cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Some extensions of Carlitz on cyclic sums and generating functions

Abstract Recently, the author (Proc. Amer. Math. Soc., 57 1976, 271–275) derived two theorems involving double series, which gave as a consequence new and known generating functions for the Jacobi polynomial. The method of proof differed from that of previous workers. Using an extension of this procedure, we present in this paper two theorems for double and m-dimensional series which generalize our previous work. These formulas also yield new generating functions for the Jacobi polynomial and extend some formulas of Carlitz (Boll. U.M.I. (3), 16 1961, 150–155) and others. A feature of this work is the inclusion of the Jacobi polynomial within the framework of m-dimensional cyclic sums, thus generalizing a main result of Carlitz (SIAM Rev., 6 1964, 20–30).
Melting of iron by significant structure theory

From Eyring's method of significant structures, a partition function is derived for liquid iron. The solid at high temperature is described in the Einstein approximation. Magnetic and electronic contributions to the thermodynamic properties of both the liquid and solid phases are considered. The model is compatible with properties (thermal expansion, compressibility, heat capacity, entropy of melting, and volume change on melting) at one atm. The melting temperature at high pressure is found by satisfying the requirement that the Gibbs free energies of the liquid and solid phases are equal at the melting temperature. Under conditions at the earth's core-mantle boundary, the melting temperature of iron is greater than approximately 5000 K, and under inner-outer core conditions the melting temperature is greater than approximately 7000 K. These estimates are consistent with the Lindemann melting law, but not with the Kraut-Kennedy melting law.
The infrared and Raman spectra of crystalline squaric acid

Abstract The vibrational spectrum of crystalline squaric acid (1,2-dihydroxycyclobutenedione) has been recorded at and below ambient temperature. The infrared spectrum has been taken between 200 and 4000 cm−1, and the Raman spectrum has been taken between 85 and 2000 cm−1. Eighteen of the twenty infrared active vibrations and twenty of the twenty-four Raman active vibrations have been observed. Factor group splitting has been detected in both the infrared and Raman spectra. The spectrum of the deuterium compound has also been recorded. A correlation between the apparent degrees of association of several cyclobutenedione systems and their carbonyl stretching frequencies is given. The O⋯O distance in squaric acid (2.49 ± 0.05 A) has been estimated by a modification of the procedure given by Pimentel and McClellan. The results of our investigation indicate that squaric acid possesses an exceptionally strong hydrogen bond which is best described by a very asymmetric double minimum potential function.
Choroidal Myogenic Autoregulation and Intraocular Pressure

This study tests the hypothesis that choroidal myogenic autoregulation participates in the intraocular pressure (IOP) response to mean arterial pressure (MAP) by minimizing arterial-pressure-dependent changes in choroidal blood volume. To test this hypothesis, the IOP response to MAP was quantified before and after impairing choroidal autoregulation. In a previous study, the efficacy of choroidal myogenic autoregulation was inversely related to IOP. Therefore, in one series of experiments (n = 6), the relationship between MAP and IOP was determined at normal and elevated baseline IOP (i.e., 15 and 25 mmHg, respectively). In a second series of experiments (n = 6), the relationship between MAP and IOP was determined at the normal IOP (15 mmHg) before and after administering hydralazine, an arterial vasodilator. In both series, the MAP manipulations were kept brief to avoid the confounding effects of aqueous compensation. The experiments were performed in pentobarbital anesthetized rabbits with hydraulic occluders placed on the thoracic descending aorta and inferior vena cava to raise and lower MAP, respectively. MAP was measured via a central ear artery catheter. The right eye was cannulated with two 23 gauge needles; one cannula was used to set the IOP by varying the ocular volume and the other was used to measure the IOP. The protocol consisted of inflating the occluders to cause brief (1-1.5 min) ramp increases and decreases in MAP over a wide pressure range. Baseline IOP was set prior to each occlusion, but was otherwise uncontrolled. In the first series, the MAP range was 30 to 95 mmHg and IOP changed by 6 mmHg at the normal baseline IOP and by 18 mmHg at the elevated baseline IOP. The corresponding volume shifts were 7.7 and 14.5 microliters, respectively. In the second series, the MAP range was 25 to 95 mmHg and IOP changed by 6 mmHg during control and by 14 mmHg after hydralazine. The corresponding volume shifts were 6.7 and 13.8 microliters, respectively. In both series, the prompt return of IOP to baseline upon restoration of normal MAP indicated that the volume changes were due to changes in ocular blood volume. Additional experiments confirmed that elevating the baseline IOP and administering hydralazine impaired choroidal autoregulation but did not alter the cranial venous pressure response to varying MAP.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
A review of uncertainty in flight vehicle structural damage monitoring, diagnosis and control: Challenges and opportunities

