (0.10 GPa; none indicated at 250 K). Diffraction data at 300 K show the sample has the R3c structure, remaining in that phase cooling to 250 K. Pressure increase (either 300 or 250 K) above 0.3 GPa yields a Pnma–like (A O ) phase (two other prominent peaks in the spectra suggest a possible incommensurate cell). Temperature/pressure excursions show considerable phase hysteresis.
Change in Udder Health with Overmilking

Removing milker units as soon as milk flow stopped was compared to milking for a fixed time of 12 min in an 8-wk trial with 60 cows. Teats were dipped in broth culture of approximately 10(9) colony forming units per ml of Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, and Streptococcus uberis for 4 wk. More new infections of quarters occurred in the 12-min group. In trials 2 and 3, 20 additional cows were milked with automatic milking machine detachers and 20 cows were milked with a flow control unit for 12 min each trial. New infection rates were highest in the two groups milked for 12 min. Age for lactation and cows were associated with most of the variation in the new infection rate. Cows with pointed teat ends had the highest rate of new infection. Effects of fixed-time milking on increased mammary infection and clinical mastitis were small.
Deterministic sorting in O(nlog log n) time and linear space

We present a fast deterministic algorithm for integer sorting in linear space. Our algorithm sorts n integers in the range {0, 1, 2, …, m—1} in linear space in O(n log log n) time. This improves our previous result [8] which sorts in O(n log log n log log log n) time and linear space. This also improves previous best deterministic sorting algorithm [3, 11] which sorts in O(nlog log n) time but uses O(me) space. Our results can also be compared with Thorup's previous result [16] which sorts in O(nlog log n) time and linear space but uses randomization.
EARLY NORTHEAST TEXAS AND THE EVOLUTION OF WESTERN RANCHING

ABSTRACT A purely Anglo-American system of open-range cattle herding, derived from the Carolinas by way of the Upper South, was implanted in northeast Texas in the period 1820–1850. From the northeastern part of the state, bearers of this Anglo cattle tradition later moved westward with their herds and blended their heritage with that of the Spaniard, Acadian, and lower southern Anglo to form the western American cattle ranching complex.
Design and Interfacing of an Automated Langmuir-Type Film Balance to an FT-IR Spectrometer

We report the design of a surface analysis accessory that allows for the use of external reflection FT-IR spectroscopy to investigate the structure of insoluble monolayer films in situ at the air/water interface. The Langmuir film balance constructed for this purpose is optimized to contain the monolayer film at the focal point of the infrared beam, as well as to generate high surface pressures within the film. The optical interfacing of the film balance to an FT-IR spectrometer is also described. Results are presented for a representative surface pressure/molecular area isotherm and infrared spectrum for a phospholipid monolayer film.
Carbohydrate-Responsive Gene Expression in the Adipose Tissue of Rats

Although obesity is often associated with high-fat diets, it can develop from a variety of meal patterns. Excessive intake of simple carbohydrates is one consistent eating behavior leading to obesity. However, the impact of overconsumption of diets with high carbohydrate to fat ratios (C/F) on body composition and global adipose tissue gene expression remains unclear. We used total enteral nutrition to evaluate the effects of caloric intake and C/F on body weight gain and development of obesity. Female Sprague Dawley rats were fed diets with either low C/F or high C/F (HC) (reflecting a 19.5-fold increase in C/F) at two levels of caloric intake: 187 or 220 kcal/kg3/4 · d (15% excess) for 4 wk. At the end of the study period, rats fed HC diets had about 20% higher body weight at either caloric intake compared with rats fed low C/F diets (P < 0.05). Body composition (assessed by nuclear magnetic resonance, computerized tomography, and adipose tissue weights) revealed higher percent fat mass (P < 0.05) in HC...
SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF MOLECULAR RECTANGLES BASED UPON RHENIUM THIOLATE DIMERS

Tetrametallic molecular rectangles have been synthesized by combining rhenium(I) thiolate dimers with difunctional pyridyl and pyrazyl type ligands. The proposed rectangular structures are supported by 1H NMR, MS, and IR absorption measurements. In addition, crystal structures of two of the rectangles are presented showing frameworks with dimensions 3.81 × 11.57 and 3.69 × 7.22 A, as defined by the rhenium atoms.
Ambulatory procedures for urinary incontinence in the United States, 1994-1996.

