cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Objective Track Quality Indices

A set of new track quality indices (TQIs) has been developed to aid in the evaluation of track geometry measurements and to complement the well-established track classification based on the Federal Track Safety Standards (FTSS). The newly developed TQIs will be eventually implemented as real-time processed indicators on FRA's research vehicle, the T-16. After a review of existing methods for determining TQIs, it is concluded that none of the current methods can satisfy the stated objectives. Therefore, a new methodology has been developed and tested to compute TQIs from track geometry data based on a simple and intuitive approach. The results have shown that the new TQIs can quantitatively describe the relative condition of track surface geometries. Furthermore, it is shown that the new TQIs are well correlated to the FTSS for each track class, providing a relative indication of quality within each class. A total of 48 track geometry surveys are selected from measurements taken by the FRA T-2000 track geometry car. Track geometry data from these surveys are processed and divided into 528-ft segments. For each track segment, the FTSS is used to determine actual track class. The track segments are grouped according to the actual classes these segments meet. Track quality indices are computed over each track segment. The results are used to establish TQI thresholds for each track class. The findings indicate that there are distinct TQI ranges for each track class, although there is some overlap between the upper boundary of one class and the lower boundary of the next.
Comparison of four analytical methods for the determination of peroxide value in oxidized soybean oils

Previous work in our laboratory demonstrated that soybean oil oxidation, expressed as PV, can be determined using NIR transmission spectroscopy as an alternative to the official AOCS iodometric titration method. In the present study, a comparison of four peroxide analytical methods was conducted using oxidized soybean oil. The methods included the official AOCS iodometric titration, the newly developed NIR method, the PeroxySafe™ kit, and a ferrous xylenol orange (FOX) method, the latter two being colorimetric methods based on oxidation of iron. Five different commercially available soybean oils were exposed to fluorescent light to obtain PV levels of 0–20 meq/kg; periodic sampling was done to ensure having representative samples throughout the designated range. A total of 46 oil samples were analyzed. Statistical analysis of the data showed that the correlation coefficient (r) and standard deviation of differences (SDD) between the standard titration and NIR methods were r=0.991, SDD=0.72 meq/kg; between titration and the PeroxySafe™ kit were r=0.993, SDD=0.56 meq/kg; and between the standard titration and FOX method were r=0.975, SDD=2.3 meq/kg. The high correlations between the titration, NIR, and PeroxySafe™ kit data indicated that these methods were equivalent.
Disease maps: Epidemics on the ground

Disease maps: Epidemics on the ground, by Tom Koch, Chicago, IL, The University of Chicago Press, 2011, 344 pp., US$45.00 (hardcover), ISBN 9780226449357 Maps of disease have been with us for centu...
Differential effects of glucose and fructose infusions on insulin-induced feeding in rats

Abstract Intravenous administration of large doses of insulin rapidly lowered blood glucose concentration and elicited feeding behavior in rats. Infusion of glucose solution into the jugular vein suppressed the feeding response on a calorie-for-calorie basis. Infusion of fructose, a hexose that can nourish peripheral tissue but cannot be oxidized by brain, also lowered food intake after insulin treatment despite continued hypoglycemia. However, the effects of fructose were not as great as those of equimolar glucose solutions except when relatively small doses of insulin were given. These results provide further evidence that a peripheral factor, perhaps involving the liver, can attentuate the feeding that is initiated by acute glucoprivation.
Iron-copper interactions : some new revelations

Iron and copper show an uncommon but largely unexplained interdependence, the basis for which is being clarified in hemoglobin-synthesizing cells, yeast, and photosynthetic microrgansims. The interactions of the two metals with membrane transport systems and genetic regulators are more apt to be cooperative than antagonistic.
Stability of teacher temperament ratings over 6 and 12 months.

Six and 12-month stability of teacher ratings of temperament was studied in four samples. For the two samples retested after a 6-month interval, the same teacher provided the original and retest ratings. For the two samples retested after a 12-month interval, different teachers provided the retest ratings than provided the original ratings. Four indices of stability were investigated for each sample: (a) cross-rank stability, (b) within-person stability (c) absolute score stability, and (d) factorial stability. Factorial stability was demonstrated for all samples. For the other three indices of stability, 6-month stability was moderate to high, and significantly higher than the 12-month stability. The general pattern of results is comparable to temperament rating data from parents, with specific coefficients being somewhat higher.
Effect of aflatox1n B1 on net synthesis of albumin, fibrinogen, and α1-acid glycoprotein by the isolated perfused rat liver