Abstract This paper presents a comprehensive review of uncertainties involved in flight vehicle structural damage monitoring, diagnosis, prognosis and control. Uncertainties can cause infeasibilities, false diagnosis and very imprecise prognosis if not correctly taken into account. The purpose of this paper is to review existing methods that have been developed to address the problem of uncertainty in the area of damage sensing, diagnosis, prognosis and control in flight vehicles. The mathematical and statistical methods in analyzing uncertainty are first presented and compared. Then, the different sources and perspectives of uncertainties in the damage assessment process are presented and classified. Following this, diagnosis and prognosis methods are reviewed. Final review section covers the control of damaged structure under uncertainty. In each section and in the concluding remarks section the research challenges in the field of flight vehicle structural damage sensing, diagnosis and prognosis methods as well as control under uncertainty are identified and promising new ideas are discussed.
The Knowledge Is Power Program (KIPP): An Analysis of One Model's Efforts to Promote Achievement in Underserved Communities.

Many claim that the Knowledge is Power Program has experienced success in closing the achievement gap in urban and rural communities across America. Studies suggest that KIPP charter schools enroll an overwhelming proportion of poor and minority students and often outperform their district peers. However, the purpose of this study is not to evaluate whether KIPP schools are closing the achievement gap, but instead to assess the strategies KIPP charter schools use to promote student achievement. Describing and evaluating these approaches may offer new insights into the ways we can improve instruction and possibly increase student achievement levels for students in underserved communities.
Tube-escape behavior of paramecia.

Paramecia sucked up into a small capillary tube eventually took less and less time to escape from it. This change in escape time over trials could be eliminated if the tubes were cleaned in a prescribed manner before use and the organisms were adapted to the process of being sucked up before the experiments began.
A new technique to optimize single neuron models using experimental spike train data

We propose a new method for fitting model parameters to the neural spike train obtained from an experimental neuron. Due to the uncertainty associated with measuring the accurate voltage in a noisy environment, it is essential to develop methods that rely solely on the interspike intervals (ISI). Existing techniques do not provide a smooth and continuous cost function and optimal estimation of model parameters is difficult. In this paper we formulate a new cost function using the spike times of the neuron and determine the analytical gradient with respect to the model parameters. The optimal parameters are calculated using gradient based optimization techniques. We first use data generated by models to establish the accuracy of our technique. We also optimize the model to fit an experimental spike train of a biological neuron. We are able to find the optimal parameter set using a hybrid algorithm which is a combination of the gradient descent method and global optimization techniques.
From Document to Fable: The Simulacrum of History in Mihaileanu, Benigni, and Primo Levi

The central issue of this article is the act of storytelling as a positive moral act of testimony, even when the historical content is altered by the invention of comedic fiction. History is no less a fiction whose coherence is imposed in retrospect by the narrative written to contextualize it. Through the prism of Primo Levi's pseudo-historical accounts of the concentration camps, this article demonstrates how Roberto Benigni and Radu Mihaileanu offer new messages and force their viewers to re-examine events of the Shoah through humour without diminishing the gravity of them. Through comedy and fairy-tale, the two directors capture the humanity of both those who survived and those who did not. These films are not revisions as much as criticisms of the absurdity of the Holocaust. The directors borrow the Holocaust's absurd language and logic in their parodies and recodify them in their fables. We see in “La vita e bella” and “Train de vie” that the greatest danger is not in making a comedy about the Shoah...
Random yield supply chain with a yield dependent secondary market

Abstract This paper considers a simple supply chain with one supplier and one retailer where the supplier’s production is subject to random yield and the retailer faces uncertain demand. There exists a secondary market for acquiring or disposing products by the supplier. We study both the centralized and decentralized systems. In the decentralized system, a no risk sharing contract and a risk sharing minimum commitment contract are analyzed. The supply chain with the risk sharing contract is further analyzed with a constant secondary market price and a yield dependent secondary market price. We present both the supplier’s and the retailer’s optimal strategies and provide insights for managers when making decisions under random yield risk and demand uncertainty. We find that the secondary market generally has a positive impact on supply chain performance and the actual effect of random yield risk on the supply chain performance depends on cost parameters and supply chain contract settings. Under certain conditions, reducing yield randomness may weaken the double marginalization effect and improve the chain performance. From the numerical study, we also show that there exists an optimal commitment level for the supply chain.
Estrogen receptor beta selective ligands for prevention of neurodegeneration: From in silico screening to at bench bioanalysis

of A 12-28P in AD Tg model mice. Methods: Female APP/ PS1 Tg AD mice were treated with A 12-28P (1mg of peptide or placebo administered intraperitoneally) for five months starting from the age of two months, which is prior to the onset of detectable brain amyloid deposits. Conclusions: Treatment with A 12-28P resulted in a significant reduction of A load: 51.6% in the neocortex, 40.0% in the hippocampus, and 49.2% in the cingulate/retropslenial cortex (p 0.01). Fibrillar A , detected by Thioflavin-S staining, was reduced by 21.9%, 24.7%, and 28.9%, respectively (p 0.05). Levels of formic acid extracted A 1-40 and A 1-42 were decreased on ELISA measurements by 42.5% and 29.9%, respectively (p 0.01). No signs of toxicity or any autoimmune reaction were observed in treated animals. These results demonstrate that pharmacological blocking of the apoE/A interaction may be used to prevent A deposition in AD patients.
Associative Plasticity in the Medial Auditory Thalamus and Cerebellar Interpositus Nucleus during Eyeblink Conditioning

