cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On a logical paradox implicit in the notion of a self-reproducing automation

The notion of automaton as used by J. von Neumann is formalized according to methods previously described (Rosen, 1958,Bull. Math. Biophysics 20, 245–60; 317–41). It is observed that a logical paradox arises when one attempts to describe the notion of self-reproducing automaton in this formalism. This paradox is discussed, together with some of the recent attempts to construct automata which exhibit self-reproduction. The relation of these results to biological problems is then investigated.
Controllability of linear systems, differential geometry curves in grassmannians and generalized grassmannians, and riccati equations

We study the linear system ⨰=Ax+Bu from a differential geometric point of view. It is well-known that controllability of the system is related to the one-parameter family of operators eΛtB. We use this to give a proof of the classical controllability conditions in terms of the differential geometry of certain curves in ℝn. We then view γ(t)=Im(eΛtB) as a curve in appropriate Grassmannian and see that, in local coordinates, γ is an integral curve of the flow induced by a matrix Riccati equation. We obtain qualitative geometric conditions on γ that are equivalent to the controllability of the system. To get quantitiative results, we lift γ to a curve l' in a splitting space, a generalized Grassmannian, which has the advantage of being a reductive homogeneous space of the general linear group, GL(ℝn). Explicit and simple expressions concerning the geometry of Γ are computed in terms of the Lie algebra of GL(ℝn), and these are related to the controllability of the system.
Standardization of a learning and retention task with community residing older adults

Abstract This study focuses on the Aronson Shopping List (ASL), a paired associate task designed to evaluate cognitive skills in the range of competence essential to an independent lifestyle. Both immediate and delayed recall were assessed for 81 community residing adults, aged 61 to 87. This sample was combined with a previously reported subject group of 69 elderly individuals, aged 62 to 89, who were also living independently. Decline on ASL training was not found until after the age of 80. In addition, during ASL training, females made fewer errors than did males, and participants whose education went beyond high school performed better than those less educated. When the sample was dichotomized into those less than versus those at least 75 years of age, there was a significant difference between groups on ASL retention, favoring younger volunteers. The addition of a delayed recall component to a learning/memory test yielded findings that suggest the two tasks assess related, but discrete, factors of co...
"Auxiliation in Khmer: The Case of Baan."

From a typological perspective, the most striking — and perhaps the only noteworthy — feature of the auxiliation of the main verb baan 'get' in Khmer is that it migrates from V2 to V1 position, contravening the general tendency for grammatical morphemes to remain frozen in the same position where the words from which they originate are found. It may be that the reason for this migration is, ultimately, prosodic: Khmer is an iambic language; hence, it is an exclusively prefixing language; and hence it is a language in which unstressed elements are attracted into some prefixed position.It is possible that Wackernagel's Law, following which unstressed elements are attracted into a suffixing position (typically, sentence-second) may be a typological parameter, rather than a universal. In exclusively prefixing languages like Khmer, which are admittedly very rare, the corresponding migration may be into initial position.
Observed and calculated F2 peak heights and derived meridional winds at mid-latitudes over a full solar cycle

The peak height of the F2 layer, hmF2, has been calculated using the ‘servo’ model of Rishbeth et al. [(1978), J. atmos. terr. Phys. 40, 767], combined with the hedin et al. [(1988), J. geophys. Res. 93, 9959] neutral wind model. The results are compared with observed values at noon and midnight derived from ionosonde measurements at two mid-latitude stations, Boulder and Wallops Island, over a full solar cycle. The reduced height of the F2 layer, zmF2, is also computed for the same period using the observed hmF2 values and the MSIS-86 model. Day-night, seasonal, and solar cycle variations in zmF2 are attributed to neutral composition changes and winds. Anomalously low values of hmF2 and zmF2 during summer both at solar minimum and during the solar cycle maximum in magnetic activity may be associated with increases in the molecular to atomic ion concentration ratio. Under these circumstances the F2 peak may lie significantly below the O+ peak height calculated by the servo model. Neutral meridional winds at Wallops Island are derived from the servo model using the observed hmF2 values and the calculated O+ ‘balance height’. It is shown that if the anomalously low hmF2 values are used, unrealistically large poleward winds are derived, which are inconsistent with both theory and observations made using other techniques. For most conditions the F2 peak is clearly an O+ peak, and daily mean winds at hmF2 derived from the servo model are consistent with the hedin et al. (1988) wind model. Unexpectedly, the results do not show an abrupt transition in the thermospheric circulation at the equinoxes. Diurnal curves of the servo model winds reveal a larger day-night difference at solar minimum than at solar maximum.
Comment on "Theoretical study of the optical manipulation of semiconductor nanoparticles under an excitonic resonance condition".

