cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous grouping of parts and machines with an integrated fuzzy clustering method

An integrated fuzzy clustering method that is capable of simultaneous classification of parts and their processing machines in a manufacturing system is presented. The cores of the proposed method are two existing fuzzy clustering algorithms: fuzzy c-means (Bezdek) and fuzzy k-nearest neighbors (Keller et al., Trans. Systems, Man, Cybernet. 15 (4) (1985) 580). It is shown that the proposed approach performs better than using fuzzy c-means alone or FACT (Kamal and Burke, Int. J. Prod. Res. 34 (4) (1996) 919) in terms of some commonly used measures such as grouping efficacy. The influences of distance measure, number of training data, and number of neighbors on the performance were also investigated. Test results show that: (1) overall the weighted distance performs better than the Euclidean distance; (2) for the weighted distance, as the density of the machine-part data structure decreases, the number of training data should be increased; and (3) the number of neighbors has a minimal impact on the result.
Do efforts to reduce the supply of illicit drugs increase turf war violence? a theoretical analysis

This paper models illicit drug dealers as territorial monopolists. The model shows that an increase in efforts to reduce the supply of illicit drugs decreases a dealer’s expected monopoly returns over drug turf. Consequently, efforts to acquire drug turf through violence are reduced.
Tampering with Special Purpose Trusted Computing Devices: A Case Study in Optical Scan E-Voting

Special purpose trusted computing devices are currently being deployed to offer many services for which the general purpose computing paradigm is unsuitable. The nature of the services offered by many of these devices demand high security and reliability, as well as low cost and low power consumption. Electronic Voting machines is a canonical example of this phenomenon. With electronic voting machines currently being used in much of the United States and several other countries, there is a strong need for thorough security evaluation of these devices and the procedures in place for their use. In this work, we first put forth a general framework for special purpose trusted computing devices. We then focus on Optical Scan (OS) electronic voting technology as a specific instance of this framework. OS terminals are a popular e-voting technology with the decided advantage of a user-verified paper trail: the ballot sheets themselves. Still election results are based on machine- generated totals as well as machine-generated audit reports to validate the voting process. In this paper we present a security assessment of the Diebold AccuVote Optical Scan voting terminal (AV-OS), a popular OS terminal currently in wide deployment anticipating the 2008 Presidential elections. The assessment is developed using exclusively reverse-engineering, without any technical specifications provided by the machine suppliers. We demonstrate a number of security issues that relate to the machine's proprietary language, called AccuBasic, that is used for reporting election results. While this language is thought to be benign, especially given that it is essentially sandboxed by the firmware to have only read access, we demonstrate that it is powerful enough to (i) strengthen known attacks against the AV-OS so that they become undetectable prior to elections (and thus significantly increasing their magnitude) or, (ii) to conditionally bias the election results to reach a desired outcome. Given the discovered vulnerabilities and attacks we proceed to discuss how random audits can be used to validate with high confidence that a procedure carried out by special purpose devices such as the AV-OS has not been manipulated. We end with a set of recommendations for the design and safe-use of OS voting systems.
The psychology of aging

Abstract Generally speaking, we can call a man well adapted if his productivity, his ability to enjoy life, and his mental equilibrium are undisturbed. 5 Successful adaptation to old age is the result of having coped successfully with problems in this phase of life; namely, maintenance of self-esteem in the face of declining physical and mental capacities, coping with grief and depression resulting from personal losses, finding means to continue to contribute significantly to society, and maintaining a sense of identity in a changing environment. This is a lifelong pattern, and the individual and society are largely unaware of it.
An ILUCG algorithm which minimizes in the euclidean norm

This paper presents an algorithm which solves sparse systems of linear equations of the form Ax =y, where A is non-symmetric, by the Incomplete LU Decomposition-Conjugate Gradient (ILUCG) method. The algorithm minimizes the error in the Euclidean norm ‖xi − x‖2 , where xi is the solution vector after the ith iteration and x the exact solution vector. The results of a test on one real problem indicate that the algorithm is likely to be competitive with the best existing algorithms of its type.
Essential Investigations of Patients with Suspected TIAs

Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) are warning episodes predicting that such patients are at high risk for stroke which potentially could be life-threatening or leave an individual with substantial disability. TIAs result from large or small vessel disease, cardiogenic embolic events and hematological abnormalities. The patient's past and current medical history provides necessary clues suggesting which investigational tests should be conducted. Every patient presenting with a TIA should have a total blood count, electrocardiogram, and a brain imaging study. Patients with anterior circulation symptoms should undergo noninvasive carotid testing, usually by carotid duplex ultrasonography, to determine if there is a surgically remediable carotid stenosis. Patients with posterior circulation TIAs should undergo magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) or a conventional arteriogram which, if positive, may be an indication for anti-platelet or anticoagulation therapy. Other testing depends on the presumptive etiology of the TIA. In general, a TIA should be considered as a serious warning of impending stroke that requires rapid and efficient investigations to define and remedy the reasons for the cerebral ischemic events. TIAs by definition may last up to 24 h, but usually are self-terminating after a few minutes. They are a serious warning of possible future strokes that may result in substantial morbidity and mortality. Once TIAs are diagnosed, the major goal is to reduce the risk of future strokes. Patients with TIAs usually present in the Emergency Room or doctor's office. They may seek immediate medical care or relate the history of the TIA during a routine visit. As soon as a diagnosis of a TIA is considered, a careful past and current medical history should be taken to substantiate the diagnosis. Conditions which mimic TIAs need to enter into the differential diagnosis and, if necessary, be ruled out. For example, a Todd's transient paralysis can follow a partial focal seizure. Migraine auras may also mimic TIAs, particularly in the elderly. Any space-occupying lesions and arteriovenous malfunction may first present with a TIA-like complaint. Peripheral nerve disease must be recognized since it can cause transient weakness and/or numbness affecting one limb.
Changes in striatal dopamine release and metabolism during and after subchronic haloperidol administration in rats

The release and metabolism of dopamine (DA) in the striatum of rats during and after subchronic haloperidol (HAL) administration (3 weeks) was assessed using in vivo microdialysis. Basal extracellular levels of DA, DA metabolites (homovanillic acid and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid) and the serotonin metabolite (5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid) were not significantly different from control values at 3 weeks of HAL administration and 3 days after drug withdrawal. The specific DA D2 receptor antagonist, raclopride (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.), significantly increased DA release and metabolism in control animals, but decreased DA release in the HAL-treated groups at 3 weeks of drug treatment. This effect was not significant following drug withdrawal. These results contrast with our previous finding that chronic HAL treatment (32 weeks) increases basal DA metabolism and further support the possibility that changes in DA function differ following short term vs. long term neuroleptic exposure.
Differential expression of chemokine receptors on uveal melanoma cells and their metastases.

PURPOSE. To determine the expression of the chemokine receptors CXCR4 and CCR7 on human uveal melanoma cells and their metastases and the effect of liver-borne factors on the chemotactic responses of uveal melanoma cells. METHODS. Four human uveal melanoma cell lines and three cell lines of uveal melanoma metastases were examined by RT-PCR and flow cytometry for their constitutive expression of CXCR4 and CCR7. The effect of the liver and liver-borne factors on the expression of CXCR4 and CCR7 was determined after intracameral, intrasplenic, and subcutaneous transplantation of uveal melanoma cells in nude mice. Chemotactic responses of melanoma cells to liver-borne factors were determined by in vitro chemotaxis assays using protein extracts of hepatocytes and striated muscle tissue. RESULTS. All the primary uveal melanoma cell lines expressed CXCR4 and CCR7 message and protein, whereas the metastases cell lines expressed little or no chemokine receptor. Extracts of human liver cells stimulated chemotaxis of uveal melanoma cells, which could be inhibited by anti-CXCR4 antibody. Liver-borne factors also induced the downregulation of CXCR4 and CCR7 on uveal melanoma cells. Uveal melanoma cells maintained their high expression of CXCR4 and CCR7 after intracameral transplantation. However, CXCR4 and CCR7 expression was sharply reduced in liver metastases arising from intraocular melanomas. CONCLUSIONS. CXCR4 and CCR7 provide directional migration of uveal melanoma cells toward the liver, the most common site for the formation of uveal melanoma metastases. However, soluble factors elaborated by hepatocytes induce the downregulation of CXCR4 and CCR7 on metastatic uveal melanoma cells.
The tree number of a graph with a given girth

A family of subtrees of a graphG whose edge sets form a partition of the edge set ofG is called atree decomposition ofG. The minimum number of trees in a tree decomposition ofG is called thetree number ofG and is denoted byτ(G). It is known that ifG is connected thenτ(G) ≤ ⌈|G|/2⌉. In this paper we show that ifG is connected and has girthg ≥ 5 thenτ(G) ≤ ⌊|G|/g⌋ + 1. Surprisingly, the case wheng = 4 seems to be more difficult. We conjecture that in this caseτ(G) ≤ ⌊|G|/4⌋ + 1 and show a wide class of graphs that satisfy it. Also, some special graphs like complete bipartite graphs andn-dimensional cubes, for which we determine their tree numbers, satisfy it. In the general case we prove the weaker inequalityτ(G) ≤ ⌊(|G| − 1)/3⌋ + 1.
A preliminary report on the waxing of seed potatoes

Treating seed potatoes with a 30 per cent 231-B wax emulsion while still in a dormant condition, resulted in a stimulation of sprout growth, an earlier emergence of plants and a corresponding increase in yield. The beneficial effects of waxing seem to be similar to those produced by greensprouting. The results reported in this preliminary experiment were apparently due to conservation of moisture accompanied by sprout growth stimulation in the treated tubers. Further work will determine the effect of waxing on respiration of seed treated immediately after harvest and on subequent yield. The cost and practicability of waxing seed potatoes should not be essentially different from that now used by growers who disinfect seed by the instantaneous dip method.
Myocardin-Related Transcription Factor A Regulates Conversion of Progenitors to Beige Adipocytes

