cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sea-Bottom Reverberation: The Role of Volume Inhomogeneities of the Sediment

The bottom backscattering strength due to the upper sediment volume is expressed by a rather simple expression, under assumptions valid in many practical cases. An analysis of some published sediment core measurements, allows us to obtain experimental orders of magnitude for the velocity and density fluctuations, and their spatial correlation function. The bottom strengths calculated with these experimental values confirm the importance of the role of sediment volume scattering in the general phenomenon.
The religious turn (to theory) in Shakespeare studies

The new interest in religion in Shakespeare Studies indicates a return in interest in literary theory.
Convergence of Sequences of Transformations of Distribution Functions and Some Moment Problems

Sequences of iterated transformations of univariate distribution functions (d.f.’s) are defined and their basic structural properties are determined. Limiting d.f.’s are obtained; these d.f’s satisfy functional-integral equations. Solutions of these equations are exhibited, which involve problems of indeterminate moment sequences. The results are generalized to the bivariate case.
If only I wasn't so impulsive: Counterfactual thinking and delay-discounting

Abstract Previous research confirms that people continue to engage in impulsive behavior despite negative consequences. Little is known about what differentiates individuals who learn from past mistakes and those who do not. The theory of functional counterfactual thinking proposes that generating counterfactual (‘if only’) thoughts after a failure or negative event can facilitate learning from past mistakes. We examined the use of counterfactual thinking, based on an individual's levels of impulsivity. Confirming hypotheses, results suggest that highly impulsive individuals are less likely to engage in functional counterfactual thinking (i.e., upward-additive counterfactuals). Interestingly, these results held only for individuals who were high on behavioral, but not self-reported impulsivity. Implications for the role of counterfactual thinking in impulsive individuals are discussed.
Block-Coordinate Minimization for Large SDPs with Block-Diagonal Constraints.

The so-called Burer-Monteiro method is a well-studied technique for solving large-scale semidefinite programs (SDPs) via low-rank factorization. The main idea is to solve rank-restricted, albeit non-convex, surrogates instead of the SDP. Recent works have shown that, in an important class of SDPs with elegant geometric structure, one can find globally optimal solutions to the SDP by finding rank-deficient second-order critical points of an unconstrained Riemannian optimization problem. Hence, in such problems, the Burer-Monteiro approach can provide a scalable and reliable alternative to interior-point methods that scale poorly. Among various Riemannian optimization methods proposed, block-coordinate minimization (BCM) is of particular interest due to its simplicity. Erdogdu et al. in their recent work proposed BCM for problems over the Cartesian product of unit spheres and provided global convergence rate estimates for the algorithm. This report extends the BCM algorithm and the global convergence rate analysis of Erdogdu et al. from problems over the Cartesian product of unit spheres to the Cartesian product of Stiefel manifolds. The latter more general setting has important applications such as synchronization over the special orthogonal (SO) and special Euclidean (SE) groups.
One Anglo-Irish Male's Observations on Affirmative Action

Affirmative action continues to be a source of heated public debate and disagreement, and cases continue to reach the Supreme Court. This article is one citizen’s effort to offer some thoughts about the alternative to affirmative action, as well as some of the costs and benefits of affirmative action efforts.
Primary central nervous system tumor treatment and survival in the United States, 2004-2015.

Brain tumor treatment and survival information is generally limited in large-scale cancer datasets. We provide a clinical investigation of current patterns of care and survival estimates for central nervous system (CNS) tumors treated in the United States. We analyzed the National Cancer Database from 2004–2015 for all patients with diagnosis of primary CNS tumors. We describe patient demographics, treatment modality, and analyzed survival estimates. 512,168 patient tumor records were examined. The most common histology was meningioma (43.6%), followed by glioblastoma (22.0%), and nerve sheath tumors (10.6%). Patients had a median age of 60 years, with a female (57.9%), white (85.0%), and non-Hispanic (87.8%) predominance. Tumors were reported as World Health Organization (WHO) grade I for 55.9% of the patients, grade II for 5.9%, grade III for 4.4%, grade IV for 24.3%, and grade unknown or not applicable for 9.4%. Overall, 56% underwent surgical procedures, 30.4% received radiation, and 20.6% received chemotherapy. Radiation plus chemotherapy and surgery was the most common treatment modality in high-grade tumors (40.5% in WHO grade III and 49.3% in WHO grade IV), while surgery only or watchful waiting was preferred in low-grade tumors. Older age, male gender, non-Hispanic origin, higher number of comorbidities, and lower socioeconomic status were identified as risk factors for mortality. Our analysis provides long-term survival estimates and initial treatment decisions for patients with CNS tumors in hospitals throughout the United States. Age, comorbidities, gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic characteristics were determinants of survival.
The Myth of Chinese Exceptionalism: A Historical Perspective on China’s Rise

