cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A modified second-order SPSA optimization algorithm for finite samples

SUMMARY We propose a modification to the simultaneous perturbation stochastic approximation (SPSA) methods based on the comparisons made between the first- and second-order SPSA (1SPSA and 2SPSA) algorithms from the perspective of loss function Hessian. At finite iterations, the accuracy of the algorithm depends on the matrix conditioning of the loss function Hessian. The error of 2SPSA algorithm for a loss function with an ill-conditioned Hessian is greater than the one with a well-conditioned Hessian. On the other hand, the 1SPSA algorithm is less sensitive to the matrix conditioning of loss function Hessians. The modified 2SPSA (M2SPSA) eliminates the error amplification caused by the inversion of an ill-conditioned Hessian. This leads to significant improvements in its algorithm efficiency in problems with an ill-conditioned Hessian matrix. Asymptotically, the efficiency analysis shows that M2SPSA is also superior to 2SPSA in a large parameter domain. It is shown that the ratio of the mean square errors for M2SPSA to 2SPSA is always less than one except for a perfectly conditioned Hessian or for an asymptotically optimal setting of the gain sequence. Copyright # 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Anthropogenic Impacts on Nitrogen Isotopes of Ice-Core Nitrate

A strong, unambiguous negative trend is found in the nitrogen isotopic composition (delta15N) of nitrate over the industrial period, on the basis of a 100-meter ice core from Summit, Greenland. This record indicates that ice-core nitrate reflects changes in nitrogen oxide (NOx) source emissions and that anthropogenic emissions of NOx have resulted in a 12 per mil decline in delta15N of atmospheric nitrate from preindustrial values to present. Variations in the isotopic composition of nitrate may affect the interpretation of other records of environmental change that are affected by atmospheric nitrate.
Analysis of electromechanical disturbance propagation in power systems

Electromechanical disturbances are caused by an imbalance between power supply and demand at any location of an electric grid. However, the associated propagation delay phenomenon is generally observed in large-scale interconnected power systems, and the transient effect of large changes in load or in generation can be felt over a wide geographic area. In the first part of this paper, background material will be covered to motivate the research ideas being pursued. In particular, focusing on the reason why the same amount of power imbalance, in a system with higher renewable penetration, can cause larger and more widespread frequency excursions. In the second part, a 9-bus system is introduced, and the transient response is studied with non-linear differential-algebraic equations, and then with a linearized approximation. Frequency-domain analysis of the transient response is also presented. Lastly, some relevant work in progress is touched upon, followed by concluding remarks.
Driver Records: An Aid in Follow-up Tracking and Verification of Self-Reports of Alcoholics

A survey determined that all states of the United States and all but one Canadian province consider drivers records as public records and will provide copies to requesting parties at little or no cost. In a second survey, current drivers records were obtained for 452 (90.4%) of 500 consecutive admissions to a Southern California public alcoholism treatment program, indicating the utility of obtaining such records even for persons who have lost their driving privileges. Driver records are useful for locating subjects in follow-up studies, provide objective information regarding treatment outcome, and can be used to determine the veracity of subjects' self-reports of driving infractions.
Electron beam production by a high voltage pulsed glow discharge

The high-voltage pulses excitation of a glow-discharge electron beam source has been experimentally investigated. A solid aluminum cathode 2.5 cm in diameter with a concave front face was employed. The beam source was driven at voltages ranging from tens of kilovolts to values in excess of 100 kV by means of either a capacitor discharge circuit or a Marx generator. It has been possible to extract beams whose currents vary from the tens to the hundreds of amperes in helium at pressures of 50 mtorr to 15 torr. The pulsewidths ranged from 30 ns to 300 ns, and beam generation efficiencies between 14% and 57% were obtained. It has been found that the maximum peak beam current and the corresponding beam generation efficiency occur at an optimal gas pressure which is a function of the discharge voltage. The beam generation efficiency itself is seen to be primarily a function of the discharge current. >
Lasers without inversion (LWI) in Space: A possible explanation for intense, narrow-band, emissions that dominate the visible and/or far-UV (FUV) spectra of certain astronomical objects

