cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Weighted clustering ensembles

Clustering is a popular approach to exploratory data analysis and mining. However, clustering faces difficult challenges due to its ill-posed nature. First, it is well known that off-the-shelf clustering methods may discover different patterns in a given set of data, because each clustering algorithm has its own bias resulting from the optimization of different criteria. Second, there is no ground truth against which the clustering result can be validated. High dimensional data also pose a difficult challenge to the clustering process. Various clustering algorithms can handle data with low dimensionality, but as the dimensionality of the data increases, these algorithms tend to break down. In this dissertation, we introduce novel clustering ensemble techniques and novel semi-supervised approaches to address these problems. Clustering ensembles offer a solution to challenges inherent to clustering arising from its ill-posed nature: they can provide more robust and stable solutions by making use of the consensus across multiple clustering results, and they can average out the emergent spurious structures which arise due to the various biases of each participating algorithm, and due to the variance induced by different data samples. We introduce and analyze three new consensus functions for ensembles of subspace clusterings. The ultimate goal of our consensus functions is to provide hard partitions of the data, and weight vectors which convey information regarding the subspaces within which the individual clusters exist. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our three techniques by running experiments with several real datasets, including high dimensional text data, and investigate the issue of diversity and accuracy in our ensemble techniques. We also study scenarios in which limited knowledge on the data (in terms of pair-wise constraints) is available from the user. We develop a methodology to embed such constraints into the ensemble components, so that the desired structure emerges via the consensus clustering. We introduce a mechanism which leverages the ensemble framework to bootstrap informative constraints directly from the data and from the various clusterings, without intervention from the user. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed techniques with experiments using real datasets and other state-of-the-art semi-supervised techniques.
Role of CD8 in staphylococcal enterotoxin B-mediated lysis by cytotoxic T lymphocytes

Recent evidence has suggested that recognition of superantigens such as the staphylococcal enterotoxins by CTL occurs independently of the accessory molecule CD8. These conclusions are based on the observation that antibodies to CD8 do not appear to be effective inhibitors of T cell lysis that is mediated by enterotoxin. This is in contrast to the well-known inhibitory effects of anti-CD8 antibodies on T cell activation by most peptide/class I complexes. In this study, we show that lysis of staphylococcus enterotoxin B (SEB)-bearing target cells by the mouse alloreactive CTL clone 2C is inhibited by anti-CD8 antibodies. SEB-mediated lysis by a polyclonal population of mouse CTL was also inhibited by anti-CD8 antibodies, but only under conditions where the SEB concentration is low. Inhibition occurs even when class I negative Daudi cells are used as targets. Thus, the observed inhibition does not appear to be due to the prevention of intercellular interactions between CD8 and class I molecules but is probably a consequence of preventing the intracellular association of CD8 and TCR. At the high ligand densities used in most previous studies, very few of the CD8/TCR complexes may be required for activation. Under these conditions, lysis may appear to be CD8 "independent" because 1) there are a sufficient number of preexisting CD8/TCR complexes for activation; or 2) prohibitively high concentrations of antibody would be needed to saturate unassociated CD8.
Transfer of Terrestrial Technology for Lunar Mining

The functions, operational procedures, and major items of equipment that comprise the terrestrial mining process are characterized. These data are used to synthesize a similar activity on the lunar surface. Functions, operations, and types of equipment that can be suitably transferred to lunar operation are identified. Shortfalls, enhancements, and technology development needs are described. The lunar mining process and what is required to adapt terrestrial equipment are highlighted. It is concluded that translation of terrestrial mining equipment and operational processes to perform similar functions on the lunar surface is practical. Adequate attention must be given to the harsh environment and logistical constraints of the lunar setting. By using earth-based equipment as a forcing function, near- and long-term benefits are derived (i.e., improved terrestrial mining in the near term vis-a-vis commercial production of helium-3 in the long term.
Diving Physiology of Marine Vertebrates

Air-breathing marine vertebrates that dive to find food deal with two fundamental problems, the effects of pressure at depth, and the need to actively forage while breathholding. Adaptations to diving can be divided into two categories, those that are associated with adaptations to pressure, and those associated with breath-hold diving. Adaptations to pressure have to deal with the mechanical effects of pressure and the increased solubility of gas at depth. Adaptations to breath-hold diving centre around modifications in metabolism, blood flow and an increased oxygen storage capacity. Keywords: diving; decompression sickness; bradycardia; oxygen stores; diving behaviour; aerobic dive limit
Agency Theory and Management Accounting

Abstract This chapter reviews agency theory and its application to management accounting issues. I begin by explaining how agency models are formulated to capture incentive problems caused by moral hazard and adverse selection problems, and discuss the reasons why agency theory models are difficult to solve. I then review agency theory results regarding the properties that make performance measures valuable in a contracting setting and the optimal shape of contracts. I also review the literature on communication, including models where the revelation principle does not apply, so that nontruthful reporting and earnings management can take place. I then discuss multiperiod agency models, which are critical for comparing different accrual-accounting-based measures of performance in motivating investment behavior. The chapter ends by discussing common misconceptions regarding agency theory models and discussing areas for future research.
Psychological well-being among people with recently diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis. Do self-perceptions of abilities make a difference?

