cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Numerical Study of Storm Splitting that Leads to Long-Lived Storms

Abstract We have used a three-dimensional cloud model to investigate the splitting of an initially isolated storm in a one-directional east-west shear. The simulated evolution of storm splitting in some cases follows all four stages suggested by Achtemeier (1969) after analysis of radar data, including the development of two self-sustaining storm. One of these storms moves to the right of the mean wind vector and the other to the left. In the right-moving storm the updraft rotates cyclonically and the downdraft anticyclonically, forming a vortex pair, as depicted in the schematic model of Fankhauser (1971). The vortex pair structure is also similar to that observed with Doppler radar and analyzed by Ray (1976). The downdraft-induced gust front interacts with the low-level environmental wind to produce the convergence necessary to sustain the storm. This convergence extends to the south and west of the storm, and if enough low-level moisture is available a flanking line develops. The distribution of rainwa...
Calcium hydroxide distribution and calcium silicate hydrate composition in tricalcium silicate and β-dicalcium silicate pastes

Abstract Pastes of tricalcium silicate (C3S) and β-dicalcium silicate (C2S) 23 years old were studied by electron probe microanalysis. In both cases, regions consisting entirely or largely of calcium hydroxide and of CSH were distinguished on a scale of 2–50 μm. The regions high in CSH accounted for 75–80 percent of the whole in the C3S paste and about 96 percent in the C2S paste; these values are much higher than those initially occupied by anhydrous starting materials. Within the high CSH areas, no compositional variation was detected that could have corresponded to the so-called inner and outer hydrates. The ratio of mean Ca to mean Si in the high CSH areas was found to be 1.72 for the C3S paste and 1.78 for the C2S paste with an exciting beam energy of 10 keV.
An integrin binding peptide reduces rat CA1 hippocampal long-term potentiation during the first few minutes following theta burst stimulation

Abstract The integrin binding peptide GRGDSP was tested on Schaffer to CA1 (Sch–CA1) long-term potentiation (LTP) in the rat hippocampal slice. Experiments in which GRGDSP was bath applied for 50 min, beginning 10 min before theta burst stimulation (TBS), reduced LTP of the field excitatory post synaptic potential in a concentration dependent manner, with 250 μM producing a significant decrease. However, LTP was not affected when 250 μM GRGDSP was applied 30 min post-TBS, nor when applied as soon as 5 min post-TBS. When 250 μM GRGDSP was applied for only 10 min pre- to 5 min post-TBS, this brief application was sufficient in reducing LTP similar to the extended 50 min application. We conclude that RGD-binding integrins involved in LTP are only momentarily responsive to peptide-mediated antagonism in the first few minutes following TBS.
Factors associated with difficult toilet training

Objective. To identify temperament and behavioral patterns in children with difficult toilet training and to compare those children with same-aged toilet-trained children. Methods. We compared 46 referred clinic patients who were difficult toilet trainers (DTT) with 62 comparison children (CC) using the Carey-McDevitt Behavioral Style Questionnaire, the Parenting Scale, and a questionnaire of toilet-training history. Results. CC were more likely to have easy temperaments (odds ratio [OR]: 33.51). DTT were more likely to be less adaptable (OR: 3.12), more negative in mood (OR: 2.79), less persistent (OR: 2.97), and lower in approach (OR: 1.85). DTT were more likely than CC to be constipated (OR: 3.52), although 55% of CC were constipated. DTT were likely to hide to stool (74%) and to ask for pull-ups in which to leave stool (37%). Parenting styles did not differ between the groups. Conclusions. Although the referral population may be inherently biased, these data suggest that difficult toilet training is associated with difficult temperamental traits and constipation in affected children.
Postpartum and alcohol-related factors associated with the relapse of risky drinking.

Objective: The purposes of this investigation were (1) to describe postpartum drinking patterns among women who were frequent drinkers before pregnancy and (2) to identify factors correlated with postpartum “risky” drinking among women who were frequent drinkers before pregnancy. Method: Information was gathered through a self-administered questionnaire completed at the postpartum visit and a subsequent face-to-face interview of 381 women, recruited from 35 obstetric/gynecologic clinics throughout Wisconsin, who reported frequent drinking before pregnancy. Multivariate analyses were used to identify correlates of postpartum risky drinking, defined as consuming four or more drinks per occasion (heavy episodic drinking) at least twice in the past 28 days or drinking an average of seven or more drinks per week. Results: Overall, 37.8% (n = 144) of women reported postpartum risky drinking. Eighteen percent reported heavy episodic drinking only, 5% reported frequent drinking only, and 15% reported both behavio...
The Impact of Income Tax Progressivity On Tax Revenue

The possibility of a relationship between tax revenue and tax progressivity has been an issue of interest to both theorists and policymakers in recent years. Among the public choice theorists there is debate about the expected direction of association. The empirical results have also been mixed. In this article we discuss the theoretical foundations of this relationship and empirically test a resulting median voter model for state income tax receipts. The empirical findings support a negative relationship between state income tax receipts and the progressivity of their income tax system.
The Zinc-Fingers of KREPA3 Are Essential for the Complete Editing of Mitochondrial mRNAs in Trypanosoma brucei