Eyeblink conditioning, a type of associative motor learning, requires the cerebellum. The medial auditory thalamus is a necessary source of stimulus input to the cerebellum during auditory eyeblink conditioning. Nothing is currently known about interactions between the thalamus and cerebellum during associative learning. In the current study, neuronal activity was recorded in the cerebellar interpositus nucleus and medial auditory thalamus simultaneously from multiple tetrodes during auditory eyeblink conditioning to examine the relative timing of learning-related plasticity within these interconnected areas. Learning-related changes in neuronal activity correlated with the eyeblink conditioned response were evident in the cerebellum before the medial auditory thalamus over the course of training and within conditioning trials, suggesting that thalamic plasticity may be driven by cerebellar feedback. Short-latency plasticity developed in the thalamus during the first conditioning session and may reflect attention to the conditioned stimulus. Extinction training resulted in a decrease in learning-related activity in both structures and an increase in inhibition within the cerebellum. A feedback projection from the cerebellar nuclei to the medial auditory thalamus was identified, which may play a role in learning by facilitating stimulus input to the cerebellum via the thalamo-pontine projection.
Nucleocapsid Protein Annealing of a Primer-Template Enhances (+)-Strand DNA Synthesis and Fidelity by HIV-1 Reverse Transcriptase

Abstract Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) requires reverse transcriptase (RT) and HIV-1 nucleocapsid protein (NCp7) for proper viral replication. HIV-1 NCp7 has been shown to enhance various steps in reverse transcription including tRNA initiation and strand transfer, which may be mediated through interactions with RT as well as RNA and DNA oligonucleotides. With the use of DNA oligonucleotides, we have examined the interaction of NCp7 with RT and the kinetics of reverse transcription during (+)-strand synthesis with an NCp7-facilitated annealed primer–template. Through the use of a pre-steady-state kinetics approach, the NCp7-annealed primer–template has a substantial increase (3- to 7-fold) in the rate of incorporation ( k pol ) by RT as compared to heat-annealed primer–template with single-nucleotide incorporation. There was also a 2-fold increase in the binding affinity constant ( K d ) of the nucleotide. These differences in k pol and K d were not through direct interactions between HIV-1 RT and NCp7. When extension by RT was examined, the data suggest that the NCp7-annealed primer–template facilitates the formation of a longer product more quickly compared to the heat-annealed primer–template. This enhancement in rate is mediated through interactions with NCp7's zinc fingers and N-terminal domain and nucleic acids. The NCp7-annealed primer–template also enhances the fidelity of RT (3-fold) by slowing the rate of incorporation of an incorrect nucleotide. Taken together, this study elucidates a new role of NCp7 by facilitating DNA-directed DNA synthesis during reverse transcription by HIV-1 RT that may translate into enhanced viral fitness and offers an avenue to exploit for targeted therapeutic intervention against HIV.
Estimating the body size of eocene primates: A comparison of results from dental and postcranial variables

Estimating body weights for fossil primates is an important step in reconstructing aspects of their behavior and ecology. To date, the body size of Eocene euprimates—the Adapidae and Omomyidae—has been estimated only from molar area. Studies on other primates and mammals demonstrate that body weights estimated from teeth are not always concordant with those estimated from postcranial variables. We derive estimates for Eocene primates based on tarsal bone variables to compare with previously published values derived from dental measures. Stepsirhine-wide, family-level, and subfamily-level models are developed and compared. We also compare the accuracy and precision of dental- and tarsal-based regression models for predicting weight in extant species. Tarsal bone and dental area measures prove to be equally robust in predicting body weight; however, highly disparate estimates are often obtained from different variables. Equations based on lower-level taxonomic groups perform better than more widely based models. However, all equations considered yield fairly large errors, which can affect interpretations of paleoecology. The choice of the more robust prediction is not straightforward.
An Osmometric Method for the Bioassay of Vasotocin and Related Peptides in the Toad Bladder