What can Chinese history tell us about China’s rise? “Chinese exceptionalism” holds that historical China has a peaceful culture rooted in Confucianism that cherishes harmony and abhors wars. China’s unique historical legacy suggests that the country will not follow the conflict-ridden path of the West. This article refutes the four popular myths of Chinese exceptionalism: 1) the myth of no foreign expansion; 2) the myth of Zheng He’s voyages; 3) the myth of the Great Wall; and 4) the myth of the kingly way. The historical record does not support the claims of Chinese exceptionalism. Historical China behaved like a realist power, much in the same way as other great powers did elsewhere. The distribution of power, not historical and cultural legacy, holds the key to understanding Chinese foreign policy. Demystifying China’s historical and cultural legacy will help us better assess the implications of China’s rise today.
Kinetic, 3-D, PIC-DSMC Simulations of Ion Thruster Plumes and the Backflow Region

Three-dimensional, fully kinetic, coupled particle-in-cell direct simulation Monte Carlo (PIC-DSMC) simulations are performed to accurately predict the self-consistent electric field and plume and backflow characteristics of an ion thruster, and are compared with results based on the usual Boltzmann approximation. The fully kinetic calculations are performed for the first time using the operational thruster exit number densities without geometric scaling and the actual electron-to-ion mass ratio. It was found that kinetic treatment of both electrons and ions significantly affects the self-consistent radial electric field as well as the backflow ion characteristics. For the xenon ion plume with a colocated electron source, increase in the thruster exit number density strengthens the radial electric field which, in turn, increases the energy of the backflow ions by an order of magnitude. In addition, the spanwise variation of the ion flux on the solar panel showed that charge-exchange ions mostly impinge at the tip of the solar panel, furthest from the thruster geometry, for the fully kinetic cases. In comparison, the Boltzmann relation predicts a lower radial electric field for the operational high number density case, resulting in near-normal ion incidence angles in the backflow region causing significant flux closer to the thruster geometry.
Informed Trading with a Short-Sale Prohibition

Using a rational expectations equilibrium framework, I evaluate the effects of a short-sale prohibition in an economy with asymmetrically informed investors who are identical except for their infor...
The conserved ASCL1/MASH-1 ortholog HLH-3 specifies sex-specific ventral cord motor neuron fate in C. elegans

Neural specification can be regulated by one or many transcription factors. Here we identify a novel role for one conserved proneural factor, the bHLH protein HLH-3, implicated in the specification of sex-specific ventral cord motor neurons in C. elegans. In the process of characterizing the role of hlh-3 in neural specification, we document that differentiation of the ventral cord type C neurons, VCs, within their motor neuron class, is dynamic in time and space. Expression of VC class-specific and subclass specific identity genes is distinct through development and dependent on where they are along the A-P axis (and their position in proximity to the vulva). Our characterization of the expression of VC class and VC subclass-specific differentiation markers in the absence of hlh-3 function reveals that VC fate specification, differentiation, and morphology requires hlh-3 function. Finally, we conclude that hlh-3 cell-autonomously specifies VC cell fate.
Project aims to improve collaboration between medical home, hospitals

A quality improvement initiative of the Academy and Shriners Hospitals for Children (SHC) has demonstrated that improved communication between a child's medical home and specialty care providers has the potential to improve patient care as well as reduce costs. ![Figure][1] Dr. Lighter
The Millimeter-Wave Bolometric Interferometer

The Millimeter-wave Bolometric Interferometer (MBI) is a proposed ground-based instrument designed for a wide range of cosmological and astrophysical observations including studies of the polarization of the cosmic microwave background (CMB). MBI combines the advantages of two well-developed technologies - interferometers and bolometric detectors. Interferometers have many advantages over .filled-aperture telescopes and are particularly suitable for high resolution imaging. Cooled bolometers are the highest sensitivity detectors at millimeter and sub-millimeter wavelengths. The combination of these two technologies results in an instrument with both high sensitivity and high angular resolution.
Favorable Early Outcomes With Thyroid Lobectomy for Low-Risk Papillary Thyroid Cancer: The Mayo Clinic Experience.

Background Until 2015, standard of care for low-risk papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) >1 cm was a total or near-total thyroidectomy. Despite changes in guidelines and surgical management of low-risk PTC since 2015, little data are available regarding the effect on the need for additional surgery or risk for development of lymph node metastases. Our aim was to determine outcomes in patients who underwent initial thyroid lobectomy for low-risk PTC at a high-volume tertiary care institution. Methods Retrospective review of patients ≥18 years old with biopsy proven low-risk PTC 1-4 cm who underwent partial thyroidectomy (eg, lobectomy/isthmusectomy) at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, between March 2016 and June 30, 2019. Results From 1481 thyroidectomies performed during study period, 940 contained PTC on final pathology. Of these, 87 (of 123) patients who had an initial thyroid lobectomy met inclusion criteria. Five (6%) of these patients proceeded to completion thyroidectomy (CT), with 3 requiring CT and radioactive iodine in the first postoperative year and 2 undergoing only CT in the second postoperative year. No postoperative complications were reported. No patient in this cohort required additional surgery or treatment for newly discovered lymph node metastases during the follow-up period. 43 (of 72, 60%) patients not on thyroxine therapy preoperatively were started on thyroxine therapy postoperatively. Conclusions Early outcomes for those undergoing thyroid lobectomy for low-risk PTC at our institution have been favorable. These results support the 2015 American Thyroid Association guidelines to offer lobectomy for those with low-risk PTC 1-4 cm.
Measuring Multidimensional Poverty in a Complex Environment; Identifying the Sensitive Links☆