Most mitochondrial mRNAs in trypanosomes undergo uridine insertion/deletion editing that is catalyzed by approximately 20S editosomes. The editosome component KREPA3 is essential for editosome structural integrity and its two zinc finger (ZF) motifs are essential for editing in vivo but not in vitro. KREPA3 function was further explored by examining the consequence of mutation of its N- and C-terminal ZFs (ZF1 and ZF2, respectively). Exclusively expressed myc-tagged KREPA3 with ZF2 mutation resulted in lower KREPA3 abundance and a relative increase in KREPA2 and KREL1 proteins. Detailed analysis of edited RNA products revealed the accumulation of partially edited mRNAs with less insertion editing compared to the partially edited mRNAs found in the cells with wild type KREPA3 expression. Mutation of ZF1 in TAP-tagged KREPA3 also resulted in accumulation of partially edited mRNAs that were shorter and only edited in the 3'-terminal editing region. Mutation of both ZFs essentially eliminated partially edited mRNA. The mutations did not affect gRNA abundance. These data indicate that both ZFs are essential for the progression of editing and perhaps its accuracy, which suggests that KREPA3 plays roles in the editing process via its ZFs interaction with editosome proteins and/or RNA substrates.
Critical fields and specific heat of LuNi 2 B 2 C

We have measured the upper critical magnetic field, lower critical magnetic field, and low-temperature specific heat of ${\mathrm{LuNi}}_{2}{\mathrm{B}}_{2}\mathrm{C}.$ Our upper critical-field measurements above $\ensuremath{\sim}2\mathrm{K}$ are consistent with earlier measurements by other groups. The upper critical field exhibits a finite slope as $\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{T}0,$ and we discuss possible origins of this very unusual behavior. We observe a linear temperature dependence for the lower critical field of our single-crystal sample, a temperature dependence that disagrees with earlier measurements on polycrystals and suggests that the lower critical field may be anisotropic. The Sommerfeld coefficient increases with magnetic field as ${H}^{\ensuremath{\epsilon}}$ with $\ensuremath{\epsilon}=0.63\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.12$ in qualitative agreement with earlier work. The temperature dependence of the zero-field electronic specific heat is exponential well below ${T}_{c}.$ We discuss our results in light of recent proposals of both anisotropic s-wave and d-wave superconductivity for ${\mathrm{LuNi}}_{2}{\mathrm{B}}_{2}\mathrm{C}.$ Our data seem most consistent with strong-coupling superconductivity and a weakly anisotropic s-wave energy gap.
Corresponding across Religious Borders: Al-Bājī’s Response to a Missionary Letter from France

Abstract “I have examined, O monk, the letter coming from you, the friendship therein proffered, the advice which you offer, and the intention which you disclose.” With these words begins the reply written by the eminent Andalusian Mālikī scholar Abū l-Walīd Sulaymān al-Bājī (d. 1081) to a letter received at the Muslim court of Saragossa from an unidentified ‘monk of France’ inviting the ruler to convert to Christianity. This letter, if authentic, is the earliest extant record of a Christian mission to Muslims in the West. After introducing al-Bājī and situating him in the socio-political and religious circumstances of the time, this article offers a review of past scholarship relating to this correspondence, which has mostly focused on the authenticity of the Christian letter and the possible identification of its author. It is argued in favor of the authenticity of the exchange, offering reasons for it. The article then turns to al-Bājī’s text, seeking to draw from it what it can tell us about him and how he viewed Christians and Christianity.
Blazing the path to tardiness: an attendance point system

Good employee attendance is vital for staffing Division of IT Computing Sites at the University of Missouri (UM) to properly maintain every site and provide quality customer support to students, faculty and other customers. The computing sites staff consists of 100 student employees and maintaining consistency and fairness across the board for tardiness/attendance can be difficult. Students come up with a wide range of excuses and depending on the day the supervisor decides whether to accept the excuse. So how do you decide when to excuse the student or move into disciplinary action starting with a written warning? How can you be fair, consistent between supervisors, record the data and use current resources to keep track of 100 students' tardiness/attendance? After attending a 2007 SIGUCCS conference and attending the University of Nevada presentation regarding a point system, we decided to do some brainstorming on how we could implement a point system that would work for us.
Kinetic studies of cationic photopolymerizations of phenyl glycidyl ether: termination/trapping rate constants for iodonium photoinitiators

