cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Statistical methods for missing data in complex sample surveys.

Missing data are a pervasive problem in large-scale surveys, arising when a sampled unit does not respond to a particular question or to the entire survey. This dissertation addresses two major topics in survey nonresponse: hot deck imputation and evaluation of nonresponse bias.Chapter II contains an extensive review of hot deck imputation, which despite being used extensively in practice has theory that is not as well developed as that of other imputation methods. One of the understudied areas discovered in this review is the topic for the subsequent chapter: Chapter III addresses the use of sample weights in the hot deck. The naive approach is to ignore sample weights in creation of adjustment cells, which effectively imputes the unweighted sample distribution of respondents in an adjustment cell, potentially causing bias. Alternative approaches have been proposed that incorporate weights into the probabilities of selection for each donor (Cox, 1980; Rao and Shao, 1992). In this chapter we show that these weighted hot decks do not correct for bias when the outcome is related to the sampling weight and the response propensity, and suggest an alternative, simple to implement method that can correct the bias in these situations.The first chapters concern methods for imputing missing data in the case where (at worst) missingness is at random (MAR) (Rubin, 1976); the final two chapters focus instead on a method for estimating and correcting nonresponse bias when missingness may not be at random (NMAR). Chapter IV introduces proxy pattern-mixture analysis (PPMA), a new method for assessing and adjusting for nonresponse bias for a continuous survey outcome when there is some fully observed auxiliary information available. We describe the PPMA model along with several different estimation strategies and propose a sensitivity analysis to capture a range of potential missingness mechanisms. In Chapter V we propose an extension of the PPMA to binary and ordinal outcomes using probit models. In addition, the important issue of model misspecification is discussed. Throughout the dissertation, methods are illustrated through simulation and application to data from NHANES III.
A uniform software architecture for cooperation, reliability and reconfiguration of autonomous decentralized systems

Large and complex decentralized systems with autonomous components often require appropriate mechanisms for cooperation, reliability, and dynamic reconfiguration. It is crucial that these mechanisms allow the system to execute continuously for a long period of time with minimal disruption, despite failure or reconfiguration of some components. They should also allow various components to interact in complex ways. We develop a uniform software architecture for implementing these mechanisms using generalized techniques and common functionalities. These mechanisms also support a variety of application-dependent policies. We present a manufacturing example that motivates our work. >
A new autonomous underwater vehicle for imaging research

Currently, unmanned underwater vehicles either tend to be cumbersome and complex to run, or operationally simple, but not quite suitable platforms for deep water imaging. This paper presents an alternative design in the form of a new low cost and easier to use autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) for imaging research. The objective of the vehicle is to serve as a readily available and operationally simple tool that allows rapid testing of imaging algorithms in areas such as photomosaicking, 3D image reconstruction from a single camera, image based navigation, and multi-sensor fusion of bathymetry and optical data. These are all current topics of research within the Deep Submergence Lab at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, but that lack a devoted and specific platform to their study. Regarding the new vehicle's operational simplicity, it is intended to be small boat deployable with an operation time of ten hours. The vehicle will also have the capability for scientific work in waters of up to 2000 meters in depth. This depth restriction represents a breakpoint in vehicle cost end design complexity while still providing a large area of survey interest. Initially, the vehicle will be primarily devoted to optical imaging close to the ocean floor, but it's design will allow for future sensor integration. Therefore, key design parameters in the new vehicle are: hovering capability, passive stability, and object avoidance. An overview of the vehicle's first iteration design philosophy and key subsytems along with a preliminary dynamic model and results of hydrodynamic testing are described.
Are the high-latitude torsional oscillations of the sun real

A numerical test is made to determine if the high-latitude torsional wave is generated from the low-latitude torsional pattern as a result of reduction procedures. The results indicate that the high-latitude motions are not an artifact of the analysis, but are true solar features. It is also demonstrated that the one-wave-per-hemisphere torsional oscillation does not result from the reduction procedure. These results place the observations in conflict with the predictions of alpha-omega models of the solar cycle.
Commentary on ‘Antibiotics for acute pyelonephritis in children’

This is a commentary on a Cochrane review, published in this issue of EBCH, first published as: Bloomfield P, Hodson EM, Craig JC. Antibiotics for acute pyelonephritis in children. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2005, Issue 1. Art. No.: CD003772. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003772.pub2. Further information for this Cochrane review is available in this issue of EBCH in the accompanying EBCH Summary and Characteristics and Key Findings Tables articles. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Econometric estimation of peak electricity demands

The majority of existing econometric studies of the demand for eiectricity estimate models of kilowatt-hour usage as a function of prices, income and other economic variables.’ Estimates of kilowatt-hour demand equations, or elasticities of demand for total usage, are only partially useful for utility planning purposes and for analyzing policy alternatives in the electric utility industry. Capacity is built to meet system and monthly peak demands. Utilities are interested not only in kilowatt-hour output, but annual peaks, monthly peaks and the load duration curve.’ In this paper we estimate as econometric model of peak electric demands using time series data for one utility, Virginia Electric Power Company. The estimated econometric model relates system megawatt peaks to marginal electricity prices, temperature, income, and industrial activity. The model is estimated using monthly VEPCO data for the period 1960-1973 for the four summer months, June, July, August and September.
Development of Acoustic Test Criteria for the Cassini Spacecraft