Summary Adipose tissue is an essential regulator of metabolic homeostasis. In contrast with white adipose tissue, which stores excess energy in the form of triglycerides, brown adipose tissue is thermogenic, dissipating energy as heat via the unique expression of the mitochondrial uncoupling protein UCP1. A subset of UCP1+ adipocytes develops within white adipose tissue in response to physiological stimuli; however, the developmental origin of these "brite" or "beige" adipocytes is unclear. Here, we report the identification of a BMP7-ROCK signaling axis regulating beige adipocyte formation via control of the G-actin-regulated transcriptional coactivator myocardin-related transcription factor A, MRTFA. White adipose tissue from MRTFA –/– mice contains more multilocular adipocytes and expresses enhanced levels of brown-selective proteins, including UCP1. MRTFA –/– mice also show improved metabolic profiles and protection from diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance. Our study hence unravels a central pathway driving the development of physiologically functional beige adipocytes.
Adaptive watermarking using successive subband quantization and perceptual model based on multiwavelet transform

This paper presents an adaptive digital image watermarking scheme that uses successive subband quantization (SSQ) and perceptual modeling. Our approach performs a multiwavelet transform to determine the local image properties optimal and the watermark embedding location. The multiwavelet used in this paper is the DGHM multiwavelet with approximation order 2 to reduce artifacts in the reconstructed image. A watermark is embedded into the perceptually significant coefficients (PSC) of the image in each subband. The PSCs in high frequency subbands are selected by setting the thresholds to one half of the largest coefficient in each subband. After the PSCs in each subband are selected, a perceptual model is combined with a stochastic approach based on the noise visibility function to produce the final watermark.
Valve structure and survival in octogenarians having aortic valve replacement for aortic stenosis (+/- aortic regurgitation) with versus without coronary artery bypass grafting at a single US medical center (1993 to 2005).

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of simultaneous coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and the influence of valve structure on both early and late survival in quadragenarians having aortic valve replacement (AVR) for aortic stenosis (AS) (with or without aortic regurgitation). We analyzed survival and valve structure in 48 adults (12 women), aged 40 to 49 years, having AVR for AS from 1993 through 2005 at Baylor University Medical Center, including 7 (15%) with and 41 (85%) without simultaneous CABG. Of the 48 quadragenarians, none died within 60 days of operation. Assessment of the relation between long-term survival and gender, aortic valve structure, preoperative severity of the AS, and concomitant CABG was not possible due to the low mortality. Four patients (9%) died >60 days after AVR: at 1.8, 6.3, 7.1, and 9.9 years, respectively. The aortic valve was congenitally unicuspid in 15 patients (31%), congenitally bicuspid in 32 (67%), and 3-cuspid in 1 (2%). In conclusion, of the 48 quadragenarians having AVR for AS, 47 (98%) had a congenitally malformed aortic valve, 60-day mortality was zero, and late mortality was low (8%).
Studies of Escherichia coli ribonucleic acid-deoxyribonucleic acid complex

Abstract The reaction of Escherichia coli pulse-labeled [ 3 H]RNA and denatured DNA to form ribonuclease (EC 2.7.7.16) resistant RNA-DNA complex was studied. The reaction is optimal at 78° in 0.50 M KCl, 0.01 M Tris (pH 7.3). Native E. coli DNA or denatured DNA extracted from Bacillus subtilis or Pseudomonas fluorescens does not react with E. coli [ 3 H]RNA. RNA-DNA complex formation is dependent upon both RNA and denatured DNA concentrations. In 0.50 M KCl, 0.01 M Tris (pH 7.3) the complex melts with a denaturation temperature, t m , of 94–95°. Under the same conditions, native DNA melts with a t m of 99°. Approx. one-third of pulse-labeled [ 3 H]RNA reacts readily with denatured DNA. Competition between pulse-labeled RNA and unlabeled RNA for reaction with denatured DNA was used to compare RNA's from cells grown under different conditions. Cells grown on C medium with casamino acids and yeast extract and those treated with chloramphenicol contain all or most of the messenger RNA present in cells grown on glucose-C medium. Little or no messenger RNA is present in cells starved for glucose.
Contributions of solvent water to biological group-transfer potentials: Mixed anhydrides of phosphoric and carboxylic acids

Abstract Water-to-chloroform distribution measurements indicate that the uncharged products of hydrolysis of acetyl dimethyl phosphate are solvated much more strongly by water than are the reactants. Group transfer from acetyl phosphate appears to be strongly promoted by an aqueous environment, but remains somewhat favorable even in nonaqueous surroundings.
Work in progress — An example of the variations of visual representations in mechanical engineering education

