cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bound-state Induced Tunneling in an Array of Matter-wave Quantum Emitters Coupled to Free Space

Bound states in quantum emitter arrays can induce coherent transport though polariton formation. Here, we investigate effects of bound-state induced hopping on motional coherence in an array of matter-wave emitters realized with ultracold atoms in an optical lattice.
The Association of Advanced Math Course-Taking by American Youth on Subsequent Receipt of Public Assistance

Helping people move to independence is often cited as a primary goal of public assistance policies in the United States. Over the past several decades, welfare reform efforts in the US have promoted the idea of a work-first approach. Research shows that this approach has discouraged or at least made it harder for some students to attend college while meeting the work requirements for aid. How can those students who need public assistance increase their chances of finding a sustainable job and thus not need to rely on the public support system after high school? To address this question, this study used a sample of 3,384 student responses from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health and a recursive bivariate probit model to analyze the association between advanced math course-taking in high school and the probability of subsequent receipt of public assistance. The empirical results suggest that taking advanced math courses in high school is associated with a lower probability of receiving public assistance for recent graduates. These findings are particularly important for school social workers who work in conjunction with teachers and school counselors to help at-risk students improve their chances of future financial independence.
For Manifold Learning, Deep Neural Networks can be Locality Sensitive Hash Functions.

It is well established that training deep neural networks gives useful representations that capture essential features of the inputs. However, these representations are poorly understood in theory and practice. In the context of supervised learning an important question is whether these representations capture features informative for classification, while filtering out non-informative noisy ones. We explore a formalization of this question by considering a generative process where each class is associated with a high-dimensional manifold and different classes define different manifolds. Under this model, each input is produced using two latent vectors: (i) a "manifold identifier" $\gamma$ and; (ii)~a "transformation parameter" $\theta$ that shifts examples along the surface of a manifold. E.g., $\gamma$ might represent a canonical image of a dog, and $\theta$ might stand for variations in pose, background or lighting. We provide theoretical and empirical evidence that neural representations can be viewed as LSH-like functions that map each input to an embedding that is a function of solely the informative $\gamma$ and invariant to $\theta$, effectively recovering the manifold identifier $\gamma$. An important consequence of this behavior is one-shot learning to unseen classes.
When the Oracle Misleads: Modeling the Consequences of Using Observable Rather than Potential Outcomes in Risk Assessment Instruments

Risk Assessment Instruments (RAIs) are widely used to forecast adverse outcomes in domains such as healthcare and criminal justice. RAIs are commonly trained on observational data and are optimized to predict observable outcomes rather than potential outcomes, which are the outcomes that would occur absent a particular intervention. Examples of relevant potential outcomes include whether a patient's condition would worsen without treatment or whether a defendant would recidivate if released pretrial. We illustrate how RAIs which are trained to predict observable outcomes can lead to worse decision making, causing precisely the types of harm they are intended to prevent. This can occur even when the predictors are Bayes-optimal and there is no unmeasured confounding.
On-line Ramsey Theory for Bounded Degree Graphs ∗

When graph Ramsey theory is viewed as a game, "Painter" 2-colors the edges of a graph presented by "Builder". Builder wins if every coloring has a monochromatic copy of a fixed graph $G$. In the on-line version, iteratively, Builder presents one edge and Painter must color it. Builder must keep the presented graph in a class ${\cal H}$. Builder wins the game $(G,{\cal H})$ if a monochromatic copy of $G$ can be forced. The on-line degree Ramsey number $\mathring {R}_\Delta(G)$ is the least $k$ such that Builder wins $(G,{\cal H})$ when ${\mathcal H}$ is the class of graphs with maximum degree at most $k$. Our results include: 1) $\mathring {R}_\Delta(G)\!\le\!3$ if and only if $G$ is a linear forest or each component lies inside $K_{1,3}$. 2) $\mathring {R}_\Delta(G)\ge \Delta(G)+t-1$, where $t=\max_{uv\in E(G)}\min\{d(u),d(v)\}$. 3) $\mathring {R}_\Delta(G)\le d_1+d_2-1$ for a tree $G$, where $d_1$ and $d_2$ are two largest vertex degrees. 4) $4\le \mathring {R}_\Delta(C_n)\le 5$, with $\mathring {R}_\Delta(C_n)=4$ except for finitely many odd values of $n$. 5) $\mathring {R}_\Delta(G)\le6$ when $\Delta(G)\le 2$. The lower bounds come from strategies for Painter that color edges red whenever the red graph remains in a specified class. The upper bounds use a result showing that Builder may assume that Painter plays "consistently".
Evidence for a short period of hydrologic activity in Newton crater, Mars, near the Hesperian‐Amazonian transition