Abstract The isolated perfused rat liver has been used to study the influence of aflatoxin B 1 on net synthesis of the plasma proteins albumin, fibrinogen, α 1 -acid glycoprotein and α 2 -(acute phase) globulin. Aflatoxin B 1 was used because it may inhibit messenger RNA synthesis from DNA in a manner similar to that generally accepted for actinomycin D, thereby allowing estimates of half-lives of individual species of messenger RNA to be made by observation of changes in the rate of synthesis of individual proteins after administration of the drug. Livers of adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were perfused for 12 hr with defibrinated rabbit blood with l -lysine-1- 14 C and 500 mg glucose continually infused. Net changes in the specific plasma proteins were measured serologically. Aflatoxin B 1 was added to the perfusate (half the total dose at the outset and the other half infused); although a dose of 62.5 μg aflatoxin B 1 did not affect the net synthesis of albumin, fibrinogen, α 1 -acid glycoprotein or α 2 -(acute phase) globulin, doses of 125, 250, 500 or 1000 μg were associated with increasingly severe inhibition of synthesis manifest after 2–4 hr of perfusion. These data are consistent with short half-lives for messenger RNA for these plasma proteins; however, histological evidence of progressively more widespread parenchymal cell degeneration, necrosis and interstitial hemorrhage associated with doses of aflatoxin B 1 above 62.5 μg strongly suggests that the impaired protein synthesis may in part have been secondary to cytotoxic effects. l -Lysme-1- 14 C incorporation into hepatic protein was inhibited progressively by increasing doses of aflatoxin B 1 . Significant elevations in rate of 14 CO 2 production from l -lysine-1- 14 C, in urea synthesis and in α-amino acid nitrogen accumulation were observed in perfusions with more than 125 μg aflatoxin B 1 .
Contrasting electroabsorbance behavior of two borderline class II/class III mixed-valence systems

Abstract Intervalence Stark effect spectroscopy of a symmetrically substituted and an asymmetrically substituted derivative of the Creutz–Taube ion, ( NH 3 ) 5 Ru - pyrazine - Ru ( NH 3 ) 5 5 + , is reported. Like the formally mixed-valent parent ion, both appear to lie near the boundary between valence delocalization and valence localization. Remarkably, despite the close structural similarities of the two compounds investigated, the corresponding electroabsorbance spectra are grossly different. Furthermore, neither spectrum is well fit by a classic Liptay approach. An alternative, qualitative approach that allows for the possibility that the externally applied electric field itself affects the degree of valence delocalization and, therefore, the electroabsorbance spectrum, was employed. The alternative approach relies upon the availability of compounds closely analogous to the investigated compounds, but differing slightly in degree of redox asymmetry. A subtle method for creating such compounds is to partially encapsulate a parent compound with a crown ether, such that a lower symmetry assembly is obtained. Using this approach the unusual Stark responses, including the disparate responses for symmetric vs. asymmetric structures, are reasonably well reproduced. Intervalence-enhanced resonance Raman spectra provide additional support for the proposed interpretation.
Blog Antenna: Summarization of Personal Blog Temporal Dynamics Based on Self-Similarity Factorization

In this paper, we present a framework to analyze and summarize the temporal dynamics within personal blogs. Blog temporal dynamics are difficult to capture using a few class descriptors. Our approach comprises of (1) a representation of blog dynamics using self-similarity matrices, (2) theme extraction using non-negative self-similarity matrix factorization, and (3) a visualization representing blog theme evolution. Summaries based on large real-world blog datasets reveals interesting temporal characteristics for four blog types - personal blog, cooperative blog, power blog and spam blogs.
A comparative study of the surgical procedures to treat advanced Kienbock's disease

We have treated a total of 16 cases of advanced Kienbock's disease, stage III and IV by Lichtman's classification, with triscaphe fusion, tendon ball replacement arthroplasty after excision of lunate, proximal row carpectomy as a salvage procedure and limited wrist fusion, since 1985. All cases were followed for minimal 16 months after each operation. Tendon ball replacement arthroplasty after excision of lunate could not prevent further carpal collapse with persistent chronic wrist pain. The triscaphe fusion or radio-lunate fusion induced a marked limited wrist motion later, and the triscaphe fusion alone was not fit for the treatment of advanced one because of progressive proximal migration of capitate and continuous wrist pain due to ligamentous carpal instability in follow-up. So we tried to simultaneously combine tendon ball replacement arthroplasty after excision of lunate with triscaphe fusion in far advanced Kienbock's disease, and their end results was favorable. Proximal row carpectomy could be done in far advanced Kienbock's disease with reasonably painless wrist motions. The overall end results of proximal row carpectomy are much better than any form of carpal arthrodesis. Conclusively the proper way to treat advanced Kienbock's disease seems to depend on the patient's age, their job and sex, and the stage of disease. And the cause of wrist pain in advanced Kienbock's disease seems due to ligamentous carpal instability rather than osteoarthritis on radio-lunate joint.
Dendritic crystal growth in pure materials

Abstract Dendritic growth is a fundamental crystal growth phenomenon accompanying most casting and solidification processes, and, occasionally, occurring during the growth of single crystals, where it is detrimental to crystalline quality. Dendrites are the ubiquitous crystal form in freezing alloys and supercooled melts, because their shapes are most suited for efficient heat and mass transfer at small scales. Dendritic scales are typically the smallest length scales of interest in ingots and castings, typically associated with: (1) chemical processes, such as microsegregation, (2) thermal processes, for example, latent heat release, and (3) mechanical processes, for instance, the volume change during phase transformation. All of these processes operate at the dendritic solid–melt interface. Understanding dendritic growth is therefore considered essential for controlling basic solidification and crystal growth processes. A brief history of dendrites will be sketched, showing how the subject of dendritic solidification evolved to its present status as a modern sub-field of general crystal growth. The comprehensive understanding of dendrites and developing a predictive capability of practical utility to the crystal grower, however, remain as works in progress. The subject of dendritic growth will be presented on the basis of heat and mass transfer, capillarity effects at the solid–melt interface, and interfacial dynamics, including morphological stability, and side-branching dynamics. Experimental verification of dendritic scaling laws using microgravity experimentation is included as a brief attempt to encapsulate this important subject within crystal growth science.
Sexual reproduction and variation in floral morphology in an ephemeral vernal lily, Eyythronium americanum.