In all forms of education, the method of representation of the concepts presented has a strong effect on both the learning of the students as well as the overall language and processes that the students will use when dealing with those concepts. With a focus specifically on mechanical engineering education, this paper provides a review of the role of visual representations in learning concepts in mechanical engineering. One of the main examples of such a visual representation is the free-body diagram which is used to display forces acting on a body. These representations not only influence the learning of the students, but also affect the methods used by students when they encounter similar concepts in their work. This review of the role of visual representations consists of several parts. First, an overview of such representations in mechanical engineering education is provided. Then a comparison of the different types of visual representations is presented. This paper culminates in a discussion of the effect such representations have on the language and processes used by mechanical engineering students.
Lysosomal-enzyme targeting: the phosphorylation of synthetic D-mannosyl saccharides by UDP-N-acetylglucosamine: lysosomal-enzyme N-acetylglucosaminephosphotransferase from rat-liver microsomes and fibroblasts

Phosphorylation of the d-mannose residues of lysosomal enzymes is essential for the uptake and intracellular transport of these enzymes to lysosomes. The GlcNAc-P-transferase which is involved in the phosphorylation reaction seems to recognize a signal, probably a protein conformation, common to many lysosomal enzymes. To evaluate the role of the carbohydrate portion of the enzyme in these phosphorylation reactions, the acceptor specificity of GlcNAc-P-transferase from rat-liver microsomes and fibroblasts was examined with the aid of synthetic d-mannosyl disaccharides and derivatives that are closely related to the high-mannose type of oligosaccharides. Four methyl d-mannobiosides were synthesized, and their structures were established by 13C-n.m.r. spectroscopy. Of all the d-mannosyl saccharides tested, α-d-Man-(1»2)-α-d-Man-(1»OMe) was found to be the best acceptor, thereby suggesting that oligosaccharide structure may also have a role to play in recognition by this enzyme.
A note on Pall partitions over finite fields

Abstract A Pall partition for a quadratic space V is a collection of disjoint (except for {0}) maximal totally isotropic subspaces whose union contains all of the isotropic vectors in V. In this paper it is shown that no non-degenerate quadratic space of dimension 4k+1, k⩾1, over a finite field of odd characteristic can have a Pall partition. The method of proof consists of assuming such a partition exists and showing by various counting arguments that this leads to the existence of an impossible array of ordered pairs.
Inelastic behavior of an AS4/PEEK composite under combined transverse compression and shear. Part I: experiments

Abstract The nonlinear behavior in shear and transverse compression of unidirectional AS4/PEEK and their interaction are investigated experimentally. The composite is rate dependent even at room temperature and its rate exponent is similar to that of neat PEEK. The material is tested under pure shear, pure compression and under biaxial loading histories. The biaxial tests are performed in a custom facility on thin strips of the material. The facility allows freedom to choose the loading path in the biaxial stress and strain spaces of interest. Tests are performed for three biaxial loading paths. In the first, the specimen is sheared then compressed while the shear stress is held constant; in the second, the specimen is compressed then sheared while the compressive stress is held constant; and in the third, the specimen is loaded simultaneously by proportional amounts of compression and shear. It was found that the induced deformation is influenced significantly by the loading history followed. Also, initial loading in shear or compression has only a modest effect on subsequent loading of the other type. An unorthodox yielding behavior for the composite results from this lack of interaction. Finally, the stresses at failure are found to trace an elliptical path in the shear–transverse compression plane, but the failure stress state is not significantly affected by the loading path followed.
Reducing Nomination Errors: Factional Competition and Party Strategy in Japan

Abstract In the first election that the newly-formed LDP contested (1958), the party overnominated in 21 per cent of all districts—sending out too many candidates to chase too few votes. In 1990, the corresponding figure was 2 percent. This article explores the proximal and distal causes of the LDP's improvement.
Identification and treatment of heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia in children and adolescents

