cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Four years of global cirrus cloud statistics using HIRS

Trends in global upper-tropospheric transmissive cirrus cloud cover are beginning to emerge from a four-year cloud climatology using NOAA polar-orbiting High-Resolution Infrared Radiation Sounder (HIRS) multispectral data. Cloud occurrence, height, and effective emissivity are determined with the CO2 slicing technique on the four years of data (June 1989-May 1993). There is a global preponderance of transmissive high clouds, 42% on the average; about three-fourths of these are above 500 hPa and presumed to be cirrus. In the Inter-tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), a high frequency of cirrus (greater than 50%) is found at all times; a modest seasonal movement tracks the sun. Large seasonal changes in cloud cover occur over the oceans in the storm belts at midlatitudes; the concentrations of these clouds migrate north and south with the seasons following the progressions of the subtropical highs (anticyclones). More cirrus is found in the summer than in the winter in each hemisphere. A significant change in cirrus cloud cover occurs in 1991, the third year of the study. Cirrus observations increase from 35% to 43% of the data, a change of eight percentage points. Other cloud forms, opaque to terrestrial radiation, decerase by nearly the same amount. Most of the increase is thinner cirrus with infrared optical depths below 0.7. The increase in cirrus happens at the same time as the 1991-92 El Nino/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo. The cirrus changes occur at the start of the ENSO and persist into 1993 in contrast to other climatic indicators that return to near pre-ENSO and volcanic levels in 1993.
Somatostatin gene regulation: an overview.

Abstract The somatostatinergic system has proven to be one of the best models of neuropeptide biology. Originally characterized as a hypothalamic regulator of growth hormone secretion, somatostatin also regulates the secretion of several other pituitary, pancreatic, and gastrointestinal (GI) hormones including thyrotropin-stimulating hormone, insulin, glucagon, and gastrin. Disorders in somatostatin metabolism have been proposed to contribute to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, GI motility disorders, and diabetes. On a more basic level, studies of somatostatin action have integrated divergent concepts of intracellular signal transduction. Advances in the understanding of somatostatin biosynthesis have had an impact on areas outside the field of endocrinology by providing new concepts of eukaryotic gene regulation. This report focuses on the transriptional regulation of somatostatin gene expression. Two aspects of somatostatin gene transcription will be considered—regulated expression by second messengers and tissue-specific basal expression.
Nutrition-aging influence of catecholamine-promoted lipolysis☆

Abstract Male SPF Fischer 344 rats were fed ad lib. (group A) or 60% ad lib. intake (group R) from 6 wk of age. The group R rats had a markedly increased median length of life. Starting at 6 mo of age, rats were periodically killed and free adipocytes prepared from the epididymal and perirenal depots. The free adipocytes were used for the in vitro study of the effects of age on the promotion of lipolysis by catecholamines. At 6 mo of age, the response of the adipocytes from group A and group R rats was similar when the data are expressed as μmole glycerol released/106 adipocytes. With increasing age, however, this lipolytic response to catecholamines of group A rats markedly declined. The catecholamine-stimulated lipolysis/106 adipocytes from group R rats changed little between 6 and 18 mo of age, and the decline noted after 18 mo of age was less marked than that occurring in adipocytes from group A rats. The data based on rates of lipolysis/106 adipocytes indicate that it is the lifelong nutritional history of a rat population that determines the age-related changes in responsiveness of adipocytes to catecholamines. However, if the data are expressed per sq mm of adipocyte surface, a somewhat different picture emerges. These data are presented and their relevance is discussed.
Simulations to Evaluate HIV Vaccine Trial Designs

Many HIV vaccine trials have been proposed to evaluate susceptibility of individuals. However, vac cines may also affect an epidemic's course at the population level by altering the infectiousness of vaccinated individuals who become infected. A vac cine trial design that does not estimate both suscep tibility and infectiousness might reject a proposed vaccine that is capable of halting the HIV epidemic. We describe a vaccine trial design called the Retro spective Partner Trial (RPT), which can quantify vaccine effects on both susceptibility and infectious ness. We describe HIVSIM, a simulation environ ment that generates simulated populations and al lows for empirical evaluation of the statistical power of the RPT. HIVSIM explicitly models a number of factors which influence transmission and preva lence, and which have proven difficult to model us ing standard models. These factors include the infec tion stage of infected individuals, partnership selec tion, the duration of partnerships and concurrence, ...
Bridging the Gap: Wherever you are, the Library

ABSTRACT This paper argues that economics, not technology, is driving the need for fundamental changes in our universities and in our libraries. Success in the future will require libraries to deliberately adopt a “push out” philosophy in which the library extends outward to customers wherever they are and requires libraries to be customer-based, not place based or collection-driven. Libraries have and will continue to have a central role in higher education if we use our traditional strengths to change in ways that will fit, and add value to, our environment on campus and beyond.
Blogging activity among cancer patients and their companions: Uses, gratifications, and predictors of outcomes