Abstract In this contribution, we have performed a comprehensive investigation of cationic photopolymerizations of phenyl glycidyl ether using two iodonium photoinitiators: diaryliodonium hexafluoroantimonate (IHA), and (tolycumyl) iodonium tetrakis (pentafluorophenyl) borate (IPB). We characterized these reactions using dark-cure experiments in which the polymerization was monitored in the dark after illuminating it for a pre-determined period of time, and obtained profiles of the rate constant for termination/trapping as a function of time. Our studies reveal that though these photoinitiators result in similar reaction kinetics (reaction rate and conversion profiles that are nearly identical) for constant illumination with a Hg(Xe) arc lamp, they lead to very different results in the dark-cure experiments with the iodonium borate salt exhibiting a higher polymerization rate at a given time, and a higher limiting conversion (76%) than observed for the iodonium antimonate salt (62%). These dark-cure trends were explained by the fact that the rate constant for termination/trapping was approximately 50% higher for the iodonium antimonate photoinitiator (0.041 and 0.027 min −1 for the IHA and IBP photoinitiators at 50 °C, respectively). The active center concentrations and propagation rate constants were also characterized. Relative to the IPB, it was found that the IHA initiator leads to a higher active center concentration (due to the higher molar absorptivity of this initiator at the prominent emission wavelengths of the light source) but a lower propagation rate constant. Therefore, these two photoinitiators yield nearly identical kinetic profiles under constant illumination due to the fact that the IPB photoinitiator leads to a lower active center concentration, which is offset by a higher value of the propagation rate constant, and a lower value of the rate constant for termination/trapping.
Diamond Tool Wear Vs. Cutting Distance On Electroless Nickel Mirrors

Wear data are presented for diamond tools cutting electroless nickel (eNi) for cut lengths up to 70,000 ft (13 miles). Two tools having different infrared absorption characteristics were used to cut an eNi preparation that had yielded minimum values for surface roughness and tool wear rate in a previous study. The data include Talystep measurement of the rms amplitude of the feed-marks versus cumulative cutting distance, representative examples of shape changes for the feed-mark profiles, SEM and optical micrographs of the tool rake and flank face wear zones, and measurements of the cutting edge profile and edge recession distance by a tool-nose replication technique. Feed-mark roughness values were found to increase from 5 to 90 A rms over the duration of the test, with an associated edge recession of about 1000 A and the development of a periodic tool edge grooving indicative of burnishing of the part surface. The ir absorption data successfully predicted the order of the two tools in terms of wear rate and fracture toughness.
Spatial differences in hematopoiesis but not in stem cells indicate a lack of regional patterning in definitive hematopoietic stem cells

Most tissues are patterned so that progenitors in different locations are programmed to have different properties. Stem cells from different regions of the nervous system acquire intrinsic differences in their properties as they migrate through distinct environments. Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) also migrate through diverse environments throughout life, raising the question of whether HSCs also acquire at least transient changes in their properties as they are exposed to diverse environments. Although we observed significant differences in hematopoiesis between the fetal liver and fetal spleen, we were not able to detect phenotypic, functional, or gene expression differences between the HSCs in these organs. Regional differences in definitive hematopoiesis are therefore not determined by regional differences between HSCs. We were also not able to detect phenotypic, functional, or gene expression differences between HSCs in different adult bone marrow compartments. Our failure to detect differences among stem cells from different regions of the hematopoietic system at the same time during development suggests that the hematopoietic system has evolved mechanisms to prevent the spatial reprogramming of HSC properties as they migrate between distinct environments.
Input modeling: estimation using event count data

In modeling a system, identifying the times at which the state of the system changes is important. In particular, the probability distributions of the interevent times (time lengths between consecutive events) of each process (such as interarrival times) are required in a simulation model. Often the only available data for a particular process is the number of events per unit time (count data) rather than the event times. This paper surveys estimation of the interevent time distribution from count data.
Plutonium and polonium inside giant brown algae.

ALTHOUGH plutonium is an extremely toxic radioactive element1,2 and has at least two long lived nuclides—239Pu (t½ = 24,000 yr) and 238Pu (t½ = 88 yr)—little is known of how it becomes dispersed; too few measurements have been made in particular in marine environments.
Coverage dependence of neopentane trapping dynamics on Pt(111)

Abstract Adsorption probabilities for neopentane on Pt(111) were measured directly using supersonic molecular-beam techniques at coverages ranging from zero to monolayer saturation, incident translational energies between 18 and 110 kJ mol−1 and incident angles between 0° and 60° at a surface temperature of 105 K. The adsorption probability was found to increase with coverage up to near monolayer saturation at all incident translational energies and incident angles. The coverage dependence of the adsorption probability predicted by a modified Kisliuk model with enhanced trapping into the second layer exhibits good quantitative agreement with the experimental values. The angular dependence of the adsorption probability decreases with increasing coverage, suggesting that the effective corrugation of the gas–surface interaction potential increases with the adsorbate coverage. The initial adsorption probability into the second layer onto the covered surface decreases from 0.95 to 0.75 with increasing energy over the energy range studied, and exhibits total energy scaling. A comparison with second-layer trapping data of simpler molecules onto covered Pt(111) indicates that the structural complexity of adsorbed neopentane molecules facilitates collisional energy transfer during adsorption.
The Occurrence and Food Habits of Two Species of Hake, Urophycis regius and U. floridanus in Georgia Estuaries

