cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Last-iterate convergence rates for min-max optimization

While classic work in convex-concave min-max optimization relies on average-iterate convergence results, the emergence of nonconvex applications such as training Generative Adversarial Networks has led to renewed interest in last-iterate convergence guarantees. Proving last-iterate convergence is challenging because many natural algorithms, such as Simultaneous Gradient Descent/Ascent, provably diverge or cycle even in simple convex-concave min-max settings, and previous work on global last-iterate convergence rates has been limited to the bilinear and convex-strongly concave settings. In this work, we show that the Hamiltonian Gradient Descent (HGD) algorithm achieves linear convergence in a variety of more general settings, including convex-concave problems that satisfy a "sufficiently bilinear" condition. We also prove similar convergence rates for the Consensus Optimization (CO) algorithm of [MNG17] for some parameter settings of CO.
Designed materials with the giant magnetocaloric effect near room temperature

Abstract The coupling between structural and magnetic degrees of freedom is crucial for realization of interesting physical phenomena associated with magneto-structural transformations resembling austenite-to-martensite transitions. Despite substantial efforts in design and discovery of materials with strong magnetocaloric effects, a majority of viable candidates are composed of non-earth-abundant and toxic elements, while others involve challenging syntheses and post processing. Guided by advanced density functional theory calculations, we report a new family of compounds, i.e., Mn0.5Fe0.5NiSi1-xAlx [x = 0.045–0.07] exhibiting a giant magnetocaloric effect (MCE) that is tunable near room temperature. Their MCE functionality arises from a distinct magneto-structural transformation between a paramagnetic hexagonal Ni2In-type phase and ferromagnetic orthorhombic TiNiSi-type phase that can be actuated by magnetic field and/or pressure. As the transition is sensitive to external hydrostatic pressure, the same materials should also exhibit a strong barocaloric response in addition to the giant MCE.
School Children With Emotional Problems and Communication Deficits: Implications for Speech-Language Pathologists

Mounting evidence reveals that speech and language disorders are quite prevalent among behaviorally handicapped school children. This summary of recent research will address implications of new fin...
Estimated versus actual; The accuracy of accounting for blood loss during endoscopic sinus surgery.

Abstract Purpose Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is the mainstay for chronic inflammatory and neoplastic sinonasal process and as a result many modalities have been studied to minimize blood loss and patient morbidity and to maximize intraoperative visualization. However, often conclusions of actual blood loss are based on surgeons' estimations without ever actually assessing the accuracy of these estimations. The objective of this study was to determine the accuracy of intraoperative blood loss estimates by attending otolaryngology surgeons among patients undergoing ESS. Materials and methods After obtaining institutional review board approval, data were collected on six surgeons performing ESS at a military academic medical center for 21 surgical cases. Specifically, both hourly and end-of-case total “estimated” (EBL) and “calculated actual” (ABL) blood loss values were recorded and compared statistically. Surgeons were blinded to the results until after all data were collected. Results The difference between mean EBL and ABL was 62.5 ml and was statistically significant (p = .007, Power 86.2%). EBL lagged ABL for both hourly intervals during a surgical case and the total end-of-surgery values. Conclusion The surgeons studied had EBL that were statistically significantly less than ABL both at hourly intervals during the surgery and at the conclusion of the case. As a result there exists potential for adverse consequences in clinical care and in efforts in medical research/advancement.
ACOUSTO-ULTRASONIC EVALUATION OF HYBRID COMPOSITES USING OBLIQUE INCIDENCE WAVES

Multi-layered composite structures are becoming widely used in industry. The quantitative evaluation of the quality of bonded interfaces is critical. With the introduction of composite materials as a substitute for metal, the potential for reducing the overall weight of structure is being realized. The composite structure must be designed layer by layer in order to meet the same functional specifications that were met by the previous metal design. The resulting laminate is a sophisticated product with a complex structure and anisotropic material properties. Because of its complexity and anisotropy it is very difficult to inspect. Conventional inspection methods cannot be used and new methods must be developed.
Melody learning and long-distance phonotactics in tone

This paper presents evidence that tone well-formedness patterns share a property of melody-locality, and shows how patterns with this property can be learned. Essentially, a melody-local pattern is one in which constraints over an autosegmental melody operate independently of constraints over the string of tone-bearing units. This includes a range of local tone patterns, long-distance tone-patterns, and their interactions. These results are obtained from the perspective of formal language theory and grammatical inference, which focus on the structural properties of patterns, but the implications extend to other learning frameworks. In particular, a melody-local learner can induce attested tone patterns that cannot be learned by the tier projection learners that have formed the basis of work on learning long-distance phonology. Thus, melody-local learning is a necessary property for learning tone. It is also shown how melody-local learners are more restrictive than learning directly over autosegmental representations.
Observation of Shear-Induced Gelation Using Light Scattering Imaging

By direct imaging of scattered light, we observe shear-induced gelation in extremely dilute solutions of wormlike micelles. This gelation is followed by a fracture of the gel which produces extremely elastic gel bands with recoverable strains of up to 5000%. The gelation and fracture account for the unusual shear-thickening and elastic properties of these solutions.
A system of quantities from software metrology.

