cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A modular clutter rejection technique for FLIR imagery using region-based principal component analysis

Abstract A modular clutter-rejection technique that uses region-based principal component analysis (PCA) is proposed. A major problem in FLIR ATR is the poorly centered targets generated by the preprocessing stage. Our modular clutter-rejection system uses static as well as dynamic region of interest (ROI) extraction to overcome the problem of poorly centered targets. In static ROI extraction, the center of the representative ROI coincides with the center of the potential target image. In dynamic ROI extraction, a representative ROI is moved in several directions with respect to the center of the potential target image to extract a number of ROIs. Each module in the proposed system applies region-based PCA to generate the feature vectors, which are subsequently used to make a decision about the identity of the potential target. Region-based PCA uses topological features of the targets to reject false alarms. In this technique, a potential target is divided into several regions and a PCA is performed on each region to extract regional feature vectors. We propose using regional feature vectors of arbitrary shapes and dimensions that are optimized for the topology of a target in a particular region. These regional feature vectors are then used by a two-class classifier based on the learning vector quantization to decide whether a potential target is a false alarm or a real target. We also present experimental results using real-life data to evaluate and compare the performance of the clutter-rejection systems with static and dynamic ROI extraction.
Pretending orgasm during sexual intercourse: Correlates in a sample of young adult women

Abstract Although popular media have addressed the issue of women depending orgasm during sexual intercourse, the research literature on the phenomenon is sparse. In the current study, 161 young adult women provided data regarding lifetime sexual experience, objective and subjective physical attractiveness, sexual attitudes (erotophobia-erotophilia), sexual esteem, and general tendencies toward self-monitoring of expressive behavior in social situations. Overall, more than one-half of the women reported having deended orgasm during sexual intercourse. In univariate analyses, the “pretenders” and “nonpretenders” did not differ in experimenter-rated facial attractiveness, self-rated body attractiveness, or general self-monitoring. However, pretenders were significantly older; viewed themselves as facially more attractive, reported having had first intercourse at a younger age; reported greater numbers of lifetime intercourse, fellatio, and cunnilingus partners; and scored higher on measures of sexual esteem...
Mutations affecting GABAergic signaling in seizures and epilepsy

The causes of epilepsies and epileptic seizures are multifactorial. Genetic predisposition may contribute in certain types of epilepsies and seizures, whether idiopathic or symptomatic of genetic origin. Although these are not very common, they have offered a unique opportunity to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying epileptogenesis and ictogenesis. Among the implicated gene mutations, a number of GABAA receptor subunit mutations have been recently identified that contribute to several idiopathic epilepsies, febrile seizures, and rarely to certain types of symptomatic epilepsies, like the severe myoclonic epilepsy of infancy. Deletion of GABAA receptor genes has also been linked to Angelman syndrome. Furthermore, mutations of proteins controlling chloride homeostasis, which indirectly defines the functional consequences of GABAA signaling, have been identified. These include the chloride channel 2 (CLCN2) and the potassium chloride cotransporter KCC3. The pathogenic role of CLCN2 mutations has not been clearly demonstrated and may represent either susceptibility genes or, in certain cases, innocuous polymorphisms. KCC3 mutations have been associated with hereditary motor and sensory polyneuropathy with corpus callosum agenesis (Andermann syndrome) that often manifests with epileptic seizures. This review summarizes the recent progress in the genetic linkages of epilepsies and seizures to the above genes and discusses potential pathogenic mechanisms that contribute to the age, sex, and conditional expression of these seizures in carriers of these mutations.
A nonlinear programming approach to space shuttle trajectory optimization

Space shuttle trajectory design requires the optimization of highly-constrained, branched, atmospheric trajectories. This paper presents a general mathematical model for trajectory optimization incorporating multiple simulation sections, state variable discontinuities, subarc elimination, branching, and six types of equality and inequality constraints. A solution is sought using a nonlinear programming approach based on SUMT, the sequential unconstrained minimization technique. Results of the numerical solution of a highly constrained space shuttle reentry problem are presented.
BRCA1 physically and functionally interacts with ATF1.

Abstract BRCA1, a breast and ovarian cancer susceptibility gene, encodes a 220-kDa protein whose precise biochemical function remains unclear. BRCA1 contains an N-terminal RING finger that mediates protein-protein interaction. The C-terminal domain of BRCA1 (BRCT) can activate transcription and interacts with RNA polymerase holoenzyme. Using the yeast two-hybrid system, we identified an interaction between the BRCA1 RING finger and ATF1, a member of the cAMP response element-binding protein/activating transcription factor (CREB/ATF) family. We demonstrate that BRCA1 and ATF1 can physically associate in vitro, in yeast, and in human cells. BRCA1 stimulated transcription from a cAMP response element reporter gene in transient transfections. BRCA1 also stimulated transcription from a natural promoter, that of tumor necrosis factor-α, in a manner dependent on the integrity of the cAMP response element. These results implicate BRCA1 in transcriptional activation of ATF1 target genes, some of which are involved in the transcriptional response to DNA damage.
Self-assembly control via molecular recognition: Effect of cyclodextrins on surfactant micelle structure and interactions determined by SANS