Abstract Heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is completely expressed at birth and early in childhood by significant elevations in plasma total and tow density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels. High density lipoprotein cholesterol can be low in such FH children; the triglyceride levels are usually within the normal range. Screening of children for heterozygous FH using a LDL cholesterol level is reasonably efficient in families with known FH, but for general population screening, the LDL cholesterol level is often too nonspecific. Screening of offspring with a positive family history of premature coronary artery disease will provide a panoply of different lipoprotein phenotypes, reflecting the presence of other genetic conditions, including familial combined hyperlipidemia. Guidelines have been developed by the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Expert Panel on Blood Cholesterol levels in Children and Adolescents to assist in the evaluation and treatment of children with high LDL cholesterol levels. Although heterozygous FH probably counts for ≤5% of premature coronary artery disease, its identification and treatment are important, because FH often causes marked premature coronary artery disease early in adulthood, and can be successfully treated with a combined dietary and drug approach.
Extreme Reverse Remodeling in a Patient With Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Reverse remodeling is known to occur in patients with de novo presentations of nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy. Predictors include recent onset, female sex, higher left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction by echocardiography at baseline, higher systolic blood pressure, QRS width <120 ms (or absence of left bundle branch block) and normal LV dimensions. Conversely, increased LV size is regarded as a poor prognostic marker.1 We present a case of a patient who presented with established cardiomyopathy and severe LV dilation that reverted to normal cardiac size and function after receiving standard heart failure therapy. The patient, a 45-year-old black man, was initially diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy after an admission to a community hospital with sinus tachycardia, dyspnea, and volume overload. He denied alcohol, drug, or stimulant use; had no risk factors for Human Immunodeficiency Virus; and had no family history of cardiomyopathy. The initial transthoracic echocardiogram revealed an ejection fraction of 21% with severe mitral regurgitation and LV end-systolic and end-diastolic dimensions (6.3 cm and 7.3 cm, respectively). Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) was recorded as 368 pg/mL (Table). Cardiac catheterization demonstrated normal coronary arteries with a LV end-diastolic pressure of 17 mm Hg. He was discharged home on medical therapy including digoxin, carvedilol, and aldactone. For unknown reasons, neither an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor nor angiotensin receptor antagonist was prescribed at that time. The patient …
XBRL Implementation: A Field Investigation to Identify Research Opportunities.

ABSTRACT: The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) recently mandated that publicly traded companies furnish their financial statements in XBRL format. However, researchers and practitioners question whether companies are adequately prepared to implement XBRL, and whether software tools and guidance exist to lead preparers through the process of creating XBRL-related documents. This paper describes how early mandate adopters implemented XBRL reporting. Four themes emerged from our analysis: management support and involvement, implementation approach, organizational readiness or expertise, and control over the XBRL reporting process. Our study contributes to a more complete understanding of how companies implement XBRL by providing a basis for accounting researchers to identify current implementation issues and future research opportunities. Furthermore, we provide educators with a characterization of how companies implement XBRL, thereby facilitating their classroom coverage of this important topic. D...
Enhancing Mersenne transforms by RNS with application to discrete convolution

Abstract The paper develops an enhanced algorithm for the exact computation of discrete convolution based on Mersenne transforms and multi-moduli residue number systems (RNSs). The proposed algorithm combines the advantages of Mersenne transforms and the advantages of the RNS system. The computation of Mersenne transforms involves only simple operations: addition and circular shift operations. The RNS system is used to increase the length of input sequences, to extend the unsatisfactory limited numerical range of Mersenne transforms, and to split convolution computations onto several smaller channels. A comparison of this algorithm with the traditional algorithm verifies the ability of this algorithm to solve many convolution problems. Numerical examples and tables are given to illustrate the new algorithm. In addition, practical considerations are discussed.
Aluminum Fluoride Inhibition of Nitrogenase: Stabilization of a Nucleotide·Fe-Protein·MoFe-Protein Complex†

Coupling of ATP hydrolysis to electron transfer in nitrogenase has properties similar to nucleotide-dependent switch proteins. Aluminum fluoride, a powerful inhibitor of some switch proteins, is a progressive, slowly reversible (t1/2 for reversal > 21 h) inhibitor of nitrogenase that requires both component proteins (Fe-protein and MoFe-protein) and nucleotide (either ATP or ADP). The pseudo first-order inhibition is dependent on the aluminum fluoride species, AlF4, and is linear with [Al] concentration (nonsaturating) at a pH optimum near 7.1-7.3. The inhibitor appears to react with the transient complex of the two component proteins and nucleotide. Although ADP can support the AlF inhibition, the rate of inhibition is more than 30-fold greater with ATP, which suggests the reactive conformation more closely resembles ATP hydrolysis. Conditions that increase enzymic turnover (protein concentration and component ratio) also increase the rate of inhibition, while ionic strength which slows enzymic activity spares the inhibition. The inhibited protein was isolated by gel filtration chromatography and found to be an AlF4-ADP-Fe-protein.MoFe-protein complex with the ratio of 2:1 that is consistent with two active sites per MoFe-protein alpha 2 beta 2 tetramer. Hence, inhibition by AlF4 is the stabilization of a complex that no longer hydrolyzes ATP or reduces substrates. We propose that AlF-ADP is tightly bound only in Fe-protein conformations obtained in the complex with MoFe-protein. Ligands (including Arg-46) at the base of a flexible flap on the Fe-protein could immobilize MoFe-protein--Fe-protein interface, thereby preventing dissociation of the complex.
Barriers to effective self-management in cardiac patients: the patient's experience.