The optical or far-UV (FUV) spectra of certain objects in Space are completely dominated by one or two spectrally narrow emission lines, strongly suggesting that laser action of some kind occurs in these objects. However, the electronic level structures of the atoms/ions producing these emissions preclude the possibility of maintaining population inversions on the electronic transitions involved. In lasers, gain is normally produced on an optical transition that is inverted, i.e. one that has more atoms maintained in the upper than in the lower state, so that stimulated emission can exceed stimulated absorption. However, as a result of discoveries made in quantum electronics over the past 30 years or so, one now knows that there are several ways to make stimulated emission occur on a transition that is not inverted, i.e. to realize a \laser without inversion (LWI)". This requires rst making the atoms non-absorbing at the lasing frequency, i.e. setting up a condition of \electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT)". Some recently developed EIT techniques for three-level atoms are rst reviewed. A simple model for a space LWI based upon a gas of two-level atoms is then proposed. In this model, transparency results from a form of EIT induced by the presence of an intense, monochromatic, continuous-wave, laser beam tuned to the frequency !o of the two-level-atom transition. Amplication of light at this same frequency occurs via resonant stimulated hyper-Raman scattering (SHRS) and four-wave mixing (FWM), with pumping energy provided by continuum starlight spectrally overlapping the two outer absorption sidebands (\Mollow bands") induced by the presence of the beam at !o. Two specic examples of superintense line emission from Space are here considered. These are (a) the H() emission line appearing as a dominant singularity in certain reddened, early-type stars, and (b) the powerful O VI (1032 A, 1038 A) emission doublet that dominates the FUV emission spectra of symbiotic stars such as RR Tel.
DOMAIN SPECIFIC AND GENERAL EPISTEMOLOGICAL BELIEFS THEIR EFFECTS ON MATHEMATICS

In order to understand how epistemological beliefs (beliefs about knowledge and learning) influence mathematical problem solving, over 700 college students completed a domain general and a domain specific (mathematical problem-solving) beliefs questionnaire. In addition, they completed two mathematical tasks, one that assessed cognitive depth and the other problem solving. Mathematical and general epistemological belief factors emerged from a single exploratory factor analysis. Furthermore, students with high mathematical background showed consistency between domain general and domain specific epistemological beliefs, whereas, students with less mathematical background were significantly different between the two levels of belief specificity. Comparisons among path analyses revealed indirect effects of general epistemological beliefs and direct effects of domain specific epistemological beliefs on mathematical performance.
Prospective Evaluation of Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis in 36 Nonarticular Tibial Fractures in Dogs and Cats

Objective: To evaluate the clinical outcome of minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) for nonarticular tibial fractures stabilized using bone plates with or without an intramedullary rod (IMR). Study Design: Prospective study. Animals: Dogs (n=28) and 8 cats. Methods: After closed reduction, fracture fixation was achieved using an epiperiosteal plate inserted percutaneously through epiphyseal small incisions. In some fractures, an IMR was inserted via medial parapatellar arthrotomy. Radiographs were recommended every 3 weeks until clinical union. Postoperative tibial length and alignment were compared with contralateral measurements (P<.05). Time to clinical union and complications were recorded. Results: An IMR was used in 30.5% of the cases. Repaired tibiae were 1% shorter than contralateral tibiae (P .05). Six dogs were lost for follow-up; owners indicated normal function. In 30 cases for which bone healing was documented, mean±SD healing time was 45±20.8 days; however, when considering the 23 cases, which completed preestablished scheduled follow-ups, healing time was 36±11.6 days. Minor complications occurred in 4 cases (11%). One major complication (3%) consisting of a plate fracture was successfully revised using MIPO with a larger plate. Conclusions: Consistent restoration of alignment was accomplished using MIPO techniques. Furthermore, MIPO appeared to yield faster healing times and lower complication rates than those reported with conventional plate osteosynthesis.
Is Infidelity a Cause or a Consequence of Poor Marital Quality

Because sexual fidelity is a key norm regulating the institution of marriage, any occurrence of extramarital sex (EMS) could potentially contribute to marital dissolution. Although the relationship between EMS and marital dissolution has been demonstrated in past research, studies have yet to show if the occurrence of EMS causes a marriage to break down, or if an unraveling marriage prompts spouses to seek alternative sexual partners. In this 17-year longitudinal study (N= 1,475), we assessed whether EMS precedes or follows deteriorations in marital quality. We estimated the effects of marital happiness and divorce proneness on EMS, the effects of EMS on subsequent marital happiness and divorce proneness, and the effects of all three variables on divorce. Our results indicate that divorce proneness predicts the occurrence of EMS. Results also suggest that EMS lowers subsequent marital happiness, increases subsequent divorce proneness, and increases the odds of divorce. We conclude that infidelity is both ...
Social 'predators' within a multilevel primate society

Group living confers a variety of benefits to individuals, particularly in predator detection and defence. Hamilton's selfish herd hypothesis ( Hamilton 1971 , Journal of Theoretical Biology, 31, 295–311) posits that individuals come together to reduce their own risk of predation, and numerous studies have shown that predators affect both the grouping and spacing patterns of their prey. We suggest that this hypothesis is also useful for understanding group responses to a very different threat: that posed by nonbreeding, potentially infanticidal males. In such cases, males may act as a predator-like force on the grouping patterns of breeding individuals. We hypothesized that nonbreeding males, like predators, can affect the spacing patterns of conspecifics. Specifically, we examined the effect of bachelor males on both the grouping and spacing patterns of gelada, Theropithecus gelada , reproductive units. First, we demonstrated that the number of bachelors was positively correlated with the number of animals in a group. Second, and more importantly, we found that bachelors exerted an acute pressure on the spacing of individuals; as bachelors approached, breeding individuals moved closer to their nearest neighbours. By approaching other breeding individuals, reproductive males and females may dilute the costs of associating with bachelor males.
MPEG-4 systems: architecting object-based audio-visual content