Abstract Objective The objective of our study was to describe the national rates of ambulatory surgery for urinary incontinence in women. Study design We used the National Survey of Ambulatory Surgery, a federal database that samples outpatient surgery in the United States. Data from 1994 to 1996 were analyzed for diagnoses and procedures coded using the International Classification of Diseases, 9th revision, Clinical Modification, classification system. Age-adjusted rates were calculated with use of the 1990 census population and compared for change over time by using the score test for linear trend. Results The estimated number of women undergoing outpatient surgery for urinary incontinence increased from 7,200 in 1994 to 15,900 in 1996 ( P =.3), whereas the age-adjusted rate remained stable at approximately 10 procedures per 100,000 women per year. The procedures performed included "other repair of the bladder" (ICD-9-CM code 57.89), "other repair of urinary stress incontinence" (code 59.7), plication of the urethrovesical junction, suprapubic sling operation, retropubic urethral suspension, paraurethral suspension, and levator muscle operation. The mean age of women undergoing these procedures was 58±14.5 years. Women undergoing incontinence procedures were 76% white, 0.3% African American, and 24% other (including unknown). Ninety-two percent of the procedures were completed at hospitals, whereas 8% were performed at free-standing ambulatory surgery centers. Conclusion Between 1994 and 1996, the number of ambulatory surgeries for urinary incontinence in women doubled.
Nitric Oxide Induces Angiogenesis and Upregulates αvβ3 Integrin Expression on Endothelial Cells

Abstract Nitric oxide (NO) has been implicated as a mediator of angiogenesis. However, its precise role in angiogenesis and its mechanism of action have not been established. We performed in vivo and in vitro angiogenesis assays using NO donor S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP) and NO synthase inhibitor N-iminoethyl- l -ornithine (L-NIO). SNAP significantly increased and L-NIO significantly suppressed capillary ingrowth into subcutaneously implanted Matrigel plugs in mice. For the in vitro angiogenesis assay, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) (4 × 104 cells/well) were treated with placebo, SNAP (100 μM), or L-NIO (100 μM) and cultured on Matrigel for 18 h. The typical capillary networks formed on Matrigel by HUVECs as a result of cell migration and differentiation were quantified by computer-assisted image analysis as a measure of angiogenesis. Treatment of HUVECs with SNAP significantly increased the capillary network area compared with control, 8701 ± 693 vs 6258 ± 622 area units (P
Bio-Fi: inverse biotelemetry projects

Bio-Fi is a collection of art projects undertaken by S.W.A.M.P. (Studies of Work Atmospheres and Mass Production), collaborative art projects by Douglas Easterly and Matt Kenyon. S.W.A.M.P. projects attempt to find creative expression within elements of culture that are inherently counter-creative. The Bio-Fi series utilizes physical computing technology to access patterns and relationships surrounding a corporation, that couldn't be seen using any other medium. The field of 'biotelemetry' researches ways of gathering vital physiological data from living organisms through transponders (worn or implanted), which relay information to remote hardware [1]. With all biotelemetric applications, it is integral that the transponder-bearing subject is a synecdoche for its larger social group. In this respect, Bio-Fi projects are a sort of 'inverse-biotelemetry'. Test subjects are not released into a natural environment, but trapped within a synthetic environment whose conditions are tempered by various systems of information: Wi-Fi signals are like water, information mined from the internet is food, and electronic pulses become sunlight.
20-year experience in childhood craniopharyngioma.