Abstract The central hypothesis of this study is that a holistic, systems-based approach employing multiple analytical tools is useful for identifying the most sensitive links within complex communities to down-scale global development priorities such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Results of latent factor regression, canonical correlation analysis, and structural equation modeling were compared for multiple, publically-available data sets for two rural regions in Brazil and Guatemala. The results of this study confirm previously reported findings, and collectively support the central hypothesis demonstrating a pathway for linking global priorities with the complex realities of ‘on-the-ground’ development conditions in specific communities.
Impact of Hyponatremia on Morbidity, Mortality, and Complications After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Systematic Review.

Background Hyponatremia is a common metabolic disturbance after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), and it may worsen outcomes. This review aims to characterize the effect of hyponatremia on morbidity and mortality after SAH. Objectives We sought to determine the prevalence of hyponatremia after SAH, including in subgroups, as well as its effect on mortality and certain outcome measures, including degree of disability and duration of hospitalization. Methods A search of terms "hyponatremia" and "subarachnoid hemorrhage" was performed on PubMed, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, and EMBASE. Studies were included if they reported prevalence of hyponatremia and if they discussed outcomes such as mortality, duration of stay, functional outcomes (e.g., Glasgow Outcomes Scale), or incidence of complications in patients with aneurysmal SAH. Two independent researchers assessed the titles and abstracts and reviewed articles for inclusion. Results Thirteen studies met inclusion criteria. The prevalence of at least mild hyponatremia was 859 of 2387 (36%) of patients. Hyponatremia was associated with vasospasm and duration of hospitalization, but it did not influence mortality. Conclusion Hyponatremia is common after SAH, and there is evidence that it is associated with certain poorer outcomes. Larger, prospective studies are needed to assess these findings and provide further evidence.
Trace Element Pollution

Unlike pesticides and other synthetically produced substances, trace elements occur naturally in the environment. Their concentration in rocks, soil, water, tissue and other substances can be determined using sensitive instruments. At least two dozen trace elements are known to be essential to the health of humans and other organisms. However, several trace elements are very toxic, even in low concentrations, and some essential trace elements are toxic at elevated concentrations. Many human activities, such as mining, manufacturing, transportation and agriculture, can mobilize trace elements and add them to the environment. If the additions are too great, they cause pollution which has adverse effects on human and ecosystem health. For this reason, industrialized nations regulate trace element additions to the environment. In the United States, most parts of the environment are less polluted with trace elements than they were before environmental regulations took effect in the 1970s. Keywords: trace elements; trace metals; pollution; contamination; environmental protection
Meaning vs. Power: Are Thick Description and Power Analysis intrinsically at odds? Response to Interpretation, Explanation, and Clifford Geertz

This paper responds critically and synthetically to forgoing papers by Kevin Jung, Robert Segal, and Stephen Bush. Placing their respective arguments into conversation helpfully illuminates the methodological multidimensionality and improvisational character of Geertz’s account of interpretation and explanation. I argue that these features of Geertz’s work enable it to simultaneously attend to meaning, power, identity, and experience in understanding and assessing religious practices and cultural formations.
Sympathy, Self‐Consciousness, and Reactions to the Stigmatized

Reactions toward the stigmatized were studied in two experiments. Subjects in both studies evaluated a target person on the basis of personal information contained in a transcript of a bogus interview. The target person was portrayed in either a favorable or an unfavorable manner and either was or was not a member of a stigmatized group. In Experiment I the target person was evaluated more positively when he was described as being old (75 years of age) than when he was described as being young (23 years of age). In Experiment II subjects evaluated a handicapped target more favorably than a nonstigmatized target. This “sympathy” effect was strongest among persons high in private self-consciousness (disposition to attend to one's thoughts, feelings, and motives). The methodological and practical implications of these results are discussed.
A Remote Pulse-Height Analyzer and Telemetry Link

A system was needed for transmitting gamma-ray pulse-height information from high altitude to earth. In the system designed, a pulse-height analyzer accepts pulses from gamma-ray detectors, determines their amplitude, and transmits this information in serial form on an event-by event basis via telemetry to a ground station where it is stored on magnetic tape and in the memory of a modified multichannel analyzer. This provides a real-time visual observation of the data as it is accumulated, in addition to facilitating preflight calibration. The on-board analyzer was successfully flown at an altitude of 20 miles for 4 hours, and the telemetry translator was used to decode the magnetic tape recordings.
Role players: A brief, intensive training program to portray acute psychological distress†

Role players can be used to help train medical personnel to deal with the victims of psychological trauma. An important aspect of this training process is to make the role player presentations as realistic as possible. A program was developed at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences to teach role players how to portray one kind of psychological distress: battle fatigue. The following is a brief description of the methods that were used to train these role players. Key elements of the program were: (1) identify the psychological syndrome, (2) select role players, (3) educate the role players about the syndrome, (4) role players practice the role, (5) present the role to the medical students.
The automatic detection of geomagnetic-storm sudden commencements