Abstract Objective This paper identifies common obstacles impeding effective self-management among patients with heart disease and explores how for disadvantaged patients access barriers interfere with typical management challenges to undermine patients’ efforts to care for their illnesses. Methods We convened 33 focus group discussions with heart patients in 10 U.S. communities. Using content analysis, we identified and grouped the most common barriers that emerged in focus group discussions. Results We identified nine major themes reflecting issues related to patients’ ability to care for and manage their heart conditions. We grouped the themes into three domains of interest: (1) barriers that interfere with getting necessary services, (2) barriers that impede the monitoring and management of a heart condition on a daily basis, and (3) supports that enable self-management and improve care. Conclusion For disadvantaged populations, typical problems associated with self-management of a heart condition are aggravated by substantial obstacles to accessing care. Practice implications Ensuring disadvantaged patients with chronic heart conditions are linked to formal systems of care, such as cardiac rehabilitation programs, could better develop patients’ self-management skills, reduce barriers to receiving care and improve the overall health outcomes of these patients.
In-situ Raman and Brillouin light scattering study of the international simple glass in response to temperature and pressure

Abstract International simple glass (ISG) is a six-component boroaluminosilicate glass recently developed as a reference benchmark glass for international collaborative studies on high level nuclear waste encapsulation. In this work, structure and elastic properties of the ISG in response to temperatures up to 700 °C and pressure up to 5.5 GPa were studied by in-situ Raman and Brillouin light scattering. Structural integrity of the ISG was evidenced from room temperature to 550 °C by negligible changes in its Raman spectra and elastic moduli. Raman and Brillouin light scattering measurements showed that the ISG was only elastically deformed throughout the tested pressure range.
Model-based failure detection for cylindrical shells from noisy vibration measurements

Model-based processing is a theoretically sound methodology to address difficult objectives in complex physical problems involving multi-channel sensor measurement systems. It involves the incorporation of analytical models of both physical phenomenology (complex vibrating structures, noisy operating environment, etc.) and the measurement processes (sensor networks and including noise) into the processor to extract the desired information. In this paper, a model-based methodology is developed to accomplish the task of online failure monitoring of a vibrating cylindrical shell externally excited by controlled excitations. A model-based processor is formulated to monitor system performance and detect potential failure conditions. The objective of this paper is to develop a real-time, model-based monitoring scheme for online diagnostics in a representative structural vibrational system based on controlled experimental data.
Cemento-osseous Dysplasia in an Elderly Asian Male: A Case Report

Cemento-osseous dysplasia is a disorder typically found in middle-aged black women. However, the present report describes a case in a 61-year-old Vietnamese male. Without proper pulp testing and diagnosis, the radiographic presentation can easily be misdiagnosed as periapical periodontitis. On the basis of pulp vitality, lack of clinical symptoms and radiographic features, the diagnosis in this case was periapical cemento-osseous dysplasia at the mixed stage, which generally requires no treatment. At the 18-month follow-up, the patient was still asymptomatic and none of the clinical signs had changed. This case highlights the importance of careful clinical examination, including a pulp vitality test, and of having an unbiased view of age, gender, and ethnicity when diagnosing this condition.
Tunable nanoswitches based on nanoparticle meta-molecules

We introduce ultra-fast tunable nanoswitches based on the transition between states of nanoparticle meta-molecules. These molecules are formed (activated) when hybrid systems consisting of metallic nanoparticles and semiconductor quantum dots interact with coherent light sources (laser fields). The switching process occurs via minuscule changes of the refractive index of the environment or the distance between the quantum dots and metallic nanoparticles. These changes stimulate the transition between the states of the meta-molecules in nanosecond timescales, setting up dramatic optical events that can be observed easily. These nanoswitches can be tuned by varying the intensity of the activating laser field, allowing us to adjust the switching process to occur at different values of refractive indices. The results open a new horizon for chemically, biologically, or physically triggered optical nanoswitches and nanosensors that are sensitive to ultra-small changes in the environment.
An Investigation of Correlation Region in Maneuvering Multi-Target Tracking

The statistical properties of the norm of the innovation vector, the size of the correlation region, and the probability of accepting a correct return in Maneuvering Multi-Target Tracking are investigated by means of Monte Carlo simulation with three different state models, different maneuvering accelerations of targets, and the variance of state noise. Investigation shows that the state model of maneuvering targets and the corresponding adaptive algorithm suggested previously by Zhou and Kumar have the best capability of those examined to adapt to maneuvering of targets and give relatively stable correlation region and the probability of accepting a correct return.
Raman Scattering by Hydrogenic Systems

We have calculated the cross section for Raman scattering of light from a hydrogenic atom, for a wide range of photon energies. The calculation assumes the photon encounters the atom in its ground state and excites it to the $2s$ state. Since various contributions to the matrix element may be isolated in the computation, the calculation allows one to obtain a notion of the relative importance of various classes of intermediate states in a given frequency range. We also point out that the Raman efficiency $S$ may be expressed in terms of the derivative of the electronic polarizability tensor with respect to a parameter that measures the degree of excitation of the atom. Thus, the formal expression for $S$ assumes an appearance identical to the expression encountered in the phenomenological theory of the first-order Raman effect in solids.
Self-regulation, rumination, and vulnerability to depression in adolescent girls