Acoustic measurements from eight Titan IV flights, and an acoustic test of a Cassini simulator and Titan payload fairing (PLF), were used to derive acoustic flight and test criteria for the Cassini spacecraft. The flight and laboratory data were used or modified to account for the following factors: (a) noise-spike contamination of flight data, (b) spatial and flight-to-flight variations of flight data, (c) application of a thicker barrier-blanket to the PLF for the Cassini mission, (d) effects of locating two Cassini assemblies, the Huygens Probe (HP), and the High Gain Antenna (HGA), near the PLF, and (e) higher thrust of upgraded Titan solid rocket motors (SRMs) for the Cassini mission. An overall sound pressure level of 145 dB was verified for the protoflight acoustic test criteria for the Cassini spacecraft.
"Ubi est ille?" Franco Sacchetti on the Monte Comune of Florence

Franco Sacchetti's (1332?-1400) Libro delle rime, Sposizioni di Vangeli, and Trecentonovelle furnish pungent moral observations on the beliefs, practices, and feelings of his contemporaries in and around the city of Florence. These observations were textured not only by literary convention but also by personal experience. As a merchant, his knowledge of the world of commerce and finance was acquired firsthand. As a member of an old, prominent Guelph casa, his knowledge of Florentine families and society was intensely intimate. As a servant of the commune, his knowledge of Florentine political life was earned as a participant. Indeed, Sacchetti was both a participant in and a witness to the dramatic upheavals and events that mark late Trecento Florence: the recurrence of lethal plague; factional politics; the Ciompi uprising; the wars against Pisa, the papacy, and Gian Galeazzo of Milan; and the expansion of Florence across Tuscany.1 Studies on the interdependence of literary convention and autobiography in Sacchetti's work have illuminated the trajectory of the author's moralism and didacticism. A decisive point in this trajectory occurred in the late 1370s, with the deaths of Boccaccio in 1375 and of Sacchetti's wife in 1377, the execution of his brother, Giannozzo, in 1379 for conspiracy against the commune, and the political turmoil wrought by the Ciompi revolt (1378) and the regime which followed (1378-82). During these years Sacchetti suffered
Should exercise electrocardiography be a routine part of the periodic health physical

No, but it is warranted in patients with multiple risk factors if coronary artery disease is suspected.
A review of previous mass extinctions and historic catastrophic events

Abstract This paper discusses historical evidence and speculations of the causes of past prehistoric extinctions. It also describes previous catastrophic events and recent species extinctions that serve as a basis for understanding the types of interactions and interwoven events that would be necessary for future human extinction to occur.
Autonomous Unmanned Aerial Vehicle System for Controlling Pest Bird Population in Vineyards

Pest birds have long been a significant source of crop loss for grape growers, especially during the critical weeks leading up to harvest when grape sugar levels are high. In Oregon’s Willamette Valley, vineyards have seen a marked increase in crop loss in the last few years despite widespread use of intrusive gas cannons/shotguns and expensive netting systems. In order to deter this pest bird population, we have created an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) package capable of autonomous flight, which incorporates common pest bird scare tactics into this dynamic platform. The system has been designed to launch, complete its mission waypoints, and land completely under autonomous control. By using this autonomous guidance system, we are able to employ visual, auditory, and predator mimicry pest bird control techniques in such a way as to discourage habituation. While radio controlled UAVs have been used for bird control in airport settings for many years, these systems require a trained operator to constantly guide the aircraft. The autonomous UAV system was designed for operation by an existing vineyard employee with minimal training. To capture widely accepted pest bird control techniques and management culture of Willamette Valley vineyards and gain information for design, implementation, and industry acceptance of this UAV project, we surveyed the owners of 225 local vineyards. Survey results indicated that vineyard owners are open to implementing innovative pest bird control methods that do not affect the terroir of their vineyards and that could replace the use of netting, which they do not view favorably despite its being the most effective pest bird control method to date. Results also indicated that pest birds are most damaging to a vineyard’s perimeter and that many vineyards employ someone to patrol this perimeter with a shotgun loaded with cracker shells. The UAV system is able to traverse the airspace above this perimeter without interfering with neighboring homes or beneficial predators in the area. By using proven pest bird control methods in an autonomous UAV system, we designed a device that brings an innovative solution to vineyard owners.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Quantum mechanics based multiscale modeling of stress-induced phase transformations in iron

The ground state crystal structure of Fe, ferromagnetic body-centered cubic (bcc), undergoes a stress-induced martensitic phase transformation to a hexagonally close-packed (hcp) structure. Both bcc and hcp have been observed to coexist over a large range deformations, such that the nonlinearities in the constitutive behavior of each phase need to be included for an accurate description. We present herein a methodology to construct high-fidelity quantum mechanics based nonlinear elastic energy densities, amenable to be included in microstructural optimization procedures like sequential lamination. We use the model to show that the transition pressure (TP) has a strong dependence on relatively small amounts of shear deformation, and to investigate the value of the TP under uniaxial compressions, presumably found in shock-loaded materials. Results hint that more complex deformation patterns may need be present to be consistent with measured experimental values.
Elevated striatal dopamine attenuates nigrothalamic inputs and impairs transthalamic cortico-cortical communication in schizophrenia: a hypothesis.