We describe the key features of the MPEG-4 systems specification and their encoding methodology: scene description and BIFS, animation streams, object descriptors, object content information, as well as multiplexing. We also describe our prototype software (Zest) for MPEG-4 authoring and playback.
Development of ceria-supported sulfur tolerant nanocatalysts: Rh-based formulations

The conversion of logistics fuels (JP-5, JP-8, Jet-A and diesel) to hydrogen by steam reforming is attractive but poses great challenge since these fuels contain sulfur up to about 3000 ppm leading to catalyst deactivation due to sulfur poisoning. In this paper, we report the fabrication of nominally doped nanoscale ceria-supported palladium catalyst matrices for their performance evaluation in sulfur-laden fuel streams. Systematic structural and microstructural characterization of the catalysts was carried out before and after the steam reforming and simulated experiments in sulfur containing streams (50 ppm < S < 1000 ppm) over a wide range of temperature and duration, to speculate and understand the deactivation mechanism and the sulfur tolerance aspects. Steam reforming of toluene as a model fuel without or with 50 ppm sulfur (as thiophene) was carried out at 825 °C and steam to carbon (S/C) ratio of 3. It was found that the addition of metal oxide additives yielded more stable and sulfur-tolerant formulation.
Task Muddiness, Intelligence Metrics, and the Necessity of Autonomous Mental Development

This paper introduces a concept called task muddiness as a metric for higher intelligence. Task muddiness is meant to be inclusive and expendable in nature. The intelligence required to execute a task is measured by the composite muddiness of the task described by multiple muddiness factors. The composite muddiness explains why many challenging tasks are muddy and why autonomous mental development is necessary for muddy tasks. It facilitates better understanding of intelligence, what the human adult mind can do, and how to build a machine to acquire higher intelligence. The task-muddiness indicates a major reason why a higher biological mind is autonomously developed from autonomous, simple-to-complex experience. The paper also discusses some key concepts that are necessary for understanding the mind and intelligence, such as intelligence metrics, the mode a task is conveyed to the task executor, a human and a machine being a joint task performer in the traditional artificial intelligence (AI), a developmental agent (human or machine) being a sole task performer, and the need for autonomy in task-nonexplicit learning.
El déficit de viviendas en Chile

This paper is based on class notes by the author entitled "Some theories about social housing". An approach to the so-called housing deficit in Chile is there presented, based on the statistics from the Chilean census of 1992 and CEPAL. The storms and earthquake which in 1997 devastated our country are also mentioned as well as the housing figures which are the result of the action of the Housing and Urbanism Ministry in 1995 and this year. Some considerations on this topic are presented here.
Running Out of Steam: Federal Inspection and Locomotive Safety, 1912–1940

Locomotive inspection was among the most important Progressive Era federal workplace regulations. Inspection rules were enforced by a new Bureau of Locomotive Inspection, which claimed credit for subsequent safety improvements. Relying on published and unpublished data this article assesses these claims. Literary sources suggest that the bureau achieved compliance by emphasizing regulatory benefits and that its activities sharply reduced locomotive defects through the 1920s, in part by reducing agency problems. A model for 1923–1932 reinforces this conclusion, but suggests that the safety gains came at high cost. After 1932 safety improvements stagnated, for inspection ran out of steam.
Real time patient's gait monitoring through wireless accelerometers with the wavelet transform

Gait analysis through on-body wireless accelerometers can provide valuable information for multiple health-related applications. The dynamic nature of human body acceleration signals makes their analysis with the wavelet transform optimum. Nevertheless, one of the main issues for the practical development of this signal processing tool in real time is the difficulty in the selection of the appropriate scale and mother wavelet for each particular gait. In this paper we show how these problems can be solved, resulting in a system that can accurately monitor patients' gait in real time without the need for calibration.
Alterations in left atrial transport and mitral valve blood flow resulting from aortic regurgitation

