cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Systolic designs for state space models: Kalman filtering and neural network

In this paper, a systematic mapping methodology is introduced for deriving systolic and wavefront arrays from regular computational algorithms. It consists of three stages of mapping design: (data) dependence graph (DG) design, signal flow graph (SFG) design, and array processor design. This methodology allows systolic design with many desirable properties, such as local communication and fastest pipelin rates, etc. Based on this methodology, we shall develop systolic array designs for two important applications of adaptive state-space models. One is for the Kalman filtering algorithm which is popular in many digital signal processing applications. The other one is the Hopfield model for artificial neural network (ANN), which has recently received increasing attention from AI and parallel processing research community.
A control allocation technique to recover from pilot-induced oscillations (capio) due to actuator rate limiting

This paper proposes a control allocation technique that can help pilots recover from pilot induced oscillations (PIO). When actuators are rate-saturated due to aggressive pilot commands, high gain flight control systems or some anomaly in the system, the effective delay in the control loop may increase depending on the nature of the cause. This effective delay increase manifests itself as a phase shift between the commanded and actual system signals and can instigate PIOs. The proposed control allocator reduces the effective time delay by minimizing the phase shift between the commanded and the actual attitude accelerations. Simulation results are reported, which demonstrate phase shift minimization and recovery from PIOs. Conversion of the objective function to be minimized and constraints to a form that is suitable for implementation is given.
Lyapunov stability of interconnected systems: Decomposition into strongly connected subsystems

New Lyapnnov results for uniform asymptotic stability, exponential stability, Instability, complete instability, and uniform ultimate boundedness of solutions for a class of interconnected systems described by nonlinear time-varying ordinary differential equations are established. The present results make use of graph theoretic decomposition techniques to transform large-scale systems into an interconnection of strongly connected components (subsystems), and they also make use of the properties of stability preserving mappings. The analysis of the overall interconnected system is then accomplished in terms of the qualitative properties of the subsystems (strongly connected components) and the stability preserving properties of the system interconnections. A typical result is of the following form. If every subsystem (strongly connected component) is uniformly asymptotically stable and if all system interconnections are stability preserving, then the overall interconnected system is uniformly asymptotically stable. To demonstrate the applicability of these results to physical systems, a specific example is considered. The principal advantages of the present method over existing Lyapunov results for interconnected systems are as follows. 1) The present results make it possible to address the "largeness" of complex systems, since the identification of the strongly connected components (subsystems) can be accomplished by means of efficient computer algorithms. 2) The present stability results are applicable to interconnected systems with unstable subsystems (i.e., the original nontransformed system description may involve unstable subsystems). The main disadvantages of the present method over many existing Lyapunov results are the following. 1) The analysis is not accomplished in terms of the original system structure. 2) When a system consists of only one strongly connected component, the present method cannot be used to advantage, while other methods may.
Nicotine Interactions with Haloperidol, Clozapine and Risperidone and Working Memory Function in Rats

Nicotine has been shown in a variety of studies to improve memory performance. The cognitive effects of nicotine are particularly important with regard to schizophrenia. In the current studies nicotine interactions with three different antipsychotic drugs, haloperidol, clozapine and risperidone, were assessed with regard to memory function. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were trained on the radial-arm maze to asymptotic levels of choice accuracy. They were then administered nicotine alone or in combination with haloperidol, clozapine or risperidone. Acute haloperidol (0.04 mg/kg) did not by itself affect memory performance. Co-administration of haloperidol with nicotine, however, decreased memory performance compared with nicotine administration in isolation. Acute clozapine (1.25 and 2.5 mg/kg) caused a significant memory impairment, an effect reversed by acute nicotine co-treatment. Risperidone (0.05 mg/kg), like haloperidol, did not by itself affect memory performance. Risperidone co-administration with nicotine, however, did significantly attenuate the improvement caused by nicotine administration in isolation. The similar interaction of haloperidol and risperidone with nicotine may be due to their common action of blocking D2 receptors, a mechanism of action not shared by clozapine. In contrast to the interaction of nicotine with haloperidol or risperidone, nicotine effectively reversed clozapine-induced memory impairment. These studies demonstrate interactions between nicotine and antipsychotic drugs in terms of memory, which may have important impacts on the treatment of schizophrenia.
Life-sustaining treatment decisions by spouses of patients with Alzheimer's disease.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the anticipated decisions to consent to or to forgo life-sustaining treatment by spouses of patients with Alzheimer's disease and to describe the relationship of spouse and patient characteristics to predicted decisions. DESIGN: Prospective quantitative study. SETTING: The Aging and Dementia Research Center (ADRC), part of an Alzheimer's Disease Center Core Grant, at New York University Medical Center. PARTICIPANTS: Fifty spouse caregivers of Alzheimer's disease patients, evaluated at the ADRC, who had a minimum Stage 4 on the Global Deterioration Scale. MEASUREMENTS: Spouses were presented with two conditions (critical illness and irreversible coma) and rated their agreement with, certainty of, and comfort with four treatments (resuscitation, breathing machine, feeding tube, and antibiotics). Data were also obtained as to patients' current quality of life, spouses' standard of decision-making, and spouse burden. RESULTS: Eighteen of 50 patients had a durable power of attorney for health care, 20 of 50 had a living will, and 26 of 50 had neither. In the face of critical illness, almost equal numbers of spouses would consent to or forgo CPR, 28 of 50 would forgo a breathing machine, 21 of 50 a would forgo a feeding tube, and 5 of 50 would forgo antibiotics. Five of 50 would forgo all four treatments, and 12 of 50 all but antibiotics. Spouses were significantly more likely to forgo treatment in the face of coma than for critical illness (P < .001). Spouses were more certain about decisions related to coma than to critical illness (P < .001), and there was a positive and significant correlation between certainty and comfort (P = .001). Those consenting to treatment were more comfortable than those forgoing treatment (for CPR and antibiotics P = .001). Spouses of patients with Stage 7 AD were more likely to forgo CPR than those with Stages 4 to 6 AD (P < .001). Only two of 50 spouses selected descriptors congruent with a purely substituted judgment standard of decision-making. An equal number of spouses rated patient quality of life as good, fair, or poor. For critical illness, the poorer the quality of life rating, the more likely the spouses were to forgo feeding tubes (P < .001). There was a trend for highly burdened spouses to consent to treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The results provide evidence that spouses of patients with AD anticipate forgoing life-sustaining treatments in the face of coma but are less sure about choices for critical illness. Although preliminary in nature, findings suggest that doctors, nurses, and social workers need to provide additional support to spouses choosing to forgo rather than consent to treatment and need to inquire as to what spouses perceive as the factors that are important to them in making a decision. J Am Geriatr Soc 44:144–150, 1996.
Stress-transfer in anisotropic and environmentally adaptive cellulose whisker nanocomposites.