A Comment on the Letter by Takuya Iida and Hajime Ishihara, Phys. Rev. Lett. 90, 057403 (2003). The authors of the Letter offer a Reply.
Integration of the Family Therapy Specialist into Public School Pupil Personnel Services

SUMMARY The integration of a full-time family counseling specialist into the Pupil Personnel Service (PPS) Team of the modern public school is described. The roles of the present specialists are delineated as well as the problems inherent within the present Pupil Personnel Services Team. Inclusion of a family counseling specialist on the PPS Team would help schools avoid the antagonist position they find themselves in when a family opposes their suggestions and interventions. In such cases, the PPS Team attempts to wrest control of the case from the parents which subjugates the family, limiting the family's inherent resilience and strength. The family comes to resent the PPS Team, seeing them as blameful and controlling. Conversely, the PPS Team comes to resent the family, claiming it is “dysfunctional” in some way and using diagnostic labels to satisfy themselves that their “expert” actions are justified. This antagonist position in the schools arises more out of fear of litigation than good case managem...
Low protein intake and response to Escherichia coli 055 infection in patas monkeys.

Patas monkeys (Erythrocebus patas) receiving a low protein diet were infected with a mildly enteropathogenicEscherichia coli 055 strain. The subsequent immunologic response including agglutinin, opsonin and immunocyte formation was reduced relative to controls which received full protein rations. The infective organisms were excreted for a longer time by patas given a low protein diet. Total serum protein and albumin declined in patas with a low protein intake. Immunoglobulin G, A and M measurements in the spleen, mesenteric lymph nodes and intestines after infection were less than those in the controls. Total RNA values and amino acid uptake decreased. A shift of the ribosomal fractions was observed. It was concluded that lack of dietary protein impaired protein synthesis, including that of cell-bound antibodies, and that it is feasible to use patas monkeys to study the relationship between enteric infections and protein malnutrition.
Recurrent network training with the decoupled-extended-Kalman-filter algorithm

In this paper we describe the extension of our decoupled extended Kalman filter (DEKF) training algorithm to networks with internal recurrent (or feedback) connections; we call the resulting algorithm dynamic DEKF (or DDEKF for short). Analysis of DDEKF's computational complexity and empirical evidence suggest significant computational and performance advantages in comparison to training algorithms based exclusively upon gradient descent. We demonstrate DDEKF's effectiveness by training networks with recurrent connections for four different classes of problems. First, DDEKF is used to train a recurrent network that produces as its output a delayed copy of its input. Second, recurrent networks are trained by DDEKF to recognize sequences of events with arbitrarily long time delays between the events. Third, DDEKF is applied to the training of identification networks to act as models of the input-output behavior for nonlinear dynamical systems. We conclude the paper with a brief discussion of the extension of DDEKF to the training of neural controllers with internal feedback connections.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Incidence of Retinal Detachment after Fellow-Performed Primary Pars Plana Vitrectomy

Background. Primary pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) is often performed by vitreoretinal fellows. We aimed to evaluate the incidence of retinal breaks and detachments (RD) after fellow-performed PPV. Methods. We reviewed 119 consecutive cases of standard 3-port primary PPVs on 115 patients at a teaching institution from 2003 to 2006. In all cases, the primary surgeon was a vitreoretinal fellow. Patients with previous RD were excluded. Cases were reviewed for postoperative retinal detachments, and all patients were followed for up to 1 year. Results. Intraoperative retinal breaks occurred in 5 of 119 eyes (4.2%). One break was associated with sclerotomy and 4 were not. Postoperative RD occurred in 8 of 119 eyes (6.7%). Two RDs were sclerotomy related, 5 were not, and 1 was of indeterminate origin. Conclusions. Incidence of retinal breaks and RD following primary PPV by vitreoretinal fellows is low and comparable to that of fellowship-trained surgeons.
System design for isolation of a neonatal transport unit using passive and semi-active control strategies

A need for vibration isolation in neonatal transport cart is recognized by the medical community. This study is a first step in the feasibility analysis and design of such vibration isolation system. For this application, an effective system can be defined as an isolation unit that reduces the level of vibration and mechanical shock experienced by the patient. A goal of this work is to provide the patient with a higher quality level of care relative to the existing neonatal transport system. Insight into the design of a vibration isolation system for a neonatal transport cart is presented with a simple 2 dof system model. The vibration isolation is done by adding air-spring-based passive and active systems. The air springs stiffness is a nonlinear function of pressure. Parametric studies performed with these models show that a passive isolation system provides stable dynamic behavior without sufficient damping. It is shown that with suitable combination of these parameters an effective vibration isolation of the neonatal transport cart is possible thus providing better quality of care.
Assessing the Relationship between Government Policy and Deforestation

Abstract The effects of public policies on deforestation are assessed in a general equilibrium framework. A forest can be left in its natural state to provide a consumption benefit, such as biodiversity or carbon absorption. In its natural state it is subject to free access, however. Alternatively, it can be converted to a market input needed to produce a valuable final product. The utility of consumers depends on the amount of the forest left standing, on consumption of the forest-using commodity, and on consumption of a numeraire that is produced from non-forest inputs only. Final commodities are traded with the outside world at constant prices. The model is used to evaluate claims in the literature regarding the effects of government policies on deforestation in developing countries. The polices examined include transportation improvements, taxes and royalties on timber harvests, controls on log exports, a variety of agricultural policies, tax incentives to promote domestic processing industries, and employment opportunity enhancement.
Inorganic pyrophosphate in parotid saliva and its relation to calculus formation

