cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sensitivity analysis of a scrap tire embankment using Bayesian influence diagrams

Abstract Scrap tires have several properties that make them preferable to other materials as fills for embankment construction, including light weight (the dry unit weight is 1/3 that of soils), high hydraulic conductivity (up to 23.5 cm/s), and low thermal conductivity. These properties of scrap tire fills result in low lateral pressures on the abutment wall and in reduced design and construction costs. The low thermal conductivity helps to prevent permafrost action of soil layers beneath it and failure of the subgrade due to frost penetration. However, scrap tires possess high compressibility, a property that leads to settlement of the fill and consequent failure of the embankment. Other undesirable attributes of scrap tire embankments are susceptibility to internal heating and leaching of substances into surrounding water. An efficient means of controlling such undesirable attributes in the field is by comparing them with those simulated from a model embankment developed using Bayesian influence diagrams. In this work, the essential responses simulated using the Analytica ® software program are the temperature, lateral pressure, settlements, and leachate characteristics. The most critical embankment characteristics, based on the maximum probability densities, are the settlement and horizontal pressures, which are relatively low at 0.428 and 0.0034, respectively, because the likelihood that these values will be exceeded in the field is high. Temperature response was not considered critical because the maximum probability density simulated was 0.9301. Limits for leachate concentrations were also obtained for the model embankment based on ASTM D 6270 (1998) standards.
Novel Quaternary Metal-Rich Phosphides: Stabilization by Differential Fractional Site Occupancies and Polar Intermetallic Bonding

The new phosphide Hf5Nb5Ni3P5 has been prepared by arc-melting of a pressed stoichiometric mixture of HfP, Nb, and Ni. Single crystals suitable for the structure determination were obtained after annealing in an induction furnace at 1350 °C. Hf5Nb5Ni3P5 crystallizes in the hexagonal space group P62m (No. 189). The early transition metal atoms Hf and Nb are found on three crystallographically different sites, with refined occupancies of 100% Hf for the M1, 59.5(4)% Hf and 40.5(4)% Nb for the M2, and 13.1(6)% Hf and 86.9(6)% Nb for the M3 site. Small variations of the Hf to Nb ratio are possible, occurring with significantly different lattice parameters. The early transition elements form a three-dimensional framework with numerous M−M (M = Hf, Nb) interactions, including Ni and P in its trigonal prismatic voids. The differential fractional site occupancies can be understood on the basis of the different preferences of Hf and Nb to form M−M, M−Ni, and M−P bonds. The metallic character is confirmed by the P...
Simulation of a cobalt silicide/Si hetero-nanocrystal memory

A nanocrystal memory using CoSi2/Si hetero-nanocrystals as floating gate was proposed. Numerical investigations on the writing, erasing and retention were performed. The hetero-structure provides an extra quantum well for the charge to achieve much longer retention time while maintains a writing/erasing speed similar to that of Si nanocrystal memory.
Is there a correlation between the number of mutagens and the number of nonmutagens in an environmental sample

Abstract We have adapted a procedure which was developed for studying the correlations in the distribution of genetic factors, such as sex ratios in siblings, to obtain estimates of the correlation between the number of mutagens and the number of nonmutagens in a sample. Positive correlations with correlation coefficients in excess of 0.8 were obtained. The high correlation suggests that it is possible to estimate the number of mutagens in samples with N > 100 compounds as (0.064 ± 0.01) N .
Characterization of seven antihistamines, their N-oxides and related metabolites by fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry and fast atom bombardment tandem mass spectrometry

We have examined the synthetic N-oxides of five ethylenediamine-type antihistamines using fast atom bombardment (FAB) mass spectrometry and FAB tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). Fragmentation of the protonated molecule in the normal and collisionally activated spectra appeared to be characteristic for this class of antihistamine N-oxide. Spectra were also acquired from an ethanolamine and a propylamine antihistamine N-oxide for comparison. These results were very similar to those obtained from biologically produced antihistamine N-oxides, as well as isomeric metabolites, which were readily distinguished from the N-oxides by characteristic fragmentation. In addition, a prominent ion 16 daltons lower in mass, which has been attributed to loss of elemental oxygen from the protonated N-oxide in chemical ionization mass spectral studies, was shown to be a matrix-dependent product of the solution-phase reduction of the antihistamine N-oxide to the parent antihistamine during FAB ionization. These results demonstrate that with a non-reducing matrix such as glycerol, FAB mass spectrometry and FAB MS/MS are excellent methods for the characterization of the non-conjugated antihistamine metabolites such as the N-oxides.
Replica-based crack inspection

Surface replication has been proposed as a method for crack detection in space-shuttle main engine flowliner slots. The results of a feasibility study show that examination of surface replicas with a scanning electron microscope can result in the detection of cracks as small as 0.005 inch, and surface flaws as small as 0.001 inch, for the flowliner material.
Modulation of the intestinal microbiota alters colitis-associated colorectal cancer susceptibility