Abstract International Organization for Standardization (ISO)/International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 80000, the International System of Quantities, collects and organizes the most important physical quantities into a coherent system of quantities whose foundation for measurements is the International System of Units (SI). This short communication outlines a report that, in a similar fashion, collects and organizes the most important quantities used in measurements performed on software artifacts, focusing on software as a product rather than its development process.
Biomedical Text Link Prediction for Drug Discovery: A Case Study with COVID-19

Link prediction in artificial intelligence is used to identify missing links or derive future relationships that can occur in complex networks. A link prediction model was developed using the complex heterogeneous biomedical knowledge graph, SemNet, to predict missing links in biomedical literature for drug discovery. A web application visualized knowledge graph embeddings and link prediction results using TransE, CompleX, and RotatE based methods. The link prediction model achieved up to 0.44 hits@10 on the entity prediction tasks. The recent outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), also known as COVID-19, served as a case study to demonstrate the efficacy of link prediction modeling for drug discovery. The link prediction algorithm guided identification and ranking of repurposed drug candidates for SARS-CoV-2 primarily by text mining biomedical literature from previous coronaviruses, including SARS and middle east respiratory syndrome (MERS). Repurposed drugs included potential primary SARS-CoV-2 treatment, adjunctive therapies, or therapeutics to treat side effects. The link prediction accuracy for nodes ranked highly for SARS coronavirus was 0.875 as calculated by human in the loop validation on existing COVID-19 specific data sets. Drug classes predicted as highly ranked include anti-inflammatory, nucleoside analogs, protease inhibitors, antimalarials, envelope proteins, and glycoproteins. Examples of highly ranked predicted links to SARS-CoV-2: human leukocyte interferon, recombinant interferon-gamma, cyclosporine, antiviral therapy, zidovudine, chloroquine, vaccination, methotrexate, artemisinin, alkaloids, glycyrrhizic acid, quinine, flavonoids, amprenavir, suramin, complement system proteins, fluoroquinolones, bone marrow transplantation, albuterol, ciprofloxacin, quinolone antibacterial agents, and hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA reductase inhibitors. Approximately 40% of identified drugs were not previously connected to SARS, such as edetic acid or biotin. In summary, link prediction can effectively suggest repurposed drugs for emergent diseases.
Fake News and the Willingness to Share: The Role of Confirmatory Bias and Previous Brand Transgressions: An Abstract

In today’s technological environment, the consumption of information online is the norm. Further, consumers are oftentimes acquiring news from social media sites rather than directly from trusted news sources. According to a 2017 study by the Pew Research Center, two thirds of Americans (67%) report getting at least some of their news through social media sites such as Facebook, YouTube and Twitter (Shearer and Gottfried 2017). In a time when non-verified information is readily available, shared, and promoted, the need for editorial oversight and consumer judgment is greater than ever.
Person-centered Transition Planning for Youth on the Autism Spectrum: What are We Still Missing?

The person-centered individualized education program (IEP) transition planning has emerged as a primary indicator of quality services, and as a predictor for successful post-school outcomes for tra...
Executive Compensation in EREITs: EREIT Size Is but One Determinant

Prior research of senior executive compensation in real estate investment trusts (REITs) has found REIT size as the sole statistically significant determinant of compensation. This research finds t...
Strategic Defiance and Compliance in the U.S. Courts of Appeals

Why do lower courts treat Supreme Court precedents favorably or unfavorably? To address this question, we formulate a theoretical framework based on current principal-agent models of the judiciary. We use the framework to structure an empirical analysis of a random sample of 500 Supreme Court cases, yielding over 10,000 subsequent treatments in the U.S. Courts of Appeals. When the contemporary Supreme Court is ideologically estranged from the enacting Supreme Court, lower courts treat precedent much more harshly. Controlling for the ideological distance between the enacting and contemporary Supreme Courts, the preferences of the contemporary lower court itself are unrelated to its behavior. Hence, hierarchical control appears strong and effective. At the same time, however, a lower court's previous treatments of precedent strongly influence its later treatments. The results have important implications for understanding legal change and suggest new directions for judicial principal-agency theory.
Random Walks and Undirected Graph Connectivity: A Survey

We survey a number of algorithms that decide connectivity in undirected graphs. Our focus is on the use of random walks as a tool in reducing the space complexity of these algorithms.
Residence of silver in mineral deposits of the Thunder Mountain caldera complex, Central Idaho, U.S.A.

