cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Variational grid adaptation based on the minimization of local truncation error: time-independent problems

A new approach to grid adaptation is presented. The method is based on two established foundations. First, the method is based upon variational grid adaptation, retaining all the well-known properties of robustness and regularity. Second, the adaptation method presented here is based on a general definition of the error detector obtained from the moving finite element (MFE) method. The error detector is general, applicable to any given problem, and does not require any a priori knowledge of the solution or of the physical behaviour of the system under investigation. The primary theoretical contribution of the present work is in establishing a link between various adaptation methods previously regarded as different and unrelated. We show that they all derive from the same approach and are all equivalent in the sense that the same grid is generated by all of them for the same problem, once the monitor functions are chosen according to our approach. The primary practical contribution of the present work is in prescribing a rigorous monitor function for previously published adaptation strategies. The choice proposed here is shown to outperform previous heuristic choices. The method is tested in a series of elliptic problems, where the adaptation strategy presented here can improve the accuracy by orders of magnitude.
Finite-element-based Faedo–Galerkin weak solutions to the Navier–Stokes equations in the three-dimensional torus are suitable

Abstract It is shown in this paper that Faedo–Galerkin weak solutions to the Navier–Stokes equations in the three-dimensional torus are suitable provided they are constructed using finite-dimensional spaces having a discrete commutator property and satisfying a proper inf–sup condition. Low order mixed finite element spaces appear to be acceptable for this purpose. This question was open since the notion of suitable solution was introduced.
Children and Adolescents on Television: A Consistent Pattern of Devaluation

This analysis of data collected on major and minor characters in annual week-long samples of prime-time and weekend-daytime network dramatic programs broadcast between 1969 and 1985 found that children are very underrepresented on television. Children under 10 make up less than 2 percent of the characters in prime-time programs and only 3.6 percent of the characters in weekend-daytime programs. Early, and especially late adolescents are seen more frequently, especially in weekend-daytime programs. Children on television are presented in limiting roles that often serve to enhance adult roles rather than present childhood and children in a favorable way. Children are too often victimized, portrayed in ill health, and in the later adolescent years, seen smoking and drinking, with a few even using or experimenting with drugs. The overall image is one that conveys a sense of unimportance and devaluation of children and childhood.
AirWave: non-contact haptic feedback using air vortex rings

Input modalities such as speech and gesture allow users to interact with computers without holding or touching a physical device, thus enabling at-a-distance interaction. It remains an open problem, however, to incorporate haptic feedback into such interaction. In this work, we explore the use of air vortex rings for this purpose. Unlike standard jets of air, which are turbulent and dissipate quickly, vortex rings can be focused to travel several meters and impart perceptible feedback. In this paper, we review vortex formation theory and explore specific design parameters that allow us to generate vortices capable of imparting haptic feedback. Applying this theory, we developed a prototype system called AirWave. We show through objective meas urements that AirWave can achieve spatial resolution of less than 10 cm at a distance of 2.5 meters. We further demonstrate through a user study that this can be used to direct tactile stimuli to different regions of the human body.
Rare material in academic libraries

Purpose – This paper aims to summarize the importance of rare materials for academic libraries, including developments since the arrival of the internet and the effects of declining library budgets.Design/methodology/approach – The authors reviewed the literature on the subject coupled with their experiences with collection development.Findings – Collecting rare materials remains important for scholarly research, though harder to justify during a period of budget stringency. Academic libraries should discover creative ways to discover and add rare materials to their collections. Rare materials require special expertise in their acquisition, processing, storage, and use. Digitization is making rare materials more accessible but cannot substitute for the use of the originals in all cases.Practical implications – The authors provide a summary of recent thought on the status of rare materials in academic libraries – for libraries that include such collections or for those interested in increasing their holdin...
PNPLA3 variants specifically confer increased risk for histologic nonalcoholic fatty liver disease but not metabolic disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common cause of chronic liver disease. It is frequently associated with obesity, insulin resistance and features of the metabolic syndrome.1,2 The histologic phenotype of NAFLD extends from fatty liver to steatohepatitis.3 Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is characterized by hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and cytologic ballooning with varying degrees of fibrosis.3 NASH progresses to cirrhosis in approximately 15% of subjects.4 The factors that predispose to the risk of progression and the mechanisms that drive disease progression in those who develop cirrhosis are not well understood. Recently, genetic association studies successfully identified genetic variants that associate with many polygenic diseases and traits.5 Seven genetic variants were associated with liver function tests (LFTs) (near PNPLA3, CPN1, ABO, GPLD1, JMJD1C, GGT1, HNF1A).6,7 An allele in PNPLA3-(rs738409[G] encoding L148M) was also associated with an increased risk of hepatic steatosis by magnetic resonance spectroscopy.6,8,9 PNPLA3, also known as patatin like phospholipase-3 or adiponutrin, is expressed in adipose tissue10 and has recently been shown to function as a lipase.11 Elevations of liver enzymes are nonspecific markers of hepatocyte injury and liver imaging is an indirect measure of liver fat that can be influenced by other components in liver, including glycogen, iron and water content. The objective of the current study was to determine the impact of genetic variants that associate with LFTs or liver steatosis by magnetic resonance spectroscopy on histologically-defined NAFLD in subjects with histologically-characterized NAFLD from the NASH Clinical Research Network (CRN).
Predicting Performance in Army Aviation Flight Training