Abstract The instantaneous pattern of mitral valve blood flow and the atrioventricular pressure gradient were studied in calves before and after induction of acute aortic regurgitation. The timing of atrial contraction, the heart rate, and the left ventricular end-diastolic pressure were varied independently. It was found that in the presence of aortic regurgitation: (1) With heart rates of 110 to 120 per minute and P-R intervals greater than 0.18 second, or with heart rates of 65 to 75 per minute and P-R intervals greater than 0.12 second, there was a reversal of the diastolic pressure gradient across the mitral valve; (2) with diastolic reversal of the atrioventricular pressure gradient, mitral regurgitation occurred; (3) the occurrence of mitral regurgitation was independent of left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, and the volume of regurgitant flow ranged from 5 to 19 per cent of the forward mitral valve flow; (4) due to aortic regurgitation, the reversed diastolic mitral flow did not decrease ventricular volume. The volume of diastolic mitral regurgitation that occurs with aortic regurgitation and an anatomically normal mitral valve is small, and apparently causes no alteration in ventricular volume. Care must be exercised, however, in the interpretation of left ventricular cineangiocardiograms in patients with aortic regurgitation, since diastolic mitral regurgitation might be mistaken for evidence of organic mitral valve disease.
Caval Sonography in Shock A Noninvasive Method for Evaluating Intravascular Volume in Critically Ill Patients

onography has traditionally been used to assess anatomic abnormalities. However, its value in evaluating physiologic characteristics has recently been recognized, particularly in the care of patients in shock. As the use of point-of-care sonography grows in critical care and emergency medicine, noninvasive assessment of intravascular volume status is increasingly being used to guide therapy of the critically ill. Although intravenous fluid is often the initial treatment in hypotensive patients, aggressive volume resuscitation may be detrimental in some patients and in certain types of shock. Accurate diagnosis of shock state can be challenging because physical findings of hypovolemic, distributive, cardiogenic, and obstructive shock often overlap. Pulmonary artery and central venous pressure catheters, which provide physiologic data such as cardiac output and right atrial pressure, are time-consuming, invasive, and carry considerable risks. Central venous pressure has long been used to guide fluid management; however, data suggest that in critically ill patients, central venous pressure may not correlate with the effective intravascular volume. 1 Furthermore, invasive hemodynamic monitoring has not been shown to benefit patients. 2 Given the importance of determining intravascular volume in shock, a rapid bedside sonographic examination can be instrumental in guiding medical management of critically ill patients. Multiple sonographic protocols now exist for the evaluation of shock, dyspnea, and cardiac arrest. 3,4 This article will describe the use of sonography of the inferior vena cava (IVC) in the evaluation of patients in shock.
Flame synthesis of graphene layers at low pressure

The synthesis of graphene layers on a nickel substrate in a butane–benzene–oxygen premixed flame at a pressure of 40–100 Torr is studied. It is demonstrated that, the temperature of 900–950°C and exposure time of 0.5 min are sufficient for synthesizing graphene layers on a nickel substrate. It is shown that, at a pressure of 45–55 Torr, single-layer graphene is predominantly formed. It is found that, at a pressure of 90 Torr and an exposure time of 0.5 min, monolayer graphite can be produced, but with a lower yield as compared to that prepared at 45–55 Torr. It is demonstrated that the degree of defectiveness of graphenes decreases with the exposure time, reaching a minimum value of I D /I G = 0.36.
Bent versus straight tips in micropulsed longitudinal phacoemulsification

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate bent and straight phacoemulsification tips to determine which tip is more efficient in removal of lens fragments, using micropulsed longitudinal ultrasound in phacoemulsification. Design In vitro laboratory study. Methods The John A. Moran Eye Center Laboratories, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, was the study setting. Pig lenses hardened in a manner comparable with dense human cataracts were cut into 2-mm cubes and removed with micropulsed longitudinal ultrasound using settings previously shown to be optimally efficient (6 milliseconds on and 6 milliseconds off for a bent tip). To verify this time as most efficient for a straight tip, we also tested times of 5, 6, and 7 milliseconds time on and off. The tips were either straight or with a 20-degree bend. Twenty cubes were used for each comparative run. Results For the straight tip, 6 milliseconds on (1.56 ± 0.815 seconds) was significantly more efficient than 7 milliseconds on (2.45 ± 1.56 seconds, p = 0.001) and not significantly more efficient than 5 milliseconds on (1.69 ± 0.86 seconds, p = 0.43). Five milliseconds off time (1.45 ± 0.76s) was more efficient than 6 milliseconds (2.06 ± 1.37 seconds, p = 0.004) and 7 milliseconds off (2.18 ± 1.24s, p = 0.001). The straight tip was more efficient than the bent tip (1.38 ± 0.83 versus 2.93 ± 2.14 seconds, p = 0.006). Conclusions Results are contrary to accepted common belief. Micropulsed longitudinal phacoemulsification is more efficient with a straight rather than a bent tip.
ENERGY LEVELS IN $sub 6$$sub 9$Tm$sup 172$ FROM THE DECAY OF $sub 6$$sub 8$Er$sup 17$$sup 2$