In a riparian population of Erythronium americanum (Liliaceae) in central New Jersey, experimentally self-pollinated plant produced markedly fewer fruit and fewer seeds per fruit than hand-outcrossed and open pollinated plants, even though differences were not evident between pollen tubes that penetrated stigmas from self or foreign pollen. This weak self-compatibility and a positive relation between the percentage of seeds set by outcrossed plants and the distance between pollen donor and recipient plants indicate that this population could be susceptible to inbreeding depression.Limited resources for seed development apparently constrained maximal seed production, based on low seed set (40.6%) by hand-pollinated plants and positive correlations for these plants between plant size and the number and size of seeds set. In contrast, naturally-pollinated plants set a smaller proportion of their ovules, suggesting that limited pollinator service reduced the quantity of seeds produced in this population. Free-foraging bees usually removed more than half of the available pollen in a single visit, so that individual plants probably have few opportunities to disseminate their pollen.Even though sexually reproductive ramets produce only a single flower per year, less than a third of variation in floral morphology is associated with variation in plant size. Within the flower, the sizes of some closely associated structures, such as the style and ovary, and the anthers and filaments, vary essentially independently of one another. Production of nectar and pollen, the ultimate attractors of pollinating insects, was positively correlated with flower size.
Commitment and leisure behavior: A theoretical perspective

Abstract The concept of commitment has been indirectly linked to a variety of topical areas in leisure research. The purpose of this paper is to identify and critique links between commitment and leisure behavior and to identify and discuss the attributes of committed behavior. The contribution of integrating the concept of commitment into research regarding conflict, substitution, recreation specialization, and leisure social worlds is identified and discussed. Tentative propositions linking commitment to leisure behavior are identified. Recommendations are made for the future operationalization of commitment, and its potential contribution to integrating leisure is discussed.
Pyrazoles. II. Reactions of 1-methyl-5-amino-4-pyrazolecarboxamide and nitrous acid introduction of a nitro group at position 5 in the payrazole ring

Addition of sodium nitrite to a mixture of hydrochloric acid and 1-methyl-5-amino-4-pyrazolecarboxamide, at either high or low temperature, yielded 1-methyl-4-hydroxypyrazolo-[3,4-d]-v-triazine. On the other hand, addition of hydrochloric acid to an aqueous mixture of sodium nitrite and 1-methyl-5-amino-4-pyrazolecarboxamide gave, at high temperature (˜ 100°), 1-methyl-5-nitro-4-pyrazolecarboxylic acid and at low temperature (˜ 0°), 1-methyl-5-nitrosamino-4-pyrazolecarboxylic acid.
Fiber laser sensors: enabling the next generation of miniaturized, wideband marine sensors

Fiber laser strain sensors achieve fundamentally limited strain resolution, resulting in their ability to resolve axial fiber displacements at the sub-femtometer level. This ultra-high resolution enables the development of miniaturized sensors capable of achieving the performance necessary for high resolution marine sensing. The reduction in size also facilitates an increased operating bandwidth for broadband acoustic transducers. The last decade has seen considerable development of this technology, moving it from a laboratory curiosity to deployable demonstrations. Significant advances have been made in understanding the fundamental properties of erbium fiber laser strain sensors as well as laser multiplexing, signal demodulation and sensor design. This talk will describe the basic properties of fiber laser strain sensors and show how the technical challenges involved in developing deployable, multiplexed arrays of miniature transducers have been overcome. In particular the development of miniature wideband hydrophones, low power DC magnetometers with sub-nT resolution and miniature acoustic vector sensors will be described. Finally, a view towards potential future applications of this technology will be given.
Local pretreatment with the cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonist AM251 attenuates methamphetamine intra-accumbens self-administration

Abstract The endocannabinoid system is a potential target for therapeutic intervention of substance abuse. Cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonist decreases intravenous methamphetamine self-administration in animal models. This study examined whether the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) is a site of interaction between methamphetamine and the CB1 receptor antagonist AM251. Male Sprague–Dawley rats were trained to lever press and then were surgically implanted with a guide cannula into the right NAcc. Rats were allowed one week to recover and then AM251 (0.1 or 1.0 μg/μL) was reverse dialyzed directly into the NAcc prior to methamphetamine (10 μg/μL) intra-accumbens self-administration. AM251 (1.0 μg/μL) reduced methamphetamine self-administration while AM251 (0.1 μg/μL) had an intermediary effect. The mechanism of self-administration attenuation is not known but could be mediated by AM251 affecting the negative feedback from the NAcc to the ventral tegmental area (VTA). This study provides evidence that the endocannabinoid system is involved with rewarding effects of methamphetamine and suggests a possible therapeutic intervention for methamphetamine abuse.
Beyond Rhetoric: Reassessing Bedouin-Ottoman Relations along the Route of the Hijaz Telegraph Line at the End of the Nineteenth Century

