cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Charged Particle Tracking via Edge-Classifying Interaction Networks

Recent work has demonstrated that geometric deep learning methods such as graph neural networks (GNNs) are well suited to address a variety of reconstruction problems in high-energy particle physics. In particular, particle tracking data are naturally represented as a graph by identifying silicon tracker hits as nodes and particle trajectories as edges, given a set of hypothesized edges, edge-classifying GNNs identify those corresponding to real particle trajectories. In this work, we adapt the physics-motivated interaction network (IN) GNN toward the problem of particle tracking in pileup conditions similar to those expected at the high-luminosity Large Hadron Collider. Assuming idealized hit filtering at various particle momenta thresholds, we demonstrate the IN’s excellent edge-classification accuracy and tracking efficiency through a suite of measurements at each stage of GNN-based tracking: graph construction, edge classification, and track building. The proposed IN architecture is substantially smaller than previously studied GNN tracking architectures; this is particularly promising as a reduction in size is critical for enabling GNN-based tracking in constrained computing environments. Furthermore, the IN may be represented as either a set of explicit matrix operations or a message passing GNN. Efforts are underway to accelerate each representation via heterogeneous computing resources towards both high-level and low-latency triggering applications.
Cardiac vagal tone is correlated with selective attention to neutral distractors under load

We examined whether cardiac vagal tone (indexed by heart rate variability, HRV) was associated with the functioning of selective attention under load. Participants were instructed to detect a target letter among letter strings superimposed on either fearful or neutral distractor faces. Under low load, when letter strings consisted of six target letters, there was no difference between people with high and low HRV on task performance. Under high load, when letter strings consisted of one target letter and five nontarget letters, people with high HRV were faster in trials with neutral distractors, but not with fearful distractors. However, people with low HRV were slower in trials with both fearful and neutral distractors. The current research suggests cardiac vagal tone is associated with successful control of selective attention critical for goal-directed behavior, and its impact is greater when fewer cognitive resources are available.
Drag Coefficient of Cylinders in Turbulent Flow

The effects of free-stream turbulence on the drag coefficient of a circular cylinder were investigated experimentally in an air duct. The experiments were performed over a range of Reynolds number, based on mean velocity and cylinder diameter, from 1,350 < Re < 8,000. A constant temperature hot-film anemometer was used to determine the turbulence intensity which was between 1.2% < u′ < 21%. The range of the dimensionless turbulence scale was from 0.5 < ∂/D < 3.3, in which ∂ = the turbulence scale defined through the integral of auto-correlation function and D = the diameter of the cylinder. Two smooth circular cylinders were used. They were 1/4 in. and 1/2 in. 6.35 mm and 12.7 mm shell fraction. Quantitative results were obtained. Equations describing the relationship between the drag coefficient and turbulence characteristics were also obtained.
Geometric Optimization and Polynomial Hierarchy

We illustrate two different techniques of accurately classifying geometric optimization problems in the polynomial hierarchy. We show that if NP≠Co-NP then there are interesting natural geometric optimization problems (location-allocation problems under minsum) in △ 2 P that are in neither NP nor Co-NP. Hence, all these problems are shown to belong properly to △ 2 P , the second level of the polynomial hierarchy. We also show that if NP≠Co-NP then there are again some interesting geometric optimization problems (location-allocation problems under minmax), properly in △ 2 P and furthermore they are complete for a class DP (which is contained in △ 2 P and contains NP Co-NP).
Aligning peaks across multiple mass spectrometry data sets using a scale-space based approach

We proposed a scale-space approach to automatically align multiple MS peak sets without manual parameter determination. It is more robust against noise than the hierarchical clustering method. In addition, it is possible to embed intensity information into the alignment framework, thus generalizing current approaches that use only the m/z information during the alignment of peaks. Our tests showed that this generalization brought some extra advantages for peak alignment, although we did not show concrete examples here due to the space limitation.
Microarray karyotyping of commercial wine yeast strains reveals shared, as well as unique, genomic signatures