Abstract We report here the modulating effects of α-cyclodextrin (α-CD) and hydroxypropyl β-cyclodextrin (HPβ-CD) on the self-assembly of a common single-tail surfactant, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), in aqueous solutions. Small angle neutron scattering (SANS) data were fitted using core–shell prolate ellipsoid form factor and Hansen–Hayter-based structure factor to quantify the effects of CD type and concentration on the micelle structure and inter-micellar interactions. The presence of cyclodextrins results in decreased micelle aggregation numbers and sizes, and changes the micelle shape from ellipsoid to sphere. Further, the addition of CD reduces inter-micelle interactions through a decrease of electrostatic coupling. CDs affect the micelle properties directly, by localizing in the micelles, as well as indirectly, by driving surfactants away from the micelles into the solution due to complexation. The effect of α-CD on micelle structure is more pronounced at Cα-CD/CSDS >1 compared to the cases when Cα-CD/CSDS
Reconstruction of missing data in principal component analysis

Abstract A simple technique is described for reconstructing missing data for use in principal component analysis. The technique is described in the context of track finding and track reconstruction in wire chamber spectrometers, but should have a much wider range of applicability.
Comparison of acetylcholinesterase activity in intact and homogenized nerve.

SummaryThe data indicate therefore that somewhat more than 50% of the total acetylcholinesterase in crab nerve lies outside the barrier to quaternary ammonium compounds. The role of this large quantity of enzyme remains obscure at present since Wilson and Cohen(l) have shown that inhibition of the “external” enzyme does not prevent nervous conduction.
Advantages and limitations of nuclear physics experiments at an ISIS-class spallation neutron source

Nuclear physics experiments have a long history of being conducted on spallation neutron sources. Like other experiments, these measurements take advantage of the identification of the incident neutron energy by the time-of-flight (ToF) technique. However, in some ways these experiments are often in direct conflict with other experiments. Especially in large (ISIS or SNS class) facilities, the design of the source often reflects a compromise between different experimental needs and requirements. It has been a long standing question for nuclear physics experiments how limiting these compromises are and how they can be dealt with. We have therefore calculated the incident neutron energy spectrum, along with the gamma background spectrum, for flight path (FP) 5 at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) Manuel Lujan Jr. Neutron Scattering Center (Lujan Center) including a detailed evaluation of the signal shape. We will discuss the advantages and limitations of the nuclear physics experiments at FP-5 in the light of our results.
Inhibition of progression of aberrant crypt foci and colon tumor development by vitamin E and β-carotene in rats on a high-risk diet

Abstract In this study we evaluated the effect of dietary administration of a high-fat, low-fiber diet (HRD) supplemented with Vitamin E, β-carotene or folic acid and wheat bran on the growth of pre-existing aberrant crypt foci (ACF) that had been induced in Fischer-344 rats exposed to azoxymethane (AOM) and a HRD for 10 weeks. The rats (25 rats/dietary group) were fed a HRD for 2 weeks and were then given 2 subcutaneous injections of AOM (15 mg/kg body weight) while the rats continued on the HRD. After 6 weeks, rats were either maintained on the HRD (control) or crossed over to a HRD containing non-toxic levels of either Vitamin E, β-carotene, folic acid or wheat bran. At 10, 14 and 18 weeks after the initiation of the experiment, 5 rats from each group were killed and the number of aberrant crypt foci (ACF) with different multiplicities were compared between groups. The dietary intervention was continued for 30 weeks to determine whether the inhibitory effect on the growth of ACF influenced the subsequent development of colonic tumors. The results revealed that vitamin E and β-carotene caused a significant decrease in the number of ACF of different multiplicities when compared to the effect of the HRD alone. The decrease in the number of ACF due to folic acid and wheat bran appeared to be much smaller and in most cases was not significant. However, there was also a significant decrease in the incidence of colonic tumors and tumor multiplicity in both the vitamin E and β-carotene groups that was not seen in the control group. The reports clearly demonstrates the ability of vitamin E and β-carotene to inhibit the growth of colonic ACF, even in the presence of the strong promoting effect of high levels of dietary fat, using a post-initiation experimental design.
Developing Educational Groups in Social Work Practice

ABSTRACT Education is integral to social work practice with groups and a central component of educational groups. Yet the social work literature has not offered much guidance in the development of educational groups other than to report on the content and/or evaluation of groups that are focused on a specific condition or population. This paper offers a generic process model for educational groups that are developed and led by social workers. The educational groups described here are differentiated from psychoeducational groups, which are treatment-oriented. The paper provides guidelines on how to set up educational groups with particular attention to their structure, content of the curriculum, implementation, and evaluation. Two checklists are offered to assist in the development and implementation and evaluation of educational groups.
Will the Internet Bring Electronic Services to the Home