Abstract Purpose: The management of craniopharyngioma is controversial, and surgery alone is frequently advocated. The purpose of this study was to assess the long-term impact of various treatments in childhood craniopharyngioma. Methods and Materials: Sixty-one children ≤ 21 years of age at diagnosis were treated for craniopharyngioma at Children's Hospital and the Joint Center for Radiation Therapy in Boston from 1970 to 1990. The median age was 7.5 years (range 10 months–21 years). There were 33 females and 28 males. The median follow-up was 10 years (range 2–20.5 years). Neuroimaging was available for detailed review in 53. Nine children were treated with radiotherapy alone, 15 were treated with surgery alone, and 37 were treated with both surgery and radiotherapy. All patients in the radiotherapy and surgery plus radiotherapy groups were treated with megavoltage radiation with a median dose of 5464 cGy. Results: All nine of the children treated with radiation therapy alone are alive; none have recurred. Nine of the 15 children treated with surgery alone have recurred ( p = 0.007 Fisher exact test). Two are alive with disease, and seven are alive without disease after treatment at relapse with radiation therapy, surgery, or both. Seven of the 37 patients treated with surgery plus radiotherapy have recurred. Three of the seven patients are dead of disease, three patients are alive with disease, and one patient is alive without disease after further treatment. The 10-year actuarial overall survival was 91% for all patients. The 10-year actuarial freedom from progression for the surgery group was 31% compared with 100% for patients treated with radiation therapy only (log rank p = 0.01), and 86% for patients treated with surgery plus radiotherapy at diagnosis ( p = 0.001). There were two treatment related deaths, both in the surgery plus radiotherapy group. A higher incidence of visual loss and diabetes insipidus was associated with the use of aggressive surgery. The size of the tumor at presentation correlated with an increased risk of recurrence; 5 of 6 patients with tumors ≥ 5 cm experienced recurrences while only 6 of 30 recurred when the tumor was Conclusions: Overall survival in childhood craniopharyngioma is excellent. However, patients treated with surgery alone have a significantly worse freedom from progression when compared to patients treated with surgery and radiation therapy or radiation therapy alone.
Machinable Ceramics Containing Rare-Earth Phosphates

Two-phase composites consisting of LaPO4 or CePO4 and alumina, mullite, or zirconia were found to be machinable; i.e., they can be cut and drilled using conventional tungsten carbide metal-working tools. Single-phase LaPO4 was also machinable. Measurements of drilling rates, grinding rates, and normal forces are used to compare the ease of machining in these materials and in a conventional machinable glass-ceramic material, and to provide preliminary information on the relation between microstructure and machining properties. In Hertzian contact experiments these materials showed extensive nonlinear behavior associated with a damage zone beneath the contact site, similar to other machinable ceramics. Mechanisms of material removal are discussed.
ACADEMIC APTITUDE AND READING TEST SCORES OF DISADVANTAGED CHILDREN SHOWING VARYING DEGREES OF MOBILITY

In any urban school system, one can identify a large group of pupils, characterized by low motivation and lack of goals, whose school performance is substandard. Predominately, such children are drawn from homes where the adults have had little schooling. In many instances, large family size, poverty, discrimination, high mobility, and slum conditions are complicating factors. Typically, the child from such a home is disadvantaged--he enters school lacking the experiences, skills, and values of his non-disadvantaged peers.
Initial experiences with telerehabilitation and contingency management programs for the prevention and management of pressure ulceration in patients with spinal cord injuries

Two alternative treatment methods for preventive interventions for pressure ulcers, tele-rehabilitation and contingency management, are discussed. Telerehabilitation uses a videophone that transmits both audio and still images over a telephone line. Using this technology, the WOC nurse can interview a patient who cannot be present at a clinic because of physical condition or distance. Telerehabilitation allows the nurse to assess a patient's pressure ulcer, consult with appropriate caregivers, and make recommendations for treatment. Contingency management procedures are designed for patients with high rates of noncompliance in skin care. The patients are seen as outpatients and are compensated systematically for appropriate skin care (ie, the lack of pressure ulcers). Examples of each of these patient interventions is described, discussed, and contrasted.
Mesophase Formation in Regioregular Poly(3-alkylthiophene)s Containing Long Chain Alkyl Groups

A series of regioregular poly(3-alkylthiophene)s with substituent groups R = C22H45, C24H49, C26H53, and C28H57 were synthesized. All of the materials can form a mesophase by rapid quenching from the isotropic melt. The ease of mesophase formation depends upon the length of the alkyl group, with the longer side chains leading to mesophase formation at lower quenching rates. Variable temperature reflection and fluorescence spectroscopy of thin films and differential scanning calorimetry and variable temperature X-ray diffraction on powders were used to study the thermal behavior of the new polymers. All of the materials studied showed a two-step thermochromic transition from the mesophase, and endotherms in the thermograms could be assigned to melting of each phase. The data indicate that π−π stacking is an important contributor to the thermochromism observed in these compounds while the interaction between the alkyl side chains controls mesophase formation.
Data compression and histograms

In this paper, the relationship between code length and the selection of the number of bins for a histogram density is considered for a sequence of iid observations on [0,1]. First, we use a shortest code length criterion to select the number of bins for a histogram. A uniform almost sure asymptotic expansion for the code length is given and it is used to prove the asymptotic optimality of the selection rule. In addition, the selection rule is consistent if the true density is uniform [0,1]. Secondly, we deal with the problem: what is the “best” achievable average code length with underlying density functionf? Minimax lower bounds are derived for the average code length over certain smooth classes of underlying densitiesf. For the smooth class with bounded first derivatives, the rate in the lower bound is shown to be achieved by a code based on a sequence of histograms whose number of bins is changed predictively. Moreover, this best code can be modified to ensure that the almost sure version of the code length has asymptotically the same behavior as its expected value, i.e., the average code length.
Asymptotic stability and generalized forces in periodic systems.

