cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Way of Z: Practical Programming with Formal Methods

This 1997 book is a self-contained tutorial on Z, a formal notation for modelling, specifying and designing computer systems and software, for experienced professionals and serious students in programming and software engineering. It presents realistic case studies emphasising safety-critical systems, with examples drawn from embedded controls, real-time and concurrent programming, computer graphics, games, text processing, databases, artificial intelligence, and object-oriented programming. It motivates the use of formal methods and discusses practical issues concerning how to apply them in real projects. It also teaches how to apply formal program derivation and verification to implement Z specifications in real programming languages with examples in C. The book includes exercises with solutions, reference materials, and a guide to further reading.
High-Quality School-Based Pre-K Can Boost Early Learning for Children with Special Needs

This article assesses the effects of Tulsa, Oklahoma's school-based prekindergarten program on the school readiness of children with special needs using a regression discontinuity design. Participation in the pre-K program was associated with significant gains for children with special needs in early literacy scores, but not in math scores. These gains were not statistically different from those exhibited by their classmates without special needs. Findings are interpreted as indicating that high-quality state pre-K programs can serve as effective early intervention programs for children with special needs.
Strongly nonlinear beats in the dynamics of an elastic system with a strong local stiffness nonlinearity: Analysis and identification

Abstract We consider a linear cantilever beam attached to ground through a strongly nonlinear stiffness at its free boundary, and study its dynamics computationally by the assumed-modes method. The nonlinear stiffness of this system has no linear component, so it is essentially nonlinear and nonlinearizable. We find that the strong nonlinearity mostly affects the lower-frequency bending modes and gives rise to strongly nonlinear beat phenomena. Analysis of these beats proves that they are caused by internal resonance interactions of nonlinear normal modes (NNMs) of the system. These internal resonances are not of the classical type since they occur between bending modes whose linearized natural frequencies are not necessarily related by rational ratios; rather, they are due to the strong energy-dependence of the frequency of oscillation of the corresponding NNMs of the beam (arising from the strong local stiffness nonlinearity) and occur at energy ranges where the frequencies of these NNMs are rationally related. Nonlinear effects start at a different energy level for each mode. Lower modes are influenced at lower energies due to larger modal displacements than higher modes and thus, at certain energy levels, the NNMs become rationally related, which results in internal resonance. The internal resonances of NNMs are studied using a reduced order model of the beam system. Then, a nonlinear system identification method is developed, capable of identifying this type of strongly nonlinear modal interactions. It is based on an adaptive step-by-step application of empirical mode decomposition (EMD) to the measured time series, which makes it valid for multi-frequency beating signals. Our work extends an earlier nonlinear system identification approach developed for nearly mono-frequency (monochromatic) signals. The extended system identification method is applied to the identification of the strongly nonlinear dynamics of the considered cantilever beam with the local strong nonlinear stiffness at its free end.
Water requirement of premature newborn infants.

Bell, E. F. and Oh, W. (Department of Pediatrics, Women and Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, and the Program in Medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA). Water requirement of premature newborn infants. Acta Paediatr Scand, Suppl. 305: 21–26, 1983.—Two groups of studies related to the water requirement of premature infants are reviewed. The first examined the effects of several environmental factors on insensible water loss (IWL) and oxygen consumption of 20 low-birth-weight infants. Incubator air temperature above the neutral zone increased IWL, as did the use of a radiant heat source instead of a conventional incubator. A plastic heat shield slightly reduced IWL of infants in incubators. The second group of studies examined the effects of excess water intake in premature infants. 170 infants were randomly assigned to receive “low” (average estimated requirement for birth weight and age) or “high” (excess) volume water intake. The high-volume group became dehydrated less often but had a greater incidence of patent ductus arteriosus and necrotizing enterocolitis.
Slow coronary flow complicating elective balloon angioplasty in postthrombolytic patients.

BACKGROUND Coronary blood flow after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), as judged by the clearance of contrast media from the arterial bed, is usually brisk. Reduced coronary blood flow after PTCA in the absence of arterial dissection, air embolism, and large vessel spasm is unusual and the mechanism that causes it is incompletely understood. METHODS All cases of reduced coronary blood flow after PTCA during a 12-month period were identified from a prospective database. Clinical, procedural, and angiographic findings were reviewed. RESULTS Four patients demonstrated reduced coronary flow after PTCA in the absence of intimal dissection, air embolism, or large vessel spasm. All of the patients had been treated several days earlier with thrombolytic agents for acute myocardial infarction. The reduced coronary flow developed despite pretreatment with aspirin, heparin, and vasodilators. Symptoms of myocardial ischemia developed in each patient, including myocardial necrosis in three patients, complete heart block in one, and delayed cardiac rupture in one. This syndrome was not rapidly reversed with intracoronary nitroglycerin and thrombolytic agents. CONCLUSIONS Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty of recently lysed or freshly thrombotic coronary arteries may predispose to the activation of potent vasoconstrictors or distal embolization of microparticulate atherothrombotic debris, leading to slow coronary flow and myocardial ischemia.
Attitudes of Alumni and Corporations Toward International Business Education

As a preliminary step in increasing the international dimensions of the College of Business Administration at the University of Notre Dame, questionnaires were sent out to both alumni and potential employers of business graduates. These surveys were aimed at determining the importance of international business in the college curriculum and determining what aspects of international business education are most important. This paper emphasizes the similarity of responses obtained from these two diverse groups.
Neural networks with hierarchically correlated patterns.