Few topics have attracted more hype than the Internet. This article provides a rare long-term perspective. It starts with an account of a century of failed visions and applications: the Internet itself operated in obscurity for two decades. However, in the rest of the article, the author documents why he thinks interactive home services may now at last take off, draws some general lessons from past experience and indicates the next areas for growth.
Shoaling species drive fish assemblage response to sequential large floods in a small midwestern U.S.A. stream

I assessed the short-term impact of two sequential scouring floods on the fish assemblage of a small prairie stream. I tested for changes in fish abundance, fish assemblage composition, and fish-habitat associations within individual pools and across a suite of pools following each flood. Before the second flood, 30–90% of fish were removed by seining in five of eight pools. Overall fish abundance was reduced by approximately 50% following the first flood, but effects varied widely among individual pools. Fish abundance was unaffected by the second flood, despite prior removal of a known proportion of fish, suggesting recolonization of defaunated pools during the flood. Fish assemblage similarity across the entire suite of pools was low following each flood, but varied considerably within individual pools. Defaunated pools were more similar to pre-flood assemblages than control pools, though the mechanism behind this pattern was unclear. Changes in abundance and assemblage composition were driven by interpool movement of two minnow species with the shared behavioral trait of shoaling: bigeye shiner Notropis boops and central stoneroller Campostoma anomalum. Shifts in abundance showed no upstream or downstream pattern, suggesting that flooding allowed fish to move actively among pools that are typically isolated by partial barriers (riffles). This study highlights the importance of considering species’ behavioral traits when assessing the impacts of flooding, and suggests that shoaling behavior may be useful trait for predicting fish assemblage change following flooding.
DETERMINATION OF NITROGEN COMPOUND DISTRIBUTION FROM THREE SOURCE FUELS

As part of a world-wide survey of middle distillate fuel instability, three fuels were chosen for detailed GC/MS analysis. These fuels are identified by number and country of origin; FL-2577 was from Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada; FL-2599 was from Abamadj, Kuwait; and FL 2592 was from Chiba, Japan. The organo-nitrogen compounds in the three fuels were separated by mild acid extraction followed by silica gel absorption. This treatment yielded three fractions for each fuel; a basic nitrogen compounds fraction, BNC; a non-basic nitrogen compounds fraction in methylene chloride, mcl, NBNC-mcl; and a non-basic nitrogen compounds fraction in methanol, meoh, NBNC-meoh. The three fractions from each fuel were analyzed by combined capillary gc/ms. The organo-nitrogen compounds from each fraction were identified and quantitated.
Systematic Parameter Estimation and Sensitivity Analysis Using a Multidimensional PEMFC Model Coupled With DAKOTA

Current computational models for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) include a large number of parameters such as boundary conditions, material properties, and numerous parameters used in sub-models for membrane transport, two-phase flow and electrochemistry. In order to successfully use a computational PEMFC model in design and optimization, it is important to identify critical parameters under a wide variety of operating conditions, such as relative humidity, current load, temperature, etc. Moreover, when experimental data is available in the form of polarization curves or local distribution of current and reactant/product species (e.g., O2, H2O concentrations), critical parameters can be estimated in order to enable the model to better fit the data. Sensitivity analysis and parameter estimation are typically performed using manual adjustment of parameters, which is also common in parameter studies. We present work to demonstrate a systematic approach based on using a widely available toolkit developed at Sandia called DAKOTA that supports many kinds of design studies, such as sensitivity analysis as well as optimization and uncertainty quantification. In the present work, we couple a multidimensional PEMFC model (which is being developed, tested and later validated in a joint effort by a team from Penn State Univ. and Sandia National Laboratories) with DAKOTA through the mapping of model parameters to system responses. Using this interface, we demonstrate the efficiency of performing simple parameter studies as well as identifying critical parameters using sensitivity analysis. Finally, we show examples of optimization and parameter estimation using the automated capability in DAKOTA.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Mitochondrial autonomy: Glycosyllation of proteins synthesized by isolated mitochondria

Abstract Protein synthesis in isolated rat liver mitochondria was inhibited greater than 90% with 1 mg/ml of puromycin in an incubation mixture containing an external energy source. An acceptor fraction prepared from mitochondria incubated with 1 mg/ml of puromycin did not support mitochondrial glycoprotein synthesis while an acceptor fraction prepared without puromycin did support mitochondrial glycoprotein synthesis. The results were interpreted as meaning that some of the proteins to which the mitochondrion is independently capable of adding carbohydrate to are of mitochondrial and not cytoplasmic origin.
Scientific Management and Stakhanovism in the Soviet Union: A Historical Perspective