Genetic differences between yeast strains used in wine-making may account for some of the variation seen in their fermentation properties and may also produce differing sensory characteristics in the final wine product itself. To investigate this, we have determined genomic differences among several Saccharomyces cerevisiae wine strains by using a "microarray karyotyping" (also known as "array-CGH" or "aCGH") technique. We have studied four commonly used commercial wine yeast strains, assaying three independent isolates from each strain. All four wine strains showed common differences with respect to the laboratory S. cerevisiae strain S288C, some of which may be specific to commercial wine yeasts. We observed very little intra-strain variation; i.e., the genomic karyotypes of different commercial isolates of the same strain looked very similar, although an exception to this was seen among the Montrachet isolates. A moderate amount of inter-strain genomic variation between the four wine strains was observed, mostly in the form of depletions or amplifications of single genes; these differences allowed unique identification of each strain. Many of the inter-strain differences appear to be in transporter genes, especially hexose transporters (HXT genes), metal ion sensors/transporters (CUP1, ZRT1, ENA genes), members of the major facilitator superfamily, and in genes involved in drug response (PDR3, SNQ1, QDR1, RDS1, AYT1, YAR068W). We therefore used halo assays to investigate the response of these strains to three different fungicidal drugs (cycloheximide, clotrimazole, sulfomethuron methyl). Strains with fewer copies of the CUP1 loci showed hypersensitivity to sulfomethuron methyl. Microarray karyotyping is a useful tool for analyzing the genome structures of wine yeasts. Despite only small to moderate variations in gene copy numbers between different wine yeast strains and within different isolates of a given strain, there was enough variation to allow unique identification of strains; additionally, some of the variation correlated with drug sensitivity. The relatively small number of differences seen by microarray karyotyping between the strains suggests that the differences in fermentative and organoleptic properties ascribed to these different strains may arise from a small number of genetic changes, making it possible to test whether the observed differences do indeed confer different sensory properties in the finished wine.
The magnetic characteristics of the Tb(Ni1−xCox)2Ge2 system

Abstract The compounds TbNi 2 Ge 2 and TbCo 2 Ge 2 both crystallize with the ThCr 2 Si 2 structure. TbNi 2 Ge 2 has a complex H – T phase diagram while TbCo 2 Ge 2 has a much simpler, though disputed phase diagram. In order to investigate the effects on the magnetism of TbNi 2 Ge 2 due to cobalt substitution, single crystals of Tb(Ni 1− x Co x ) 2 Ge 2 with x ranging from 0 to 1 have been grown from a psuedoternary melt. We have traced the Neel and Weiss temperatures as a function of cobalt concentration, x . Close to x =0.5, the Weiss temperature is positive, indicating predominately ferromagnetic interactions (in contrast to x x >0.6 for which the Weiss temperatures are negative), χ ( T ≈ T N ) is a maximum and the critical field for metamagnetism is a minimum. Nevertheless, the compound orders antiferromagnetically, similar to all other members of the dilution series.
Hyaluronan Synthesis, Catabolism, and Signaling in Neurodegenerative Diseases

The glycosaminoglycan hyaluronan (HA), a component of the extracellular matrix, has been implicated in regulating neural differentiation, survival, proliferation, migration, and cell signaling in the mammalian central nervous system (CNS). HA is found throughout the CNS as a constituent of proteoglycans, especially within perineuronal nets that have been implicated in regulating neuronal activity. HA is also found in the white matter where it is diffusely distributed around astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. Insults to the CNS lead to long-term elevation of HA within damaged tissues, which is linked at least in part to increased transcription of HA synthases. HA accumulation is often accompanied by elevated expression of at least some transmembrane HA receptors including CD44. Hyaluronidases that digest high molecular weight HA into smaller fragments are also elevated following CNS insults and can generate HA digestion products that have unique biological activities. A number of studies, for example, suggest that both the removal of high molecular weight HA and the accumulation of hyaluronidase-generated HA digestion products can impact CNS injuries through mechanisms that include the regulation of progenitor cell differentiation and proliferation. These studies, reviewed here, suggest that targeting HA synthesis, catabolism, and signaling are all potential strategies to promote CNS repair.
Prediction of Clearance, Volume of Distribution and Half-life by Allometric Scaling and by use of Plasma Concentrations Predicted from Pharmacokinetic Constants: a Comparative Study

Pharmacokinetic parameters (clearance, CL, volume of distribution in the central compartment, VdC, and elimination half-life, t1/2beta) predicted by an empirical allometric approach have been compared with parameters predicted from plasma concentrations calculated by use of the pharmacokinetic constants A, B, alpha and beta, where A and B are the intercepts on the Y axis of the plot of plasma concentration against time and alpha and beta are the rate constants, both pairs of constants being for the distribution and elimination phases, respectively. The pharmacokinetic parameters of cefpiramide, actisomide, troglitazone, procaterol, moxalactam and ciprofloxacin were scaled from animal data obtained from the literature. Three methods were used to generate plots for the prediction of clearance in man: dependence of clearance on body weight (simple allometric equation); dependence of the product of clearance and maximum life-span potential (MLP) on body weight; and dependence of the product of clearance and brain weight on body weight. Plasma concentrations of the drugs were predicted in man by use of A, B, alpha and beta obtained from animal data. The predicted plasma concentrations were then used to calculate CL, VdC and t1/2beta. The pharmacokinetic parameters predicted by use of both approaches were compared with measured values. The results indicate that simple allometry did not predict clearance satisfactorily for actisomide, troglitazone, procaterol and ciprofloxacin. Use of MLP or the product of clearance and brain weight improved the prediction of clearance for these four drugs. Except for troglitazone, VdC and t1/2beta predicted for man by use of the allometric approach were comparable with measured values for the drugs studied. CL, VdC and t1/2beta predicted by use of pharmacokinetic constants were comparable with values predicted by simple allometry. Thus, if simple allometry failed to predict clearance of a drug, so did the pharmacokinetic constant approach (except for actisomide). The results of this study indicate that caution should be employed in interpreting plasma concentrations predicted for a drug in man by use of pharmacokinetic constants obtained in animals.
New antipsychotic medications: strategies for evaluation and selected findings

