cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Selectivity of the Capitalist State: Chicanos and Economic Development:

ALTHOUGH the 1980s were heralded as the "Decade of the Hispanics" (Time, October 16, 1978), recent data indicate that this assertion is far from accurate in that increasing numbers of Chicano children are receiving an inadequate education; Chicano unemployment rates remain higher than the national norm; hunger and poverty appear endemic to the Chicano community; and while Chicanos' median income has increased, it has failed to keep up with that of middle-America. Some would argue that the disadvantaged social and economic situation of Chicanos is simply an artifact of America's social and economic structures which will rectify the problem over the long run. However, one can easily argue the opposite: that the social, economic and political structures of the United States operate and interact in such a manner as to create, maintain, and replenish a permanent "underclass" of which Chicanos represent a significant proportion (Barrera 1979). Although many factorspolitical, social and economiccan be identified as contributing to the underclass status of Chicanos, the concern here is to uncover how the political processes and governmental structures influencing economic development in the Southwest play a significant role in creating and maintaining the economically disadvantaged position of their Chicano populations. The conception that racism is the primary or leading cause for the social, economic, and political subjugation of Chicanos is only marginally accurate in light of the structural analysis offered here. American political paradigms, pluralism and elite or power structure theories, inadequately elucidate the oppressive effects that the social and political structures have on the Chicano community's growth process (Friedland and Alford 1985). Recently, the works of Mollenkopf (1983) and Swanstrom (1985) have attempted to construct frameworks which identify the systemic variables affecting economic development efforts in large American cities. Although both efforts appear to "break new theoretical ground" they also appear as sophisticated elaborations of both pluralism and systems theory.
Linear programming system identification : The general nonnegative parameters case

Abstract By linear programming system identification, we mean the problem of estimating the objective function coefficient vector π and the technological coefficient matrix A for a linear programming system that best explains a set of input–output vectors. Input vectors are regarded as available resources. Output vectors are compared to imputed optimal ones by a decisional efficiency measure and a likelihood function is constructed. In an earlier paper, we obtained results for a simplified version of the problem. In this paper, we propose a genetic algorithm approach for the general case in which π and A are of arbitrary finite dimensions and have nonnegative components. A method based on Householder transformations and Monte Carlo integration is used as an alternative to combinatorial algorithms for the extreme points and volumes of certain required convex polyhedral sets. The method exhibits excellent face validity for a published test data set in data envelopment analysis.
On the brightness of short and long flashes

The equation proposed by S. S. Stevens to describe the relations among brightness, intensity, and duration involves assumptions that are here made explicit. The equation is shown to apply to earlier studies designed to measure critical duration.
MECHANISMS AND RATES OF RADIATIONLESS ENERGY TRANSFER

— Radiationless energy transfer between large molecules has been studied in samples in which a coulombic interaction can be expected to dominate other processes. Measurement of the effect of energy transfer on the lifetime of the donor yields information on the distance dependence of the interaction. The “Forster” formulation of energy transfer due to a coulombic dipole-dipole interaction has been found to describe accurately the results of both singlet-singlet and triplet-singlet transfer. In the latter case, the experimental data are sufficiently precise to be analyzed in a manner suggested by Inokuti and Hirayama, leading to the conclusion that a pure dipole–dipole interaction induces the transfer. RESUMEN Se ha estudiado la transferencia no radiativa de energia de moleculas grandes en sistemas en los que la interaccion electrostatica domina otros procesos. La medicion del efecto de la transferencia de energia en la vida media del donor da informacion sobre la dependencia de distancia de la interaccion. La teoria de Forster para la transferencia de energia debida a interacciones electrostaticas dipolo–dipolo se encontro que describe con gran exactitud los resultados obtenidos en el caso de transferencia singulete-singulete y triplete-singulete, en este ultimo los datos experimentales son suficientemente precisos como para ser analizados mediante el procedimiento surgerido por Inokuti y Hirayama, Ilevando a la conclusion de que la interaccion dipolo–dipolo induce transferencia de energia.
Continent ileocolonic urinary reservoir (Miami pouch): the University of Miami experience over 15 years.