This study describes a new method for quantitating the antidiuretic activity of 8-arginine vasotocin (AVT) and related peptides on the isolated toad urinary bladder. The method is based on measuring changes in the osmolality of the surface fluid film of bladders that have been filled with a dilute solution and suspended in humidified air. Eight microliters of Ringer’s fluid containing a known concentration of hormone are applied to small paper discs (0.7 cm in diameter), and the discs are then placed with fine forceps onto the outer surface of the bladder to which they adhere. The hormone increases the permeability to water of the epithelium that is underneath the area of the disc, and as water moves from the interior of the bladder along its osmotic gradient to the outer surface of the bladder, the Ringer’s fluid in the disc becomes diluted. The magnitude of this dilution is quantitated by removing the discs to a vapor pressure osmometer at timed intervals. A supramaximal dose of AVT reduced disc fluid o...
Effect of Single Versus Multiple Courses of Antenatal Steroids on Neonatal Outcome of Very Low Birthweight Infants

Effect of Single Versus Multiple Courses of Antenatal Steroids on Neonatal Outcome of Very Low Birthweight Infants
The effects of social experience with varying male availability on female mate preferences in a wolf spider

While female preferences may vary depending on population-level differences in density or sex ratio, factors affecting mate choice may act at the individual level, i.e., females may encounter males with varying frequency or encounter multiple males simultaneously. The “socially cued anticipatory plasticity” hypothesis suggests that females may bias mate preferences based on prior experience. In the wolf spider, Schizocosa ocreata, males typically mature before females, allowing females to experience male courtship before maturation. Using video playback, we simulated differences in the encounter rate and the number of males simultaneously encountered to examine effects on female preference for a secondary sexual character (foreleg tufts). Penultimate females were exposed to video playback of zero, one, or three courting males either once every 2 days (low encounter rate) or twice per day (high encounter rate). At adulthood (week 2 post-maturity), females were presented video playback of courting males with small or large tufts to test for preferences in no-choice and two-choice designs. In two-choice (but not no-choice) presentations, female receptivity varied significantly with treatment. Females exposed to three males simultaneously at a higher encounter rate during their penultimate stage exhibited greater receptivity to large-tufted than small-tufted males as adults. Subsequent analyses revealed that females were more selective as adults if they encountered cumulatively more males during their penultimate stage, which was a repeatable trend when re-testing some individuals 3 weeks later. This study adds to the growing literature that demonstrates that invertebrates exhibit plasticity in mating preferences depending on social experience.
Life cycle energy and environmental evaluation of downsized vs. lightweight material automotive engines

Abstract New, stringent fuel economy and emissions regulations are putting increasing pressure on automobile manufacturers to come up with technologies that will help reach those targets. Reducing the weight of the car is one way of achieving better fuel economy during the use stage of the automobile's life cycle. This can be done by replacing the cast iron and steel in the engine with other lighter weight metals such as aluminum and magnesium. However, this change does not come without associated tradeoffs involving cost, performance, and environmental impact. Another way of increasing the fuel efficiency while maintaining the same power output is by going to a lower displacement (essentially a smaller) engine, employing direct fuel injection and turbocharging. This paper reports on a study comparing the life-cycle environmental impacts associated with the two alternatives, along with a cost analysis of the two competing technologies. A combined approach of downsizing the engine and light-weighting the entire vehicle, including the engine components, wherever feasible, is looked upon as the most preferred path to achieving greater improvements in overall lifetime energy consumption and further reductions in environmental impacts.
A directed intimin insertion mutant of a rabbit enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (REPEC) is attenuated, immunogenic and elicits serogroup specific protection.

Abstract We previously showed ( Agin et al., 2005 ) that a truncated beta-intimin mutant of an O15 A/E REPEC strain, which does not contain the C terminal tir binding region of intimin but expresses the preceding immunodominant portion of the molecule in outer membranes, is attenuated, induces anti-intimin and anti whole cell antibody, and protects against challenge with a virulent strain of the same serogroup. Since the ability of this and other intimin mutants lacking the tir binding region to provide broad protection against challenge with REPEC strains of other serogroups is incompletely studied, we generated a targeted insertion/deletion intimin mutant in an O103 strain, immunized rabbit's orogastrically, then challenged them with the parent strain and a virulent strain of a different serogroup. We used λ red recombinase to generate an eae mutation in the prototypic rabbit A/E Escherichia coli strain E22 (O103) by replacing the 81 C-terminal (860–939) tir-binding amino acids of intimin with an inserted kanamycin resistance gene. This mutant did not express intimin in its outer membranes. A range of increasing immunizing doses (104–107 CFU) was used for the first immunization in 4 groups of 6 rabbits. All 4 groups received a 2nd immunization with 107 CFU after 2 weeks. At 4 weeks, half of the rabbits in each group, and 6 control rabbits, were challenged with the parent O103 strain or with the O15 strain RDEC-H19A. All unimmunized rabbits exhibited characteristic weight loss with diarrhea and shedding of the challenge strain after challenge with E22 or RDEC-H19A. Rabbits challenged with the parent O103 E22, but not with the O15 RDEC-H19A, were protected against clinical signs of disease, maintained normal weight gain, had reduced fecal shedding of challenge organism. At sacrifice, CFU of E22, but not RDECH19, were decreased in ileum, cecum and colon. Serum antibodies to E22 somatic antigens, but not intimin, were detected in rabbits immunized with E22 Δeae860–939 and correlated with protection. An intimin insertion mutation replacing the tir binding region of O103 REPEC strain E22 with an antibiotic resistance gene was attenuated, induced antibody to whole bacteria but not to intimin, and yielded protection against challenge with the WT strain from which it was prepared but not against a virulent strain of another serogroup. These results suggest that intimin expression in outer membranes may be necessary to confer cross serogroup protection by inducing anti-intimin immunity.
SU-DD-A4-04: Dosimetry and Image Quality Evaluation of a Dedicated Cone-Beam CT System for Sinus and Temporal Bone Applications