[1] Hesperian/Amazonian-aged valleys and alluvial fans distributed in regional clusters throughout the southern middle- to low-latitudes were formed during a period of fluvial runoff and erosion which acted over a smaller spatial and temporal scale than the older, “classical” Martian valley networks dated to the Noachian-Hesperian boundary. In order to explore the potential sources of water which formed these younger valleys, we calculated the expected sediment transport and water discharge rates for a valley and alluvial fan located in Newton crater (40°S, −159°E) over a wide range of water-filled channel depths and sediment grain sizes in order to constrain the formation timescale and required water volume. Depending on the depth of the water-filled channel within the valley, the alluvial fan was likely emplaced over ∼0.1 to ∼10 years of fluvial activity involving between 1.8 and 5.7 km 3 of water. These results imply water runoff rates of between 1 and 10 cm/d over a typical 300 km2 drainage area. Possible processes for delivering water to these drainages include high obliquity snowpack melting via volcanism or impacts resulting in either scattered, local to regional melting events or a brief global warming event. An extended, perhaps episodic, period of fluvial activity lasting hundreds of years driven by insolation-induced melting of high obliquity snowpacks is another possibility.
A Theory of Atheist Student Identity Development

This paper proposes a theory of identity development for the atheist college student. Through examining the parallels between atheist college students and lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) college students as members of a salient, marginalized, and invisible minority group, this paper applies Small’s (1998) theory of atheist student faith development to Fassinger’s (1998) theory of LGB student identity development. Using this conceptual framework, this paper aims to explain how atheist students develop their individual and group identities.
Telecommunications engineering and technology: the final two years

This work-in-progress describes our development of the second two years of an engineering and engineering technology curriculum that will prepare students for entry level positions in the telecommunications, personal communications, and computer networking industries.
CLEARANCE RATE, HALF-LIFE, AND SECRETORY POTENCY OF HUMAN GASTRIN-17-I IN DIFFERENT SPECIES

The clearance rates of synthetic human gastrin-17-I were measured in man, dog, and cat. Half-life of disappearance and acid secretory potency (D50) were also measured in man and dog. The clearance rates in dog and cat were, respectively, 3 and 8 times more than in man. Accordingly, the half-life of gastrin-17 in the dog (3.5 min) was 3 times shorter than in man (9.5 to 10.5 min). The D50 for acid secretion was proportional to the clearance rate and yielded approximately similar increments of serum gastrin, indicating an equal sensitivity to gastrin-17 at cellular level in the three species. An inverse allometric relation between clearance rate and body weight was consistent with the known greater efficiency of metabolic and eliminatory processes in species of small size. Recent studies of the disposal of other gastrointestinal hormones indicate that the concepts developed theoretically for secretory stimulants and confirmed experimentally for gastrin-17 may have wider applicability.
Rural finance for growth and poverty alleviation

Pakistan's rural sector accounts for more than 70 percent of employment, and roughly two-thirds of rural employment is in agriculture. Less than a third of rural households get loans, only 10 percent of which are from institutional sources. Pakistan's credit institutions are not helping the country accelerate agricultural growth and reduce poverty. To improve performance in the rural economy and efficiency in financial institutions, rural credit markets must be liberalized. The government needs to initiate the following reforms: 1) produce and price controls must be replaced by prudent regulation and supervision, combined with policies to stabilize the economy; 2) commercial banks must operate in a competitive environment. They must be allowed to set interest rates for rural lending that cover their transaction costs; 3) credit must be available to support productivity growth for agricultural smallholders and small producers of the rural nonformal sector, where Pakistan's growth potential lies; and 4) credit must be available to women and to the rural poor for consumption-smoothing and for sustainable income-generating activities. Policy should be directed at developing a market-based financial system for rural finance, but because of market failures to support disadvantaged groups, a special-priority program may be needed to get credit to women, smallholders and the rural nonformal sector. Subsidizing interest rates is not the way to help marginal borrowers. Instead, they can be helped through fixed-cost subsidies and self-selected targeting. Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) should be encouraged to help. Commercial should be encouraged to lend on other bases than the mortgage and passbook system. They could experiment with wholesaling credit through input suppliers, marketing agents and NGOs. They should consider lending for such downstream agricultural activities as agroprocessing. The biggest challenge facing rural finance is the restructuring of cooperatives. The next important step for the Agricultural Development Bank of Pakistan would be a portfolio audit - the results of which will determine next steps, such as major restructuring of its portfolio and changing its ownership. To improve rural financing, the system of property rights, title and default enforcement must also be strengthened, among other reforms.
Dynamic Head Space Analyses of Orange Juice Flavor Compounds and Their Absorption into Packaging Materials

: A simple, rapid, sensitive, and reproducible dynamic headspace gas chromatography (DH-GC) was developed to study the absorption of d-limonene, α-pinene, ethyl butyrate, and octanal into laminated polymeric packaging materials containing low-density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinylidene chloride, and ethyl-ene-vinyl alcohol copolymers. The linear regression lines showed that the flavor compound peak areas were directly proportional to the concentrations of the standard flavor compounds with R2≥ 0.97. The coefficients of variation for the DH-GC analyses were less than 4%. A test cell was designed to study orange juice flavor absorption into the packaging materials for 28 d at 25 °C. Ethyl butyrate or octanal absorption was not different among the 4 packaging materials (P > 0.05). Addition of a polyethylene terephthalate and a ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer layer to the packaging materials reduced the d-limonene and α-pinene absorption by 20% and 50%, respectively.
An interlaboratory comparison of sediment elutriate preparation and toxicity test methods.