The unprecedented level of activity in the development of new antipsychotic medications can be traced to the 1989 approval of clozapine by the US Food and Drug Administration for treatment of refractory schizophrenia. This has encouraged the development of other new agents that share some of clozapine's receptor binding characteristics. A wide range of clinical trial designs are being used during the development of new antipsychotic medications. This article describes both basic designs and more innovative ones: flexible-dose designs that include placebo and conventional neuroleptic agents as controls; fixed-dose designs with multiple doses of experimental medication; and fixed-dose designs with multiple doses of the experimental and comparator medication. The strengths and weaknesses of each are identified. The need for long-term maintenance studies of newer agents is emphasized because psychotic disorders in general, and schizophrenia in particular, are chronic relapsing illnesses. The current status of four newer antipsychotic medications is considered: clozapine, risperidone, olanzapine, and sertindole. The importance of direct comparison among the newer antipsychotic medications in both short- and long-term trials is highlighted.
Ambient-temperature regression analysis for estimating retrofit savings in commercial buildings

This paper describes a procedure for estimating weather-adjusted retrofit savings in commercial buildings using ambient-temperature regression models. The selection of ambient temperature as the sole independent regression variable is discussed. An approximate method for determining the uncertainty of savings and a method for identifying the data time scale which minimizes the uncertainty of savings are developed. The appropriate uses of both linear and change-point models for estimating savings based on expected heating and cooling relationships for common HVAC systems are described. A case study example illustrates the procedure.
Suppression of crystallization in the binary system 1,2-propanediol-deuterium oxide. Comparison with light water as solvent

Abstract The solid-liquid phase diagram of the binary system D2O-1,2-propanediol has been studied for concentrations up to 50% w/w. The homogeneous nucleation was also analyzed using an emulsification technique within the classical theory. The isothermal and non-isothermal crystallization of ice were studied during warming for samples which vitrify during the initial cooling down below the glass transition. The thermal analysis was performed using the Johnson-Mehl-Avrami model extended to non-isothermal conditions. Comparisons are made with previous results from the binary system H2O-1,2-propanediol. The suppression of crystallization during cooling is similar for both binary systems for concentrations in %mole/mole. The differences between melting and devitrification temperatures are also similar. The results do not indicate major differences between the crystallization kinetics with H2O or with D2O. Calculations of the kinetics parameters do, however, underline detailed differences. The suppression of the nucleation of ice is steeper for the D2O system than for the H2O system, even if the homogeneous nucleation temperatures are higher with D2O than with H2O. Estimates of the solid-liquid surface free energies are higher for the H2O solvent than for the D2O solvent and decrease as the 1,2-propanediol concentration increases. They cross over for a concentration close to 89% mole/mole solvent. For the isothermal and non-isothermal crystallization, the determination of the Avrami exponent is similar for the two solvents, with values of between 2.5 and 2 for solute concentrations higher than 37.5% w/w. However, D2O presents higher absolute activation energy values than H2O. These variations confirm that the nucleation is better suppressed and the crystal growth less suppressed by addition of 1,2-propanediol in D2O solutions than in H2O solutions for dilute concentrations.
On the relationship between detection and recognition.

Predictions derived from a “unitary-process” theory on the relationship between detection and recognition were examined in two experiments on visual detection and recognition. As predicted on the basis of this theory, recognition accuracy was superior to detection accuracy. An analysis of the conditional probabilities from a joint detection-recognition task revealed the pattern of relationships predicted by the theory. Increasing the number of alternative stimuli while maintaining only two response categories was found not to significantly affect detection or recognition performance, contrary to expectations based on the idea of multiple independent detectors.
Sprouting in Temperate Trees: A Morphological and Ecological Review