Quantitative insights into the stress-transfer mechanisms that determine the mechanical properties of tunicate cellulose whisker/poly(vinyl acetate) nanocomposites were gained by Raman spectroscopy. The extent of stress-transfer is influenced by local orientation (or anisotropy) of the whiskers, which in turn is governed by the processing conditions used to fabricate the nanocomposites. Solution-cast materials display no microscopic anisotropy, while samples that were cast and subsequently compression molded contain both isotropic regions as well as domains of locally oriented whiskers. Polarized optical microscopy showed these regions to have dimensions in the hundreds of μm. Polarized Raman spectroscopy of the 1095 cm−1 Raman band, associated with C−O ring stretching of the cellulose backbone, was used to quantify the local orientation of the cellulose whiskers. Clear and discernible shifts of this Raman band upon uniaxial deformation of nanocomposite films were further used to determine the level of st...
GM1 ganglioside rescues substantia nigra pars compacta neurons and increases dopamine synthesis in residual nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons in MPTP-treated mice.

GM1 ganglioside has been shown to stimulate recovery of the damaged dopamine system under a number of different circumstances. In addition to rescue of damaged dopamine neurons, the present study assessed the ability of GM1 to enhance the synthesis of dopamine in remaining nigrostriatal neurons following 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) exposure. There was a significantly greater accumulation of L-dopa 30 min after aromatic amino acid decarboxylase inhibition with NSD-1015 (100 mg/Kg) and an increase in the ratio of L-dopa to dopamine in MPTP + GM1-treated mice than in mice that received only MPTP. This effect of GM1 on dopamine synthesis was dependent upon the degree of initial damage to the nigrostriatal dopamine system. That is, the GM1 effect on dopamine synthesis could not be demonstrated in mice with greater than 95% striatal dopamine loss and 75% substantia nigra dopamine neuron loss. These results suggest that in addition to previously reported effects of GM1 on rescue and repair of dopaminergic neurons, GM1 may also have the ability to enhance dopamine synthesis in residual dopaminergic neurons. Direct effects on dopamine neurochemistry may contribute to functional improvements seen after GM1 treatment in various models of parkinsonism. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Clinical implications of dual-positive rapid influenza diagnostic tests during influenza season: Co-colonization, coinfection, or false positive test?

• During influenza season, adults with influenza like illnesses are often admitted to the hospital for influenza testing and evaluation.
Leptonic and hadronic symmetries

Abstract Two models for a gauge theory of the weak and electromagnetic interactions of leptons and hadrons are considered. The first model is based on the group [SU(3)]4 = SU(3) × SU(3) × SU(3) × SU(3), the fundamental representation of which is spanned by left and right-handed lepton and quark triplets. The lepton triplet involves the νe and ν μ combined to a 4 component field, the e− and the μ+. A spontaneous symmetry breakdown is caused by the appearance of tadpoles. It is proved that the tadpoles responsible for the lepton and quark masses, by themselves, do not break the symmetry in a manner compatible with the observed universality properties of weak interactions. Many additional scalar fields are needed and they are classified into specific [SU(3)]4 multiplets. The model can account for the suppression of |ΔS| = 1 neutral current induced semileptonic decays ( K → πν ν , K ° → μ + μ − , etc…) A quartet model based on the symmetry U(4) × U(4) is discussed. The model is simpler, but has to confront the absence of “charmed” hadrons in the low (m ⩽ 2−3 GeV) mass region.
The Development of Teaching Cases for Instrumental Music Methods Courses