Abstract From 1967 to 1970 a total of 2,683 spotted hake, Urophycis regius and 470 southern hake, U. floridanus were collected and found to exhibit migratory patterns in Georgia similar to northern and Gulf populations of these fish. The food habits of inshore juvenile populations of these two species of hake collected from coastal salt marsh-estuarine areas near Sapelo Island, Georgia were examined. The 341 spotted hake and 192 southern hake examined contained identifiable food items. These were analyzed for the numbers of individual food organisms, percent frequency of occurrence, and percent biomass. The most important group in occurrence and biomass was the Crustacea with Macrura and Natantia most important gravimetrically, Amphipoda and Mysidacea most frequently occurring. These data when combined with the habits of the food organisms established these two hakes as species which use the estuary as “nursery grounds.”
Mechanism of electrical conductivity in an irradiated polyimide

A polyimide was exposed to 1.0 MeV electron radiation. The radiation-induced radical density and dc conductivity were measured at various post-irradiation times. The radiation-induced radical density was found to be correlated to the increased dc conductivity through a hopping model of conductivity. The post-irradiation radical species were identified.
Break Up of Viscous Crude Oil Droplets Mixed With Dispersants in Locally Isotropic Turbulence

Our objective is to visualize the breakup of crude oil droplets, mixed with dispersants, in a turbulent flow. The current measurements are performed for a sample crude oil from Alaska National Slope mixed with dispersant COREXIT 9527. The droplet breakup measurements are conducted in a nearly homogeneous and isotropic turbulence facility, the central portion of which is characterized using 2-D PIV. The droplet break up is visualized at high spatial and temporal resolution using one view high speed, in-line digital holography. Subsequent analysis reveals relevant length scales and timescales involved in the break up process.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
A Beam Bump with Programmable Width and Amplitude

A circuit producing a pulse of over 100 A and a width programmable from 2 to 16 ms has been developed to power a beam bump. The switching circuit involves two SCR's. The pulse width is controlled by changing the timing of the SCR triggers. An inductance is in series with the circuit, and additional diodes have been used to avoid any overshoot or undershoot during switching. The beam bump is part of the damping system used for accumulation and storage of electrons and positrons in the Cambridge Electron Accelerator ring. During multicycle filling, the beam bump backleg windings move the beams approximately 1.5 inches transversly into the damping magnets while the beam energy is near maximum. In order to store the particles at constant energy, the ac component of the synchrotron magnets excitation is decreased and the dc component increased. At the same time, the beam bump pulse is continuously increased in width and finally switched into a steady-state condition. The conversion process is completed with no loss in beam current.
The genus Symploce Hebard. I. Species from the West Indies. (Dictyoptera: Blattariae, Blattellidae)

The following nine species of Symploce are found in the West Indies: bicolor (Beauvois), cristata Rehn & Hebard, flagellata Hebard, hebardi Princis, jamaicana (Rehn), morsei Hebard, munda Gurney, pallens (Stephens) and ruficollis (Fabricius). All but pallens occur only in the West Indies. S. pallens is an African species and probably the most widely distributed member of the genus. Generic characters are redefined, and all the above species are redescribed using some characters not previously considered. A key is given for the males.
Structure and regulation of the mouse GRP78 (BiP) promoter by glucose and calcium ionophore

Abstract Dietary calorie restriction, also termed energy restriction, increases mean and maximum life span, reduces the incidence of tumors and increases the mean age of onset of diseases and tumors in every animal tested. Because life-span is genetically determined, we are studying the mechanisms by which energy restriction regulates the expression of genes. We found that energy restriction reduces hepatic glucose-regulated protein-78 (GRP78) and protein-94 mRNA levels by 2-3-fold in mice [Spindler et al., J. Nutr. 20 (1990) 1412–1417]. To investigate this down-regulation, we have cloned the mouse GRP78 promoter (pGRP78) and studied its regulation by glucose. The mouse pGRP78 and the previously cloned rat promoter mediate responsiveness to glucose deprivation, as well as to the calcium ionophore A23187. These studies are the first demonstration that cis-elements in the pGRP78 mediate responsiveness to glucose deprivation.
Multivariate approach to functional MRI analysis for brain function study

Functional MRI (fMRI) is a means of analyzing localized brain activity. It is statistically modeled by the multivariate Gaussian probability distribution (in space) and the time series (in time). However, the currently used analysis method takes an univariate approach. That is, the spatial relationships among voxels are ignored. This paper presents a multivariate analysis method. It formulates fMRI activation foci detection as a sensor-array signal processing problem and converts hypotheses tests of the univariate approach to a computer vision approach. It first creates multiple independent, identical sub-images and then uses a covariance matrix to characterize the multivariate Gaussian environment. Not only it utilizes the voxel intensities but also their spatio-temporal relationships. It achieves computer speed superiority over the existing methods. Results obtained by using simulated images, phantom images, and real fMRI data are included. The theoretical and experimental results obtained by using this approach were in good agreement.
Oxidation Transitions for SiC Part II. Passive‐to‐Active Transitions