Abstract The presence of inorganic pyrophosphate has been demonstrated in human parotid duct saliva by colorimetric analysis and paper chromatography. Preliminary studies suggest that the concentration of inorganic pyrophosphate in an individual's saliva is a variable related to calculus forming status.
Initial Experience with Staging Laparoscopic Pelvic Lymphadenectomy Performed at the Time of Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy for Prostatic Adenocarcinoma

Laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy on 47 consecutive patients at the time of radical retropubic prostatectomy for adenocarcinoma was performed to assess the adequacy of laparoscopic node dissectio...
Evidence for pulmonary release of 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (5-HETE) during endotoxemia in unanesthetized sheep☆

Abstract Leukocyte trapping in the pulmonary circulation may be an important component of the lung vascular injury response to endotoxin, but mediators of the pulmonary leukostasis and increased lung vascular permeability are unknown. The leukocyte 5-lipoxygenation pathway of arachidonic acid metabolism yields highly biologically active products including leukotrienes C4 and D4 (formerly slow reacting substance of anaphylaxis) and the potent chemotaxin, leukotriene B4. A major product of 5-lipoxygenation is 5-hydroxy-6,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid (5-HETE), for which a sensitive, stable isotope dilution assay employing combined gas chromatography-mass spectrometry is available. This assay was used to test the hypothesis that 5-lipoxygenation products might participate in pulmonary vascular responses to endotoxin. We measured 5-HETE concentrations in lung lymph at three intervals during endotoxemia in unanesthetized sheep. Concentrations of 5-HETE in lung lymph exceeded those in aortic blood plasma. Lymph 5-HETE concentrations increased from 1.7±0.3 (mean ± SEM, N = 7) ng/ml during baseline to peak values of 6.1±1.8 ng/ml (p 2 1 2 hours after endotoxemia and preceeding the steady state increased lung vascular permeability response. During the increased permeability steady state from 240 to 270 minutes after endotoxin, lymph 5-HETE concentrations (1.4±0.3 ng/ml) and lymph 5-HETE flow (i.e., 5-HETE concentration x lung lynph flow rate) returned to baseline values. Although these observations are consistent with the hypothesis that 5-lipoxygenation products participate in the pulmonary vascular injury response to endotoxin, lymph 5-HETE concentrations did not correlate with any of the other experimental measurements. It may be only coincidence that the increase in lymph 5-HETE concentrations appeared contemporaneous with the onset of lung vascular injury.
STARS: Rise and Fall of Minicomputers [Scanning Our Past]

During the 1960s a new class of low-cost computers evolved, which, combined with a growing number of individuals programming and using them, led to wide-ranging innovations that helped to stimulate decades of growth of the entire computer industry. Sold as components to original equipment manufacturers, classic minicomputers provided the opportunity for businesses to create new solutions for process control, manufacturing, engineering design, scientific experiments, communication systems, and many more.
pH-sensitive Photoluminescence of CdSe/ZnSe/ZnS Quantum Dots in Human Ovarian Cancer Cells

The photoluminescence of mercaptoacetic acid (MAA)-capped CdSe/ZnSe/ZnS semiconductor nanocrystal quantum dots (QDs) in SKOV-3 human ovarian cancer cells is pH-dependent, suggesting applications in which QDs serve as intracellular pH sensors. In both fixed and living cells the fluorescence intensity of intracellular MAA-capped QDs (MAA QDs) increases monotonically with increasing pH. The electrophoretic mobility of MAA QDs also increases with pH, indicating an association between surface charging and fluorescence emission. MAA dissociates from the ZnS outer shell at low pH, resulting in aggregation and loss of solubility, and this may also contribute to the MAA QD fluorescence changes observed in the intracellular environment.
Indirect determination of the rate of iron uptake into the apoprotein of the ribonucleotide reductase of E. coli.

The second-order rate constant kapo for uptake of FeII by the apoprotein of Ribonucleotide Reductase R2 has been measured by letting that reaction compete with the uptake of FeII by ferrozine (rate...
Defense of the romantic poet? Writing workshops and voice

W E HAVE LEARNED OUR LESSONS from French theorists such as Barthes, Derrida, and Foucault, about how traditional, and often Romantic, ideas of the author and writing mystify the workings of language and texts and power. And we have been laboring to revise received ideas of writers and writing in ways that would help us think about school writing and student writers more powerfully. Bakhtin and Dewey, among others, have been and continue to be especially helpful in this work. It turns out, though, that these Romantic ideas are very important to progressive approaches to the teaching and learning of writing in schools. In fact, we often find ourselves thinking and sounding as if Romanticism is good-as in good for imagining and transforming the teaching and learning of writing in schools in support of a critical and creative democratic education. We are not talk-
The Production of Molecular Excited States by Pulsed Electron Beams