Scientific Management and Stakhanovism were both popular in the Soviet Union during the 1920s and 1930s as means for increasing productivity and industrial growth. A first‐cut effort at comparing and contrasting these two historically important movements is presented as one means for appreciating the origins of Soviet attitudes towards work.
Methionine Changes in Bacteriorhodopsin Detected by FTIR and Cell-Free Selenomethionine Substitution

Bacteriorhodopsin (BR) is an integral membrane protein, which functions as a light-driven proton pump in Halobacterium salinarum. We report evidence that one or more methionine residues undergo a structural change during the BR→M portion of the BR photocycle. Selenomethionine was incorporated into BR using a cell-free protein translation system containing an amino acid mixture with selenomethionine substituted for methionine. BR→M FTIR difference spectra recorded for unlabeled and selenomethionine-labeled cell-free expressed BR closely resemble the spectra of in vivo expressed BR. However, reproducible changes occur in two regions near 1284 and 900 cm−1 due to selenomethionine incorporation. Isotope labeled tyrosine was also co-incorporated with selenomethionine in order to confirm these assignments. Based on recent x-ray crystallographic studies, likely methionines which give rise to the FTIR difference bands are Met-118 and Met-145, which are located inside the retinal binding pocket and in a position to constrain the motion of retinal during photoisomerization. The assignment of methionine bands in the FTIR difference spectrum of BR provides a means to study methionine-chromophore interaction under physiological conditions. More generally, combining cell-free incorporations of selenomethionine into proteins with FTIR difference spectroscopy provides a useful method for investigating the role of methionines in protein structure and function.
Binarism in the Disticha Catonis

Abstract Thematic and structural binarism pervades the Disticha Catonis. It appeals to a fundamental mode of cognition rooted in an early and critical stage of human cognitive development that uses pairs to structure and organize our thinking and perceptions. Partly as a result of its binarism, the collection’s maxims are easily understood and remembered, which explains why they were read or quoted by adults in the Classical and post-Classical periods and were important in the education of children in the medieval period and later.
Initial mention as a signal to thematic content in technical passages

Information near the beginning of a passage has often been reported to be recalled better than information appearing later in the passage. The explanation has been that the most important information in a passage is recalled best, and this information usually appears early in a passage. This suggests that there is a linguistic convention that important information should appear in an initial position. That initial mention functions as a signal to the important, or thematic, content of a passage was demonstrated with two experiments in which readers reported what they thought was the main idea or the main item of technical passages. The first experiment unconfounded content and position by using passages in which the main idea was expressed by a sentence that appeared either first in the passage or embedded in the middle of the passage. Statements of the main idea resembled the intended theme sentence to a greater extent if this sentence appeared first than if it was embedded. The second experiment showed that statements of the main item tended to name the major referent that appeared first in the passage. The results suggest that readers base much of their abstractive processes on the semantic content of a passage, with superficial features such as initial mention serving to guide or influence these processes.
An Assessment of Strain-Aging Effect on Weldable Offshore Structural Steel

During the fabrication of offshore structures, the steel plate condition changes from the as-received normalized state to a strain-aged state. This paper assesses the effect of 5% prestrain and aging at 250/sup 0/C (482/sup 0/F) for 1 hour on the mechanical properties of normalized low-alloy BS 4360-50D steel plates obtained from two different suppliers. For both plates, strain aging led to an increase in yield strength, ultimate strength, Charpy and crack opening displacement (COD) transition temperatures, and fatigue resistance. The results of fracture toughness tests show that the degree of sensitivity to strain aging may depend on the type of test used; therefore, a test that more closely simulates offshore loading conditions, such as a COD test, is most appropriate. The paper also shows that the impact of strain aging on the integrity of offshore structures is minimized by the competing effects of lower fracture toughness and slower crack-growth rates.
Model Validation for an Active Magnetic Bearing Based Compressor Surge Control Test Rig

In this paper, we present experimental test data for the validation of a recently introduced mathematical model for centrifugal compression systems with variable impeller axial clearances. Employing the active magnetic bearings (AMBs) of a compressor built for the experimental study of surge, the axial clearance between the impeller and the static shroud is servo controlled, and the measured variations in the compressor output flow are compared with the mathematical model. The steady state and the dynamic responses of the compression system induced by varying the impeller tip clearance are measured and compared with the theoretical predictions, and the states of the compression system in surge condition are collected and analyzed. Parameters in the compression system model, such as the Greitzer parameter B and Helmholtz frequency ω H are experimentally identified. Also, the servo dynamics of the magnetic bearing that controls the axial impeller position is determined experimentally. To further validate the mathematical model and the feasibility of using the impeller tip clearance for controlling surge, we present a design example for an active surge controller based on the derived model, and simulate the response of the compression system. This design exercise also helps us understand the possible challenges that one could face in the design and implementation of a successful surge controller.
The allocative efficiency implications of water pollution abatement cost comparisons

Assessments of the efficiency of water pollution control allocations are usually based on abatement cost comparisons. The general rule is that efficiency is improved by reallocating abatement from sources with high marginal costs to low-cost sources. The welfare-theoretic foundation of this rule is well established for situations with nonstochastic emissions. In situations with stochastic emissions, pollution control involves improving the distribution of emissions. Nevertheless, efficiency analyses involving stochastic emissions usually sidestep formal consideration of the stochastic element by measuring pollution control and control costs with respect to changes in long-term average flows. An economic model of stochastic emissions is used to demonstrate that this approach can give misleading results. An alternative procedure is briefly discussed.
Creativity and neurological disease.