The radioactive nuclide $_{68}\mathrm{Er}^{172}$ was produced in the Materials Testing Reactor, Arco, Idaho by the successive capture of two neutrons in erbium oxide enriched in ${\mathrm{Er}}^{170}$. In addition to three erbium activities and the radioactive ${\mathrm{Tm}}^{172}$ daughter, these samples contained six active contaminants from which the erbium was separated by use of an ion-exchange column. Scintillation studies, conducted with a 256-channel coincidence scintillation spectrometer, indicate the presence of at least eight gamma-ray transitions. Two of these transitions are either highly $K$ converted or their transition energies are approximately 50 kev. The energies of the other six transitions are about 610, 450, 408, 200, 160, and 125 kev. Beta-gamma coincidence experiments indicate the presence of two beta-ray components at approximately 310 kev (in coincidence with the 610-kev gamma ray) and 370 kev (in coincidence with the 408-kev gamma ray). The level scheme deduced for ${\mathrm{Tm}}^{172}$ has excited states at 408, 450 (or 160), 470\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}15, 530, and 610 kev. From the beta-ray intensities, the states at 530 and 610 kev are assigned spins of either 0 or 1 with positive parity. The spin and parity (${2}^{\ensuremath{-}}$) of the thulium ground state have previously been assigned from the properties of the decay of ${\mathrm{Tm}}^{172}$.
Attenuated Phenotype in a Patient with Prader-Willi Syndrome and Duplication 16P11.2 Detected by Chromosomal Microarray

ABSTRACT Objective: We report an unusual case of Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) presenting with clinical signs and symptoms suggestive of Angelman Syndrome (AS), without exclusive features of PWS. Methods: A deletion in the 15q11-13 region is associated with 2 distinctive genetic syndromes depending on the parent of origin: AS and PWS. AS is characterized by developmental delays, seizures, microcephaly, movement or balance disorders, speech disorders, and happy demeanor. PWS is characterized by hypotonia, hyperphagia, and developmental delays. An 11.5-year-old female was evaluated for developmental delay with cognitive disabilities, minimal speech, echolalia, and continuous hand motions. The patient had a pleasant but minimally interactive demeanor. Results: Chromosomal microarray analysis revealed a 5.02 Mb interstitial deletion of 15q11.2>q13.1 (base pairs 21,192,943 to 26,213,571), consistent with PWS or AS, and a 604 kb interstitial duplication of 16p11.2 (base pairs 29,530,197 to 30,134,432). Based on h...
On the Sum of the kth Powers of the First n Integers

(1971). On the Sum of the kth Powers of the First n Integers. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 78, No. 3, pp. 271-272.
Infants' discrimination of female singing voices

There’s extensive research on infant’s discrimination of speaking voices but few studies have focused on infant’s discrimination of singing voices. Most investigations on infants’ perception of tim...
Psychological Differentiation and Socioeconomic and Demographic Backgrounds of a Diverse Group of College Students

The effects of a family's socioeconomic status on psychological differentiation were tested separately for performance on the Hidden Figures Test, the Hidden Patterns Test, and the Modified This I Believe Test by 53 male and 87 female white undergraduates who were varied in socioeconomic status and demographic characteristics. Contrary to hypothesis, father's socioeconomic status was not related to any of the psychological measures. Instead the socioeconomic status of the respondent's best friend, the size of the home community (inversely), and being of Northern European ethnic heritage showed more consistent prediction across the three analyses. The importance of the social status of the respondent's best friend perhaps indicates that differentiated individuals tend more to self-select complex environments in which to act than social class tends to produce differentiated individuals.
Tufted Apple Budmoth (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae): Photoperiodic Induction of Larval Diapause and Stages Sensitive to Induction

A photoperiodically controlled larval diapause of the short-day, long-day type was identified in tufted apple bud moth, Platynota idaeusalis (Walker). Pupae obtained from diapause and nondiapause larvae reared at 21°C were similar in weight; however, heart rates of diapause larvae were significantly lower than those of nondiapause larvae. Induction of larval diapause was dependent upon both photoperiod and temperature. The critical short-day photoperiod at 21°C was between 1 and 3 h for a Pennsylvania strain. The long-day critical photoperiod at 21°C was ca. 14 h for both Pennsylvania and North Carolina strains. Diapause at a short daylength was averted entirely at 32°C in a Pennsylvania strain. There was no difference in the incidence of diapause in progeny of adults and eggs reared under naturally decreasing short daylengths versus a constant daylength. Sensitivity to a diapause-inducing photoperiod did not occur at any one particular stage in larval development. A maximum of 39% diapause occurred when four of the five larval instars were exposed to a short daylength, and 100% diapause occurred when all five instars were exposed to a short daylength.
Amino acids stimulate phosphorylation of p70S6k and organization of rat adipocytes into multicellular clusters.