The Army Research Institute Aviation Research and Development Activity successfully implemented the Multi-Track Test Battery (MTTB) and associated classification functions in 1988. The battery and functions have been used to assign flight students to their combat skills aircraft. The present program determined the applicability of the battery to prediction of student performance in flight training. Performance evaluation in training consists of flight phase grades and academic phase grades. In addition to these grades, Overall Average Grade and Overall Flight Grade were also predicted using Forward Stepwise Multiple Regression procedures. Stepwise Multiple Discriminant Analysis was used to investigate two additional measures, flight deficiency training setback and flight deficiency attrition.
Molecular imaging of small animals with dedicated PET tomographs

Biological discovery has moved at an accelerated pace in recent years, with a considerable focus on the transition from in vitro to in vivo models. As a result, there has been a significant increase in the need to adapt clinical imaging methods, as well as for novel imaging technologies for biological research. Positron emission tomography (PET) is a clinical imaging modality that permits the use of positron-labeled molecular imaging probes for non-invasive assays of biochemical processes. The imaging procedure can be repeatedly performed before and after interventions, thereby allowing each animal to be used as its own control. Positron-labeled compounds that target a range of molecular targets have been and continue to be synthesized, with examples of biological processes ranging from receptors and synthesis of transmitters in cell communication, to metabolic processes and gene expression. In animal research, PET has been used extensively in the past for studies of non-human primates and other larger animals. New detector technology has improved spatial resolution, and has made possible PET scanning for the study of the most important modern molecular biology model, the laboratory mouse. This paper presents the challenges facing PET technology as applied to small animal imaging, provides a historical overview of the development of small animal PET systems, and discusses the current state of the art in small animal PET technology.
Interpretation of O binding-site preferences on close-packed group-VIII metal surfaces

Screening of O atoms adsorbed on transition metals is accomplished in part by d-electron redistribution in near-surface, inter-metal-layer bonds. First-principles calculations imply that this is the source of O's preferences for fcc adsorption sites on Pt(111) and hcp hollows on Ru(0001). In both instances, O prefers the site for which screening weakens interlayer bonds the least. Which site this is depends on whether the d states repopulated by screening are nonbonding or antibonding.
Magnetic resonance imaging of subchondral bone marrow lesions in association with osteoarthritis.

Objectives This nonsystematic literature review provides an overview of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of subchondral bone marrow lesions (BMLs) in association with osteoarthritis (OA), with particular attention to the selection of MRI sequences and semiquantitative scoring systems, characteristic morphology, and differential diagnosis. Histologic basis, natural history, and clinical significance are also briefly discussed. Methods PubMed was searched for articles published up to 2011, using the keywords bone marrow lesion, osteoarthritis, magnetic resonance imaging, bone marrow edema, histology, pain, and subchondral. Results BMLs in association with OA correspond to fibrosis, necrosis, edema, and bleeding of fatty marrow as well as abnormal trabeculae on histopathology. Lesions may fluctuate in size within a short time and are associated with the progression of articular cartilage loss and fluctuation of pain in knee OA. The characteristic subchondral edema-like signal intensity of BMLs should be assessed using T2-weighted, proton density-weighted, intermediate-weighted fat-suppressed fast spin echo or short tau inversion recovery. Several semiquantitative scoring systems are available to characterize and grade the severity of BMLs. Quantitative approaches have also been introduced. Differential diagnoses of degenerative BMLs include a variety of traumatic or nontraumatic pathologies that may appear similar to OA-related BMLs on MRI. Conclusions Subchondral BMLs are a common imaging feature of OA with clinical significance and typical signal alteration patterns, which can be assessed and graded by semiquantitative scoring systems using sensitive MRI sequences.
The PTEN Tumor Suppressor Protein Inhibits Tumor Necrosis Factor-induced Nuclear Factor κB Activity *

Nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) transcriptionally activates genes that promote immunity and cell survival. Activation of NF-κB is induced by an IκB kinase (IKK) complex that phosphorylates and promotes dissociation of IκB from NF-κB, which then translocates into the nucleus. Activation of phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase/Akt signaling by tumor necrosis factor (TNF) activates IKK and NF-κB. The present study shows that PTEN, a tumor suppressor that inhibits PI 3-kinase function, impairs TNF activation of Akt and the IKK complex in 293 cells. Transient expression of PTEN suppressed IKK activation and TNF-induced NF-κB DNA binding and transactivation. Studies were conducted with PC-3 prostate cancer cells that do not express PTEN and DU145 prostate cancer cells that express PTEN. TNF activated Akt in PC-3 cells, but not in DU145 cells, and the ability of TNF to activate NF-κB was blocked by pharmacological inhibition of PI 3-kinase activity in PC-3 cells, but not in DU145 cells. Expression of PTEN in PC-3 cells to a level comparable with that endogenously present in DU145 cells inhibited TNF activation of NF-κB. The cell type-specific ability of PTEN to negatively regulate the PI 3-kinase/AKT/NF-κB pathway may be important to its tumor suppressor activity.
Unexpected effects of methylphenidate in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder reflect decreases in core/secondary symptoms and physical complaints common to all children.

Abstract Hypotheses concerning unexpected, psychostimulant-related effects reported in previous studies were examined by separating behavioral/physical complaints highly specific to methylphenidate...
Spatial distribution and reproductive phenology of sexual and asexual Mastocarpus papillatus (Rhodophyta)

Species of the genus Mastocarpus exhibit two distinct life cycles, a sexual alternation of generations and an obligate, asexual direct life cycle that produces only female upright fronds. In the intertidal red alga, M. papillatus (Kutzing) sexual fronds dominate southern populations and asexual fronds dominate northern populations along the northeast Pacific coast, a pattern of spatial separation called geographic parthenogenesis. Along the central coast of California, sexual and asexual variants occur in mixed populations, but it is not known whether they are spatially separated within the intertidal zone at a given site. We investigated reproductive phenologies and analyzed patterns of spatial distributions of sexual and asexual M. papillatus at three sites in this region. Sexual M. papillatus were aggregated lower on the shore at two sites and only reproduced during part of a year, while asexual M. papillatus occurred throughout the intertidal range at all sites and reproduced throughout the year. The distribution patterns of sexual and asexual M. papillatus are consistent with a hypothesis of shoreline topography influencing their dynamics of dispersal and colonization. Spatial and temporal partitioning may contribute to the long-term coexistence of sexual and asexual life histories in this, and other, species of Mastocarpus. The occurrence of geographic parthenogenesis at multiple spatial scales in M. papillatus provides an opportunity to gain insight into the phenomenon.
Exacerbation of acetaminophen-induced disturbances of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells in the absence of Kupffer cells in mice

Although there has been considerable research in terms of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) and hepatic resident macrophages (Kupffer cells, KCs) during the overall pathogenesis of acetaminophen (APAP)-induced liver injury, little is known about their potential interaction and relationship. In the present study, employing the use of liposome/clodronate to deplete KCs, we were able to confirm the previously demonstrated hepato-protective role for KCs. Such a protective role may be mediated, in part, via regulation of LSEC homeostasis and integrity. The further aggravation of APAP-induced LSEC disturbance upon depletion of KCs correlated with increased hepatic vascular permeability and red blood cell accumulation. The depletion of KCs prior to APAP challenge also resulted in the increased expression of cellular adhesion molecules on LSECs. Such increased disturbance in the hepatic endothelial may represent a contributing factor in the exacerbation of APAP-induced liver injury in the absence of KCs. However, these disturbances may also be a result of the increased hepatic damage, and as such, does not rule out the potential for additional mechanisms of KC-mediated hepato-protection during the pathogenesis of APAP-induced hepatotoxicity.
The effects of continuous chloroform and halothane anesthesia on plasma prolactin levels in ovariectomized estrogen-treated rats.

In ovariectomized, estrogen-treated rats bearing indwelling aortic catheters, continuous inhalation of chloroform or halothane resulted in increases in plasma prolactin levels 10 min after the exposure to the anesthetics. The plasma prolactin levels over the subsequent 2 h, however, were not significantly different from that of the control animals.
ASPECTS OF SPIN AND STATISTICS IN GENERALLY COVARIANT THEORIES

In this paper, we explore the consequences of diffeomorphism invariance in generally covariant theories. Such theories in two and three dimensions are known to admit topological excitations called geons. It is shown by specific examples that a quantum state of two identical geons may not be an eigenstate of the geon exchange operator, which means that a geon may have no definite statistics. As shown before by Sorkin and as discussed further here, it may also happen, for instance, that in 3 + 1 dimensions a tensorial (spinorial) geon obeys Fermi (Bose) statistics, while in 2 + 1 dimensions an "integral-spin" geon can obey "fractional statistics". Thus ideas on spin and statistics borrowed from Poincare invariant theories are not always valid in quantum gravity, at least without further physical inputs. Previously, it was shown by Friedman and Sorkin that pure gravity in three space dimensions may admit spinorial states. This result is extended to two dimensions where pure gravity is shown to admit "fractional spin" geons.
Comment on “Nonlinear response of the polar ionosphere to large values of the interplanetary electric field” by C. T. Russell et al.