Electron pulse radiolysis is a modern, versatile technique for investigating the dynamic properties of physical, chemical and biological change. The technique requires an electron-accelerating machine to produce an intense (0.1-5A) beam of high energy (1-20MeV) electrons in a single pulse (10-9 - 10-5>s). Such a beam, when incident upon a target can create physical and chemical perturbations in sufficient amounts to be directly observed in real time by one of several physical methods. In this work the target liquid occupies the cavity of an optical kinetic spectrometer capable of detecting small changes in light intensity with a resolution of a few nanoseconds. By coupling the output current of the photo-detector to a mini-computer via a fast ADC, and incorporation of sundry digital interfaces, computer control of experimental settings, data acquisition and data-analysis is effected. Using such a device, changes in the nature and concentration of transient species generated during passage of the electron beam through the target medium can be conveniently followed. Molecular excited states are efficiently generated on electron beam bombardment of aromatic liquids such as benzene through direct excitation or fast electron-hole recombination. Both Sl(lB2u) and Tl(3Blu) states are formed which can undergo energy transfer reactions to minor solute components thus populating the respective solute states.
Dithioketals as precursors for [2,3] sigmatropic rearrangements. Synthesis of betweenanenes with vinylic heteroatoms.

Abstract Alkoxycarbonyl-stabilized ylides from gem -disulfides undergo [2,3]sigmatropic shifts and provided the first entry to betweenanenes with a heteroatom (sulfur) directly attached to the encapsulated olefinic carbon.
Some determinants of cellular adhesiveness in an embryonic cell line from Drosophila melanogaster.

We have examined, under a number of conditions, the aggregation behavior of Schneider Line 2 cells established originally from embryos of Drosophila melanogaster. The work presented in this paper 1) further establishes appropriate conditions for the study of cellular adhesion in Drosophila cell lines; 2) shows that the adhesive capacity of Drosophila cell line cells, under our experimental conditions, depends upon the presence of CA2+ but not Mg2+; 3) shows that Drosophila cell line cells will not aggregate in the cold; and 4) shows that trypsin treatment inhibits the aggregation of cell line cells, although high concentrations of calcium ions interfere with the action of trypsin.
The patient population and requirements for optimal care

Abstract Increasing numbers of individuals born with congenital cardiac defects are surviving to adulthood. Although estimates of the size of this population vary, it seems likely that the number of adults with congenital heart disease will increase each year, and will soon exceed the number of children with congenital heart disease. Many adults with congenital heart disease have simple defects and may require minimal specialized cardiac care, but at least half of the adult population have conditions of moderate or severe complexity. There are few trained subspecialists to care for this unique group of patients, and there are no established pathways for the training of adult congenital heart disease specialists. Most will come from programs that combine training in internal medicine, cardiology and pediatric cardiology. The increased number of adults with congenital heart disease will also demand more formal training in congenital heart disease during cardiology fellowship. The low prevalence and high complexity of congenital heart disease lends itself to a model in which a local caregiver or center is supported by a regional specialized center. A regional adult congenital heart disease center is directed by an adult congenital heart disease cardiologist supported by a multidisciplinary team, and provides a variety of services including comprehensive diagnosis, management planning and patient counseling. It is proposed that improved education and training of adult congenital heart disease specialists and regionalization of care will improve access to and quality of care for this population.
Beneficial Effects of Dextro‐Amphetamine in the Treatment of Vasodepressor Syncope

Three patients with history of documented hypotension, near syncope, or syncope before or after the administration of isoproterenol during head-up tilt table are reported. Severe bradycardia was also noted in one patient. All three patients responded to the administration of 2.5 mg of oral dextroamphetamine 45 minutes prior to a repeat head-up tilt table study. The potent central and peripheral adrenergic agonist pharmacological properties of this drug permitted the prevention of severe vasodepressor syncope in these patients.
Integument and the Environment Glandular Composition, Function, and Evolution

SYNOPSIS Integumcntirv secietory cells and glands inveitebiate animals are systemati cally surveyed and basic attnbutes of then adaptive evolution are outlined Moi phogenetic lines of secretory epideimal cells are fundamentaland present a pnmaiy dichotomy between mucous and piotcinaceous stem lines Adaptive evolution of integumentary glandulir cells can not be sepaiated from the cytogenesis and evolution of other synthetically active epideimal cells including thosewhich seciete without having a glandulii moiphology Glandular microevolutionny patterns aie coirelated with evolving intciactions between enviionment and oiganism and aie mterpietible only on the basis of studies lntegiaung the appioaches ind techniques of diffciuit zoological spornllics
Domain Independent Natural Language Processing -- A Case Study for Hospital Readmission with COPD