Objective. Satisfaction with abilities and perceived importance of abilities are 2 factors involved in the process of self-evaluation. We examined the role that these factors play in adjustment to rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods. Data were collected, via telephone interview and mailed questionnaire, from 234 individuals with recently diagnosed RA. Disease severity information was obtained from participants'physicians. Results. Consistent with study hypotheses, satisfaction was associated with psychological well-being only among those who viewed as very important the abilities being evaluated
The Research Impact of Open Access Journals, Summary of a Presentation by Kristin Antelman

The purpose of this study was to examine whether articles have a greater impact in citation numbers if they are open access compared to non-open access in the same journals. ...
Evaluación post-empadronamiento de la cobertura en los censos de población

Pese a los avances tecnologicos que permiten un mayor control de la captacion de las viviendas y las personas, los censos de poblacion aun registran errores cuantitativos y cualitativos. Entre los primeros se destacan los de cobertura por omision, referidos a que no se empadrona a todos los habitantes, y los de sobreenumeracion por posibles duplicaciones. Estos errores se producen tanto por problemas en el diseno de la operacion, como en la ejecucion de las etapas preparatorias y, principalmente, durante el trabajo en el terreno. En este articulo se analizan los procedimientos mas comunes que se aplican, una vez finalizado el empadronamiento, para determinar la omision censal: la evaluacion directa mediante encuestas de post-enumeracion y la evaluacion indirecta a partir del analisis de la informacion del propio censo y de informacion colateral ya existente. La realizacion de la encuesta de post-enumeracion exige el cumplimiento de ciertos requisitos: financiamiento seguro por su alto costo, independencia estadistica e institucional del censo, alta capacitacion del personal involucrado, corto desfase respecto de la fecha censal, adecuado diseno y tamano de la muestra, cotejo caso a caso de ambas fuentes —el censo y la encuesta— y elaboracion de un informe tecnico transparente de los resultados obtenidos
The 2005 Paul F-Brandwein Lecture: Is Our Past Our Future? Thoughts on the Next 50 Years of Science Education Reform in the Light of Judgments on the Past 50 Years

As I look back at K-12 science education in post-World War II America, it strikes me that surprisingly little progress has been made. This disappointing outcome cannot be due to a lack of effort, for in the last half-century our investment in science education reform—human and financial—has been substantial. In this essay, I focus first on some of our failures (as I see them) of the last 50 years, and speculate on why we were not more successful. With that in mind, I then propose a reform agenda for the next 50 years.
Some remarks on completely vectorizing point Gauss-Seidel while using the natural ordering

A common statement in papers in the vectorization field is to note that point SOR methods with the natural ordering cannot be vectorized. The usual approach is to reorder the unknowns using a red-black or diagonal ordering and vectorize that. In this paper we construct a point Gauss-Seidel iteration which completely vectorizes and still uses the natural ordering. The work here also applies to both point SOR and single program, multiple data (SPMD) parallel computer architectures. When this approach is reasonable to use is also shown.
Thermodynamics of phase diagrams of binary systems involving compounds

Abstract Formulae are derived in order to calculate the free energy of formation of a binary compound of virtually invariable composition from the components with the help of phase diagram data and heats of fusion.
Cultivation of the St. Louis Encephalitis Virus.

ConclusionsThe virus of St. Louis encephalitis may be grown in a medium containing embryonic mouse or guinea pig brain in ox serum ultrafiltrate. Cultures of organs from adult mice fail to support growth of the virus. Incubation at room temperature produces higher titers (10-5) than incubation at 37°C (10-3). At both temperatures the attained titer remains almost unchanged for 10 days but shows a decrease after 15 days' incubation. The virus is present in the same concentration in the supernatant fluid as in the emulsified whole culture. Infected chorioallantoic membranes maintained in serum ultrafiltrate at room temperature support growth of this virus up to titers varying from 10-4 to 10-5.
Regulation of lysosomal enzyme secretion: role in inflammation.

