cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Reformulation-Linearization Technique (RLT) for semi-infinite and convex programs under mixed 0-1 and general discrete restrictions

The Reformulation-Linearization Technique (RLT) provides a hierarchy of relaxations spanning the spectrum from the continuous relaxation to the convex hull representation for linear 0-1 mixed-integer and general mixed-discrete programs. We show in this paper that this result holds identically for semi-infinite programs of this type. As a consequence, we extend the RLT methodology to describe a construct for generating a hierarchy of relaxations leading to the convex hull representation for bounded 0-1 mixed-integer and general mixed-discrete convex programs, using an equivalent semi-infinite linearized representation for such problems as an intermediate stepping stone in the analysis. For particular use in practice, we provide specialized forms of the resulting first-level RLT formulation for such mixed 0-1 and discrete convex programs, and illustrate these forms through two examples.
Price dispersion across and within countries: The case of Japan and Korea

Abstract This paper analyzes the price difference between Japan and Korea by using goods-level consumer price data. The national border has a large effect on price dispersion in both time-series volatility analysis and cross-sectional difference analysis. By categorizing goods by their perishability, I find that absolute purchasing power parity (PPP) applies to a greater extent for durable goods. Although perishables deviate more from absolute PPP, the difference is due to distance. This implies that the source of price dispersion depends on the characteristics of goods. J. Japanese Int. Economies 21 (2) (2007) 237–259.
Some Additional Nonparametric Prediction Limits for Ground-Water Detection Monitoring at Waste Disposal Facilities

In a previous paper Gibbons (1990) derived nonparametric prediction limits that are applicable to ground-water monitoring applications. The nonparametric prediction limit was defined as the maximum of n historical measurements (e.g., taken from upgradient wells), denoted X(max, n), and was designed to include one of m future measurements in each of k monitoring wells. In this way, an owner /operator who failed an initial sample but passed any one of m −1 resamples would be considered in compliance. In this paper, these limits are modified so that m −1 out of m future measurements in each of k monitoring wells are included. In this way, the owner/operator is required to pass allm −1 resamples in order to demonstrate compliance in the event of an initial failure. The paper provides a detailed tabulation of confidence levels corresponding to selections of n (4-100), k (1-100), and m (2-4). Power characteristics of the nonparametric approach relative to the parametric alternative are presented for cases in which the assumed distribution is correct and incorrect.
Ending concerns about undue inducement.

For decades, worries about undue inducement have Pervaded clinical research, and are especially common when research is accompanied by payment or conducted in developing countries. Few ethical judgments carry as much moral opprobrium or are thought to undermine the ethical soundness of a clinical trial as thoroughly as undue inducement. Indeed, the admonition to prevent undue inducement is one of the few explicit instructions in the Common Rules requirements for informed consent. Despite their long history and pervasiveness, charges of undue inducement in clinical research are almost always mistaken. Indeed, I will advance an even more radical claim: Aresearch trial that otherwise fulfills the fundamental ethical requirements for human subjects research inherently cannot create the possibility of undue inducement because substantial risk of serious harm isprecluded. Charges of undue inducement tend to express displaced and mislabeled ethical concerns about other aspects of human subjects research. Consequently, claims of undue inducement should rarely be made, and when they are advanced should be treated with skepticism, placing a heavy burden of proofon those advancing such charges.
Lipoproteins: When size really matters

The field of nanoscience is extending the applications of physics, chemistry and biology into previously unapproached infinitesimal length scales. Understanding the behavior and manipulating the positions and properties of single atoms and molecules hold great potential to improve areas of science as disparate as medicine and computation, and communication and orbiting satellites. Yet, in the race to develop novel, previously unavailable nanoparticles, there is an opportunity for scientists in this field to digress and to apply their growing understanding of nanoscience and the tools of nanotechnology to one of the most pressing problems in all of human biology—diseases related to lipoproteins. Although not appreciated outside the field of lipoprotein biology, variations in the compositions, structures and properties of these nanoscale-sized, blood-borne particles are responsible for most of the variations in health, morbidity and mortality in the Western world. If the lipoproteins could be understood at the nanometer length scale with precise details of their structures and functions, scientists could understand a wide range of perplexing physiological processes and also address the dysfunctions in normal lipoprotein biology that lead to such diseases as hypercholesterolemia, heart disease, stroke and neurodegenerative diseases. Furthermore, if the capabilities of nanoscience to assemble and manipulate nanometer-sized particles could be recruited to studies of lipoproteins, these biological particles would provide a new dimension to therapeutic agents, and these natural particles could be designed to carry out many specialized beneficial tasks.
Increased area of a highly suitable host crop increases herbivore pressure in intensified agricultural landscapes