It is well established that the intestinal microbiota plays a key role in the pathogenesis of Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) collectively referred to as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Epidemiological studies have provided strong evidence that IBD patients bear increased risk for the development of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the impact of the microbiota on the development of colitis-associated cancer (CAC) remains largely unknown. In this study, we established a new model of CAC using azoxymethane (AOM)-exposed, conventionalized-Il10−/− mice and have explored the contribution of the host intestinal microbiota and MyD88 signaling to the development of CAC. We show that 8/13 (62%) of AOM-Il10−/− mice developed colon tumors compared to only 3/15 (20%) of AOM- wild-type (WT) mice. Conventionalized AOM-Il10−/− mice developed spontaneous colitis and colorectal carcinomas while AOM-WT mice were colitis-free and developed only rare adenomas. Importantly, tumor multiplicity directly correlated with the presence of colitis. Il10−/− mice mono-associated with the mildly colitogenic bacterium Bacteroides vulgatus displayed significantly reduced colitis and colorectal tumor multiplicity compared to Il10−/− mice. Germ-free AOM-treated Il10−/− mice showed normal colon histology and were devoid of tumors. Il10−/−; Myd88−/− mice treated with AOM displayed reduced expression of Il12p40 and Tnfα mRNA and showed no signs of tumor development. We present the first direct demonstration that manipulation of the intestinal microbiota alters the development of CAC. The TLR/MyD88 pathway is essential for microbiota-induced development of CAC. Unlike findings obtained using the AOM/DSS model, we demonstrate that the severity of chronic colitis directly correlates to colorectal tumor development and that bacterial-induced inflammation drives progression from adenoma to invasive carcinoma.
Faster Calculations of Sound Radiation from Vibrating Cylinders Using Variational Formulations

Prediction of the sound radiation from a vibrating body often requires a computation of the acoustic pressure on the body’s surface, given the normal surface vibration. This paper explores what computational advantages a variational formulation may have over other formulations, such as those which solve the Helmholtz integral equation directly. The variational formulation is developed here for bodies of revolution in axisymmetric vibration and specialized to finite cylinders. The general implementation technique of the variational formulation is the Rayleigh-Ritz method which yields a set of simultaneous linear equations for the unknown coefficients in the expansion of the surface pressure in terms of a finite set of basis functions. A case is made to the effect that computations based on the variational formulation can often yield results of desirable accuracy with substantially less computational time. A prerequisite for such an achievement is that one makes a good selection of the basis functions. Such a selection may be aided by physical insight and common sense.
Physiological and ultrastructural observations on regenerated carotid sinus nerves after removal of the carotid bodies in cats.

Abstract Carotid bodies were excised bilaterally in cats and the cut carotid sinus nerves allowed to regenerate freely into the region of the carotid bifurcation for 31 to 315 days. Electrophysiological recordings from regenerated nerves showed spontaneous activity and mechanoreceptive units in some nerves. None of the nerves were excited by physiological or chemical stimuli known to excite chemoreceptors, but electrical stimulation of the regenerated axons evoked reflex ventilatory responses. Serial section light-microscopic analysis of the regenerated nerves revealed bundles of axons branching from the carotid sinus nerve near the site of transection and coursing into the area of the carotid bifurcation. Electron-microscopic examination of the most distal region of the regenerated nerve which could be identified showed axonal bundles comprised of myelinated and unmyelinated fibers characteristic of the mature sinus nerve; axonal sprouts were rarely encountered. Carotid body type 1 or type II cells were never observed. Infrequently, neuronal specializations containing mitochondria and synaptic vesicles were seen in connective tissue in the distal regions of the regenerated nerve. The vascularity of the regenerated nerve was at least comparable to that of the normal carotid sinus nerve. The results indicate that chemoreceptivity is not a property of carotid sinus nerve sensory axons when they are allowed to regenerate freely into the area of the carotid bifurcation after removing the carotid body. Consequently, these observations do not provide support for theories which consider chemoreception to be an intrinsic property of carotid sinus neurons. It is concluded that some extrinsic factor normally provided by the carotid body is essential to the transduction process which initiates depolarization of the sensory axons terminating within this organ.
Subsequent-grades assessment of traditional and reform calculus

ABSTRACT Freshman calculus at UIC was taught using traditional texts through 1994–95, but with the “Harvard” method fully adopted starting in 1995–96. We studied the grades of students under both methods in later courses with a calculus prerequisite, particularly in client disciplines such as physics and engineering. In some cases the results were indistinguishable, but we did find some statistically-significant patterns. One important example is an improvement of over a third of a grade-point in physics after reform calculus; there were lesser gains, but also some losses, in other courses. Not surprisingly, differences in results decline over time, with increasingly advanced level of courses.
The Electronic Journal: A Progress Report.