Silver is an accessory element in gold, antimony, and tungsten deposits of the caldera complex. Most of the deposits are economically of low grade and genetically of xenothermal or epithermal character. Their gold- and silver-bearing minerals are usually disseminated, fine grained, and difficult to study. Sparsely disseminated pyrite and arsenoprite are common associates. Identified silver minerals are: native silver and electrum; the sulfides acanthite, argentite (the latter always inverted to acanthite), and members of the Silberkies group; the sulfosalts matildite, miargyrite, pyrargyrite, argentian tetrahedrite, and unnamed Ag-Sb-S and Ag-Fe-Sb-S minerals; the telluride hessite and the selenide naumannite; halides of the cerargyrite group; and the antimonate stetefeldtite. Suspected silver minerals include the sulfide uytenbogaardtite and the sulfosalts andorite, diaphorite, and polybasite. Electrum, acanthite, and argentian tetrahedrite are common, though nowhere abundant. The other silver minerals are rare. Silver is present as a minor element in the structure of some varieties of other minerals. These include arsenopyrite, chalcopyrite, chalcostibite, covelline, digenite, galena, sphalerite, and stibnite. The search for adventitious Ag in most of these minerals has been cursory. The results merely indicate that elemental silver is not confined to discrete silver minerals and is, therefore, an additional complication for the recovery of silver-bearing material from some deposits. Silver occurs cryptically in some plants of the region. At Red Mountain, for example, the ashed sapwood of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) contains 2 to 300 ppm Ag. Silver in the ashed wood is roughly 100 times as abundant as it is in soil. The phenomenon, useful in biogeochemical exploration, deserves the attention of mineralogists.
Effect of Thiosulfate on the Photosynthetic Growth of Rhodopseudomonas palustris

Cell yields of Rhodopseudomonas palustris grown photoheterotrophically in pyruvate-mineral salts medium were increased by the photooxidation of added thiosulfate. However, thiosulfate had no effect on cell yields of cultures grown aerobically in darkness, although thiosulfate was also oxidized. The presence of thiosulfate increased photosynthetic cell yields on a variety of other organic substrates. Growth of cells in thiosulfate-containing medium, or the addition of thiosulfate to cells grown in thiosulfate-free medium, induced the formation of a thiosulfate-oxidizing system which quantitatively photooxidized thiosulfate to sulfate. R. palustris grew photoautotrophically with thiosulfate as an oxidizable substrate. Large amounts of supplemental bicarbonate carbon were incorporated when cells were grown photosynthetically in pyruvate-thiosulfate medium. Cells harvested after photoautotrophic or photoheterotrophic growth in fumarate-thiosulfate medium fixed 14CO2 at an 8- to 10-fold greater rate when provided with thiosulfate. The evolution of 14CO2 from pyruvate-1-14C during photoassimilation by R. palustris was greatly suppressed by the presence of thiosulfate. The increase in photoheterotrophic cell yields of R. palustris caused by the oxidation of thiosulfate may result from assimilation of substrate carbon which is normally evolved as carbon dioxide.
Technology decomposition for low-power synthesis

Technology decomposition and technology mapping are two potential stages for minimizing circuit power during logic synthesis. Since power in CMOS circuits is directly dependent on the extent of circuit switching activity, we present a novel procedure to construct a low-activity circuit structure in the technology decomposition stage. This would result in low-power circuits when mapped. The algorithm uses the transition density as a measure of switching activity and is applicable to both synchronous and asynchronous static circuits. Our results show power reductions of up to 48% (on average /spl ap/10%), with little area or delay penalty.
Thermal dependence of locomotor capacity.

The thermal dependence of locomotor performance capacity, particularly speed and endurance, in vertebrate ectotherms is examined. Most studies have found an optimal speed for performance at relatively high body temperatures, close to upper lethal limits. These performance capacities decrease markedly at low body temperatures and may be compensated by increments in aggressive or evasive behaviors. Relative ranking of performance is maintained among individuals across body temperatures. Acclimation of performance capacities is generally incomplete or entirely absent: most animals compensate locomotor performance rather poorly to cold exposure. Locomotor performance in different groups has been shown to possess the attributes (e.g., variability, repeatability, heritability, and differential survivorship) necessary for evolutionary adaptation, but interpretation of comparative data is complicated by phylogenetic differences among species studied. Controlled studies show partial but incomplete adaptation to environmental temperature.
The operational transfer function and parameterization of N-periodic systems

Periodic discrete-time systems are analyzed. In particular, the invariants, parameterizations, canonical forms, and realization from input/output data for such systems are investigated. It is found that the classical realization theory for time-invariant systems carries over very nicely to such systems. A novel definition for an operational transfer function is given, which is useful in studying reductions, realizations, and interconnections of such systems. >
Spectral Classification of Some Long-Period and Semiregular Variables Near Times of Maximum

Spectra of 60 M-type long-period and semiregular variables, obtained near the time of maximum at Siding Spring Observatory in Australia, from 1965–1967, have been classified on the Keenan system.
Microeconomics of metrology, yield, and profitability in 300 mm manufacturing