Abstract Landscape simplification associated with agricultural intensification has important effects on economically important arthropods. The declining cover of natural and semi-natural habitats, in particular, has been shown to reduce natural-enemy attack of crop pests, but also in some cases reduced crop colonization by such pests. In this study, we examined the influence of changes in two elements of landscape composition, natural grassland cover and cover of a highly suitable crop host, on infestation by a generalist insect pest in wheat, and parasitism of this pest by its dominant natural enemies. Surprisingly, we found no significant influences of increasing natural grassland habitat, at either local or landscape scales, on infestation by the wheat stem sawfly, Cephus cinctus, or parasitism of this pest by the native parasitoid wasps, Bracon cephi and Bracon lissogaster. In contrast, we found significant increases in levels of C. cinctus infestation with increasing wheat cover at the landscape scale. This pattern was consistent across six study regions spanning three states in the northern Great Plains of North America, despite large differences in cropping systems and pest population densities across regions. Regional variation in pest infestation was best explained by long-term averages in precipitation, with higher C. cinctus infestation rates found in drier regions. Results suggest that landscape-mediated variation in pest pressure in this system is better explained by a direct response of pest insects to increasing cover of a highly suitable crop rather than an indirect response via reductions in natural enemies as natural habitat declines. The implication is that habitat diversification at the landscape scale could play a role in suppressing agricultural pest populations via reductions in area of suitable crop hosts.
Life tests of Nichia AlGaN/InGaN/GaN blue-light-emitting diodes

We report on results of life testing Nichia NLPB500 blue LEDs in a temperature controlled chamber, with computer automation of equipment operation and data collection. The tests began with 18 newer (Nichia batch 4B0001) and two older (Nichia batch S403024, acquired a year earlier) LEDs, operated at 20 mA continuous wave (CW) and 23{degree}C. Light from each LED was coupled to an optical fiber and fed directly to individual photodetectors. General trend for the 18 newer LEDs was for the output intensity to increase at a faster rate within the first 50 h and then at a slower rate of the remainder of the first test. The output intensity of the two older LEDs increase within the first 50 h then decreased during the remainder of the first 1000 h. All 20 of the LEDs in the first 1000-h test were subjected to a second 1650-h test at 23{degree}C and at currents 20-70 mA CW. Only one LED, an older device, suffered a soft failure during this second test. The remaining LEDs underwent a third test at 30{degree}C and a fourth test at 35{degree}C, all at various currents. We will perform failure analysis.
5-Hydroxytryptamine 5HT2C Receptors Form a Protein Complex with N-Methyl-d-aspartate GluN2A Subunits and Activate Phosphorylation of Src Protein to Modulate Motoneuronal Depolarization

N-Methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA)-gated ion channels are known to play a critical role in motoneuron depolarization, but the molecular mechanisms modulating NMDA activation in the spinal cord are not well understood. This study demonstrates that activated 5HT2C receptors enhance NMDA depolarizations recorded electrophysiologically from motoneurons. Pharmacological studies indicate involvement of Src tyrosine kinase mediates 5HT2C facilitation of NMDA. RT-PCR analysis revealed edited forms of 5HT2C were present in mammalian spinal cord, indicating the availability of G-protein-independent isoforms. Spinal cord neurons treated with the 5HT2C agonist MK 212 showed increased SrcTyr-416 phosphorylation in a dose-dependent manner thus verifying that Src is activated after treatment. In addition, 5HT2C antagonists and tyrosine kinase inhibitors blocked 5HT2C-mediated SrcTyr-416 phosphorylation and also enhanced NMDA-induced motoneuron depolarization. Co-immunoprecipitation of synaptosomal fractions showed that GluN2A, 5HT2C receptors, and Src tyrosine kinase form protein associations in synaptosomes. Moreover, immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated GluN2A and 5HT2C receptors co-localize on the processes of spinal neurons. These findings reveal that a distinct multiprotein complex links 5-hydroxytryptamine-activated intracellular signaling events with NMDA-mediated functional activity.
Usability, learning, and subjective experience: user evaluation of K-MODDL in an undergraduate class

Based on the CIAO! framework, this paper describes the initial evaluation of the Kinematic Model for Design Digital Library (K-MODDL), which is being used in an undergraduate mathematics class. Along with revealing general usability problems, our results describe users' subjective experiences and highlight the usefulness of various physical and digital models in facilitating learning. Interesting relationships among usability, learning, and subjective experience were discovered.
The Relation Between Spatial Skill and Early Number Knowledge: The Role of the Linear Number Line

Spatial skill is highly related to success in math and science (e.g., Casey, Nuttall, Pezaris, & Benbow, 1995). However, little work has investigated the cognitive pathways by which the relation between spatial skill and math achievement emerges. We hypothesized that spatial skill plays a crucial role in the development of numerical reasoning by helping children to create a spatially meaningful, powerful numerical representation—the linear number line. In turn, a strong linear number representation improves other aspects of numerical knowledge such as arithmetic estimation. We tested this hypothesis using 2 longitudinal data sets. First, we found that children’s spatial skill (i.e., mental transformation ability) at the beginning of 1st and 2nd grades predicted improvement in linear number line knowledge over the course of the school year. Second, we found that children’s spatial skill at age 5 years predicted their performance on an approximate symbolic calculation task at age 8 and that this relation was mediated by children’s linear number line knowledge at age 6. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that spatial skill can improve children’s development of numerical knowledge by helping them to acquire a linear spatial representation of numbers.
Using Dividend Discount Models to Estimate Expected Returns