Abstract Storm Sudden Commencements (SSCs) are sharp offsets in the global geomagnetic field H component which accompany some geomagnetic storms. SSC signatures, which are a strong function of geographic location and local time, are usually explained as the result of magnetospheric and ionospheric responses to a compression caused by propagating discontinuities in the solar wind. The Space Environment Services Center (SESC) in Boulder, Colorado, has recently instituted an SSC ‘alarm’ to alert both forecasters and customers of potential geomagnetic storm conditions. The present software design looks for rapid change, coincidental within one minute, in the H-components among any two of the three magnetometers received in real-time at the SESC. These are the Boulder magnetometer, and the magnetometers on board the GOES geosynchronous satellites located at 75° and 135° West Longitude. The results are not yet satisfactory and offer some clues toward a better understanding of the physics of SSCs.
Pollution and the firm Robert E. Kohn Edward Elgar, 1998, 251 pp.

The book, Pollution and the Firm, by Robert E. Kohn, provides a detailed and nearly definitive look at the application of Pigouvian taxation applied to competitive polluting firms in a static, general equilibrium framework. The reader is offered the most thorough examination of how the firm's long-run scale of output is related to the activities of pollution abatement and avoidance of which this reviewer is aware. While the reader would be advised to treat with skepticism some of the results of the models involving uncertainty, the overall set of models offers an excellent set of derivations and conclusions. Any student of firm-generated externalities would gain by exposure to this book.
Block Conjugated Copolymers: Toward Quantum-Well Nanostructures for Exploring Spatial Confinement Effects on Electronic, Optoelectronic, and Optical Phenomena

An ABA triblock conjugated copolymer, poly(2,5-benzoxazole)-block-poly(benzobisthiazole-2,6-diyl-1,4-phenylene)-block-poly(2,5-benzoxazole), 1, was synthesized, characterized, and used to demonstrate spatial confinement effects on the electronic structure and the optical and optoelectronic properties of block copolymers. Optical absorption, photoluminescence, and photoluminescence excitation spectra of thin films of the triblock copolymer evidence spatial confinement of excitons as well as microphase separation. Efficient energy transfer via interchain and intrachain mechanisms was observed in the triblock conjugated copolymer. The results suggest that microphase separation in bulk block conjugated copolymers can significantly modify the spatial modulation and confinement dimensionalities expected in isolated block copolymer chains.
Terrestrial Buffer Zones and Wetland Conservation: A Case Study of Freshwater Turtles in a Carolina Bay

Because freshwater wetlands often support diverse and unique species assemblages, wetland loss is a primary concern in biological conservation. U. S. federal statutes protect many wetlands by deterring development within delineated borders that segregate wetland habitats from upland regions. In addition, some state and local jurisdictions mandate buffer zones that afford varying levels of protection to upland habitats adjacent to wetlands. We used geographic information system analysis to test the adequacy of federal and state wetland protection statutes by determining the degree to which protected acreage encompassed the habitats freshwater turtles needed to complete their life cycles. Two critical life-cycle stages, nesting and terrestrial hibernation, occurred exclusively beyond wetland boundaries delineated under federal guidelines. The most stringent state buffer zone insulated 44% of nest and hibernation sites. Our data indicate that the freshwater turtles examined in this study required a 275-m upland buffer zone to protect 100% of the nest and hibernation sites. Insulating 90% of the sites required a 73-m buffer zone. We suggest that the habitat needs of freshwater turtles demonstrate the dependence of wetland biodiversity on the preservation of adequate amounts of upland habitats adjacent to wetlands. Laperdida de superficie de humedales es un tema de interes primordial dentro de la biologia de la conservacion, debido a que una alta biodiversidad y asociaciones unicas de especies estan usualmente asociadas con humedales de agua dulce. La legislacion actual en los Estados Unidos protege numerosos humedales, disuadiendo el desarrollo dentro de bordes delineados para separar ambientes de humedales de regiones de tierras altas. Ademas, ciertos estados y jurisdicciones locales asignan por mandato areas buffer que confieren distintos niveles de proteccion a ambientes de tierras altos adjacentes a los humedales. En el presente estudio, utilizamos sitemas de informacion geograficas para analizar la idoneidad de los estatutos federales y estatales de protecccion mediante la determinacion del grado en que la superficie protegida cubre los habitas necesarios para que las torgugas de agua dulce completen sus ciclos de vida. Dos funciones criticas del ciclo de vida, nidificacion e hibernacion, se dan exclusivamente fuera de los limites de los humedales delineados segun pautas federales. La aplicacion del mas estricto requerimento estatal de zonas buffer aisla el 44% de los sitios de cria e hibemacion. Nuestros datos indican que las tortugas de agua dulce examinadas en este estudio requieren de 275-m de zonas buffer de tierras altas para proteger el 100% de sus sitios de cria e hibemacion. El aislamiento del 90% de los sitios requiere una zona de transicion de 73-m. Sugerimos que las necesidades de habitat de las tortugas de agua dulce, demuestran la dependencia de la biodiversidad de los humedales sobre la preservacion de cantidades apropiadas de ambientes de tierras altas adyacentes a los humedales.
Polarized Infrared Study of Hybrid Langmuir−Blodgett Monolayers Containing Clay Mineral Nanoparticles