In previous studies we have shown that rat adipocytes suspended in Matrigel and placed in primary culture migrate through the gel to form multicellular clusters over a 5- to 6-day period. In the pr...
High-dose therapy in breast cancer

The concept of high-dose intensification and the recent clinical results in metastatic breast cancer, and high-risk early stage breast cancer are discussed. High-dose therapy studies in hormone refractory metastatic breast cancer are discussed.
The Racial Politics of Marijuana

The so-called War on Drugs is synonymous with the “War on Black Males.” The moral panic of this fictitious war began when white Americans feared that crack-cocaine, a cheaper and alleged more addictive form of cocaine, mainly used among members of the black community would infiltrate white communities, and ultimately trickle down. In the 1980s, the media, along with politicians, framed how white America should view the crack-cocaine epidemic. Implicit racial messages relayed to the mass public portrayed crack-cocaine users as “crack fiends,” “crack addicts,” and “crack mothers,” who had “crack babies.” Conversely, there was (and still is) a societal myth that powder-cocaine was somewhat different—glamorous, sexy, upper class—and less potent, which resonated with white Americans, especially young, rich whites. Both the media and politicians told this false truth by framing crack-cocaine as a drug most often used in poor, black communities.
Acculturation, Ethnic Identity, and Psychological Well-Being of Albanian-American Immigrants in the United States

This study examined the relationship between acculturation, ethnic identity, and psychological well-being of the Albanian-American immigrant community in United States. A total of 139 Albanian-Amer...
“The Glorious Impossible”: Belief and Ambiguity in the Fiction of Alice McDermott

Alice McDermott’s work is often cited as being an exemplar of the best that contemporary Catholic literature has to offer, and yet sustained close readings of her fiction are lacking. In this essay, I discuss how her work fits in the larger conversation about contemporary literature of belief, focusing on her novels Charming Billy and Someone. In Charming Billy, McDermott connects the act of storytelling to the practice of belief, emphasizing how what we choose to believe affects how we act. In Someone, she uses the form of the novel to depict the patterns of grace that are present in our life, whether we are consciously aware of them or not. Both novels allow for the possibility of the divine presence at work in the world, but her characters’ struggles over what to believe and how to act on these beliefs reflect the tensions of faith in the modern age.
Clinical Interventions to Reduce Preventable Hospital Readmission After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Hospital readmissions are common and costly and, in some cases, may be related to problems with care processes. We sought to reduce readmissions after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in a large tertiary care facility through programs to target vulnerabilities predischarge, after discharge, and during re-presentation to the emergency department. During initial hospitalization, we assessed patients’ readmission risk with a validated risk score and used a discharge checklist to ensure access to appropriate medications and close follow-up for high-risk patients. We also developed patient education videos about chest discomfort and heart failure. After discharge, we established a new follow-up clinic with cardiology fellows. A computerized system was developed to automatically notify cardiologists when patients presented to the emergency department within 30 days of PCI to enhance patient access to cardiology care in the emergency department. Early cardiologist assessment and assistance with triage wa...
Dual-Polarized Radar and Surface Observations of a Winter Graupel Shower with Negative Zdr Column

AbstractComprehensive analysis of an unusual graupel-shower event recorded by an S-band polarimetric radar and two optical-imaging surface instruments is presented. The primary radar characteristic was negative differential reflectivity Zdr values along a vertical column. During the afternoon hours of 16 February 2015, a sequence of three showers that were composed primarily of small (8–15-mm diameter) graupel affected the ground instrumentation site that was established for the Multi-Angle Snowflake Camera and Radar (MASCRAD) experiment in the high plains of Colorado. While these showers passed the instrumentation site, the CSU–CHILL radar conducted high-time-resolution (~2.5-min cycle time) range–height indicator (RHI) scans from a range of 13 km. The RHI data show that the negative Zdr values extended vertically through much of the reflectivity cores, implying that the reflectivity-weighted mean axis ratios of the graupel particles in this event remained somewhat prolate throughout their lifetime. To b...
Direction of Arrival Estimation Based on Distributed Sources Model in MIMO Channel Environment

In MIMO channel, the presence of scatters results in angular spread. The point source model corresponding to discrete direction of arrival (DOA) becomes restrictive and leads to DOA estimation errors. To compensate for this effect, the distributed source model is proposed. A first order Taylor series expansion of the steering vector is derived, which is similar to the point source model. The proposed method is a possible alternative to MUSIC for the central DOA estimation. The algorithm that has lower computational cost can be used for sources with different distribution functions in MIMO channel. Simulations clearly demonstrate that the proposed method is not only effective, but also enjoys better SNR performance compared with MUSIC
Calibration of a traceable 68Ge-based mock syringe dose calibrator standard with cross-calibration for 18F