Because stock returns are so noisy that historical average returns cannot be measured with precision, analysts often turn to dividend discount models to estimate the expected return on equity and the equity risk premium. In recent years, concern has arisen that models based on dividend yield and dividend growth may produce misleading estimates of expected returns because of the impact of share repurchases. As a result, Damodaran [2013], among others, suggests replacing the dividend yield with the “total yield,” defined as the sum of the dividend yield and the repurchase yield. This short article addresses the extent to which the total yield model is, in fact, superior to the dividend growth model for estimating expected returns, and concludes that, overall, the dividend growth model is the better choice.
The immersed boundary method for advection-electrodiffusion with implicit timestepping and local mesh refinement

We describe an immersed boundary method for problems of fluid-solute-structure interaction. The numerical scheme employs linearly implicit timestepping, allowing for the stable use of timesteps that are substantially larger than those permitted by an explicit method, and local mesh refinement, making it feasible to resolve the steep gradients associated with the space charge layers as well as the chemical potential, which is used in our formulation to control the permeability of the membrane to the (possibly charged) solute. Low Reynolds number fluid dynamics are described by the time-dependent incompressible Stokes equations, which are solved by a cell-centered approximate projection method. The dynamics of the chemical species are governed by the advection-electrodiffusion equations, and our semi-implicit treatment of these equations results in a linear system which we solve by GMRES preconditioned via a fast adaptive composite-grid (FAC) solver. Numerical examples demonstrate the capabilities of this methodology, as well as its convergence properties.
True Love Waits? A Sibling-Comparison Study of Age at First Sexual Intercourse and Romantic Relationships in Young Adulthood

This study tested whether the timing of first sexual intercourse in adolescence predicts romantic outcomes in adulthood, including union formation, number of romantic partners, and relationship dissatisfaction. Participants were 1,659 same-sex sibling pairs from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, who were followed from adolescence (mean age = 16 years) to young adulthood (mean age = 29 years). The timing of participants' first sexual intercourse was classified as early (at age 14 or earlier), on time (between the ages of 15 and 19), or late (at age 19 or older). Compared with early and on-time age at first sex, late age at first sex was associated with decreased odds of marriage or nonmarital cohabitation and fewer romantic partners in adulthood. Among individuals who had married or cohabited with a partner, late timing of first sex was associated with significantly reduced levels of relationship dissatisfaction, even after controlling for genetic and environmental differences between families (using a sibling-comparison model), demographic outcomes in adulthood, and involvement in dating during adolescence. These results underscore the contribution of a life-span approach to our understanding of romantic relationships.
Determinants of spontaneous occurrence of sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia in right ventricular dysplasia

Objectives. We sought to demonstrate the determinants of spontaneous onset of ventricular tachycardia in right ventricular dysplasia. Background. Sudden death during athletic activities has been described in patients with right ventricular dysplasia, but few data are available on the clinical circumstances of well tolerated ventricular tachycardias. Methods. The spontaneous occurrence of 43 episodes of sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia was recorded during ambulatory electrocardiographic (Holter) monitoring in 12 patients. Results. The ventricular tachycardia usually occurred without a significant immediate precipitating arrhythmic event: Atrial arrhythmia was never present, and long-short cycle sequences by postextrasystolic pauses or runs of polymorphic extrasystoles were also unusual (four episodes of ventricular tachycardia each). Finally, no arrhythmia was present immediately before the tachycardia in 36 (84%) of the 43 episodes and in 8 of 12 patients. Examination of the sinus rate before the initial episode of tachycardia in each patient showed a continuous increase from 30 min to the few cycles before the tachycardia (mean RR decrease from 876 ± 778 to 830.5 ± 189 ms, with a mean slope of −8.4 ms/min; both p = 0.01 by Wilcoxon test). A within-patient comparison showed that the first cycle of the ventricular tachycardia was shorter than that of runs or couplets (389 ± 88 vs. 453 ± 121 and 520 ± 133 ms, p = 0.03 and p < 0.01, respectively, by paired t test) and that the second cycle was shorter than that of runs (383 ± 96 vs. 435 ± 120 ms, p = 0.03). Sinus rate measured 15 beats before the event was higher for ventricular tachycardia than for isolated beats (mean RR interval 835 ± 184 vs. 908 ± 153 ms, p < 0.01). Conclusions. Increased heart rate and shortening of the coupling intervals of the first cycles before the tachycardia are due to a change in the vagosympathetic balance with an increased sympathetic tone. This increase appears to be the main determinant of the ventricular tachycardia in this disease in contrast to the multifactorial origin of ventricular tachycardia due to coronary heart disease. It should be considered in patients participating in strenuous athletic activities.
An unexpected alliance between stress responses to drive oncogenesis