The purpose of this review is first to discuss the lysosomal concept as it applies to the mediation of tissue injury, and second to provide new evidence for the regulation of lysosomal enzyme secretion from human neutrophils by cyclic nucleotides, autonomic neurohormones, prostaglandins, glucocorticosteroids and calcium. Lysosomal enzymes gain access to the extracellular environment by the selective secretion of lysosome granule contents from neutrophils during cell contact with various immune reactants. Discharge of lysosomal contents results in the provocation of acute inflammation and connective tissue degradation. The immunologic secretion of lysosomal enzymes from human neutrophils requires the presence of extracellular calcium and can be modulated by several different classes of hormones, drugs and other agents. Agents that enhance lysosomal enzyme secretion also produce a concomitant accumulation of cyclic GMP (guanosine 3′, 5′-monophosphate) in neutrophils. Such substances include immune reactants, acetylcholine, prostaglandin F2α and calcium ionophores. Cyclic GMP itself also stimulates lysosomal enzyme secretion. On the other hand, inhibition of enzyme release is frequently accompanied by the accumulation of intracellular cyclic AMP (adenosine 3′, 5′-monophosphate). These effects are produced by epinephrine (catecholamines) and several prostaglandins. Cyclic AMP also inhibits lysosomal enzyme secretion. Glucocorticosteroids also inhibit enzyme secretion but this effect is accompanied by an inhibition of cyclic AMP accumulation rather than by the stimulation of cyclic AMP accumulation. The presence of cyclic GMP, cyclic AMP and the cellular processes for accumulating either nucleotide provide the human neutrophil with the means by which to modulate the secretion of lysosomal contents in response of the cells to various endogenous substances and drugs.
Interfacing theory and experiment in polarization studies

The results of this paper pertain to any particle reaction in atomic, nuclear, or high-energy physics, and deal with some of the general properties of such reactions. A formalism for discussing polarization experiments in such reactions is suggested in which appropriately chosen reaction amplitudes are directly related to quantities actually measured in experiments, thus making the connections between theory and experiment as simple as possible and eliminating intermediary quantities between theory and experiment. It is proven that such direct experimental observables along two quantization directions always suffice in completely determining the amplitudes from experimental data. It is also shown that given a specific theoretical model prediction for the reaction amplitudes in any formulation, one can always find a quantization direction such that the measurement of the number of particles in one single projection state with respect to that quantization direction forms a null experiment to test the theoretical prediction. Three examples of particle reactions are worked out in detail to illustrate the problem and the suggested formalism. In the concluding section the main results are summarized and their implications are discussed with respect to the design of experiments and the interfacing of theories with experimental verification.
Simulation systems for cognitive psychology

Three views of the function of computer simulation in cognitive psychology are analyzed. The strong view that computer simulations will produce more rigorously specified theories is seen to be overstating the case. Two more pragmatic views are supported. One looks at computer method as a means of exploring or validating psychological theories. The other looks to computer simulation as a source of useful concepts. Several recent simulation efforts are presented as illustrations of these latter views. After establishing some perspective on the uses of simulation, the discussion turns to psychological simulation languages and to aspects of programming environments that facilitate simulation work. A new simulation language, PRISM, is described. PRISM’s design is intended as a response to some of the issues raised in this paper.
Gene elav of Drosophila melanogaster: A prototype for neuronal‐specific RNA binding protein gene family that is conserved in flies and humans

Regulated gene activity is crucial to the formation and function of the nervous system. It is well known that gene regulation can occur at the transcriptional, post-transcriptional, translational, and post-translational levels. In this review our focus has been on the post-transcriptional regulation in neurons and on neural-specific RNA binding proteins that may be involved in post-transcriptional modulation of gene activity. We have taken advantage of this opportunity to review our work on the elav gene of Drosophila melanogaster which encodes a neural-specific RNA binding protein and relate it to other members of this elav-like gene family. We report new data that suggests that elav is post-transcriptionally regulated and we demonstrate that below-threshold levels of ELAV protein severely affects neuronal differentiation. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Controlling the pore-solid architecture of mesoporous, high surface area manganese oxides with the birnessite structure

Abstract We describe the preparation of nanoscale, mesoporous manganese oxides with the birnessite structure. Although all dried gels derive from the same sol–gel chemistry, the final pore architectures are significantly different, being determined by the method employed for removal of the pore fluid. The high porosity of the initial wet gel is retained if the pore fluid is removed where capillary forces are either minimized (to form an ambigel) or zero (to form an aerogel). The higher porosities of ambigels and aerogels facilitate the insertion/de-insertion of Li cations, resulting in improved electrochemical performance at high charge/discharge rates as compared to the xerogel form.
Collecting collections: building the library of The New York Botanical Garden