Schizophrenia has been found to involve source-monitoring deficits, whereby perceptions that result from self-initiated motor output become attributed to outside sources. One example of this phenomenon are the so called passivity experiences, such as delusions of control, during which the individual feels that own actions are controlled remotely by someone else. To explain these phenomena, it has been proposed that this illness involves efference copy failure. In other words, brain mechanism that prepare perceptual processes for the sensory consequences of self-initiated actions are impaired leading to their misattribution and to psychosis. In earlier work, it was argued that efference copy failure in schizophrenia is related to thalamic abnormalities. Namely, the thalamus can be thought of as a hub for cortico-cortical interactions, and these transthalamic cortico-cortical interactions were found to play a part in internal motor monitoring. Cortico-cortical communication via the thalamus can be impaired in a number of ways. For example, one way to impair these interactions is by interfering with the ability of the thalamus to display bursts of firing. As the burst firing mode in the thalamus requires a preceding period of prolonged hyperpolarization (100 ms), one way to reduce the burst propensity of thalamic neurons is to interfere with the ability to display prolonged hyperpolarizations. In this paper, we argue that elevated striatal dopaminergic activity in schizophrenia attenuates nigrothalamic GABAergic inputs, and thereby reduces burst propensity of the mediodorsal (MD) thalamic nucleus in schizophrenia, with the ultimate result of reduced transthalamic cortico-cortical communication, relative disconnection between functionally associated cortical areas and to psychosis. Conversely, dopamine D2 receptor blockers (antipsychotics) may help restore nigrothalamic GABAergic inputs, thereby increasing the burst propensity in the thalamus.
The role of aclidinium bromide in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

AbstractIntroduction: Inhaled bronchodilators remain a cornerstone of treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); current guidelines recommend initiating inhaled bronchodilators as either monotherapy or combination therapy depending on disease severity and exacerbation risk to improve air flow and reduce breathlessness. Aclidinium bromide is a twice-daily, long-acting muscarinic antagonist recently approved in the United States and Europe and carries significant promise as an alternative long-acting inhaled antimuscarinic agent for the treatment of moderate-to-severe COPD. Objective: This review describes the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, and adverse effects of aclidinium bromide. Discussion: Clinical trials have demonstrated improvement in forced expiratory volume in 1 second, nighttime symptom control, disease-related quality of life, and delay in time to first COPD exacerbation with aclidinium use compared with placebo. Commonly reported adverse effects include head...
Evaluation of Small Molecule Modulators of the Luteinizing Hormone/Choriogonadotropin and Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Receptors: Structure Activity Relationships and Selective Binding Patterns

The substituted thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidine 3 (Org 41841), a partial agonist for the luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor (LHCGR) and the closely related thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR), was fundamentally altered, and the resulting analogues were analyzed for their potencies, efficacies, and specificities at LHCGR and TSHR. Chemical modification of the parent compound combined with prior mutagenesis of TSHR provided compelling experimental evidence in support of computational models of 3 binding to TSHR and LHCGR within their transmembrane cores. Biochemical analysis of a specific modification to the chemical structure of 3 provides additional evidence of a H-bond between the ligand and a glutamate residue in transmembrane helix 3, which is conserved in both receptors. Several key interactions were surveyed to determine their respective biochemical roles in terms of both van der Waals dimensions and hydrogen bond capacity and the respective relationship to biological activity.
Informedia Experience-on-Demand: capturing, integrating and communicating experiences across people, time and space

The Informedia Experience-on-Demand system uses speech, image, and natural language processing combined with GPS information to capture, integrate, and communicate personal multimedia experiences. This paper discusses in initial prototype of the EOD system.
Descartes's theodicy

In the Fourth Meditation, Descartes asks: ‘If God is no deceiver, why do we sometimes err?’ Descartes's answer (despite initial appearances) is both systematic and necessary for his epistemological project. Two atheistic arguments from error purport to show that reason both proves and disproves God's existence. Descartes must block them to escape scepticism. He offers a mixed theodicy: the value of free will justifies God in allowing our actual errors, and the perfection of the universe may justify God in making us able to err. Though internally coherent, Descartes's theodicy conflicts with his view of divine providence.
Enhanced second-harmonic response and stability of corona-poled guest—host polycarbonate thin films