Sprouting in trees, which results in the production of secondary trunks, is an induced response to injury or to a dramatic change in surrounding environmental conditions. This article reviews the forestry and ecology literature to produce an integrated view of the role of sprouting in both disturbed habitats and closed-canopy forests. Sprouting is a universal attribute of temperate angiosperm trees through the sapling stage of development but is much less common among gymnosperms. Four basic types of sprout morphologies are described: collar sprouts from the base of the trunk, sprouts from specialized underground stems (lignotubers and rhizomes), sprouts from roots, and opportunistic sprouts from layered branches. In a survey of 68 species of trees native to northeastern North America, 41% were found to retain the ability to sprout from the collar into adulthood; 26% sprout from branch layers under natural conditions; and 25% have the capacity to form root suckers.
Convergence and stability analysis of system of partial differential equations under Markovian structural perturbations–i: vector lyapunov–like functions

In this paper we employ the theory of dererministic ordinary differential inequalities together with the concept of vector Lyapunov–like functional to develop basic comparison theorems for system of partial differential equations of parabolic type under Markovian structural perturbations.These results will be utilized to give sufficient conditions for the convergence and stability of the solution process of the system.We also characterize the effects of the random structural perturbations on the qualitative properties of such system. Moreover,the Lyapunov–like functional approach provides a mechanism to characterize the diffusion effects on the qualitative properties of the system.
On a natural realization of matrix fraction descriptions

An input-output approach is taken to the realization of matrix fraction descriptions of transfer matrices. This provides a system theoretic interpretation and more insight for a realization given by Fuhrmann [4], [5].
Baryon asymmetry in the very early universe

Abstract We suggest a three stage mechanism for the development of a net baryon excess in the universe. The first phase is an initial heating due to strong gravitational fluctuations during the first 10−43 s. This is followed by a stage in which baryon and CP violating processes produce a large excess via a mechanism suggested by Weinberg. Finally thermalization dissipates most of the initially produced baryon number leaving a small excess.
Tumor antigenicity and the immune system in gynecological cancer: a review.

Abstract A review of tumor immunology with particular emphasis on three gynecological malignancies, gestational trophoblastic disease, uterine cervical carcinoma, and ovarian carcinoma. Commentary includes the immune reactive cells and their functions as determined by in vitro and in vivo tests; serum and tissue antigen markers; and effects on the immune response of ionizing radiation, surgery, and chemotherapy.
Interstellar cyanogen and the temperature of the cosmic microwave background radiation

We present the results of a recently completed effort to determine the amount of CN rotational excitation in five diffuse interstellar clouds for the purpose of accurately measuring the temperature of the cosmic microwave background radiation (CMBR). In addition, we report a new detection of emission from the strongest hyperfine component of the 2.64 mm CN rotational transition (N = 1-0) in the direction toward HD 21483. We have used this result in combination with existing emission measurements toward our other stars to correct for local excitation effects within diffuse clouds which raise the measured CN rotational temperature above that of the CMBR. After making this correction, we find a weighted mean value of T(CMBR) = 2.729 (+0.023, -0.031) K. This temperature is in excellent agreement with the new COBE measurement of 2.726 +/- 0.010 K (Mather et al., 1993). Our result, which samples the CMBR far from the near-Earth environment, attests to the accuracy of the COBE measurement and reaffirms the cosmic nature of this background radiation. From the observed agreement between our CMBR temperature and the COBE result, we conclude that corrections for local CN excitation based on millimeter emission measurements provide an accurate adjustment to the measured rotational excitation.
Family processes in pediatric asthma.

Purpose of reviewFamily processes are best conceptualized within an integrated, dynamic biopsychosocial model of pediatric asthma. We reviewed the literature on specific family processes proposed to influence asthma outcomes, the mechanisms of influence, and family-focused interventions to improve a
RNA Determinants for Translational Editing MISCHARGING A MINIHELIX SUBSTRATE BY A tRNA SYNTHETASE

The fidelity of protein synthesis requires efficient discrimination of amino acid substrates by aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases. Accurate discrimination of the structurally similar amino acids, valine and isoleucine, by isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase (IleRS) results, in part, from a hydrolytic editing reaction, which prevents misactivated valine from being stably joined to tRNAIle. The editing reaction is dependent on the presence of tRNAIle, which contains discrete D-loop nucleotides that are necessary to promote editing of misactivated valine. RNA minihelices comprised of just the acceptor-TΨC helix of tRNAIle are substrates for specific aminoacylation by IleRS. These substrates lack the aforementioned D-loop nucleotides. Because minihelices contain determinants for aminoacylation, we thought that they might also play a role in editing that has not previously been recognized. Here we show that, in contrast to tRNAIle, minihelixIle is unable to trigger the hydrolysis of misactivated valine and, in fact, is mischarged with valine. In addition, mutations in minihelixIle that enhance or suppress charging with isoleucine do the same with valine. Thus, minihelixIle contains signals for charging (by IleRS) that are independent of the amino acid and, by itself, minihelixIle provides no determinants for editing. An RNA hairpin that mimics the D-stem/loop of tRNAIle is also unable to induce the hydrolysis of misactivated valine, both by itself and in combination with minihelixIle. Thus, the native tertiary fold of tRNAIle is required to promote efficient editing. Considering that the minihelix is thought to be the more ancestral part of the tRNA structure, these results are consistent with the idea that, during the development of the genetic code, RNA determinants for editing were added after the establishment of an aminoacylation system.
Oxygen ordering and twinning in YBa2Cu3O7−x