[1] The topic of the proper functional form of the ionospheric-magnetospheric response to solar wind conditions is a subject of much discussion and debate. While numerous studies over the decades have shown linear relationships [e.g., Burton et al., 1975; Reiff et al., 1981; Boyle et al., 1997], others have found nonlinear relationships [e.g., Hill et al., 1976; Wygant et al., 1983; Weimer, 2001]. Recently, Russell et al. [2001] (hereinafter RLL) discuss a saturation effect in two high-latitude ionospheric parameters, the cross polar cap potential (CPCP) and the integrated Joule heating (IJH), for large values of the y-component of the interplanetary electric field (IEF), or the southward component of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF Bz). They illustrate this effect by analyzing data and modeling results from five storms between 1995 and 1998, as well as evidence of saturation in other data sets. They conclude that the ionospheric response is saturated for IEF levels greater than 3 mV m . Finally, they discuss the inner magnetosphere exhibiting a linear relationship with the IEF. [2] With this comment, we hope to continue the discussion regarding the functional form of the magnetospheric response to the solar wind. We feel this is a critical issue of space physics, and it should be a top priority of our field to understand this relationship. That the CPCP exhibits nonlinearity and even saturates for large IEF values is not being disputed [see, e.g., Liemohn et al., 2002]. However, the IEF at which the CPCP begins to saturate may be interpreted differently than presented by RLL. The nonlinear response may only be just beginning at 3 mV m , where RLL state that it is in full effect. Additionally, there are several uses of data and model results discussed by RLL, which deserve further explanation. It is the hope of this comment to elucidate this analysis and to show that the data presented by RLL support the conclusion that nonlinear saturation effects become significant at substantially higher IEF values than 3 mV m . [3] Throughout this comment, the terms saturation and nonlinearity are taken to have distinct meanings. Saturation is when the slope of a curve asymptotically reaches zero. This is in contrast to the broader terms of nonlinearity and ‘‘the beginning of saturation,’’ which refer to the deviation of the functional form away from a straight line.
An Application-Oriented Programming Language for Sequential Machine Studies

Automat is an application-oriented programming language for the study of sequential machines represented as generalized transition tables. The system is implemented as an embedded extension of Snobol4, and includes a large number of operations on sets, partitions, and transition tables. A comprehensive utility system for finite-state machines is a major application of the language; programs implementing some recent results in minimization theory are described. Source programs in the intended application area written in AUTOMAT are seen to be substantially shorter than equivalent programs written in general-purpose languages.
Tissue depletion and energy utilisation during routine metabolism by sub‐adult Tilapia rendalli boulenger

The amount of fat and protein used by young Tilapia rendalli during starvation can be quantitatively assessed and correlated to the condition of the fish. It was shown that fish in good condition used fat in preference to protein during catabolism, irrespective of the time period of starvation, but this rapidly reversed as condition declined and fish in medium and poor condition utilised more protein than fat to maintain routine metabolism. The amount of energy required during routine metabolism was not affected by the ratio of fat to protein used and a mean energy requirement for these fish (varying between 40 and 60 g in mass) was estimated as 45.03 J g-1d-1 at 23°C. This estimate of routine metabolic energy requirement can be equated to oxygen consumption using an oxy-energy coefficient of 13.68 J mg O2-1.
Shape optimization in laminated composite plates

At this stage a substantial body of literature exists for shape optimization involving isotropic materials. The reader is referred to the articles of Haug [1] and Haftka and Grandhi [2] for overviews of the material. One approach to the problem is analytical. Calculus of variation techniques are employed to derive explicit optimality conditions. Choi and Haug [3], Dems and Mroz [4], and Banichuk [5, 6] have adopted this approach. Of note is the recent work of Kikuchi, Chung, Torigaki and Taylor [7] who used variational methods together with an adaptive grid scheme developed by Diaz, Kikuchi and Taylor [8] for shape optimization in linear elastic structures. The works of Braibant and Fleury [9, 10], involving B-splines, should also be cited. Up to now, structural optimization of laminated composites has involved ply orientations and thicknesses as design variables. To the authors' knowledge, no work on shape optimization Of laminated structures has been done. Kicher and Chao [11] considered the optimum design of fiber composite cylinders under combined axial, radial, and torsional loads. Minimum weight was taken as the objective function, with the ply thickness being the design variable. Hirano [12, 13], Park [14], and Tauchert and Adibhatla [15] treated the optimum design of laminated plates under various types of loading. The objective functions used were maximum buckling load, first ply failure (see [16]), and minimum strain energy, respectively. Hirano and Park used fiber angles as design variables, whereas Tauchert and Adibhatla employed both fiber angles and layer thickness as variables. Yiping [17] treated the optimal design of a laminated plate with several elliptical holes under uniaxial tensile loading. Minimizing the maximum value of the Tsai-Wu failure functional (see [18]) was the objective and the fiber angle was the design variable. In all of the above works on composites, mathematical programming techniques were used to obtain the solutions. Other approaches have been used. Bauchau [19] considered the optimal design of rotating graphite-epoxy shafts.
Another Method for Determining the Pressure inside an Intact Carbonated Beverage Can (or Bottle)