1549 Objectives To develop a calibration methodology for 68Ge activity in a commercially-available dose calibrator calibration source, establishing traceability to the national standard. Additionally, the source was cross-calibrated for 18F activity by direct comparison with the NIST 18F standard. Methods Liquid sources were prepared at NIST in the exact configuration as the RadQual Benchmark® epoxy-based 68Ge calibration source using the same materials used in their construction and standardized 68GeCl4 or [18F]FDG solutions. Calibration factors for NIST-maintained dose calibrators and secondary standard ionization chambers were determined to enable calibration of the actual Benchmark® sources. Potential measurement effects due to differences between the solution composition and epoxy and were studied with Monte Carlo calculations. The 68Ge/18F response ratios were experimentally determined and confirmed by Monte Carlo. Results The calibration factors developed in this study enable NIST to calibrate the RadQual Benchmark® source with a relative standard uncertainty of 0.47 %. The direct comparisons of the 68Ge and 18F standards in the various ionizations chambers allowed the activity to be certified in terms of equivalent 18F activity with a relative standard uncertainty of less than 0.5 %. Conclusions The ability for NIST to calibrate the RadQual Benchmark® 68Ge source enables direct traceability to the national 68Ge standard to be established for the first time. Through a direct comparison with the NIST 18F standard, the determination of the relative response ratios in dose calibrators enables the equivalent 18F activity of the source to be certified to less than 0.5 %.
Two cases demonstrating thalidomide’s efficacy in refractory lupus nephritis

Renal involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is common and has been associated with an increased risk of mortality [1]. Early diagnosis is imperative to control proteinuria and prevent the progression to end-stage renal disease. Standard induction therapies include cyclophosphamide (CYC) and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF); however, it has been estimated that approximately 30% of patients are refractory to these standard treatments after 1 year [2]. We present two cases of patients diagnosed with lupus nephritis (LN) who demonstrated persistent proteinuria while on standard treatments that markedly improved after addition of thalidomide (THD). A literature review was performed indicating that THD use with prednisolone (PL) was more efficacious than MMF with PL in resolving lupus nephritis in a mouse model. Thalidomide, which was well tolerated, was associated with a reduction in the protein-to-creatinine ratio with sustained results in both of our patient cases. These cases suggest more clinical data is needed to explore the potential utility of thalidomide in the treatment of LN.
Some Further Issues in One-Factor Designs and ANOVA

We need to consider several important collateral issues that complement our discussion in Chap. 2. We first examine the standard assumptions typically made about the probability distribution of the e’s in our statistical model. Next, we discuss a nonparametric test that is appropriate if the assumption of normality, one of the standard assumptions, is seriously violated. We then review hypothesis testing, a technique that was briefly discussed in the previous chapter and is an essential part of the ANOVA and that we heavily rely on throughout the text. This leads us to a discussion of the notion of statistical power and its determination in an ANOVA. Finally, we find a confidence interval for the true mean of a column and for the difference between two true column means.
Classification of closed manifolds with $${\mathrm{Sol}_1}^{4}$$ Sol 1 4 -geometry

Every closed 4-manifold with a geometric structure modeled on the Lie group $${\mathrm{Sol}_1}^{4}$$ , or equivalently, infra-solvmanifold of $${\mathrm{Sol}_1}^{4}$$ , is either a mapping torus of an infra-nilmanifold of the 3-dimensional geometry $${\mathrm{Nil}}$$ , or a union of twisted I-bundles over infra-nilmanifolds of $${\mathrm{Nil}}$$ . We determine ab initio presentations for the fundamental groups of the $${\mathrm{Sol}_1}^{4}$$ -geometry manifolds.
Why are nontraded goods cheaper in poor countries

Abstract Balassa and Samuelson argued that production technologies differ among countries, and the price of the nontraded good is higher in countries with higher labor productivity. This paper shows that the Balassa-Samuelson effect exists even when countries share identical production technologies. In the celebrated Heckscher-Ohlin model, changes in factor endowments do not affect the equalized factor prices. This paper considers a three-factor, three-industry model, and demonstrates that endowment differences between countries can cause disparities in their wage rates and the prices of the nontraded good. A dynamic panel data analysis shows that a 10% increase in per capita real GDP results in a 2% increase in the housing price for non-EU OECD countries.
Counting America's First Peoples.