There is increasing evidence that with the onset of adolescence, girls experience higher rates of depression than boys. However, a comprehensive understanding of the risk factors contributing to this emerging gender difference has yet to be attained. Previous studies indicate that both self-discrepancy, the perception that one is failing to attain an important personal goal, and ruminative coping, a tendency to passively and repetitively focus on one's failure and the causes and consequences of that failure, contribute to depression and that adolescent girls are more likely to manifest each than adolescent boys. In this translational study we tested the hypothesis that, whereas both actual:ideal discrepancy and ruminative coping style would independently predict depression in adolescent girls, the combination of high levels of actual:ideal discrepancy and ruminative coping would predict more severe depressive symptoms. Analyses of cross-sectional data in a sample of 223 girls ranging from 7th through 12th grades revealed a significant main effect for ruminative coping style and a trend for actual:ideal discrepancy, as well as the predicted interaction effect. We discuss the implications of this integrative psychosocial model for the etiology, treatment, and prevention of depression in adolescent girls.
FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO RESEARCH EXCELLENCE

What factors contribute to high-quality funded research activity in research universities? What do these institutions have in common? What management strategies do they employ to encourage funded research excellence and activity? In this period of decreased or level government spending, competition for grants among research universities becomes fierce. In order to stay competitive, it is important to know what works in research management. Preliminary research has allowed us to provide some answers and to clarify some key questions on what makes a successful research program.
Application of fractal geometry to damage development and brittle fracture in materials

Abstract This article represents a first attempt to apply the concepts of fractal geometry to damage development in materials. Two extremes of material behavior were considered. In the case of unstable brittle propagation of microcracks, application of fractal geometry and weakest link statistics lead to the well-known Weibull distribution for fracture stress. The Weibull slope (shape parameter) is equal to twice the fractal dimension of the flaw distribution. For the case of stable microcrack growth, a number of simplifying assumptions led to a closed-form expression for the change in effective modulus with an increment of damage. Although an oversimplification, this latter analysis illustrates the potential value of fractal geometry in modeling damage development. Future work will be directed towards developing these initial results further.
Prospects for first-principle calculations of scintillator properties

Abstract Several scintillation processes can be modeled from first principles using quantum chemistry cluster calculations and recently available high-performance computers. These processes include the formation of excitons and trapping centers, the diffusion of ionization energy (electrons and holes) through a host crystal, and the efficient capture of these carriers by an activator atom to form a luminous, non-quenched excited state. As examples of such calculations, results are presented for (1) hole transport in the known scintillator host crystal CsI, (2) hole trapping in the non-scintillator PbF 2 , (3) hole transport in the experimentally unexplored PbF 4 , and (4) the electronic nature of excited states of CsI : Tl and CsI : Na.
Field testing of particulate matter continuous emission monitors at the DOE Oak Ridge TSCA incinerator

A field study to evaluate the performance of three commercially available particulate matter (PM) continuous emission monitors (CEMs) was conducted in 1999-2000 at the US Department of Energy (DOE) Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Incinerator. This study offers unique features that are believed to enhance the collective US experience with PM CEMs. The TSCA Incinerator is permitted to treat PCB-contaminated RCRA hazardous low-level radioactive wastes. The air pollution control system utilizes MACT control technology and is comprised of a rapid quench, venturi scrubber, packed bed scrubber, and two ionizing wet scrubbers in series, which create a saturated flue gas that must be conditioned by the CEMs prior to measurement. The incinerator routinely treats a wide variety of wastes including high and low BTU organic liquids, aqueous, and solid wastes. The various possible combinations for treating liquid and solid wastes may present a challenge in establishing a single, acceptable correlation relationship for individual CEMs. The effect of low-level radioactive material present in the waste is a unique site-specific factor not evaluated in previous tests. The three systems chosen for evaluation were two beta gauge devices and a light scattering device. The performance of the CEMs was evaluated using the requirements in draft Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Performance Specification 11 (PS11) and Procedure 2. The results of Reference Method 5i stack tests for establishing statistical correlations between the reference method data and the CEMs responses are discussed.
Oscillation and attractivity in a discrete model with quadratic nonlinearity

Let a, c [euro] (0, ∞), b [euro] [IML0001] and let k be a nonnegative integer. We obtain necessary and sufficient conditions for all positive solutions of the nonlinear difference equation [IML0002] to oscillate about its positive equilibrium. When k = 0, we obtain necessary and sufficient conditions for the positive equilibrium of Eq. (∗) to be a global attractor of all positive solutions.
Computer graphics curriculum: time for a change?