Previous letters and articles in this Journal have described methods for finding the pressure of CO2 inside carbonated beverages. One communication in particular describes a method for estimating this pressure without even opening the container. This communication describes yet another method, using a combination of Henry’s law and freezing point depression measurements, for quantitative determination of CO2 inside carbonated beverages without opening the container.
A theoretical estimate of the strain-dependent elastic dipole tensor for interstitial impurities in B.C.C. metals and of the strength of the non-linear snoek effect☆

A study is described, by means of numerical calculations using a pair-potential model, of the degree to which the elastic dipole tensor of interstitial impurities in bcc metals depends on applied strain. The results of these calculations are used to estimate the interstitial-induced anelastic relaxation magnitudes of third order elastic constants (TOEC), i.e., the magnitude of the nonlinear Snoek effect for such systems.
Calculation of the absolute infrared intensities for the 0−1, 0−2 and 1−2 vibration-rotation transitions in the ground state of no+☆

Abstract The absolute infrared intensities of the 0−1, 0−2 and 1−2 vibration-rotation bands in the 1 Σ + ground state have been calculated from first principles. The dipole moment function for NO + was determined in the region of the equilibrium internuclear separation by an accurate multi-configuration self-consistent-field procedure. The dipole matrix elements over vibration states were solved exactly using numerical techniques. The ratio of the calculated integrated absorption coefficients for the fundamental and first overtone (88.8 cm −2 atm −1 and 0.6 cm −2 atm −1 , respectively, at 273.16°K) is in reasonable agreement with an estimate based on observation of these bands in NO + at high altitudes in the upper atmosphere.
The Nature and History of the Birkat Isra'il and its Relation to the Pool 'With the Expanse of the Sea' (Sir 50: 3): Rereading Charles Warren

AbstractThe Birkat Isra'il was the largest pool in Jerusalem when it was constructed. Yet when it is studied, it is often done in connection with the extent of the Temple Platform rather than for its own sake. Charles Warren studied the pool in considerable detail yet several aspects of it remain unexplained, particularly its location within the es-Sahireh valley. Data provided by Warren suggest that the Herodian form of the pool is a secondary construction and that a previous pool had been situated directly over the lowest point of the valley and that this is the pool 'with the expanse of the sea' (Sir 50: 3) built by Simon II.
Applications of nanomaterials in agricultural production and crop protection: A review

Recent manufacturing advancements have led to the fabrication of nanomaterials of different sizes and shapes. These advancements are the base for further engineering to create unique properties targeted toward specific applications. Historically, various fields such as medicine, environmental science, and food processing have employed the successful and safe use of nanomaterials. However, use in agriculture, especially for plant protection and production, is an under-explored area in the research community. Preliminary studies show the potential of nanomaterials in improving seed germination and growth, plant protection, pathogen detection, and pesticide/herbicide residue detection. This review summarizes agricultural applications of nanomaterials and the role these can play in future agricultural production.
Aldosterone Antagonists in Heart Failure

Aldosterone antagonists represented by nonselective spironolactone and mineralocorticoid-selective eplerenone are approved for treatment of symptomatic heart failure with reduced systolic function. Their cardioprotective, antifibrotic, and antiarrhythmic effects have been proven in animal experiments, and their effects on morbidity and mortality have been demonstrated in randomized clinical trials. Yet, they remain the most underutilized of all classes of medications for heart failure, primarily because of fear of hyperkalemia. Thorough patient screening and selection is the key for minimizing risks and optimizing benefits from these drugs. Ongoing trials will demonstrate whether the indication for aldosterone antagonists can be expanded to less severe heart failure or patients with preserved systolic function.
Individualism-Collectivism: Links to Occupational Plans and Work Values

Individualism-collectivism (IC) constitutes a cultural variable thought to influence a wide variety of variables including career planning and decision making. To examine this possibility, college ...
The correlation between internal and external markers for abdominal tumors: implications for respiratory gating.