Simple microeconomic models that directly link metrology, yield, and profitability are rare or non-existent. In this work, we introduce and validate such a model. Using a small number of input parameters, we explain current yield management practices in 200 mm factories. The model is then used to extrapolate requirements for 300 mm factories, including the impact of simultaneous technology transitions to 130 nm design rules, copper interconnect, and integrated metrology. We show that the dramatic increase in value per wafer at the 300 mm transition becomes a driver for increasing metrology capability, despite a concomitant increase in cost. As expected, the model results are strongly dependent on product type (memory, chipset, or microprocessor) and process maturity.
Is There a Chinese Common Law? An Empirical Study of the Bilingual Common‐Law System of Hong Kong

This study presents results of the first empirical study of the role of Chinese in the newly established bilingual common-law system of Hong Kong. It considers whether Chinese performs the same role as English in the influential appellate court of Hong Kong. The study examines three facets of civil appeal. First, it asks if civil appeals conducted in Chinese exhibit the same level of legal representation as civil appeals in English. Second, it examines the likelihood of being professionally published among appeal judgments in the two languages. Third, it compares the financial stakes involved in Chinese and English appeals. The results suggest that despite what is stipulated in the Hong Kong Constitution, Chinese plays a marginal role in the higher courts of Hong Kong. There is no substantive development of a Chinese common law in Hong Kong. Instead, the availability of Chinese creates easier but problematic access to the legal system by the public in the form of pro se litigants. The findings also show that the reasons leading to the continued dominance of the English language in Hong Kong are global and social. As such, English is unlikely to be replaced in many postcolonial common-law systems in the world.
Reply to “Comment on ‘Hofstadter butterfly for the hexagonal lattice’ ”

Oh [Phys. Rev. B 63, 087301 (2001)] has made a valid criticism regarding our recent work [Phys. Rev. B 56, 3787 (1997)] of the Hofstadter-type spectrum for the hexagonal lattice. Oh made it clear that the method of the Peierls substitution can also be applied in a way that is consistent with the commutation relations between the position and momentum operators. However, on the basis of our numerical results, we believe that our conclusions are still valid.
Imputation of TPMT defective alleles for the identification of patients with high-risk phenotypes.

Background: The activity of thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT) is subject to genetic variation. Loss-of-function alleles are associated with various degrees of myelosuppression after treatment with thiopurine drugs, thus genotype-based dosing recommendations currently exist. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential utility of leveraging genomic data from large biorepositories in the identification of individuals with TPMT defective alleles. Material and methods: TPMT variants were imputed using the 1,000 Genomes Project reference panel in 87,979 samples from the biobank at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Population ancestry was determined by principal component analysis using HapMap3 samples as reference. Frequencies of the TPMT imputed alleles, genotypes and the associated phenotype were determined across the different populations. A sample of 630 subjects with genotype data from Sanger sequencing (N=59) and direct genotyping (N=583) (12 samples overlapping in the two groups) was used to check the concordance between the imputed and observed genotypes, as well as the sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values of the imputation. Results: Two SNPs (rs1800460 and rs1142345) that represent three TPMT alleles (*3A, *3B, and *3C) were imputed with adequate quality. Frequency for the associated enzyme activity varied across populations and 89.36-94.58% were predicted to have normal TPMT activity, 5.3-10.31% intermediate and 0.12-0.34% poor activities. Overall, 98.88% of individuals (623/630) were correctly imputed into carrying no risk alleles (553/553), heterozygous (45/46) and homozygous (25/31). Sensitivity, specificity and predictive values of imputation were over 90% in all cases except for the sensitivity of imputing homozygous subjects that was 80.64%. Conclusion: Imputation of TPMT alleles from existing genomic data can be used as a first step in the screening of individuals at risk of developing serious adverse event
Development of visual callosal connections in neonatally enucleated rats

The present report extends previous descriptions of the mature distributions of callosal cells and axonal terminations in rats monocularly or binocularly enucleated at birth. It also describes the time course of callosal development in these animals, and establishes the age at which eye removal ceases to alter the normal course of callosal development. Although our results indicate that the callosal pattern is anomalous in adult, neonatally enucleated rats, the major features of the normal callosal pattern are nonetheless clearly recognizable in both monocularly and binocularly enucleated rats. Thus, as in normally reared rats, there are dense accumulations of callosal cells and terminations at the 17/18a border region, at the lateral border of area 18a, and within area 18b in enucleated rats. In addition, several narrow bands of callosal connections bridge the width of area 18a at several rostrocaudal levels, and a ring-like callosal configuration is located anterolateral to area 17. In monocularly enucleated rats, the most prominent anomaly develops in the hemisphere ipsilateral to the remaining eye, where a dense band of callosal connections runs rostrocaudally through the center of area 17. Periodic fluctuations in the density of labeling along the length of this extra band give it a beaded appearance. The callosal pattern in the hemisphere contralateral to the remaining eye in these rats appears normal. Binocular enucleation causes the appearance of discrete regions of reduced labeling within the 17/18a callosal band and several densely labeled tongue-like regions that extend medially from this band well into area 17. The laminar distribution of callosal cells and terminations is not significantly altered by loss of one or both eyes at birth. Our data indicate that enucleation does not affect the time course of callosal development. Thus, in enucleated pups, all features of the mature callosal pattern can be recognized by 6–7 days of age, and by 12 days of age the patterns appear virtually mature. Finally, our data reveal that monocular or binocular enucleations performed at 6 days of age or later allow the callosal pattern to develop normally, whereas enucleations performed between birth and 5 days of age produce anomalies similar to those observed in rats enucleated at birth. Thus, at about 6 days of age—just as the earliest features of the mature callosal pattern become discernible, and long before rats first open their eyes—the developing callosal pathway is no longer susceptible to disruptions of visual input.
Macromolecular leakage beneath full cast crowns. Part III: The diffusion of lipopolysaccharide and dextran