Although humans have long valued creativity, the generation of such innovation is still incompletely understood. Looking at the healthy brain, researchers have localized certain parts for a basic understanding of these mechanisms. By researching the brain affected by neurological disease, scientists have observed unique manifestations of creativity, such as in frontotemporal lobar degeneration, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and parkinsonian spectrum disorders, and stroke, which help clarify these creative underpinnings. Incorporating both healthy and disease models of cerebral functioning, neurological and neuroscientific research from recent years has built on established theories and expanded current knowledge.
Monitoring Cancer Antigen 125 Levels in Induction Chemotherapy for Epithelial Ovarian Carcinoma and Predicting Outcome of Second-Look Procedure

A retrospective analysis of 45 patients with epithelial ovarian carcinoma who underwent second-look procedure after initial cytoreduction and platinum-based combination chemotherapy was undertaken. Each patient was evaluated for the result of CA 125 after a third course of chemotherapy, the result of CA 125 prior to second-look laparotomy, and the calculated slope of regression curve for CA 125. These results were compared for a normal value of CA 125 of or = 35 IU/ml predicted a positive second-look outcome in three patients, but was not statistically significant (P = 0.143) when compared to patients with normal levels. Of patients with CA 125 > or = 35 IU/ml immediately prior to second-look procedure, nine had a positive outcome for second look, a difference that was statistically significant (P = 0.006) when compared to patients with normal levels. For the calculation of the slope of the regression curve, no statistical difference (P = 0.838) was observed between the average of the slopes of the positive-outcome group and that the negative-outcome group. The only useful prediction of second-look procedure outcome identified in this group of patients was an elevated (> or = 35 IU/ml) CA 125 immediately prior to second-look procedure. Elevated levels at this time predicted the presence of disease in 100% of patients. For the other methods of analyzing CA 125 levels during therapy, the outcome of second look could not be predicted in patients with no clinical evidence of disease. Selecting a lower normal level of 20 IU/ml did not increase our ability to predict second-look procedure outcome.
The use of spectral simulations for the assay of radical concentrations by ESR

Abstract An assay of the concentration of a free radical in solution by ESR usually involves an evaluation of A ∞ , the double integral of the experimental derivative spectrum between essentially infinite field limits. The evaluation of A ∞ computationally from the parameters of a simulation of a first-derivative Lorentzian spectrum that matches the experimental spectrum is shown to be a viable alternative. It essentially removes the problem of locating the position of the spectral baseline, and provides a simple way to avoid corrections for finite integration limits and for contributions to A ∞ from lines outside the region integrated. The method becomes more attractive for spectra of low signal-to-noise ratio and especially for spectra of closely spaced components. Experiments with a stable reference free radical show that modulation effects may be suitably simulated and that values of A ∞ determined by the two methods are in good agreement. A method is given for the correction of A ∞ for microwave power saturation. The simulation method is illustrated by the assay of benzyl radical with a weak spectrum of closely spaced components.
Next-generation wireless communications concepts and technologies

Next-generation wireless (NextG) involves the concept that the next generation of wireless communications will be a major move toward ubiquitous wireless communications systems and seamless high-quality wireless services. This article presents the concepts and technologies involved, including possible innovations in architectures, spectrum allocation, and utilization, in radio communications, networks, and services and applications. These include dynamic and adaptive systems and technologies that provide a new paradigm for spectrum assignment and management, smart resource management, dynamic and fast adaptive multilayer approaches, smart radio, and adaptive networking. Technologies involving adaptive and highly efficient modulation, coding, multiple access, media access, network organization, and networking that can provide ultraconnectivity at high data rates with effective QoS for Next Gare are also described.
Trapped electron instabilities driven by magnetic curvature drifts

Abstract The stability of trapped electron modes driven by the magnetic curvature drift does not improve considerably, when their frequency becomes comparable with the electron magnetic drift frequency, for instance in the practically interesting case of finite aspect ratio toroidal configurations.
Ge dot mid-infrared photodetectors

Abstract Si-based normal incident mid-infrared photodetectors using Ge dots were investigated. P–I–P structures of boron-doped Ge dots embedded in the intrinsic region were grown using solid source molecular beam epitaxy. The dark current was strongly dependent on the doping level in Ge dot. The structure grown at 700 °C exhibited photoresponse peaking at 3.5 μm. FTIR measurements on identical structure showed an absorption band consistent with the photocurrent spectra. At lower temperatures, the response intensity decreased due to freeze-out of the holes. The devices also showed photovoltaic effect. The response increased with increasing bias.
Solution properties of phosphonitrilic fluoroelastomers