Objective A patient with a recurrent central pelvic malignancy after radiation will require urinary diversion as part of the reconstructive phase of the pelvic exenteration. The aim of our study was to assess the result of our 15-year experience with a continent ileocolonic urinary reservoir, which is known as the Miami pouch. Study design Since 1988, all patients who received a continent ileocolonic urinary reservoir in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Miami School of Medicine, were included in the study. Parameters that were evaluated during the study period include functional outcomes, early and late perioperative complications, and their treatment. Results A total of 90 patients were identified from February 1988 to December 2002. Seventy-eight patients (87%) had a recurrent central pelvic malignancy, and 82 patients (91%) received radiation before the Miami pouch procedure. The non-reservoir-related morbidities were fever (76%), wound complication (30%), pelvic collection (12%), ileus/small bowel obstruction (12%), and postoperative death (11%). The most common reservoir-related complications were urinary infection (40%), ureteral stricture (20%), and difficulty with self-catheterization (18%). In our study, the overall complication rate that was related directly to the Miami pouch was 53%. Conservative treatment resolved>80% of these cases. The rate of urinary continence that was achieved in our patients was 93% during our 15-year experience with the Miami pouch. Conclusion The Miami pouch is a good alternative for continent urinary diversion during exenteration or radiation-induced damage. The rate of major complications that require aggressive surgical intervention is acceptable. Most postoperative complications (80%) can be corrected with the use of conservative techniques that are associated with fewer deaths than reoperation and thus should be used first. The technique is simple and effective in women who are at high risk, who have undergone previous radiation therapy, and who have a high rate of functional success and is a profound advantage for a woman's psychosocial well-being.
Photon emission from nano-granular gold excited by electron tunneling

Abstract Using a scanning tunneling microscope, photon emission induced by electron tunneling into a granular gold surface was investigated. The samples consisted of aggregated small particles ∼ 25 nm in diameter. We measured the intensity of light emission as a function of the applied bias voltage and observed resonance peaks at 1.9 and 2.7 V. The maxima lie at energies corresponding to the local and the extended plasmons of the granular gold surface.
Factors affecting the carboxylate shift upon formation of nonheme diiron-O2 adducts.

Several [FeII2(N-EtHPTB)(μ-O2X)]2+ complexes (1·O2X) have been synthesized, where N-EtHPTB is the anion of N,N,N′N′-tetrakis(2-benzimidazolylmethyl)-2-hydroxy-1,3-diaminopropane and O2X is an oxyanion bridge. Crystal structures reveal five-coordinate (μ-alkoxo)diiron(II) cores. These diiron(II) complexes react with O2 at low temperatures in CH2Cl2 (−90 °C) to form blue-green O2 adducts that are best described as triply bridged (μ–η1:η1-peroxo)diiron(III) species (2·O2X). With one exception, all 2·O2X intermediates convert irreversibly to doubly bridged, blue (μ–η1:η1-peroxo)diiron(III) species (3·O2X). Where possible, 2·O2X and 3·O2X intermediates were characterized using resonance Raman spectroscopy, showing respective νO–O values of ∼850 and ∼900 cm–1. How the steric and electronic properties of O2X affect conversion of 2·O2X to 3·O2X was examined. Stopped-flow analysis reveals that oxygenation kinetics of 1·O2X is unaffected by the nature of O2X, and for the first time, the benzoate analog of 2·O2X (2·...
Dignifying Argentina: Peronism, Citizenship, and Mass Consumption

Eduardo Elena (2011), vii+332 (University of Pittsburgh Press, Pittsburgh, $40.95, paperback $27.95). Juan Peron's first tenure as President of Argentina from 1946 to 1955 is among the most-studied...
Reconciling User Costs and Rental Equivalence: Evidence from the U.S. Consumer Expenditure Survey

Abstract Previous research [Verbrugge, Randal, 2008a. The puzzling divergence of aggregate rents and user costs, 1980–2004. The Review of Income and Wealth 54(4), 671–699] demonstrated that housing rents and ex ante user costs diverge markedly for extended periods of time, a finding with profound implications for income and inflation measurement. But the primary data sources in that study were various indexes, based upon largely disjoint data sources, constructed using different aggregation techniques, and each subject to various criticisms. This raised doubts about the quality of the comparison. The relationship between user costs and rents might well be much tighter at the micro level; after all, house prices and rents (and their growth rates) can vary dramatically within cities, and rents are notoriously sticky. Furthermore, the use of indexes precludes both cross-sectional and dollar cost comparisons. In this study, we use Consumer Expenditure Interview Survey (CE) data to examine the relationship between user costs and rents at the individual unit-level, in dollars, using unit-level information on house value, rent, taxes, and the like. This allows us to accurately estimate unit-specific user costs and to control for unobservables like structure and neighborhood quality. We also make the point that in theory, after-tax user costs should equal net rent, i.e., expected rental income, rather than gross rent. Our findings are striking. In keeping with most previous research, we find tremendous divergence between conventional measures of user costs and net rents, thus ruling out index construction errors as a possible explanation. This divergence does not result from a faulty rent measure: we find that reported rents are sensible, in that they move similarly to official rent indexes, and are not simply out-of-pocket expenses. Instead, and most perplexing, we find a surprisingly close correspondence between net rents and a particular estimate of user costs, one implicitly assuming zero transactions costs and constructed using an appreciation measure that is both theoretically suspect and empirically a poor predictor of actual appreciation.
Modeling the dependence of photoresist contrast and linewidth on processing variables