The concept of the journal is reexamined in the light of current computer-communications technology. Four forms of electronic journals on the Electronic Information Exchange System (EIES) are described as divergent examples of potential journal forms that could become prominent in the future. These are (1) an informal newsletter, (2) an unrefereed “Paper Fair, “ (3) a journal which replicates the traditional print-based system, and (4) a highly structured inquiry-response system. The economic imperatives which will force the replacement of current print-based journals are reviewed. It is predicted that the next few decades will witness the emergence of networks of small computer systems dedicated to dispersed journal functions and under the control of the primary communities responsible for the creation of the information.
Locally optimum distributed detection of correlated random signals based on ranks

Distributed signal detection schemes have received significant attention, but most research has focused on cases where the observations at the different sensors are independent and the statistical model for the observations is completely known. If the observations at the different sensors consist of noisy versions of random signals which were produced by the same source, then these observations may not be independent. It is also possible that the noise distribution may not be completely known. Cases where weak random signals are observed in possibly non-Gaussian additive noise are considered. The focus is on cases where the sensor tests are based only on the ranks and signs of the observations. Numerical results are provided which indicate that distributed schemes based on ranks and signs are less sensitive to the exact noise statistics when compared to optimum schemes based directly on the observations. This is especially true for some cases where the actual noise distribution has heavy tails, which can cause the optimum schemes based directly on the observations to perform poorly. Analytical forms are given for the locally optimum sensor test statistics based on the ranks and signs of the observations, and we use these to find the best distributed detection schemes for some cases. In the course of obtaining our results, a general set of necessary conditions is given which provide the analytical forms of the locally optimum distributed sensor tests for cases where the observations are discrete random variables. Conditions of this type have not been given previously.
The preparation and spectral studies of a series of cyclic β-ketoesters☆

Abstract 2-Carbethoxycyclanones of ring size 5–12 and 15 and their C-methyl derivatives have been prepared and studied in the U.V. and I.R. spectral regions. The enolizable β-ketoesters show a high intensity K band in the 255–263 mμ region associated with the chelated enolic species and two pairs of bands in the 6 μ double bond stretching region which correspond to the structural features of the keto and enol tautomers. The non-enolizable β-ketoesters show only a low intensity R band in the 280–300 mμ region and one pair of bands in the 6 μ region. Correlations of the spectral properties have been made with enol content and with structural characteristics of the ring systems. Trends in the characteristic I.R. frequencies of the chelated enols have been noted and interpreted in terms of the geometry of the chelate structure.
Mental Health, Poverty, and Agency in Managua, Nicaragua: A Gendered Perspective

The Global Burden of Disease Unit estimates that mental and neurological disorders will soon cause almost 15% of people's disabilities worldwide and that women are twice as likely to experience major depression, and have a higher prevalence of other common mental disorders (CMD) (World Health Organization, 2006). The high correlation between CMD and poverty predicts higher rates of CMD in developing nations (Chant, 2003). Utilizing feminist theory and an adapted Beiser (2006) model, this study examines gender role, social support, and self-esteem as predictors of mental health among 227 adults in Managua, Nicaragua. Respondents exhibited high levels of CMD, but women's scores were significantly higher. Self-esteem was negatively correlated to CMD and the only significant predictor of CMD. The findings highlight the substantive agency of “oppressed” women even when they lack formal power within traditional power structures. The importance of culturally and contextually appropriate measurement and theory ar...
Fibroblasts share mesenchymal phenotypes with stem cells, but lack their differentiation and colony-forming potential.

Background information. Although MSCs (mesenchymal stem cells) and fibroblasts have been well studied, differences between these two cell types are not fully understood. We therefore comparatively analysed antigen and gene profiles, colony-forming ability and differentiation potential of four human cell types in vitro: commercially available skin-derived fibroblasts [hSDFs (human skin-derived fibroblasts)], adipose tissue-derived stem cells [hASCs (human adipose tissue-derived stem cells)], embryonic lung fibroblasts (WI38) and dermal microvascular endothelial cells [hECs (human dermal microvascular endothelial cells)]. Results. hSDFs, hASCs and WI38 exhibited a similar spindle-like morphology and expressed same antigen profiles: positive for MSC markers (CD44, CD73 and CD105) and fibroblastic markers [collagen I, HSP47 (heat shock protein 47), vimentin, FSP (fibroblast surface protein) and αSMA (α smooth muscle actin)], and negative for endothelial cell marker CD31 and haemopoietic lineage markers (CD14 and CD45). We further analysed 90 stem cell-associated gene expressions by performing real-time PCR and found a more similar gene expression pattern between hASCs and hSDFs than between hSDFs and WI38. The expression of embryonic stem cell markers [OCT4, KLF4, NANOG, LIN28, FGF4 (fibroblast growth factor 4) and REST] in hASCs and hSDFs was observed to differ more than 2.5-fold as compared with WI38. In addition, hSDFs and hASCs were able to form colonies and differentiate into adipocytes, osteoblasts and chondrocytes in vitro, but not WI38. Moreover, single cell-derived hSDFs and hASCs obtained by clonal expansion were able to differentiate into adipocytes and osteoblasts. However, CD31 positive hECs did not show differentiation potential. Conclusions. These findings suggest that (i) so-called commercially available fibroblast preparations from skin (hSDFs) consist of a significant number of cells with differentiation potential apart from terminally differentiated fibroblasts; (ii) colony-forming capacity and differentiation potential are specific important properties that discriminate MSCs from fibroblasts (WI38), while conventional stem cell properties such as plastic adherence and the expression of CD44, CD90 and CD105 are unspecific for stem cells.
Gauge symmetries in random magnetic systems