The history of the collections in the Library of The New York Botanical Garden includes the acquisition of previously accumulated collections as well as individual items acquired in the normal course of collection development. Particularly during the first 50 years of the institution, collections of library materials were acquired along with herbaria specimens, and, occasionally, collections of living plants, assembled by an individual as part of his or her personal research interests. While curatorial practice dictates that such an assemblage of research materials be separated when shifted from individual to institutional curatorship, the knowledge of the whole of the collection as received may fill in the background pattern of institutional collection development. A chronological table of these collections is appended, including reference to any extended discussion or listing.
Amino acids injure mesangial cells by advanced glycation end products, oxidative stress, and protein kinase C

Amino acids injure mesangial cells by advanced glycation end products, oxidative stress, and protein kinase C. Background. In diabetes, high intake of dietary protein ex- acerbates responses associated with kidney damage. Increased levels of amino acids could injure cells by providing free amino groups for glycation reactions leading to advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Methods. Rat mesangial cells were cultured with increased amino acids designed to resemble protein feeding, high glucose (30.5 mmol/L), and, the combination, amino acids/high glucose. AGEs, reactive oxygen species (ROS), protein kinase C (PKC) activity and production, and mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase-extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) 1,2 activity were measured. Inhibitors were used to determine roles of these processes in fibrosis and/or AGE formation. Results. AGE immunostaining increased when cells were cul- tured in amino acids and was comparable to that observed with high glucose. In amino acids/high glucose, AGE im- munostaining appeared even greater. Amino acids, high glu- cose, and amino acids/high glucose induced ROS production. Aminoguanidine and vitamin E prevented AGE accumulation and induction of protein and mRNA for fibrosis markers (trans- forming growth factor-b1 (TGF-b1), fibronectin, and collagen IV). PKC and ERK 1,2 activity increased with amino acids, high glucose, and amino acids/high glucose. PKC-b inhibition prevented ERK 1,2 activation and fibrosis induction. ERK 1,2 inhibition also blocked the fibrosis response. Conclusion. A profibrotic injury response occurred in mesan- gial cells exposed to amino acids, with or without high glucose, by formation of AGE, oxidative stress, and activation of the PKC-b and MAP kinase-ERK 1,2 signal pathway. These obser- vations provide new insight into cellular mechanisms of kidney damage produced by excess dietary protein, particularly in di- abetes.
Cholinergic influences on hippocampal glucose metabolism.

Abstract 2-Deoxy- d -[ 3 H]glucose autoradiography was employed to investigate the effects of acute cholinergic manipulations on hippocampal glucose metabolism. In general, manipulations designed to reduce cholinergic activity (medial septal ablation, atropine treatment) reduced hippocampal glucose metabolism. Maximal decrements were found in the terminal fields of the septohippocampal projection after medial septal lesions, while maximal deficits after atropine treatment correlated with muscarinic receptor binding. Electrical stimulation of the medial septum resulted in increased glucose utilization in some terminal fields of the septohippocampal projection and decreased utilization in the terminal fields of the perforant pathway. Our data clearly indicate that acute alterations in cholinergic activity can affect hippocampal glucose metabolism but the distribution, direction and degree of these changes is dependent on the specific treatment.
External flats to varieties in PG(Mn,n(GF(q)))

Abstract Let M = M n , n ( q ) be the space of n × n matrices over the finite field GF ( q ), q a prime power. For each t ≤ n a subspace Φ ( t ) of dimension n 2 − tn is constructed which contains no nonzero matrix of rank strictly less than t + 1, and it is demonstrated that these subspaces are maximal with respect to this property.
Scalable High Performance Cross-Module Inlining

Performing inlining of routines across file boundaries is known to yield significant run-time performance improvements. In this paper, we present a scalable cross-module inlining framework that reduces the compiler's memory footprint, file thrashing, and overall compile-time. Instead of using the call-site ordering generated by the analysis phase, the transformation phase dynamically produces a new inlining order depending on the resource constraints of the system. We introduce dependences among call-sites and affinity among source files based on the inlines performed. We discuss the implementation of our technique and show how it substantially reduces compile-time and memory usage without sacrificing any run-time performance.
1203 NEUROGENIC MEDIATION OF AUGMENTED SURFACTANT SECRETION AT BIRTH

The observation that alveolar lavage surfactant increases at birth following air or nitrogen breathing suggests that lung expansion affects net surfactant secretion (Ped Res 11:574, 1977). To study the mechanism of secretion we treated 13 pregnant rabbit does at 30 days gestation with repeated infusions of atropine (total, 2.4mg IV) or propranolol (total, 3-10mg IV) over a ½ hour period immediately prior to sacrifice. The pups were delivered by hysterotomy and divided into two groups. One group was sacrificed at birth without breathing. The remaining pups were sacrificed after 30 minutes hyperventilation induced by hypoxia (10-15% O2) or anoxia. Following sacrifice, alveolar surfactant was recovered by saline lavage and quantitatively estimated on a surface-tension balance (Science 169:603, 1970). These results provide additional support for the hypothesis that pulmonary surfactant secretion is stimulated following the onset of gas ventilation in newborns. We conclude that augmented surfactant secretion at birth is mediated by a neural mechanism. Furthermore, since the secretion is blocked by atropine and not propranolol we suggest secretion is under cholinergic control.
POTASSIUM AS AN INDEX OF NATURALLY OCCURRING RADIOACTIVITY IN TUNA MUSCLE