The analysis proposed earlier by us for the evaluation of the contrast of diazo-type positive photoresists is extended to include the influence of standing waves and post-exposure bake. The dependence of the contrast on a large number of processing variables including exposure dose, development time, developer concentration, pre-and post-exposure thermal treatment, etc. is evaluated. For a substrate that is optically matched with the photoresist, however, the evaluation of contrast is exact and more direct using the recently derived closed form solution of Dill's equations. Further, assuming that the resist development occurs in two stages, first down to the substrate and then away from the center line, the variation of linewidth with the development time has been calculated for AZ1370 resist for a given aerial image intensity distribution across the resist surface. If the resist development occurs predominantly in the downward direction, then it is shown that the slope of the line channel sidewall is proportional to the contrast.
Thermal Inactivation of Clostridium botulinum Type E Spores in Oyster Homogenates at Minimal Processing Temperatures

D-values of Clostridium botulinum type E in oyster homogenates were calculated from the slopes of survivor curves for each variable tested (control, 1.0% NaCl, 0.13% potassium sorbate (KS), and a combination of NaCl and KS) at five temperatures. Mean D-values ranged from 0.78 min at 80°C to 7943 min at 50°C. The addition of salt and/ or KS affected heat resistance of the spores, but differences were not consistent among the temperatures tested, z-Values calculated for the curve between 70°C and 80°C ranged from 6.9 C° to 7.6 C°, while z-values calculated for the curve between 55°C and 70°C were 12.1–14.70°. These data indicate that C. botulinum type E would survive in oysters that are minimally processed. A suitable process could be determined using the data presented; however, oysters would have a cooked appearance.
Septic complications after cardiac catheterization and percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty

Septic complications after cardiac catheterization and percutaneous transluminal coronary artery angioplasty are distinctly uncommon. However, we have recently treated nine patients with sepsis and life-threatening complications after cardiac catheterization alone or after catheterization and subsequent percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty. The common denominator in all patients was either repeat puncturing of the ipsilateral femoral artery or leaving the femoral artery sheath in for 1 to 5 days after the procedure. Two patients died as a direct result of their septic complications. One death occurred in a patient in whom bacterial endocarditis with congestive heart failure developed, and the other patient had a large retroperitoneal hematoma that became secondarily infected. Infected aneurysms that were successfully treated developed in three patients. Our study suggests that colonization of the needle tract by skin flora predisposes to septic complications if repeat arterial punctures are required or if a femoral artery sheath is left in place for more than 24 hours. Patients in whom sepsis develops after these procedures should be initially treated with antibiotics effective against gram-positive organisms. CT scanning or angiography should be considered for patients with persistent sepsis, septic emboli, and abdominal or flank pain. Infected aneurysms require resection or ligation because of the propensity of these aneurysms to rupture.
Response Surface and Multiobjective Optimization Methodology for the Design of Compliant Interconnects

Compliant off-chip interconnects have both in-plane and out-of-plane compliance and are able to accommodate the differential deflection between the die and the substrate or between the substrate and the board, and thus can enhance overall reliability and life of a microelectronic system. A TriDelta compliant interconnect is being pursued at Georgia Tech as an alternate die-to-substrate or substrate-to-board interconnect. It is found that any geometry improvement that enhances the mechanical compliance will also adversely affect the electrical performance. Thus, the design of a compliant interconnect is a tradeoff between the mechanical and electrical performances. In this paper, we examine eight design variables to balance mechanical and electrical performance metrics of a TriDelta interconnect. These design variables are appropriately reduced to four and normalized. The method of normalization not only reduces the number of the design variables but also makes the response surfaces scalable with footprint size. The response surfaces are constructed for electrical resistance, inductance, and the von Mises strains using the central composite inscribed design points. The method of global criterion is used to scalarize this multiobjective optimization problem, and an optimization has been done using specified design and processing constraints as well as the ranges of the design variables. Based on the optimization results, it is seen that the TriDelta compliant interconnect geometry can be designed to meet all of the electrical, mechanical, and fabrication requirements. The developed methodology is applicable to a wide range of other compliant interconnects beyond what is presented in this paper.
The Thermodynamic Hydrate Difference Rule (HDR) Applied to Salts of Carbon-Containing Oxyacid Salts and Their Hydrates: Materials at the Inorganic—Organic Interface

The thermodynamic hydrate difference rule (HDR) has previously been explored largely within the compass of inorganic solids. In this paper we extend its range by studying its application to carbon-containing oxyacid salts, which may be regarded as borderline hydrate-forming inorganic or organic material. We study in detail standard thermodynamic data as it appears in the National Bureau of Standards (NBS) tabulation for formate, carbonate, acetate, glycolate, and oxalate salt hydrates, finding the HDR to apply equally as well to these materials as it does to salts with solely inorganic parents. We use the resulting constants to predict thermodynamic quantities for some parent salts.
Circadian control of singing in crickets: Two different pacemakers for early-evening and before-dawn activity