This study examines cancer patients' and companions' uses and gratifications of blogs and the relationship between different types of blogging activities and gratification outcomes. In an online survey of 113 respondents, cancer patients were found to be more likely than their companions to host their own blogs. Four areas emerged as gratifications of blog use: prevention and care, problem-solving, emotion management, and information-sharing. Cancer patients and companions both found blogging activity to be most helpful for emotion management and information-sharing. Further, cancer patients were more gratified than their companions in the areas of emotion management and problem-solving. Regression analyses indicate that perceived credibility of blogs, posting comments on others' blogs, and hosting one's own blog significantly increased the explanatory power of the regression models for each gratification outcome. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Time Course of Nicotine and Cotinine Incorporation into Samples of Nonsmokers' Beard Hair Following a Single Dose of Nicotine Polacrilex

Hair nicotine and cotinine have been proposed as longer-term markers of exposure to secondhand smoke. In this study, we evaluated the rate and extent of nicotine and cotinine deposition into beard hair among six male nonsmokers following a single exposure to 4 mg of nicotine in Nicorette(®) (nicotine polacrilex) gum. We collected beard hair samples daily for 12 days following exposure and urine samples for 6 days after exposure. Using liquid chromatographic-tandem mass spectrometric analysis, we found that both nicotine and cotinine could be detected in beard samples within 24 h of the exposure and reached a maximum of about 71 pg nicotine and 47 pg cotinine/mg hair, respectively, within 1-2 days, followed by a gradual decline. Compared to beard hair concentrations, nicotine, cotinine, and hydroxycotinine were excreted in urine at much higher levels and also peaked on the day after exposure (mean ± SD urine cotinine = 300 ± 183 ng/mL). Our results confirmed that both nicotine and cotinine can be measured in beard hair samples following a single dose of nicotine. However, both the time-course and extent of deposition of these analytes in beard hair in this study differed from the results reported previously from a similar evaluation.
DOLORS: Versatile Strategy for Internal Labeling and Domain Localization in Electron Microscopy

Single-particle electron microscopy (EM) is a powerful tool for studying the structures of large biological molecules. However, the achievable resolution does not always allow for direct recognition of individual protein domains. Labels that can be visualized by EM have been developed for protein termini, but tagging internal domains remains a challenge. We describe a robust strategy for determining the position of internal sites within EM maps, termed domain localization by RCT sampling (DOLORS). DOLORS uses monovalent streptavidin added posttranslationally to tagged sites in the target protein. Internal labels generally display less conformational flexibility than terminal labels, providing more precise positional information. Automated methods are used to rapidly generate assemblies of unique 3D models allowing the attachment sites of labeled domains to be accurately identified and thus provide an overall architectural map of the molecule.
Factors affecting temporal variability of arsenic in groundwater used for drinking water supply in the United States.

Abstract The occurrence of arsenic in groundwater is a recognized environmental hazard with worldwide importance and much effort has been focused on surveying and predicting where arsenic occurs. Temporal variability is one aspect of this environmental hazard that has until recently received less attention than other aspects. For this study, we analyzed 1245 wells with two samples per well. We suggest that temporal variability, often reported as affecting very few wells, is perhaps a larger issue than it appears and has been overshadowed by datasets with large numbers of non-detect data. Although there was only a slight difference in arsenic concentration variability among samples from public and private wells (p = 0.0452), the range of variability was larger for public than for private wells. Further, we relate the variability we see to geochemical factors—primarily variability in redox—but also variability in major-ion chemistry. We also show that in New England there is a weak but statistically significant indication that seasonality may have an effect on concentrations, whereby concentrations in the first two quarters of the year (January–June) are significantly lower than in the second two quarters (July–December) (p
Real-time control software on NSTX

The National Spherical Tokamak Experiment (NSTX) depends on high speed, real-time control to establish initial magnetic field configurations, drive plasma current, and control plasma position and shape. The control required on NSTX is achieved through the combined efforts of several applications developed collaboratively including the power supply real-time controller (PSRTC) and the plasma control system (PCS). The PSRTC communicates with the PCS receiving from the PCS real-time voltage controls and is responsible for supplying dc power to the NSTX poloidal field, toroidal field and Ohmic heating coils. The PCS, which was designed at general atomics, controls the data acquisition, gas injection, plasma current, and plasma shape, including a real-time EFIT and isoflux algorithm for equilibrium reconstruction. Modular control algorithms, specific to NSTX, were written and incorporated into the PCS. The NSTX control system is equipped with 160 channels of fast real-time data acquisition and eight 333 MHz G4 processors, which perform the supervision, position, shape, and performance control. After a discharge, the acquired data and setup parameters are transferred to an MDSPlus central archive for later inspection and can be used to repeat previous machine configurations.
A study of correlation between DMSMS obsolescence and counterfeit electronics

Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS) obsolescence of components and subsystems is a risk driver for long field -life defense systems such as aircraft, ships and avionics. Over their life in service, a substantial number of components required to produce and support such systems will become no longer available from the Original Component Manufacturers. There are different approaches to manage DMSMS obsolescence, some of which lead to the purchase of replacement parts from unreliable sources, hence, providing an opportunity for the infiltration of counterfeit parts. Counterfeits can contaminate the part supply source, further magnifying the obsolescence problem. Validating and understanding the correlation between obsolescence and counterfeits are important and necessary steps to improve decision-making and the management of both obsolescence and counterfeits. This paper describes an investigation of the correlation between DMSMS obsolescence and counterfeit electronics. A description of the study and the positive correlation results, as verified by statistical testing using the historical annual data of obsolescence and counterfeit reporting from the Government-Industry Data Exchange Program, are provided.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Scalable sparse approximation of a sample mean

We examine the problem of approximating the mean of a set of vectors as a sparse linear combination of those vectors. This problem is motivated by a common methodology in machine learning where a probability distribution is represented as the sample mean of kernel functions. In applications where this kernel mean function is evaluated repeatedly, having a sparse approximation is essential for scalability. However, existing sparse approximation algorithms such as matching and basis pursuit scale quadratically in the sample size, and are therefore not well suited to this problem for large sample sizes. We introduce an approximation bound involving a novel incoherence measure, and propose bound minimization as a sparse approximation strategy. In the context of sparsely approximating a kernel mean function, the bound is efficiently minimized by solving an appropriate instance of the k-center problem, and the resulting algorithm has linear complexity in the sample size.
Eccentrically braced frame links with reduced web sections

Abstract Link-to-column connections in eccentrically braced frames (EBFs) must transmit large moments and shear forces to facilitate link rotation. Experiments have shown that welded link-to-column connections tend to fracture in the link flange prior to large link rotations. The American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) seismic provisions warn designers of the problems with link-to-column connections and indicate they are the subject of ongoing research. AISC sponsored this pilot study to investigate the effectiveness of removing portions of the EBF link web in an attempt to limit forces that could develop in the flanges and thereby increase connection rotation capacity. Finite element models of nineteen shear yielding links were analyzed under cyclic loading. Modeling techniques were validated using data from previous experiments. Putting holes in the link web reduced stress and strain values in the link flanges at the connection, but increased the plastic strain and stress triaxiality in the web at the edges of holes. Links with reduced web sections are expected to have rotation capacities similar to, or less than, links with no web reductions that fail in the flanges. This study indicates that reduced web sections are not a promising solution to the problem.
Ice-sheet erosion and the stripping of Tertiary regolith from Baffin Island, eastern Canadian Arctic

Abstract The erosion of glaciated regions and concomitant changes in ice sheet dynamics through the Pleistocene are poorly documented. The Baffin Island landscape, which has been shaped by the Foxe Sector of the Laurentide Ice Sheet (LIS), contains a variety of glacial and proximal glaciomarine sedimentary archives spanning the Pleistocene. We examine these records to better understand when Tertiary regolith was stripped from beneath the Foxe Sector of the LIS. Till on the interior plateaux of the island in areas with scoured bedrock have low chemical index of alteration (CIA) values, low meteoric 10 Be ( 10 Be met ) concentrations, and clay mineralogy consistent with erosion from an unweathered bedrock source. However, in some areas in between fiord onset zones, more weathered till is present, containing considerably higher CIA values, high 10 Be met concentrations, and secondary clay mineral weathering products, implying that the till has persisted on the landscape and weathered during successive glaciations. Using these weathering signatures, we analyze the coastal glaciogenic deposits of the Clyde Foreland Formation (CFF) at two sites for evidence of Tertiary regolith removal from the interior of Baffin Island by LIS erosion. Provenance indicators within the CFF demonstrate that Pleistocene LIS ice flow lines across Baffin Island have remained generally constant. The oldest CFF glaciogenic unit, likely representing one of the first, if not the first, LIS advances across Baffin Island, had high 10 Be met concentrations at the time of deposition consistent with extensive regolith erosion. Evidence of notably weathered sediment is absent in all younger units, suggesting that Tertiary regolith was likely largely stripped from the interior of the island by 1.6 ± 0.2 Ma.
Distinct Neurochemical Adaptations Within the Nucleus Accumbens Produced by a History of Self-Administered vs Non-Contingently Administered Intravenous Methamphetamine