Hybrid clay-organic monolayers prepared using the Langmuir−Blodgett (LB) method are examined by polarized infrared attenuated total reflection spectroscopy (ATR), polarized grazing angle infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (IRRAS), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). These spectra represent the first reported IR spectra of clay monolayers functionalized with cationic surfactants. The intensities of the ν(Si−O) bands of SapCa-1 saponite and SWy-1 montmorillonite on both Ge and ZnSe substrates were analyzed quantitatively using the thin film approximation. The measured intensity on both substrates corresponds to the calculated intensity of one clay layer (0.96 nm), indicating that a monolayer of clay was formed on ZnSe as well as on Ge. In the case of saponite, a trioctahedral smectite, the ν(OH) band at 3680 cm-1 and the out-of-plane ν(Si−O) band at 1063 cm-1 show dichroic ratios of 0.33 and 0.23, respectively, consistent with the nearly perpendicular orientation of these bonds in the film. For SWy-...
On the Design of Alternative Obstetric Anesthesia Team Configurations

Alternative ways to alleviate the shortage of anesthesiologists in obstetric services have been investigated in three study stages. These were 1 a survey and detailed analysis of the existing situation in one metropolitan region of the United States, 2 the construction and validation of a computer simulation model to study the consequences of alternative practice modes with speed, with economy and requiring no human experimentation, and 3 the establishment of a methodology for selecting an optimal anesthesia team configuration. This in turn should aid administrators in establishing future manpower needs and enable more efficient allocations of existing staff. The methodology, incorporating the simulation model, provides team design charts which enable decision makers to arrive at a basis for enlightened tradeoffs between personnel-associated costs and quality of service. Service quality is measured in terms of temporary unavailability of anesthesia personnel with the proper skills for performing certain tasks when needed. This article documents the overall project mission, the data base, the methodologies used, and the study results.
Distributed control to improve performance of thermoelectric coolers

Thermoelectric coolers (TECs) have become potential solutions for chip cooling applications. However, the scope of TEC applicability is limited because of poor efficiency that is largely governed by material properties. This low efficiency causes increased heat production resulting in a very narrow band in which the TEC is effective. Since TECs are cooling units composed of numerous individual cooling elements, or thermocouples, the operating efficiency can be improved by implementing distributed control of the individual couples. Distributed control is a system for allowing each couple to be powered depending on the localized heat load. Distributed control would allow for increased cooling in hot spots while minimizing excess heat generated by the TEC in areas where it is not needed. The preliminary results suggest that this type of control may be feasible, and would result in a significant increase in the TEC effectiveness. The current model considers lateral heat conduction in the chip, as well as variable control of the individual thermocouples proportional to heat load. Results indicate that a 2-fold increase in COP is possible with independently controlled couples compared to a single cooler.
Surface structures and growth mechanism of Ga ON Si(100) determined by LEED and Auger electron spectroscopy

Abstract The surface structures of gallium overlayers on Si(100) are studied using LEED and Auger electron spectroscopy (AES). At 300 K, Ga grows epitaxially up to at least 5 ML. In the range of low surface temperatures T s = 330–600 K, the growth obeys a Stranski-Krastanov mechanism. and the coverage at which island growth begins depends on T s . Structures are proposed for the observed LEED patterns of Ga on Si(100) (3 × 2, 5 × 2, 2 × 2, 8 × 1 and 2 × 1). Below 0.5 ML, Ga atoms most likely form dimers that fill up the chemically active regions between the Si dimer rows of the 2 × 1 reconstruction. Strong, covalent bonding is expected. Between 0.5 and 1 ML, the Si(100) 2 × 1 reconstruction is removed and the Ga is thought to be out of registry with Si in one dimension, possibly indicating partially delocalized character of the Ga-Ga lateral bonding interactions. At 1 ML, a passivated 2 × 1 surface structure is again observed, most likely dominated by covalent SiGa bonding with Ga dimer rows similar to the Si dimer rows of the reconstructed Si(100) 2 × 1 surface. However, this structure is not observed upon desorption of higher coverages at 840 K; instead, an incommensurate Ga overlayer is obtained. The existence of well-ordered structures suggests that Ga terminated Si(100) surfaces are suitable for epitaxy of GaAs on Si. The companion paper correlates the growth mechanisms, structures and desorption energetics at high temperatures.
Optimization of a state-switched absorber applied to a continuous vibrating system