The purpose of this study was to develop teaching cases for instrumental music education methods courses through analysis of current teaching practice. A qualitative case study research design was ...
Redundancy-controllable adaptive retransmission timeout estimation for packet video

Time-constrained error recovery is an integral component of reliable low-delay video applications. Regardless of the error-control method adopted by the application, unacknowledged or missing packets must be quickly identified as lost or delayed, so that necessary timely actions can be taken by the server/client. Historically, this problem has been referred to as the retransmission timeout (RTO) estimation. Earlier studies show that existing RTO estimators suffer from either long loss detection times or a large number of pre-mature timeouts. The goal of this study is to address these problems by developing an adaptive RTO estimator for high-bitrate low-delay video applications. By exploiting the temporal dependence between consecutive delay samples, we propose an adaptive linear delay predictor. This way, our RTO estimator configures itself based on the video characteristics and varying network conditions. Our approach also features a controller that optimally manages the trade-off between the amount of overwaiting and redundant retransmission rate. The skeleton implementation shows that the proposed RTO estimator discriminates lost packets from excessively-delayed packets faster and more accurately than its rivals, which consequently enables the applications to recover more packets under stringent delay requirements.
On the constructability of solution to a pair of two person search games

Let B denote the collection of all subsets of [0, 1] having exactlyk points, and let R denote the collection of all (Lebesgue measureable) subsets of [0, 1] with total length exactly a 1.
Instabilities in continuum equations for aggregation by diffusion

Abstract The stability of nonspherically symmetric perturbations of a growing aggregate is obtained by an analytic expansion of the solution of the equations describing aggregation by diffusion. For the case of surface perturbations the results correspond to the Mullins-Sekerka instability for a solidification front.
Speculation on the structure of interpersonal intentions

A model is presented in which bipolar dimensions are hypothesized to operate as a simultaneous bundle of distinctive features in mediating the meanings of interpersonal behavioral events. A set of a priori semantic features is developed through rational analysis of the language of interpersonal behavior. A relatively small number of such distinctive features is shown to be capable of differentiating among a relatively large number of interpersonal verbs (IPVs). An initial set of six features, proposed on intuitive grounds, was tested for discriminating power over a sample of 210 representative IPVs, drawn from index categories of Roget's Thesaurus. On the basis of coding distributions and correlations with other features, two of these original features were discarded. Inspection of the sets of quasi- synonyms created by the surviving four features suggested the operation of six additional features, three of them affective in nature. The simultaneous application of these 10 semantic features provides intuitively satisfying differentiation among the sample of interpersonal verbs. It is suggested that, if the dimensional structure of interpersonal intentions (that is, their semantic features) can be shown to be culturally invariant, then manifest differences in behavioral prescription and expression can be economically compared across cultures.
Race, Menopause, Health‐Related Quality of Life, and Psychological Well‐Being in Obese Women

Objective: To investigate the health-related quality of life (HR-QOL) in African-American (AA) and white (W) obese women. Research Methods and Procedures: Participants were 145 obese women (80 AA and 65 W; 87 premenopausal and 58 postmenopausal) who completed the Medical Outcomes Study short form, the Brief Symptom Inventory, the Life Distress Inventory, the Satisfaction With Life Scale, and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale before entering a weight-loss study. The mean age of the subjects was 46.3 ± 11.1 years and the mean body mass index was 35.2 ± 4.2 kg/m2. Results: Although AA women were slightly heavier (95.3 ± 10.3 kg vs. 91.5 ± 11.6 kg, p < 0.05) and less educated (14.2 ± 3.7 years vs. 15.7 ± 3.7 years, p < 0.05) than the W women in the sample, there was no difference between the two ethnic groups in any of the reported HR-QOL variables. Menopausal status had a significant effect on HR-QOL, with premenopausal women being more distressed (p = 0.002), having more limitations in social activity (p = 0.007), and having less vitality (p < 0.001) than the postmenopausal women. This was especially true in the AA women. Discussion: These data show no difference in HR-QOL between AA and W obese women and suggest that menopausal status may have an impact on HR-QOL, especially in AA women.
Membranous (Class V) Renal Disease in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus May Be More Common Than Previously Reported: Results of a 6-Year Retrospective Analysis