Purpose: The correlation of the respiratory motion of external patient markers and abdominal tumors was examined. Data of this type are important for image-guided therapy techniques, such as respiratory gating, that monitor the movement of external fiducials. Methods and Materials: Fluoroscopy sessions for 4 patients with internal, radiopaque tumor fiducial clips were analyzed by computer vision techniques. The motion of the internal clips and the external markers placed on the patient’s abdominal skin surface were quantified and correlated. Results: In general, the motion of the tumor and external markers were well correlated. The maximum amount of peak-to-peak craniocaudal tumor motion was 2.5 cm. The ratio of tumor motion to external-marker motion ranged from 0.85 to 7.1. The variation in tumor position for a given external-marker position ranged from 2 to 9 mm. The period of the breathing cycle ranged from 2.7 to 4.5 seconds, and the frequency patterns for both the tumor and the external markers were similar. Conclusions: Although tumor motion generally correlated well with external fiducial marker motion, relatively large underlying tumor motion can occur compared with external-marker motion and variations in the tumor position for a given marker position. Treatment margins should be determined on the basis of a detailed understanding of tumor motion, as opposed to relying only on external-marker information. © 2005 Elsevier Inc. Image-guided therapy, Gating, Fluoroscope, Abdomen, Tracking.
A Discrete-Time Digital-IF Interference-Robust Ultrawideband Pulse Radio Transceiver Architecture

This paper discusses the challenges in ultrawideband pulse radio transceiver design and proposes an architecture operating between 3.1 and 10.6 GHz to address them. The 7.5-GHz band is subdivided into multiple channels of 500 MHz each to relax the requirements for pulse generation, transceiver synchronization, and group-delay flatness. The pulse bases for these channels are stored in digital memories and are used for pulse generation on the transmit side and correlation on the receive side. The transceiver can operate in combination with a fast interferer detector that quickly sweeps through the channels to determine which channels are occupied by large interferers and are thus unsuitable for communication. The all-digital pulse bases allow the transceiver to quickly switch between different channels to avoid interferers without needing multiple or, alternatively, broadband fast-settling phase-locked loops. The frequency plan allows the most critical 802.11 interferers to be pushed to higher frequencies during the first block downconversion where they are attenuated by the low-pass filters of the receiver. The wideband intermediate-frequency correlation architecture significantly relaxes the speed requirement of the digital circuit and the local memories. Several signal-processing techniques to eliminate sampling images in the transmitter as well as spurious image responses in the receiver are also presented. The proposed architecture is digitally intensive and, hence, can take advantage of technology scaling.
Equivalent Circuit Model of an Ultrawideband Hybrid EBG/Ferrite Structure

This letter presents the development of an equivalent circuit model for the previously presented ultrawideband and low-profile hybrid electromagnetic band-gap (EBG)/ferrite structure. It is shown that unlike the equivalent circuit models developed for traditional mushroom EBG structures, the equivalent circuit model for the hybrid structure contains a resistance representing the permeability losses due to the ferrite layer. Additionally, it is shown that both the inductor and resistor equivalent circuit components are frequency dependent and depend on the frequency dependent characteristics of the ferrite.
A Bayesean Algorithm for Resolution Recovery in Clinical Nuclear Medicine

The most commonly used imaging instrumentation in nuclear medicine consists of a position sensitive detector (a gamma camera) and a parallel-hole collimator. Such a system has four major sources of blurring: intrinsic detector resolution, spatial distortion, scatter and depth degradation. This gives nuclear images relatively poor spatial resolution when compared to modalities such CT or NMR and limits the utilization of a powerful diagnostic technique. Improvements in instrumentation over the last few years have ameliorated some of these problems. Spatial distortion is no longer a significant problem with digitally corrected cameras; at the same time the improved uniformity makes asymetric high side energy windows practical for scatter reduction. Intrinsic resolution has also improved, but progress beyond the current level will be difficult. However little can be done about the blurring by the collimator of activity at depth.
A comparison of four rodent control methods in Philippine experimental rice fields

Abstract Four rodent control techniques—sustained baiting (SB) with coumachlor, pulsed baiting (PB) with brodifacoum, a lethal electrified barrier (LEB), and a nonlethal electrified barrier (NLEB)—were evaluated on the experimental farm of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in the Philippines. A fifth treatment (no experimental rodent control) was established for reference. Mean tiller damage and rodent activity, respectively, near harvest were 1.0% and 1.5% in the LEB plots, 1.6% and 18.0% in the SB plots, 2.1% and 16.0% in the PB plots, and 4.1% and 32.5% in the NLEB plots. Highest mean tiller damage (9.3%) and rodent activity (56.0%) occurred in plots with no experimental rodent control. Both baiting methods (SB and PB) were less expensive than barrier methods (LEB and NLEB). During an 80-day crop protection period prevalent on the IRRI experimental farm, the total cost per hectare (US$) for protecting experimental plots from rodent damage was $26 for SB, $27 for PB, $268 for NLEB, and $1285 for LEB. Baiting methods were more cost-effective and are recommended for general rodent control on research farms that can tolerate ⩽2% rodent damage without losing experimental data. For small research plots demanding a greater degree of protection, an effective barrier system such as the LEB or a combination of the NLEB and LEB should be used.
Happy together?. Insights and implications of viewing managed supply chains as a social dilemma