Natural language processing is a field of computer science, which focuses on interactions between computers and human (natural) languages. The human languages are ambiguous unlike Computer languages, which make its analysis and processing difficult. Most of the data present these days is in unstructured form (such as: Accident reports, Patient discharge summary, Criminal records etc), which makes it hard for computers to understand for further use and analysis. This unstructured text needs to be converted into structured form by clearly defining the sentence boundaries, word boundaries and context dependent character boundaries for further analysis. This paper proposes a component-based domain-independent text analysis system for processing of the natural language known as Domain-independent Natural Language Processing System (DINLP). Further the paper discusses the system capability and its application in the area of bioinformatics through the case study.
Error in fluid and calorie calculation in the surgical neonate

Nutritional management has become an integral part of the care of the surgical neonate. In most teaching institutions, this is the responsibility of the resident staff with varying degrees of supervision. The purpose of this study was to assess the accuracy of this management. Eleven parameters of fluid and nutritional status were determined daily on all surgical newborns in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The values were calculated by the housestaff in traditional fashion, based on available bedside data, and entered into the charts. Similar values were calculated, based on the same data, by a trained clinical nurse specialist using a preprogrammed, hand-held computer. Values were then compared for significant difference. Approximately 2,500 calculations were analyzed. Overall, there was a statistically significant error detected in the housestaff evaluation of both fluid and nutritional status. This discrepancy was greatest in infants weighing less than 2 kg. Similarly, there was an inverse correlation between the degree of error and houseofficer level. These data indicate a potential risk in the management of the surgical neonate. This risk is greatest in the small infant, indicating the need for close supervision of critical physiological computations within the teaching NICU.
Sequence and system in the acquisition of tense and agreement.

Purpose The relatedness of tense morphemes in the language of children younger than 3 years of age is a matter of controversy. Generativist accounts predict that the morphemes will be related, wher...
Experimental properties of superfluid He 3

This paper presents a summary and evaluation of the experimental properties of superfluid $^{3}\mathrm{He}$ as they were known in the fall of 1974. Subjects having thermodynamic significance, including specific heat, static magnetism, phase equilibria, and superfluid density, are discussed first. Then known flow properties are treated. After a brief discussion of the theoretical ideas which motivated some of the later experiments, the subject of dynamic magnetism is reviewed. Closely related work in a magnetic field in the immediate temperature region of the critical temperature is discussed, as are the propagation of ultrasound, the phenomena of supercooling and superheating, precise indication of the critical temperature, and the effects of certain restrictive geometries. The article concludes with a brief discussion of some new developments which appeared after the main text was finished. Appendices on thermometry and on parameters of the normal Fermi liquid are included.
Identification of Block-Oriented Nonlinear Processes Using Designed Relay Feedback Tests

A systematic approach to identifying Hammerstein and Wiener models, including the model structure and parameters, for nonlinear processes is presented. A sequence of predesigned relay magnitude changes is applied in a relay feedback experiment to generate dynamic response for identification. By way of this proposed approach, the identifications of linear and nonlinear elements in the block-oriented models are fully separated and the needs for iterative optimization procedures can be relaxed. With the nonlinear models obtained, nonlinear control strategies are developed to achieve a better control performance. The effectiveness of the proposed identification method and control strategy is demonstrated with simulated examples.
Prosthesis design based on an asymmetric passive dynamic walker

This paper presents a theoretical design of a transfemoral prosthesis based on physical asymmetries. Breaking the mold of current prostheses, we propose a general prosthetic leg design in which the knee location is shifted off its traditional knee line. The objective is to find an above-knee prosthetic design for which the overall mass is decreased, especially the below knee portion, while still exhibiting a symmetric gait pattern. A lighter prosthetic that enables a symmetric gait will increase the comfort and decrease the detrimental effects of an asymmetric gait for individuals that wear prostheses. In individuals with prosthetics, changing the knee location could also result in a symmetric gait. To analyze the prosthesis, the existing passive dynamic walker model with five masses was adapted to include nine masses to better represent the mass distribution throughout each limb. A search through the parameter space revealed that a symmetric gait could arise from a system with different knee locations on both sides while the mass of the prosthesis was lighter than the existing leg. In order to accomplish this, the knee location of the prosthesis was positioned below the intact knee by 36.7% of the total shank length. This physical asymmetry resulted in a below knee mass reduction of 68.2% and a total mass reduction of 13.4% while having a symmetric gait. In addition, the model gives further indications on where to add or remove mass to decrease the amount of asymmetry in individuals with prostheses and other causes of asymmetric gait.
Performance of Reconfigurable Antennas in a Below-Decks Environment