Asymptotic stability and generalized forces in time varying periodic systems, discussing relation between natural frequencies or linearized system eigenvalues
Sexual functioning of male anabolic steroid abusers.

The effects of anabolic steroid use on male sexual behavior were assessed using a structured clinical interview administered to male body builders currently using steroids, and to two comparison groups (body builders with a past but not current history of steroid use, and a group of “natural” body builders who had never used steroids). Current anabolic steroid users had a significantly higher coital and orgasmic frequency than did comparison athletes. They also reported a significantly higher incidence of erectile difficulties during the past month. Beliefs concerning the sexually stimulating effects of steroids did not correlate with the frequencies of specific sexual behaviors. The data support the contention that anabolic steroids, as androgenic compounds, enhance sexual desire.
THE EFFECTS OF SEMANTIC PROCESSING ON MEMORY OF SUBJECTS DIFFERING IN AGE

This study contrasted the recall and recognition performance of young (19‐year‐old) and old (74‐year‐old) adults following intentional and incidental learning. The incidental learning condition involved the reading of a story. The large age deficit found in intentional recall was virtually eliminated in incidental recognition. Reading evidently induces a sufficient depth of processing to overcome memory loss.
Nanobiomaterials and Nanoanalysis : Opportunities for Improving the Science to Benefit Biomedical Technologies

Nanomaterials advocated for biomedical applications must exhibit well-controlled surface properties to achieve optimum performance in complex biological or physiological fluids. Dispersed materials with extremely high specific surface areas require as extensive characterization as their macroscale biomaterials analogues. However, current literature is replete with many examples of nanophase materials, most notably nanoparticles, with little emphasis placed on reporting rigorous surface analysis or characterization, or in formal implementation of surface property standards needed to validate structure property relationship for biomedical applications. Correlations of nanophase surface properties with their stability, toxicity and biodistributions are essential for in vivo applications. Surface contamination is likely giveng their processing conditions and interfacial energies. Leaching adventitious adsorbates from high surface area nanomaterials is a possible toxicity mechanism. Polydimethylsioxane (PDMS), long known as a ubiquitous contaminan tin clean room conditions, chemical synthesis and microfabrication, remains a likely culprit in nanosystems fabrication, especially in synthesis, soft lithography and contact molding methods. New standards and expectations for analyzing the interfacial properties of nanoparticles and nano-fabricated technologies are required. Surface science analytical rigor similar to that upplied to biomedical devices, nanophases in microelectronics and heterogenous catalysis should serrve as a model for nanomaterials characterization in biomedical technologies.
Late Palaeozoic glaciation of Australia

Abstract Late Palaeozoic glaciation in Australia, discovered over a century ago, is now known to have covered a large part of the continent. In South Australia, tillite and outwash debris lie upon clearly striated pavements within glacial valleys, and show that ice sheets with valley tongues moved northward from sources now occupied by deep ocean south of the continent. These glaciers reached into the Cooper, Arckaringa, and Pedirka Basins at the end of the Carboniferous and laid down patches of till in the Early Permian, now preserved largely in the subsurface. In Tasmania, an ice sheet waxed in the latest Carboniferous from sources to the west of the island, and deposited till and “drop‐stones” into fossiliferous marine strata until well into the Late Permian. In Victoria, the ice cap laid down till on a striated floor, and here and there sequences of outwash, including boulder pavements. In New South Wales, continental glaciation expanded eastward to the sea early in the Permian, and left a record inte...
Oxidation of ferritic–martensitic alloys T91, HCM12A and HT-9 in supercritical water

Abstract The oxidation behavior of ferritic–martensitic (F–M) alloys in supercritical water (SCW) was studied in order to evaluate the suitability of these alloys for use in the Gen IV supercritical water reactor (SCWR) concept. A series of exposure tests in SCW were performed with three F–M alloys: T91, HCM12A, and HT-9. The effect of temperature was evaluated over the range of 400–600 °C and the dissolved oxygen concentration was controlled at
Public policy analysis of Indiana's minority health initiatives