Computer graphics is a field driven by technology. Whereas the technology has changed enormously in the past 15 years, the way most computer science faculty teach computer graphics courses has not changed. The authors believe that faculty should seriously consider changing the content and approach of their computer graphics courses, and in this paper we discuss the rationale for the change and our recomendation for a new course. Note that Maria Larrondo-Petrie organized a panel session on this topic for the SIGGRAPH '94 conference (with panelists Jack Bresenham, John Lansdown, Cary Laxer and Scott Owen).
Association of distinct yeast Not2 functional domains with components of Gcn5 histone acetylase and Ccr4 transcriptional regulatory complexes

The NOT genes were originally identified in a yeast genetic screen that selected mutations resulting in increased utilization of a non-consensus TC TATA element of the HIS3 promoter. Here, we present evidence that the N-terminus of Not2 interacts with components of the Ada/Gcn5 histone acetyltransferase complex. Loss of this interaction either through abrogation of Not2 N-terminal function or deletion of ada2 or gcn5 results in derepression of the HIS3 TC element. This suggests that association of Not2 with the Ada/Gcn5 histone acetyltransferase complex is involved in regulation of the HIS3 promoter. Association between the Not and CCR4 transcriptional regulatory complexes has also been observed recently. Our phenotypic analyses suggest that these CCR4-related Not2 functions are mediated by a functionally independent domain of Not2 that includes the highly conserved C-terminus. Chimeric proteins containing the yeast Not2 N-terminus fused to the human C-terminus function in yeast, suggesting that the Not2 C-terminus represents a distinct modular domain whose function is conserved between higher and lower eukaryotes.
Computational spectrometer based on a broadband diffractive optic.

We describe a simple, compact, low-cost spectrometer comprised of a broadband diffractive optic and a sensor array. The diffractive optic is designed to disperse incident collimated light onto the sensor array in a prescribed manner defined by its spatial-spectral point-spread function. By applying a novel nonlinear optimization method, we show that it is possible to reconstruct the unknown spectrum from the measured image on the sensor array. We experimentally reconstructed numerous spectra with resolution as small as ~1nm and bandwidths as large as 450nm. Furthermore, we readily resolved two spatially overlapping but spectrally distinct objects. The spectral resolution is determined by dispersion of the diffractive optic via a spectral correlation function, while the bandwidth is limited primarily by the quantum efficiency of the sensor array. Using simulations, we present a spectral extraction of solar radiation from 300nm to 2500nm with a resolution of ~0.11nm. Moreover, our technique utilizes almost all the incident photons owing to the high transmission efficiency of the broadband diffractive optic, which allows for fast spectroscopy with dim illumination. Due to its simple construction with no moving parts, our technique could have important applications in portable, low-cost spectroscopy.
Improved evaluation methods of rice breeding material

A method of evaluation of breeding material was developed, which should be conducted in a multivariate experiment, since not all varieties are equally responsive to the “standard” growth conditions. Inclusion in the experimental scheme of such variants as different doses of mineral nutrition, seeding rates, planting dates, and salinization allow one to ensure a higher variation in productivity within 1–2 years than the long-term environmental tests.
Field enhancement on knife-edge cathodes

We extend the analysis of single rectangular-ridge field enhancement to the case of a double ridge.
On Sedentariness and Mobility: A Comment on Eder

James Eder's recent article, "The Impact of Subsistence Change on Mobility and Settlement Pattern in a Tropical Forest Foraging Economy: Some Implications for Archeology" (AA 86:837-853, 1984), makes a number of important points, two with which we disagree. Eder justifiably criticizes definitions of sedentariness and mobility employed by many anthropologists, definitions which are often vague and inconsistent. We agree with Eder that sedentariness and mobility are related but distinct behavioral patterns and should not be treated as "simple polar concepts related on a single continuum" (p. 837). In addition, Eder demonstrates the importance of many social factors to the organization of the Batak settlement-subsistence system (e.g., patron-client and trade relationships, adoption of neighboring groups' cultural values, political pressure from the national government, and the need to control interand intragroup stress). Such factors are often ignored by archeologists, particularly those who adopt a narrowly ecological perspective. Despite these contributions, we strongly disagree with Eder on two other points. First, we find Eder's threshold concept of sedentariness inadequate. Second, we believe his criticism of archeologists' use of the concepts logistical and residential mobility is not entirely appropriate. Eder (p. 844) advocates the use of a definition of sedentariness originally advanced by Rice (1975:97) and recently adopted by Rafferty (1985:115): "Sedentary settlement systems are those in which at least part of the population remains at the same location throughout the entire year." Eder stresses that sedentariness is best seen as a threshold, not a continuum. Year-round site occupation is specified as the key criterion of sedentariness though no justification for this is provided. There is apparently no requirement that the same individuals remain in residence at a site
CLINICAL AND RESEARCH ISSUES RELATED TO TEEN MOTHERS' CHILDREARING PRACTICES

As increased numbers of teen mothers choose to keep and rear their children, the topic of their childrearing abilities has become the subject of intense theorizing, philosophizing, and research. Research about the developmental deviations of teen mothers' children has suggested that teen mothers are at risk for childrearing failure. The mechanisms through which the multiple, complex, and interactive variables operate to produce the children's less than optimal developmental outcomes remain obscure. In this article selected examples of teen childrearing research are reviewed to provide the background for a discussion of selected methodological and conceptual issues. Implications for nursing practice and research are discussed in terms of a collaborative researcher-clinician effort.