Fifteen extracted molars were prepared for crowns. Crowns with access ports (one facial, one lingual) were cast in gold. Teeth and crowns luted with provisional cement with filters inserted into the ports were immersed in a solution of labeled macromolecules (FITC-dextran, TRITC-LPS) and evaluated for leakage. Filters were retrieved and analyzed by use of fluorescent microscopy. Leakage of LPS and dextran occurred as early as 2 weeks beneath crowns luted with a provisional cement (NoGenol).
Poverty, health care, and problems of prescription medication: a case study.

Through the use of ethnographic research methods the authors examine the relationship between poverty, limited access to health care, and prescription medication use/misuse in rural eastern Kentucky. Four patterns of prescription drug misuse are documented in this study: 1) overuse of medications, often by means of multiple prescriptions obtained from different physicians; 2) the acquisition of prescription drugs for the purpose of resale through illegal channels; 3) borrowing or “swapping” medications through informal exchange; and 4) under- or nonuse of prescription drugs. Of the four patterns, the last is the one reported as having the highest prevalence due to residents' inability to afford the costs of medications prescribed by physicians. The public health implications of these findings are briefly discussed.
Some observations on temporal coding of color vision: Psychophysical results

Abstract Direction reversal of Benham's disk changes the observed colors, yet leaves constant the magnitude-frequency spectrum of the stimulus, changing only the phase relations between temporal frequencies. Hence, human color channels must be selectively responsive to stimulus temporal phase information. This question was further tested by applying to the eye electrical stimuli composed of sequences of frequency-modulated corneo-positive and negative pulses, which bypass at least some stages of the light-to-spike transfer function. Stimuli with a fast-slow corneonegative pulse frequency sequence elicited phosphenes in the range of yellow to green, for the four subjects tested. Stimuli with a slow-fast sequence elicited red-magenta, again for all four subjects. Convolution of previously derived Benham's disk-like signals for green-yellow and red-magenta with a published impulse function for the visual system resulted in output functions which were compatible with the frequency-time envelopes of the above electrical signals, providing independent support for the results.
Leisure in the lives of retirement‐aged women: Conversations about leisure and life

Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate the ways in which 24 retirement‐aged women defined and experienced leisure. Semistructured face‐to‐face interviews were conducted with women aged between 56 and 83 years. Constant comparison and grounded theory methods were used throughout the study (Strauss & Corbin, 1998 a; 1998b). Several themes emerged, two were discussed: (a) definitions of leisure: leisure as social and leisure as individual; and (b) influences on leisure: life stage, constraints, and enablers. A poststructural feminist analysis and a life course perspective informed the interpretation of the data. A grounded theoretical model of leisure for these women was proposed.
Eine Schnellmethode zur Untersuchung der Lösungsgeschwindigkeit der Metalle in korrodierenden Lösungen

Die wasrige Korrosionslosung wird mit einem porosen Trager – z. B. Filtrierpapier – auf die zu untersuchende Metallflache gebracht. Nach einer gewissen Einwirkungszeit wird der Trager abgehoben und das geloste Metall mit Hilfe einer speziellen polarographischen Methode bestimmt. Die hohe Empfindlichkeit der Detektormethode und das sehr kleine Flussigkeitsvolumen gestatten nach sehr kurzer Zeit die Konzentration des gelosten Metalls zu bestimmen. A rapid method for examining the dissolving rate of metals in corroding solutions The aqueous corrosion solution is applied to the metal surface to be investigated by means of a porous carrier, e. g. filter paper. After a certain reaction time, the carrier is removed and the quantity of metal dissolved is determined by means of a special polarographic method. Owing to the high sensitivity of the detection method and the very small volume of liquid, it is possible to determine the concentration of the dissolved metals after a very short time already.
γ-Ray Burst Afterglow: Confirming the Cosmological Fireball Model