Abstract (1) Under LD 12:12 and constant temperature, calling song patterns of the Australian Field Cricket Teleogryllus commodus were frequently divided into two more or less distinct activity components. The first began 1–3 h before the L D -transition and ended with the sudden lights-off, whereas the second was restricted mainly to the second half of the night. In subsequent continuous light (LL) the circadian activity pattern was usually a unimodal band. Its onset slope was always a continuation of the first onsets in the preceding LD-cycle. In those cases where shortly after the LD LL transition the rhythm split into two components, both corresponded to those in LD. (2) In “atypical” LD-aatterns only the second component appeared during the late night. In such cases, the onset slope of the subsequent free-running rhythm did not start at the preceding LD-entrained onsets, but was advanced by several hours. (3) In free-running rhythms the mean value of the onset slopes ( τ o = 25.1 ± 0.07 h ) did not differ significantly from that of the end slopes ( τ e = 25.0 ± 0.07 h ). However, in individual activity patterns, simultaneous differences in onset and end slopes of up to 0.7 h were found. τo- and τe-values recorded directly after the LD LL -transition did not correlate with the preceding phase angle difference between the entrained activity and the zeitgeber. (4) Under constant conditions after-effects such as spontaneous period changes and phase shifts in the slopes of activity onset and/or end occurred mainly between five and 20 days after the LD LL -transition . (5) Period changes and phase delays in the onset and end slopes were also found when crickets were exposed to low temperature pulses (2 ± 2°C, 2h duration). Following the cold treatment both period changes and phase shifts in the onset slope frequently differed from those in the end slope. (6) The results are consistent with a concept of two activity components controlled by weakly coupled circadian pacemakers. This is clearly evident in split rhythms but is also true for unimodal patterns. Normally the two components partly overlap and their existence is concealed in the undivided activity band. They are only revealed in unimodal patterns if individual oscillatory properties such as different period lengths or phase shifts appear in the onset or the end slope.
Proof of Stenger's conjecture on matrix I( -1) of Sinc methods

In this paper, we prove a conjecture, which was proposed by Frank Stenger in 1997, concerning the localization of eigenvalues of the Sinc matrix I^(^-^1^), a problem that is important in both the theory and the practice of Sinc methods. In 2003, Iyad Abu-Jeib and Thomas Shores established a partial answer to this unsolved problem. The techniques they have developed, however, turn out to be the key that finally leads to the settlement here of Stenger's conjecture.
Infrared and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopic Studies of the Reactions of Hydrogen-Terminated Crystalline Si(111) and Si(100) Surfaces with Br2, I2, and Ferrocenium in Alcohol Solvents

The reaction chemistry of H-terminated crystalline Si(111) and Si(100) surfaces in CH3OH, CD3OD, CF3(CH2)3OH, C4H9OH, and C4D9OD solutions containing ferrocenium (Fc+)−BF4, I2, or Br2 was monitored using X-ray photoelectron (XP) spectroscopy and infrared (IR) spectroscopy. Addition of the one-electron oxidant Fc+, or addition of the oxidizing species I2 or Br2, produced diagnostic changes in the IR spectra that clearly indicated formation of surficial Si−OR groups. XPS data confirmed the conclusions of the IR studies. Under our reaction conditions, no detectable reaction occurred without the presence of the oxidant. The data are consistent with oxidative activation of the surficial Si−H bonds toward nucleophilic attack by the alcohols. The reaction chemistry was generally similar on (111)- and (100)-oriented Si surfaces, although some differences were observed in the ratio of reaction products on the two different surface orientations. Alkoxylated surfaces were also prepared by a two-step process in which...
DL-2-amino-4-phosphonobutyric acid does not eliminate "ON" responses in the visual system of goldfish.

Abstract DL-2-Amino-4-phosphonobutyric acid (APB) suppresses activity in retinal ON pathways. It is generally assumed that loss of the ON pathway would result in loss of ON responses in the visual system. We tested this assumption by recording activity from the optic nerves of intact goldfish (Carassius auratus) before and after intraocular injection of APB. Whole-nerve responses to increments and decrements of light were compared to electroretinogram responses and to tectal evoked potentials. APB severely reduced the amplitude of the electroretinogram b-wave but left ON and OFF responses from the optic nerve and tectum intact, although decreased in sensitivity. We conclude that APB does not completely eliminate ON responses in the visual system, at least in goldfish. The selectivity and effectiveness of APB must be evaluated in other species before this agent can be relied upon as a useful tool in understanding the roles of ON and OFF pathways in visual function.
Symbol statistics and spatio-temporal systems