Purpose: To evaluate the dose and image quality performance of a dedicated cone‐beam CT scanner for sinus and temporal bone applications. Method and Materials: A low‐dose cone‐beam CTsystem with flat‐panel detector has recently been introduced for high‐contrast applications in the head. Because of the non‐uniform dose distribution throughout the volumetric field of view, the dose in the central plane may not accurately represent the overall dose. In this work, we introduce a novel metric, volumetric average dose, to incorporate the spatial variation of radiation dose in a cone‐beam scan. The definition and measurement of volumetric average dose are analogous to conventional Weighted CTDI, though conceptually different. Using this metric, we evaluated the dose performance of a cone‐beam CT scanner (MiniCAT, Xoran Technologies). Two methods were employed for measurement. One was with a small solid‐state detector (RTI CT‐SD16), the other was with a conventional CT pencil chamber. Both were measured with a standard CTDI head phantom. The low‐ and high‐contrast spatial resolution, and cone‐beam and truncation effects, were also evaluated. Results: The volumetric average doses for sinus and temporal bone studies measured with CT pencil chamber were 5.02 mGy and 4.33 mGy, respectively. With the RTI CT‐SD16 detector, 4.41 mGy and 3.93 mGy were obtained for the two studies. Both are substantially lower than those of conventional adult CT protocols in our practice (58 mGy for sinus and 84 mGy for temporal bone). Isotropic high‐contrast spatial resolution of 16 1p/cm was measured for the temporal bone mode. Low contrast resolution, as anticipated, was inferior to conventional CT.Conclusion: A novel dose metric, volumetric average dose, was used to characterize the dose performance of a cone‐beam CTsystem. The dose and image quality of the dedicated cone‐beam CTsystem appear appropriate for sinus and temporal bone applications.
The impact of considering uncertainty in measured calibration/validation data during auto-calibration of hydrologic and water quality models

The importance of uncertainty inherent in measured calibration/validation data is frequently stated in literature, but it is not often considered in calibrating and evaluating hydrologic and water quality models. This is due to the limited amount of data available to support relevant research and the limited scientific guidance on the impact of measurement uncertainty. In this study, the impact of considering measurement uncertainty during model auto-calibration was investigated in a case study example using previously published uncertainty estimates for streamflow, sediment, and NH4-N. The results indicated that inclusion of measurement uncertainty during the auto-calibration process does impact model calibration results and predictive uncertainty. The level of impact on model predictions followed the same pattern as measurement uncertainty: streamflow < sediment < NH4-N; however, the direction of that impact (increasing or decreasing) was not consistent. In addition, inclusion rate and spread results did not indicate a clear relationship between predictive uncertainty and the magnitude of measurement uncertainty. The purpose of this study was not to show that inclusion of measurement uncertainty produces better calibration results or parameter estimation. Rather, this study demonstrated that uncertainty in measured calibration/validation data can play a crucial role in parameter estimation during auto-calibration and that this important source of predictive uncertainty should be not be ignored as it is in typical model applications. Future modeling applications related to watershed management or scenario analysis should consider the potential impact of uncertainty in measured calibration/validation data, as model predictions influence decision-making, policy formulation, and regulatory action.
Surprisingly little population genetic structure in a fungus-associated beetle despite its exploitation of multiple hosts

In heterogeneous environments, landscape features directly affect the structure of genetic variation among populations by functioning as barriers to gene flow. Resource-associated population genetic structure, in which populations that use different resources (e.g., host plants) are genetically distinct, is a well-studied example of how environmental heterogeneity structures populations. However, the pattern that emerges in a given landscape should depend on its particular combination of resources. If resources constitute barriers to gene flow, population differentiation should be lowest in homogeneous landscapes, and highest where resources exist in equal proportions. In this study, we tested whether host community diversity affects population genetic structure in a beetle (Bolitotherus cornutus) that exploits three sympatric host fungi. We collected B. cornutus from plots containing the three host fungi in different proportions and quantified population genetic structure in each plot using a panel of microsatellite loci. We found no relationship between host community diversity and population differentiation in this species; however, we also found no evidence of resource-associated differentiation, suggesting that host fungi are not substantial barriers to gene flow. Moreover, we detected no genetic differentiation among B. cornutus populations separated by several kilometers, even though a previous study demonstrated moderate genetic structure on the scale of a few hundred meters. Although we found no effect of community diversity on population genetic structure in this study, the role of host communities in the structuring of genetic variation in heterogeneous landscapes should be further explored in a species that exhibits resource-associated population genetic structure.
Reentry into the foster care system after reunification