Elutriate bioassays are among numerous methods that exist for assessing the potential toxicity of sediments in aquatic systems. In this study, interlaboratory results were compared from 96-h Ceriodaphnia dubia and Pimephales promelas static-renewal acute toxicity tests conducted independently by two laboratories using elutriate samples prepared from the same sediment. The goal of the study was to determine if the results from the elutriate tests were comparable between two U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) laboratories when different elutriate preparation procedures were employed by each lab. Complete agreement in site characterization was attained in 22 of the 25 samples for both bioassays amongst each lab. Of the 25 samples analyzed, 10 were found to be toxic to at least one of the species tested by either laboratory. The C. dubia elutriate tests conducted by the National Exposure Research Laboratory (NERL) indicated that 7 of the 25 sediment samples were toxic, while 8 sediment samples were characterized as such in testing conducted by USEPA Region 6 (Region 6). The P. promelas elutriate tests conducted by NERL determined 8 samples as toxic, while Region 6 tests displayed toxicity in 5 of the samples. McNemar's test of symmetry for C. dubia (S = 0.33, p = 0.5637) and P. promelas (S = 3.0, p = 0.0833) tests indicated no significant differences in designating a site toxic between NERL and Region 6 laboratories. Likewise, Cohen's kappa test revealed significant agreement between NERL and Region 6 C. dubia (K = 0.7148, p < 0.01) and P. promelas (K = 0.6939, p < 0.01) elutriate tests. The authors conclude that differences in interlaboratory elutriate preparation procedures have no bearing on the ability of either the C. dubia or P. promelas bioassay testing methods to detect toxicity while yielding similar results.
The Impact of Cost Displays on Primary Care Physician Laboratory Test Ordering

BACKGROUND Physicians are under increased pressure to help control rising health care costs, though they lack information regarding cost implications of patient care decisions.
The 19.7 MeV resonance in the system 16O + 12C☆

Abstract The 19.7 MeV structure in the system 12 C + 16 O is investigated by measuring angular distributions and excitation functions for elastic and inelastic scattering with very high resolution. From a quasi phase shift analysis, it is deduced that the structure is a true resonance with J π = 14 + . The deduced small elastic partial width indicates that the structure of this state is intermediate between a molecular and a compound state.
Resection surgery for partial epilepsy. Relation of surgical outcome with some aspects of the epileptogenic process and surgical approach

In spite of the progressive improvement of the results of resective surgery for epilepsy, the number of not significantly benefited patients remains high. An attempt was made to find out a relation between outcome and some aspects of the pathophysiological organization of the epileptogenic process and of the surgical procedure. Chi-square and logistic regression statistic analyses were utilized. The study was retrospectively performed on 138 surgically treated patients having a minimum follow-up of three years. Three classes of surgical outcome were considered: completely seizure free (including aura; 86 cases, 62.3%), significant seizure reduction (31 cases, 22.5%), and no significant improvement (21 cases, 15.2%). What follows was brought into evidence by the study. 1) On the diagnostic side, the spatial arrangement (focal, unilateral, multifocal) of both the interictal and the ictal epileptic electrocerebral activities are significantly associated with the surgical outcome. Their relative impact on outcome is related to the presence of a structural lesion: when a lesion is documented, the interictal activity has the higher value; vice versa, when no lesion is apparent, the role of the ictal activity is prevalent. However, the presence, as well as the nature of the lesion, per se, are not significantly associated with outcome. 2) On the surgical side, the extent of resection of both the structural lesion and of the epileptogenic zone are highly associated with the surgical result; the extent of lesion resection prevails on that of the epileptogenic zone. The type of surgical approach (hemispherectomy: 17 cases; temporal lobectomy: 67 cases; extratemporal resection: 54 cases) has no significant relation to the outcome. The value and the limits of the results obtained are discussed.
The relationship between urban sprawl and coronary heart disease in women

Studies have reported relationships between urban sprawl, physical activity, and obesity, but - to date - no studies have considered the relationship between sprawl and coronary heart disease (CHD) endpoints. In this analysis, we use longitudinal data on post-menopausal women from the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) Clinical Trial to analyze the relationship between metropolitan statistical area (MSA)-level urban compactness (the opposite of sprawl) and CHD endpoints including death, any CHD event, and myocardial infarction. Models control for individual and neighborhood socio-demographic characteristics. Women who lived in more compact communities at baseline had a lower probability of experiencing a CHD event and CHD death or MI during the study follow-up period. One component of compactness, high residential density, had a particularly noteworthy effect on outcomes. Finally, exploratory analyses showed evidence that the effects of compactness were moderated by race and region.
USEFUL: Ultrasound Exam for Underlying Lesions incorporated into physical exam.