Methamphetamine is a highly addictive psychomotor stimulant yet the neurobiological consequences of methamphetamine self-administration remain under-characterized. Thus, we employed microdialysis in rats trained to self-administer intravenous (IV) infusions of methamphetamine (METH-SA) or saline (SAL) and a group of rats receiving non-contingent IV infusions of methamphetamine (METH-NC) at 1 or 21 days withdrawal to determine the dopamine and glutamate responses in the nucleus accumbens (NAC) to a 2 mg/kg methamphetamine intraperitoneal challenge. Furthermore, basal NAC extracellular glutamate content was assessed employing no net-flux procedures in these three groups at both time points. At both 1- and 21-day withdrawal points, methamphetamine elicited a rise in extracellular dopamine in SAL animals and this effect was sensitized in METH-NC rats. However, METH-SA animals showed a much greater sensitized dopamine response to the drug challenge compared with the other groups. Additionally, acute methamphetamine decreased extracellular glutamate in both SAL and METH-NC animals at both time-points. In contrast, METH-SA rats exhibited a modest and delayed rise in glutamate at 1-day withdrawal and this rise was sensitized at 21 days withdrawal. Finally, no net-flux microdialysis revealed elevated basal glutamate and increased extraction fraction at both withdrawal time-points in METH-SA rats. Although METH-NC rats exhibited no change in the glutamate extraction fraction, they exhibited a time-dependent elevation in basal glutamate levels. These data illustrate for the first time that a history of methamphetamine self-administration produces enduring changes in NAC neurotransmission and that non-pharmacological factors have a critical role in the expression of these methamphetamine-induced neurochemical adaptations.
The composition of the terrestrial planets

The mean atomic weight is a useful parameter with which to discuss the composition of the terrestrial planets. Using the density-pressure relationships of the earth and assigning a mean atomic weight to the mantle and core with the help of shock wave data, it is possible to construct a mass-mean density curve for planets of a given mean atomic weight. The Mariner IV occultation experiment and recent telescopic measurements have provided new data for the radius of Mars which are in substantial agreement and yield a density for Mars between 3.96 and 4.10 g/cm^3. Planetary radar data have been processed to yield improved estimates of the radii and masses of Venus and Mercury. The corresponding densities are ϱ (Venus) = 5.27 and ϱ (Mercury) = 5.50 g/cm^3. These new determinations of density are used to estimate the mean atomic weight of the terrestrial planets. The results are Mars, 25.3 ± 0.4; Venus. 26.4; Mercury, 36; and the moon 22.0. The mean atomic weight of the earth is 27.0. These results can be compared with the following representative values for meteorites and terrestrial rocks: igneous rocks, 21–22; carbonaceous chondrites, 23.4–24.0; ordinary chondrites 24.4; “high iron” chondrites, 25.1; enstatite chondrites, 25.6; and iron meteorites, 55.
Delusional Infestation Following Misuse of Prescription Stimulants

Received February 19, 2014; revised March 17, 2014; accepted March 17, 2014. From Department of Psychiatric Medicine, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC. Send correspondence and reprint requests to Thomas M. Penders, M.D., Department of Psychiatric Medicine, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, 600 Moye Boulevard, Suite 400E, Greenville, NC 27834; e-mail: penderst@ecu.edu & 2014TheAcademy of PsychosomaticMedicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Introduction
Process optimization for polishing large aspheric mirrors

Large telescope mirrors have stringent requirements for surface irregularity on all spatial scales. Large scale errors, typically represented with Zernike polynomials, are relatively easy to control. Errors with smaller spatial scale can be more difficult because the specifications are tighter. Small scale errors are controlled with a combination of natural smoothing from large tools and directed figuring with precisely controlled small tools. The optimization of the complete process builds on the quantitative understanding of natural smoothing, convergence of small tool polishing, and confidence in the surface measurements. This paper provides parametric models for smoothing and directed figuring that can be used to optimize the manufacturing process.
Purified low molecular weight fractions of timothy pollen extracts: immunochemistry and immunogenic activity in the monkey.

Abstract Small mol. wt fractions obtained from dialysis of crude Timothy pollen extract were shown to carry immunogenic activity in monkeys. Three fractions were sequentially purified through gel filtration with Sephadex G-10 and C-M cellulose 52. Monkeys immunized with these fractions produced almost exclusively skin-sensitizing antibodies which may have been of the IgE class and differed in antigenic specificity. Analyses for sugars and amino acids in two of these fractions showed large qualitative and quantitative differences. These fractions might represent oligomeric subunits of larger antigenic molecules.
Nomenclature of Dakota Sandstone (Cretaceous) in San Juan Basin, New Mexico and Colorado: GEOLOGICAL NOTES

Stratigraphic studies of Lower Cretaceous units in the southeastern part of the San Juan basin indicate that the Tres Hermanos Sandstone should be considered as the upper member of the Dakota Sandstone. In the southwestern part of the basin the Twowells Sandstone should be considered as the upper member of the Dakota Sandstone. A persistent tongue of marine shale, separating the Twowells Sandstone Member from the rest of the Dakota Sandstone, is here named the Whitewater Arroyo Shale Member of the Dakota Sandstone.
Development of polarized-light illuminator and its impact

Nikon has developed an illuminator with special options for RET (Resolution Enhancement Technique). For one of the solutions of RET, Nikon has pursued the development of a loss-less polarized illumination system. When the polarization direction is the same as the direction of the printed pattern, this technique improves image contrast and extends the process margin. We have simulated the impact of the RET with polarized illumination, in the case of dipole illumination and phase-shift masks, and we have estimated the dominant parameters for high performance polarized illumination. In addition, we have constructed a polarized-light illuminator and installed it in an ArF full-field scanner. We have measured and optimized the degree and distribution of polarization at the wafer plane with a special tool, and we have investigated image performance with polarized dipole illumination. Results show that the new polarized-light illuminator has extended the process margin, especially with respect to dose latitude. The results of the image simulations and experiments will be reported.© (2005) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Design of high precision lens or reflector antenna systems for CubeSat MMW/ SMMW radiometers