Abstract Background The actual incidence and prevalence of the various histological classes (based on World Health Organization classification) of lupus nephritis (LN) are not known but seem to vary with sex, age, and ethnicity. We have analyzed renal biopsies in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) at our center, and hereby report our experience. Methods All renal biopsies performed at the University of Mississippi between January 1999 and December 2004 in patients with SLE were retrospectively analyzed. Results were validated by a detailed review of renal biopsy reports and additional records were reviewed for data specific to LN disease activity. Results There were 92 renal biopsies performed in patients with SLE during a 6-year period. These included 84 African Americans (72 women and 12 men), 5 whites (4 women and 1 man), and 3 unknown race (1 F, 2 M) subjects. The prevalence of LN classes in our cohort was as follows: class I (0%), class II (9.8%), class III (8.7%), class IV (36.9%), class V (40.2%), and class VI (4.3%). Prevalence of class V LN among males was high at 40%. Conclusions In contrast to previous literature, isolated membranous lupus nephritis (MLN) was much more prevalent in this series—40% versus 14%. Also, no sex difference in the prevalence of MLN was seen. This biopsy cohort suggests that MLN/ class V disease may be more common than previously reported especially in African American population.
Interdiffusion of thin bilayers of copper and nickel

Abstract The interdiffusion of vacuum-deposited Cu/Ni bilayers is investigated for annealing at temperatures from 500 to 800°C. Backscattering spectra, electrical sheet resistance data and X-ray analysis confirm independently that strong interdiffusion sets in at 400°C after annealing for 15 min. We conclude that thin nickel films will not perform as reliable diffusion barrier for copper in metallization schemes with silicon.
The effect of pressure on zinc blende and wurtzite structures

Abstract The effect of pressure has been measured on the absorption edges of GaP, GaAs, GaSb, ZnS, ZnSe, ZnTe, ZnO and CdS. A tentative interpretation can be given consistent with previous. work on silicon and germanium. Regularities in the shifts in horizontal and diagonal sequences are discussed. An absorption peak which appears (irreversibly) on the low-energy side of the edge of the higher-molecular-weight compounds, and grows with pressure, indicates either the formation of a disordered phase or some chemical decomposition. For GaAs and GaSb both events may be present, but for ZnTe the former course seems definitely the more probable.
On the effective dimension and dynamic complexity of earthquake faults

Abstract We measure the effective dimensionality of a driven, dissipative fault model as its dynamics explore a wide parameter range from a crack like model to a dislocation model. The dynamics of each fault model are probed by recording (a) the first and second order moments of the stresses and slips defined in the fault plane, and (b) the surface deformations that indirectly reflect the brittle processes of the fault and which are observable by InSAR and GPS techniques. In order to study the asymptotic attractors of the model we identify the coherent structures (dominant modes) present in the surface deformation fields and project the model dynamics onto the principal directions defined by these coherent structures. The projection is based on the Karhunen–Loeve procedure for the determination of an optimal set of basis functions based on second order statistics. We estimate the effective dimensionality of the dynamics by computing the number of modes needed to capture a certain fraction of the statistical variation of the surface deformation fields. We detect a sharp transition in the number of effective degrees of freedom as we vary the dynamic weakening toward larger and dynamically more significant values. This transition is also associated with a separation of the dynamics in slow and fast degrees of freedom and with the presence of multiple length and time scales in the dynamics. This conclusion is also supported by direct dimension estimates using the correlation dimension. We finally compute the significance of evidence for nonlinearity using the method of surrogate data on the correlation dimension statistics.
A rapid method for testing antiappetite drugs in mice

Abstract A simple and rapid procedure was developed for use with mice, which simultaneously evaluates drug-induced antiappetite activity (decrease in consumption of sweetened milk) and CNS stimulant or depressant “side effects.” The predictive validity of the test was determined by comparing the effects of two known antiappetite drugs (d-amphetamine and phenmetrazine) with those of four drugs which are not used to control appetite (chlorpromazine, chlordiazepoxide, pentobarbital, and tetrabenazine).
Stable Isotope Thermometry at High Temperatures

Determination of accurate temperatures for geological events has been the grail of stable isotope geochemistry since the seminal 1947 paper by Urey. In theory, this should be simple. Calibrated mineral pairs are common, analysis is rapid, and there is no significant pressure correction. However, in spite of widespread application, the promise of reliable thermometry has been elusive. Stable isotope temperatures in metamorphic and igneous rocks are often controversial; is the fractionation between two phases a thermometer, speedometer (rate dependant), hygrometer (P(H2O)-dependant), or chimera? A number of factors have contributed to this uncertainty including: incomplete and sometimes conflicting calibration of isotope fractionation factors; limited understanding of the kinetics of mineral exchange; and the lack of microanalytical techniques. This situation has improved dramatically over the past decade, permitting reliable and detailed thermal histories to be inferred. In a landmark paper, Bottinga and Javoy (1975) empirically calibrated the oxygen isotope fractionation factors among ten rock-forming minerals at T > 500°C. Their compilation shows that 84% of analyzed samples contain at least three minerals meeting a concordance test for equilibrium. They concluded “the great majority of igneous and metamorphic rocks …. has conserved a state of oxygen isotope exchange equilibrium.” If correct, this bodes well for thermometry. However, this conclusion was contested by Deines (1977) who critically examined the existing data and concluded that “less than half of the rocks analyzed to date would yield concordant 18O-derived temperatures.” While seeming irreconcilable, both conclusions are based on fact. All rocks contain some degree of disequilibrium, but many also preserve a thermometric record. It is the purpose of this review to discuss the new strategies for reliable isotope thermometry and to explore disequilibrium processes so they may be recognized and properly interpreted. The organization of this paper will be to discuss the assumptions …
Comparison of host-guest Langmuir-Blodgett multilayer formation by two different amphiphilic cyclodextrins