Determinations of the potassium levels of light and dark muscle tissues were made for tuns fish samples from the Central Pacific. The mean potassium content was determined to be 2.3 mg/g for these tissues and was used as an index to calculate the radioactivity to be expected from K/sup 40/ at 4.2 dis/min per gram of wet tissue. The levels of potassium in light and dark muscle samples were not significantly different. (auth)
EFFECTS OF COASTAL LANDFORM CHANGES ON STORM SURGE ALONG THE HATTERAS ISLAND BREACH AREA

Storm surge is known to be the source of many coastal problems including dune erosion, overwash deposits and inlet breaching. The work discussed in this paper arises out of an effort to develop geospatial tools and workflows that integrate with process based numerical models in order to improve the understanding of the importance of landform and complex landform changes in these processes building on the use of existing models. The effects of landform changes on calculation of storm surge characteristics (elevation and velocity) are investigated for three different cases created using the geospatial workflows coupled with ADCIRC modeling efforts.
Active Absorption of Viscously Damped System With Time Delay

In general, it is not possible to obtain total motion absorption of a certain degree of freedom in a harmonically excited damped system by passive control. This paper presents a method of obtaining total absorption in viscously damped system by active control, including time delay, which is unavoidable in digital controlled system. The control is applied on one degree of freedom and the absorption is achieved at another point. This study is carried out by both complex and real analyses. The necessary and sufficient condition for obtaining total absorption is given. Examples demonstrate the various results.
Incremental Validity of Stressful Life Experiences in Predicting Psychiatric Comorbidity Among Women in Substance Abuse Treatment

ABSTRACT The dynamic contribution of stressful life experiences in predicting psychiatric comorbidity continues to challenge clinical practice and research. This study tested incremental validity of stressful life experiences related to psychiatric comorbidity among 128 young women in a Midwestern substance abuse treatment facility. Respondents reported low income, homelessness, and health and mental health issues. Using the Addiction Severity Index (ASI), Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fourth Edition, Text Revision, and Stressful Life Experience (SLE) Screen as correlates, hierarchical linear regression demonstrated support for incremental validity of SLE uniquely accounting for 6.5% of variance in ASI psychiatric scores. Findings support future use of SLE in clinical settings for assessment and intervention purposes.
Operating envelope of a short contact time fuel reformer for propane catalytic partial oxidation

Abstract Fuel cell technology has yet to realize widespread deployment, in part because of the hydrogen fuel infrastructure required for proton exchange membrane systems. One option to overcome this barrier is to produce hydrogen by reforming propane, which has existing widespread infrastructure, is widely used by the general public, easily transported, and has a high energy density. The present work combines thermodynamic modeling of propane catalytic partial oxidation (cPOx) and experimental performance of a Precision Combustion Inc. (PCI) Microlith ® reactor with real-time soot measurement. Much of the reforming research using Microlith-based reactors has focused on fuels such as natural gas, JP-8, diesel, and gasoline, but little research on propane reforming with Microlith-based catalysts can be found in literature. The aim of this study was to determine the optimal operating parameters for the reformer that maximizes efficiency and minimizes solid carbon formation. The primary parameters evaluated were reformate composition, carbon concentration in the effluent, and reforming efficiency as a function of catalyst temperature and O 2 /C ratio. Including the lower heating values for product hydrogen and carbon monoxide, efficiency of 84% was achieved at an O 2 /C ratio of 0.53 and a catalyst temperature of 940 °C, resulting in near equilibrium performance. Significant solid carbon formation was observed at much lower catalyst temperatures, and carbon concentration in the effluent was determined to have a negative linear relationship at T
A Part-Part-Whole Curriculum for Teaching Number in the Kindergarten.

The set-subset relationship is an important mathematical construct that underlies many mathematical concepts developed by young children. Forty-two kindergarten children who received number concept instruction using a part-part-whole curriculum that stressed set-subset relationships developed a more mature concept of number, were more successful in solving addition and subtraction word problems, and developed greater understanding of place value in the base-10 numeration system than a comparable group of 44 kindergarten children who received standard instruction on number concepts.
Sex-related ERP differences in deviance detection.