Second-harmonic generation and spectroscopic absorption measurements were made to study the non-linear optical and stability properties of guest/host polycarbonate thin films in which the guest chromophores were oriented by corona poling. Optimum poling conditions were achieved at temperatures less than the glass-rubber transition temperatures. Stabilized order parameters as high as 0.23 and retention of orientational order as high as 86% were found. Stable, resonance-enhanced, values of the non-linear optical coefficient d 33, for the fundamental of 1.064 Μm, were as high as 31 pm V−1. This value is over four times that predicted by a simple thermodynamic model for isotropic materials. Hydrogen bonding between the guest and polycarbonate is proposed to account for the high d 33 coefficients and long-term stability of the films.
Multiple simultaneous inverted papillomas of the upper urinary tract. A case report with a review of ureteral and renal pelvic inverted papillomas

An asymptomatic 73-year-old woman was found to have multiple, simultaneous, inverted papillomas of the renal pelvis and ureter. A review of the world literature yielded 34 cases of inverted papillomas in the upper urinary tract: 13 in the renal pelvis, and 21 in the ureter. Among these 34 cases, there were 26 male and five female patients, with gender not given for three others. Patients ranged in age from 19 to 89 years (mean, 64.1 years). Many cases lacked complete clinical details but, among the others, gross painless hematuria was the presenting symptom in seven; hematuria with flank pain or colic in six; and pain without hematuria in six. Only six patients lacked urinary tract symptoms, and three of these had microscopic hematuria. Only two patients had more than one inverted papilloma, and these were not multicentric. Adequate pathologic documentation and follow-up data were, unfortunately, absent in many of the cases. Although inverted papillomas are curable with surgical resection, with a low rate of local recurrence, they appear to be associated with synchronous or asynchronous carcinomas, especially other transitional cell tumors in the urinary tract.
Abnormal pigmentation and unusual morphogenesis of the optic stalk may be correlated with retinal axon misguidance in embryonic siamese cats

Studies of albino rodents have shown that an absence of pigment in the developing optic stalk may alter the position of the first retinal fibers that grow toward the brain, thereby disrupting the gross topographic relationship of fibers in the nerve (Silver and Sapiro: J. Comp. Neurol. 202:521–538, ′81). The abnormalities associated with albinism are more extensive in the Siamese cat than in previously studied species. Therefore, any abnormalities in differentiation of the stalk and axon guidance may be more readily detected. To investigate the guidance and/or misguidance of optic axons, light and electron microscope analyses were made of serial sections through the optic stalk in normally pigmented and Siamese fetal cats. On E20, before axons enter the optic stalk, the only clear morphological distinction between Siamese and normal cats is the distribution of pigment in the stalk. Pigment is found in the dorsal stalk cells of the normal cat for 200 μm from the optic disc. Although the retinal pigment epithelium of the Siamese cat embryo contains pigment, pigment could not be detected in the Siamese optic stalk. By E23 axons invade the ventral optic stalk in both strains. Concurrent with the early stages of axonal exit from the retina, there is complete separation of the stalk's dorsal and ventral tiers. As the cleavage occurs, basal lamina invaginates into the zone of separation following along the plane of the old lumen. The ventral stalk fills with axons while the dorsal tier is shed gradually. In contrast, in the Siamese cat, dorsal stalk cells are not sloughed off properly and instead are incorporated ectopically into the nerve. Basal lamina invagination is irregular. Axons do not fill the Siamese stalk symmetrically but enter the region of ectopic cells, which in turn disrupts gross fiber position. Usually, in the mutant, axons originating from the retina temporal to the optic fissure are those that invade the dorsal tier of ectopic cells. The altered position of optic axons in the mutant stalk may provide an explanation for the chiasmatic misrouting of optic axons in this species.
Conformal gravity in three dimensions as a gauge theory.

We show that conformally invariant gravity in three dimensions is equivalent to the Yang-Mills gauge theory of the conformal group in three dimensions, with a Chern-Simons action. This means that conformal gravity is finite and exactly soluble.
Attention and consolidation as factors in retention

The skin resistances of Ss (61 high school students) were recorded during a 10-min. instructional film, and Ss were tested for retention of information immediately after (short-term) and 1 wk. after (long-term) the film. Resistance decrements which preceded information presentation (pre-decrements) led to short-term and long-term retention, whereas post-decrements led to reminiscence. These results were interpreted in terms of attention and consolidation.
Validation of PIN 3 physical activity survey in low-income overweight and obese young mothers

Existing physical activity surveys have not been validated for use with low-income overweight and obese young mothers. This study aimed to validate the Pregnancy Infection and Nutrition 3 (PIN3) physical activity survey and to explore whether its validity varied by race/ethnicity and body mass index (BMI) category when including or excluding child and adult care activities in the target population.
Twenty-four hour urinary creatinine: A simple technique for estimating resting energy expenditure in normal population and the hospitalised patients