The recent detection of delayed X-ray and optical emission—"afterglow"—associated with γ-ray bursts (GRBs) supports models in which the bursts are produced by relativistic expanding blast waves—"fireballs"—at cosmological distances. The detection of absorption lines in the optical afterglow of the GRB of 1997 May 8 confirms that the sources lie at cosmological distance. We show here that the new features detected in GRB 970508 afterglow, radio emission 1 week following the burst and a 2 day increase in optical flux, are consistent with the blast wave model. The fireball optical depth at radio frequencies is much smaller than previously estimated, which accounts for the observed radio emission. The initial suppression of optical flux is consistent with that predicted from electron cooling. The combined radio and optical data imply that the fireball energy is ~1052 ergs and that the density of the medium into which the blast wave expands is ~1 cm-3, a value typical for gas within galaxies. We predict the time dependence of the radio flux and the absorption frequency, which constitute tests of the fireball model as described in this Letter.
Preventive Therapy for Tuberculosis in HIV Infection

Objective To determine whether preventive treatment for tuberculosis in adults infected with HIV reduces the frequency of tuberculosis and overall mortality. Design Systematic review and data synthesis of randomised placebo controlled trials. Main Outcome Measures Active tuberculosis, mortality, and adverse drug reaction requiring cessation of the study regimen. Outcomes stratified by status of purified protein derivative skin test. Results Four trials comprising 4055 adults from Haiti, Kenya, the United States, and Uganda were included. All compared isoniazid (6-12 months) with placebo, and one trial also compared multidrug treatment for 3 months with placebo. Mean follow up was 15-33 months. Overall, frequency of tuberculosis (relative risk 0.57, 95% confidence interval 0.41 to 0.79) was reduced in those receiving preventive treatment compared with placebo: mortality was not significantly reduced (0.93, 0.83 to 1.05). In subjects positive for purified protein derivative receiving preventive treatment, the risk of tuberculosis was reduced substantially (0.32, 0.19 to 0.51) and the risk of death was reduced moderately (0.73, 0.57 to 0.95) compared with those taking placebo. In adults negative for purified protein derivative receiving preventive treatment, the risk of tuberculosis (0.82, 0.50 to 1.36) and the risk of death (1.02, 0.89 to 1.17) were not reduced significantly. Adverse drug reactions were more frequent, but not significantly so, in patients receiving drug compared with placebo (1.45, 0.98 to 2.14). ConclusionsPreventive treatment given for 3-12 months protects against tuberculosis in adults infected with HIV, at least in the short to medium term. Protection is greatest in subjects positive for purified protein derivative, in whom death is also less frequent. Long term benefits remain to be shown.
Subsurface Flows Preceding Flame Spread Over a Liquid Fuel

Abstract Liquid fuel flows below a two-dimensional flame spreading at a steady rate are examined. Captured convection eddies develop, and their structure in terms of streamline and temperature fields is obtained by numerically solving the energy and vorticity transport equations. Surface tension and buoyancy effects are considered. Results are presented for given values of the surface tension parameter (S = –12,500) and the Prandtl number (Pr = 10). A range of Reynolds numbers (50 to 400) and Grashof numbers (0, 104, 105, 106) is explored. The reverse surface velocity induced by the flame appears to be of the same order as observed flame spread rates regardless of the Reynolds number. This lends support to the contention that convection eddies may control the rate of flame spread.
Temperature dependence of precursor-surface interactions in plasma deposition of silicon thin films

Abstract Using first-principles density functional theory calculations of chemical reactions between the dominant precursor (the SiH 3 radical) for plasma deposition of hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) thin films and different hydrogen-terminated crystalline silicon surfaces, we show that SiH 3 insertion into strained Si–Si bonds is barrierless. This reaction, together with barrierless hydrogen abstraction and chemisorption reactions, account for the temperature-independent reaction probability of the SiH 3 radical with a-Si:H surfaces. In addition, molecular-dynamics simulations of a-Si:H thin-film growth confirm that the same reactions take place on the amorphous surface and the probability for Si incorporation into the a-Si:H film is independent of temperature.
On the upper bounding approach to thermal convection at moderate rayleigh numbers

Abstract Two upper bounding problems for thermal convection in a layer of fluid contained between perfectly conducting stress-free boundaries are treated numerically. Since the Euler equations resulting from this variational approach are simpler than the Navier-Stokes equations, they allow numerical calculations to be carried out economically to fairly large values of the Rayleigh number. The upper bounding problem formulated by Howard (1963), which yields a Nusselt number independent of Prandtl number, diverges from the correct behavior as the Rayleigh number increases. In hopes of coming closer to results of previous investigations of the Boussinesq equations of motion, a more restrictive upper bounding problem is formulated. For large Prandtl numbers the momentum equation is linearized and is used as an explicit side constraint on the variational problem, thereby forcing the solutions to more closely resemble the solutions of the Boussinesq equations. Numerical calculations at values of the Rayleigh nu...
Local error control in codes for ordinary differential equations