The fidelity of brightness temperature data obtained from radiometers is largely dependent on the accurate prediction of its lens/ reflector antenna system pattern. It is hence crucial to know, with high precision the antenna system's spillover, main beam and ohmic efficiencies as well as the feed's phase center. Although the Gaussian (paraxial) beam mode analysis is a reasonable first order approximation for such an analysis, its accuracy is limited off-axis for millimeter and sub-millimeter wavelength diffraction fields. The purpose of this study is the rigorous analysis of the complex diffraction field due to a feed at the lens aperture, within the dielectric lens and at the far field. This analysis leads to the determination of an optimal lens profile such that the main beam efficiency of the system is maximized. An optimized matching function at the planar surface of the lens is also obtained that minimizes reflection losses. These techniques can also be applied to reflector antenna systems.
The shedding of membrane-anchored heparin-binding epidermal-like growth factor is regulated by the Raf/mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade and by cell adhesion and spreading.

Heparin-binding epidermal-like growth factor (HB-EGF) is synthesized as a transmembrane precursor (HB-EGFTM). The addition of phorbol ester (PMA, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate) to cells expressing HB-EGFTM results in the metalloproteinase-dependent release (shedding) of soluble HB-EGF. To analyze mechanisms that regulate HB-EGF shedding, a stable cell line was established expressing HB-EGFTM in which the ectodomain and the cytoplasmic tail were tagged with hemagglutinin (HA) and Myc epitopes, respectively (HB-EGFTMHA/Myc). HB-EGFTMHA/Myc cleavage was followed by the appearance of soluble HB-EGFHA in conditioned medium, the loss of biotinylated cell-surface HB-EGFTMHA/Myc, and the appearance of a Myc-tagged cytoplasmic tail fragment in cell lysates. By using this approach, several novel metalloproteinase-dependent regulators of HB-EGFTM shedding were identified as follows. (i) HB-EGFTMHA/Myc shedding induced by PMA was blocked by the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase kinase inhibitor, PD98059. PMA activated MAP kinase within 5 min, but HB-EGFTMHA/Myc shedding did not occur until 20 min, suggesting that MAP kinase activation was a necessary step in the pathway of PMA-induced HB-EGFTM cleavage. (ii) Activation of an inducible Raf-1 kinase, ΔRaf-1:estrogen receptor, resulted in a rapid MAP kinase activation within 10 min and shedding of HB-EGFTMHA/Myc within 20–40 min. (iii) Serum induced MAP kinase activation and HB-EGFTMHA/Myc shedding that were inhibited by PD98059. (iv) Whereas PMA induced HB-EGFTMHA/Myc shedding in attached cells, no shedding occurred when the cells were placed in suspension. Shedding was fully restored shortly after cells were allowed to spread on fibronectin, and the extent of PMA-induced shedding increased with the extent of cell spreading. PMA induced the same level of MAP kinase activation whether the cells were attached or in suspension suggesting that although MAP kinase activation might be necessary for shedding, it was not sufficient. Taken together, these results suggest that there are two components of cell regulation that contribute to the shedding process, not previously recognized, the Raf-1/MAP kinase signal transduction pathway and cell adhesion and spreading.
IMPLEMENTING ACTUATED CONTROL OF DIAMOND INTERCHANGES

The design of signal timings for diamond intersections is well documented in the literature, and there are a variety of software packages to assist one in generating timing plans. However, the actual implementation of diamond intersection control procedures on modern dual ring actuated controllers is not documented in the literature, primarily because early implementations used vendor specific features on modern controllers. Consequently, none of the implementation procedures were transferable. In recent years, vendors have greatly increased the flexibility of their traffic controllers and now provide configurable ring structures, overlaps, detector modes, and detector mapping. This paper synthesizes current practice and defines procedures for implementing both three-phase and four-phase diamond control logic using common features on modern traffic controllers. The procedures introduced in this paper should allow this important area to mature and gain widespread implementation, leading to more efficient traffic signal operation at signalized diamond interchanges.
Inverse scattering transform for wave-wave scattering

Abstract : An inverse scattering transform method is outlined for the resonant interaction of two plane waves (an incident wave of amplitude (A sub 1) and radian frequency (Omega sub 1) and a scattered wave of amplitude (A sub 2) and frequency (Omega sub 2) with a medium which can propagate a classical scattering waves (of amplutude Y and frequency (Omega sub 3). The inverse scattering transform method can be veiwed as a nonlinear generalization of the Fourier transform method, and, in the form presented here, it describes the dynamics of the scattering medium Y(x,t). The results can be applied to a variety of physical problems including: (1) Raman and Brillouin scattering of laser light, (2) electromagnetic wave-wave interactions in a plasma, and (3) the distributed parametric amplifier.
Adaptive load-stand design for real-time HWIL JSOW missile control section characterization