Direct structure images of the YBa2Cu3O7-x high Tc superconducting ceramic (also called the 1-2-3 compound) at 1.7 A resolution have been obtained for the [100] and [001] orientations. It was found that for the purposes of studying oxygen ordering in this compound it is better to use lattice images of lower resolution. The oxygen ordering was studied via the measurement of the bending of (100) and (110) lattice planes on crossing the (110) twin boundaries in crystals oriented in the [001] zone. Significant variations were found in the b/a ratios, owning to a variation in oxygen ordering, between different crystal grains, and between different regions in the same grain. For the three different 1-2-3 samples studied, the average b/a ratio was 1.016, the same value as was found in neutron diffraction studies. The twin boundaries in the orthorhombic 1-2-3 phase are sharp and planar. It seems likely that the transformation from the high-temperature tetragonal phase to the lower-temperature orthorhombic phase is martensitic in nature. A new phase has been discovered on some of the twin boundaries. The new phase can be indexed as tetragonal with a = 7.5 +/- 0.2 A, and c = 6.8 +/- 0.2 A. It is possible that the new phase is stabilized by the stress which occurs at the twin boundaries.
Linear hash families and forbidden configurations

The classical orthogonal arrays over the finite field underlie a powerful construction of perfect hash families. By forbidding certain sets of configurations from arising in these orthogonal arrays, this construction yields previously unknown perfect, separating, and distributing hash families. When the strength s of the orthogonal array, the strength t of the hash family, and the number of its rows are all specified, the forbidden sets of configurations can be determined explicitly. Each forbidden set leads to a set of equations that must simultaneously hold. Hence computational techniques can be used to determine sufficient conditions for a perfect, separating, and distributing hash family to exist. In this paper the forbidden configurations, resulting equations, and existence results are determined when (s, t) ? {(2, 5), (2, 6), (3, 4), (4, 3)}. Applications to the existence of covering arrays of strength at most six are presented.
Pulsed electrical discharge in bubbled water for environmental applications

Summary form only given. Environmental applications of pulsed electrical discharge for water sterilization, decoloration, and decontamination are based on the generation of ozone, hydrogen peroxide, O, H and OH radicals and other chemically active species. This study investigates water purification and the production of active species by a pulsed electrical discharge in water in the presence of gas bubbles (oxygen, argon). 11-15 kV, ~5 mus pulses at a rate of 5-20 Hz are applied to horizontal parallel mesh electrodes in a reactor where water and gas bubbles pass vertically through the mesh electrodes. The organic dye, Rhodamine WT at an initial concentration of 200-400 ppb is used as a model to assess the effectiveness of the cleaning process for several reactor designs and experimental parameters. Significant reductions in the dye concentrations have been achieved, and the production of hydrogen peroxide and ozone has been investigated. The experiments reported here explore the effect of varying the power delivered to the system, the electrode configuration, oxygen gas flow rate, and solution flow rate on the decoloration process and on the production of hydrogen peroxide and ozone in the solution. Particular attention has been given to the dependence of the discharge characteristics on the size of the gas bubbles as compared the mesh size and the distance between the electrodes. This investigation also explores the importance of the background solution properties such as the initial pH and conductivity of the solution for the discharge process and the production of active species
On the collapse of certain Eilenberg–Moore spectral sequences

Abstract Let Z be a path connected H -space with H ∗ (Z; Z p ) concentrated in even degrees. Then the Eilenberg–Moore spectral sequences associated to the path loop fibrations ΩZ→PZ→Z,Ω 2 Z→PΩZ→ΩZ collapse at the E 2 term.
Level by level inequivalence beyond measurability

We construct models containing exactly one supercompact cardinal in which level by level inequivalence between strong compactness and supercompactness holds. In each model, above the supercompact cardinal, there are finitely many strongly compact cardinals, and the strongly compact and measurable cardinals precisely coincide.
Are Food Insecurity’s Health Impacts Underestimated in the U.S. Population? Marginal Food Security Also Predicts Adverse Health Outcomes in Young U.S. Children and Mothers