There are several schemes for the control of local error which are seen in differential equation solvers. The analysis attempts to explain how the selection of a scheme influences the behavior of global error seen in high quality production codes. Two rules of thumb for estimating global errors are given theoretical support when used in conjunction with suitable codes. Substantial numerical experiments support the analysis and conclusions.
Utilizing focus groups to evaluate an information literacy program in a general biology course

ABSTRACT The Harold B. Lee Library at Brigham Young University (BYU) recently implemented a number of information literacy strategies to help students in Biology 100, a large general education class, find resources for their term assignment. The library's services for Biology 100 students were evaluated using focus groups composed of both teaching assistants and students. This paper will describe the class and the assignment, discuss the impact the class had on library staff, detail the efforts of the staff to meet the needs of Biology 100 students, and present results of focus groups used to evaluate the library's outreach and teaching efforts. doi:10.1300/J122v27n03_02.
Flow Development in an Annular Contraction

Power generating gas turbines employ an inlet duct or contraction to accelerate air to the operating inlet velocity of the compressor. Multiple passages of this kind are necessary in gas turbines with cycle modifications such as intercooling. An experimental investigation was carried out to obtain flow characteristics of a curved wall annular contraction. The results are described in terms of the velocity vectors, surface pressure coefficients, static and stagnation pressure distributions, and profiles of mean velocities, turbulence intensity, and Reynolds shear stress. The upstream flow conditions were changed to evaluate how they affected the flow development in the passage. Results show that the static pressure and axial velocity profiles at the contraction exit were uniform. Higher inlet turbulence increased the Reynolds shear stress although the effect on the static and total pressure fields was negligible. The overall stagnation pressure loss was approximately 2 to 3 percent of the dynamic head at the contraction exit.Copyright © 1998 by ASME
Properties of tyrosinase and dopa quinone imine conversion factor from pharate pupal cuticle of Manduca sexta L.

Tyrosinase was partially purified from tobacco hornworm [Manduca sexta (L.)] pharate pupal cuticle by ammonium sulphate precipitation and anion-exchange chromatography. The enzyme hydroxylated tyrosine and tyramine to dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) and dopamine respectively, and also oxidized DOPA, dopamine and other catecholamines including Nacetyldopamine (NADA) and N-β-alanyldopamine (NBAD) to o-quinone and p-quinone imine products. 5,6-Dihydroxyindole (DHI) was also dehydrogenated by tyrosinase to indole quinone. The order of substrate preference was NBAD > NADA > dopamine > DHI > DOPA. Maximum activity occurred at pH6. Catalytic amounts of DOPA stimulated the hydroxylation of tyrosine and tyramine. Tyrosinase inhibitors were diethyl-dithiocarbamate, phenylthiourea, cyanide and benzoic acid. DOPA quinone imine conversion factor (QICF), a heat-labile and protease-susceptible substance that accelerates the decarboxylation of DOPA quinone imine to DHI, was partially purified from extracts of pharate pupal cuticle. Tyrosinase and QICF may play critical roles in generating catecholamine metabolites required for the sclerotization and melanization of insect cuticle.
Sorption and bioavailability of phosphorus during the drainage period of flooded-drained soils

Changes in P sorption and bioavailability were studied with 4 soils previously flooded and drained as occurs in rice-based cropping systems. Phosphorus sorption was measured at 15 and 119 days after drainage and the bioavailability of added and native soil-P was determined at 9, 16, 30, 45, 70 and 135 days in both flooded-drained and unflooded soils.
The use of Chernobyl data to test model predictions for interindividual variability of 137Cs concentrations in humans

Abstract Data sets assembled in the aftermath of the Chernobyl accident as a part of the International Atomic Energy Agency's model testing program (VAMP) have provided a rare opportunity for ‘blind-testing’ predictions made with exposure assessment models. Measurements of Chernobyl-derived 137Cs in Central Bohemia (Czech Republic) and southern Finland were used to test model predictions for a number of endpoints, including the distribution of whole-body concentrations of 137Cs in adults in these regions at specified time points. This test endpoint required separation of uncertainty due to stochastic variability (aleatoric uncertainty) and uncertainty due to lack of knowledge about fixed but unknown values (epistemic uncertainty). Predictions of the distribution of whole-body 137Cs concentrations were made by a minority of the participants in these model-testing exercises. Major reasons for misprediction included bias in the bioavailability of 137Cs in soil and misestimation of the total intake of 137Cs in the diet. Overestimation of the amount of interindividual variability often resulted from confusion of uncertainty with variability. The spreads of the distributions for parameters describing interindividual variability were frequently increased to compensate for lack of knowledge about the uptake and metabolism of 137Cs in the population. Accurate results produced by participants are attributable both to a participant's access to additional site-specific data or choice of appropriate site-specific assumptions and to the effects of compensatory errors.
DEVELOPMENT OF AN INTEGRATED MODEL FOR THE EVALUATION AND PLANNING OF RAILROAD TRACK MAINTENANCE