Introduction: The Ultrasound Screening Exam for Underlying Lesions (USEFUL) was developed in an attempt to establish a role for bedside ultrasound in the primary and preventive care setting. It is the purpose of our pilot study to determine if students were first capable of performing all of the various scans required of our USEFUL while defining such an ultrasound-assisted physical exam that would supplement the standard hands-on physical exam in the same head-to-toe structure. We also aimed to assess the time needed for an adequate exam and analyze if times improved with repetition and previous ultrasound training.Methods: Medical students with ranging levels of ultrasound training received a 25-minute presentation on our USEFUL followed by a 30-minute hands-on session. Following the hands-on session, the students were asked to perform a timed USEFUL on 2-3 standardized subjects. All images were documented as normal or abnormal with the understanding that an official detailed exam would be performed if an abnormality were to be found. All images were read and deemed adequate by board eligible emergency medicine ultrasound fellows.Results: Twenty-six exams were performed by nine students. The average time spent by all students per USEFUL was 11 minutes and 19 seconds. Students who had received the University of California, Irvine School of Medicine’s integrated ultrasound curriculum performed the USEFUL significantly faster (p < 0.0025). The time it took to complete the USEFUL ranged from 6 minutes and 32 seconds to 17 minutes, and improvement was seen with each USEFUL performed. The average time to complete the USEFUL on the first standardized patient was 13 minutes and 20 seconds, while 11 minutes and 2 seconds, and 9 minutes and 20 seconds were spent performing the exam on the second and third patient, respectively.Conclusion: Students were able to effectively complete all scans required by the USEFUL in a timely manner. Students who have been a part of the integrated ultrasound in medicine curriculum performed the USEFUL significantly faster than students who had not. Students were able to significantly improve upon the time it took them to complete the USEFUL with successive attempts. Future endpoints are aimed at assessing the feasibility and outcomes of an ultrasound-assisted physical exam in a primary care setting and the exam’s effect on doctor-patient satisfaction. [West J Emerg Med.2014;15(3):260–266.]
Early and late effects of in vitro exposure of preimplantation mouse embryos to trypan blue.

Preimplantation 129/SvSl mouse embryos obtained by induced superovulation and cultured from the 4-cell to blastocyst stage were exposed to various concentrations of trypan blue for 48 h or to the LD50 (0.16%) and LD99 (0.35%) concentrations for various lengths of time. At least 2 ½ h exposure to the latter concentrations was required before significant reduction in blastulation rates (80% in controls) occurred. Embryos that blastulated after 48 h of culture were transplanted to adult nulliparous 2-day-pseudopregnant 129/SvSl females and fetuses were examined 15 days later. Approximately 70% of implanting control blastocysts developed into fetuses. Significantly fewer fetuses developed after 48 h preimplantation exposure to concentrations of 0.08 % or more of trypan blue. The percentage of resorptions increased with exposure to increasing concentrations of trypan blue during the preimplantation period. The only abnormality found in treated fetuses was subdermal hematoma.
Principals Can Exert a Leadership Role in Citizenship Education

Schools have a special responsibility for citizenship education, remind these authors, who describe here the natural opportunities principals have through their schools to exercise leadership for this time-honored cirriculum tradition.
The nature and circumstances of defensive gun use: A content analysis of interpersonal conflict situations involving criminal offenders

Analyses of gun-regulation policies have recently focused on the benefits of firearms, and research has shown that guns are frequently used for defense. An important implication is that restricting gun ownership may increase the net harm in the United States. However, a more thorough understanding of gun-defense situations is required before conclusions can be drawn about the harm that is prevented or generated through defensive gun uses (DGUs). This study examined a unique subset of DGU incidents that involved convicted offenders as defenders. It found that DGUs are not likely to provide similar social benefits, implying that prevalence estimates may not simultaneously estimate social benefits and that the relationship among gun carrying, encountering risky situations, and DGU is more complex than has been portrayed.
Amyloid-like properties of a synthetic peptide corresponding to the carboxy terminus of β-amyloid protein precursor

A synthetic peptide whose sequence corresponds to the 20 carboxy-terminal amino acids of beta-amyloid protein precursor (APP) was found to form fibrils in vitro. These fibrils showed birefringence in polarized light when stained with Congo red, fluoresced when bound with thioflavin S, were resistant to proteases, and had a cross-beta conformation. By contrast, peptides with other sequences from the intracellular domain of APP and a peptide corresponding to this entire domain did not exhibit the full range of beta-amyloid properties. These results suggest that a fragment from the C-terminus of the beta-amyloid protein precursor could bind to intraneuronal paired helical filaments and account for some of its amyloid-like properties.
Mental Models of Computers as a Function of Sex and Perceived Trust

Participants completed a measure of computer trust and generated responses to the question, “What is like a computer?” These responses were coded as one of seven types ranging from being perceptually similar to sharing similar functions to being cognitively similar. Computer trust scores were associated with generating more responses, particularly of a functional nature. However, further analyses showed that participant sex moderated this effect, with computer trust associated with functional analogies for males, but perceptual analogies for females. The results suggest that computer trust and mental models may develop together and should be considered as important variables in the design and training for future technology.
Pegylated interferon alfa-2a and ribavirin for recurrent hepatitis C after liver transplantation.