Reconfigurable antennas have been proposed for mitigating multipath interference and increasing channel capacity in wireless networks. The majority of studies which have investigated these claims do so either in simulation or through the use of software defined radios in lab or office environments. There has been little work in quantifying experimentally the performance gains of a reconfigurable antenna in highly metallic environments representative of military and industrial applications. This letter quantifies the performance gains provided by the use of electrically reconfigurable antennas in the place of omnidirectional antennas given varying environmental and system configurations. Wireless measurements for various 802.11-like physical layers were performed in a set of multideck, coupled compartments aboard Thomas S. Gates (CG 51), a decommissioned Ticonderoga-class U.S. Navy cruiser. The reconfigurable antennas were observed to provide higher channel capacities than omnidirectional antennas. When the bulkhead doors connecting the coupled compartments were left open, the postprocessing signal to noise ratio (PP-SNRs) of signals received from reconfigurable antennas were up to 4 dB higher than what was observed when using omnidirectional antennas. As the compartments became less electrically coupled (i.e., bulkhead doors were closed), the benefit provided via the antenna pattern diversity of the reconfigurable antennas diminished.
Substance abuse and mental health services for children and adolescents.

This study examines the initial effects of the Massachusetts Mental Health and Substance Abuse Program on 24-hour care for children and adolescents. Analysis of Medicaid claims shows that under managed care, access to 24-hour services, the number of service users, and admissions increased, while length of stay and expenditures decreased. The decomposition of the savings indicated that although the increase in admissions would have added an additional $2.7 million to expenditures without managed care, the carve-out saved $9.1 million in the first year through changes in length of stay, service settings, and price per day. The managed care variable was not significant in the regression models examining rapid readmission.
AN EXPLORATORY STUDY INTO INTERLANGUAGE PRAGMATICS OF REQUESTS: A GAME OF PERSUASION

Teachability and assessment of interlanguage pragmatics are two crucial but still relatively unexplored areas in second language research. Several instruments, such as multiple-choice discourse completion tasks, written discourse completion tasks, role-play tasks, and discourse self-assessment tasks (J. D. Brown, 2001), have been used to assess students' interlanguage pragmatic skills. This paper describes a new assessment-based gaming environment of English as a second language (ESL) pragmalinguistics called A Game of Persuasion that focuses on the speech act of request. This game allows users to engage in interactive written dialogue with an artificial professor (or pedagogical agent) in multiple academic contexts. Students explore contextually and socially appropriate request strategies while the system scores each attempt, assigns points, and provides formative and summative feedback. This paper presents (a) related research on instruments that have been used in the area of interlanguage pragmatics (i.e., request), (b) our assessment-based gaming environment, and (c) reports on results from a study aimed at exploring usability aspects of the game and usage of request strategies employed by 30 English language learners (ELLs) who completed 10 written interactive request tasks with and without the presence of a pedagogical agent.
A study of the lead chlorofluoride method for fluoride ion

Abstract Lead chlorofluoride precipitates formed under varying conditions have been analyzed and found to have variable composition. Progress toward equilibrium on digestion is slow and only under carefully controlled conditions can a precipitate of known composition be expected.
Effects of tunneling through coupled series attractors in a mesoscopic system

We report the effects of resonant tunneling through multi-coupled attractors in series in a quantum nanosystem. We find that the multiple split-conductance peaks arise from resonant tunneling through multiple nondegenerate quasi-bound-states of the coupled attractors. We also show that the coupling can be tuned by modulating the strength of the attractor, demonstrating that the separation of peak splitting in conductance decreases as the attractor strengths increase.
Elemental composition of serpentine plants depends on habitat affinity and organ type

Serpentine soils represent a stressful growing environment for most plants due to a number of edaphic factors, including low concentrations of plant nutrients and high concentrations of heavy metals. Plants in these environments range from weakly resistant to strictly endemic, yet it remains unclear whether serpentine habitat affinity affects plant chemistry, including elemental distribution among various organs. We address this knowledge gap using three confamilial pairs of endemic and non-endemic plants. First, we determined total and phytoavailable soil concentrations of four nutrients (Ca, Mg, P, K) and three heavy metals (Co, Cr, Ni) across 11 serpentine study sites. Next, we determined the concentrations of these elements in leaves, flowers, and seeds in plants of each species growing on serpentine soil. Soils at the study sites were characteristically high in concentrations of Mg, Ni, Co and Cr, and low in K, P and Ca relative to non-serpentine soils. Habitat affinity was critical in determining the organ concentrations of Ca, Mg, K, and Co, although concentration often varied by organ type. Relative to non-endemics, endemics had higher concentrations of Mg and K across all organ types, whereas Ca concentrations were higher for non-endemics in the leaves but equal for the two reproductive organs. While no difference was observed in Ni or Cr concentrations, endemics contained 56% less Co than non-endemics across all organ types. These results suggest that serpentine endemics are more effective at acquiring potentially limiting nutrients compared to non-endemic species, but both endemic and non-endemic plants exclude most phytotoxic heavy metals. Therefore, growth on serpentine requires common physiological responses of all plants, though high variation in uptake of some key nutrients and exclusion of some metals may reflect differential adaptation to serpentines by non-endemic and endemic plants.
Instrumental neutron activation analysis utilizing pulsed irradiations