The effect of sex on neural mechanisms of auditory mismatch detection was examined using dense sensor array (128 channel) event-related potential recordings (ERPs). ERPs of 32 right-handed subjects (16 males) were recorded to frequent (85%, 880 Hz) and infrequent (15%, 1480 Hz) tones. There were no sex differences in mismatch negativity (80–180 ms), however, the fronto-central P2 (180–260 ms) was less positive in males (F=12.56, P<0.005) and the N2 (260–340 ms) was more negative in males (F=6.28, P<0.05). The increased negativity in males spanning the P2 and N2 may index a top–down process of attention bias towards novelty. This result supports the hypothesis of an adaptive, sexually dimorphic processing of novel events in humans.
The shifting landscape of e‐books

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review the current state of e‐books, describing their potential scope, highlighting information from recent ebrary surveys in connection with the author's on‐the‐ground experience with students, and discussing the challenges of these evolving works.Design/methodology/approach – The paper describes the need to broaden perceptions of e‐books in light of their extensive potential and scope. It highlights significant points in the ebrary surveys and compares them with the author's on‐the‐ground experience in a medium‐sized university with students who are less advantaged. It also presents the challenges librarians face, both currently and in the future, illustrating progress in some areas and emphasizing the growing complexity in managing these works.Findings – Even as librarians cope with what can now be considered “traditional” e‐books, little attention is paid to the potential breadth and diversity of e‐books. The surveys show that librarians are only partially awa...
Distribution of the pattern spectrum mean for convex base images

In texture and pattern analysis, the granulometric size distribution is related to morphological features. The mean of this distribution--the pattern spectrum mean--can be used for feature analysis. In this paper, we treat the pattern spectrum as a random function and its moments as random variables. The grain model is as follows: the number of grains is held fixed for the image segment and grains are assumed convex. Generalization to the case of random number of grains is desirable; only limited results are available for this case so far. The statistical distribution of the pattern spectrum mean is studied under two alternative models: Normal and Gamma. The asymptotic distribution of the PSM is developed under each model. A special case of random numbers of grains per segment is analyzed.
Crystal structure of bis(N-methylethylenediammonium) hexabromodicuprate(I)

Abstract The crystal structure of the title compound (C3H12N2)2Cu2Br6, is monoclinic, space group P21/n, with lattice constants a=8.222(2), b=11.214(2), c=10.646(2) A, β=91.97(1)° and V=981.0(3) A3. The structure contains anionic Cu2Br62− dimers and N-methylethylenediammonium (henceforth MEDA2+) cations. The centrosymmetric dimer units are composed of two edge-shared CuBr4 tetrahedra, with bridging Cu–Br distances 0.08 A longer than the terminal distances. A pair of MEDA2+ cations hydrogen bond to each dimer via two of the –NH3+ hydrogen atoms and one of the –NH2+- hydrogen atoms. Additional hydrogen bonding between the cations and anions tie the structure together in a complex supramolecular network.
Shaping the race issue: A special kind of journalism

Abstract The paper examines the press coverage of the Los Angeles Times in the 1982 gubernatorial election between Mayor Tom Bradley and George Deukmejian in terms of the proclivity to highlight Bradley's race in campaign news stories. The paper focuses on the statement made by Deukmejian campaign manager, Bill Roberts, in the early days of October, with his candidate trailing badly in the polls, that “there was a hidden anti‐black vote” that would aid Deukmejian on election day. The authors detail the Los Angeles Times coverage of this statement and the tendency of the Times to focus on this story during the entire month of October rather than to report on the issues addressed by the candidates. The analysis notes that as campaign coverage zeroed in on the race issue, so did polls and voter interest. After examining the coverage and Deukmejian's narrow victory, the authors pose questions of ethics to reporters engaged in this writing and outline concerns for such practices in future elections and campaigns.
Estimation of Ethanol Content in Flex-Fuel Vehicles Using an Exhaust Gas Oxygen Sensor: Model, Tuning and Sensitivity

Throughout the history of the automobile there have been periods of intense interest in using ethanol as an alternative fuel to petroleum-based gasoline and diesel derivatives. Currently available flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) can operate on a blend of gasoline and ethanol in any concentration of up to 85% ethanol. In all these FFVs, the engine management system relies on the estimation of the ethanol content in the fuel blend, which typically depends on the estimated changes in stoichiometry through an Exhaust Gas Oxygen (EGO) sensor. Since the output of the EGO sensor is used for the air-to-fuel ratio (AFR) regulation and the ethanol content estimation, several tuning and sensitivity problems arise. In this paper, we develop a simple phenomenological model of the AFR control process and a simple ethanol estimation law which can be representative of the currently practiced system in FFVs. Tuning difficulties and interactions of the two learning loops are then elucidated using classical control techniques. The sensitivity of the ethanol content estimation with respect to sensor and modeling errors is also demonstrated via simulations. The results point to an urgent need for model-based analysis and design of the AFR controller, the ethanol adaptation law and the fault detection issues in FFVs. Tuning and sensitivity issues are demonstrated via simulations and limitations are also discussed.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
“Languages for Use” and the Liberal Arts