Abstract Background Recurrent hepatitis C virus (HCV) is often treated with interferon and ribavirin combination therapy but results have been disappointing. Given the promising results reported with pegylated interferon and ribavirin for hepatitis C, this combination is now preferred for the treatment of recurrent HCV. This article reports a transplantation program’s experience with antiviral therapy treatment for liver transplant recipients with recurrent HCV. Methods Between October 2002 and June 2004, patients with recurrent HCV were screened to determine if they were eligible for treatment. Liver function tests, HCVRNA, and liver biopsies were done on all patients prior to treatment. HCVRNA was repeated at 3 months, end of treatment (EOT), and 6 months after EOT for patients HCVRNA-negative at EOT. Patients were prospectively followed up after starting weekly pegylated interferon alfa-2a 180 mcg/wk and ribavirin 1000–1200 mg/d (Roche, Nutley, NJ, United States) with folic acid 1 mg/d. Results Thirty-two patients were eligible for treatment with a median age of 49.2 years. Twenty-one patients have completed treatment, 6 remain on treatment, and 5 were intolerant. In an intention-to-treat analysis, sustained HCVRNA eradication occurred in at least 40.6% of patients. Side effects led to treatment withdrawal in 5 patients (15.6%). Conclusion Pegylated interferon alfa-2a and ribavirin appear promising for the treatment of recurrent HCV. Side effects were an infrequent cause of treatment discontinuation, unlike previous combinations of interferon-based therapy. Randomized, prospective trials incorporating serial liver biopsies with appropriate quality of life analyses are required to manage this silent epidemic.
Microstructural evidence for counter-diffusion of aluminum and oxygen during the growth of alumina scales

A novel, two-stage oxidation experiment is described that enables the outward diffusion of cations in alumina scales during high-temperature oxidation to be analyzed on the basis of microstructural changes in the surface morphology of the scale. Using this technique, observations of aluminum out-diffusion along α-Al2O3 grain boundaries during oxidation of Fe–Cr–Al alloys, nickel aluminides and platinum-modified NiAl bond-coats are made. Although microstructural evidence for the inward grain boundary diffusion of oxygen is more difficult to obtain, it still can be demonstrated by the growth of the oxide above interface cavities on nickel aluminides and inside internal cracks in the alumina scales during cyclic oxidation of zirconia top-coated material. SEM examination of the crack surfaces after scale spallation provides a vivid illustration of two simultaneous processes, aluminum outward and oxygen inward diffusion along grain boundaries in the scale.
Neuro Linguistic Programming and Listening Behavior

Abstract Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) was employed in this study to determine whether its application would enhance the listening skills of subjects. Messages based on NLP were presented to the subjects. The messages that were presented in the auditory format proved to be most persuasive for the recipients. These results supported the recommendations of previous research. Implications for further research are presented.
Solitary coronary ostium in the aorta in the absence of other major congenital cardiovascular anomalies

Abstract Objectives . This study examines the distribution patterns and the clinical significance of the “solitary coronary ostium” in the aorta in the absence of other major congenital cardiovascular anomalies. Background . Ogden in 1970 classified “single coronary artery” into 14 basic distribution patterns. Since then, other patients of distribution of single coronary artery have been recognized. Distinction has also been made between the cases with and without other major congenital cardiovascular anomalies or coronary artery atresia and those without these additional abnormalities. Single coronary artery has been generally considered to be a benign clinical entity. Methods . This study describes 10 cases of single coronary artery at necropsy and reviews 87 previously reported cases, 35 diagnosed at necropsy and 52 by coronary angiography. Results . We classified single coronary artery into 20 categories on the basis of the location of the solitary coronary ostium, the presence or absence of an aberrant-coursing coronary artery and the course taken by the aberrant-coursing coronary artery. When atherosclerotic coronary artery disease was absent, 15% (8 of 53) of the patients reviewed with single coronary artery had myocardial ischemia as a direct consequence of the coronary anomaly. Conclusions . The anatomic classification presented is useful from both clinical and surgical viewpoints. This comprehensive classification of this rare anomaly facilitates description of the various distribution patterns of single coronary artery and their clinical significance.
A physical map of the 20q12-q13.1 region associated with type 2 diabetes.