This review addresses epidemiological, public health, and social policy implications of categorizing young children and their adult female caregivers in the United States as food secure when they live in households with “marginal food security,” as indicated by the U.S. Household Food Security Survey Module. Existing literature shows that households in the US with marginal food security are more like food-insecure households than food-secure households. Similarities include socio-demographic characteristics, psychosocial profiles, and patterns of disease and health risk. Building on existing knowledge, we present new research on associations of marginal food security with health and developmental risks in young children (<48 mo) and health in their female caregivers. Marginal food security is positively associated with adverse health outcomes compared with food security, but the strength of the associations is weaker than that for food insecurity as usually defined in the US. Nonoverlapping CIs, when comparing odds of marginally food-secure children’s fair/poor health and developmental risk and caregivers’ depressive symptoms and fair/poor health with those in food-secure and -insecure families, indicate associations of marginal food security significantly and distinctly intermediate between those of food security and food insecurity. Evidence from reviewed research and the new research presented indicates that households with marginal food security should not be classified as food secure, as is the current practice, but should be reported in a separate discrete category. These findings highlight the potential underestimation of the prevalence of adverse health outcomes associated with exposure to lack of enough food for an active, healthy life in the US and indicate an even greater need for preventive action and policies to limit and reduce exposure among children and mothers. Adv. Nutr. 4: 51–61, 2013.
What type and level of science content knowledge of elementary education students affect their ability to construct an inquiry-based science lesson?

Although various governmental and professional organizations recommend that teachers use, an inquiry-based approach to science education, most teachers do not use this pedagogy. Lack of content knowledge and/or insufficient skills in planning inquiry-based lessons may contribute to teachers’ reluctance to utilize this methodological approach. This study explores the relationship between science content knowledge and inquiry-based lesson planning ability. The authors found a significant positive relationship between content knowledge and the ability to create an inquiry-based science lesson. These data are of great interest since proficiency in lesson-planning is believed to contribute significantly to the ability to teach an inquiry-based lesson.
Automated misplaced component inspection for printed circuit boards

In recent years, the opening of worldwide markets to many products has forced manufacturing companies to compete on a global basis. This high level of competition amongst manufacturers has led to rapid developments in the areas of computer integrated manufacturing, flexible manufacturing, agile manufacturing, and intelligent manufacturing. These developments have in turn generated a need for intelligent sensing and decision making systems capable of automatically performing many tasks traditionally executed by human beings. Visual inspection is one such task, and there is a need for effective automated visual inspection systems in today's competitive manufacturing environments. The following will discuss the advantages of implementing an intelligent visual inspection system based on natural human vision. Results from current models will also be presented.
Trends in the asset structure of California hospitals during a financial crisis

The recent financial crises affected US economy as well as healthcare industry. However, how this financial crisis affected the asset investment trend in the hospitals has not paid attention. Thus, this study describes and analyzes the asset investment structure across hospital ownership and size before and after financial crises using California hospitals data from 2005 to 2010. This paper finds that hospitals’ asset structure is significantly different based on ownership and size. Not-for-profit hospitals experience significant drop in financial asset during financial crisis and large not-for-profit hospitals also showed significant changes in fixed and financial assets.
EXACERBATION OF THE CALCIUM PARADOX WITH EXOGENOUS ADENOSINE TRIPHOSPHATE IN ISOLATED WORKING RAT HEART

SUMMARY Thedeleterious effect ofcalcium withdrawal andrestoration oncardiac cell membranes ('Ca-paradox') wasstudied using isolated, working ratheart. Theoptical density ofthe coronary sinus effluent wasmeasured at260nmwavelength. Theefflux ofA260 material upon restoration ofcalcium wasproportional totheduration ofcalcium-free perfusion, indicating graded membranous injury. WhenATP,10-6 to10-4M,wasadded tothecalcium-free perfusate for30sofcalcium-free perfusion, release ofA260 material increased asalogarithmic function ofexogenous ATP concentration. Thatthisexacerbating effect isproduced bysuchlow concentrations relative tointracellular amounts indicates anaction ofATPonthemembrane surface. Itissuggested thatexogenous ATP enhances calcium entryintothecell, thus contributing tocalcium influx through membranes already rendered abnormally permeable fromthe'Ca-paradox' mechanism.
Nuclear Effects in Massive Lepton Pair Production

Abstract Precise measurements of nuclear effects in the production of massive lepton pairs from heavy targets by pion and proton beams would extend knowledge of the nuclear dependence of antiquark and quark structure functions of nucleons into important intervals of the fractional longitudinal momentum variable x Bj not easily accessible in deep inelastic scattering. Isolating nuclear dependence is also essential before definite conclusions can be drawn on the behavior of the pion structure function and on the magnitude and kinematic variation of the perturbative QCD K -factor obtained from heavy target data.
Zakharov-Shabat-Mikhailov scheme of construction of two-dimensional completely integrable field theories