The Hopfield model of neural networks is extended to allow for the storage and retrieval of hierarchically correlated patterns. The overlaps between these patterns form an ultrametric tree. Intermediate states, which serve as ancestors for the following levels, are generated at each level of the tree. The states belonging to each level are stored, by a modified learning rule, in a series of identical networks, one for each level. The retrieval of a particular pattern is preceded and assisted by the successive retrieval of its ancestors. The performance of this scheme is studied analytically and numerically.
Concepts of a data base simulation language

Performance modelling of data base systems requires taking into consideration the complex interactions between the different physical design parameters and the system workload parameters. In order to facilitate a data base designer in evaluating various implementation strategies, a simulation language is presented which has three distinct components (1) data definition (2) query definition and (3) mapping to storage definition. A number of features characterize this type of descriptive mechanism. First, the system workload parameters (1 and 2) must be described in terms of statistical distributions, which implies that the storage structure is subject to the same stochastic variability. Secondly, the level of detail required to describe mappings to storage for simulation purposes is lower than that required by standard data definition or mapping languages. The process of embedding a structure in storage is decomposed into a number of steps, each introducing additional implementation oriented details.
Both indoleamine and phenylethylamine hallucinogens increase serotonin in both dorsal and median raphe neurons.

Abstract Administration of either indoleamine or phenylethylamine hallucinogens selectively increased the level of serotonin within cell bodies of both the dorsal and median raphe nuclei. Changes in intracellular serotonin levels were quantitated by a new cytofluorimetric technique which relies on a measure of fluorescence fading to detect changes in serotonin and distinguish them from changes in catecholamines.
The effects of fir coneworm, Dioryctria abietivorella (Grote) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), on seed production in small, isolated populations of red pine, Pinus resinosa Ait.

Abstract Red pine (Pinus resinosa Ait.) is a rare endemic species in Newfoundland, where it occurs in small, isolated stands at the northeastern extreme of its geographic range. During 1989 and 1990, the fir coneworm, Dioryctria abietivorella (Grote), infested the entire cone crop in two of six natural red pine stands in eastern Newfoundland while the average incidence of coneworm in the remaining four stands was 89% in 1989 and 83% in 1990. Incidence of fir coneworm averaged 25% (1989) and 22% (1990) of the cone crop in five natural stands from a population in western Newfoundland. Following a bumper cone crop in all conifers in 1988, high numbers of fir coneworm became concentrated in red pine which has produced consistently good cone crops for 3 consecutive years, while cone production has been sporadic in other conifers. The coneworm infestation reduced the number of full seeds per cone by 93%, and cone size by 17% in severely infested trees of the eastern Newfoundland red pine population. High seed losses documented in 1989 and 1990 demonstrate the effects of stochastic events on reproductive success in rare populations, and the potential adaptive value of sporadic cone crops in limiting seed losses. The number of full seeds per cone was reduced by only 11%, with no significant reduction in cone size, in the lightly infested trees in western Newfoundland. However, trees from the eastern population compensated for low numbers of full seeds per cone by producing significantly larger seeds, thereby compensating for losses in seed number by increasing the average fitness or quality of the remaining full seeds. If coneworm infestations continue at current high levels for an extended time, reproductive success in the small, fragmented red pine population of eastern Newfoundland may be adversely affected.
A limit theorem on the core with differential information

Abstract In an economy with differential information, core allocations tend to favor those who have superior information. In this paper, we show that as the economy gets replicated, this informational advantage diminishes, and disappears in the limit.
Evaluation of Left Ventricular Function by Echocardiography

Ventricular minor-axis dimensions were measured by echocardiography at end-systole (S8) and end-diastole (SD) in five groups of patients: (I) normal; (II) mitral stenosis; (III) compensated volume overload; (IV) idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis; and (V) congestive heart failure. Cardiac pump function was evaluated by determination of left ventricular volumes and ejection fraction (EF) from the echographic dimensions using formulae previously reported. The mean velocity of circumferential fiber shortening (VCF), a parameter of cardiac muscle performance previously obtained only by invasive methods, was determined from the echographic dimensions by the formula:[See Equation in PDF File]. The duration of minor-axis shortening (dt) was measured directly from the echocardiogram. Dimension and volume measurements in these groups of patients were similar to those reported in similar patients determined by angiographic methods. Measurement of the relative changes in echographic dimensions with systole (...
The effect of centrifugation on plant cells