Abstract This study was designed to determine the relationship between resting energy expenditure (REE) and 24h urinary creatinine excretion. A total of 61 normal males and females and hospital patients had their REE and 24 h urinary creatinine measured. A statistically significant correlation between measured REE (in kcal) and 24 h urinary creatinine (in mg) was noted, (y = 0.488 × + 964; r = 0.81, P 0.0001, SD of the residuals 156). If 24 h urinary creatinine is in mmol, then the equation would be 55 × + 964. Creatinine coefficients (creatinine excretion in mg/day/kg body weight) of 25 (.221 mmol) for males and 20 (.176 mmol) for females were found. These findings suggest that an equation based on 24 h urinary creatinine excretion will be a more accurate estimate of energy expenditure than conventional methods based on height, weight, age and sex and will be applicable to a normal population as well as hospitalised patients.
Do Hostile Attribution Biases in Children and Parents Predict Relationally Aggressive Behavior

Relatively little is understood about the role of hostile attributions in children's use of relational aggression with peers, or about the impact of family processes on children's attributions about ambiguous provocations. This cross-sectional study investigated associations among hostile attributions made by children, mothers, and fathers, and children's use of relational aggression with peers. The sample included 91 children in Grades 3-5 (43 girls), and their mothers (n = 90) and teachers (n = 88). Fathers also participated for a subsample of children (n = 53). Results showed that relational aggression is associated with a hostile attribution bias in children and parents, although findings varied as a function of gender of parent and child, provocation type, and informant of aggression. Overall, mothers' attributions were more closely related to daughters' attributions and aggressive behavior than to sons'. Implications of these findings for social information processing models and family-focused prevention of relational aggression are discussed.
Drug-nutrient interactions.

Drug-nutrient interactions are defined as physical, chemical, physiologic, or pathophysiologic relationships between a drug and a nutrient. The causes of most clinically significant drug-nutrient interactions are usually multifactorial. Failure to identify and properly manage drug-nutrient interactions can lead to very serious consequences and have a negative impact on patient outcomes. Nevertheless, with thorough review and assessment of the patient’s history and treatment regimens and a carefully executed management strategy, adverse events associated with drug-nutrient interactions can be prevented. Based on the physiologic sequence of events after a drug or a nutrient has entered the body and the mechanism of interactions, drug-nutrient interactions can be categorized into 4 main types. Each type of interaction can be managed using similar strategies. The existing data that guide the clinical management of most drug-nutrient interactions are mostly anecdotal experience, uncontrolled observations, and ...
Piagetian cognitive development and primary process thinking in children.

On the hypothesis that, as children develop from the preoperational to the concrete level of operations, there would be a corresponding increase in the effective control of primary process ideation, 37 white, middle-class children, from 5 to 8 years old, were individually tested on eight Piagetian tasks and the Rorschach test. Piagetian Development was significantly correlated with Holt's Primary Process Manual measures of (a) Form Level, (b) Defense Effectiveness, (c) Adaptive Regression, (d) Primary Process Level 2, (e) Content Level 2, (f) Control/Defense Plus, and (g) Control/Defense Total. An analysis of variance demonstrated significant primary process differences between preoperational, transitional and concrete operational groups. Correlations between the eight Piaget tasks and the constructed mean Piaget score ranged from .65 to .91. The negative findings of other researchers, which contrast with the positive results in this study, may be explained by the narrower age ranges of their samples.
SOLUBILITY OF CARBAZOLE IN BINARY CHLOROALKANE + DIBUTYL ETHER SOLVENT MIXTURES

Solubilities are reported for carbazole in three binary chloroalkane + dibutyl ether solvent mixtures at 25°C. Results of these measurements are compared with solution models developed for solubility in systems containing specific solute-solvent interactions. A simple model based on a single 1:1 carbazole:dibutyl ether complex described the solubility data, though the calculated equilibrium constant was about one-half of values published previously. A more sophisticated solution model, which assumes both carbazole:dibutyl ether and carbazole:chloroalkane complexes, was needed to thermodynamically describe the systems studied. Equilibrium constants for three presumed carbazole:chloroalkane complexes are calculated from measured carbazole solubilities.
Comparative cognition in the 1930s.

According to the received view of the history of psychology, behaviorism so dominated psychology prior to the 1960s that there was little research in animal cognition. A review of the research on animal cognition during the 1930s reveals a rich literature dealing with such topics as insight, reasoning, tool use, delay problems, oddity learning, abstraction, spatial cognition, and problem solving, among others. Material on “higher processes” or a related topic was prominent in the textbooks of the period. Tracing academic lineages reveals such teachers as Harvey Carr, Robert M. Yerkes, and Edward C. Tolman as sources of this interest. The alleged hegemony of strict behavioristic psychology, interpreted as excluding research on animal cognition, requires revision. Some possible reasons for this neglect are suggested.
Weyl group orbits

A new technique is presented for calculating the orbits of the finite Weyl group of a semisimple Lie group G in the weight lattice of G. Such calculations are important in the representation theory of G, and have previously been difficult to carry out for large Weyl groups such as E8. This new technique allows large orbits to be computed using only a small fraction of the computer memory required when using standard techniques. In the case of E8, the memory requirements can be reduced by a factor of 30,000.
The Framework and Key Technologies of Power Grid Operation Track Oriented Automatic Smart Dispatch