General algebraic and analytic formalism for derivation and solution of general two dimensional field theory equations of Zakharov-Shabat-Mikhailov type is presented. The examples presented show that this class of equations covers most of the known two-dimensional completely integrable equations. Possible generalizations for four dimensional systems require detailed analysis of Backlund transformation of these equations. Backlund transformation is presented in the form of Riemann problem and one special case of dual symmetry is worked out.
A Hard-Nosed Look at Worsening U.S. Household Finance

Arguably, the stability of household finances is the biggest single unknown in the U.S. economy today. We have published several pieces on the issue. After analyzing the household sector closely, the author proposes some hard-nosed solutions for the nation.
Hemoglobin autoxidation and regulation of endogenous H2O2 levels in erythrocytes

Red cells from mice deficient in glutathione peroxidase-1 were used to estimate the hemoglobin autoxidation rate and the endogenous level of H2O2 and superoxide. Methemoglobin and the rate of catalase inactivation by 3-amino-2,4,5-triazole (3-AT) were determined. In contrast with iodoacetamide-treated red cells, catalase was not inactivated by 3-AT in glutathione peroxidase-deficient erythrocytes. Kinetic models incorporating reactions known to involve H2O2 and superoxide in the erythrocyte were used to estimate H2O2, superoxide, and methemoglobin levels. The experimental data could not be modeled unless the intraerythrocytic concentration of Compound I is very low. Two additional models were tested. In one, it was assumed that a rearranged Compound I, termed Compound II*, does not react with 3-AT. However, experiments with an NADPH-generating system provided evidence that this mechanism does not occur. A second model that explicitly includes peroxiredoxin II can fit the experimental findings. Insertion of the data into the model predicted a hemoglobin autoxidation rate constant of 4.5 x 10(-7) s(-1) and an endogenous H2O2 and superoxide concentrations of 5 x 10(-11) and 5 x 10(-13) M, respectively, lower than previous estimates.
A primer in computed axial tomographic anatomy. V. The neck

We have attempted to present the pictorial material delineating the anatomic structures of the neck in the same basic format that we have employed in previous communications on the CT anatomy "of other body areas (1-4). This format consists of a series of adjacent CT scans made on a cadaver which are accompanied by a composite, schematic line drawing defining the structures shown on the scans. In the present communication, minor modifications of this format were deemed desirable due to the following circumstances: rigor mortis renders positioning of the neck within the gantry awkward, if not impossible at times; fat planes delineating the structures contained within the neck are quite sparse and probably deteriorate with time in an unpreserved body or are partially obscured by the embalming process in preserved bodies; the major airways contain fluid that cannot always be successfully aspirated; marked osteoporosis, metastases or hypertrophic degenerative changes render reasonable delineation of the bony anatomy unlikely; there is considerable individual variation in the CT appearance of any one specific vertebra and the precise level of the section along the cephalocaudad axis of a vertebra induces additional variations; finally, the rather large number of relatively small anatomic structures seen on any series of four consecutive CT scans necessitates a line drawing with an excessively large number of labels. Therefore, we elected to present the pictorial material in three series of illustrations as follows: Series A, Figures 1-4. The major vessels of the neck are identified on a line drawing that accompanies 16 consecutive scans of a body in which the neck arteries are filled with air and the veins contain contrast material. Series B, Figures 5 and 6. For review purposes, the major vessels are identified directly in abbreviated form on eight consecutive scans. Series C, Figures 7-12. The objective of this series is to show the anatomy of the vertebrae, soft tissues of the neck and structures forming the major upper airway. Four consecutive scans are accompanied by a composite line drawing which identifies major landmarks seen on the scans; the schematic line drawings compare quite closely with the corresponding scan labeled D of the same figure. To illustrate individual variations or to show additional anatomic structures, the scans labeled A, B or C in each figure were derived from a large pool of scans made on other bodies or living subjects.
Voter preferences, simple electoral games, and equilibria in two-candidate contests

The fundamental assumption of spatial models of party competition is that voters possess cardinal utility functions defined on all combinations of issue positions which candidates may adopt. Furthermore, spatial theorists usually assume that utility functions have a shape common to all voters and that voters' most preferred positions are distributed in some regular manner. Employing these and attendant assumptions, the spatial theorist seeks to ascertain what deductions can be made about candidate strategies, i.e., the positions which vote or plurality-maximizing candidates should adopt in an election. It has been found that, in many situations, convergence to an opponent's positions and/or adoption of the median/mean of the most preferred positions of all voters is an important candidate strategy. In this context, two main problems have arisen: (1) difficulties of empirical or statistical analysis; (2) the abovementioned candidate strategy is generally not applicable to elections in so-called ‘plural’ societies. One path out of this latter problem has been formulated by Rabushka and Shepsle (1972). This article explores another potential solution by addressing the following question: If voters arenot characterized by cardinal utility functions, but some other type, what are the consequences for candidate strategies? The alternate assumption employed is that voters are characterized bylexicographic utility functions. The consequences for candidate strategies of this assumption are then determined for two plurality-maximizing candidates in some one- and two-dimensional, three-, five-, and seven-voter electoral games.
Diffusional behavior in B2 intermetallic compounds