Abstract We consider the problem of estimating parameters from time-series observations of spatio-temporal systems. Two types of models are considered: (a) a one-dimensional coupled map lattice with nearest neighbor diffusive coupling; and (b) the complex Ginzburg-Landau equation in one and two spatial dimensions. Model parameters are to be estimated using time-series observations from only a few sites. A symbolic partition of the time series is introduced and the probabilities of observing various symbol sequences in the data are measured. The parameter fitting is accomplished by adjusting parameters of the model until it produces time series whose symbol sequences have the same probabilities as the data. We show that it is possible to reliably estimate the parameters from a single time series when the spatio-temporal dynamics is “turbulent”, i.e. it displays a wide range of space and time scales with no discernible patterns.
Spatial patterns of watershed impervious cover relative to stream location

Abstract The urban stream syndrome may not be limited to streams in urbanized watersheds. We measured the spatial pattern of impervious cover in ∼82,800 small watersheds across the conterminous United States by comparing watershed-based and stream-based measures of imperviousness. The watershed-based measure was the commonly used watershed percentage impervious cover. The stream-based measure was the percentage of watershed stream length flowing through impervious cover. Spatial pattern of impervious cover was classified on a watershed basis as proximal to streams, distal to streams, and uniform by comparing the two measures of impervious cover. We used a classification threshold of ±5% to assign watersheds to the three classes (i.e., stream-based minus watershed-based ≥5% = proximal; watershed-based minus stream-based ≥5% = distal; else = uniform). We then applied the classification to two impervious cover thresholds, ≥5% and ≥15%. For ≥5% and ≥15% thresholds, impervious cover was distributed uniformly across ∼70% and ∼86% of the watersheds, respectively. For the remaining watersheds, the proximal spatial pattern was ∼12× and ∼4× greater than the distal spatial pattern for the ≥5% and ≥15% impervious cover thresholds, respectively. The proximal spatial pattern of impervious cover occurred predominantly in non-urbanized watersheds, resulting in a widespread occurrence of a relatively high percentage of streams flowing through relatively high impervious cover in watersheds where the total percentage impervious cover was relatively low. The spatial pattern of change in impervious cover between ca. 2001 and ca. 2006 did not avoid streams. Impervious cover increased in the vicinity streams in ∼55% of the watersheds with increases in impervious cover. During this period, the length of streams flowing through ≥5% and ≥15% impervious cover increased by ∼9800 km and ∼6900 km, respectively.
Area-preserving mappings and deterministic chaos for nearly parabolic motions

The present work investigates a mechanism of capturing processes in the restricted three-body problem. The work has been done in a set of variables which is close to Delaunay's elements but which allows for the transition from elliptic to hyperbolic orbits. The small denominator difficulty in the perturbation theory is overcome by embedding the small denominator in an analytic function through a suitable analytic continuation. The results indicate that motions in nearly parabolic orbits can become chaotic even though the model is deterministic. The theoretical results are compared with numerical results, showing an agreement of about one percent. Some possible applications to cometary orbits are also given.
Building on what matters most: Our core values

T ODAY WE LIVE in turbulent times, from the point of view of changes 'that are occurring in the health care field. I am reminded of A Tale of Two Cities, in which Charles Dickens wrote, "It was the best of times; it was the worst of times. It was the age of wisdom; it was the age of foolishness." What an apt description of our current environment! Because of the many uncertainties we face, last year I selected as my presidential theme, "Building on What Matters Most: Our Core Values." I felt it was time for us to reflect upon our core values and recommit ourselves to those values as our medical practice evolves. About a year and a half ago, I was asked to write a brief statement on this theme. I listed six of my own medical core values: health, ethics, service, integrity, perspective, and balance.
Variational versus Markov random field methods for image segmentation

Variational and Markov random field (MRF) methods have been proposed for a number of tasks in image processing and early vision. Continuous (variational) formulations have the advantages of being more amenable to analysis and more easily incorporating geometric constraints and invariants. However, discrete (MRF) formulations have computational advantages and are typically used in implementing such methods. Certain commonly used MRF models for image segmentation do not properly approximate a standard continuous formulation in the sense that the discrete solutions may not converge to a solution of the continuous problem as the lattice spacing tends to zero. We propose several modifications of the MRF formulations for which we prove convergence in the continuum limit. Although these MRF models require complex neighborhood structures, we discuss results that indicate that for MRF models with bounded number of states, the difficulties are inherent and cannot be avoided in any scheme with the desired convergence properties.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Phytophages and Pollinators of Galium (Rubiaceae) in Eurasia and North America

One hundred forty-five species of phytophagous insects, 101 species of pollinators, 7 species of mites, and 2 species of pathogenic fungi were collected on 10 species of Galium in North America and Eurasia during a survey for biological control agents. The European Cecidomyiidae, including Geocrypta galii (H. Low) and Schizomyia galiorum Kieffer, appear to be the most promising natural enemies. Information on the ecology of weedy bedstraws is included.
Insights for empirically modeling evapotranspiration influenced by riparian and upland vegetation in semiarid regions