Abstract Supply chains are beginning to displace firms as the competitive entity in the global marketplace. Managed supply chains offer the promise of added value through proactive cooperative efforts among participating firms. However, as a strategic alliance, managed supply chains represent a form of social dilemma: supply chain alliances may fail because participating firms fear opportunistic behavior on the part of other alliance participants, and as a consequence underinvest their information and resources into the alliance. The interdependence structure of the alliance may contribute to this problem. Viewing managed supply chains as a form of social dilemma also identifies solutions that may be implemented unilaterally by individual firms or jointly by the alliance to maintain the “indispensable virtue” of high trust that allows supply chains to effectively create added value.
Litigation and Legislation

The United States General Accounting Office has published a major study entitled Groundwater Quality: State Activities to Guard Against Contaminants (GAO/PEMD-88-5). This study was based on the results of a questionnaire sent to officials in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and six territories. Groundwater quality standards were a particular focus of the study.
QCD corrections to associated Higgs boson production

We compute QCD corrections to the processes e{sup +}e{sup {minus}}{r_arrow}t{bar t}h{sup 0} and pp{r_arrow}t{bar t}h{sup 0} by treating the Higgs boson as a parton which radiates off a heavy quark. This approximation is valid in the limits M{sub h}{lt}{lt}M{sub t} and M{sub h},M{sub t}{lt}{lt}{radical} (s) . The corrections increase the rate for pp{r_arrow}t{bar t}h{sup 0} at the CERN LHC by a factor of 1.2 to 1.5 over the lowest order rate for an intermediate mass Higgs boson, M{sub h}{lt}180 GeV. The QCD corrections are small for e{sup +}e{sup {minus}}{r_arrow}t{bar t}h{sup 0} at {radical} (s) =1 TeV. {copyright} {ital 1998} {ital The American Physical Society}
Group Intervention to Prevent Tobacco Use Among Native American Youth

Use rates for smoked and smokeless tobacco are rising more quickly among Native American people than among the general population. Effective preventive interventions must target variables specific to ethnic-racial cultures. This article reports findings from a culturally sensitive intervention to reduce tobacco use among Native Americans in the Pacific Northwest that used classrooms and communities as natural groups. Despite few significant results, a number of trends in the data have implications for future research .
The New Education Frontier: Clinical Teaching at Night

Regulations that restrict resident work hours and call for increased resident supervision have increased attending physician presence in the hospital during the nighttime. The resulting increased interactions between attendings and trainees provide an important opportunity and obligation to enhance the quality of learning that takes place in the hospital between 6 pm and 8 am. Nighttime education should be transformed in a way that maintains clinical productivity for both attending and resident physicians, integrates high-quality teaching and curricula, and achieves a balance between patient safety and resident autonomy. Direct observation of trainees, instruction in communication, and modeling of cost-efficient medical practice may be more feasible during the night than during daytime hours. To realize the potential of this educational opportunity, training programs should develop skilled nighttime educators and establish metrics to define success.
The dynamic relationship between ground water and the Columbia River: using deuterium and oxygen-18 as tracers

Abstract Deuterium and oxygen-18 were used as natural tracers to investigate the hydraulic relationship between the Columbia River and the Blue Lake gravel aquifer near Portland, Oregon. A time series of stable-isotope data collected from surface and ground waters during a March 1990 aquifer test confirms that the river and aquifer are hydraulically connected. Calculations based on simple mixing show that the river contributed 40–50% of the yield of three wells after 5–6 days of pumping. Data collected during August 1990, show that the river contributed 65–80% of the yield of one well after 22 days of pumping and indicate that the contribution of the river was still increasing.
An existential phenomenological examination of parkour and freerunning

The purpose of this investigation was to explore the embodied experiences of practitioners of parkour and freerunning. Phenomenological interviews were conducted with 11 (9 male and 2 female) intermediate-to-advanced traceurs (parkour practitioners) ranging from 18 to 33 years old. Specifically, Merleau-Ponty’s phenomenological approach, which focuses on bodily perspective, was used to uncover and describe the meaning of these experiences. Following lengthy in-depth phenomenological interviews, two dimensions emerged: bodily experience and interactive experience. Several supporting themes also emerged, including play, movement and risk within the bodily experience dimension, and community, public and world within the interactive experience dimension. The findings of this study provide new perspectives of the experiences and meanings associated with participating in parkour and freerunning, and both support and contradict previous academic work on parkour.
Adoption of Order Entry with Decision Support for Chronic Care by Physician Organizations