Abstract The Huntington-McCombie-Elcock (HME) and antistructure bridge (ASB) mechanisms proposed for B2 intermetallic compounds are reviewed. By using a thermodynamic argument, the HME mechanism is shown to be operative near the stoichiometric composition. On the other hand, the ASB mechanism is shown to be important at compositions away from stoichiometry. A combination of these two mechanisms is able to describe the compositional dependences of the experimentally determined self-diffusion coefficients for several B2 intermetallic compounds. By using conclusions drawn from these two mechanisms, it is further shown that the compositional dependences of the activation energies and pre-exponential factors are related to the partial molar enthalpies and entropies of the component elements. The frequently observed decreases in the activation energy and pre-exponential factor with deviations from stoichiometry are in accord with the corresponding decreases in the partial molar enthalpy and entropy. The extensive experimental data for NiAl are used to verify these relations.
Soil compaction in topsoil replacement during mining reclamation

Current U.S. mining regulations require revegetation in reclaiming surface mines. Excessive soil compaction can be an impediment to successful revegetation in poor soil conditions common to Eastern U.S. coal mine sites. A field study was performed to determine the bulk densities of soils that had been spread by either bulldozers or scrapers at a strip mine site. Moisture-density relationships for the soils were determined from the field samples. These were compared with samples compacted by the Standard Proctor compaction test. The results of the study indicate that the degree of compaction, could be lessened through proper soil handling procedures.
Structural transformations occasioned by crystallographic shear in PLZT and TiO2 ceramics

Fine-grained PLZT and TiO2 ceramics subjected to applied electric fields can, depending upon composition and temperature, undergo disorder-order structural transformations that carry the materials from non-polar to polar structures. This paper proposes that the observed transformations are the result of crystallographic shear processes that depend upon the presence of ordered, planar defect structures in the materials.
Macrophage function in atherosclerosis: Potential roles of TRP channels

Cation channels of the Transient Receptor Potential Canonical (TRPC) group, which belong to the larger TRP superfamily of channel proteins, are critical players in cardiovascular disease. Recent studies underscored a role of TRPC3 in macrophage survival and efferocytosis, two critical events in atherosclerosis lesion development. Also, other members of the TRP channel superfamily are found expressed in monocytes/macrophages, where they participate in processes that might be of significance to atherogenesis. These observations set a framework for future studies aimed at defining the ultimate functions not only of TRPC3, but probably other TRP channels, in macrophage biology. The purpose of this manuscript is to provide a timely revision of existing evidence on the role of members of the TRP channel superfamily, in particular TRPCs, in macrophages and discuss it in the context of the macrophage’s function in atherogenesis.
Increased phosphorylation rate of intermediate filaments during mitotic arrest

Abstract A detergent insoluble 58 000 D polypeptide is phosphorylated at an increased rate during mitotic arrest in cultured Chinese hamster ovary cells. Using one-dimensional peptide mapping, this polypeptide was identified as a phosphorylated form of intermediate filament protein (IFP). The increased rate of phosphorylation is observed with either colcemid- or vinblastine-treated mitotic cells, but is not seen with similarly treated interphase cells.
The importance of administration in mental health

The supply of qualified administrators has not kept pace with the needs of mental health programs. These programs are larger and more complex than ever before, with problems that are very difficult to resolve. The author identifies these problems and suggests that many of them are unique to the mental health field.
Microstructure and mechanical properties of copper subjected to cryogenic laser shock peening

In this study, an innovative materials processing technique, cryogenic laser shock peening (CLSP), is investigated. Copper is processed by laser shock peening (LSP) at the cryogenic temperature and compared with LSP at room temperature (RT-LSP). The microstructure of copper after processing is characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Nanotwins were observed in copper after CLSP due to the effect of cryogenic temperature. In addition, more energy is stored in the material as defects (dislocations) by CLSP compared to RT-LSP. Because of these unique microstructure changes, it is found that high material strength with good thermal stability is achieved after CLSP. The mechanical properties after CLSP, RT-LSP, and as-received are compared.
The Effects of Various Reagents, Mounting Media, and Dyes on the Teliospore Walls of Tilletia Contraversa Kühn

Owing to their composition, the teliospore walls of the smut fungi require hydrous mounting media for microscopic observations. Tilletia contraversa Kuhn possesses a mucilaginous sheath. It is diff...