We study random magnetic systems emphasizing the concept of gauge invariance and gauge-invariant disorder (frustration) introduced by Toulouse and Anderson. We formulate our models in a gauge-invariant manner and introduce gauge-invariant correlation functions to isolate the effects of gauge-invariant disorder. Specifically, we study the Ising and X-Y models in two and three dimensions in a frozen distribution of frustrations. Using duality transformations, we obtain expressions for the energetics of frustrations and their effect on correlations. We study simple configurations of frustrations quantitatively. In addition we reformulate the quenching procedure in terms of frustrations.
THE GEOGRAPHIC EXPERT

This is one of a series of geest articles written on invitation by senior memgers of the geographic profession
Spherometer measurements of human hip-joint geometry.

The accuracy of sphericity measurements on human hip joints was studied with two types of 3-legged micrometer gauges. Initial calibration work on metal cylinders (30–65 mm diameter) achieved an error range of 4–8%. Correction was then made for this degree of error on a nomogram which reduced the errors in subsequent measurements to 0·–1·5%. The problem was that the percentage error in the micrometer reading was directly reflected in the percentage error in diametrical calculation. To achieve an acceptable accuracy of ±1%, the micrometer readings had to be accurate to within ±(15–23) μm, i.e. 0·0006–0·0009 in. (average of five measurements). This was only achieved in the metal calibration studies ±(0–15) μm, but not for the hip joint or its replicas, ±(7–109) μm. It was concluded that 3-legged gauges were a very unreliable method of taking diametrical measurements from human joint surfaces.
In situ FIB-SEM characterization and manipulation methods

This article reviews recent developments and applications of two beam systems (focused ion beam [FIB] and scanning electron microscope [SEM]) for in situ characterization and manipulation of material at the micro- and nanoscale. In these applications, the sample may be manipulated, ion milled, mechanically or electrically excited, and its temperature varied from above room temperature to cryogenic levels. FIB-SEM instruments offer new opportunities for in situ characterization by enabling localized exposure of surface layers within the high vacuum microscope chamber environment (especially in conjunction with cryogenic cooling of the bulk sample), through experiments that require either highly accurate material removal or localized material addition through beam-induced gas deposition, and by using micro- and nano-manipulation technologies for probing or positioning. This article describes the current state of the art of this experimental methodology and provides case studies in the areas of cryogenic, electrical, and mechanical characterization.
Fluid and Pharmacological Dynamics in a Subcutaneous Chamber Implanted in Rats

Antibiotic dynamics in the fluid obtained from subcutaneously implanted chambers in rats were similar to those observed in serum following single intramuscular injections of carbenicillin. Images
Experimental equivalent-circuit modeling of SMD inductors for printed circuit applications

An understanding of the high-frequency parasitic and packaging effects of passive surface-mounted devices (SMDs) can be gained from equivalent-circuit characterization of the device. We develop a circuit model which accurately characterizes the nonideal behavior of SMD inductors mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB), considering the device packaging and the interaction between board layout and component parasitics. The model is valid over a wide frequency band up to the first resonance of the inductor. The equivalent-circuit parameters are extracted in closed form from an accurate measurement of the S-parameters of the board-mounted SMD inductor, without the necessity for cumbersome optimization procedures normally followed in RF circuit synthesis. This procedure of measuring the component in its designed PCB environment is referred to as extrinsic characterization, in contrast to the conventional intrinsic characterization employed in RF bridges and LCR meters, which does not include the board layout effects. The developed closed-form model can be directly incorporated in commercial CAD packages, and thus, it simplifies the analysis of electromagnetic field behavior in PCBs, such as prediction of radiated emissions, signal integrity, and EMI.
Selective Photochemical Functionalization of Surfactant-Dispersed Single Wall Carbon Nanotubes in Water

Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation of single wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) individually dispersed in surfactants leads to diameter and type-selective photohydroxylation of the nanotubes. Photohydroxylation of first semiconductor and then small diameter metallic SWCNTs was confirmed after 254 nm UV irradiation in acidic, neutral, and basic aqueous solutions at ambient and elevated temperatures. The increased oxygen content of the SWCNTs after UV irradiation, as detected by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, suggests that SWCNTs were hydroxylated by reaction with water. Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared analysis provides evidence of hydroxyl functional groups on their surface. This photochemical reaction is impeded by molecular oxygen and appears to involve a reactive intermediate generated in the vicinity of semiconducting SWCNTs. This represents a noncontaminating selective reaction in the liquid phase that uses an intrinsic property of the tubes.
Isoproterenol Reduces Insulin Stimulation of Hexose Uptake by Rat Adipocytes via a Postinsulin Binding Alteration

The present studies have investigated the acute changes previously reported in insulin binding and insulin action that occur in fat cells after a 30-min treatment with isoproterenol. We find that the marked reduction in high affinity insulin binding can be explained by a drop in the pH of the incubation medium from 7.4 to 6.9, a change associated with the accelerated production of FFA. The alteration in insulin binding may explain the rightward shift in the insulin dose response for the stimulation of glucose transport. When the incubation medium is modified to prevent the pH change, isoproterenol stimulation fails to reduce insulin binding. In addition, the tyrosine kinase activity of the insulin receptor isolated from isoproterenoltreated cells is not altered, at least as measured by the phosphorylation of tyrosine residues on the artificial substrate, Glu80Tyr20. There are, however, changes produced in the insulin stimulation of 2-deoxy-D-glucose uptake. The response of the cells to a maximum effective...
Evidence for Pleistocene Ice Lags

FOR more than one hundred years many different authors have claimed a causal relationship between the astronomical motions of the Earth and the alternating glacial and interglacial ages of the Pleistocene epoch. Koppen and Wegener1, using the insolation curves calculated by Milankovitch, concluded that glaciation was controlled by summer insolation variations at the high northern latitudes. This theory was brought up to date and amplified by Emiliani and Geiss2. Wilson3 suggested that summer insolation variations at the high southern latitudes controlled glaciation, making Antarctic ice surges and retreats the principal controlling agents for world climate. There is an average lag of 10,000 yr between the northern and the southern curves, with the latter leading. The purpose of this work is to determine the lag between the summer insolation curve at lat. 65° N and the temperature maxima and minima of core P-6304–9, as measured by the oxygen isotopic method. The method of visual correlation is difficult because noise coming from various mechanisms is superimposed on the core data. In an article by Kemp et al.4 core P-6304–9 was compared with the summer insolation at 65° N lat. by the method of power spectral analysis. The estimators from the auto-correlation functions in this case were those of Evans et al.5. Now these estimators are valid only for auto-correlation functions and not for cross-correlation, so the classical method is used in this communication. The auto and cross-correlation functions are expanded in the orthonormal set of Laguerre functions. The advantage is that all have rigorous Fourier transforms and thus the resulting spectra will be continuous functions of the frequency. This is not the case when the above integrals are evaluated numerically (the usual procedure) because the wavelengths chosen must be commensurate with the total record length. This method was checked by simulation such that the frequencies and relative phases involved were known in advance. One hundred and fifty correlation coefficients were calculated and the data were interpolated 2 for 1 which resulted in 289 data points. Only that part of the spectra is used which leaves the coherency matrix hermitian. The expansion in Laguerre functions and their transforms was carried to the thirtieth order.
Successful plication for postoperative diaphragmatic paralysis in an adult

Diaphragmatic paralysis developed in an adult after a cardiac operation. The patient suffered from recurrent fevers and could not be weaned from mechanical ventilatory support. Diaphragmatic plication was performed and enabled rapid and sustained weaning from respiratory support.
Antisense Inhibitors, Ribozymes, and siRNAs

The current standard of care for the treatment of hepatitis C virus infection, pegylated interferon-alpha and ribavirin, is costly, associated with significant side effects, and effective in only 50% of patients. There is therefore a need for the development of novel antiviral therapies. One such approach involves the application of gene silencing technologies, including antisense oligonucleotides, ribozymes, RNA interference, and aptamers. However, despite great scientific advances over the past decade, and promising in vitro data, several significant challenges continue to limit the translation of this technology to the clinical setting. This review provides a concise update of the current literature.
Diurnal asymmetry in surface albedo

Observed surface albedos do not always exhibit the classical diurnal symmetry associated with the diurnal variation of zenith angle. Morning/afternoon albedo differences observed in even vegetated terrain are found to range on the daily average from 0.01 to 0.05 in magnitude in this study, and they have been found to be as high as 0.1 at a given solar zenith angle in other studies, which influence both reflected and absorbed solar radiation during the course of a day. This diurnal asymmetry in albedo may be explained by the prevailing wind direction, which causes the canopy to lean. The albedo asymmetry also is simulated, taking into account the canopy reclination angle and direction.
Auger Electrons from Argon with Energies 150-210 eV Produced by H + and H 2 + Impacts