Similar to national health trends in the US, racial/ethnic minorities in the state of Indiana continue to experience disparities in poor health status from preventable health conditions. To address this problem, people from minority communities across the state mobilized a broad base of individuals and organizations to facilitate the successful legislative enactment of a statewide minority health initiative. A case study of the initiative is presented for public policy analysis. The theoretical framework for the study is Etzioni's Societal Guidance Theory. The findings show that minority health advocates were able to impact favorably on public policy formulation and funding of the initiative by increasing knowledge about minority health status among grass-roots people, generating public consensus for public policy intervention, setting mutual goals via a 5-year strategic minority health plan, creating organizational structures to implement the plan and utilizing power to push the initiative through the legislative process. The weaknesses of the initiative efforts include a limited infrastructure development of minority health coalitions, restricted effective use of the legislative process and varying degrees of linkages among other advocacy groups. Improvements in these areas are discussed and recommendations are made for the implementation phase of the initiative.
Fluctuations and the onset of chaos

Abstract We consider the role of fluctuations on the onset and characteristics of chaotic behavior associated with period doubling subharmonic bifurcations. By studying the problem of forced dissipative motion of an anharmonic oscillator we show that the effect of noise is to produce a bifurcation gap in the set of available states. We discuss the possible experimental observation of this gap in many systems which display turbulent behavior.
Umbilical arterial S-nitrosothiols in stressed newborns: Role in perinatal circulatory transition

Abstract S-Nitrosothiols are potent endogenous vasodilators recently found to be in greater concentrations in fetal umbilical venous than arterial blood. We hypothesized that neonatal increases in SNOs may be involved in the normal human perinatal circulatory transition. Paired human umbilical artery and vein plasma samples were collected after birth. S-Nitrosothiol concentrations were measured as NO after photolysis—and NO − 3 after reduction in vanadium chloride—by chemiluminescence. Normal umbilical arterial serum SNO levels were nearly twice those of matched venous samples but were low in infants who did not transition normally to neonatal circulation. There was no difference in the concentration of NO − 3 between the normal and depressed infants. The parallel failure of some fetuses to switch both to a normal arteriovenous SNO relationship and a normal clinical post-partum state suggests that SNOs may be involved in the perinatal circulatory transition.
Transmission electron microscopic observations on lipid release in Schistosoma mansoni maintained in vitro

Abstract Transmission electron microscopy was done on Schistosoma mansoni adult males and females unpaired immediately following recovery from mice and on worms maintained in Earle's balanced salt solution (EBSS) containing 0.1% glucose and 0.5% lactalbumin hydrolysate for 1.0 h at 37°C. Males incubated for 0.5 and 1.0 h released lipids from non-tuberculate and tuberculate areas of the dorsal tegument. Lipid release was not seen in females. Transmission electron microscopy revealed no apparent damage in worms maintained in BBSS for 1.0 h. Our observations suggest that structures described as “spheres” (Weisberg, Carlisle & Bentley, 1983) are lipid droplets.
On the disproportionation of vitamin B12r and the voltammetry of vitamin B12 compounds

Summary Polarographic, cyclic voltammetric and potentiometric measurements have been made on vitamin B12a and B12r in Na2SO4 (at adjusted pH), (NH4)2H citrate (pH=4.94) and KH2PO4−Na2HPO4 (pH=7.43). In the phosphate medium, polarographic E1/2 values for the vitamin B12a/B12r and B12r/B12s couples are E1/2=−0.002 V vs. SCE and E1/2=−0.891 V vs. SCE, respectively. These E1/2 values are very close to reversible values as shown by logarithmic plots of E vs. log(id−i)/i and by cyclic voltammetry. Analysis of cyclic voltammograms shows that the B12r+e→B12s electron transfer reaction at a mercury drop electrode is quasi-reversible with a ks=1.7±0.3×10−3 cm s−1 in 0.0667 M KH2PO4−0.0667 M Na2HPO4. Using the polarographic E1/2's given above, a disproportionation constant of 0.80×10−15 is calculated for vitamin B12r at pH=7.43. A steady state rate calculation using this value of disproportionation constant shows that a previously proposed mechanism for the methylation of vitamin B12r by methyl iodide involving the disproportionation of B12r would have a half-life of 360 years which does not correspond to the experimental rate.
Sensor bus control networks in semiconductor processing equipment