Permanency is a key outcome for child welfare services and reunification is the preferred exit when possible. Any analysis of reunification is incomplete without examining children who reenter foster care. This study describes the odds of reentry into foster care for children up to fifteen years old when they first entered the foster care system, who entered foster care for the first time between 1998 and 2002 (137,385 children) and exited to reunification within one year of entry (45,154 children). Instances of reentry into foster care within one year of reunification are identified (6021 children). This study examines the issue of reentry into foster care post-ASFA and expands the literature on reentry through the examination of several factors not previously addressed: the primary language spoken at home, presence of siblings in foster care, and census based demographic factors. Logistic regression is used to model reentry examining demographic and child welfare characteristics while adjusting for non-independence caused by the presence of sibling groups.
Mapping of coherent and decohering nuclear wave-packet dynamics in D 2 + with ultrashort laser pulses

Fast ionization of ${\mathrm{D}}_{2}$ leads to the coherent population of many vibrational states of ${\mathrm{D}}_{2}^{+}.$ Usually, only the squared absolute values of the vibrational state amplitudes, known as Franck-Condon factors, are observed since insufficient experimental time resolution averages out all coherence effects. We propose a Coulomb explosion imaging method to visualize the coherent motion of bound wave packets using ultrashort (5 fs), intense pump-probe laser pulses. With this type of experiment decoherence times in the fs to ps range may become directly observable and provide essential information for coherent control.
RESPONSE TO LOW CARDIAC OUTPUT (Q): DEVELOPMENTAL DIFFERENCES IN O 2 DEFICIT (O 2 D) AND RECOVERY IN LAMBS

When Q is critically lowered, whole body O2 consumption (VO2) falls and an O2D accumulates. With restoration of Q, an excess VO2 would be expected thus “repaying” some or all O2D. We tested the hypothesis that young lambs, with higher resting VO2/kg and Q/kg than older lambs, would repay less of their O2D because they have a higher proportion of nonessential metabolism. We lowered Q acutely by inflating a Foley catheter in the right atrium in spontaneously breathing, sedated lambs at ages 2 (n=4) and 8 (n=4) weeks, while monitoring VO2 continuously. Each lamb was studied with low Q for 30 and 60 min on different days. Aortic and pulmonary artery blood pressures, gases and O2 saturations, venous hemoglobin, and arterial lactate (L) were measured every 10 min during baseline, low Q, and 60 min recovery. O2D was calculated as the time integral of [VO2 @ baseline - VO2 @ low Q]. The average percent decreases in Q (66.5%, 64.5%) and VO2 (32.5%, 35.2%) were similar in the 2 and 8 wk groups, respectively. We found at both ages that L increased linearly with time and with O2D during low Q, yet there was no correlation between L and O2 repayment during recovery. Moreover, there was no consistent relation between O2D and O2 repayment. However, on average the 2 week group repayed a significantly lower percentage (18 ± 5%, m ± SEM) than 8 week old lambs (90 ± 32%). In fact, in 5 of 8 two week studies, the net payback was negative, i.e. the recovery VO2 was lower than the baseline VO2 in spite of declining L throughout recovery. We conclude that 2 week old lambs might be less able to repay an O2D incurred during low Q; alternatively, they have a higher proportion of nonessential metabolism which can be decreased during stress, a potential mechanism for survival during low Q.
On p-adic properties of the Stirling numbers of the first kind

Abstract The goal of this paper is to describe s ( n , k ) mod p e and calculate ν p ( s ( n , k ) ) for a prime p, fixed integer k ≥ 1 , and large enough e and n. Some special cases of the form s ( a p n , k ) mod p e and its relation to s ( a p n + 1 , k p ) mod p e as well as bounds on ν p ( s ( a p n , k ) ) and its exact values in some special cases are completely determined. We also investigate the properties of ν p ( s ( n , n − k ) ) and ν p ( s ( a p n + b , a p n + b − k ) ) which are significantly different from those of ν p ( s ( n , k ) ) and ν p ( s ( a p n , k ) ) . We use congruential identities for the generalized harmonic numbers, and new congruential and convolution identities for s ( n , k ) .
Residual Stress Redistribution Caused by Notches and Cracks in a Partially Autofrettaged Tube