This article examines Ottoman imperial and provincial relationships with Bedouin tribes living along the Hijaz Telegraph Line route. Using the construction of the Hijaz Telegraph Line as a case study, it demonstrates how anti-Bedouin rhetoric was strategically employed to justify actions policies recommended by provincial powers determined to block the imperial government’s plans to build a link between the Hijaz and Istanbul. It also shows how sabotage of the telegraph lines carried out by some Bedouin tribesmen was often instigated by oppressive measures put in place by the same provincial powers. Overall, it argues for the necessity of understanding the context in which rhetorical tools were employed when historians analyze rhetoric for the purpose of drawing conclusion about the nature of Ottoman imperial rule along the empire’s frontiers at the end of the nineteenth century.
Development of anticipatory 50 kHz USV production to a social stimuli in adolescent and adult male Sprague-Dawley rats

This study examined ontogenetic differences in anticipatory 50 kHz ultrasonic vocalization (USV) production to social interactions in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Adults increased USVs across days when tested socially but not when left alone (Experiment 1), and displayed anticipatory USVs to return to the cage-mate (Experiment 2). Adolescents did not display evidence of anticipatory USVs. To the extent that anticipatory USVs index incentive salience, this suggests an adolescent attenuation of incentive salience of social interactions.
Relationship of Tissue Digestion to Textural Strength in Bermudagrass and Alfalfa Stems

Forage quality is determined to a large extent by the physical degradation of fiber and by exit of the digesta from the rumen. The effect of plant structure and prior microbial activity on the ease of physical breakdown, which occurs during chewing, is poorly defined. The objectives of this work were to identify structural characteristics primarily responsible for providing textural strength in stems and to relate this strength to tissue digestion by whole rumen fluid, by bacteria or by fungi. The textural strength of stem residues was determined by applying force perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of 1-cm stem sections (...)
Antibiotic Collateral Damage: Resistance and Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea:

The purpose of this review is to describe dilemmas associated with antibiotic collateral damage and provide clinical pharmacists with information to improve antibiotic utilization. The clinical use of antibiotics has been associated with acquisition and spread of nosocomial pathogens and multidrug-resistant strains, such as extended-spectrum beta-lactamases, AmpC hyper-producers, carbapenemases, and resistant gram-positive organisms. The mobility of plasmid-mediated resistance, such as extended-spectrum beta-lactamases and the more recently isolated Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemases, have been well-demonstrated with worldwide distribution across several different species. The challenges surrounding antibiotic-associated diarrhea, particularly Clostridium difficile infection (CDI), continue to evolve with outbreaks of hypervirulent strains linked to the use of less commonly implicated antibiotics. Published literature was searched and reviewed using PubMed. Undesirable attributes related to antibiotic u...
An Inventory Model with Finite Horizon and Price Changes

An inventory model is developed for a finite horizon and price changes. The structure and form of the optimal policy is determined along with sensitivity analysis with respect to the length of the horizon. This is a prelude to considering an infinite horizon problem in which at some a priori known time the purchase price of the item will increase. In this paper appropriate ordering policies are determined with respect to known information about an ensuing price rise.
Fueling Low-Level AGN Activity through Stochastic Accretion of Cold Gas*

Using a simple description of feedback from black hole growth, we develop an analytic model for the fueling of Seyferts (low-luminosity active galactic nuclei [AGNs]) and their relation to their host galaxies, Eddington ratio distributions, and cosmological evolution. We derive a solution for the time evolution of accretion rates in a feedback-driven blast wave, applicable to large-scale outflows from bright quasars in galaxy mergers, low-luminosity AGNs, and black holes or neutron stars in supernova remnants. Under the assumption that cold gas stochastically accretes onto a central supermassive black hole at a rate set by the dynamics of that gas, our solution determines the evolution of Seyfert light curves. Using this model, we predict the Seyfert luminosity function, duty cycles and AGN "lifetimes," and the distribution of host morphologies, Eddington ratios, and obscuration as a function of AGN luminosity and black hole mass, and we find agreement with observations at z = 0. We consider the breakdown of the contribution from this mechanism and from stellar wind and virialized hot gas accretion and merger-driven activity. We also make specific predictions for the weak evolution of the Seyfert luminosity function; i.e., luminosity function of quiescent as opposed to merger-driven activity, as a function of redshift, and for changes in both the slope and scatter of the MBH-σ relation at low MBH. Our modeling provides a quantitative and physical distinction between local, low-luminosity quiescent AGN activity and violent, merger-driven bright quasars. In our picture, the quiescent mode of fueling dominates over a wide range of luminosities (-15 MB -22) at z = 0, where most black hole growth occurs in objects with MBH 107 M☉, in S0 and Sa/b galaxies. However, quasar activity from gas-rich mergers evolves more rapidly with redshift, and by z = 1, quiescent fueling is important only at luminosities an order of magnitude or more below the "break" in the luminosity function. Consequently, although non-merger-driven fueling is important for black hole growth and the MBH-σ relation at low MBH, it does not significantly contribute to the black hole mass density of the universe or to cosmological backgrounds.
Chemical shift-induced phase errors in phase-contrast MRI

Phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging is subject to numerous sources of error, which decrease clinical confidence in the reported measures. This work outlines how stationary perivascular fat can impart a significant chemical shift induced phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging measurement error using computational simulations, in vitro, and in vivo experiments. This chemical shift error does not subtract in phase difference processing, but can be minimized with proper parameter selection. The chemical shift induced phase errors largely depend on both the receiver bandwidth and the TE. Both theory and an in vivo comparison of the maximum difference in net forward flow between vessels with and without perivascular fat indicated that the effects of chemically shifted perivascular fat are minimized by the use of high bandwidth (814 Hz/px) and an in-phase TE (high BW-TE(IN)). In healthy volunteers (N = 10) high BW-TE(IN) significantly improves intrapatient net forward flow agreement compared with low bandwidth (401 Hz/px) and a mid-phase TE as indicated by significantly decreased measurement biases and limits of agreement for the ascending aorta (1.8 ± 0.5 mL vs. 6.4 ± 2.8 mL, P = 0.01), main pulmonary artery (2.0 ± 0.9 mL vs. 11.9 ± 5.8 mL, P = 0.04), the left pulmonary artery (1.3 ± 0.9 mL vs. 5.4 ± 2.5 mL, P = 0.003), and all vessels (1.7 ± 0.8 mL vs. 7.2 ± 4.4 mL, P = 0.001).
Management of urethral diverticulum complicating hypospadias repair.

Abstract Background Urethral diverticula can occur after hypospadias repair, and may lead to stone formation, incomplete voiding, infection, postvoid dribbling, haematuria and other problems. We previously reviewed our experience with hypospadias complications. We separately analyzed those patients who developed urethral diverticula to attempt to identify predisposing factors and appropriate management strategies. Patients and methods We reviewed the available medical records and charts of 123 patients undergoing re-operation for hypospadias complications at The Children's Mercy Hospital from 1 May 1984 until 1 January 2003. Hypospadias cripples, traumatic fistulae, complications after circumcision and true intersex patients were excluded. Results Diverticula accounted for 11% of all complications (13 patients). The patients with diverticula were more likely to have perineal/proximal hypospadias. The initial repair was island tube urethroplasty in five, island onlay urethroplasty in seven and bladder mucosal graft in one child. The repair of the diverticulum in one stage was successful in 10 of the 13 patients. There was one recurrent diverticulum and two fistulas. A stricture was present in only one of the 13 patients but was detected overall in 14 of the 123 patients (11%). Conclusion Diverticula are uncommon after hypospadias repair, accounting for 11% of all complications in the present series. The stricture was not causative in 12 of 13 children. Repair of the diverticulum was successful after one attempt in 10 of 13 patients. The management of this complication is discussed.
CHIRPED PULSE AMPLIFICATION IN AN ERBIUM-DOPED FIBER OSCILLATOR/ERBIUM-DOPED FIBER AMPLIFIER SYSTEM

Abstract Chirped pulse amplification in erbium fibers is demonstrated. A passively mode locked erbium-doped fiber laser source provides the seed pulses for an erbium-doped fiber amplifier. The system produces femtosecond pulses at a repetition rate of 33 MHz with an energy content as high as 1.4 nJ.
Effect of Underwing Frost on a Transport Aircraft Airfoil at Flight Reynolds Number

The effect of underwing frost on a transport aircraft airfoil in a takeoff configuration was studied. Underwing frost can occur when the lower surface of the wing is cooled by fuel cold-soaked in the wing tanks during cruise. Frost may accrete on the wing lower surface while the aircraft is awaiting takeoff. A two-dimensional test was performed in the NASA Langley Low-Turbulence Pressure Tunnel on a representative high-lift airfoil with a leading-edge slat and trailing-edge flap. Frost was simulated on the lower surface using distributed roughness particles. The test was conducted at M - 0.2 and Re = 5 x 106 to 1.6 x 10 7. The effects of the frost on performance were generally small, with the largest effects occurring for the open-slat case with the frost starting at 12% chord. In this situation, it was found that the frost contaminated the upper surface boundary layer at high angles of attack, increasing drag and reducing maximum lift.
Asymptotically Optimal Discrete Time Nonlinear Filters From Stochastically Convergent State Process Approximations

We consider the problem of approximating optimal in the MMSE sense nonlinear filters in a discrete time setting, exploiting properties of stochastically convergent state process approximations. More specifically, we consider a class of nonlinear, partially observable stochastic systems, comprised by a (possibly nonstationary) hidden stochastic process (the state), observed through another conditionally Gaussian stochastic process (the observations). Under general assumptions, we show that, given an approximating process which, for each time step, is stochastically convergent to the state process in some appropriate sense, an approximate filtering operator can be defined, which converges to the true optimal nonlinear filter of the state in a strong and well defined sense, i.e., compactly in time and uniformly in a completely characterized measurable set of probability measure almost unity, also providing a purely quantitative justification of Egoro’s Theorem for the problem at hand. The results presented in this paper can form a common basis for the analysis and characterization of a number of heuristic approaches for approximating a large class of optimal nonlinear filters, such as approximate grid based techniques, known to perform well in a variety of applications.
Evaluating Effects of Engine Operating Variables on Particle Number Emission Rates Using Robust Regression Models