XBP1 is a well-characterized regulator of the unfolding protein response that is activated in response to unfolded or misfolded proteins or nutrient deprivation. The conventional wisdom is that XBP1 is activated to coordinate the unfolded protein response and promote cellular survival under stresses. A recent study provides intriguing evidence that, in triple-negative breast cancer, XBP1 plays a major role in promoting oncogenesis and cancer stem cell properties. Unexpectedly, XBP1 accomplishes this by recruiting hypoxia-inducible factor 1α and activating oncogenic transcriptional programs. This study reveals a surprising hierarchy and alliance between two stress regulators with distinct transcriptional outputs to promote an aggressive oncogenic state.
A review of the antibacterial effects of silver nanomaterials and potential implications for human health and the environment

Here, we present a review of the antibacterial effects of silver nanomaterials, including proposed antibacterial mechanisms and possible toxicity to higher organisms. For purpose of this review, silver nanomaterials include silver nanoparticles, stabilized silver salts, silver–dendrimer, polymer and metal oxide composites, and silver-impregnated zeolite and activated carbon materials. While there is some evidence that silver nanoparticles can directly damage bacteria cell membranes, silver nanomaterials appear to exert bacteriocidal activity predominantly through release of silver ions followed (individually or in combination) by increased membrane permeability, loss of the proton motive force, inducing de-energization of the cells and efflux of phosphate, leakage of cellular content, and disruption DNA replication. Eukaryotic cells could be similarly impacted by most of these mechanisms and, indeed, a small but growing body of literature supports this concern. Most antimicrobial studies are performed in simple aquatic media or cell culture media without proper characterization of silver nanomaterial stability (aggregation, dissolution, and re-precipitation). Silver nanoparticle stability is governed by particle size, shape, and capping agents as well as solution pH, ionic strength, specific ions and ligands, and organic macromolecules—all of which influence silver nanoparticle stability and bioavailability. Although none of the studies reviewed definitively proved any immediate impacts to human health or the environment by a silver nanomaterial containing product, the entirety of the science reviewed suggests some caution and further research are warranted given the already widespread and rapidly growing use of silver nanomaterials.
Investigation of Information Flow During a Novel Working Memory Task in Individuals with Traumatic Brain Injury

Working memory (WM) is often compromised after traumatic brain injury (TBI). A number of functional and effective connectivity studies investigated the interaction between brain regions during WM task performance. However, previously used WM tasks did not allow differentiation of WM subprocesses such as capacity and manipulation. We used a novel WM paradigm, CapMan, to investigate effective connectivity associated with the capacity and manipulation subprocesses of WM in individuals with TBI relative to healthy controls (HCs). CapMan allows independent investigation of brain regions associated with capacity and manipulation, while minimizing the influence of other WM-related subprocesses. Areas of the fronto-parietal WM network, previously identified in healthy individuals as engaged in capacity and manipulation during CapMan, were analyzed with the Independent Multiple-sample Greedy Equivalence Search (IMaGES) method to investigate the differences in information flow between healthy individuals and individuals with TBI. We predicted that diffuse axonal injury that often occurs after TBI might lead to changes in task-based effective connectivity and result in hyperconnectivity between the regions engaged in task performance. In accordance with this hypothesis, TBI participants showed greater inter-hemispheric connectivity and less coherent information flow from posterior to anterior brain regions compared with HC participants. Thus, this study provides much needed evidence about the potential mechanism of neurocognitive impairments in individuals affected by TBI.
Ischemia/reperfusion-induced changes in membrane proteins and lipids of gerbil cortical synaptosomes.

Abstract The effects of transient bilateral carotid occlusion on the physical state of synaptosomal membrane proteins and lipids were studied in adult and aged gerbils employing electron paramagnetic resonance. Transient ischemia was produced in adult and aged gerbils by bilateral occlusion of the common carotid arteries with reperfusion times ranging from 0 to 24 h. Synaptosomes of the cerebral cortices were isolated and labeled with a protein-specific spin probe (2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-maleimido-piperidine-1-oxyl) and a lipid-specific spin probe (5-doxylstearic acid). Changes in the physical state of the protein peaked at 60 min reperfusion for both adult and aged gerbil models, with a more intense change in aged, but did not return to control values by 24 h. A biphasic change occurred with the lipid-specific label in both the aged and adult models. The onset of the first phase of change occurred at an earlier time (30 min reperfusion) for aged gerbil tissue than for adult tissue (between 3 and 6 h reperfusion), while the second phase of change occurred at 12 h reperfusion for both adult and aged. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that protein oxidation and lipid peroxidation are direct results of free radicals produced during the reperfusion following ischemia and that protein oxidation may be intensified by peroxidation of the surrounding lipids. Phospholipase A 2 activation is implicated to cause changes in membrane phospholipid organization as seen in these studies.
The Polyfructosans and Difructose Anhydrides