Since the first studies on the effects of centrifuging plant cells had their stimulus in the study of geotropism, it is of interest to review briefly the history of this development. Perhaps no subject has been of greater interest to the botanist than that of the effect of gravity upon the growing plant. This is substantiated by the fact that since the early mention by Denis (1672) of the responses of plants to gravity there have appeared over 1500 publications on this general subject. (Literature listed periodically by Christiansen, 1917-1929.) In view of the fact that plants show definite responses to gravity (stems growing vertically upward, primary roots vertically downward, etc.), it occurred to Knight (1806) to subject them to gravitational forces many times greater than normal which he obtained by means of a centrifuge. Taking advantage of a small stream which ran through his garden, Knight devised a water wheel in such a way that plants could be attached in various positions at the periphery of the wheel and rotated rapidly around a vertical axis, thus developing a force similar to gravity, but many times greater. This and other experiments of Knight were the first to show that plants respond in a characteristic way to centrifugal force; the roots growing radially away from (centrifugally), and the shoots radially toward the centre of the wheel (centripetally). Thus, centrifugal force determines the orientation of the seedlings much in the same way as does gravity normally. Following the work of Knight several additional studies were made upon centrifuging plants, particularly by Sachs (1875) who employed the klinostat. The main object of these experiments, however, was focused upon the reactions of the plant as a whole, or of its organs to centrifugal force. Dehnecke (1880) observed that in the cells of the starch sheath of Impatiens, the large starch grains fall to the lower end of the cell 132
Modeling changes in salmon spawning and rearing habitat associated with river channel restoration 1

Abstract The River2D two‐dimensional hydraulic and habitat model was used to simulate fall‐run chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tschawytscha) spawning and fry and juvenile rearing habitat before and after restoration of stream channel sites for a range of streamflows on the Merced River and Clear Creek, California. For the Merced River, hydraulic and structural data were collected for four sites before and after restoration, representing all habitat types within the restoration reach. Habitat simulated for these sites was extrapolated to the entire restoration reach based on habitat mapping. For Clear Creek, hydraulic and structural data were collected for four sites before restoration and pre‐restoration habitat was simulated. The topographic plan for the restoration was used to simulate habitat after restoration. While the restoration generally increased spawning habitat, it was less successful for rearing habitat. The results of this modeling show how they can be used in a cost‐effective adaptive managemen...
The relationship between gender and age of first concern in toddlers with autism spectrum disorders

Abstract The current study examined the relationship between ethnicity and the age at which parents first become concerned about their children's development in 1478 toddlers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and atypical development. Based on the current findings, there were no racial/ethnic differences in age of parent's first concerns. Caregivers of toddlers with ASD first developed concerns around the same time independent of which ethnic groups they belong to. In addition, the age of caregivers’ first concerns was significantly younger for those with ASD compared to those who are atypically developing without an ASD diagnosis. Implications regarding these findings are discussed.
Characterization and modeling of geometric variations in McKibben pneumatic artificial muscles

This paper presents experimental data on the actuation properties of McKibben muscles constructed with varying bladder pre-strain and thickness. The tests determine quasi-static force-length relationships during extension and contraction, for muscles constructed with unstretched bladder lengths 50%, 67%, and 100% of the stretched muscle length, as well as two different wall thicknesses of the rubber. Existing models do not adequately describe the effects of these variations, making it difficult to determine the best geometry for an application. The quasi-static actuator force and maximum contraction length are found to depend strongly on the thickness and modulus of the rubber, as well as the amount of pre-strain. A model is presented to better predict force-length characteristics from geometric parameters. It accounts for the nonlinear elastic properties of the bladder as well as friction. It includes axial force generated by stretching the bladder during construction, and it also describes the hoop stress created by radial expansion of the bladder, which partially counteracts the internal fluid pressure that presses outward on the mesh, thus reducing both axial force and friction between the mesh and bladder. The hyperelastic rubber bladder is modeled as a Mooney-Rivlin incompressible solid. The axial force generated by the mesh is found directly from contact forces rather than from potential energy. The model closely matches the experimental data on wall thickness, while the effects of bladder pre-stretching are not fully explained. A thick-walled bladder model is shown to improve the fit.
Colocalization of α-Neo-endorphin and dynorphin immunoreactivity in hypothalamic neurons