We report here our results for Langmuir monolayers of the derivatives of cyclodextrin shown: hexakis(6-deoxy-6-dodecylamino)-{alpha}-cyclodextrin (1a), heptakis(6-deoxy-6-dodecylamino)-{beta}-cyclodextrin (1b), and heptakis(6-deoxy-6-dodecylthio)-{beta}-cyclodextrin (2b ), which was found to be partially substituted. Langmuir films of these derivatives were examined using {Pi}-A isotherm measurements and Brewster angle microscopy. Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) multilayer films of these derivatives were deposited from subphases containing p-nitrophenol to determine the extent of incorporation of the guest molecule in the LB film. The transfer ratios of the film exhibited a noteworthy evolution with the transfer pressure. The variation in the extent of guest molecule incorporation is discussed and compared with the binding behavior in solution of unmodified cyclodextrins. 29 refs., 4 figs.
Moisture Sorption Effects on Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Pheny L Ethnyl-Terminated UltemTM Composites:

High-performance aerospace applications require materials that are able to withstand exposure to extreme temperatures, high relative humidities, solvents, and other chemicals. Due to their high-performance thermal and mechanical characteristics, poly(etherimide)s are being implemented in such applications. Prior to such use, environmental effects on material performance must be understood. In this study, the effects of moisture sorption on the mechanical properties of carbon-fiber-reinforced phenylethynyl-terminated poly(etherimide) matrix composites were investigated. The through-the-thickness moisture diffusion coefficient and the maximum moisture equilibrium content were determined for the unidirectional composites for exposure to 90'C and 85% relative humidity. In addition, the composites were tested for retention of transverse flexural strength and apparent interlaminar shear strength at maximum moisture equilibrium content. The same properties were tested for property retention following desorption ...
Conical emission due to four-wave mixing enhanced by the ac Stark effect in self-trapped filaments of light.

Experimental evidence is presented that shows that the conical emission often found surrounding a near-resonant laser beam after it passes through an atomic vapor is due to nondegenerate four-wave mixing enhanced by the ac Stark effect. We demonstrate self-trapping of a pulsed dye-laser beam in sodium vapor for wavelengths 0.04 to 10 A shorter than that of the D2 resonance and show that the four-wave mixing process leading to conical emission occurs within these self-trapped filaments.
Dose titration of moxidectin oral gel against migrating Strongylus vulgaris and Parascaris equorum larvae in pony foals

Moxidectin was tested for efficacy in ponies against experimental infections of 56 day Strongylus vulgaris larvae and 11 day Parascaris equorum larvae. Three dosages of moxidectin were tested: 300 micrograms per kg live body weight, 400 micrograms per kg, and 500 micrograms per kg, and the vehicle served as control. Ponies were first infected with 600 S. vulgaris third-stage larvae (L3) on Experiment Day 0 and then with 3000 embryonated P. equorum eggs on Day 45. Moxidectin treatments were administered on Day 56 and necropsy examinations were performed on Day 91. Strongylus vulgaris fourth-stage (L4) and fifth-stage (L5) larvae were recovered at necropsy from the control ponies, in dissections of the cranial mesenteric artery and its branches (L4 and L5), and recovered from nodules in the wall of the cecum and ventral colon (L5). Parascaris equorum larvae were recovered from the small intestine of control ponies. Moxidectin was highly efficacious against S. vulgaris L4 and L5 at all three doses tested (99.6-100%), and appeared to be equally efficacious against P. equorum larvae (100%); however, control ponies had low levels of P. equorum infections compared to previous experimental infections performed using identical methods. This suggests that the prior S. vulgaris infection on Day 0 may have influenced the subsequent experimental P. equorum infection on Day 45 and contributed to the lower recovery.
Patterns of sinus arrhythmia in patients with lesions of the central nervous system.