Several recent genetic studies have suggested linkage of Type 2 diabetes (non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus) susceptibility to a region of chromosome 20q12-q13.1. To facilitate the identification and cloning of a diabetes susceptibility gene(s) in this region, we have constructed correlated radiation hybrid and YAC/BAC contig physical maps of the region. A high-resolution radiation hybrid map encompassing 9.5 Mb between the PLC and the CEBPB genes was constructed using 68 markers: 25 polymorphic markers, 15 known genes, 21 ESTs, and 7 random genomic sequences. The physical order of the polymorphic markers within this radiation hybrid map is consistent with published genetic maps. A YAC/BAC contig that gives continuous coverage between PLC and CEBPB was also constructed. This contig was constructed from 24 YACs, 34 BACs, and 1 P1 phage clone onto which 71 markers were mapped: 23 polymorphic markers, 12 genes, 24 ESTs, and 12 random genomic sequences. The radiation hybrid map and YAC/BAC physical map enable precise mapping of newly identified transcribed sequences and polymorphic markers that will aid in linkage and linkage disequilibrium studies and facilitate identification and cloning of candidate Type 2 diabetes susceptibility genes residing in 20q12-q13.1.
Terminal dynamics of atmospheric entry capsules.

Atmospheric entry-capsule dynamics, considering angle of attack motion under gravity forces influence and aerodynamic normal force stability relations
A thermodynamic theory of damage in elastic inorganic and organic solids

This contribution presents the foundations of a thermodynamic theory of damage in elastic solids, developed in collaboration with the late J. Kestin and with E. Honein and T. Honein. The theory is rooted in the so-called conservative or conventional thermodynamics of irreversible processes, where the concept of a local thermodynamic state plays a prominent role. An elastic body prone to damage is regarded as a thermodynamic system characterized by a set of extensive variables that can be defined in both equilibrium and nonequilibrium states and assigned approximately the same values in both the physical space and the abstract state space (i.e., the Gibbsian phase space of constrained equilibria). The extensive variables introduced include internal parameters which describe the damaged state of the body and whose conjugate intensive variables, or affinities, constitute a generalization of Eshelby’s concept of a “force on an elastic singularity”. The local state approximation is applied by assigning to the entropy and temperature in physical space local values which can be calculated in the Gibbsian phase space by the well-established methods of equilibrium thermodynamics. This leads to an explicit expression for the entropy production. The rate equations for the damage are then postulated in such a way as to conform to the second part of the second law of thermodynamics. The resulting theory captures many features of real inorganic material behavior in which no mass loss is sustained. By contrast, damage of organic materials, such as compact bone subject to osteoporosis, is accompanied by bone mass loss. This feature can be accommodated in the theory proposed by a suitable adjustment of the expression of the Gibbs free energy.
Understanding molecular recognition and epitope prediction from Information Theoretic approach

Background Cellular immunity is dependent on T-cell recognition of peptide/major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and is a critical molecular recognition component [1]. A large class of bioinformatics tools facilitates the identification of T-cell epitopes to specific MHC alleles. However, not all peptide residues contribute equally or are relevant to binding due to polymorphism of genes encoding MHC, making development of statistical methods difficult. Information Theory has proved to be one of the most universal mathematical theories that governs virtually all processes [2]. The success of this approach in analyzing a huge range of engineering, technological and natural processes is impressive. In Molecular Biology the applications have been very successful at the sequence level, many sequence comparison and binding site identification methods now boasts a sound information theoretic foundation.
Language and bodily conduct in focus group evaluations of legal policy

Despite the growing importance of focus group interviews for the evaluation of new legal mandates, we know very little about how these interviews function in the socially situated and concrete deta...
Data transfers in networks

The scheduling of the transfer of backlogged data in a network to minimize the finishing time is studied. The most complete treatment (of a version) of the problem is due to Gopal, Bongiovanni, Bonucelli, Tang, and Wong, who attacked the problem using the Birkhoff-von Neumann theorem. However, these authors do not provide a complexity analysis of their algorithm. In this paper we solve the version of these authors as well as a more difficult version of this scheduling problem by formulating them as a continuous form of the Hakimi-Kariv-de Werra generalization of the edge-coloring problem in bipartite graphs. This leads to polynomial time algorithms for these problems. Furthermore, our solution of the previously solved version has the desirable feature of having a tighter bound for the number of "communication modes" than the solution of the above authors. In the above scheduling problem, there may be a time associated with changing from one set of simultaneous data transfers (i.e., a communication mode) to another. It is shown that if the overall finishing time of our schedule includes these times, then even very simple instances of our problem become NP-hard. However, approximation algorithms are presented which produce solutions whose finishing times are at most twice the optimal. Finally, in the above scheduling problem the interruption (or pre-emption) of the performance of each task is permitted. Essentially, the same problem when pre-emption is not permitted was studied by Coffman, Garey, Johnson, and LaPaugh. The relation between the two problems are explored.
Accelerated event-by-event Monte Carlo microdosimetric calculations of electrons and protons tracks on a multi-core CPU and a CUDA-enabled GPU