Abstract Objective This study sought to explore physician organizations’ adoption of chronic care guidelines in order entry systems and to investigate the organizational and market-related factors associated with this adoption. Design A quantitative nationwide survey of all primary care medical groups in the United States with 20 or more physicians; data were collected on 1,104 physician organizations, representing a 70% response rate. Measurements Measurements were the presence of an asthma, diabetes, or congestive heart failure guideline in a physician organization’s order entry system; size; age of the organization; number of clinic locations; type of ownership; health maintenance organization market penetration; urban/rural location; and presence of external incentives to improve quality of care. Results Only 27% of organizations reported access to order entry with decision support for chronic disease care. External incentives for quality is the only factor significantly associated with adoption of these tools. Organizations experiencing greater external incentives for quality are more likely to adopt order entry with decision support. Conclusion Because external incentives are strong drivers of adoption, policies requiring reporting of chronic care measurements and rewarding improvement as well as financial incentives for use of specific information technology tools are likely to accelerate adoption of order entry with decision support.
The Role of Number of Tasks in Determining the Relevance of Information

Objective:Our objective was to explore the value of considering the number of tasks that use a piece of information when calculating the relevance information has to an operator.Background:Whereas frequency and criticality of information are often identified as information attributes, the number of tasks that use the information is rarely considered.Method:We calculated the relevance of pieces of information in air traffic control using criticality and frequency, and compared it to a formula that also considered the number of tasks.Results:Including number of tasks resulted in information ranking that better accounted for aircraft relevant information, and better supported the information needs of air traffic controllers as determined by judgments of controllers.Conclusion:The attribute of number of tasks is valuable in calculating the relevance of information.Application:Interface designers should consider the number of tasks that use a particular piece of information when determining the placement of in...
Are New PFM Reforms in Francophone Africa Working? Lessons from the Open Budget Survey

This paper revisits the evolution of budget transparency, government accountability, and citizen engagement in the budgetary process in WAEMU and CEMAC countries. We use the Open Budget Survey (OBS) to assess Member States' compliance with the new Harmonized Public Finances Framework and accordingly to measure good governance and budget transparency in the WAEMU and the CEMAC. The Open Budget Survey (OBS) conducted by the International Budget Partnership (IBP) is the only independent, comparable, and regular budget transparency and accountability assessment around the world; the OBS measures whether governments provide enough budget information to their citizens to allow them to be meaningfully part of the budget process in their countries.Our findings show that the state of budget transparency in WAEMU and CEMAC countries is far from rosy. Although significant progress has been made in recent years, most information on the budget process in these countries remains inaccessible to the public. According to the 2012 Open Budget Survey, the performance of the countries surveyed is particularly poor: their average score of 14 is three times lower than the world average score (43) and two times lower than sub-Saharan Africa’s average score (31).
A Comparative Analysis of RANSAC Techniques Leading to Adaptive Real-Time Random Sample Consensus

The Random Sample Consensus (RANSAC) algorithm is a popular tool for robust estimation problems in computer vision, primarily due to its ability to tolerate a tremendous fraction of outliers. There have been a number of recent efforts that aim to increase the efficiency of the standard RANSAC algorithm. Relatively fewer efforts, however, have been directed towards formulating RANSAC in a manner that is suitable for real-time implementation. The contributions of this work are two-fold: First, we provide a comparative analysis of the state-of-the-art RANSAC algorithms and categorize the various approaches. Second, we develop a powerful new framework for real-time robust estimation. The technique we develop is capable of efficiently adapting to the constraints presented by a fixed time budget, while at the same time providing accurate estimation over a wide range of inlier ratios. The method shows significant improvements in accuracy and speed over existing techniques.
Seasonality of clonal propagation in giant reed

Abstract Vegetative propagules of an invasive riparian weed, giant reed, were collected monthly from two Southern California sites and planted in a greenhouse from August 1998 to July 1999. Rooting and emergence frequency of planted pieces and time to emergence, growth rate, and number of developing shoots were recorded; soluble carbohydrates were analyzed. Response variables were regressed against climatic, seasonal, and site effects using a stepwise model. Rhizomes established much more frequently than stems in all months. Time of year of collection was found to be the most important factor determining establishment of all propagule types. The interaction of maximum daily temperature and precipitation at the field sites had a lesser, but significant effect on rooting frequency. The lack of a consistent correlation between any of the response variables and climate or site may indicate broad environmental tolerance. Seasonal patterns in emergence, growth, and soluble carbohydrates suggest that control by ...
Clinical manifestation of eosinophilic meningitis in Korean children: A single institution’s experience

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical manifestations and laboratory characteristics of eosinophilic meningitis in Severance Children`s Hospital. Methods: We examined 6,335 children under the age of 18 years old who had visited the tertiary hospital in Seoul, Korea, and had received cerebrospinal study results between January 2007 and July 2012. The medical records of the patients identified as eosinophilic meningitis were retrospectively reviewed. Results: Eosinophilic meningitis was diagnosed in 39 patients (0.6%). The mean age was 6 years (range 0-18 years) and the sex ratio was 1.3:1 (22 males and 17 females). The underlying diseases and past history were neurologic disease (n
Demonstration of Rh Antibody in Breast Milk

ConclusionThe occurrence of an Rh antibody in the breast milk of a woman with an erythroblastotic child is described. The patient's serum, too, contained a very potent antibody against Rh blood cells.