Abstract The applicability of pulsed irradiations for instrumental neutron activation analysis was investigated. A detailed study of the timing characteristics and the reproducibility of TRIGA reactor pulses is described. The sensitivities and activity enhancements obtained using reactor pulses are given for the short-lived radionuclides: 20 F (11.03 s), 34 P (12.4 s), 38m Cl (0.70 s), 46m Sc (18.67 s), 73m Ge (0.53 s), 77m Se (17. 8 s), 79m Br (4.88 s), 89m (16.06 s), 90m Zr (0.81 s), 136m Ba (0.31 s), 183m W (5.3 s) and 207m Pb (0.80 s). For 1000 MW reactor pulses the measured “interference-free” detection limits range from 13 mg (S) to 2 ng (Sc) with a median value of ( 7 μg. Compared to sensitivities previously determined for steady-state irradiations at 250 kW, an average enhancement in activity of 46/ T is observed, where T is the half-life in seconds.
Reply to Stanley Masters' Comment on “Housing Segregation, Negro Employment, and Metropolitan Decentralization”

Stanley Masters' comment is one of several recent critiques that claim to refute hypotheses suggested by my paper, "Housing Segregation, Negro Employment, and Metropolitan Decentralization": 1 (1) that severe geographic constraints on the residential choices of Negro households reduce their employment opportunities and real incomes; and (2) that further job dispersal, combined with continued racial segregation, is likely to exacerbate this condition. Masters both presents some original empirical analyses and summarizes findings by Roger Noll, Joseph Mooney, and Bennett Harrison.2 Collectively, these critics present three kinds of analyses that they believe undermine my findings: (1) evidence on the relative tightness of central city and suburban job markets (Noll), (2) tests to determine whether relative black-white earnings or employment levels are correlated with differences among SMSA's in measures of segregation (Mooney and Masters), and (3) statistics on the welfare of black households living in the central cities and suburbs (Harrison). Noll and others have argued that jobs are in some sense more plentiful in core areas than in suburban areas in spite of widespread employment dispersal within metropolitan areas. "All of these findings indicate that jobs, particularly for the less skilled, are easier to find in the central city. They also suggest that suburbanization of employment may be a response to labor market conditions rather than a cause of unemployment." 3 At points, these
Biomedical Evaluation of Polymerized Biodegradable Cement vs. PMMA Cement in Kyphoplasty for Vertebral Compressive Fractures

Kyphoplasty/vertebroplasty procedures traditionally use PMMA to treat the fractured vertebrae due to its mechanical properties. However, with time the bone erodes around the cement due to osteoporosis and inhibited bone remodeling due to the cyotoxicity of PMMA (1). The exothermic reaction of PMMA is also responsible for thermal necrosis and can cause complications in cases of extravasation (1; 2; 3). Lastly, PMMA is not bioactive and will not be reabsorbed (1; 2; 3). Thus, alternative cements with similar mechanical strengths are being explored. Calcium phosphate cements (CaP) have been explored due to their bioactive and non-thermal properties (3; 4). Despite these advantages, there are reservations of traditional CaP cements due to deficiencies in mechanical properties (1; 4). We evaluated new polymerized calcium phosphate (pCaP) cement which is not brittle like traditional CaP cements. Mechanical properties of vertebral bodies augmented with either PMMA or pCaP after fracture were determined.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
A Dual Generalized Upper Bounding Technique

A Generalized Upper Bounding technique, similar to that introduced by Dantzig and Van Slyke [Dantzig, G. B., Van Slyke, R. M., 1967. Generalized upper bounding techniques. Journal of Computer and System Sciences. Vol. 1 pp. 213--226.], for solving large linear programs “with m + L equations m <<L, L of which have the property that each variable has at most one nonzero coefficient in them” is offered. The algorithm is a variant of the dual simplex method, uses a working basis of order m and allows implementation of various pivoting strategies. The necessary modifications to the algorithm for handling bounded variables are also described.
The use of real or complex coupling coefficients for lossy piezoelectric materials

Two competing approaches for calculating coupling coefficients for lossy piezoelectric materials, one producing a real result and the other a complex result, are compared and analyzed. It is found that the complex coupling coefficient suffers from mathematical difficulties, which the real coupling coefficient does not exhibit. Moreover, it is pointed out that a prediction made by the complex coupling coefficient theory conflicts with experiment while the corresponding real coupling coefficient theory prediction does not. When a coupling coefficient of interest has been computed from the real coupling coefficient theory using piezoelectric equations having intensive independent variables, the resulting expression has the same algebraic form as the corresponding static coupling coefficient formula. Moreover, only the real parts of the piezoelectric, elastic, and dielectric material properties appear.
Transients in tubes containing liquids