For microdosimetric calculations event-by-event Monte Carlo (MC) methods are considered the most accurate. The main shortcoming of those methods is the extensive requirement for computational time. In this work we present an event-by-event MC code of low projectile energy electron and proton tracks for accelerated microdosimetric MC simulations on a graphic processing unit (GPU). Additionally, a hybrid implementation scheme was realized by employing OpenMP and CUDA in such a way that both GPU and multi-core CPU were utilized simultaneously. The two implementation schemes have been tested and compared with the sequential single threaded MC code on the CPU. Performance comparison was established on the speed-up for a set of benchmarking cases of electron and proton tracks. A maximum speedup of 67.2 was achieved for the GPU-based MC code, while a further improvement of the speedup up to 20% was achieved for the hybrid approach. The results indicate the capability of our CPU-GPU implementation for accelerated MC microdosimetric calculations of both electron and proton tracks without loss of accuracy.
A calorimetric investigation of CO, N2, and O2 in alkali-exchanged MFI

Abstract We have examined the adsorption of CO, N 2 , and O 2 at 195 K in siliceous MFI (silicalite) and Li-, Na-, and K-exchanged MFI using microcalorimetry. The differential, isosteric heats demonstrate that CO and N 2 interact strongly with cations, while isosteric heats for O 2 were not affected by the presence of the cations. The zero-coverage heats for CO and N 2 decreased with increasing size of the alkali cation. On Li-MFI, the differential heats dropped to the value observed on silicalite at coverages only slightly above the site density for Li. In contrast, the heat profiles on Na-MFI and K-MFI suggest that more than one molecule can interact with a single cation. The implications of these results for characterization of adsorbents are discussed.
Gasoline demand and supply under a disequilibrium market

Abstract The objectives of this study are to formulate a gasoline market model and to test empirically the disequilibrium features of the market that may have been caused by either imperfect price adjustments or institutional price constraints. Disequilibrium maximum-likelihood estimation methods are used for estimation, and the estimates indicate that price adjustments lag behind the magnitude required to achieve full adjustment in the gasoline market. If the disequilibrium hypothesis is indeed acceptable, failure to take disequilibrium characteristics into account may create serious specification error and, thus, using previously obtained equilibrium estimates as a basis for policy implementation may be misleading.
Delineation of alternative conformational states in Escherichia coli peptide deformylase via thermodynamic studies for the binding of actinonin.

We investigated the binding of a naturally occurring antibiotic, actinonin, to the Ni2+ reconstituted recombinant form of E. coli peptide deformylase (PDFEc) via isothermal titration microcalorimetry. The binding data conformed to both exothermic and endothermic phases with magnitudes of ΔG°, ΔH°, and TΔS° being equal to −12, −2.7, and 9.3, and −8.7, 3.9, and 12.6 kcal/mol, respectively. Evidently, although both phases are dominated by favorable entropic changes, the exothermic phase has about 6.7 kcal/mol enthalpic advantage over the endothermic phase. We observed that the removal of bound Ni2+ from PDFEc abolished the exothermic phase without affecting the endothermic phase, but it was regained upon addition of Zn2+. In conjunction with metal analysis data, we propose that the recombinant form of PDFEc is expressed in two stable conformational states that yield markedly distinct ITC profiles (i.e., exothermic versus endothermic) upon interaction with actinonin. The existence of two conformational states of PDFEc is further supported by the observation of two distinct and independent transitions during the thermal unfolding of the enzyme. In addition, the thermodynamic data reveals that the formation of the PDFEc-actinonin complex results in the transfer of one H+ from the enzyme phase to the bulk solvent at pH 6.3. Both exothermic and endothermic phases produce highly negative ΔCp° values, but there is no apparent enthalpy-entropy compensation effect upon formation of the PDFEc-actinonin complex. In view of the known structural features of the enzyme, arguments are presented that the alternative conformational states of PDFEc are modulated by the metal ligation at the enzyme site.
Diffraction by a circular aperture in a unidirectionally conducting screen

The diffraction of a normally incident plane electromagnetic wave with wave number k by a circular aperture of radius a in a unidirectionally conducting plane screen of zero thickness and infinite extent is considered. In the limit of large ka , the ratio of the transmission cross section to the geometrical optics value \pi a^{2} , is found up to the order (ka)^{-3/2} .
Behavioral response of 12 ungulate species in captivity to the presence of humans