Abstract Evidence is presented for a concomitant storage of α-Neo-endorphin and dynorphin immunoreactivities in neurons of the rat brain. Antisera were raised against the structurally related opioid peptides dynorphin(1–17) and α-Neo-endorphin. Both antisera were highly specific for their respective antigen. Thus, the α-Neo-endorphin antisera did not crossreact with dynorphin and the dynorphin antisera did not crossreact with α-Neo-endorphin. Both antisera were also not cross-reactive with leu-enkephalin which is contained within the sequence of both dynorphin and α-Neo-endorphin. The antisera were used for immunofluorescent staining of frozen sections through brains from rats which had been treated with colchicine 48 hours prior to death. Both antisera revealed strong and specific immunoreactivities of magnocellular neurons in the supraoptic, retrochiasmatic supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei. Neuronal fiber systems in various areas of the brain were also labeled by the two antisera. Consecutive immunostaining of the same sections, first with dynorphin antisera and — after electrophoretic elution of the antibodies — with α-Neo-endorphin antisera or vice versa, showed that immunoreactivities for the two peptides are contained within the same hypothalamic magnocellular neurons. The neuronal fiber systems for α-Neo-endorphin and dynorphin also showed a close overlap. These studies demonstrating colocalization raise the question as to whether the two peptides have a common origin from a single precursor molecule.
Effect of steam temperature speed of cooling and cutin disruption in steam and lye peeling of apples

A laboratory model steam peeler was adapted to accept superheated steam and direct injection of cold water in order to study the effect of rapid heating with superheated steam and rapid cooling under partial vacuum on the peeling efficiency of‘Red Delicious’apples. A test was also designed to determine the effect of physical disruption of the cutin layer on the efficiency of caustic peeling. Steam peeling resulted in higher peeled yields and brighter product color than caustic peeling. The peeled yields were 97.5% for superheated steam-peeled apples with flash cooling, 91.7% for caustic peeled fruit which had a prepeel treatment to physically disrupt the cutin layer, 85.8% for conventionally caustic-peeled fruit, and 82.7% for the mechanically peeled control.
Contact mechanics models and algorithms for dome polishing with UltraForm Finishing (UFF)

UltraForm Finishing (UFF) is a new deterministic subaperture computer numerically controlled (CNC) polisher. Because UFF uses compliant tools with large contact patches, the depth of removal is prescribed by adjusting the tool crossfeed velocity. The equations for the depth of removal as the tool traverses an axisymmetric part are derived. The form correction problem consists in solving these equations by adjusting the tool crossfeed velocity to achieve a desired removal profile. The solution must satisfy constraints on the tool velocity and acceleration. Solutions for flats, spheres and aspheres are achieved by treating the problem as a constrained optimization after writing the depth of removal equations in matrix form. The solutions were validated experimentally. The removal function is evaluated by making a removal spot for one set of process parameters. Its variations, as a function of the process parameters, are predicted by using Hertz contact theory and the Preston equation. To prevent tool-part collisions and to analyze part and spot measurements, algorithms were developed for the tool path and evaluation of metrology inputs.
Effect of Missing Data on Estimates of Near-Surface Temperature Change since 1900

Abstract It has been suggested that the apparent warming of the earth's surface during the twentieth century may be biased by large changes in the coverage of surface temperature measurements since 1900. This issue is investigated using climate model simulations. By imposing observed coverage changes on simulated surface temperatures, estimates are obtained of twentieth-century temperature change for both full global coverage and for actual historical coverage. In 10 out of 16 simulations including human climate perturbations, the temperature change from the globally complete model output is significantly larger than that derived from the historically masked model output. The remaining six simulations show no significant difference between complete and masked model output. Thus, these results do not support the hypothesis that the increase in the earth's surface temperature has been overestimated because of incomplete observational data. Rather, if the simulations analyzed are realistic, the true temperat...
Circadian Rhythms in Neurospora Crassa: Farnesol or Geraniol Allow Expression of Rhythmicity in the Otherwise Arrhythmic Strains frq 10, wc-1, and wc-2:

In Neurospora crassa, the circadian rhythm can be seen in the bd (band) strain as a series of “bands” or conidiation (spore-forming) regions on the surface of an agar medium. Certain mutations at 3 different genes (frq, wc-1,or wc-2) lead to the loss of the circadian rhythm. In this study, it was found that the addition of 10-4 to 10-5 M of geraniol or farnesol restored rhythmic banding to strains that lack a circadian rhythm due to mutations in any 1 of these 3 genes. These 3 conditionally arrhythmic strains now exhibited robust, free-running conidiation rhythms. Their rhythms were neither temperature-compensated nor obviously sensitive to light, so the full properties of a circadian rhythm were not restored. At 20 °C, in growth tubes, farnesol treatment gave periods of 28, 26, and 22 h for the frq10, wc-1, and wc-2 strains, respectively. Geraniol treatment at 20 °C gave periods of 23, 25.5, and 24.5 h for the frq10, wc-1, and wc-2 strains, respectively. A PRC for temperature pulses (1 h, 20 to 40 °C) fo...
Three views of “guest workers” in the United States