Abstract Simultaneous recordings of respirations and instantaneous cardiac frequency by means of a cardiotachometer permit visualization of the sinus arrhythmia due to respiration. Observations made on tracings obtained from 102 patients with a variety of neurologic disorders indicate that the typical respiration-heart rate response may be disturbed by lesions affecting the cardioregulatory mechanisms. Decerebration results in prominent periodic waves of acceleration of the heart rate followed by rebound deceleration. These waves coincide with each deep breath or outburst of periodic breathing. A fixed cardiac frequency is indicative of a complete disconnection between the cardiac pacemaker and the regulatory centers of cardiac activity. Cervical spinal cord transections may cause preponderant bradycardia. It is suggested that simultaneous recordings of the pneumogram and the cardiotachogram may yield useful information regarding the integrity of the regulatory centers of cardiac activity.
Determinants of moth diversity and community in a temperate mountain landscape: vegetation, topography, and seasonality

Macromoth diversity, abundance, and community structure in the topographically complex HJ Andrews Experimental Forest and LTER site was studied on the west slope of the Cascade Range, Oregon. Data on 493 macromoth species (62,221 individuals) was sampled eight times/year at 20 locations from 2004 to 2008 and examined using multivariate statistics and generalized additive models to determine the importance of topography and vegetation on moth community assembly and diversity. Significant differences exist between moth communities at lower and higher elevations. High-elevation moth communities are far more variable inter-annually, whether associated with high-elevation forests, meadows, or clearcuts. Low-elevation young and old gymnosperm forests and riparian forests are more stable and predictable communities having less inter-annual variability. High-elevation communities show more intra-annual variability than low-elevation communities. Low-elevation moth communities are more abundant than high-elevation...
Integrated density of a lesion: A quantitative, mammographically derived, invariable measure

A method for quantitatively estimating lesion "size" from mammographic images was developed and evaluated. The main idea behind the measure, termed "integrated density" (ID), is that the total x-ray attenuation attributable to an object is theoretically invariant with respect to the projected view and object deformation. Because it is possible to estimate x-ray attenuation of a lesion from relative film densities, after appropriate corrections for background, the invariant property of the measure is expected to result in an objective method for evaluating the "sizes" of breast lesions. ID was calculated as the integral of the estimated image density attributable to a lesion, relative to surrounding background, over the area of the lesion and after corrections for the nonlinearity of the film characteristic curve. This effectively provides a measure proportional to lesion volume. We computed ID and more traditional measures of size (such as "mass diameter" and "effective size") for 100 pairs of ipsilateral mammographic views, each containing a lesion that was relatively visible in both views. The correlation between values calculated for each measure from corresponding pairs of ipsilateral views were computed and compared. All three size-related measures (mass diameter, effective size, and ID) exhibited reasonable linear relationship between paired views (r2>0.7, P<0.001). Specifically, the ID measures for the 100 masses were found to be highly correlated (r2=0.9, P<0.001) between ipsilateral views of the same mass. The correlation increased substantially (r2=0.95), when a measure with linear dimensions of length was defined as the cube root of ID. There is a high degree of correlation between ID-based measures obtained from different views of the same mass. ID-based measures showed a higher degree of invariance than mass diameter or effective size.
Opioid conformations: The remarkable effect of C‐14 substituents on ring c conformations of 6α and 6β epimers of 6‐substituted epoxymorphinan opioid ligands

High field 1 H NMR studies have shown that the nature of the C-14 substituents has a remarkable influence on ring C conformation of epoxymorphinan opioids which have a 6α-hydroxyl group. In sharp contrast to the ring C twist-boat conformation observed in those 6α-hydroxy compounds which also have a 14-hydroxyl group (α-naltrexol; α-oxymorphol), ring C exists predominantly as a chair conformer in 6α-hydroxy compounds wich have a proton bound to C-14 (dihydromorphine;dihydrocodeine). The 6β-hydroxy compounds (β-naltrexol; β-oxymorphol) have a ring C chair conformation in agreement with earlier studies.
How Generalizable Are Adolescents' Beliefs About Pro-Drug Pressures and Resistance Self-Efficacy?

Based on three waves of data from 1261 adolescents, this study examines the nature of resistance self-efficacy vis-a-vis different drugs and social situations, as well as its relationship to perceived pressure to use drugs. We found that both self-efficacy and perceived pressure to use drugs appear to be generalizable across substances (alcohol, cigarettes, and marijuana), but adolescents do tend to distinguish between their capacity to resist drugs in different social situations. Adolescents also discriminate between how much pressure they feel and their ability to resist that pressure, but the great majority report lower levels of self-efficacy in higher pressure situations. This relationship is strongest for alcohol and weakest for marijuana. These results suggest the following implications for prevention programs: (a) adolescents can be taught to resist one or more of the commonly used drugs with a reasonable expectation that the skills will generalize to other drugs; (b) resistance self-efficacy learned in one situation can be expected to have some generalizability to other situations, but it may be important to link resistance training with a range of situations to insure the greatest effectiveness; (c) to be maximally effective, prevention programs may need to help adolescents reduce the amount of pressure experienced as well as develop resistance skills; such efforts are likely to be particularly important for situations involving alcohol.
Global Minimum Potential Energy Conformations of Small Molecules

A global optimization algorithm is proposed for finding the global minimum potential energy conformations of small molecules. The minimization of the total potential energy is formulated on an independent set of internal coordinates involving only torsion (dihedral) angles. Analytical expressions for the Euclidean distances between non-bonded atoms, which are required for evaluating the individual pairwise potential terms, are obtained as functions of bond lengths, covalent bond angles, and torsion angles. A novel procedure for deriving convex lower bounding functions for the total potential energy function is also introduced. These underestimating functions satisfy a number of important theoretical properties. A global optimization algorithm is then proposed based on an efficient partitioning strategy which is guaranteed to attain e-convergence to the global minimum potential energy configuration of a molecule through the solution of a series of nonlinear convex optimization problems. Moreover, lower and upper bounds on the total finite number of required iterations are also provided. Finally, this global optimization approach is illustrated with a number of example problems.
The molecular mechanism of hemoglobin synthesis and its regulation in the reticulocyte.