Oxidation of SiC can occur in a passive mode, where a protective film is generated, or in an active mode, where a volatile suboxide is generated. The transitions from active-to-passive and passive-to-active are particularly important to understand as they occur via different mechanisms. In Part II of this article, the passive-to-active transition is explored. Three different types of SiC are examined—Si-rich SiC, stoichiometric SiC, and C-rich SiC. In addition to an in situ transition from passive-to-active, the effect of a preformed film on all three types of SiC is explored. It appears that the passive-to-active transition occurs when the SiO2 scale begins to react with the SiC substrate. This reaction generates SiO(g) and CO(g), which build pressure beneath the SiO2 scale, eventually causing the oxide to rupture. In addition, the SiO(g) can oxidize a distance away from the surface leading to the formation of SiO2 needles and further promoting this SiO2/SiC reaction. Thermodynamic and kinetic data are used to predict transition pressures of oxygen, which show reasonable agreement with those measured.
Cryogenic hydrogen reorientation and geyser initiation at various liquid-filled levels in microgravity

Abstract Resettlement or reorientation of liquid propellant can be accomplished by providing optimal acceleration to the spacecraft such that the propellant is reoriented over the tank outlet without any vapor entrainment, any excessive geysering, or any other undesirable fluid motion for the space fluid management under microgravity environment. Based on the computer simulation of flow fields during the course of fluid reorientation, six dimensionless parameters are resulted in this study.
Picosecond pulsed laser deposition at high vibrational excitation density: the case of poly(tetrafluoroethylene)

The availability of tunable, picosecond free-electron lasers operating with high efficiency in the mid-infrared opens a materials-processing regime qualitatively distinct from that accessed by femtosecond Ti:sapphire lasers, one which is characterized by a high spatio-temporal density of vibrational, rather than electronic, excitation. As an example of this novel materials-processing regime, we present new results on pulsed laser deposition of thin poly(tetrafluoroethylene) films. Films of poly(tetrafluoroethylene) were deposited by resonant (4.2 and 8.26 μm) and non-resonant (7.1 μm) infrared picosecond laser ablation from either a pressed powder target or a commercial bulk target. The films were smooth and crystalline and largely free of particulates without annealing. Infrared and X-ray photoelectron spectra indicated that the films retained the chemical properties of the starting material. Observations of the film properties are consistent with a steady-state ablation mechanism, possibly enhanced by non-linear absorption due to the high photon flux in the free-electron laser micropulses.
Myths and misconceptions about student ratings of college faculty: separating fact from fiction.

Should students sign the form? Nursing instructors commonly hold a number of misconceptions about student ratings.
The geometry of vacuum assisted interface adhesion: Resistance to axial moment

Abstract Many engineering applications require joining two surfaces by temporary methods that do not harm either surface. The need for non-destructive surface bonding includes the need to resist axial moments. Suction cups in two different arrangements, in pairs at 180° apart and in fours at 90° apart, were pressed onto a polymerized thermoset polyester surface and then subjected to an axial moment. Defining failure as either sliding or complete loss of adhesion, the maximum torque applied before adhesive failure at the cup–plate interface was quantified using an MTS materials testing system. A linear relationship existed between the distance from the centroid of the cups and the applied torque at failure; also a linear relationship existed between the contact area of the cups and the tangential reaction force. Experiment verified that the applied load is distributed among the cups such that the tangential reaction force on each cup is proportional to its distance from the centroid; a coefficient of static friction between polyvinylchloride and polymerized thermoset polyester of 1.24 was calculated from the data.
Abiotic stressors and the conservation of social species

Abstract Human activities have profoundly changed the abiotic environment, which in many cases has resulted in the deterioration of natural ecosystems. This global problem requires collaborative efforts between scientific disciplines and between academics and wildlife managers if we are to preserve the remaining biodiversity. Here I discuss a potential application of behavioral ecology to the conservation of social species in the face of abiotic disturbances. I argue that a key step towards an effective application of behavioral ecology lies in uniting perspectives on the effects of individual-level social behaviors at multiple levels of ecological organization, with perspectives on the effects of human-induced abiotic perturbations on individual-level social responses. I illustrate these linkages by describing how dominance interactions between individuals can affect the structure and stability of groups, populations and communities. Then, I discuss how abiotic perturbations brought about by two key anthropogenic impacts can disrupt dominance relationships and hierarchy stability in both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Finally, I describe management implications to highlight the applicability of the framework to predict consequences, prioritize species for conservation effort and suggest management actions. By integrating these perspectives, researchers studying animal societies can articulate a clear conservation message – that is, the impact of human activities on populations and communities can be rapidly and accurately predicted based on the modulation of individual-level social traits caused by abiotic stressors.
Electric vs Chemical Propulsion for a Large-Cargo Orbit Transfer Vehicle