Purpose – The effects of the US guest worker program on the home country have not been documented. Jamaica has been a popular source of employees for the hospitality industry. This paper aims to evaluate the effects of the US guest worker program on Jamaica, the Jamaican hotel industry, and Jamaican guest workers.Design/methodology/approach – Data from structured interviews with key persons in the Jamaican government, hoteliers in Jamaica, and Jamaican guest workers in the USA were analyzed to demonstrate the impact of this program from three viewpoints. Content analysis and frequency were the research methods that were used to analyze the findings.Findings – Strong support for the workers by the Jamaican government was documented. While the Jamaican hoteliers are affected by a shortage of good workers, they accept the program because of the advantages to the workers and the economy. Advantages of the program from the workers' perspectives were the economic value of the program and the ability to learn ab...
Comparison of Risk Stratification Schemes to Predict Thromboembolism in People With Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation

Objectives We assessed 5 risk stratification schemes for their ability to predict atrial fibrillation (AF)–related thromboembolism in a large community-based cohort. Background Risk schemes can help target anticoagulant therapy for patients at highest risk for AF–related thromboembolism. We tested the predictive ability of 5 risk schemes: the Atrial Fibrillation Investigators, Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation, CHADS 2 (Congestive heart failure, Hypertension, Age ≥ 75 years, Diabetes mellitus, and prior Stroke or transient ischemic attack) index, Framingham score, and the 7th American College of Chest Physicians Guidelines. Methods We followed a cohort of 13,559 adults with AF for a median of 6.0 years. Among non-warfarin users, we identified incident thromboembolism (ischemic stroke or peripheral embolism) and risk factors from clinical databases. Each scheme was divided into low, intermediate, and high predicted risk categories and applied to the cohort. Annualized thromboembolism rates and c-statistics (to assess discrimination) were calculated for each risk scheme. Results We identified 685 validated thromboembolic events that occurred during 32,721 person-years off warfarin therapy. The risk schemes had only fair discriminating ability, with c-statistics ranging from 0.56 to 0.62. The proportion of patients assigned to individual risk categories varied widely across the schemes. The proportion categorized as low risk ranged from 11.7% to 37.1% across schemes, and the proportion considered high risk ranged from 16.4% to 80.4%. Conclusions Current risk schemes have comparable, but only limited, overall ability to predict thromboembolism in persons with AF. Recommendations for antithrombotic therapy may vary widely depending on which scheme is applied for individual patients. Better risk stratification is crucially needed to improve selection of AF patients for anticoagulant therapy.
Diffusion MR imaging: clinical applications.

Water self-diffusion, a recently discovered source of contrast on MR images, has already shown promise for some clinical applications. Most studies have been of the brain, essentially for technical reasons. Diffusion is useful in distinguishing the different components of brain tumors (cystic regions, edema, necrosis) from the tumor core itself. Recent studies have shown that diffusion is anisotropic in brain white matter (i.e., dependent on the fiber tract's orientation in space), offering new insights into myelin disorders. Diffusion is also dramatically altered in the minutes following ischemic injury in the cat brain, which may have tremendous impact for the diagnosis and management of hyperacute stroke. With ultrafast acquisition schemes, diffusion imaging has also been used outside the CNS, for instance, in the eye and kidney. Future applications include diffusion-localized spectroscopy and temperature imaging. This article reviews recent progress in this field and suggests potential applications.
Universality classes for deterministic surface growth.

A scaling theory for the generalized deterministic Kardar-Parisi-Zhang (1986) equation with beta greater than 1, is developed to study the growth of a surface through deterministic local rules. A one-dimensional surface model corresponding to beta = 1 is presented and solved exactly. The model can be studied as a limiting case of ballistic deposition, or as the deterministic limit of the Eden (1961) model. The scaling exponents, the correlation functions, and the skewness of the surface are determined. The results are compared with those of Burgers' (1974) equation for the case of beta = 2.
Plant regeneration from leaf explants of Rhododendron ‘P.J.M. Hybrids’

Abstract This paper describes full plant regeneration from leaf explants of Rhododendron ‘P.J.M. Hybrids’. Pre-culture of leaves on a pre-conditioning medium containing 10 μM indolebutyric acid (IBA) and 50 μM isopentenyladenine (2iP) for 2 weeks before transfer to shoot multiplication medium increased explant survival to greater than 90% as compared with 0–50% when a pre-conditioning treatment was not used. On shoot differentiation medium containing IBA and thidiazuron (TDZ), explant survival was high and more than 90 adventitious shoots per leaf explant were produced after 16 weeks. However, the majority of shoots were short and the number of shoots greater than 10 mm long was very low. When 2iP was tested in place of TDZ, explant survuval was lower, but up to 52 adventitious shoots were obtained per explant after 16 weeks and they tended to be longer than when TDZ was used. When some of the shoots formed on TDZ-containing medium were transferred to medium containing 1 μM IBA and 50 μM 2iP, they elongated and could be used more easily for rooting. Adventitious shoots removed directly from leaves on medium with TDZ rooted 0–73% compared with 74–100% rooting from shoots that formed on leaves cultured on the 2iP-containing medium.
The mortality muzzle: The effect of death thoughts on attitudes toward national security and a watchdog press