3482Lewisville, Texas 75067ABSTRACTThe purpose of having dynamically adaptive load stand capability is to verify and monitor control sectionactuator performance under simulated free-flight aerodynamic load conditions in a Closed Loop RealTime HWIL environment. HWIL testing is a cost effective and risk reducing means of evaluating missilesystem prior to flight testing. This article develops methods of designing, analyzing, and testing of anextension spring driven load stand. Load stand spring natural and surging frequencies are evaluated.Nonlinear control section actuator anomalies are discussed in terms ofload stand testing. Actuator timeresponse data is examined under hinge moment and nonnal force loaded conditions. A designverification procedure was executed to provide a high degree of assurance that the load stand wouldperform as predicted by analytical methods.(KEYWORDS: load*stand, dynamically varying loads, control section testing, simulated aerodynamicloads, real-time simulation, closed loop testing, autopilot performance evaluation, and HWIL testing)
On the number of range queries in k-space

Abstract A range query on a set of points in a k-dimensions coordinate space asks for all points lying within a hyper-rectangle specified by ranges of permissible values for each of the coordinates. In this paper we regard as identical any two range queries which return the same set of points. We then investigate the number of range queries possible on a set—given a set of N points in k-space, what is the maximum number of distinct subsets that may be specified by giving bounding hyper-rectangles? The bounds we find for this number (as a function of N and k) are substantial improvements over previous results, and tighten a lower bound on the computational time required to process range queries. We also report some results concerning the expected number of range queries on random distributions of points.
Discontent with operative consent

A 79-year-old man with mild Alzheimer's disease signed the informed consent form for a vascular access procedure last evening. As the operative team sets up for central hemodialysis access, he has become very agitated and stubbornly refuses surgery. A psychiatric consultant declared him competent during a lucid period a month ago. His operative indication is renal failure for which he needs dialysis. He is mentally competent during lucid periods, and there are no known relatives. The most ethical course of management is: AGive him I.V. sedation until he calms down and proceed with the operation. BNegotiate a "Ulysses contract," and operate as soon as possible. CSign off on the case. DConsult another psychiatrist to re-evaluate his mental competence to refuse essential care. EConsult the ethics committee.
Hidden Talents: Entrepreneurship and Pareto‐Improving Private Information

Two entrepreneurs, each privately informed about her own talent, simultaneously and noncooperatively choose their efforts in producing a new product. Product quality depends on both entrepreneurs’ talents and efforts, but is unobservable by potential buyers prior to purchase; however, buyers can observe the entrepreneurs’ individual efforts. Because the entrepreneurs share the payoff, each is tempted to shirk. However, the need to signal quality to potential buyers serves as a credible commitment to provide greater effort. Thus, the “problem” of adverse selection mitigates the problem of moral hazard, so that a new venture can perform better than the corresponding mature market.
Development of Bancassurance in Canada

As Mr Benoist mentioned, the growth of bancassurance in several countries has, in a large part, been facilitated by fiscal rules applicable to savings within insurance products as opposed to outside of them. In the United States for example much of the new savings sold to Americans is composed of insured variable-yield annuity contracts, because of the greater tax deferment they allow. American banks are actually reaping a large share of the country’s distribution of such products. The United States’ high estate taxes also play an important role in promoting the sale of insurance products for purposes of financial planning. In Canada, life insurance products enjoy a much slimmer competitive edge since, except for immunity from seizure clauses, retirement products are, for all intents and purposes, treated in a similar manner, whether or not they are covered by an insurance contract. Except for a few specific situations, there are only some residual fiscal advantages to the way financial products held in a whole-life, or a universal insurance policy are taxed and paid out, but these are barely worth the added advise effort that the complex rules governing such products will demand of financial advisers. Moreover, recent changes in Canada’s capital gains taxation and lower interest rates make these products too complex relative to the tax breaks they allow. But the biggest divide between Canada and other countries in the matter of bancassurance stems from the regulations governing financial institutions that operate under federal supervision. Although Canadian banks are legally permitted to own insurance companies, strict limitations are placed on the sale of insurance products by banks and their subsidiaries. Until just recently, this was exactly the reverse of the American model. The main restrictions imposed on financial institutions operating under federal jurisdiction fall into two categories:
Statics and dynamics of 2D colloidal crystals in a random pinning potential.