The performance, cost and reliability of semiconductor processing equipment is greatly affected by the number and type of sensors and actuators used within the equipment. Current semiconductor processing equipment can include over one thousand sensors and actuators of varying accuracy, cost and performance. The integration of theses sensors and actuators is further complicated by varying, non-standard electrical interfaces to them. The role of a sensor bus based control network is to provide an organized approach for interconnecting sensors, actuators and controllers within a piece of equipment. The goal is to provide a more robust and reliable system with minimal development cost by the equipment supplier and with reduced effective cost to the equipment purchaser. This paper will describe several metrics which are used in evaluating a bus architecture and a methodology for designing a network architecture.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Teacher Induction, Mentoring, and Retention: A Summary of the Research

This paper reviews the research literature on new teacher mentoring, focusing on issues of definition, why teachers quit, and the effects of mentoring on retention. Conclusions call for more scientific studies on the relationship between mentoring and retention, more research on the relation between mentoring and other educational outcomes, and a suggestion that we might rethink career goals for teachers under the present social climate.
Novel Targets for Treatment of Adult Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia

The treatment of acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) results in long-term disease-free survival in only 30-40% of adults. Conventional chemotherapy is toxic and woefully ineffective. Therefore, novel agents are being investigated. Among these agents are monoclonal antibodies such as rituximab, epratuzumab, and alemtuzumab and targeted therapies such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors, mTOR inhibitors, and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK) inhibitors. This article discusses such novel targets for the treatment of ALL.
Generalization of a restraint-induced discriminative stimulus to cocaine in rats

The ability of the interoceptive cues produced following exposure to restraint stress to generalize to the discriminative stimulus effects of cocaine was investigated. Rats were trained to discriminate cocaine (10 mg/kg, IP, n=10; or 20 mg/kg, IP, n=6) from saline using a two-choice, food-reinforced, drug discrimination design. Substitution for the 10 mg/kg training dose of cocaine was observed subsequent to exposure to 15 min of restraint when administered immediately following an injection of saline. Restraint-induced generalization in the 20 mg/kg training group was substantial, but not statistically significant. These data suggest that a component of the subjective effects of cocaine may be associated with ”anxiety”.
Surface characterization by computer analysis of microtopographer data

Abstract The Gould microtopographer is an instrument for investigating surface features in the microinch range by scanning the surface with a diamond stylus. It has the capability of scanning a raster of parallel lines and providing a topographic representation of the surface on an XY plotter. Its uses and limitations are reviewed, and the question of stylus damage is addressed. The use of the instrument was greatly enhanced by automatic data collection and analysis using first an 1800 computer and, more recently, an S/7, with analysis performed on the 360/195. Up to 10k data points were collected during several successive sweeps of a surface, with a sampling interval as low as 1 μm (40 μin.). Programs were written to calculate, for a specified roughness width cut-off, the center-line average and root mean square roughness of each sweep, and to plot an autocorrelation function and a histogram of surface heights. These programs have been in regular use for surface characterization by the General Products Division Materials Research Group in San Jose. A special program was written to calculate the radius of curvature of the tips of asperities on a surface. The numerical technique involves a leastsquares fit of a parabola to the five data points which describe a peak. On smooth machined surfaces the radii of “asperities” were found to be much larger than expected (> 50 μm). Only on a fractured surface (such as ground glass) were small radii found (∼ 10 μm). The lower limit is the radius of the stylus itself (2.5 μm).
Real-Time Video-Based Traffic Measurement and Visualization System for Energy/Emissions

The ability to monitor the state of a given roadway in order to better manage traffic congestion has become increasingly important. Sophisticated traffic management systems able to process both the static and mobile sensor data and provide traffic information for the roadway network are under development. In addition to typical traffic data such as flow, density, and average traffic speed, there is now strong interest in environmental factors such as greenhouse gases, pollutant emissions, and fuel consumption. It is now possible to combine high-resolution real-time traffic data with instantaneous emission models to estimate these environmental measures in real time. In this paper, a system that estimates average traffic fuel economy, CO2 , CO, HC, and NOx emissions using a computer-vision-based methodology in combination with vehicle-specific power-based energy and emission models is presented. The CalSentry system provides not only typical traffic measures but also gives individual vehicle trajectories (instantaneous dynamics) and recognizes vehicle categories, which are used in the emission models to predict environmental parameters. This estimation process provides far more dynamic and accurate environmental information compared with static emission inventory estimation models.