The question is investigated in which ways the liberal arts tradition may be helpful and supplementary to the “language for use” approach in the teaching of modern foreign languages on the college level.
Size and shape changes in the preovulatory follicle in mares based on digital analysis of ultrasonic images

Abstract Computerized digital or pixel analysis of ultrasonic images was used to evaluate size and shape changes of preovulatory follicles in mares. Examinations of 12 preovulatory follicles were video-taped at 12-h intervals for 48 h and 1/2-h intervals for 3 h before ovulation. The maximum cross-sectional image of the antral area of each follicle was selected for each examination. A theoretical center was computed on basis of total pixel count for the antral area. Line lengths radiating from the center of the follicle to each pixel at the perimeter of the antrum were measured. For each examination of each follicle, size was represented by mean and median radial line lengths in pixels. Shape of each follicle was quantified by the magnitude of line length variance. There were no significant differences in the size of the preovulatory follicle during the 48 h prior to ovulation. Preovulatory follicle shape, as expressed by line length variance, differed significantly among examinations. The first significant shape change occurred between −12 and −3 h (mean line length variance, 32.3 and 66.1 pixels, respectively). An additional significant shape change was detected at −1/2 h (mean line length variance, 130.3 pixels). The increase in line length variance was attributed to a gradual flattening of the cross-sectional image of the antrum from circular to oblong as ovulation approached. The hypothesis that the equine preovulatory follicle loses its spherical shape as ovulation approaches was supported. Adjacent follicles (satellite follicles) that impinged on the preovulatory follicle were assessed for shape changes by subjective comparisons. The satellite follicles appeared to lose their flattened shape during the time that the cross-section of the preovulatory follicle was losing its circular shape. The shape changes in satellite and preovulatory follicles were attributed to a decline in antral fluid pressure from within the preovulatory follicle as ovulation approached.
An ideal signal generator for time-sampling observation procedures

Systematic observation of behavior has been used in a variety of naturalistic and laboratory situations by both ethologists and psychologists. Many of the recording techniques used in these situations involve time-sampling procedures in which observed and recorded events are sampled during specified time units. Such an approach is particularly appropriate when frequency measures, rather than response duration, behavior sequences, etc., are of primary interest. Time sampling can take several forms, but in each case preselected behavioral categories are recorded at regular time intervals. These time intervals are usually signaled by an external stimulus, such as the click of a metronome. Although widely used, such procedures have a number of limiting deficiencies. Most profoundly, the presence of an external signal not only defines time units for the 0, but also serve as an extraneous source of stimulation for the observed Ss. Such sources of potential distraction may distort environmental conditions in important unknown ways. In addition, devices such as metronomes have only a limited short range of time intervals, while some time-sampling procedures require relatively large time intervals. Then, too, available devices are often large or require an external power source, making it awkward or even impossible to use in field investigations. The present paper describes an inexpensive signal generator which has none of these deficiencies. It is a small compact instrument, which can fit comfortably into a shirt or jacket pocket and be taken anywhere, is battery operated, is infinitely variable from about 5 pulses/sec to at least 30 sec, and delivers a tone signal only to the O. As such, it is ideally suited for both laboratory and field investigations which require time-sampling observation procedures. The device is constructed around two Signetics
Integrating remote sensing data from multiple optical sensors for ecological and crop condition monitoring

Ecological and crop condition monitoring requires high temporal and spatial resolution remote sensing data. However remote sensing instruments trade spatial resolution for swath width and it’s difficult to acquire remotely sensed data with both high spatial resolution and frequent coverage. A synthesized approach fusing multiple types of remote sensing imagery provides a feasible and economical solution. In this paper, we demonstrate an operational data fusion framework based on Spatial and Temporal Adaptive Reflectance Fusion Model (STARFM) for integrating existing MODIS data products (daily, 500m) and freely available Landsat data (16-day, 30m). Phenological metrics are extracted from the fused Landsat and MODIS data. Our case study focuses on an agricultural region in central Iowa. Initial results show that the detailed spatial and temporal variability of the landscapes can be identified from the fused remote sensing data. The derived phenology metrics show distinct features for crops and forest at the field scales and can be explained by the USDA’s reports on the crop progress. The data fusion and time-series analysis approaches provide a feasible solution to for ecological and crop condition monitoring at the field scales.
Corporate social responsibility: what are the top three Orlando theme parks reporting?