(1978). The Molecular Mechanism of Hemoglobin Synthesis and its Regulation in the Reticulocyte. CRC Critical Reviews in Biochemistry: Vol. 5, No. 4, pp. 261-290.
Seven Missteps of Desire

We very much value the integrative formulation of the neural basis of the seeking system put forth by Wright & Panksepp, but we have several concerns that might be incorporated or acknowledged in future versions. These revolve around the need for a more rigorous and modern evolutionary backdrop, a greater appreciation for earlier discussions of appetitive and consummatory behavior, more integration with other neural models of learning and reward, questionable terminology, clarification of hierarchical claims, greater attention to genetic polymorphisms and individual differences, and greater acknowledgement of earlier attempts to integrate ethological and psychoanalytic formulations that address neural and motivational systems, conflicts underlying behavior, and implications for treatment.
The Application of Cross Recurrence Plot in Deaf Linguistic Training System

A new technique of nonlinear interrelations between time series is applied to assist the deaf to learn language . As part of this work we are investigating recurrence quality analysis (RQA) and cross recurrence plot (CRP) approach. In the experiments reported here, we made the Chinese vowel and vocabulary visual using CRP. Experimental results demonstrate that this method is effective in assistant location; it could be helpful to discipline deaf speaking .
A critique of research: A feminist perspective

Despite the proliferation of research on women since 1970, the male bias remains prevalent in the scientific community. This paper addresses three areas of concern to women that result from the dominance of the male bias in research. These areas are: (1) the impact of the male bias in the development of research on women, (2) the politics of research, and (3) the feminist directives for research. Two types of women's research are discussed; research on women, their inclusion as subjects, and research for women, the data base for political and social change. The barriers to feminist research rest with the established scientific community as it opera‐tionalizes the male bias of society. Feminist directives that challenge the established scientific community are described.
Nonparametric One-Sided Tests in Multivariate Analysis with Medical Applications

Abstract Permutation tests are applied to the maximal t statistic in two-sample, completely randomized designs, and in two-sample, matched-pair designs, where the response is a vector and the experimenter is interested in one specific direction in each component. Recommendations for subsampling are also included for cases when the number of permutations required to complete the test is prohibitive. These procedures are then applied to data from two medical trials.
Thickness effect on the indentation of an elastic layer

Sneddon's solution has been used in indentation tests to analyze elastic behavior of materials, in which the result ignores the effect of specimen thickness. However, in the real situation, the specimen thickness especially for thin films may not be negligible when the ratio of contact radius to the specimen thickness is larger than one. An analytical solution of the load-displacement relationship was derived for the indentation problem of an elastic layer by a rigid flat-ended cylindrical indenter. To obtain the closed-form solution, frictionless condition was used at contact interfaces. The contact force is found to be inversely proportional to the film thickness and independent of the contact radius if the contact radius is much larger than the film thickness. Then the effect of adhesion between the elastic layer and the indenter was addressed and an analytical solution of the pull-off force was obtained. The pull-off force is a function the layer thickness and Poisson's ratio, which increases with Poisson's ration and the ratio of the contact radius to the layer thickness.
Probabilistic mapping of the health status measure SF-12 onto the health utility measure EQ-5D using the US-population-based scoring models

Purpose Probabilistic mapping of the health status instrument SF-12 onto the health utility instrument EuroQol—5 dimensions (EQ-5D)-3L using the UK-population-based scoring model showed encouraging results as compared to other mapping methods, although its predictive performance using the US-population-based EQ-5D scoring models has not been investigated. In addition, a new and improved US-population-based EQ-5D scoring method has recently been developed and suggested for use in applications that required US societal health state values. In this study, we assessed predictive performance of the probabilistic mapping approach using the US-population-based scoring models on EQ-5D utility scores based on SF-12 responses and compared the results with those of other mapping methods.
Barbed versus standard suture: a randomized trial for laparoscopic vaginal cuff closure.