A series of phosphonitrilic fluoroelastomers which have excellent solvent resistance and low temperature flexibility, and which perform well under a broad range of service conditions, have been developed. The solution properties of one of these polymers were studied more extensively in order to develop suitable quality control procedures and to gain a better understanding of the polymer structure. Solvents for these procedures were established, fractionation procedures were developed, and intrinsic viscosity, osmotic pressure, and light-scattering measurements were conducted. We found this polymer to have a very broad molecular weight distribution. And, although fractionation by molecular weight was effected, the fractions retained a broad molecular weight distribution. Our data do not indicate significant branching for this polymer. As a result of our studies, we have theorized that a supermolecular structure may be present in this polymer.
Properties of continuum source particle beams. I. Calculation methods and results

Abstract The properties of continuum source particle beams, also called aerosol beams or seeded molecular beams, are investigated. Beams generated by expansions through converging cone nozzles are considered. Beam properties pertinent to the application of aerosol beams in the on-line measurement of particle size and composition distributions are emphasized. Methods for calculating the dependence of aerosol beam properties on particle size, shape and mass, source temperature and pressure and nozzle geometry are described and results are presented. The calculated results are compared to experimental data. A simple empirical method of modeling frictionless, isentropic transonic and supersonic flow in a free jet is described and used in the numerical experiments.
Numerical simulation of transport from a point source: error analysis

Abstract The techniques used to represent point sources in numerical air pollution models have received little attention.However, an inadequate representation of these sources can lead to significant loss of solution accuracy. Kasibhatla et al. (1988, Atmospheric Environment 22 , 75–82) have performed a parametric error analysis for the two-dimensional transport of an inert species from an infinite line source. This paper extends the analysis to three-dimensional problems. Numerical results for an inert plume emanating from a single point source shown that the radio of the advection time scale to the turbulent time scale in the vertical direction, K z Δ x/uΔy 2 , as well as the ratio of the advection time scale to the turbulent diffusion time scale in the cross-wind direction, K y Δ x/uδy 2 , have an effect on solution accuracy. In addition, comparisons between the volume-averaged representation of a point source and the use of an irregular grid for point source representation demonstrate that, near the source, improved results can be obtained by placing a node at the source location. Numerical results for the case in which the wind velocity vector is not aligned with tghe grid lines indicate that the cross-derivative diffusion term can be negleted without loss of accuracy.
Social representations of parents with school-age children concerning risk and protection factors of drug use in Bogota, Colombia

Abstract The Purpose of this study was to describe social representations of risk and protective factors of psychoactive substances, in order to understand the precautions taken by parents in Bogota, Colombia. Were included 40 parents, 29 women, 11 men, from four educational, socio-economic strata 1 to 5 in Bogota. The following instruments were used: narrative interview, focus group, and field diary. It was noted that Social Representations (SR) versus risk factors (RF) and protection factors (PF), are mediated primarily by the Social Representations (SR) of drugs such as: drug – disease, drug - autonomous entity and marginalization; from these, it was observed that the level of risk or protection was modulated by perceived exposure, which is understood as high or no exposure, which determined the types of RF, PF and Precautions Taken to prevent use of drugs.
Usefulness of sotalol in suppressing ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation in patients with healed myocardial infarcts

The electrophysiologic effects and antiarrhythmic efficacy of oral sotalol were investigated in 42 patients with coronary artery disease and prior myocardial infarction who presented with ventricular tachycardia (VT), ventricular fibrillation (VF) or syncope. The mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 36 +/- 9%. Baseline programmed cardiac stimulation initiated sustained VT (26 patients) or VF (16). The induced arrhythmia was not suppressed by conventional antiarrhythmic drugs in any patient (3 +/- 2 trials/patient). The mean daily dosage of sotalol was 221 +/- 84 mg. The right ventricular effective refractory period increased from 247 +/- 25 to 273 +/- 26 ms with sotalol (p = 0.0001) and the corrected QT interval increased from 431 +/- 35 to 456 +/- 62 ms (p = 0.02). Arrhythmia suppression was defined as no sustained VT or VF in response to programmed cardiac stimulation using up to 3 extrastimuli. Induced VT or VF was suppressed by sotalol therapy in 10 (24%) patients (group 1). Group 1 patients had faster induced arrhythmias at the baseline study than patients whose induced ventricular arrhythmia was not suppressed (group 2). The mean left ventricular ejection fraction tended to be higher in group 1 patients (p = 0.07). Fourteen patients (including 9 group 1 patients) continued receiving sotalol after discharge. In 2 group 2 patients, sotalol was combined with a class IA antiarrhythmic drug. During a mean follow-up period of 7.9 +/- 4.9 months, 2 patients had recurrent VT and in 2 others sotalol was discontinued due to side effects.
Devices for home evaluation of women's health concerns.