A state-switched absorber (SSA) is a device that is capable of switching between discrete stiffnesses, thus it is able to instantaneously switch between resonance frequencies. The state-switched absorber is essentially a passive vibration absorber between switch events; however, at each switch event the SSA instantly 'retunes' its natural frequency and maintains that frequency until the next switch event. The SSA has shown improved performance over classical tuned vibration absorbers at reducing the vibration in a base system. This paper considers the optimization of the state-switched absorber applied to a continuous vibrating system. The objective function to be minimized in the state-switching system is the average kinetic energy of the base to which the absorber is attached. Due to the discrete nature of the switch events of the SSA, this objective function is discontinuous as a function of tuning parameters, such as frequency and attachment location. Because of the discontinuities in the objective function, classical gradient-based optimization techniques cannot be employed. To avoid the problem of discontinuities in the objective function, a heuristic approach will be utilized to optimize the state-switched absorber. The optimized performance of the state-switched absorber will be compared to that of an optimized classical tuned vibration absorber. For the entire range of forcing frequencies considered, an SSA has improved performance over a TVA.
Energy Levels and Crystal Field of LaCl3:Gd3+

The optical‐absorption spectra of Gd3+ in single crystals of 2% and 5% GdCl3 in LaCl3 at 1.7° and 77°K are given. The 8S7/2 ground state has no resolved structure in the field‐free spectra. Absorption to all Stark components of the 6P and 6I multiplets are observed, as well as for the higher 6D7/2 and 6D9/2 levels. Fluorescence from 6P7/2 and 6I7/2 is observed. A crystal‐field analysis gives values of B20=97.4 cm−1, B40=−42 cm−1, B60=−30 cm−1, B66=290 cm−1 for the crystal‐field parameters, based on intermediate coupling free‐ion calculations for the 6P and 6D multiplets. Hydrogenic ratios of the Slater parameters were assumed.
Effect of caudate and frontal lesions on acquisition and extinction of an operant response.

Abstract Rats suffering bilateral caudate lesions, destruction of the frontal neocortex (control animals), and unoperated rats were given long experience with CRF (continuous reinforcement) and then shifted to a simple extinction schedule. Twice during the extinction phase of the experiment, the animals were given 30 response-contingent reinforcements. The animals with caudate lesions did not respond at higher levels during CRF training, but responded significantly more during the extinction sessions. An activity measure was taken of all animals 1 hr before and 3 hr after certain training sessions. The lesioned animals were found to be more active than the unoperated animals during both of these periods.
Acid aerosols in the Pittsburgh Metropolitan area

Abstract This article presents data on ambient concentrations of selected acidic aerosols at four existing monitoring sites in the Pittsburgh PA metropolitan area. The data were collected by staff of the Allegheny County Health Department, Division of Air Quality during the summer and fall of 1993. The sampling protocol was focused on obtaining 24 h-average ammonia, ammonium, acidic sulfates, and particle strong acids data on a 2 to 3 day cycle. The data were obtained using Harvard University School of Public Health's “Short-HEADS” annular denuder sampling train. The Pittsburgh area is of interest because it is downwind of a major regional source of sulfur and nitrogen emissions from coal-burning power plants: the Ohio River Valley. The data presented here indicate that ground-level concentrations of acidic aerosols in Pittsburgh are highly correlated spatially and that many pollutants are higher on days when ground-level wind direction vectors indicate that wind is coming from the southwest rather than from the Pittsburgh source area itself. The monitoring site that is most upwind of the Pittsburgh source area – South Fayette – has particle strong acid levels about twice those of sites closer in to the Pittsburgh central business district.
ACUTE SPONTANEOUS RUPTURE OF AN ARTERIOSCLEROTIC ANEURYSM INTO AN ISOLATED LEFT-SIDED INFERIOR VENA CAVA.

Abstract This is the first reported instance of an isolated left-sided inferior vena cava, into which an abdominal aortic aneurysm ruptured to form an arteriovenous fistula. The incident was marked by sudden, transient abdominal pain, followed by the rapid onset of cardiac insufficiency that was unresponsive to the usual forms of therapy. The diagnosis was suspected following the detection of a continuous bruit over the abdomen. This demonstrates the importance of auscultation of the abdomen, especially in the presence of congestive heart failure of obscure origin. The diagnosis was further substantiated by the demonstration of an aneurysm of the abdominal aorta by a plain x-ray film of the abdomen. The rapid improvement following repair of the fistula is evidence that such vascular lesions are amenable to surgery. It is unfortunate, however, that this patient succumbed to septicemia. Ironically, the abnormal location of the inferior vena cava probably prevented immediate death following rupture of the aneurysm.
Digital IF filter technology for 3G systems: an introduction

Contemporary digital communication systems such as those being developed for the deployment of third-generation cellular require ever increasing performance levels in their signal processing chains to extract higher data rates and to provide decreasing price/performance ratios. Additionally, communication systems like 3G that must support multimode flexibility, such as the software radio, must be able to reconfigure their signal processing chains while keeping circuit complexity to a minimum. Given these constraints, DSP is the only viable alternative for baseband processing and digital IF processing. DSP is in many cases the only viable alternative to analog IF processing. Digital IF affords greater flexibility and higher performance in terms of attenuation and selectivity. It also offers better time and environment stability and lower equipment production costs than traditional analog techniques.
Synthesis and stability study of dental monomers containing methacrylamidoethyl phosphonic acids