Techniques for sizing electrically or chemically propelled orbit transfer vehicles and analyzing fleet requirements are used in a comparative analysis of the two concepts for various levels of traffic to geosynchronous orbit. The vehicle masses, fuel requirements, and fleet sizes are determined and translated into launch vehicle payload requirements. Technology projections beyond normal growth are made and their effect on the comparative advantages of the concepts is determined. A preliminary cost analysis indicates that electric propulsion greatly reduces launch vehicle requirements and would be competitive with chemical propulsion if the technology of power generation systems advances to where reusability can be achieved at low cost.
Crisis intervention with the young adult chronic patient

Crisis intervention can be successfully accomplished with the difficult, young adult chronic patient population by adhering to well-established principles of assessment and crisis treatment adapted specifically for this population.
Using Source-Level Transformations to Improve High-Level Synthesis Debug and Validation on FPGAs

This paper proposes a method for extending source-level visibility into the RTL of an HLS-generated design using automated source-level transformations. Using our method, source-level visibility can be extended into co-simulation, in-system simulation, and hardware execution of any HLS tool that provides the ability to infer top-level ports. Experimental results show the feasibility of our method in situations where visibility needs to be added without modifying the timing, latency, or throughput of the design.
Asian Consumers' Willingness to Buy Locally Grown Ethnic Produce: A Study from East-coast United States

The primary objective of this study is to predict the willingness of Asian consumers' to buy locally grown ethnic produce. The study analyzes the results and compares the effects of Asian consumers' socio-economic characteristics on their willingness to buy locally grown ethnic produce. Based on survey data, a logistic regression model was developed to predict ‘who would be more willing to buy locally grown ethnic produce.’ The results of this analysis can be useful to policy makers, local produce growers and marketers who target diversified ethnic consumers.
Variations in Varus/Valgus and Internal/External Rotational Knee Laxity and Stiffness Across the Menstrual Cycle

Cyclic variations in genu recurvatum (GR), general joint laxity (GJL), varus-valgus (VV), and internal-external (IER) rotational laxities and stiffnesses were examined in 64 females and 43 males at two time points during the females' menstrual cycle [days of minimum (T1) and maximum (T2) anterior knee laxity (AKL)]. Cyclic increases in AKL (9.5%), GR (37.5%), and GJL (13.6%) were observed in females but not males from T1 to T2 (p 0.320). Females compared to males had lower overall VV stiffness at T2 (F 37% <M) vs. T1 (F 26.9% <M; p = 0.011), but no difference across time points for IER stiffness (p = 0.452). Across both time points, females had consistently greater VV (30.2%) and IER (20%) laxity and less VV (32.5%) and IER (24.3%) incremental stiffness (p < 0.001). Low-to-moderate associations were observed between AKL, GR, and GJL with VV and IER laxities and stiffnesses in females as measured at T1 and the change in values from T1 to T2. Whether these findings reflect ligament-specific responses to hormone changes, or implicate changes in injury risk potential across the menstrual cycle requires further study.
Resonant electronic‐to‐rotational energy transfer: Quenching of F (2P1/2) by H2 (j=0)

Coupled‐channel calculations of cross sections for quenching of F (2P1/2) by H2(J=0) are carried out over an energy range of 0.135–1.565 kcal/mole. (AIP)
Optical anisotropy and birefringence in thin-film systems

Abstract One approach to the problem of calculating the reflection properties of an optically birefringent material covered by a thin film is to use the 4 × 4 matrix formalism. We propose here an alternative approach to the film-covered birefringent surface problem using Jones matrices for transmission and reflection and considering multiple reflections, analogous to one of the methods used for solving the isotropic thin film reflection problem. These two methods are mathematically equivalent, but Jones matrices can provide economy in numerical calculations in some circumstances.
Dark tourism motivations: Simulation, emotional contagion and topographic comparison

Abstract This paper examines dark tourism consumption motivations. Using a qualitative and interpretative mixed-method approach, this study traces the dark tourism motivations related to “blackpackers” and fans of the musical performance art known as black metal. Steeped in anti-Christian motifs and themes, with a history of past violence, black metal is a long-existing and still burgeoning art form that is growing in popularity throughout Europe and the United States. Through examination that involved participant observation, nethnography and content analysis, simulation, coupled with the emotional contagion were found to be key motivating aspects of this dark tourism related to black metal. Additionally, it was found, that similar to media tourists, many black metal fans seek tourism activity to reconcile comparisons between imaged landscapes and topographical reality. In addition to discussing specific aspects of the blackpacking phenomenon, larger theoretical implications related to the greater realm of dark tourism motivations are discussed.
Analysis and synthesis of discrete-time systems