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses polyfructosans and difructose anhydrides. Polyfructosans are prepared by enzymic action on sucrose. The different types of polyfructosans are insulin, levans, asparagosins, sinistrin, graminin, phlein, poan, secalin, triticin, and irisin. Inulin can be prepared from dahlia tubers, in somewhat lower yield from chicory, and in much lower yield from Jerusalem artichokes. Difructose anhydrides include diheterolevulosan, difructose anhydride I, difructose anhydride II, difructose anhydride III. Difructose anhydrides I, II, and III have been isolated from the nonreducing residue that remains after the removal of D-fructose and D-glucose from acid-hydrolyzed inulin. The polyfructosans, in contrast to the difructose anhydrides, are readily hydrolyzed in acid solution.
Single- and dual-polarized slot-ring subharmonic receivers

Single- and dual-polarized subharmonic receivers have been developed for operation at W-band frequencies. The receivers are based on dielectric lens-supported, coplanar waveguide-fed slot-ring antennas integrated with uniplanar subharmonic mixers. The slot-ring antenna is capable of supporting two orthogonal modes offering the possibility of dual/multiple receive polarizations. The measured two-port isolation of the dual-polarized slot-ring antenna is better than -25 dB from 86-92 GHz. The measured DSB receiver noise temperature is 4300 K at an LO frequency of 45.0 GHz and an IF of 1.4 GHz. The corresponding DSB conversion loss is 12.2 dB. This includes lens reflection and absorption losses, backside radiation, RF feedline loss, and RF mismatch. When these losses are deembedded the results are in good agreement with the measured performance of the uniplanar subharmonic mixer alone. A matching cap layer on the lens and improved RF matching are expected to result in a DSB noise temperature of 1700-1900 K and conversion loss of 8-9 dB. Potential applications are compact, low-cost millimeter-wave receivers with fixed or variable polarization capabilities.
Calibration and validation of an optical sensor for intracellular oxygen measurements

Calibration of fluorescent optical sensors for accurate, quantitative intracellular measurements in vivo suffers from lack of a representative medium that appropriately simulates the molecular complexity of the cytosol. We present a novel protocol for accurate intracellular oxygen sensing via fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) using cell lysate-FLIM measurements to correct the in vitro calibration of a fluorescent oxygen sensor, and we describe electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) validation studies. Lysate-FLIM studies provided biochemical information, while EPR provided a "gold standard" for intracellular oxygen estimation. Oxygen levels were evaluated in living human normal squamous and adenocarcinoma esophageal epithelial cells, and good agreement was observed between oxygen levels derived from the optical protocol and EPR. The proposed protocol introduces the concept of a living cell line as a reference for estimating unknown oxygen levels in other cell lines and accounts for high degrees of variability between different cell lines.
IEEE 802.11 over multi-hop wireless networks: problems and new perspectives

The IEEE 802.11 standard for medium access control in wireless local area networks has been adopted as the de-facto medium access control standard in multi-hop wireless networks. In this paper we contend that the unique characteristics that differentiate multi-hop wireless networks from local area wireless networks render the IEEE 802.11 MAC protocol inefficient in the former class of networks. Through simulations we substantiate our arguments, and consider the key changes required to adapt the IEEE 802.11 MAC protocol for multi-hop wireless networks.
Genetic factors associated with small for gestational age birth and the use of human growth hormone in treating the disorder

The term small for gestational age (SGA) refers to infants whose birth weights and/or lengths are at least two standard deviation (SD) units less than the mean for gestational age. This condition affects approximately 3%–10% of newborns. Causes for SGA birth include environmental factors, placental factors such as abnormal uteroplacental blood flow, and inherited genetic mutations. In the past two decades, an enhanced understanding of genetics has identified several potential causes for SGA. These include mutations that affect the growth hormone (GH)/insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 axis, including mutations in the IGF-1 gene and acid-labile subunit (ALS) deficiency. In addition, select polymorphisms observed in patients with SGA include those involved in genes associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, ischemic heart disease and deletion of exon 3 growth hormone receptor (d3-GHR) polymorphism. Uniparental disomy (UPD) and imprinting effects may also underlie some of the phenotypes observed in SGA individuals. The variety of genetic mutations associated with SGA births helps explain the diversity of phenotype characteristics, such as impaired motor or mental development, present in individuals with this disorder. Predicting the effectiveness of recombinant human GH (hGH) therapy for each type of mutation remains challenging. Factors affecting response to hGH therapy include the dose and method of hGH administration as well as the age of initiation of hGH therapy. This article reviews the results of these studies and summarizes the success of hGH therapy in treating this difficult and genetically heterogenous disorder.
Malware traffic detection using tamper resistant features

This paper presents a framework for evaluating the transport layer feature space of malware heartbeat traffic. We utilize these features in a prototype detection system to distinguish malware traffic from traffic generated by legitimate applications. In contrast to previous work, we eliminate features at risk of producing overly optimistic detection results, detect previously unobserved anomalous behavior, and rely only on tamper-resistant features making it difficult for sophisticated malware to avoid detection. Further, we characterize the evolution of malware evasion techniques over time by examining the behavior of 16 malware families. In particular, we highlight the difficultly of detecting malware that use traffic-shaping techniques to mimic legitimate traffic.
Statistical Inference and the Scientific Method: Making Statistics Relevant