Three new dental monomers containing methacrylamidoethyl phosphonic acids were synthesized. The structures of the synthesized monomers were determined with electrospray mass spectrometry (ESMS), Fourier transform infrared, and NMR. The hydrolytic stabilities of the synthesized monomers and a commercial monomer, 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphoric acid (MEP; used as a control), were studied with flow injection (FI)/ESMS, 1H NMR, and 31P NMR analysis of a CD3OD/D2O (4:1 v/v) solution of each monomer before and after storage at 60 °C for 2 months. The 1H NMR and 31P NMR chemical shifts of the monomers 2-methacrylamidoethylphosphonic acid (I) and N,N′-[4,4′-(propane-2,2-diyl)-bis(phenoxy-2-hydroxypropyl)]-bis(2-methacrylamidoethylphosphonic acid) (II) showed little change after storage at 60 °C for 2 months, but those of MEP changed significantly. FI/ESMS also showed that MEP was nearly completely decomposed, whereas monomers I and II remained largely intact. MEP could react with H2ZrF6 to form ternary zirconium fluoride complexes that were partially soluble in methanol, but all the monomers containing phosphonic acids formed precipitates. This study demonstrates that ESMS is a more sensitive and effective method than NMR for studying the hydrolytic stability or degradation of dental monomers. The new monomers containing methacrylamidoethyl phosphonic acids have higher hydrolytic stability than methacrylate phosphate monomers and may be used in dental bonding agents and other dental materials. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 99–110, 2007
The A 1Σ+ → X 1Σ+ bands of the isotopic lithium hydrides☆

Abstract In order to obtain a better understanding of the X 1 Σ + ground state and the A 1 Σ + state potential energy curves of lithium hydride and to examine in detail the concept of “mass-reduced quantum numbers” for both an ordinary ( X 1 Σ + ) and an anomalous ( A 1 Σ + ) electronic state, the emission spectra of the A 1 Σ + → X 1 Σ + bands of the isotopic lithium hydrides and deuterides were photographed in the 3000–5000-A region with a 3.4-m Ebert Spectrograph. The bands found involved v ″ = 0 to 7 to various v ′ = 0 to 17 for 6 LiH, and v ″ = 0 to 7 to various v ′ = 1 to 16 for 6 LiD. Additional bands involving v ″ = 4 and 5 were also found for 7 LiH. The vibrational-rotational spectroscopic analysis of 7 LiH, 6 LiH, and 6 LiD are reported here, as are the reanalyses of the 7 LiH and 7 LiD data reported by Crawford and Jorgensen. New Rydberg-Klein-Rees (RKR) A 1 Σ + and X 1 Σ + potential curves have been constructed for each individual molecule and are reported, but detailed isotopic comparisons will be reported in subsequent publications.
Assessment of the alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient as a screening test for pulmonary embolism in pregnancy

Objective The objective of the study was to determine whether the alveolar-arterial (A-a) oxygen gradient is an adequate screening test for pulmonary embolism (PE) in pregnancy and postpartum. Study Design A chart review was performed at Tampa General Hospital. Patients who had a workup for a PE consisting of a computed tomography pulmonary angiogram and an arterial blood gas from 2002 to 2009 were included in the analysis. Sensitivity, specificity, and negative and positive predictive values were calculated. Additionally, common clinical signs and symptoms were assessed for their ability to accurately predict PE. Results Of 102 patients, there were 13 PEs (2 antepartum and 11 postpartum). The best sensitivity, specificity, and negative and positive predictive values for A-a gradients were 76.9%, 20.2%, 80.0%, and 11.5%, respectively. Conclusion The A-a gradient is a poor screening test for PE in pregnancy and postpartum. Suspicion of PE should prompt early imaging studies to rapidly make the diagnosis and begin treatment.
Activity of horseradish peroxide adsorbed on radio frequency glow discharge-treated polymers.

Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) has been used as a model enzyme in this study of its physical adsorption and residual enzyme activity on radio frequency glow discharge (RFGD)-treated polymers. The specific enzymatic activity of HRP adsorbed on different surfaces was assumed to be an indication of the extent of its conformational alterations on the surfaces. The surfaces studied were poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and tetrachloroethylene and tetrafluoroethylene glow discharge-treated PET, abbreviated as TCE/PET and TFE/PET. All surfaces were characterized by electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA) and liquid contact angles in air. HRP adsorbs more strongly onto the two discharge-treated surfaces than onto the untreated polymers, as evidenced by the lower amount of HRP eluted by sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) from the treated polymers. For example, seventy percent of the HRP adsorbed on TCE/PET or TFE/PET remains on the surface after overnight elution with a 1% so...
Theories of Creole Genesis, Sociohistorical Considerations, and the Evaluation of Evidence: The Case of Haitian Creole and the Relexification Hypothesis

In an early Caribbean colony the conversion from other crops to sugar monoculture utterly transformed the colony's society and arguably its language as well. A comparative quantitative analysis of the populations of Haiti and Martinique makes the case that the initial period of creole genesis on each island extended as much as 50 years beyond the introduction of sugar growing. The reconstruction of the ethnic distribution of the African population brought to the French Caribbean in the late 17th century suggests that speakers of Gbe dialects would have been numerically dominant in Haiti during the first several decades of the sugar era. This fact may seem to lend plausibility to Lefebvre and Lumsden's application of the Relexification Hypothesis, but a number of vexing issues call this hypothesis into question.
HETEROGENEOUS CHEMISTRY OF ACETONE IN SULFURIC ACID SOLUTIONS : IMPLICATIONS FOR THE UPPER TROPOSPHERE