Abstract Study Objective To compare closure times, cuff healing, and postoperative dyspareunia between barbed and traditional sutures during laparoscopic total hysterectomy. Design A randomized clinical trial (Canadian Task Force classification I). Setting A university hospital. Patients Sixty-three women undergoing total laparoscopic hysterectomy. Interventions Total laparoscopic hysterectomy was performed using standard techniques. The vaginal cuff closure method was randomized to barbed suture (Quill; Angiotech Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Vancouver, Canada) or standard suture (Vicryl; Ethicon Inc., Somerville, NJ). The time required for cuff closure was documented. Patients were examined postoperatively to assess cuff healing, and a standardized sexual function questionnaire was administered preoperatively and at 3 months postoperatively. Measurements and Main Results The mean vaginal cuff closure time was 10.4 minutes versus 9.6 minutes in the barbed versus standard suture group (p = .51). Cuff healing appeared similar between the 2 groups. Rates of dyspareunia, partner dyspareunia, and sexual function were similar in both groups at 3 months postoperatively. Vaginal cuff closure times were significantly faster among attendings compared with residents/fellows (7.1 vs 12.8 minutes, respectively; p Conclusion Laparoscopic vaginal cuff closure times are similar when using barbed sutures and braided sutures.
Competitive Environment Affects Food-Hoarding Behavior of Merriam's Kangaroo Rats (Dipodomys merriami)

North American desert rodents in the family Heteromyidae live in an unpredictable environment characterized by extremes in temperature and food availability; therefore, the ability to hoard food is a vital adaptation. Although much laboratory research has investigated food-hoarding tactics of heteromyid rodents, data from natural systems are scarce. We used a combination of fluorescently labeled seeds and observations of focal individuals to evaluate food-hoarding behavior in wild Merriam’s kangaroo rats (Dipodomys merriami) living in different competitive environments. There was considerable individual variation within populations in the tendency to larderhoard seeds in a burrow versus scatterhoard seeds in widely dispersed locations. However, Merriam’s kangaroo rats living in a system where competitors were predominately conspecific scatterhoarded more than those living in a system where conspecifics were less abundant and heterospecific competitors also were present. Also, pilferage was more common between Merriam’s kangaroo rats than across species. Comparisons of food hoarding between communities with different species composition indicate that intraspecific variation in behavior may be associated with variation in competitive environments.
Synthetic Arterial Graft Conduits

This paper is presented to describe the different types of synthetic arterial graft conduits. Included are: woven and knitted dacron, externally-supported- polypropylene dacron, endothelial-cell-lined dacron, pyrolytic-carbon-coated dacron and collagen-impregnated dacron. It also includes PTFE graft, polyure thane elastomers and antibiotic-impregnated dacron. All of the different uses, longevities, complications and possible future evolvings are described.
Selective inhibition of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) by adenosine ribonucleoside triphosphate (ATP) and its application in the detection of TdT in human leukemia.

Abstract TdT is strongly inhibited in the presence of ATP, while other DNA polymerases, i.e., α, β, γ and reverse transcriptase are resistant to ATP inhibition. This selective inhibition of TdT in the presence of ATP has been used as a diagnostic aid to identify TdT in extracts of leukocytes obtained from acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) and chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) patients.
The hand that rocks the spindle

Asymmetric cell division is a fundamental process by which cells give rise to progenies with different fates. Although this mechanism is well studied in the worm and fly, mammalian asymmetric cell division is poorly understood. The finding that Gβγ and AGS3 can control mitotic spindle orientation and progenitor cell fates during mouse cortical development suggests evolutionarily conserved roles in asymmetric cell division.
Holistic 3D reconstruction of urban structures from low-rank textures

We introduce a new approach to reconstructing accurate camera geometry and 3D models for urban structures in a holistic fashion, i.e., without relying on extraction or matching of traditional local features such as points and edges. Instead, we use semi-global or global features based on transform invariant low-rank textures, which are ubiquitous in urban scenes. Modern high-dimensional optimization techniques enable us to accurately and robustly recover precise and consistent camera calibration and scene geometry from single or multiple images of the scene. We demonstrate how to construct 3D models of large-scale buildings from sequences of multiple large-baseline uncalibrated images that conventional SFM systems do not apply.
Quality Learning and Unlearning

When draft rioters set fire to the Colored Orphan Asylum in New York on the night of July 13, 1863, one man in the crowd called out, “If there is a man among you with a heart within him, come and help these poor children!” Incensed, the crowd turned on him and almost dismembered him. But he had distracted them, enabling the orphans to escape. Ayers and Dohrn.
Simulation of job scheduling for small scale clusters

Despite growing popularity of small-scale clusters built out of off-the-shelf components, there has been little research on how these small-scale clusters behave under different scheduling policies. Batch scheduling policies with back-filling provide excellent space-sharing strategy for parallel jobs. However, as the performances of uniprocessor and symmetric multiprocessor have improved with time-sharing scheduling strategies, it is intuitive that the performance of a cluster of PCs with distributed memory may also improve with time-sharing strategies, or a combination of time-sharing and space-sharing strategies. Apart from the batch scheduling policies, this research explores the possibilities of using synchronized time-sharing scheduling algorithms for clusters. This paper describes simulation of the Gang scheduling policies on top of an existing batch scheme. The simulation results indicate that time-sharing scheduler for clusters could exhibit superior performance over a batch policy.