Abstract Water resource managers aim to ensure long-term water supplies for increasing human populations. Evapotranspiration (ET) is a key component of the water balance and accurate estimates are important to quantify safe allocations to humans while supporting environmental needs. Scaling up ET measurements from small spatial scales has been problematic due to spatiotemporal variability. Remote sensing products provide spatially distributed data that account for seasonal climate and vegetation variability. We used MODIS products [i.e., Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) and nighttime land surface temperatures (LSTn)] to create empirical ET models calibrated using measured ET from three riparian-influenced and two upland, water-limited flux tower sites. Results showed that combining all sites introduced systematic bias, so we developed separate models to estimate riparian and upland ET. While EVI and LSTn were the main drivers for ET in riparian sites, precipitation replaced LSTn as the secondary driver of ET in upland sites. Riparian ET was successfully modeled using an inverse exponential approach (r2 = 0.92) while upland ET was adequately modeled using a multiple linear regression approach (r2 = 0.77). These models can be used in combination to estimate ET at basin scales provided each region is classified and precipitation data is available.
Effects of wall thickness and geometric shape on thin-walled parts structural performance

Abstract This paper investigates the effects of wall thickness and geometric shape of thin-walled structures on their performance during structural analysis. Two automotive thin-walled parts, a front joint panel from a vehicle front structure and a tailgate panel from a truck pickup box were involved in this study. Three types of analyses static analysis, impact analysis, and modal analysis were performed separately on each model to find out the influences of different wall thicknesses on both models’ structural performance. Effects of geometric shape of the models on the analysis results were also discussed. The outcomes of this study provide a solid background for the design of lightweight vehicle architectures to meet the impending energy challenge and will also benefit other industrial sectors such as shipbuilding and aircraft industry.
Cyclic loading alters biomechanical properties and secretion of PGE2 and NO from tendon explants.

Abstract Background Tendon overuse injuries are a common occurrence; accounting for a large proportion of occupational and athletic injuries. The concept examined in this study is the role of load-induced intrinsic inflammation to the mechanism of these injuries. This study examined the influence of cyclical loading on the mechanical properties, cell viability, and inflammatory mediators of cultured tendon explants. Methods Chicken digital flexor tendon explants were isolated and separated into no-load (24 h rest), moderate load (0.25–3.0 MPa, 1 Hz, 4 h, 20 h rest), and aggressive load (0.25–12.0 MPa, 1 Hz, 24 h) treatment groups. Tissue loading was carried out with a pneumatic device under load-control. The loading regimens for each explant treatment group started at a uniform time point (day 3 from isolation, t = 0 h). Medium was collected at t = 24 and t = 48 h and analyzed for the inflammatory mediators prostaglandin E2 and nitric oxide. Viability was evaluated at t = 48 h. Findings Biomechanical data revealed a significantly (P Interpretation Alterations in cyclical loading of tendon may cause a change in fibroblast-mediated inflammatory mediator production in tendon. This response is of clinical significance as it may have a role in the pathology of tendon overuse injuries.
Dangerous Omissions: Abstinence-Only-until-Marriage School-Based Sexuality Education and the Betrayal of LGBTQ Youth.

To gain an understanding of how abstinence-only-until-marriage school-based sexuality education has been exclusionary, it is important to explore how heteronormativity has been endorsed, played out, and reproduced ever since school-based sexuality education has been offered in the United States. Such an exploration reveals glaring evidence that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) issues and individuals have been left out. It is likely that this has had negative repercussions on LGBTQ youth and heterosexually identified youth alike. The majority of this article deals with how sexuality education, particularly since so many abstinence-only-until-marriage-until marriage programs have received federal funding since 1996, has discriminated against sexual others (those who do not identify as heterosexual). We provide an analysis of school climate and the consequences of the lack of positive attention to LGBTQ issues and individuals in schools. While we point out that historically these prefer...
Virginiamycin M, a specific inhibitor of the acceptor site of ribosomes.