The uptake of acetone vapor by liquid sulfuric acid has been investigated over the range of 40−87 wt % H2SO4 and between the temperatures 198 and 300 K. Studies were performed with a flow-tube reac...
The phase diagram for the binary system K2CrO4CaCrO4

Abstract The phase diagram for the binary system K 2 CrO 4 CaCrO 4 has been determined for CaCrO 4 concentrations up to 60 mole%, using the techniques of differential thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction, and drop calorimetry. Essential features of the phase diagram are: the solid-solid phase transition for pure K 2 CrO 4 at 670°C, β-K 2 CrO 4 ⇄ α-K 2 CrO 4 ; a eutectoid reaction at 14 mole% CaCrO 4 and 548°C, β-K 2 CrO 4 ⇄ α-K 2 CrO 4 + K 2 CrO 4 · CaCrO 4 ; a peritectoid event at 50 mole% CaCrO 4 and 640°C, β-K 2 CrO 4 + CaCrO 4 ⇄ K 2 CrO 4 · CaCrO 4 ; and a eutectic reaction at 51 mole% CaCrO 4 and 678°C, L ⇄ β-K 2 CrO 4 + CaCrO 4 . X-ray diffraction studies lead to the determination of the unit cell dimensions for the K 2 CrO 4 · CaCrO 4 double salt, a C -centered monoclinic form with a 0 = 7.615(6) A, b 0 = 22.797(15) A, c 0 = 9.777(9) A, β = 115.45(5)°.
Quantum-size-induced electronic transitions in quantum dots: Indirect band-gap GaAs

We discuss the physical origin of the previously predicted quantum-size-induced electronic transitions in spherical GaAs quantum dots. By using atomistic pseudopotential calculations for freestanding GaAs dots and for GaAs dots embedded in an AlGaAs matrix, we are able to distinguish two types of direct/indirect transitions: (i) in freestanding GaAs dots, the conduction-band minimum changes from $\ensuremath{\Gamma}$-like to $X$-like as the radius of the dot is reduced below 1.6 nm, leading to a direct/indirect transition in reciprocal space. (ii) In GaAs dots embedded in AlAs, the conduction-band minimum changes from dot localized to barrier localized as the radius of the dot is reduced below 4.2 nm, corresponding to a direct-to-indirect transition in real space.
Viscous energy dissipation of kinetic energy of particles comminuted by high-rate shearing in projectile penetration, with potential ramification to gas shale

While dynamic comminution is of interest to many processes and situations, this work is focused on the projectile impact onto concrete walls, in which predictions have been hampered by the problem of the so-called ‘dynamic overstress’. Recently, in analogy with turbulence, Bažant and Caner modeled the overstress as an additional viscous stress generated by apparent viscosity that accounts for the energy dissipation due to kinetic comminution of concrete into small particles at very high shear strain rate. Their viscosity estimation, however, was approximate since it did not satisfy the energy balance exactly. Here their model is extended and refined by ensuring that the drop of local kinetic energy of high shear strain rate of forming particles must be exactly equal to the energy dissipated by interface fracture of these particles. The basic hypothesis is that the interface fracture occurs instantly, as soon as the energy balance is satisfied. Like in the preceding work, this additional apparent viscosity is a power function of the rate of the deviatoric strain invariant. But here the power exponent is different, equal to $$-7/3$$ , and the apparent viscosity is found to be proportional also to the time derivative of the rate of that invariant, i.e., to the second derivative of the shear strain. It is assumed that the interface fracture that comminutes the material into small particles occurs instantly, as soon as the local kinetic energy of shear strain rate in the forming particles becomes equal to the energy required to form interface fractures. The post-comminution behavior, including subsequent further comminution and clustering into bigger particle groups to release the kinetic energy that is being dissipated by inter-group friction, is discussed and modeled. The present formulation makes it possible to eliminate the artificial damping of all types, which is normally embedded in commercial finite element codes but is not predictive since it is not justified physically. With the aforementioned improvements, and after implementation into the new microplane model M7 for fracturing damage in concrete (which includes the quasi-static rate effects), the finite element predictions give superior agreement with the measured exit velocities of steel projectiles penetrating concrete walls of different thicknesses and with the measured depths of penetration into concrete blocks by projectiles of different velocities. Finally it is pointed out that the theory presented may also be used to predict proximate fragmentation and permeability enhancement of gas shale by powerful electric pulsed-arc explosions in the borehole.
Sampling variability and other sources of error: A reply to coleman

Coleman ( Journal of Verbal Learning and Verbal Behavior , 1979, 18 , 243–256) has claimed that treating language effects as fixed when they are truly random may increase the Type 2 error rates when the treatment by language effects are correlated with treatment effects. The mathematical argument is faulty, and the examples illustrate different concepts.