Secondary electrons in the energy range 150-210 eV produced by 125-300-keV ${\mathrm{H}}^{+}$ and $\mathrm{H}_{2}^{}{}_{}{}^{+}$ impacts on argon gas are measured as a function of their energy and angle of emission. Discrete line spectra are due to Auger transitions from ${\mathrm{L}}_{2}$ and ${\mathrm{L}}_{3}$ vacancy states as well as satellite transitions from multivacancy states. The widths, energies, and branching ratios of the ${\mathrm{L}}_{2}$ and ${\mathrm{L}}_{3}$ vacancy states are presented. Widths of these states are appreciably greater than those obtained with electron impact excitation. This can be attributed to the recoil velocities of the target atom and to the presence of the proton in the vicinity of the emitting atom. The angular distribution of Auger electrons is found to be nearly isotropic, in marked contrast to electrons in the continum spectrum. The cross sections for the production of ${\mathrm{L}}_{2,3}$ and ${\mathrm{L}}_{3}$ vacancy states are determined as a function of impact energy.
Stationarity Condition for AR Index Process

The stationarity conditions for an autoregressive (AR) process in general are reduced to a remarkably simple inequality if the lag coefficients are restricted to be identical. The condition is not only analytically elegant but also applicable in checking the validity of the stationarity conditions for such a restricted AR process of any order. We are deeply indebted to Professor Paolo Paruolo, NP co-editor of Econometric Theory , and anonymous referees for constructive comments and suggestions that led to significant improvements. Errors, if any, are solely ours.
Nearly 20 years of magnetic amorphous wire—an overview

Amorphous magnetic wire became available about 20 years ago. During that time, many interesting characteristics attributed to the wire have been investigated. They are unique to the wire geometry, its method of fabrication and to its amorphous nature. The early history of the wire is reviewed as well as the various changes of interest as it has grown from a novelty to an established interest.
Do analysts' earnings forecasts incorporate information in prior stock price changes?

Abstract This research examines whether analysts' earnings forecasts incorporate information in price changes. Even if the forecasts do not explicitly depend upon price changes,there should nevertheless be a positive association between analysts' forecast revisions and prior price changes. Moreover, if analysts incorporate only their private information in formulating a forecast and ignore price changes, then the likelihood that their estimate is less than (greater than) the realization increases following price increases (decreases). Empirical results are consistent with these conjectures and indicate that analysts' forecasts do not fully reflect the information in prior price changes.
Cost of isolation: Daily cost of isolation determined and cost avoidance demonstrated from the overuse of personal protective equipment in an acute care facility

We determined the prevalence and associated cost of isolation precautions. Current census and historic microbiology cultures were assessed for isolation appropriateness following national guidelines. Based on patient assessment and culture data, isolation was discontinued resulting in 4,087 days of isolation and over $141,000 dollars avoided from excess supplies and time.
An ochre suppressor of bacteriophage T4 that is associated with a transfer RNA

Abstract An ochre suppressor of bacteriophage T4, designated psu2+, has been identified and characterized. It is closely linked to the previously characterized structural gene of the psu2+ serine suppressor transfer RNA. Only a few amber and ochre mutations are suppressed by psu2+. Possible explanations for this weak suppressor activity are discussed. The transfer RNA specified by the psu2+ gene has been identified, and is shown in the accompanying paper by Seidman et al. (1974) to have an anticodon sequence that corresponds to glutamine. Identification of the psu2+ transfer RNA species was facilitated by the isolation and characterization of suppressor-negative mutants of psu2+. These suppressor-negative mutations define a single gene, and result in a specific reduction in the synthesis of mature glutamine transfer RNA. This property has previously been observed with mutations that inactivate the structural gene of a transfer RNA.
Transition-metal alloy formation. The occurrence of topologically close packed phases-I

Abstract The occurrence or absence of topologically-close-packcd (t.c.p.) phases is discussed in terms of atomic volumes (V) and d-band hole counts (Nh). It is necessary to consider the Laves structures as distinct from the other t.c.p. phases. A range in average Nh values and a range in the relative sizes of the alloy constituents is associated with Laves phase formation and when these factors both fall within their required-ranges a Laves phase forms and when either falls outside, it does not. The situation is different for non-Laves t.c.p. phases where compound formation tends to be weaker. Nonetheless there is a pattern in the occurrence of these phases involving different values of size and band filling factors. However, these two factors, taken together, do not determine whether these structures prevail over other competing phases. In the course of considering the non-Laves systems it becomes useful to introduce an effectiveNh scale incorporating effects other than just d-band occupancy. The ranges of stoichiometry over which such t.c.p. phases form is seen to be related to the relative sizes of the constituents. Some suggestions are given of alloy systems in which t.c.p. phases have not been reported and are expected and vice versa.
Dislocation substructures formed during the flow stress recovery of high purity aluminum