The descendants of the First Peoples of the Americas (labeled “American Indians and Alaska Natives” in the federal definition) are a particularly challenging group to count in censuses. In this art...
Torque and flow patterns in supercritical circular Couette flow

The experiments described in this paper were undertaken to provide new and useful torque data in the supercritical regime of Taylor instability. The current interest in the non-linear mathematical problem associated with the fluid motion after secondary flow commences has demonstrated the desirability for additional experimental data for comparison with analytical results. The existing torque data is sparse (cf. Donnelly and Simon (1960)). Furthermore, previous information does not give any direct correlation with the multiple mode possibilities discussed by Coles (1965). Although Schultz-Grunow and Hein (1956) have related their own visual observations of azimuthal waves in the secondary flow to the torque observations of Wendt (1933), it was thought that simultaneous torque measurements and visual observations would establish more completely the torque-speed relationship for the particular modes which occurred. In addition, some of the transitions noted by Coles (1965) might be detectable in the torque data if the apparatus were sensitive enough.
ATRP of Methacrylates Utilizing CuIIX2/L and Copper Wire

Methacrylate monomers were successfully polymerized by ATRP utilizing copper wire as an in situ reducing agent at near-ambient temperatures (35 °C). Well-controlled polymerizations were demonstrated with both PMDETA and dNbpy ligands. Polymerization rates, when conducted with PMDETA, were dependent on the surface area of Cu0. Upon reduction of the copper deactivator concentration (i.e., CuIIBr2), polymerizations would only occur in the presence of excess ligand, whereas polymerization rates were independent of [CuIIBr2]. Proper selection of initiator and copper halide improved polymerization control with PMDETA. dNbpy was found to be an excellent ligand for MMA, resulting in polymerization systems with controlled behavior, predetermined molecular weights, narrow molecular weight distributions (Mw/Mn ≤ 1.2), and near-quantitative initiation. The versatility of dNbpy was demonstrated by polymerization of a wide range of methacrylates, synthesis of polymethacrylates with molecular weights up to 80 000, and e...
Hilbert’s 16th Problem: How Many Cycles?

In the above quotation Balthazar van der Pol has grouped the most varied phenomena into a single category of systems which exhibit periodic oscillations, or cycles, even though no “external periodic forces” cause such oscillations. (One wonders, however, about some of van der Pol’s systems; e.g., the sleeping of flowers is surely due to the diurnal cycle of darkness and light.) According to van der Pol, most of these systems can be modeled more or less accurately by a pair of differential equations of the form, $$ \left\{ \begin{gathered} \frac{{dx}}{{dt}} = X(x,y) \hfill \\ \frac{{dy}}{{dt}} = Y(x,y) \hfill \\ \end{gathered} \right. $$ (1) (1)
Myocyte apoptosis: programming ventricular remodeling.

Of the more than 1 million Americans who suffer recognized myocardial infarctions (MIs) annually, about 300,000 die in the first year, and a similar number fall victim to crippling heart failure (HF) [(1)][1]. Although advances in revascularization and HF therapies have somewhat blunted its
PLANNING FOR THE INCLUSIVE CLASSROOM: MEETING THE NEEDS OF DIVERSE LEARNERS

Students with a wide range of academic abilities and behavioral needs are represented in general education classrooms. This article provides practical suggestions for individualizing instruction within a large class to meet the needs of diverse learners. The article describes the Planning Pyramid, a format for planning multilevel lessons; provides special considerations for students with behavior problems; and offers suggestions to support teachers through the use of effective staff development programs.
An environment for topology analysis and data reconciliation of the pre-heat train in an industrial refinery

Abstract Monitoring the operating performance of the pre-heat train in an industrial refinery is of primary concern due to its effect on the production costs as well as on emissions and safety issues. The estimation of the true state conditions of a preheat train from the raw measurements is essential to achieve optimal process monitoring, control, and optimization. An integrated approach for data reconciliation involves a set of procedures applied on the process measurements. The case of a pre-heat train typically leads to the resolution of a large-scale problem and the manipulation of countless process data. In this paper, an environment is proposed to expedite the creation of the matrix systems and automatically execute the data reconciliation (DR) procedures. The implementation of the environment for the plant topology analysis, variable classification, bias detection/estimation, data reconciliation, and prediction of unmeasured process variables is discussed in terms of an application to a pre-heat train in an industrial refinery. The data used consists of a snapshot of the actual operating data and, in this specific application, an average during three hours of operation.
Emotion theory in education research practice: an interdisciplinary critical literature review

In this critical literature review, we seek to understand why multidimensional, psychological measures of human emotion that have been popular in the study of emotion and learning to date, may not yield the statistical power or construct validity necessary to consistently explain or predict human learning. We compare competing theories and conclude that educational studies tend towards use of multi-dimensional models of human emotions which, while useful in educational psychology and therapeutic practice, suffer from psychometric flaws and generate lower power when used as empirical research constructs compared with the “basic emotion” models and their derivatives popular in the neurobiological, cognitive, and social sciences. Based on our review, we conclude that more extensive use of physiological measures and analysis of spontaneous emotion language, both rooted in the basic emotions tradition rather than continued psychological measurement of multi-dimensional emotions, may yield more consistent and significant results and reduce education researchers’ reliance on self-report measures. Findings from the review may advance the selection of operational definitions and formulation of research questions for new empirical studies of the intersections between emotion and learning.