The rapid development of smart grid in China has put forward higher requirements to the power grid dispatch, and it is necessary to develop adaptable smart grid dispatch support system. Based on the existing technical achievements of smart grid dispatch, a power grid operation track oriented automatic smart dispatch system is proposed to accurately grasp the trend of grid operation status. The concept and characterization method of grid operation track are introduced. The overall objective of automatic smart dispatch is presented. And the framework of automatic smart dispatch system is proposed, mainly including awareness & forecasting, analysis & assessment, decision support and automatic control. Moreover, the key technologies of automatic smart dispatch are pointed out.
Surface characterization of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium Br-, I-, PF6-, BF4-, (CF3SO2)2N-, SCN-, CH3SO3-, CH3SO4-, and (CN)2N- ionic liquids by sum frequency generation.

Sum frequency generation spectroscopy, SFG, was used for the surface characterization at the gas−liquid interface of the 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium cation combined with the following anions: Br-, I-, PF6-, BF4-, (CF3SO2)2N- (imide), SCN-, CH3SO3- (MeSO3), CH3SO4- (MS), and (CN)2N- (DCN). The SFG spectra obtained for the different ionic liquids were similar independent of the anion selected; therefore, a comprehensive analysis for the surface characterization of the ionic liquids' cation was focused only on the PF6- and Br- anion combinations. For an accurate identification of the vibrational modes observed, FT-IR and Raman spectroscopy in combination with isotopic labeling with deuterium and polarized Raman spectroscopy was used. The cation orientation was determined by analysis of polarization-dependent SFG spectra. For a compound dried in a vacuum to ≤2 × 10-5 Torr, the cation appears to be oriented with the ring laying flat along the surface plane and the butyl chain projecting into the gas phase ind...
Cross-talk noise in photorefractive interconnection

The cross-talk noise in reconfigurable interconnection, which results from the nonuniform amplification in photorefractive two-wave mixing in the Fourier domain, in which maximum energy efficiency can be achieved, is considered. Both theoretical and experimental results are presented and discussed.
Effects of liver fractions on thyroid function of the rat.

SummaryThe present study is part of an investigation initiated in order further to purify and evaluate the goitrogenic substance (s) present in liver. The activity was found to be in the water insoluble portion of pork liver. Increased dietary iodine completely overcame its effect on thyroid size and iodine content. The decreased thyroid iodine of rats fed this material and inadequate iodine appears to be due to a fall in the protein bound fraction. This may be caused by an increased thyroxine secretion rate. Further experiments are in progress further to purify and study the metabolism of the active principle.
Ultrastructural study of plasma membrane GM1 in neuroectodermal cells using cholera-peroxidase.

Cholera toxin was coupled to peroxidase to yield a highly specific ultrastructural marker for Gm1 gangliosides. Study of embryonic brain cells in culture revealed intense binding of choleraperoxidase by plasma membranes of both neurons and glial cells. In contrast, long-term monolayer glioblastoma cultures, including one producing C-type virus, revealed virtually no labelling of their plasma membranes. Such cells were shown to be capable of incorporating exogenously applied Gm 1 into their plasma membranes. Studies with fixed brain and synaptosomal fractions were in accord with results on embryonic brain cells in culture, and autoradiographic findings with125I cholera supported observations made utilizing cholera—peroxidase. From our studies there is some indication that long-term propagation in vitro alters the plasma membrane Gm1.
What are the commonalities governing the behavior of humoral immune recognitive repertoires

The humoral repertoire of immune systems is large, random and somatically selected. It is derived from a germline selected repertoire by a variety of diversification mechanisms, complementation of subunits, mutation and gene conversion. However derived, the end-product must be able to recognize and rid a vast variety of pathogens. This is accomplished by viewing antigens as combinatorials of epitopes, an astuce that permits a small repertoire to respond sufficiently rapidly to a vast antigenic universe. A somatically generated repertoire, however, requires a solution to two problems. First, a somatic mechanism for a self-nonself discrimination has to be put in place. Second, the repertoire has to be coupled to the effector mechanisms in a coherent fashion. The rules governing these two mechanisms are species-independent and delineate the parameters of all immune repertoires, whatever the somatic mechanism used to generate them.
A rigorous analysis of a microstripline fed patch antenna

A rigorous solution to the problem of a rectangular microstrip antenna fed by a microstripline is presented. The currents on the feed line and the patch are expanded in a suitable set of modes, and a moment method solution is formulated in the spectral domain. Three special feed cases are treated: a patch fed at a radiating edge; a patch fed at a nonradiating edge; and a proximity coupled patch. Good results are obtained for the radiating edge fed case and the proximity coupled case. The nonradiating edge fed case results were not as good; reasons for this discrepancy are discussed. Calculations are compared with measurements for high and low dielectric constant substrates.
The Modern Jeremiad: Bloom, Bennett, and Bork on American Decline