Abstract : A simple method is provided for the computation of the redistribution of residual stresses and the stress intensity factors due to the introduction of notches and cracks in a partially autofrettaged tube. Numerical results of several crack and notch problems are obtained by the method of thermal simulation. These results are shown to be in excellent agreement with those obtained from the classical method of superposition. The new method based on thermal simulation is easier to apply and it avoids the singular stresses near the crack tip when the distribution crack face loading is used in the method of superposition.
Violence in the Emergency Department: A National Survey of Emergency Medicine Residents and Attending Physicians

Abstract Background: Violence in the Emergency Department (ED) is a well-known phenomenon. Few studies have been done to assess the incidence and nature of violence in the ED. Study Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess the incidence of violence in the ED nationwide. Methods: This study was a prospective, cross-sectional online survey of Emergency Medicine (EM) residents and attending physicians. Of the 134 accredited United States (US) EM residency programs, 65 programs were randomly selected and invited to participate. Results: Overall, 272 surveys were returned, of which 263 (97%) were completed and further analyzed. At least one workplace violence act in the previous 12 months was reported by 78% (95% confidence interval 73–83%) of respondents, with 21% reporting more than one type of violent act. Workplace violence was experienced similarly between males and females (79% vs. 75%, respectively; p = 0.65), and was more common in EDs with annual volumes over 60,000 patients (82% vs. 67%; p = 0.01). The most common type of workplace violence was verbal threats (75%) followed by physical assaults (21%), confrontations outside the workplace (5%), and stalking (2%). Security was available full time in most settings (98%), but was least likely to be physically present in patient care areas. The majority of respondent EDs did not screen for weapons (40% screened) or have metal detectors (38% had metal detectors). Only 16% of programs provided violence workshops, and less than 10% offered self-defense training. Conclusion: Despite the high incidence of workplace violence experienced by the emergency physicians who responded to our survey, less than half of these respondents worked in EDs that screened for weapons or had metal detectors. An even smaller number of physicians worked in settings that provided violence workshops or self-defense training.
Perceived Competence, Self-Description, Expectation, and Successful Experience Differences among Students in Grades Seven, Eight, and Nine

This study compared grade, gender, and achievement differences on competence-related measures. Students in grades seven, eight and nine were compared on measures of perceived competence, self-descriptive characteristics, successful experiences, expectations on a mathematics test, and math achievement differences. Grade differences found that ninth grade scored higher on perceived competence and listed more mental successes while seventh graders had more incorrect categories of self-descriptions. Some gender differences were consistent with previous research findings where males score higher on competence factors, although females listed more successful experiences. High achievers scored higher than low achievers on the cognitive competence scale and on other measures. Implications for facilitating competence at grade seven are discussed.
Developing an entrepreneurial typology: the roles of entrepreneurial alertness and attributional style

This study develops an entrepreneurial typology employing two dimensions, high versus low entrepreneurial alertness and internal versus external attributional styles that helps illustrate why entrepreneurs start new businesses. The resulting 2 × 2 typology of entrepreneurs identifies four entrepreneur types based on these two dimensions: the true believer, clueless, practical, and reluctant. Using a representative sample of 315 nascent entrepreneurs from the Panel Study of Entrepreneurial Dynamics, we found that some types differed across three key entrepreneurial characteristics, need for achievement, risk-taking propensity, and commitment, thereby providing some preliminary empirical support for the typology’s validity. We conclude by discussing future research avenues.
Local Immune Response Predicts Survival in Patients with Thick (T4) Melanomas

Background Tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) and histological regression in primary melanoma are generally considered indicators of the local immune response but their roles as prognostic factors have been variably reported. We examined the prognostic role of these variables in patients with high risk (T4) primary melanomas in a large series of patients with long-term follow-up.
Effects of starling excrement in the food of cattle and pigs

Livestock food was contaminated with starling excrement by placing caged starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) over livestock food troughs and feeders, and allowing starling excreta to fall on food for periods ranging from 30 to 56 consecutive days. Several levels of contamination were tested by varying the number of caged starlings over troughs, from 1 to 18 birds per m2 of trough area. During the winters of 1979 and 1980, four trials were conducted involving 78 pigs of both sexes, 24 steers and 18 male calves. No significant differences were observed in daily rate of weight gain or efficiency of food conversion (food offered per unit gain), suggesting that neither cattle nor pigs appeared to be adversely affected by exposure to starling excreta in their food. Food rejection observed during these trials appeared to be a negligible problem overall. Although limited disease incidence did occur, it did not appear to be associated with food contamination.
Multi-channel DFE equalization with waveguide constraints for underwater acoustic communication