Abstract Flow stress recovery experiments were performed on polycrystalline high purity aluminum following room temperature tensile prestrains of 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 25%. Isothermal recovery temperatures of 120, 160 and 200°C were used for recovery times up to 300 h. It was found that work hardening at room temperature is accompanied by the development of dislocation tangles that form the boundaries of a dislocation cell structure. These tangles were found to develop along {100},{110} and {111} planes. The cells formed decrease in size with increasing strain up to 15%, thereafter remaining constant at an average size of about 1.8 μm. The cell structure converts to a sharply defined subgrain structure during recovery as the tangles are rearranged into networks. The network planes are the same as those on which the original tangles were formed. During recovery following tensile prestrains less than about 15%, the subgrain size tends to grow by two mechanisms: (1) subgrain coalescence and (2) subboundary coalescence. The flow stress related to formation of dislocation substructures has been found to be inversely proportional to either the cell or the subgrain size for prestrains less than 15%, where the dislocation density in, and the misorientation angle of, the cell or subgrain boundaries was found to be nearly constant. In this region, conversion from cell to subgrain by recovery annealing results in a 24% loss of flow stress, independent of the prestrain used. Above about 15% tensile prestrain, the flow stress continues to rise without a significant decrease in the cell or subgrain size but with an increase in the density of dislocations in the cell walls and the average misorientation angle of the subboundaries. Furthermore, the subgrains formed after strains greater than 15% are more thermally stable, i.e. they do not grow appreciably during recovery annealing for 300 h at a temperature of 160°C.
Thermal Characterization of Cu∕CoFe Multilayer for Giant Magnetoresistive Head Applications

Giant magnetoresistance (GMR) head technology is one of the latest advancements in the hard disk drive (HDD) storage industry. The GMR head multilayer structure consists of alternating layers of extremely thin metallic ferromagnetic and nonmagnetic films. A large decrease in the electrical resistivity from antiparallel to parallel alignment of the film magnetizations is observed, known as the GMR effect. The present work characterizes the in-plane electrical and thermal conductivities of Cu/CoFe GMR multilayer structures in the temperature range of 50 K to 340 K using Joule-heating and electrical resistance thermometry on suspended bridges. The thermal conductivity of the GMR layer monotonically increases from 25 W m -1 K -1 (at 55 K) to nearly 50 W m -1 K -1 (at room temperature). We also report a GMR ratio of 17% and a large magnetothermal resistance effect (GMTR) of 25% in the Cu/CoFe multilayer structure.
Peak Flow Measurements in Children with Asthma: What Happens at School?

Background. Self-monitoring of symptoms or peak flow monitoring (PFM) is recommended for all asthma patients and is commonly included in asthma management plans. Limited data are available documenting PFM outcomes in school settings. Method. Three hundred twenty-three urban children with persistent asthma were enrolled in a school-based study that implemented an internet-based asthma monitoring and data collection system. The mean age of the children was 10.0 (SD 2.1) years; 57% were male and 91% were African American. Children logged in daily to an internet-based program to record their asthma symptoms and PFM reading. Teachers logged in daily to confirm the PFM readings. School staff responsible for student health reported actions taken for low PFM readings. Results. A total of 12,245 child reports were completed; 98% (n = 11,974) had corresponding teacher reports, confirming the peak flow meter readings reported by the children. The prevalence of reported asthma symptoms varied across PFM readings; the...
Visual memory processes in high-functioning individuals with autism.

High-functioning autistic individuals were compared with age-matched normal control subjects on a visual recognition memory task. In order to evaluate the effects of “meaning” and“delay” on the visual memory of autistic individuals, meaningful (pictures) and meaningless (nonsense shapes) stimuli were presented visually in no delay and 1-minute delay intervals to both groups. It was concluded that autistic subjects perform particularly poorly on meaningless materials, but they are able to utilize meaning to aid their visual memory. Contrary to expectations, 1-minute delay intervals did not differentially affect the visual memory performance of autistic individuals compared to control subjects. The results do not support the idea of a simple parallel between autism and mediotemporal lobe amnesias. The visual memory performance of the autistic subjects was discussed in the light of the possibility of a subtle involvement of the mediotemporal brain structures and inflexible cognitive strategies poorly suited to encode novel information.
136 USE OF NANOFLUIDIC RT QUANTITATIVE POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION TO STUDY VARIATION IN GENE EXPRESSION BETWEEN SINGLE BOVINE OOCYTE AND BLASTOCYST SAMPLES