L'A. explore un phenomene recent de la politique americaine : le declinisme de certaines franges pessimistes des conservateurs seculiers, c'est-a-dire la rhetorique selon laquelle les Etats-Unis seraient sur le declin, en dissolution sociale et politique a long terme. Il centre son analyse sur les publications de trois auteurs de la droite americaine qui ont de nombreux traits en commun, notamment l'adoption du style de la jeremiade : Allan Bloom, Closing of the American Mind ; Robert Bork, Slouching Towards Gomorrah ; et William Bennett, The De-Valuing of America et The Death of Outrage. Il examine les racines du declinisme, ses caracteristiques communes chez ces trois auteurs et la maniere dont ils soutiennent une croyance generale que les Americains ont neglige le maintien de standards de discipline, du sacrifice de soi, et de la deference. Selon l'A., tous les trois croient, de manieres quelque peu differentes, que les Americains ont echoue a maintenir la certitude morale necessaire pour la vie civile ; que les Americains ont rejete le leadership d'individus les mieux qualifies pour preserver une politique democratique ; et que la societe americaine va vers une decheance a long terme.
Case Study: Promoting Design Automation by Rural Manufacturers

Purpose – This paper describes a cooperative endeavor between a state university and a federal agency to modernize design automation among rural manufacturers. It concerns efforts to infuse leading‐edge design technology into rural product development.Design/methodology/approach – Boise State University established a rapid prototyping (RP) laboratory and conducted an information campaign targeting Idaho's design and manufacturing sector. About 12 rural companies participated in a program supported by a federal grant wherein they received solid modeling and RP services while developing a product.Findings – Significant unfamiliarity about benefits of solid modeling and RP persists amongst Idaho's rural manufacturers. When exposed to the potential of these technologies, manufactures readily move to adopt them into their new product development processes. Those companies adapting design automation improved their capability to bring products to the marketplace more rapidly and with greater market success.Pract...
Children's drawings

Children's drawings have been used in clinical interviews to provide direction for recollection and memory of events. Drawings encourage the retrieval of experience in the motoric, visual, and auditory recall. The drawing itself gives an expression of motor sensory discharge; the objects in the drawing help with the perceptual cues that are remembered; the cognitive dimensions are represented in the organization, interpersonal patterns, and verbal discussion of the picture. The premise of this paper is that children's drawings are useful as an associative tool for assessing and accessing traumatic memories.
Discharge of aminoacyl-viral RNA by a factor from interferon-treated cells

Extracts of cells treated with purified interferon discharge the amino acid previously esterified to viral RNA but fail to affect aminoacylated transfer RNA. A similar activity is also present in c...
Apolipoprotein E4 Genotype Does Not Increase Risk of HIV-associated Neurocognitive Disorders

This is a cross-sectional, observational study to evaluate the hypothesis that HIV-seropositive (HIV+) apolipoprotein E4 (APOE4) carriers are at increased risk for HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) compared to APOE4 noncarriers with HIV in the CNS HIV Antiretroviral Therapy Effects Research (CHARTER) Group sample. APOE genotype was determined in 466 CHARTER participants with varying disease stages and histories of antiretroviral treatment who did not have severe psychiatric or medical comorbid conditions that preclude diagnosis of HAND. HAND diagnoses were based on results of comprehensive neurobehavioral evaluation and use of current neuroAIDS diagnostic criteria. HAND status consists of two levels: neuropsychologically normal status (i.e., no HAND) and any HAND diagnosis (i.e., asymptomatic neurocognitive impairment, minor neurocognitive disorder, HIV-associated dementia). Logistic regression analyses revealed no association between APOE4 carrier status and HAND, and there were no interactions between APOE4 carrier status and ethnicity, age, substance use disorders, duration of infection, or nadir CD4. Results did not differ when analysis was restricted to symptomatic HAND, and no APOE4 gene dose-dependent relationship to HAND emerged. APOE4 status was not associated with concurrent HAND in this large, well-characterized sample. This does not preclude emergence of an association between APOE4 status and HAND as this population ages. Prospective, longitudinal studies are needed to examine APOE4 as a risk factor for neurocognitive decline, incident HAND at older ages, and potential associations with cerebrospinal fluid amyloid.
CT volumetry for gastric carcinoma: association with TNM stage

We evaluated the feasibility of performing CT volumetry of gastric carcinoma (GC) and its correlation with TNM stage. This institutional review board-approved retrospective study was performed on 153 patients who underwent a staging CT study for histologically confirmed GC. CT volumetry was performed by drawing regions of interest including abnormal thickening of the stomach wall. Reproducibility of tumour volume (Tvol) between two readers was assessed. Correlation between Tvol and TNM/peritoneal staging derived from histology/surgical findings was evaluated using ROC analysis and compared with CT evaluation of TNM/peritoneal staging. Tvol was successfully performed in all patients. Reproducibility among readers was excellent (r = 0.97; P = 0.0001). The median Tvol of GC showed an incremental trend with T-stage (T1 = 27 ml; T2 = 32 ml; T3 = 53 ml and T4 = 121 ml, P 95.7 ml predicts metastatic gastric cancer with 87 % sensitivity and 78.5 % specificity (P = 0.0001). • CT volumetry may be a useful adjunct for staging gastric carcinoma.
Die morphologisdien und physiologischen Veränderungen des Kälbermagens bei der Frühentwöhnung1