Abstract This paper presents an introduction to the analysis and synthesis of sampled-data (discrete-time) systems, i.e. systems in which some or all signals can change values only at discrete values of time. The description of these systems is presented using state-space concepts. Following an introduction to linear discrete-time systems including systems where two or more samplers operate at different frequencies, here is a brief introduction to non-linear systems including the study of stability using the Second Method of Lyapunov. The latter part of the paper describes pulse-width modulated discrete systems. The final section considers the synthesis of systems designed to reach equilibrium states in the minimum number of sampling periods. The concepts discussed in the paper are illustrated with a large number of examples.
Heat-transfer, pressure-drop and performance relationships for in-line, staggered, and continuous plate heat exchangers

Abstract Basic heat-transfer and pressure-drop results for laminar airflow through arrays of in-line or staggered plate segments have been determined from numerical solutions of the fluid flow and energy equations. The results depend on only a single dimensionless parameter which encompasses the relevant geometrical and fluid flow quantities. Application of the results was made to compare the performance of the two types of segmented-plate arrays with each other and with the parallel-plate channel. At constant mass flow rate and constant heat-transfer surface area, the heat-transfer effectiveness e. of the segmented arrays is appreciably higher than that of the parallel-plate channel, both in the range of small and intermediate effectiveness values. In addition, for a fixed heat duty corresponding to an intermediate e value and for a constant mass flow, the heat-transfer area of the segmented arrays is only about a third of that for the parallel-plate channel. Under constant pumping power and constant surface area conditions, the heat transfer for the segmented arrays exceeds that for the parallel-plate channel when the effectiveness of the latter is less than 0.65–0.75. Under most conditions, the staggered array yields better performance than the in-line array, but situations are identified where the reverse is true.
Public Theology and the Postsecular Turn

This article considers the emergence, development and future of public theology in relation to its broader intellectual and social contexts, focusing primarily on the United States. Although some of the conditions that gave rise to the genre of public theology endure, developments and trends associated with a postsecular turn have created a strikingly different context, with new challenges and opportunities. In the article, it is argued that a primary task of public theology today consists in the critical engagement and reconfiguration of the reigning bipolar religion-secular model that fosters competing and mutually deficient religious and secular formations, and obscures forms of religiosity operating outside its conventional boundaries.
Aggregation kinetics and precipitation phenomena in poly(phenylisocyanide)

The preparation of N-phenyl-substituted poly(isocyanide) (N-ϕ-PIM) utilizing a Ni(II) catalyst in methanol yields a brown material having a number average molecular weight of about 2000. Analysis of this “as prepared” polymer indicates that a rigid rod structure is present in the derived solid. Dissolution of this “as prepared” N-ϕ-PIM in halocarbon solvents or THF apparently leads to unraveling of the helical polymer with subsequent aggregation and precipitation of materials that have different properties from the original. These processes have been investigated by NMR, GPC, and light-scattering techniques in THF and other solvents. UV spectroscopy has been utilized to follow the kinetics of the aggregation process in solution. X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements have been employed to investigate the changes attendant with precipitation. An explanation of these observations is offered that implicates the uncoiling of the rigid rod helix as the most important step in defining subsequent physical and chemical properties of the ultimate amorphous polymer. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Effects of electrode separation between speech and noise signals on consonant identification in cochlear implantsa)

The aim of the present study was to examine cochlear implant (CI) users’ perceptual segregation of speech from background noise with differing degrees of electrode separation between speech and noise. Eleven users of the nucleus CI system were tested on consonant identification using an experimental processing scheme called “multi-stream processing” in which speech and noise stimuli were processed separately and interleaved. Speech was presented to either ten (every other electrode) or six electrodes (every fourth electrode). Noise was routed to either the same (the “overlapped” condition) or a different set of electrodes (the “interlaced” condition), where speech and noise electrodes were separated by one- and two-electrode spacings for ten- and six-electrode presentations, respectively. Results indicated a small but significant improvement in consonant recognition (5%–10%) in the interlaced condition with a two-electrode spacing (approximately 1.1 mm) in two subjects. It appears that the results were influenced by peripheral channel interactions, partially accounting for individual variability. Although the overall effect was small and observed from a small number of subjects, the present study demonstrated that CI users’ performance on segregating the target from the background might be improved if these sounds were presented with sufficient peripheral separation.
Effect on ocular survival of adding early intensive focal treatments to a two-drug chemotherapy regimen in patients with retinoblastoma.