Purpose. Devices used for home evaluation of fertility, pregnancy, menopause, colon cancer, breast cancer, and urinary-tract and vaginal yeast infections are discussed. Summary. Ovulation-prediction devices monitor natural changes in a woman’s body during the menstrual cycle, including changes in basal body temperature, urinary luteinizing hormone, and urinary estrone-3-glucuronide concentrations. Also available are devices that identify changes in the content of sodium chloride and other electrolytes in saliva and cervical–vaginal mucus. Home pregnancy tests are designed to detect human chorionic gonadotropin in the urine. Both urine and saliva tests are available for home evaluation of menopause; the most common devices use urine to measure follicle-stimulating hormone. The saliva tests measure estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone. Devices for home screening for colon cancer use either the guaiac test or the fecal immunochemical test. For aid in breast self-examination, patients may use a simulated-breast product designed to train them to detect lumps or a thin, silicone-containing pad intended to increase the sensitivity of the fingers to abnormalities. Urine-dipstick tests can be used to screen for urinary-tract infection, and a swab or panty liner can be used to detect vaginal pH changes indicative of vaginal yeast infection. Home-based tests may be convenient and economical but also have limitations; pharmacists can help educate patients and clinicians. Conclusion. Many devices are available to help evaluate women’s health concerns at home.
Uniform boundary stabilization of nonlinear spherical shells by using two controls only: analysis and numerical computations

The model for an elastic, dynamic, thin shallow spherical shell will be considered. The model, consisting of a nonlinear coupled system of partial differential equations (PDEs), assumes that rotational forces are negligible. One of the primary novelties of the paper is the use of semidiscrete finite element (FEM) approximations of the eigenvalues associated with the corresponding linear system of PDEs. The numerical computations are used to gain insight regarding the number of boundary controls required to uniformly stabilize the nonlinear system and provide confirmation of the theoretical results. In particular, it will be shown that the nonlinear model is uniformly stabilized with only two controls acting on the boundary instead of the usual three.
Differential effect of 14 free fatty acids in the expression of inflammation markers on human arterial coronary cells.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, and circulating free fatty acids (FFAs) are known risk factors associated with cardiovascular inflammation. The influence of 14 dietary FFAs (including saturated, mono- and polyunsaturated, and trans) on the expression of inflammatory markers in human coronary arterial smooth muscle (HCASM) and endothelial (HCEC) cells using a cell culture model was investigated. HCASM and HCEC cell cultures were incubated with 200 μM of each FFA for 8 or 24 h, respectively, at 37 °C in a 5% CO2 humidified incubator. Inflammatory markers were assessed by ELISA or Western blot in the supernatant or cell lysates respectively. Results showed significant differences in the expression of inflammatory markers among the fatty acid treatments and the control, with myristic and palmitic acids being identified as the most and linoleic acid as the least pro-inflammatory. This suggests that FFAs may induce low-grade inflammation in human coronary arterial cell...
Saturation-based testing of concurrent programs

Coverage measures help to determine whether a test suite exercises a program adequately according to a testing criterion. Many existing measures, however, are defined over coverage domains that cannot be precisely calculated, rendering them of limited value in assessing the extent of testing activities. To exploit the use of such measures, we formalize saturation-based test adequacy, a form of adequacy focused on the rate at which coverage increases during test suite execution. We define a family of coverage metrics for concurrent program testing that are well-suited to saturation-based adequacy and present a study that explores their cost and effectiveness. The results of this study suggest that saturation-based testing can serve as an effective complement to traditional notions of coverage-based testing.
Relendo Einstein sobre radiação

Os conceitos de emissao espontânea e emissao estimulada sao bem conhecidos do artigo de Einstein de 1917 sobre radiacao. No entanto, sua teoria da radiacao contem muitos outros conceitos. O artigo e um tesouro da fisica.
Auditor industry specialization, client bargaining power, and audit fees: Further evidence

Casterella, Francis, Lewis, and Walker (CFLW 2004) find, using survey data from 1993, that (1) there is a Big 6 industry specialization audit fee premium in the small client segment of the U.S. audit market, but (2) audit fees decrease for large companies as the client becomes increasingly large relative to an auditor's clientele. In this study, we first replicate and confirm the results of CFLW (2004), using audit fee data from SEC filings for fiscal 2000 and 2001. In the post‐SOX period, we find that the results related to specialization continue to hold in fiscal 2004 but not in 2003—suggesting that 2003 is perhaps a unique year due to the flux in the audit market following the enactment of SOX. With respect to client bargaining power, our results in the post‐SOX period differ from CFLW (2004) in that we observe a negative association between client bargaining power and audit fees for both the small and large client segments.
Theory of Heating of the Quantum Ground State of Trapped Ions