Summary Virginiamycin M (0.5 μg/ml) inhibits polyuridylic acid (poly U) dependent polyphenylalanine formation as well as MS2 phage coat protein synthesis directed by MS2 phage RNA. It does not inhibit aminoacyl tRNA synthetase reaction. It causes 50 p. cent inhibition of non-enzymatic specific binding of phenylalanyl tRNA and total suppression of the T-factor dependent binding of phenylalanyl tRNA to the poly U ribosome complex. The ribosomal complex of poly U and phenylalanyl tRNA which is obtained in the presence of Virginiamycin M does not form phenylalanyl puromycin nor does it get incorporated into polyphenylalanine. The complex of labeled Virginiamycin M, ribosomes and poly U has been isolated by column chromatography. These results suggest that Virginiamycin M binds to the acceptor site of the ribosomes resulting in the steric inhibition of peptide synthetase at the donor site.
Oscillation theorems for nth-order functional differential equations

Abstract Two oscillation theorems for even-order equations x (n) (t) + p(t)ƒ(x(t), x(h(t))) = 0 are established. These results are the extensions of those reported by Hamedani for the second-order equation x″(t) + p(t) ƒ(x(t), x(h(t))) = 0 .
Simple Theory of Protein Folding Kinetics

We present a simple model of protein folding dynamics that captures key qualitative elements recently seen in all-atom simulations. The goals of this theory are to serve as a simple formalism for gaining deeper insight into the physical properties seen in detailed simulations as well as to serve as a model to easily compare why these simulations suggest a different kinetic mechanism than previous simple models. Specifically, we find that non-native contacts play a key role in determining the mechanism, which can shift dramatically as the energetic strength of non-native interactions is changed. For proteinlike non-native interactions, our model finds that the native state is a kinetic hub, connecting the strength of relevant interactions directly to the nature of folding kinetics.
The Prediction of Fatigue in Fibromyalgia

Objectives: This research evaluated the roles of passive and active pain coping in predicting fatigue in fibromyalgia syndrome [FMS]. A model depicting the relationship between coping, pain, depression, and fatigue was examined in a longitudinal design.Methods: Fifty-two patients with objectively diagnosed FMS completed measures of active and passive pain coping from the Pain Management Inventory and participated in five consecutive monthly telephone interviews during which pain, depression, and fatigue were assessed. It was hypothesized that pain coping would contribute to fatigue by affecting pain and depression over the five-month period.Results: In analyses with aggregated [averaged] data, higher passive coping predicted greater pain and depression, which, in turn, were related to greater fatigue. Passive coping had no direct relationship with fatigue, and active coping did not predict model variables. When the monthly data were disaggregated by removing between-participants variability, pain contribu...
Characterization and classification of Ohio wines using multivariate data analysis

Multivariate data analysis was conducted on a series of 41 wine samples, representing two grape varieties, Chardonnay and Johannisberg Riesling, obtained from both Ohio and California. Each was assayed for both organic and metal content and the results used to construct a data matrix. The multivariate statistical methods of principal component analysis and K‐nearest neighbour were evaluated to determine if they would be successfully applied to classify samples based on both region and wine type. Classification results of wine samples displayed significant differences among regions and types with wine type providing the greatest source of variation.
Highly targeted screening system for carbapenem antibiotics.

An improved screening system in a search for carbapenem antibiotics from actinomycetes was developed, involving (1) effective isolation of carbapenem antibiotic producers, (2) favorable cultivation as to antibiotic production and (3) simplified identification of the carbapenem antibiotics: (1) A frequency of isolation of carbapenem antibiotic producers from soils was increased by the use of an amoxicillin/clavulanate-contaimng medium. As many as 20% of the actinomycetes isolated in this medium were found to be carbapenem antibiotic producers, as compared with 0.6% when conventional media were employed. (2) An agar-surface cultivation on oatmeal - yeast extract - malt extract (OMYM) medium, containing oatmeal, yeast extract, malt extract, glucose and trace elements, was most suitable for the antibiotic production. (3) An agar-diffusion assay for identification of carbapenem antibiotics was developed. Although the carbapenem antibiotics are stable against β-lactamases, they were hydrolyzed completely with excess amounts of common β-lactamases. So they could be discriminated from other β-lactam antibiotics and non-β-lactam antibiotics by comparison of the susceptibility profiles for such enzymes.
Uniform Tetragonal WSi2 Layers Formed by RTA

Thin films of tungsten silicide with resistivities of 30 – 35 μΩ-cm have been formed by sputter depositing 71 nm of W metal onto (100) oriented, 5 Ω-cm, p-type silicon wafers that were etched in BOE 500 solution. The samples were fast radiatively processed in an RTA system under high vacuum for time anneals ranging from 15 – 50 seconds at a temperature of ∼ 1100°C. The inevitable oxide barrier at the interface is shown to decrease with increasing RTA time.
Commissioning of the ATLAS offline software with cosmic rays

The ATLAS experiment of the LHC is now taking its first data by collecting cosmic ray events. The full reconstruction chain including all sub-systems (inner detector, calorimeters and muon spectrometer) is being commissioned with this kind of data for the first time. Specific adaptations to deal with particles not coming from the interaction point and not synchronized with the readout clock were needed. Data decoders and the infrastructure to deal with conditions data as those coming from the data acquisition configuration, detector control system, calibration and alignment corrections were developed and validated as well. Detailed analyses are being performed in order to provide ATLAS with its first alignment and calibration constants and to study the combined muon performance. Combined monitoring tools and event displays have also been developed to ensure good data quality. A simulation of cosmic events according to the different detector and trigger setups has also been provided to verify it gives a good description of the data.
Solar-assisted gas-energy water-heating feasibility for apartments