The purpose of this article is to propose that we focus the teaching of the introductory statistics course not merely on the statistical tools to be studied, but on the scientific thinking that they engender. Students must be taught that science is based on the testing of theories and shown how statistics fits into the framework of the philosophy of science. Most current approaches mainly leave the student with the ability to plug numbers into a formula. A discussion of science, the scientific method, and how science works should precede any discussion of statistical testing. Illustrations of the problem of induction, followed by a brief introduction to Karl Popper’s principle of falsificationism, will be very helpful to students in understanding the logic of statistical methods.
Solubility behavior of water in haploandesitic melts at high pressure and high temperature

The solubility of H2O in three melt compositions along the haploandesite join Na2Si4O9-Na2(NaAl)4O9 (0, 3, and 6 mol% Al2O3) was determined as a function of pressure and temperature from 0.8 to 2.0 GPa and 1000 to 1300 °C. Water solubility is a linear (or near-linear) positive function of pressure (16–18 mol% H2O/GPa) at constant temperature, and a negative near-linear function of temperature (1–2 mol% H2O/100 °C) at constant pressure. The solubility is correlated negatively with Al2O3 content of the melts. Partial molar volume of H2O in the melt, ![Formula][1] , was derived from solubility isotherms (1000, 1100, 1200, and 1300 °C) at 0.8, 1.05, 1.3, 1.65, and 2.0 GPa pressure. Values range between 7.8 and 12.8 cm3/mol, and decrease with increasing Al2O3 content. In the pressure-temperature range studied, ![Formula][2] ranges from −7.1 ± 0.810−3 to −5.6 ± 1.3·10−3 cm3/mol °C, becoming slightly less negative as the melts become more aluminous. The ![Formula][3] values were combined with published partial molar volume information for anhydrous oxides in silicate melts to estimate densities of water-rich dacitic magmas in shallow magma chambers associated with explosive volcanism. For a chamber of constant bulk composition during a comparatively short explosive event, such as that of Mount Pinatubo in June 1991 or Mount St. Helens in May 1980, the average density of the magma after eruption is ~3% higher than before the eruption occurred. Furthermore, because of removal of overburden during an eruption, the H2O saturation value of remaining magma is less than that prior to eruption. From density calculations of the residual hydrous magma after eruption, its density decreases from top to bottom in the magma chamber. Consequently, this magma is gravitationally unstable. [1]: /embed/tex-math-1.gif [2]: /embed/tex-math-2.gif [3]: /embed/tex-math-3.gif
Rhetorical interventions in the law: Interpreting “I ♥ Boobies!”

AbstractIn 2013, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that a group of students were within their constitutional rights to wear breast cancer awareness bracelets that read: “I ♥ Boobies!” The majority opinion in B.H. and K.M. v. Easton Area School District called on judges to determine whether a student’s speech was “plainly” or “ambiguously” lewd, and also whether it could “plausibly be interpreted as commenting on political or social issues.” Cases like B.H. provide an excellent opportunity for rhetorical scholars to engage the law—asserting their expertise in the methods of interpretation germane to vernacular persuasive discourses.
How Many Steps are Required to Solve the Euler Equations of Steady, Compressible Flow: In Search of a Fast Solution Algorithm

New versions of implicit algorithms are proposed for the efficient solution of the Euler equations of compressible flow. The methods are based on a preconditioned, Lower-Upper (LU) implementation of a nonlinear, Symmetric Gauss-Seidel (SGS) algorithm for use as a smoothing algorithm in a multigrid method. The methods have been implemented for flows in quasi-one-dimensional ducts and for two dimensional flows past airfoils on boundaryconforming "O"-type grids for a variety of Symmetric Limited Positive (SLIP) spatial approximations, including the scalar dissipation and Convective Upwind Split Pressure (CUSP) schemes. The method is demonstrated to be significantly faster than earlier explicit or implicit methods for this class of problems, allowing solution of these problems to the level of truncation error in three to five multigrid cycles.
Epitaxial Ge Films on Si Substrates

Thin films of germanium have been prepared using an ultrahigh vacuum ionized-cluster beam (ICB) system. The dopant concentration of the films was varied by alloying the germanium source material with aluminum, a p-type dopant. X-ray diffraction analysis of the films has shown that an epitaxial (100) germanium film can be deposited on a (100) silicon substrate with a substrate temperature as low as 300°C. The results confirm that ICM deposition can be used to prepare epitaxial germanium films, but ionization of the clusters does not appear to affect the film growth.
Combining SysML and Model Transformations to Support Systems Engineering Analysis