Purpose To evaluate vincristine and carboplatin with intensive focal treatments in the management of intraocular retinoblastoma. Design Noncomparative, retrospective interventional case series. Methods Setting : Institutional. Patient population : Sixteen patients (11 bilateral, 5 unilateral) with intraocular retinoblastoma. Interventional procedures : Patients were treated with eight courses of vincristine and carboplatin. Intensive focal treatments were administered after two courses of chemotherapy. Main outcome measures : Avoidance of external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) and eye survival. Results Twenty eyes (74.1%) were classified as Reese-Ellsworth Group V. All eyes responded to chemotherapy. With a median follow-up of 23 months (range 10 to 33 months) and a median of 5.5 focal treatments per eye (range 0 to 19 treatments), ocular survival was 81%. Eight eyes (30%) in five patients received EBRT. Conclusions Vincristine and carboplatin combined with intensive focal treatments is an effective regimen for patients with intraocular retinoblastoma. This treatment regimen has outcomes comparable to those of more toxic regimens and merits further evaluation.
H2-functions and infinite dimensional realization theory

In this paper the realization question for infinite dimensional linear systems is examined for both bounded and unbounded operators. In addition to obtaining realizability criteria covering the basic cases, we discuss the relationship between canonical realizations of the same system. What one finds is that the set of transfer functions which are realizable by triples (A,b,c) with A bounded is related in a close way, to the space of complex functions analytic and square integrable on the disk |s| < 1 and that the set of transfer functions which are realizable by triples (A,b,c) with A unbounded but generating a strongly continuous semigroup is related in a close way to functions analytic and square Integrable on a half-plane.
Hyperactivity and creativity: The tacit dimension

Discriminant analysis was performed on the combined data from two previous studies of high-IQ children with attention disorder and hyperactivity. The variables that best discriminated these from normal children were left-sided laterality, the ability to perceive coherence tacitly, the use of incidentally acquired information, stimulation seeking, and the use of imagery in problem solving and in a creativity task. Regression analysis indicated that figural creativity is best predicted by the ability to perceive relationships tacitly, by good memory for pictured objects, and by verbal creativity. A model was proposed to help explain the functioning of intelligent and creative attention-disordered individuals.
A Ground‐Water Flow Mathematica Tool Package

Mathematica, a symbolic computer mathematics program, is used to construct a tool package for ground-water flow and contaminant transport simulations. High level, mnemonic functions are designed that allow users to plot type curves, to animate ground-water flow fields, to perform parameter determination, and to visualize the movement of contaminant cloud.
Comments on a data based bandwidth selector

Abstract A recently proposed data based method for choosing the bandwidth of a kernel density estimator is considered. Intuitive and asymptotic reasons are given for why the bandwidth selected in this fashion is smaller than it should be. This conflicts with the results of a simulation study. The conflict is resolved through a deeper asymptotic analysis. Further simulation results investigate the issue of what sample sizes are required for the asymptotics to properly describe the situation. The analysis is extended to motivate a type of correction, which leads to the widely known least-squares cross-validation, hence providing a new derivation of the latter.
Temperature dependence of storage time in silicon p+-n-n+ switching diodes and reduction of harmonic distortion

Using the reverse-recovery technique, storage times in p+-n-n+ diodes have been measured as a function of temperature. In all cases the effective lifetime for injected charge increases with increasing temperature within the interval 0 to 180°C. This result was found to reduce second-harmonic distortion in p+-n-n+ switches by as much as 6 dB at 2.5 MHz.
Meeting the Challenges of Industrial Restructuring: Labor Reform and Enforcement in Latin America

Despite a strengthening of collective labor rights in Latin America over the last 15 years, most labor movements in the region have lost power because neither the content nor the enforcement mechanisms associated with the labor reforms fully took into consideration the challenges presented by economic restructuring. Reforms facilitating union formation did not strengthen unions but instead increased union fragmentation. Collective bargaining structures did not respond to the exigencies of international outsourcing; and the initial round of reforms in the 1990s did not contemplate the need to strengthen labor law enforcement mechanisms at a time when heightened international competition created a need for greater state vigilance of labor standards. Recent reforms or proposed reforms hold more promise for labor, but truly union-friendly labor relations regimes require deeper changes. A review of several Latin American cases is followed by a closer examination of Brazil and El Salvador.
Surface‐Initiated Controlled Radical Polymerization in Ordered Mesoporous Silicas

Recent advances in the synthesis of well-defined high-surface-area mesoporous silica/polymer composites via surface-initiated polymerization (“grafting from” method) and via attachment of preformed polymer chains (“grafting to” method) to surfaces of ordered mesoporous silicas (OMSs) are reviewed in the context of related research areas. Prior work on polymerizations in nanoscale confinements of OMSs is outlined and surface-initiated polymerization in disordered mesoporous silicas is briefly discussed. Early work on the surface-initiated radical polymerization initiated from OMS surface is reviewed and recent work involving OMS supports with large mesopores is discussed to illustrate the ability to form well-defined polymer brushes in nanopores using atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). The synthesis of polymer brushes in mesopores through the combination of ATRP or other polymerizations and the “click” chemistry is also outlined.
A survey of prescribing habits for high-estrogen oral contraceptives

A simple survey was made of health-care providers to determine their attitudes toward oral contraceptives containing more than 50 mcg of estrogen. It was found that about two-thirds of respondents prescribe this group of medication, although few do so regularly. Their use seemed correlated with providers 40 years of age or older. Even members of an association of professionals interested in contraception frequently used these pills. Although this group of contraceptives is being phased out, it is felt that professionals should have ceased their use long ago.