Abstract An experimental investigation of the elastic and fluid pressure waves produced by the longitudinal impact of steel strikers on 25.4 mm (1.0 in.) dia. tubes filled with water was performed by means of a modified Hopkinson pressure bar technique. The tubes employed consisted of aluminum and acrylic plastic with three different wall thicknesses. Spherical strikers with diameters up to 12.7 mm (0.5 in.) were fired from pneumatic guns; larger steel balls were utilized in a pendulum configuration so as to achieve a variety of pulse amplitudes and durations. Longitudinal and hoop strain histories were measured on the surfaces of the tubes both in the unfilled and filled conditions; fluid pressure records were obtained along the tube axis by means of piezoelectric transducers. The experimentally-determined wave velocities in the two components of the system were compared with those predicted by the original and an extended version of the classical theory of water hammer, based on measured Young's moduli and Poisson's ratios determined from Hopkinson bar tests on solid circular rods. Excellent correspondence between observed and predicted values was obtained. While some slight dispersion was found for the empty aluminum and acrylic tubes, significant attenuation occurred only in tests with the latter substance, indicative of strong viscoelastic effects. The introduction of fluid into the aluminum specimen did not produce any substantial changes but, for the acrylic tubes, slightly increased the pulse velocity in the container and the attenuation of the peak. High-frequency vibrations observed on some of the records are associated with breathing action of the tube, an effect derivable from theoretical models only by inclusion of radial inertia.
Weak radiative decays of baryons

Using recent experimental baryon weak radiative decay data for the fiveB→B′γ decays, we employ the pole model self-consistently to extract the reduced matrix elements 〈B′|Hw|B〉. The resulting pattern is compatible with weak pion decaysB→B′π and also with the quark model.
Surveying the landscape of immigration: social psychological perspectives

Three general themes are introduced to illustrate the kinds of social psychological issues that the study of immigration raises. The first issue concerns the possible bases of social comparison that members of immigrant groups use. The second topic deals with the negotiation of multiple identities, as members of immigrant groups consider which ethnic identities they wish to claim and how those choices are manifested. Third, the context of immigration and identity negotiation is discussed, underlining the importance that other people and institutions play in the immigrants experience. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A method for the analysis of the growth of short fatigue cracks

A method for the analysis of the fatigue crack growth rate for short cracks has been developed and is applied to the case of fatigue crack growth of short surface cracks in a 1045 carbon steel. The method entails three modifications to standard LEFM procedures. These modifications include the use of a material constant to bridge between smooth and cracked specimen behavior, consideration of the plastic zone size to crack length ratio, and incorporation of the development of crack closure. Comparisons are made between calculations based upon this approach and experimental data.
The effect of vicinal polar and charged groups on hydrophobic hydration.

The use of a linear relationship between free energy of hydrophobic hydration and solvent-accessible apolar surface area has been helpful in interpreting the thermodynamics of biological macromolecules. However, a recent study (Y.-K. Cheng, P. J. Rossky, Nature 1998, Vol. 392, pp. 696–699) has established a substantial enthalpic dependence on biomolecular surface topography, originating from solvent hydrogen-bonding loss in a restrictive geometry. In this study, we use molecular dynamics simulations of 2-Zn insulin in water solvent to explore the further effect of vicinal polar or charged groups on hydrophobic hydration at a biomolecular surface. In contrast to the case for solvent more isolated from such polar solute influences, the binding energies of the water that is proximal to the hydrophobic dimeric interface of insulin and vicinal to polar and charged groups are comparable to the bulk solvent value, a result of compensating interaction primarily with the solute counterions. The results suggest a special importance for such polar/charged groups in biological processes involving hydrophobic surface regions of restricted geometry and also suggest a general route for tuning the hydrophobicity of interfaces. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Biopoly 50: 742–750, 1999
Thermal performance of quartz capillaries for vitrification

In this paper we report the thermal behavior of a new approach for vitrification. Thermal performance of traditional open pulled straws is compared with a new technique based on the combined use of quartz capillaries with slush nitrogen. This new method of vitrification achieved ultrafast cooling rates of 250,000 degrees C/min. As a result, a much lower concentration of cryoprotectant was needed to reach vitrification. In fact, a cryoprotectant solution typically used in oocyte slow freezing protocols was shown to remain transparent after cooling to liquid nitrogen temperatures indicating apparent "vitrification". This approach offers a new and very promising technique for vitrification of cells using low levels of cryoprotectants.
Teaching NeuroImages: partial brown-Séquard syndrome: a rare presentation of CMV myelitis.

A 53-year-old man with AIDS presented with left leg weakness and right leg numbness. Examination was significant for left lower extremity weakness in a pyramidal pattern (4/5), left knee and ankle hyperreflexia, left Babinski sign, and decreased pain and temperature sensation over right lower extremity extending up the right torso up to T5 dermatome. Vibration and proprioception were normal. Thoracic spine MRI showed hyperintensity in the left hemicord (figure, A and B). CSF analysis showed mild protein elevation with lymphocytic pleocytosis, and positive cytomegalovirus (CMV) PCR, consistent with CMV myelitis. Treatment with gancylcovir1 and foscarnet2 resulted in gradual improvement in the patient's symptoms and examination.