This study examines the dynamics of high-frequency diesel particulate number (PN) emissions and their dependence on engine operating variables. Data collected from a heavy-duty diesel bus during a real-world experiment are analyzed with L1-regression models that are robust to outliers and free from distributional assumptions. The model-building procedure reveals the relative statistical significance of six engine operating variables and their interactions. Different models are estimated for accumulation mode PN (which dominates emitted particle mass) and for the ratio of ultrafine PN (which accounts for more than 90% of total emitted PN) to accumulation mode PN. A major implication from the study results is that interactions between engine operating variables should be thoroughly examined in instantaneous emission models. Specifically, the interaction between fuel-to-air ratio (or engine load) and engine speed exerts a significant effect on the above mentioned PN ratio, while the effect of exhaust tempera...
Human Capital-Based Strategy for Regional Economic Development

Regional policy makers have always wrestled in vain to come up with regional economic development policies that are coherent and uniform and can be defended on economic grounds. However, most policies are either ad hoc or based on political considerations. The relevant literature dealing with regional economic development strategies is fragmented. It also does not provide any guidance to formulate an overall long-term strategy based on an integrated analytical foundation. It incorporates elements like entrepreneurship, human capital, workplace training, capital accumulation, R&D effort, innovations, technology, and technological cycles. This article proposes a human capital accumulation strategy for regional economic development that not only integrates the above diverse elements of the literature into a cohesive analytical framework but also provides the rationale for it to be part of a long-term policy for economic development on efficiency grounds.
Understanding the structure of subducting plates

Seismic studies are helping scientists learn more about the structure of subducting oceanic plates. Using an air gun array and 80 ocean bottom seismometers spaced along a 500-kilometer profile, Fujie et al. conducted a seismic reflection and refraction survey at the Kuril trench in the northwestern Pacific margin, where part of the Pacific plate is subducting beneath the Okhotsk plate. They estimated the water content of the subducting plate by measuring the velocity of seismic waves—both P waves and S waves—through the plate. The ratio of seismic wave velocities (Vp/Vs) is an indicator of the lithology, porosity, and presence of fluid in the plate. Their findings showed that the water content in the plate increased toward the trench, along with greater bending and fracturing, suggesting that water enters the plate through the fractures. The authors conclude that the bending and fracturing of the plate as it subducts play an important role in the water cycle in subduction zones. (Geophysical Research Letters, doi:10.1029/2012GL054340, 2013)
Recognition and response to electronic fetal heart rate patterns: impact on newborn outcomes and primary cesarean delivery rate in women undergoing induction of labor.

Objective The objective of the study was to examine the clinical impact of specific fetal monitoring-related practices during induced labor. Study Design This was a prospective, nonrandomized study. Results We studied 14,398 women undergoing oxytocin induction of labor. A decrease in the infusion rate of oxytocin in the face of specified category II fetal heart rate tracings was associated with a significantly reduced rate of neonatal intensive care unit admission (3.8% vs 5.2%, P = .01) and Apgar score less than 7 at 1 and 5 minutes (4.9% vs 6.4%, P = .01, 0.6% vs 1.1%, P = .04). Compliance with an in-use checklist was associated with both a reduction in the rate of neonatal intensive care unit admission (2.9 vs 4.4, P = .00) and a reduction in the cesarean delivery rate (15.8% vs 18.8%, P = .00). Conclusion Electronic fetal heart rate monitoring improves neonatal outcomes when unambiguous definitions of abnormal fetal heart rate and tachysystole are coupled with specific interventions. Utilization of a checklist for oxytocin monitoring is associated with improved neonatal outcomes and a reduction in the cesarean delivery rate.
C 12 + C 12 Coulomb barrier resonances: Direct determination of resonance parameters from elastic scattering measurements