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine what the top three Orlando theme parks report about their corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities.Design/methodology/approach – Through content analysis, web sites, annual reports, and CSR reports of the top three theme park companies in Orlando, namely, Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment were examined.Findings – The top three theme parks in Orlando mainly reported their CSR activities in relation to environment, community, and customers. Their diversity policies, employee welfare programs and employee volunteerism were also widely reported. Walt Disney World seemed to provide the most detailed CSR reporting in all areas.Research limitations/implications – In addition to content analysis of web sites and CSR reports, future studies may look at a single company and try to collect data via interviews and surveys. In addition, this paper only offers a view of the theme park's CSR reporting, since, each of the c...
Optical data association neural net

ABSTRACT This paper presents new results of our data association (DA) neural net (NN) on measurement-to-estimate data(rather than measurement-to-measurement data). It also uses our detection unit. Our new jitter model is discussed andinitial results are presented. This also includes tests of our fixed coefficient estimator and initial optical laboratoryresults.We find that: the use of an estimator improves DA MN results (since no clutter is present in the estimate frame),reduction of jitter by using the detection system in tracking helps, our system handles measurement noise and jitterand clutter with no loss of track, and our fixed coefficient estimator suffices. 1. INTRODUCTION Our DA NN algorithm was previously described [1 1 and is thus only reviewed in Section 2. Our prior DA NNresults on measurement-to-measurement data are reviewed in Section 3. We then advance our new models (Section 4)and present our new results (Section 5) and initial Kalman filter estimator comparisons (Section 6).
Output Feedback Neural Network Adaptive Robust Control With Application to Linear Motor Drive System

In this paper, neural networks (NNs) and adaptive robust control design method are integrated to design a performance oriented control law with only output feedback for a class of single-input-single-output nth order nonlinear systems in a normal form. The nonlinearities in the system include repeatable unknown nonlinearities and nonrepeatable unknown nonlinearities such as external disturbances. In addition, unknown nonlin-earities can exist in the control input channel as well. A high-gain observer is employed to estimate the states of system. All unknown but repeatable nonlinear function are approximated by the outputs of multilayer neural networks with the estimated states as inputs to achieve a better model compensation. All NN weights are tuned on-line. In order to avoid possible divergence of on-line tuning, discontinuous projections with fictitious bounds are used in the weight adjusting law to make sure that all the weight are adapted within a prescribed range. Theoretically, the resulting controller achieves a guaranteed output tracking transient performance and a guaranteed final tracking accu-racy in general. Certain robust control terms is then constructed to effectively attenuate various model uncertainties and estimate errors. Furthermore, if all the states are available and the unknown nonlinear functions are in the functional ranges of the neural networks, an asymptotic output tracking is also achieved to retain the perfect learning capability of NNs in the ideal situation provided that the ideal NN weights fall within the prescribed range. The output feedback neural network adaptive robust control is then applied to the control of a linear motor drive system. Experiments are carried out to show the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm and the excellent output tracking performance.
Paths of Local Development: Culture, Context, Power, and the Role of Nongovernmental Organizations

This article challenges the perception that non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are immune from attributes commonly associated with political parties, such as clientelism. Through a case study of an NGO and a political party in semi-urban Argentina, this article demonstrates that despite associational differences with local political party network, these two associational networks produced similar social outcomes—such as, dependency, exclusivity, and paternalism—a phenomenon traced to the NGO’s and political parties’ similar structures and tactics. Contrary to the prevailing positive view of the NGO, held by scholars, the media, and development practitioners, it was guided by financial interests and a continual focus on locating external funding sources to facilitate its goals. Not surprisingly, the political party was dominated by politically oriented interests and an ever-present focus on obtaining votes. However, these seemingly different associations had a similar objective, i.e., the continual effort to obtain sources of support thus demonstrating how powerful structures can still dominate poor communities even when forms change.
DoppleSleep: a contactless unobtrusive sleep sensing system using short-range Doppler radar

In this paper, we present DoppleSleep -- a contactless sleep sensing system that continuously and unobtrusively tracks sleep quality using commercial off-the-shelf radar modules. DoppleSleep provides a single sensor solution to track sleep-related physical and physiological variables including coarse body movements and subtle and fine-grained chest, heart movements due to breathing and heartbeat. By integrating vital signals and body movement sensing, DoppleSleep achieves 89.6% recall with Sleep vs. Wake classification and 80.2% recall with REM vs. Non-REM classification compared to EEG-based sleep sensing. Lastly, it provides several objective sleep quality measurements including sleep onset latency, number of awakenings, and sleep efficiency. The contactless nature of DoppleSleep obviates the need to instrument the user's body with sensors. Lastly, DoppleSleep is implemented on an ARM microcontroller and a smartphone application that are benchmarked in terms of power and resource usage.