Using a displacement operator formalism, I analyze the depopulation of the vibrational ground state of trapped ions. Two heating times, one characterizing short time behavior and the other long time behavior, are found. The long time behavior is analyzed for both single and multiple ions, and a formula for the relative heating rates of different modes is derived. The possibility of correction of heating via the quantum Zeno effect, and the exploitation of the suppression of heating of higher modes to reduce errors in quantum computation, is considered.
A fracture control plan for composite structures

Abstract A fracture control plan for composite structures is proposed. Such a plan provides for a fail-safe approach to the design of composite primary structures. It integrates inspection techniques with proof testing to define the minimum flaw that can exist in a structure without failure. While crack propagation of a general flaw in composites is a complex problem, a specific flaw such as delamination is a common failure mode in typical engineering laminates. Using linear fracture mechanics, it is relatively straightforward to calculate the tendency for a delamination flaw to propagate. This approach, coupled with appropriate inspection techniques, constitutes the basis of the proposed plan. Currently, no fracture control plans exist for composite structures. The proposed plan is envisaged as a first step toward assuring the design of damage-tolerant composite structures.
Hemophilus aegyptius restriction endonuclease cleavage map of the simian virus 40 genome and its colinear relation with the Hemophilus influenzae cleavage map of SV40

Abstract Cleavage of simian virus 40 DNA I with the restriction endonuclease from Hemophilus aegyptius yields 16 fragments of approximately 18 to 1520 nucleotides. These fragments have been ordered and precisely aligned with the fragments composing the H. influenzae and H. parainfluenzae endonuclease cleavage maps of SV40 † by a combination of two methods: (1) hybridization of radioactively labeled transcripts of Hae fragments to denatured Hin fragments; (2) reciprocal digestion of Hin fragments with H. aegyptius endonuclease and Hae fragments with the endonucleases from H. influenzae and H. parainfluenzae , followed by size analysis of the resultant products. In addition, nucleic acid hybridizations have been performed between the transcripts of certain Hae fragments and DNA from the adenovirus-SV40 hybrids, Ad2 + ND 1 , Ad2 + ND 4 and E46 + , which permit more precise localization of the distal termini of the SV40 segments within these hybrids on the map of the SV40 genome.
A six-dimensional superspace approach to extended superfields

Abstract We present an improved formalism for treating six-dimensional superspace and apply it to writing linearized N = 2 Yang-Mills theory and the N = 2 relaxed hypermultiplet in SU(2) covariant forms that are simpler than the known four-dimensional forms.
Trends and sources of particulate matter in the Superstition Wilderness using air trajectory and aerosol cluster analysis

Abstract Ambient aerosols adversely affect human health and visibility and impact climate. Identification of sources of particulate matter and its precursors is necessary for developing control strategies. The goal of this research is to utilize long-term speciated particulate matter data and back-trajectory cluster analyses to determine trends and sources of particulate matter in the Superstition Wilderness, a rural area east of Phoenix, Arizona. Twenty-four hour back-trajectories were calculated for every hour of every 24-h particulate matter sample obtained by IMPROVE from 1991 to 2004. Days that included back-trajectories with considerable spatial variance were excluded from further analyses. To minimize uncertainties inherent in single trajectories, all calculated trajectories for each sampling day were averaged to represent the air mass sampled during that day. Cluster analysis of trajectories identified four unique regions, including a region with Phoenix, a region with copper smelters, and one with coal-fired power plants. Yearly averages of sulfate, nitrate, soil, and carbon concentrations were calculated for each region. Statistically significant trends in species concentrations by region and independent of region and differences in concentrations between regions were examined. Sulfate concentrations from the region with smelters were higher than other regions but decreased during the study period. Emissions data from the smelters indicate that much of the sulfate from the region was due to the smelters. The overall 2.2% year −1 decrease in sulfate concentrations at TNM is likely due to decreased emissions from the copper smelters. A 3.6% year −1 increase in nitrate concentrations was driven largely by increasing NO x concentrations from Phoenix and to a lesser extent the region southwest of the site which includes Tucson and suburban/urban areas between Phoenix and Tucson. Soil concentrations were higher from regions with deserts than the region without desert. This method could not identify trends or source regions of carbonaceous aerosols at this site.
ANALYSIS OF SOLVENT EFFECTS INDUCED IN PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF COORDINATION COMPOUNDS

Abstract The changes in the electronic transitions of three coordination compounds in various solvents are analyzed with the Unified Solvation model. The examples selected illustrate the influence of specific and non-specific solvation on the spectral shift. The Unified Solvation approach provides a quantitative way of determining whether the coordination complex is behaving as a donor, acceptor, or amphoterically in various solvents. The Unified solvation approach provides a quantitative procedure for evaluating the role of solvent, and this understanding allows one to optimize solvent selection for the multitude of physicochemical studies of coordination compounds.