Abstract Studies of residential energy use, solar-energy technology for building, and the requirements for implementing technology in the housing industry led to a project to develop a solar water heater for apartments. A design study for a specific apartment was used to establish a solar water-heater cost model which is based on plumbing contractor bids and manufacturer estimates. The cost model was used to size the system to minimize the annualized cost of hot water. The annualized cost of solar-assisted gas-energy water heating is found to be less expensive than electric water heating but more expensive than gas water heating. The feasibility of a natural gas utility supplying the auxiliary fuel is evaluated. It is estimated that gas-utilizing companies will find it profitable to offer solar water heating as part of a total energy service option or on a lease basis when the price of new base-load supplies of natural gas reaches $2·50–$3·00 per 106 Btu.
Gender schemas and perceptions of speech style

This study examined Bem's Gender Schema Theory as it relates to communicator style. Participants who had completed the Bem Sex‐Role Inventory (N = 793) were presented with transcribed interpersonal exchanges in which one speaker's communication style was manipulated to appear either powerless or generic. Impressions of the speakers were recorded on a number of interpersonal attribution items. Although results failed to substantiate many of the predicted differences between sex‐typedand non‐sex‐typed persons’ perceptions of speakers’ power, two main effects for powerless speech were found: (1) speakers using powerless language were perceived to be less dominant than generic speakers, and (2) powerless speakers were perceived to be more competent than generic speakers. Implications of these findings for power issues and Gender Schema Theory are discussed.
Bayes optimal kernel discriminant analysis

Kernel methods provide an efficient mechanism to derive nonlinear algorithms. In classification problems as well as in feature extraction, kernel-based approaches map the originally nonlinearly separable data into a space of intrinsically much higher dimensionality where the data is linearly separable and can be readily classified with existing and efficient linear methods. For a given kernel function, the main challenge is to determine the parameters of the kernel which maps the original nonlinear problem to a linear one. This paper derives a Bayes optimal criterion for the selection of the kernel parameters in discriminant analysis. Our criterion selects the kernel parameters that maximize the (Bayes) classification accuracy in the kernel space. We also show how we can use the same criterion to do subclass selection in the kernel space for problems with multimodal class distributions. Extensive experimental evaluation demonstrates the superiority of the proposed criterion over the state of the art.
EPR evidence for an acceptor functioning in photosystem II when the pheophytin acceptor is reduced

Photosystem II particles have been poised at redox potentials where the pheophytin acceptor is reduced. Illumination of these particles at 200K results in the formation of radical signal in the g⋍2.00 region. This is attributed to the photoreduction of another acceptor. This acceptor may function between the primary donor, P680, and pheophytin in forward electron transfer.
In vitro performance of hearts from the european starling, Sturnus vulgaris

Abstract 1. 1. Glucose uptake values for European starling ( Sturnus vulgaris ) hearts in vitro are comparable to values from rat, mouse, and bat hearts. 2. 2. The efficiency of glucose utilization (beats/μmole glucose/gdw), however, was higher in the starling than in bat and mouse hearts. 3. 3. Lactate production was lower than values reported for mouse, bat, and rat hearts. 4. 4. Increased glucose utilization coupled with low lactic acid production might reflect a more efficient system for metabolizing glucose. 5. 5. Glycogen values from perfused hearts showed a nonsignificant change during the hour perfusion when compared with those from nonperfused hearts.
Development of Arduino based wireless control system

Over the past few decades, considerable attention has been given to structural control systems to mitigate structural vibration under natural hazards such as earthquakes and extreme weather conditions. Traditional wired structural control systems often employ a large amount of cables for communication among sensors, controllers and actuators. In such systems, implementation of wired sensors is usually quite complicated and expensive, especially on large scale structures such as bridges and buildings. To reduce the laborious installation and maintenance cost, wireless control systems (WCSs) are considered as a novel approach for structural vibration control. In this work, a WCS is developed based on the open source Arduino platform. Low cost, low power wireless sensing and communication components are built on the Arduino platform. Structural control algorithms are embedded within the wireless sensor board for feedback control. The developed WCS is first validated through a series of tests. Next, numerical simulations are performed simulating wireless control of a 3-story shear structure equipped with a semi-active control device (MR damper). Finally, experimental studies are carried out implementing the WCS on the 3-story shear structure in the Intelligent Infrastructure Systems Lab (IISL). A hydraulic shake table is used to generate seismic ground motions. The control performance is evaluated with the impact of modeling uncertainties, measurement noises as well as time delay and data loss induced by the wireless network. The developed WCS is shown to be effective in controlling structural vibrations under several historical earthquake ground motions.