Zusammenfassung Zusammenfassend kann festgestellt werden, das die morphologischen Veranderungen des Pansens, der Haube und offenbar audi des Psalters unter dem Einflus vom Futter-wechsel wahrend der Fruhentwohnung oder allgemein der Entwohnung in zwei Vor-gangen bestehen: 1 Erweiterung des Volumens und 2. Erhohung des Leergewichts infolge Wachs-tums des a. Muskelgewebes, b. der Mucosa und c. der Zotten und der dazugehorigen unterstutzenden Gewebe. Mechanische und chemische Reize uben getrennte Einflusse auf deren Entwicklung aus./p> Genugende morphologische Veranderungen sind eine Vorbedingung zur Auf-nahme von Trockenfutter, dessen Vergarung und der Resorption der Vergarungs-produkte. Die physiologischen Veranderungen sind aber nicht alle notwendigerweise futterungsbedingt. Sie schliesen etwa acht Gebiete ein: 1. Wiederkauen, 2. Pansen-bewegung, 3. Pansenflora und -fauna, 4. Resorptionsfahigkeit der Mucosa, 5. Stoff-wechseltatigkeit der Mucosa, 6. Futteraufnahmesteuerung, 7. Blutzusammensetzung und 8. enzymatische Kapazitat. Die Kenntnis dieser grundlegenden Vorgange, die die Fruh- oder spatere Entwohnung der Kalber begleiten, ist von groser Bedeutung fur eine erfolgreiche Kalber-aufzucht. Nur einige ausgewahlte Versuche mit ausgiebigem Belegmaterial vom Kalb wurden hier angefuhrt. Eine etwas mehr umfangreiche Bibliographie der jungsten englischen Literatur ist beigefugt.
Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 protein gp120 causes neuronal cell death in the rat brain by activating caspases.

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection of the central nervous system is associated with microglia activation and neuronal apoptosis, alterations that are also caused by the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein 120 (gp120) alone. This study was undertaken to examine the onset of gp120 neurotoxicity, the type of cell death and which cells of the adult rat brain are more sensitive to the toxic action of gp120. Gp120 or vehicle were injected chronically (daily for 3 or 7 days) into the lateral ventricle. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed hypertensive areas in the cortical and hippocampal gray matter in gp120-treated rats 7–10 days after the first injection, suggesting vasogenic edema. This phenomenon was accompanied by an enlargement of the lateral and third ventricles. Immunohistochemical analyses were then carried out to examine the toxic effect of gp120 at a cellular level. Several markers of apoptosis, including activated caspase-3 were observed at both 3 and 7 days throughout brains of gp120-treated rats, especially in the cerebral cortex. In this area, most of the apoptotic cells exhibited a pyramidal shape and were Nissl positive, indicative of neurons. Few non-neuronal cells exhibited signs of apoptosis. The results of the present study support the notion that gp120 is neurotoxicin vivo and provide evidence that gp120 activates a caspase-dependent apoptotic pathway.
LONGITUDINAL SPIN SUSCEPTIBILITY OF A FERROMAGNETIC METAL

An expression for the longditudinal magnetic susceptibility of a ferromagnetic metal is obtained using a Hamiltonian containing an exchange correlation potential which is an ordinary function of density.
Particle stimulated luminescence as a probe of defects in silicas

Abstract Luminescence from high-purity synthetic silicas stimulated by three types of particles, ions, electrons, and photons, was utilized to characterize intrinsic defects and impurities. Surface impurities can be detected by the optical deexcitation transitions among sputtered species. The intrinsic defects and OH content in silica are correlated to the luminescence bands.
IRC Français: The Creation of an Internet-Based SLA Community

Research into text-based chat environments for foreign language learning has shown that discussions online have a significantly different character from those in the classroom. In this paper, we begin with a brief design history of one of these environments: IRC Francais. Our experience both illustrates the challenges involved in moving these chat environments from the language lab to the Internet and offers insight into some of the causes of these changes in conversation. The initial challenges we encountered ranged from ethical difficulties in doing research in Internet-based chat environments to bootstrapping a synchronous community. After exploring these challenges, we present a study taking a closer look at the interactions online and in the classroom over the course of a semester. During this semester, classroom interaction was largely teacher-oriented, despite the best efforts of the teachers involved. Even though teachers initiated online conversations in the same way, however, online interaction was student-driven and significantly more interactive. These observations lend credibility to the language ego permeability theory and its emphasis on inhibition. Quantitative findings of this study mirror a number of other studies. Qualitative findings suggest that important features of the medium lead students to feel more comfortable in the online environment. In particular, the ''almost real- time'' nature of this medium seems to offer a blend of benefits that arise in both face-to-face conversation and asynchronous interaction. In doing so, however, some new challenges are introduced. We conclude with some suggestions for new research directions into both these challenges and more general issues in second language acquisition in online environments.