This study, based on terror management theory, employs an experiment to examine how the thought of death affects people’s attitudes toward a watchdog press. Findings suggest that people who most value national security demonstrate less support for a watchdog press when primed to think of death than security-minded participants in a control group. The results provide one potential explanation for rally-around-the-flag effects and for why some people more strongly oppose journalists criticizing the government during times of mortal strife, such as war or terrorist attacks. Implications discussed include suggestions, based on theory, for preventing these attitudinal shifts, and the application of terror management theory to other areas of political communication research.
Input admittance and complete near-field distribution of an annular aperture antenna driven by a coaxial line

An annular aperture antenna driven by a coaxial transmission line is studied. An analytical and closed-form expression for input admittance is obtained. The effect of all higher order TM on to the admittance is found to be quite significant. Aperture field distribution is expressed in terms of the TEM and the first five TM on modes. Higher order modes at the aperture can be estimated from the edge behavior. Near-field distribution based upon these modes is then cast into a form suitable for numerical evaluation.
The effect of semipurified diets containing two levels (20% and 40%) of either casein or soybean protein isolate and concentrate on plasma lipids in hamsters

Abstract Six groups of 10 F 1 B hamsters were fed cholesterol-enriched (0.1%) semipurified diets containing two levels (20% and 40%) of casein, soybean protein isolate, and soybean protein concentrate. The hamsters fed the 20% casein diet had higher plasma cholesterol levels (7.05±1.38 mmol/L, Mean± SD, n=10) than those fed the 20% soybean protein isolate (5.73±0.64 mmol/L) or the 20% soybean protein concentrate (5.39±0.63 mmol/L). Increasing the proportion of dietary casein, soybean protein isolate, and soybean protein concentrate from 20% to 40% increase dthe plasma cholesterol concentrations, irrespective of the type of protein in the diet; however, the hamsters fed the 40% casein diets had higher plasma cholesterol concentrations (10.47±4.55 mmol/L) than those fed the 40% soybean protein isolate (7.12±0.88 mmol/L) and 40% soybean protein concentrate (6.34±0.74 mmol/L). Differences in plasma cholesterol levels between the various groups were reflected in differences in very low density and low density lipoprotein (VLDL+LDL) cholesterol levels, and there were no significant differences between the high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol concentrations. Thus, the results of these studies (a) confirm the differential cholesterolemic effect of dietary casein and soybean protein in the hamster and show in addition (b) that increasing the proportion of protein in the diet increased the plasma cholesterol levels, irrespective of the type of protein.
Analysis of the effects of duty cycle constraints in multiple-input converters for photovoltaic applications

A multiple-input converter for photovoltaic-powered communication sites is analyzed. The study shows that the duty cycles of a multiple-input converter, which control the power delivered by each source, may have practical limitations when each photovoltaic module attempts to achieve its own maximum power point at the same time. This paper discusses an alternative circuit that has two coupled inductors in a common output stage, which may enable the multiple-input converter to overcome the limited duty cycles. The relationship between the duty cycles and the power supplied by each input is derived mathematically in order to theoretically analyze the effects given by the limitations. Power budgeting with respect to each source is also demonstrated with simulations.
Estimating unique soil hydraulic parameters for sandy media from multi-step outflow experiments

Abstract Estimating unique soil hydraulic parameters is required to provide input for numerical models simulating transient water flow in the vadose zone. In this paper, we analyze the capability of six soil hydraulic functions to provide unique parameter sets for sandy soils from multi-step outflow data. Initial parameter estimates and experimental boundary conditions were explored to determine their affect on the uniqueness of soil hydraulic functions. Of the hydraulic functions tested, the lognormal distribution–Mualem (LDM) function provided the best performance and a unique solution for error-free numerically generated multi-step outflow data. For experimental multi-step outflow data with inherent measurement errors, the LDM function again showed better performance and uniqueness than the van Genuchten–Mualem and Gardner–Mualem functions. In experiments with different boundary conditions, the LDM function provided the best fitting ability, resulting in unique parameter sets when the intrinsic permeability ( k ) was fixed at its measured value. The experiment that had a greater number of pneumatic pressure steps, thereby causing a lower flow rate, provided better fitting ability and more unique solutions than faster experiments.
Treating Depression in Well Older Adults: Use of Diaries in Cognitive Therapy

A study was conducted with 103 community-based, low-income, well elderly persons who resided in high-rise apartments and were functionally independent. The nursing framework was Roy and Roberts' (1981) adaptation model and techniques from Beck's (1976) theory on cognitive therapy. This study had the dual purpose of determining nurses' ability to identify normal adaptive reactive depression and use techniques from cognitive therapy for depressed subjects. These nurses were able to identify depression using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (third edition, revised) guidelines with 92% accuracy. Participants were divided into three groups: control group, craps group, and experimental group. Over 8 weeks, the experimental group received nursing intervention aimed at reinforcing positive input thought patterns. Daily diaries were used for discussion. The experimental group demonstrated a significant reduction in depressive symptoms. The group receiving craft classes decreased their depr...
Inter-hemispheric comparison of visual stimuli in the pigeon.