Most research into gene expression of oocyte and pre-implantation-stage embryos has been on pooled samples. Little work has been done at the single oocyte or early embryo levels. Our hypothesis was that a large amount of variation exists in relative transcript abundance between individual oocytes/embryos, which may ultimately be associated with inherent developmental potential. Because most studies to date have been on pooled samples, only very limited data have been presented that explain whether such variation exists, or if most oocytes/embryos within a pool are similar in gene expression. To generate preliminary information about the amount of variation in gene expression that exists between single oocytes and blastocyst-stage embryos, 4 single oocyte and 8 single blastocyst samples were compared with pooled oocyte samples of 10 and 20 and a pooled blastocyst sample of 10. Oocyte maturation and embryo production were performed according to established protocols (see Aston et al. 2010 Cell Reprog.). The 24 genes selected for use in this analysis consisted mostly of pluripotency genes, imprinted genes and housekeeping genes. To analyse such small samples we used nanofluidic BioMark® quantitative PCR (qPCR) technology from Fluidigm (San Francisco, CA, USA). Complementary DNA was generated and preamplified by adding the samples listed above directly to a reverse-transcription/preamplification mix according to a prevalidated protocol from Fluidigm. Samples were run in duplicate on a single 48.48 microfluidic chip using intercalating dye qPCR technology. Each primer set was run in duplicate as well, resulting in 4 data points for each sample and primer set combination. Data were analysed using the relative standard curve method. We were able to produce preliminary data on how reproducible data generation is with this platform on single oocyte and blastocyst samples. Correlations between assay and sample replicates were high (R2 = 0.998 and R2 = 0.967, respectively). Among the oocyte samples, a fold change difference of 2 or more was found in 9 of the 24 primer sets. A similar analysis of the blastocyst samples yielded fold changes over 2 for 12 of the 24 primer sets. These preliminary data suggest that the use of nanofluidic qPCR technology may be useful for the study of gene expression variation among single oocyte and blastocyst samples. Funding was provided to S. C. Isom through the Utah Agricultural Experiment Station (program project #UTA00151).
Reconstruction of the (111) and (001) surfaces of Au and Pt: thermal behavior

The results of X-ray scattering studies of the (111) and (001) surfaces of Au and Pt are summarized. Each of these surfaces exhibits, in some temperature range, a reconstruction which approximates a close packed hexagonal layer, denser than the (111) planes of bulk Au or Pt. The results are discussed in the context of recent theories of surface reconstruction and of two-dimensional phase transformations.
Television and persuasion: Effects of the programs between the ads

This article examines the persuasive impact of television programs by reviewing cross-disciplinary research findings on television effects. Additionally, extensive discussion is given to articulating a model of the cognitive processes that underlie television program effects, and recent evidence is presented that supports this model. Discussion delineates the differences between this model and contemporary models of persuasion and argues that television consumption should be a topic of interest for marketing and consumer researchers as well as psychologists. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Fault diagnosis and system status monitoring for a six-legged walking robot

Rough, unstructured and hazardous areas are typical application scenarios for autonomous mobile robots. In the case of an error or fault, these robots cannot rely on a human to recover or repair them. Therefore, intelligent fault detection systems have to be developed that can autonomously detect faults and create a system status corresponding to the operability of the robot. After a fault has been detected, it might be possible to adapt the robot and still continue with its primary task. This paper presents a fault diagnosis and status monitoring system for a six-legged walking robot. Our developed system is based on expert knowledge and was implemented on the six-legged robot LAURON. It is able to detect seven different types of faults and errors, ranging from mechanical coupling problems to the total loss of leg controller units. The status monitoring part gives the operator a detailed, but still understandable status report about the most important components and their functionality.
Quantitative 3D-CT Anatomy of Hamate Osteoarticular Autograft for Reconstruction of the Middle Phalanx Base

Background Hamate osteoarticular autografts are difficult to obtain and it is unclear to what degree the graft matches the joint surface to be replaced and whether a direct ulnar approach might provide a more reliable graft than the standard proximal to distal approach.
Emotional Distress and Substance Abuse as Risk Factors for Suicide Attempts

Background:Both depression and hopelessness have been found to be closely related to suicide risk among adolescents and adults. Substance abuse has also been found to play a role in the suicide process with adults, but it is still unclear how much substance abuse influences suicide in adolescents.Method:The present study examined the relationship between substance abuse, emotional distress, and suicidal intent among 115 adolescent psychiatric inpatients who had attempted suicide.Results:Measures of emotional distress, as well as the measures of substance abuse, were significantly intercor-related. Correlations across domains (emotional distress versus substance abuse), however, varied by gender. Among adolescent females, both depression and hopelessness were significantly related to suicidal intent, whereas among adolescent males, only depression was related to suicidal intent. Also, alcohol abuse was significantly related to depression and hopelessness in adolescent males.Conclusions:Hopelessness may not...
Military extrication and temporary democracy: the case of Pakistan

Pakistan's 1988 transition to democracy defies most of the conventional wisdom on democratization as well as the bulk of the literature on democratic transitions. This peculiar case can be understood as a case of ‘temporary democracy’, in which democracy emerges as a short-term outcome that is not likely to be sustained. Pakistan's military leaders chose to democratize because of the high short-term costs of repression coupled with the low long-term costs of allowing democracy. The authoritarian elite agreed to allow democratization knowing that the prospects of democratic consolidation were dim. In this sense, the same factors that made the consolidation of Pakistan's democracy unlikely made the transition possible.