Twelve species of captive ungulates were studied to determine behavioral responses to the presence of a zookeeper within the exhibit and in front of the exhibit, with and without zoo visitors present. Significant differences in behavior occurred between species for nearly all behaviors observed. A significantly greater occurrence of vigilance and approach behavior was directed toward the zookeeper while within the exhibit relative to when the zookeeper stood in front of the exhibit. A significantly lower occurrence of eating or drinking occurred when the zookeeper was inside the exhibit. Significant differences occurred across size categories in the occurrence of approaching the zookeeper. The most frequently scored behavior was visual orientation. Statistically significant differences in the occurrence of visual orientation directed by females toward the zookeeper existed across size category, with more vigilance by species with larger body size. A statistically higher occurrence of vigilance toward the zookeeper was directed by female ungulates but not by males when the zoo was closed to the public. Although no statistical significance was found regarding the intraspecific vigilance of males, data on females revealed significant differences across species and across size categories. When data regarding vigilance toward the public were analyzed, statistically significant differences existed between species for females only. Likewise, when data regarding interspecific vigilance were examined, statistically significant differences were found across size categories for females, but not for males. The potential roles of vigilance in the wild are discussed in reference to its role in captivity.
Contribution of heavy metals to developmental disabilities in children

Children are exposed to heavy metals, since they occur naturally in the environment and levels of some are raised by pollution. Both lead and mercury are neurotoxic and there is a risk of developmental problems following exposure. High levels of exposure by either metal can cause mental retardation, and lower levels of exposure may cause cognitive and behavioral changes. The lowest level of lead exposure believed to adversely affect neurodevelopment has steadily decreased, and the current blood lead level considered safe is 10 μg/dl or less. Children are exposed to chronic low levels of inorganic mercury from dental amalgams and of methylmercury when they eat fish or fish products. Both mercury vapor and methylmercury cross the placental and blood–brain barriers and at high exposures cause brain damage. No safe level for mercury vapor or methylmercury exposure has been definitely established, but a peak maternal hair level of ≥10 ppm following methylmercury exposure is presently thought to present about a 5% risk of cognitive impairment. This level can be readily achieved by eating fish regularly. Determining the lowest level of heavy metal exposure associated with any degree of alteration in children's cognition or behavior presents a difficult research challenge. MRDD Research Reviews 1997;3:239–245. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Application of Mesoporous Silicon Dioxide and Silicate in Oral Amorphous Drug Delivery Systems

Aqueous solubility of an active pharmaceutical ingredient is an important consideration to ensure successful drug development. Mesoporous materials have been investigated as an amorphous drug delivery system owing to their nanosized capillaries and large surface areas. The complex interactions of crystalline compounds with mesoporous media and their implication in drug delivery are not well understood. Molecules interacting with porous media behave very differently than those in bulk phase. Their altered dynamics and thermodynamics play an important role in the properties and product performance of the amorphous system. In this review, application of mesoporous silicon dioxide and silicates in drug amorphization is the main focus. First, as background, the nature of gas-porous media interactions is summarized. The synthesis of various types of mesoporous silica, which are used by many investigators in this field, is described. Second, the behavior of molecules confined in mesopores is compared with those in bulk, crystalline phase. The molecular dynamics of compounds due to confinement, analyzed using various techniques, and their consequences in drug delivery are discussed. Finally, the preparation and performance of drug delivery systems using mesoporous silica are examined.
Cracked plates subjected to out-of-plane tearing loads

Cracked plates subjected to out-of-plane tearing loads were investigated using both classical plate theory and Reissner/Mindlin plate theory. It was shown that the total strain energy release rate according to Reissner/Mindlin plate theory converges to that of classical plate theory as the thickness to crack length ratio approaches zero. It was demonstrated that it is not meaningful to separate mode II and mode III strain energy release rates using classical plate theory.
Determination of CKM phases through rigid polygons of flavor SU(3) amplitudes

Some new methods for the extraction of CKM phases $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ and $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ using flavor SU(3) symmetry are suggested. Rigid polygons are constructed in the complex plane with sides equal to the decay amplitudes of $B$ mesons into two light (charmless) pseudoscalar mesons. These rigid polygons incorporate all the possible amplitude triangles and, being overdetermined, also serve as consistency checks and in estimating the rates of some decay modes. The same techniques also lead to numerous useful amplitude triangles when octet-singlet mixing has been taken into account and nearly physical $\ensuremath{\eta}$, ${\ensuremath{\eta}}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ are used.
Motion Segmentation and Control Design for UCF-MANUS—An Intelligent Assistive Robotic Manipulator

In this paper, we document the progress in the design of a motion segmentation and control strategy for a smart assistive robot arm that can provide assistance during activities of daily living to the elderly and/or users with disabilities. Interaction with the environment is made challenging by the kinematic uncertainty in the robot, imperfect sensor calibration as well as the fact that most activities of daily living are generally required to be performed in unstructured environments. The motion control strategy exploits visual and force feedback from sensors in the robot’s hand to provide the basis for efficient interaction with the unstructured environment. Through experimental studies with a variety of objects of daily life in natural environments, an anthropomorphic-like approach was found to be the most suitable for reliable and speedy object retrieval. Specifically, gross reaching/docking motions of the robot arm using proprioception are followed by fine alignment of the hand through visual feedback and eventually grasping based on haptic feedback. Experimental results using a wheelchair mounted robotic arm are presented to demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed algorithms.