Monocularly trained pigeons show inter-hemispheric reversal of left–right mirror images. This cannot be explained by binocular “confusion”. Pigeons were monocularly trained to discriminate between crossed lines and parallel oblique lines. The response in binocular viewing conditions showed that pigeons do not confuse crossed and oblique lines when each line is simultaneously presented to opposite eyes.
Measuring the top quark Yukawa coupling at a linear e+ e- collider

The cross section for the reaction ${e}^{+}{e}^{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}t\overline{t}H$ depends sensitively on the top quark Yukawa coupling ${\ensuremath{\lambda}}_{t}.$ We calculate the rate for $t\overline{t}H$ production, followed by the decay $\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{H}b\overline{b},$ for a standard model Higgs boson with $100 \mathrm{GeV}l~{m}_{H}l~130 \mathrm{GeV}.$ We interface with ISAJET to generate QCD radiation, hadronization and particle decays. We also calculate the dominant $t\overline{t}b\overline{b}$ backgrounds from electroweak and QCD processes. We consider both semileptonic and fully hadronic decays of the $t\overline{t}$ system. In our analysis, we attempt a full reconstruction of the top quark and W boson masses in the generated events. The invariant mass of the remaining b jets should show evidence of Higgs boson production. We estimate the accuracy with which ${\ensuremath{\lambda}}_{t}$ can be measured at a linear ${e}^{+}{e}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ collider. Our results, including statistical but not systematic errors, show that the top quark Yukawa coupling can be measured to 6--8 % accuracy with 1000 ${\mathrm{fb}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ at ${E}_{\mathrm{c}.\mathrm{m}.}=1 \mathrm{TeV},$ assuming 100% efficiency for b-jet tagging. The accuracy of the measurement drops to 17--22 % if only a 60% efficiency for b tagging is achieved.
New classes of tough composite materials—Lessons from natural rigid biological systems

Abstract The structures and properties of a new class of composite materials, containing a predominantly high volume fraction ceramic or glass phase, combined with minor organic (adhesive) phases, have been studied. These composites have unusual combinations of mechanical properties, such as stiffness, strength, and toughness. They are based on the architecture of a rigid natural material, the nacre structure, such as those found in the shells of the abalone Haliotis rufescens , and those of other mollusk shells. The mechanisms underlying these properties have also been studied. Analogs (utilizing high-performance engineering materials), that mimic many of the mechanisms underlying those superior combinations of properties, have been built. The results of the foregoing investigations are discussed. It was found that the toughness of segmented composite beams which have high volume fractions of ceramic (89 v / o ) exceeded those of continuous layered beams, as well as the monolithic ceramic (alumina) on which they are based.
Authors@UF Campus Conversation Series: A Case Study

The Authors@UF program series emerged to showcase the scholarship and creativity of faculty, creating an intellectual forum within the academic library, and providing informal, extra-curriculum, academic engagement between students and faculty outside the classroom. This article identifies steps to launch an author program, and considerations in finding authors, locating the event, publicizing, budgeting, catering, selling books, and creating an off-shoot vehicle (i.e., “The Authors@UF Bookshelf”) to place University of Florida (UF) authors in the institutional repository. This new UF program embraced current academic library service trends, expanded roles for library liaisons, and advanced the library's fundamental role as an intellectual forum for the campus community.
Separation of branched from linear DNA by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis

A general method for separating branched DNA molecules, such as replication forks and recombination intermediates, from linear forms has been developed. Using as a model a stable X-shaped molecule constructed in vitro, it was found that this branched form migrated more slowly during agarose gel electrophoresis than did a linear form of the same mass. Higher agarose concentrations and higher electrophoretic voltages enhanced the extent of retardation. These properties provided the basis for an electrophoretic method of separating branched from linear molecules by variation of agarose concentration and voltage over two dimensions. In the first dimension, concentration and voltage were low; in the second, both parameters were increased, thereby forcing X-shaped molecules to migrate to positions distinct from a diagonal arc of linear molecules. In addition, two-dimensional electrophoresis was capable of separating X-shaped forms of different mass from each other, as well as from linear molecules.
Preparation, electrical and photoelectrochemical properties of magnesium doped iron oxide sintered discs