$^{12}\mathrm{C}$ + $^{12}\mathrm{C}$ elastic scattering angular distributions have been measured between ${E}_{\mathrm{c}.\mathrm{m}.}=6.50 \mathrm{and} 7.05$ MeV at intervals of 0.05 MeV. Resonances were observed in these yields at ${E}_{\mathrm{c}.\mathrm{m}.}=6.64 \mathrm{and} 6.83$ MeV. A phase shift analysis of these data was carried out which resulted in assignments of ${J}^{\ensuremath{\pi}}={2}^{+}$ (${E}_{\mathrm{c}.\mathrm{m}.}=6.64$ MeV) and ${J}^{\ensuremath{\pi}}={4}^{+}$ (${E}_{\mathrm{c}.\mathrm{m}.}=6.83$ MeV) for the resonances. Carbon partial widths were determined by parametrizing the deduced phase shifts in terms of isolated Breit-Wigner resonances. The results, ${\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{c}={29}_{\ensuremath{-}9}^{+6}$ keV at ${E}_{\mathrm{c}.\mathrm{m}.}=6.64$ MeV and ${\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{c}=11\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}3$ keV at ${E}_{\mathrm{c}.\mathrm{m}.}=6.83$ MeV, demonstrate unambiguously the quasimolecular nature of the resonances.NUCLEAR REACTIONS $^{12}\mathrm{C}$($^{12}\mathrm{C}$, $^{12}\mathrm{C}$)$^{12}\mathrm{C}$, $E=13.0\ensuremath{-}14.1$ MeV; measured $\ensuremath{\sigma}(E;\ensuremath{\theta})$; kinematic coincidence. Deduced phase shift parameters; deduced spins and carbon widths for resonances.
Severity of gray leaf spot in perennial ryegrass as influenced by mowing height and nitrogen level

Gray leaf spot [Pyricularia grisea (Cooke) Sacc.] has become a great concern for turf managers. Large losses of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) turf caused by P. grisea epidemics have occurred in recent years. This field study was conducted to investigate the effects of two maintenance practices on the severity of gray leaf spot in perennial ryegrass managed as golf course fairways and roughs. The study was initiated in 1998 and repeated in 1999 at Lexington, KY. Treatments were two mowing heights (1.9 and 6.4 cm) with a split-plot treatment of monthly applications of water-soluble nitrogen (N) fertilizer between April and August at rates of 0, 36.6, and 73.2 kg N ha -1 . Disease severity was rated visually as the percent of plot area blighted, and areas under disease progress curves (AUDPC) were compared statistically. There were no significant interactions (P ≥ 0.05) between mowing heights and N rates in either year. In both years, AUDPC data showed no significant differences (P ≥ 0.05) due to the effects of mowing heights. The effect of N fertility was significant (P ≤ 0.05) for both years. Plots treated with the highest N rate had significantly more gray leaf spot than those treated with the lowest N rate. Data indicated that turf managers may expect gray leaf spot to be equally severe between 1.9- and 6.4-cm mowing heights, and that applications of water-soluble N prior to or during environmental conditions conducive for gray leaf spot development should be avoided.
Smad-dependent Transcriptional Activation of Human Type VII Collagen Gene (COL7A1) Promoter by Transforming Growth Factor-β

We have previously shown that transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) increases type VII collagen gene (COL7A1) expression in human dermal fibroblasts in culture (Mauviel, A., Lapiere, J.-C., Halcin, C., Evans, C. H., and Uitto, J. (1994) J. Biol. Chem. 269, 25–28). To gain insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying the up-regulation of COL7A1 by this growth factor, we performed transient cell transfections with a series of 5′-deletion promoter/chloramphenicol acetyltransferase reporter gene constructs. We identified a 68-base pair region between nucleotides −524 and −456, relative to the transcription start site, as critical for TGF-β response. Using electrophoresis mobility shift assays (EMSAs) with an oligonucleotide spanning the region from −524 to −444, we discovered that a TGF-β-specific protein-DNA complex was formed as early as 11 min after TGF-β stimulation and persisted for 1 h after addition of the growth factor. Deletion analysis of the TGF-βresponsive region of the COL7A1 promoter by EMSA identified segment −496/−444 as the minimal fragment capable of binding the TGF-β-induced complex. Furthermore, two distinct segments, −496/−490 and −453/−444, appeared to be necessary for TGF-β-induced DNA binding activity, suggesting a bipartite element. Supershift experiments with a pan-Smad antibody unambiguously identified the TGF-β-induced complex as containing a Smad member. This is the first direct identification of binding of endogenous Smad proteins to regulatory sequences of a human gene.
Evaluating the Progress of Climate Change Adaptation Practices across Transportation Planning Agencies: A Case Study on the Mid-Atlantic

To prepare and protect societies, economies, and the environment from the potential impacts of climate change, adaptation is required. Specifically, transportation organizations throughout the country, including state Department of Transportation agencies and Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs), should not only be reducing climate change impacts through mitigation but also supporting adaptation practices. This paper evaluates agencies' behavior in terms of their integration of adaptation practices with the transportation planning process. Eighteen MPOs within the Mid-Atlantic region are surveyed based on a series of questions to assess the agency's progress in adaptation such as vulnerability assessments, infrastructure design/construction, and practices that support mitigation. The results are used to compare progress across jurisdictions and identify areas for improvement. By providing guidance and methods for integrating adaptation practices, agencies can begin to protect and prepare transportation networks and facilities from the potential impacts of climate change.
Intermediate Rate Atomic Trajectories of RNA by Solid-State NMR Spectroscopy