Although the multichannel decision feedback equalizer (DFE) has been shown to be nearly optimal and very effective for handling the difficulties of the underwater communications channel, this technique has been slow to be implemented in operational systems due to its high computational complexity. In this paper, we propose using measurements commonly available to oceanographic systems, such as depth, range, and speed of sound, to create a model of the arrival structure at a receiver with multiple elements. Three structures are presented which take advantage of this model to constrain the complexity of the multichannel DFE: a beamspace approach, a time-aligned beamspace approach, and an approach which uses discrete prolate spheroidal functions. Each of these approaches is integrated into a multichannel, direct adaptation DFE which is implemented using a recursive least squares (RLS) algorithm. The proposed structures are tested using the SPACE08 data set across a range of environmental conditions and using several exponential forgetting factors. It is found that these constrained approaches provide significant computational advantages over the full sensor-space approach and performance advantages over other computationally similar algorithms.
Self-securing storage: protecting data in compromised system

Self-securing storage prevents intruders from undetectably tampering with or permanently deleting stored data. To accomplish this, self-securing storage devices internally audit all requests and keep old versions of data for a window of time, regardless of the commands received from potentially compromised host operating systems. Within the window, system administrators have this valuable information for intrusion diagnosis and recovery. Our implementation, called S4, combines log-structuring with journal-based metadata to minimize the performance costs of comprehensive versioning. Experiments show that self-securing storage devices can deliver performance that is comparable with conventional storage systems. In addition, analyses indicate that several weeks worth of all versions can reasonably be kept on state-of-the-art disks, especially when differencing and compression technologies are employed.
The NICHD-MFMU antibiotic treatment of preterm PROM study: impact of initial amniotic fluid volume on pregnancy outcome.

Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the associations between measured amniotic fluid volume and outcome after preterm premature rupture of membranes (PROM). Study design This was a secondary analysis of 290 women, with singleton pregnancies, who participated in a trial of antibiotic therapy for preterm PROM at 24 0 to 32 0 weeks. Each underwent assessment of the 4 quadrant amniotic fluid index (AFI) and a maximum vertical fluid pocket (MVP) before randomization. The impact of low AFI ( Results Low AFI and low MVP were identified in 67.2% and 46.9% of women, respectively. Delivery occurred by 48 hours, 1 and 2 weeks in 32.4%, 63.5% and 81.7% of pregnancies, respectively. Both low AFI and low MVP were associated with shorter latency ( P P = .02 for each). However, neither test offered significant additional predictive value over the risk in the total population. Low AFI and low MVP were not associated with increased amnionitis. After controlling for other factors, both low MVP and low AFI were associated with shorter latency ( P ≤ .002), increased composite morbidity ( P = .03), and increased RDS ( P ≤ .01), but not with increased neonatal sepsis ( P = .85) or pneumonia ( P = .53). Alternatively, after controlling for fluid volume, gestational age, and GBS carriage, the antibiotic study group had longer latency, and suffered less common primary outcomes and neonatal sepsis. Conclusion Oligohydramnios should not be a consideration in determining which women will be candidates for expectant management or antibiotic treatment when it is identified at initial assessment of preterm PROM remote from term.
A New Internal Pressure Calibrant for High-Pressure Infrared Spectroscopy of Aqueous Systems:

Pressure-induced correlation field splitting of the CH2 rocking mode in the infrared spectra of methylene chain systems such as polyethylene, n-alkanes, surfactants, fatty acids, and model and biomembranes provides important information concerning the interchain structural and dynamic properties of these systems. The pressure at which the correlation field splitting starts is a measure of the orientational disorder of methylene chains along the chain axis. Moreover, the integrated intensity ratio between the correlation field component bands of the CH2 rocking mode is a measure of the relative orientation of the zig-zag planes between neighboring methylene chains.
The Structure and Function of Brown Adipose Tissue in the Neonate

Presented is a discussion of brown adipose cell structure as compared to that of the white adipose cell, the role which brown adipose tissue (BAT) plays in thermoregulation, the physiologic mechanisms which control BAT heat generation, and the proposed biochemical processes which are responsible for heat production in the cell. Based on the physiology of BAT thermogenesis, specific nursing measures to minimize cold stimuli are recommended.
What does ulceration of a melanoma mean for prognosis

Ulceration of a primary cutaneous melanoma is clearly associated with worse prognosis, although the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. Recent studies have shown that the presence of ulceration may predict response to adjuvant IFN in high-risk patients. As molecular pathways continue to be elucidated, it is possible that continued study of ulceration will provide insight into potential therapeutic strategies, or will predict response to novel targeted therapies. Future investigation into melanoma ulceration is warranted.
Generalized logical operators for temporal languages

Previous proposals of temporal languages have used the standard TRUE/FALSE model of Boolean and comparison operators. Since this standard binary model introduces ambiguity as to which time value is desired, expressing nontrivial temporal conditions in these languages can be quite complicated. The authors' model overcomes this problem by generalizing the TRUE/FALSE model into one that uses sets of time intervals. The set-valued temporal logic satisfies the properties of the normal Boolean logic. The proposed logic can be very useful to different applications of temporal languages. Database query languages are used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the set-valued logic. The basic features of a relational-calculus query language based on the set-valued logic are presented. Applicability of the logic to relational-algebra query languages is discussed. >