In order for a railroad to function effectively all aspects of the system should be maintained in good working order. Locomotives and rolling stock regularly move through areas where they can be inspected and maintained. However track does not move, so inspectors must traverse the line either on foot or in a rail mounted vehicle and maintenance crews must be sent to specific locations to make track repairs, which may not always happen before a service disruption. A track failure, due to either exceeding some industry or governmental specification or an acute failure, such as a rail break, can result in costly delays or even derailments with significant consequences. To help avoid such failures, it is beneficial for a railroad to be able to predict when and where failures might occur and then evaluate the relative costs and benefits of performing maintenance activities to ensure that the most cost effective actions are taken. A model is being developed to assist in the process of scheduling and directing track maintenance work. The model consists of three primary modules: an integrated track quality and degradation module, a maintenance activity selection module, and a scheduling optimization module. By taking into account a wide range of costs and benefits, the model can help railroad infrastructure managers better account for risk and indirect costs such as track time, as well as account for the criticality of certain types of imminent failures. This paper will describe the inputs and outputs for the model, as well as detailing the concepts associated with each of the model components.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
X-ray diffraction studies of CdTe grown on InSb

Abstract Cadmium telluride layers, grown on InSb substrates which were (100) 2° oriented towards (110), were examined using double crystal X-ray diffraction in conjunction with secondary ion mass spectrometry and photoluminescence. The layers were grown by organometallic vapor phase epitaxy at atmospheric pressure. The crystal quality of the CdTe is shown to be related to the substrate temperature and the nature of the surface prior to growth. Growth on diethyltelluride stabilized InSb substrates resulted in epitaxial layers with a misorientation of about 235 arc sec with respect to the substrates. On the other hand, layers followed the orientation of the substrates, when dimethylcadmium stabilized InSb was used. Growth at 350° C resulted in the smallest X-ray rocking curve (DCRC), with a full width at half maximum (FWHM) of about 20 arc sec Secondary ion mass spectrometry and photoluminescence data complement the results of this X-ray diffraction study.
The mate recognition protein gene mediates reproductive isolation and speciation in the Brachionus plicatilis cryptic species complex

Chemically mediated prezygotic barriers to reproduction likely play an important role in speciation. In facultatively sexual monogonont rotifers from the Brachionus plicatilis cryptic species complex, mate recognition of females by males is mediated by the Mate Recognition Protein (MRP), a globular glycoprotein on the surface of females, encoded by the mmr-b gene family. In this study, we sequenced mmr-b copies from 27 isolates representing 11 phylotypes of the B. plicatilis species complex, examined the mode of evolution and selection of mmr-b, and determined the relationship between mmr-b genetic distance and mate recognition among isolates. Isolates of the B. plicatilis species complex have 1–4 copies of mmr-b, each composed of 2–9 nearly identical tandem repeats. The repeats within a gene copy are generally more similar than are gene copies among phylotypes, suggesting concerted evolution. Compared to housekeeping genes from the same isolates, mmr-b has accumulated only half as many synonymous differences but twice as many non-synonymous differences. Most of the amino acid differences between repeats appear to occur on the outer face of the protein, and these often result in changes in predicted patterns of phosphorylation. However, we found no evidence of positive selection driving these differences. Isolates with the most divergent copies were unable to mate with other isolates and rarely self-crossed. Overall the degree of mate recognition was significantly correlated with the genetic distance of mmr-b. Discrimination of compatible mates in the B. plicatilis species complex is determined by proteins encoded by closely related copies of a single gene, mmr-b. While concerted evolution of the tandem repeats in mmr-b may function to maintain identity, it can also lead to the rapid spread of a mutation through all copies in the genome and thus to reproductive isolation. The mmr-b gene is evolving rapidly, and novel alleles may be maintained and increase in frequency via asexual reproduction. Our analyses indicate that mate recognition, controlled by MMR-B, may drive reproductive isolation and allow saltational sympatric speciation within the B. plicatilis cryptic species complex, and that this process may be largely neutral.
Social status, physical activity, and coronary proneness

Physical working capacity and activity patterns were studied in a random sample of a rural population in which high social class white males (HSC-WM) were previously found to have a significantly greater prevalence of coronary heart disease than low social class white males (LSC-WM) or Negro males (NM). The relationship between the submaximal treadmill test and an objectively scored physical activity questionnaire was low (r = 0.12). Minor differences in pulse rate and blood pressure responses to an increasing work load were observed among 18 HSC-WM, 17 LSC-WM, and 19 NM. On the other hand, HSC-WM were found to be significantly more sedentary in their daily and occupational physical activity than LSC-WM or NM, who were very similar. There was an estimated difference of 421 calories in daily activity (HSC-WM vs. mean of LSC-WM and NM), which was mainly due to a greater energy expenditure while working at the usual occupation.