As modern systems become increasingly complex, there is a growing need to support the systems engineering process with a variety of formal models, such that the team of experts involved in the process can express and share knowledge precisely, succinctly and unambiguously. However, creating such formal models can be expensive and time-consuming, making a broad exploration of different system architectures cost-prohibitive. In this paper, we investigate an approach for reducing such costs and hence enabling broader architecture space exploration through the use of model transformations. Specifically, a method is presented for verifying design alternatives with respect to design requirements through automated generation of analyses from formal models of the systems engineering problem. Formal models are used to express the structure of design alternatives, the system requirements, and experiments to verify the requirements as well as the relationships between the models. These formal models are all represented in a common modeling language, the Object Management Group’s Systems Modeling Language (OMG SysMLTM). To then translate descriptive models of system alternatives into a set of corresponding analysis models, a model transformation approach is used to combine knowledge from the experiment models with knowledge from reusable model libraries. This set of analysis models is subsequently transformed into executable simulations, which are used to guide the search for suitable system alternatives. To facilitate performing this search using commercially available optimization tools, the analyses are represented using the General Algebraic Modeling System (GAMS). The approach is demonstrated on the design of a hydraulic subsystem for a log splitter.
Diuretic agents. Mechanisms of action and clinical uses

Diuretics act primarily by blocking reabsorption of sodium at four major sites in the nephron. Clinically useful agents that block sodium reabsorption effectively in the proximal tubule are lacking. Furosemide (Lasix), ethacrynic acid (Edecrin), and possibly organomercurial agents are effective in the ascending limb of Henle's loop. Thiazides are the major agents acting in the early distal tubule. In the late distal tubule and collecting duct, spironolactone (Aldactone) and triamterene (Dyrenium) are useful, especially in combination with diuretics which act more proximally. In treating edematous states, initial therapy with thiazides is effective in most patients who do not exhibit moderate or severe renal insufficiency, severe hyperaldosteronism with excessive distal reabsorption of sodium in exchange for potassium, or excessive sodium reabsorption in the proximal tubule or ascending limb. Nonedematous states in which diuretic therapy is useful include hypertension, hypercalcemia, hypercalciuria, diabetes insipidus, and acute renal failure.
The Arabic Tradition

The sources for the study of the Arabic tradition of Euclidean optics include, in addition to the Arabic versions already introduced [see The Arabic Versions, pp. xix—xxv, and List I, pp. xxxiv—xliv)], a set of supplementary texts, which contain besides optics proper (al-manāzir) material related to neighboring disciplines, from catoptrics (al-marāyā) to surveying (al-misāha) [see List II, pp. xlv—liii].17 These texts, which span the long chronological period of close to a millennium and a wide geographical area from Baghdad to Calcutta,18 date from a period shortly after the Arabic translation of Euclid’s Optics (ca. 212/827—828), a text upon which many are directly dependent.
Evidence for Administration of the Nubian Fortresses in the Late Middle Kingdom: The Semna Dispatches

Evidence for the system of written communications used in Egypt’s administration of its forts is sparse. Of the papyri that exist, the “Semna Dispatches” has provided most of the information available about this system as it existed in Lower Nubia during the late Middle Kingdom. In 1945, Paul Smither posthumously published P. Ramesseum C ( BM EA 10752) as “The Semnah Despatches.” Smither was unaware of two fragments, framed with P. Ramesseum 19 ( BM EA 10772.2). This study edits the unpublished fragments and incorporates them into the larger discussion about the Semna Dispatches. They provide clarity for the document as a whole. They show that the dispatches were, primarily, used to coordinate surveillance around the Semna Gorge and, secondarily, to record security concerns for other fortresses. Furthermore, they were written in a surveillance office at Semna West and not in Thebes. This study resolves several debates about the dispatches and the control of Lower Nubia in the late Middle Kingdom.
Perfusion Index in Very Low Birth Weight Premature Infants During Their First 2 Weeks of Life

Background:Our program of research focuses on thermal and circulatory stability in extremely premature infants. In prior studies, we found that infants have long periods of time in which foot temperature (FT) is higher than central temperature. We thus wanted to determine whether blood flow in the foot is increased when FT is elevated. Perfusion index (PI) can be used as a clinical indicator of peripheral perfusion, but reports on use of PI in premature infants are lacking. We employed exploratory methodology to examine foot perfusion and temperature in very low birth weight infants.Aims:For premature infants after birth: (1) describe foot PI values for the first 2 weeks of life and (2) describe the relationship of longitudinal FT and PI.Study Design:Case study design with longitudinal FT and PI in 17 infants born at <29 weeks’ gestation with birth weight < 1,200 g for 2 weeks after birth.Results:Infants averaged 851 g at birth and were 24–29 weeks’ gestational age. The mean PI across all infants for 14 d...
Improvement of Microwave Power Distribution by the use of the First Order Principle of Geometrical Optics for Scientific Microwave Oven Cavity