Sintered discs of magnesium substituted iron oxides have been prepared by gel routes or classical solid state reaction techniques and their crystallographic, electrical, and photoelectrochemical properties examined. The discs, sintered between 1200 and 1400/sup 0/C for 20 hours, contain both ..alpha..-Fe/sub 2/O/sub 3/ and a spinel phase. The electrical properties of the discs have been correlated with spinel concentration, the electrical resistivity decreasing with increasing spinel content. The materials were found to be consistently n-type by Seebeck voltage measurements. Photoelectrochemical measurements in aqueous solution showed, however, that the sintered disc electrodes exhibit photocathodic currents that are characteristic of p-type semiconductors. Evidence is presented which suggests that inhomogeneities in the near surface region of the discs are responsible for the observed photoelectrochemical properties.
Failure to obtain desired postpartum sterilization: risk and predictors

Objective The aim of this study was to assess the rate of and risk factors for not obtaining postpartum sterilization among women who expressed a desire for sterilization during antepartum care. Methods In this retrospective study, we identified a cohort of women who expressed desire for postpartum sterilization at our center between March 2002 and November 2003. We compared women who did and those who did not undergo the procedure, based on demographic, antenatal, and intrapartum factors. Results Of the 712 women who expressed desire for postpartum sterilization during antepartum care, 327 (46%) did not undergo the procedure. In multivariable analysis, women who were between the ages of 21 and 25 years (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0.56, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.35-0.89), were African American (OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.47-1.00), requested sterilization in the second trimester (OR 0.50, 95% CI 0.29-0.86)), and had a vaginal delivery (OR 0.21, 95% CI 0.14-0.32) rather than cesarean delivery were least likely to undergo postpartum sterilization. Conclusion Despite their initial request, only 54% of women in our sample underwent sterilization. Young age, African-American race, request in the second trimester, and vaginal delivery were significantly associated with not undergoing sterilization. Our data suggest that providers should counsel all women who desire postpartum sterilization about the wide array of contraceptive methods available, with the understanding that approximately half of all women may not undergo the sterilization procedure. Level of evidence II-2.
Hindered Rotational Diffusion and Rotational Jumps of Single Molecules

We extended the sensitivity of fluorescence polarization anisotropy measurements to the single molecule level by studying the polarization response of single fluorophores rapidly rotating in liquid. Comparison with a simple model calculation allows us to obtain information on the hindered motion as well as on the rotational diffusion in the presence of specific molecular interactions. We also observed rotational jumps between surface-bound and unbound states and show that they are, similar to jumps to long dark states, photoactivated.
K∗±(892) Production in π−N interactions at 200 GeV/c

Abstract K ∗± (892) production is studied in the reaction π − N → K S 0 K S 0 + X where X includes up to five observed charged particles. An excess of K ∗− over K ∗+ is observed for Feynman- x > 0.1. The ratio of K ∗+ to K ∗− decreases with x as predicted by QCD counting rules. K S 0 and K ∗ production are compared to recent D and D ∗ data from other experiments.
A study on optimization of hybrid drive train using Advanced Vehicle Simulator (ADVISOR)

Abstract This study investigates the advantages and disadvantages of three hybrid drive train configurations: series, parallel, and “through-the-ground” parallel. Power flow simulations are conducted with the MATLAB/Simulink-based software ADVISOR. These simulations are then applied in an application for the UC Davis SAE Formula Hybrid vehicle. ADVISOR performs simulation calculations for vehicle position using a combined backward/forward method. These simulations are used to study how efficiency and agility are affected by the motor, fuel converter, and hybrid configuration. Three different vehicle models are developed to optimize the drive train of a vehicle for three stages of the SAE Formula Hybrid competition: autocross, endurance, and acceleration. Input cycles are created based on rough estimates of track geometry. The output from these ADVISOR simulations is a series of plots of velocity profile and energy storage State of Charge that provide a good estimate of how the Formula Hybrid vehicle will perform on the given course. The most noticeable discrepancy between the input cycle and the actual velocity profile of the vehicle occurs during deceleration. A weighted ranking system is developed to organize the simulation results and to determine the best drive train configuration for the Formula Hybrid vehicle. Results show that the through-the-ground parallel configuration with front-mounted motors achieves an optimal balance of efficiency, simplicity, and cost. ADVISOR is proven to be a useful tool for vehicle power train design for the SAE Formula Hybrid competition. This vehicle model based on ADVISOR simulation is applicable to various studies concerning performance and efficiency of hybrid drive trains.
Popper and Bohr on Realism in Quantum Mechanics

Popper's program in the foundations of quantum mechanics defending objectivity and realism developed out of a profound dissatisfaction with the point of view associated with Bohr, which is usually designated the Copenhagen interpretation. Here I will argue that while Popper's aim is a noble one, his program does not succeed on two counts: he does not succeed in showing that Bohr's philosophy must be rejected as a variety of subjectivism, and his alternative interpretation of indeterminacy rests on a highly questionable assumption according to which simultaneously precise conjugate parameters are possible. Nevertheless I like Popper's propensity interpretation of probability and think that the propensity idea deserves further research. Quanta 2012; 1: 33–57.