Many RNAs undergo large conformational changes in response to the binding of proteins and small molecules. However, when RNA functional dynamics occur in the nanosecond−microsecond time scale, they become invisible to traditional solution NMR relaxation methods. Residual dipolar coupling methods have revealed the presence of extensive nanosecond−microsecond domain motions in HIV-1 TAR RNA, but this technique lacks information on the rates of motions. We have used solid-state deuterium NMR to quantitatively describe trajectories of key residues in TAR by exploiting the sensitivity of this technique to motions that occur in the nanosecond−microsecond regime. Deuterium line shape and relaxation data were used to model motions of residues within the TAR binding interface. The resulting motional models indicate two functionally essential bases within the single-stranded bulge sample both the free and Tat-bound conformations on the microsecond time scale in the complete absence of the protein. Thus, our results...
Nonlocal Power Deposition in Inductively Coupled Plasmas

Radiofrequency (rf) plasmas exhibit field penetration well beyond the classical skin depth. Two physical explanations are proposed. First, by tracing orbits of electrons through many rf cycles in a cylindrical system, it is shown that numerous ionizing electrons can reach the interior. Second, current-carrying electrons can form a long-lived torus that drifts toward the axis, causing frequently observed interference phenomena. The pressure dependence of this effect does not agree with collisionless theories of anomalous skin effect, but is consistent with the proposed mechanism.
Urinary tract calculi and thresholds in carcinogenesis

Numerous chemicals administered to rodents at relatively high doses produce urinary tract calculi, resulting in erosions or ulcerations of the urothelium, consequent regenerative hyperplasia, and ultimately tumors. This is a high-dose (threshold) phenomenon, which appears to occur more readily in rodents than in primates, including humans. Several anatomic and urinary physiologic differences between rodents and humans affect the quantitative extrapolation from results in rodent bioassays to human risk assessment. For most chemicals producing tumors by this mode of action, human exposures are significantly lower than would be expected to be required for production of calculi, and therefore pose no carcinogenic hazard to humans.
36.4: Propagation and Optimization of Stokes Parameters for Arbitrary Twisted Nematic Liquid Crystal

Twisted nematic liquid (TN) crystal structures have been used extensively to rotate the input polarization of the light by 90°. For optimum performance of these devices, optimization is necessary for exact rotation of linear polarization of the input light. Using Stokes parameter representation, we derive the generalized relationship, which allows the calculations of the optimum parameters necessary for arbitrary rotation of the linearly polarized light with arbitrary amounts of twist of the liquid crystal structure. We show that “Gooch and Tarry” relation is a specialized case of our generalized results.
A preliminary review of undergraduate programming students' perspectives on writing tests, working with others, & using peer testing

Techniques such as Pair Programming, or allowing students to run their programs against a reference test harness, have demonstrated their effectiveness in improving grades or retention rates. This paper proposes to supplement the existing literature by investigating students' perceptions of the benefits of writing tests, working with other students and using Peer Testing. Responses to an online anonymous survey cast new light on the relation between testing and programming and confirm previously postulated limitations of collaborative approaches; i.e. the unbalanced nature of contributions and lack of didactic interactions in student groups. We then examine how Peer Testing is perceived and discuss its relation to both collaboration and test-based pedagogies.
On the moduli space of the cascading SU(M+p) ? SU(p) gauge theory

We carry out a thorough analysis of the moduli space of the cascading gauge theory found on p D3-branes and M wrapped D5-branes at the tip of the conifold. We find various mesonic branches of the moduli space whose string duals involve the warped deformed conifold with different numbers of mobile D3-branes. The branes that are not mobile form a BPS bound state at threshold. In the special case where p is divisible by M there also exists a one-dimensional baryonic branch whose family of supergravity duals, the resolved warped deformed conifolds, was constructed recently. The warped deformed conifold is a special case of these backgrounds where the resolution parameter vanishes and a 2 symmetry is restored. We study various brane probes on the resolved warped deformed conifolds, and successfully match the results with the gauge theory. In particular, we show that the radial potential for a D3-brane on this space varies slowly, suggesting a new model of D-brane inflation.
Competition and the decline in Western television program popularity in Indonesia during the 1990s

Despite the country's population base of 240 million, Indonesian television has not been widely explored in academic and professional venues. This paper examines the impact of competition on the popularity of foreign programs in the Indonesian market during the mid-1990s. Analyzing recently released ratings data from a television ratings service, this paper suggests that competition has given rise to the popularity of local programs, while foreign program popularity has declined steeply during the same three year period. The findings also suggest that cultural proximity is a factor of the popularity of programs. By 1997, Asian programs outnumbered Western programs on the top 100 highest rated program lists in Indonesia. We explore implications of study findings for filling this void in the literature.
History of trauma field triage development and the American College of Surgeons criteria

The use of trauma field triage criteria is designed to match a patient's injury type and severity to prioritized transport and an institution with the resources to provide timely, definitive care. Triage schemes used in austere environments created by war or mass casualty events are less applicable to day-to-day civilian trauma. Civilian triage criteria, developed and refined over the past 25 years, rely on physiologic, anatomic, and mechanistic indicators of severe injury in an attempt to optimize overtriage and undertriage. As organized trauma systems continue to mature, the need for more accurate direction of high- versus low-acuity patients to regional centers, stratified by their capabilities, becomes more apparent and is essential in avoiding a completely 'exclusive' trauma system. New technology utilizing vehicular telemetry and Web-based information systems may simplify the seemingly simple but often formidable task of creating destination decision rules for victims of major injury.