AbstractA simple and straightforward principle of modified first order principle of geometrical optics was applied for the analysis and the design of the microwave power distribution in a cavity of a microwave oven. A domestic microwave oven which had nonuniform energy distribution with 10.7% mean deviation was improved to 6.1% deviation by this simple approach. This improved domestic oven was proven to be useful as a scientific microwave oven which requires more uniform microwave field distribution inside the cavity than domestic microwave ovens. This was accomplished by minor modification of stirrer and its mounting location.
Studies on Agromyzidae (Diptera) from the Gangetic Basin. Part VII. descriptions of Five New species of Agromyzidae (Diptera)

AbstractFive new species belonging to the genera Lemurimyza Spencer, Napomyza Westwood, Phytagromyza Hendel, Ophiomyia Brasch., and Japanagromyza Sasakawa are described.
Tolerancing a radial velocity spectrometer within Zemax

Techniques are described for tolerancing a radial velocity spectrometer system within Zemax, including: how to set up and verify the tolerancing model, performance metrics and tolerance operands used, as well as post- Zemax analysis methods. Use of the tolerancing model for various analyses will be discussed, such as: alignment sensitivity, radial velocity sensitivity, and sensitivity of the optical system to temperature changes. Tolerance results from the Keck Planet Finder project (a precision radial velocity spectrometer of asymmetric white pupil design) will be shown.
Resonance of Complex Cylindrically Symmetric Cavities Using an Eigenfunction Expansion in Empty Cavity Modes

This paper presents a new method for calculating the cavity modes of cylindrically symmetric cavities and applies the method to stacked dielectric resonators (DRs) inside a conducting cylindrical shell. The modes of an arbitrary cavity are expressed using an eigenfunction expansion, the basis functions being the fields of an empty cavity. The wave equation for the electric displacement field, $D$ , can be manipulated to eliminate derivatives of the discontinuous dielectric constant and provide an eigenvalue equation for the resonant frequencies of the cavity. The eigenvectors specify coefficients of the empty cavity modes that sum to compose the electric and magnetic fields. A test against theory is presented for an infinitely long dielectric cylinder inside an infinitely long cylindrical cavity, and the accuracy is better than 0.4% for nearly all modes. The calculated resonant frequencies of the quasi-TE011 (TE $_{{\mathrm {01\delta }}}$ ) mode are also compared with the experimentally measured frequencies of resonant cavities containing DRs for ten different configurations; the results display an accuracy of better than 1.0% in all but one case. A link to a MATLAB implementation of the technique is provided.
Bacterial fatty acid metabolism in modern antibiotic discovery

Bacterial fatty acid synthesis is essential for many pathogens and different from the mammalian counterpart. These features make bacterial fatty acid synthesis a desirable target for antibiotic discovery. The structural divergence of the conserved enzymes and the presence of different isozymes catalyzing the same reactions in the pathway make bacterial fatty acid synthesis a narrow spectrum target rather than the traditional broad spectrum target. Furthermore, bacterial fatty acid synthesis inhibitors are single-targeting, rather than multi-targeting like traditional monotherapeutic, broad-spectrum antibiotics. The single-targeting nature of bacterial fatty acid synthesis inhibitors makes overcoming fast-developing, target-based resistance a necessary consideration for antibiotic development. Target-based resistance can be overcome through multi-targeting inhibitors, a cocktail of single-targeting inhibitors, or by making the single targeting inhibitor sufficiently high affinity through a pathogen selective approach such that target-based mutants are still susceptible to therapeutic concentrations of drug. Many of the pathogens requiring new antibiotic treatment options encode for essential bacterial fatty acid synthesis enzymes. This review will evaluate the most promising targets in bacterial fatty acid metabolism for antibiotic therapeutics development and review the potential and challenges in advancing each of these targets to the clinic and circumventing target-based resistance. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Bacterial Lipids edited by Russell E. Bishop.
Plasmapheresis in Childhood Guillain-Barre Syndrome

The role of plasmapheresis in childhood Guillain-Barre syndrome was examined by retrospective analysis of children admitted to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA.
Kinetic Trapping of Immiscible Metal Atoms into Bimetallic Nanoparticles through Plasmonic Visible Light-Mediated Reduction of a Bimetallic Oxide Precursor: Case Study of Ag–Pt Nanoparticle Synthesis

Alloying of two metals is commonly used to create nanomaterials with unique physical and chemical properties. The ability to synthesize well-mixed bimetallic alloy nanoparticles, however, is often limited by the intrinsic immiscibility of metals. To overcome this issue, extreme synthesis conditions, using high energy γ radiation or very high temperatures, have been employed to trap metal atoms of immiscible metals in well-mixed alloy nanostructures. Herein, we demonstrate a more benign synthesis strategy for creating well-mixed bimetallic nanoparticles of immiscible metals. We demonstrate a formation of Ag–Pt bimetallic nanoparticles through the visible-light mediated reduction of a hollow bimetallic oxide precursor containing Ag and Pt oxide. We exploit the optical properties of Ag by using visible light to excite surface plasmon resonance to drive the reduction of the Pt oxide thereby destabilizing the bimetallic precursor. Under the influence of resonant light the hollow bimetallic precursor restructur...