We report the first experimental study of a model system of a two-dimensional colloidal crystal in a random pinning potential. The colloidal crystal consists of monodispersed charged polystyrene microspheres suspended in deionized aqueous media and confined near a rough charged surface. It is found that the static orientational correlation function ${g}_{6}(r)$ decays exponentially for intermediate and strong pinning, in agreement with theories. The driven depinning is dominated by thermally activated creep motion along 1D-like channels between regions with short-range order. A coexistence model is proposed for describing the observations.
Incidence and correlates of breast milk feeding in hospitalized preterm infants

Abstract The majority of epidemiological studies of breast feeding have been conducted in healthy, fullterm infant samples. Little is known about the incidence and correlates of breast milk feeding in preterm infants, particularly in those born outside of metropolitan areas. Therefore, hospital medical charts of 151 consecutively admitted preterm infants (⩽34 weeks gestational age), in the US, were reviewed and daily feeding, maternal demographic, pregnancy, and infant medical condition information was recorded. About half of the preterm infant sample was fed breast milk, receiving at least one breast milk feeding per day for 44% of their hospital stay. Although maternal demographic variables were important predictors of breast milk feeding, perinatal medical condition of the infant played a unique role in feeding practices in preterm infants. Specific interventions could be targeted to families with preterm infants to modestly increase population breast feeding rates.
Autocatalytic reduction of a Cu2O/Cu (111) surface by CO: STM, XPS, and DFT studies

The reduction of a Cu2O surface layer on Cu(111) by CO was studied using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and calculations based on density functional theory. Real-time XPS measurements show the existence of an induction time and an autocatalytic reaction for the reduction of the Cu2O/Cu(111) surfaces. The reduction of the Cu2O surface layer goes through two stages, the “slow reaction” regime and the “fast reaction” regime. During the “slow reaction” regime, an “O-deficient Cu2O” phase forms and propagates on the surface, which lowers the reaction barrier for the removal of lattice oxygen in Cu2O. The propagation of the “O-deficient Cu2O” phase across the surface leads to the “fast reaction” regime, through which the reduction rate is approximately constant due to a “step-only” reaction mechanism. STM studies provide an atomic level picture for the intermediate structures and the reaction pathway during the reduction of the Cu2O surface oxide. Upon the loss of ch...
In vitro study of ferromagnetic stents for implant assisted-magnetic drug targeting

Implant-assisted-magnetic drug targeting (IA-MDT) was studied in vitro using a coiled ferromagnetic wire stent made from stainless steel 430 or 304, and magnetic drug carrier particle (MDCP) surrogates composed of poly(styrene/divinylbenzene) embedded with 20 wt% magnetite. The fluid velocity, particle concentration, magnetic field strength, and stent material all proved to be important for capturing the MDCP surrogates. Overall, this in vitro study further confirmed the important role of the ferromagnetic implant for attracting and retaining MDCPs at the target zone.
Mechanisms of nitrate action and vascular tolerance

The various potential mechanisms contributing to nitrate tolerance are discussed. Pharmacokinetic alterations of the organic nitrate in the systemic circulation do not readily reflect pharmacologic tolerance. Neurohormonal changes do accompany continuous nitrate therapy, but the causative factor of tolerance, if it exists, has not been identified. Vascular metabolism of organic nitrates is impaired during in vitro nitrate tolerance, but it is still uncertain whether reduction in intracellular sulfhydryl availability is the operative mechanism. Vascular cyclic GMP production may be reduced during tolerance, but this change may not parallel that observed in vascular relaxation.
Enrichment of Cell Types from the Rat Adenohypophysis by Sedimentation at Unit Gravity

The application of a unit gravity cell separation procedure to rat adenohypophysial tissue is described. The results demonstrate (a) that adenohypophysial cells retain their characteristic tinctorial properties after dissociation and sedimentation, (b) that a 2–3–fold enrichment of different cell types can be achieved and (c) that the incorporation rate of labeled amino acids into the protein of dissociated versus non—dissociated adenohypophysial cells is similar. Sedimentation of cells from tissues of thyroidectomized or lactating animals yielded enriched populations of thyrotrophs and lactotrophs respectively. This cell separation technique offers a novel approach to the isolation, purification, and study of the pituitary cell types.(Endocrinology 92: 265,1973)
Research Note: Mycoplasma gallisepticum Isolations Resulting from Dry Versus Wet Swabs

Abstract Commercial Leghorns vaccinated with F strain Mycoplasma gallisepticum were used to determine the effect of hydration of swab material with Frey's broth media on M. gallisepticum isolation. Twenty-four hens from each of four 10,000 bird houses were randomly selected and swabbed from the choanal cleft region. Twelve birds from each house were swabbed with ethylene-oxide-sterilized, 2.4-mm diameter rayon-tipped swabs, and 12 hens were swabbed with the same type swabs wetted with sterile Frey's broth media. Results of the present study demonstrate that wetting of the swab prior to swabbing does not affect the recovery of M. gallisepticum from commercial layers.
Resolving the urban nest predator paradox: The role of alternative foods for nest predators

Urbanization is a leading cause of species endangerment in the United States; however, certain species thrive in urban habitats. The loss of key predators or the addition of new predators in urban areas could alter the structure of urban communities. A reduction in nest predation is hypothesized to explain the high density of urban birds, yet urban areas typically have increased populations of avian nest predators. The loss of important nest predators in urban habitats, prey switching of urban predators, or successful nest defense against avian nest predators could explain this urban nest predator paradox. To assess these hypotheses I compared nest predation rates of Northern mockingbirds (Mimus polyglottos) in parking lots and residential neighborhoods to populations in pastures and wildlife preserves during 2007–2009 in Florida, USA and placed video cameras on a subset of nests in 2008–2009. Data do not support the hypothesis that urban nest predation rates are consistently lower than non-urban nest predation rates. Of the 56 nest predation events recorded, cats were the dominant urban predator and Cooper’s hawks (Accipiter cooperii) were the dominant non-urban predator. There was no evidence for a loss of important nest predators in urban habitats; however, prey switching by Cooper’s hawks likely occurred. There was also indirect evidence for the importance of nest defense. Furthermore, some of the cats recorded as nest predators in residential neighborhoods were owned cats and all but one cat predation event occurred at night. To reduce nest predation rates, cat owners should keep their cats indoors at night.
Use of Titanium Wire in Cervical Spine Fixation as a Means to Reduce MR Artifacts

MR imaging of the cervical spine is valuable for assessing traumatic injuries to the spinal cord and bony ligamentous structures. MR is also useful for detecting such long-term complications of spinal cord injury as syrinx, arachnoid cyst, cord adhesion, and persistent mechanical impingement on the spinal cord or spinal nerve roots. Treatment of cervical spine injuries that are mechanically unstable entails fixation and fusion. However, previous attempts at our institution to obtain clinically useful MR images of the cervical region after posterior wire fixation have failed because of image artifacts arising from ferromagnetic stainless steel wires. Use of biocompatible titanium wire for fixation allowed undistorted imaging of the spinal cord and spinal canal adjacent to the surgical fixation in a cadaver and in eight patients.
Atomic Layer Deposition of Metal Oxide Films on GaAs (100) surfaces

Atomic Layer Deposition is used to deposit HfO 2 and TiO 2 films on GaAs (100) native oxides and etched surfaces. For the deposition of HfO 2 films two different but similar ALD chemistries are used: i) tetrakis dimethyl amido hafnium (TDMAHf) and H 2 O at 275°C and ii) tetrakis ethylmethyl amido hafnium (TEMAHf) and H 2 O at 250°C. TiO 2 films are deposited from tetrakis dimethyl amido titanium (TDMATi) and H 2 O at 200°C. Rutherford Back Scattering shows linear film growth for all processes. The film/substrate interface is examined using x-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy and confirms the presence of an “interfacial cleaning” mechanism.
Ranking Bias in Association Studies

Background: It is widely appreciated that genomewide association studies often yield overestimates of the association of a marker with disease when attention focuses upon the marker
Childlessness in the United States Estimates from the National Survey of Family Growth

Using a representative sample of about 17,000 ever-married women 15-44 years of age, this article presents national estimates of the prevalence and correlates of voluntary, involuntary, and temporary childlessness in the United States. These three groups of childless couples are compared with the parents of small planned families and other parents on a number of social, economic, marital, and family characteristics. When viewed cross-sectionally, voluntarily childless couples constitute between 1.3% and 1.8% of currently married couples, depending on the definitions used. They are a distinctive but rare population. Their future prevalence depends primarily on the decisions of the large group of temporarily childless couples.
A Domain Strategy for Computer Program Testing

This paper presents a testing strategy desiged to detect errors in the control flow of a computer program, and the conditions under which this strategy is reliable are given and characterized. The control flow statements in a computer progam partition the input space into a set of mutually exclusive domains, each of which corresponds to a particular program path and consists of input data points which cause that path to be executed. The testing strategy generates test points to examine the boundaries of a domain to detect whether a domain error has occurred, as either one or more of these boundaries will have shifted or else the corresponding predicate relational operator has changed. If test points can be chosen within e of each boundary, under the appropriate assumptions, the strategy is shown to be reliable in detecting domain errons of magnitude greater than ∈. Moreover, the number of test points required to test each domain grows only linearly with both the dimensionality of the input space and the number of predicates along the path being tested.
Calibration of Underwater Acoustic Transducers at NRL/USRD

At the beginning of Worid War II, the United States recognized the need for establishing systematic methods for calibrating and evaluating sonar transducers and established the Underwater Sound Reference Laboratories. The Underwater Sound Reference Detachment of the Naval Research Laboratory evolved from this beginning and now serves as the focus for underwater acoustic metrology in the United States, it functions as a “National Bureau of Standards for Underwater Acoustics” by providing two types of reference services for a fee. Calibration, test, and evaluation services and standard transducer loan services cover the frequency range of 0.2 Hz to 2 MHz. This paper describes the calibration, test, and evaluation services. It first covers the measurement facilities for performing the services. Measurement methods for calibrating transducers are then discussed. Next a description of ongoing research in calibration measurement methodology is presented. Finally, some comments are made about calibration system requirements for implementing new measurement techniques.