cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Nonminimum-Phase Zeros on Human-in-the-Loop Control Systems.

We present results from an experiment in which 33 human subjects interact with a dynamic system 40 times over a one-week period. The subjects are divided into three groups. For each interaction, a subject performs a command-following task, where the reference command is the same for all trials and all subjects. However, each group interacts with a different dynamic system, which is represented by a transfer function. The transfer functions have the same poles but different zeros. One has a minimum-phase zero zₘ 0, and the last has a slower (i.e., closer to the imaginary axis) nonminimum-phase zero zsn ∈ (0,zₙ). The experimental results show that nonminimum-phase zeros tend to make dynamic systems more difficult for humans to learn to control. We use a subsystem identification algorithm to identify the control strategy that each subject uses on each trial. The identification results show that the identified feedforward controllers approximate the inverse dynamics of the system with which the subjects interact better on the last trial than on the first trial. However, the subjects interacting with the minimum-phase system are able to approximate the inverse dynamics in feedforward more accurately than the subjects interacting with the nonminimum-phase system. This observation suggests that nonminimum-phase zeros are an impediment to approximating inverse dynamics in feedforward. Finally, we provide evidence that humans rely on feedforward-step-like-control strategies with systems (e.g., nonminimum-phase systems) for which it is difficult to approximate the inverse dynamics in feedforward.
Patch-Based Diffusion Learning for Hyperspectral Image Clustering

An algorithm for clustering hyperspectral images (HSI) based on diffusion geometry in the space of high-dimensional image patches is proposed. By using the patch structure of the HSI, robustness to noise is achieved in the clustering process. Results on real hyperspectral data indicate the effectiveness of working in the space of HSI patches, compared to working in the space of HSI pixels.
Causes of Effects: Learning individual responses from population data.

The problem of individualization is recognized as crucial in almost every field. Identifying causes of effects in specific events is likewise essential for accurate decision making. However, such estimates invoke counterfactual relationships, and are therefore indeterminable from population data. For example, the probability of benefiting from a treatment concerns an individual having a favorable outcome if treated and an unfavorable outcome if untreated. Experiments conditioning on fine-grained features are fundamentally inadequate because we can't test both possibilities for an individual. Tian and Pearl provided bounds on this and other probabilities of causation using a combination of experimental and observational data. Even though those bounds were proven tight, narrower bounds, sometimes significantly so, can be achieved when structural information is available in the form of a causal model. This has the power to solve central problems, such as explainable AI, legal responsibility, and personalized medicine, all of which demand counterfactual logic. We analyze and expand on existing research by applying bounds to the probability of necessity and sufficiency (PNS) along with graphical criteria and practical applications.
Perchlorinated Triarylmethyl Radical 99% Enriched 13C at the Central Carbon as EPR Spin Probe Highly Sensitive to Molecular Tumbling.

Soluble stable radicals are used as spin probes and spin labels for in vitro and in vivo electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy and imaging applications. We report the synthesis and characterization of a perchlorinated triarylmethyl radical enriched 99% at the central carbon, 13C1-PTMTC. The anisotropy of the hyperfine splitting with the 13C1 (Ax = 26, Ay = 25, Az = 199.5 MHz) and the g (gx = 2.0015, gy = 2.0015, gz = 2.0040) are responsible for a strong effect of the radical tumbling rate on the EPR spectrum. The rotational correlation time can be determined by spectral simulation or via the line width or the apparent Az after calibration, so the spin probe 13C1-PTMTC can be used to measure media microviscosity with high sensitivity.
Shaping classroom social experiences through collaborative small-group discussions.

BACKGROUND Students form interpersonal and intrapersonal classroom social experiences with peers. While diverse intervention programmes have been developed, few have integrated social-emotional learning into academic activities to maximize the potential for learning and development. AIMS This study examined the effects of collaborative small-group discussions on students' classroom social experiences at the interpersonal and intrapersonal levels. SAMPLE The study included 250 students (Mage = 10.98, female = 52%) and six teachers from 12 English language arts fifth-grade classrooms in two public schools in the United States. METHODS Students were assigned to one of three conditions: Collaborative Social Reasoning (CSR), Read-Aloud (RA), or Regular Instruction (RI). Students in the CSR condition participated in recurrent collaborative small-group discussions about stories related to complex social-moral issues, including friendship, social exclusion, ethics of care, and responsibility. Students in the RA condition read the same stories without discussions. RESULTS Collaborative Social Reasoning students were more socially accepted by peers and were less aggressive to others compared to students in the other conditions. RA students revealed more aggressive behaviour than other groups. In a post-intervention interview, CSR students reported improved communication and group work strategies, ability to maintain harmonious relationships, and class participation. A higher proportion of CSR students in the CSR than the other conditions reported experiencing positive change in classroom relationships. Teacher interviews were used in conjunction with student interviews to triangulate conclusions from qualitative interview data. CONCLUSION Findings suggest effective ways to structure collaborative small-group discussions to foster positive classroom social experiences with peers.
A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study: Combined 595-nm Pulsed Dye Laser Treatment and Oxymetazoline Hydrochloride Topical Cream Superior to Oxymetazoline Hydrochloride Cream for Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES We evaluated if oxymetazoline therapy combined with 595-nm pulsed dye laser (PDL) will be more beneficial than topical oxymetazoline alone for the improvement of erythematotelangiectatic rosacea. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS This was a randomized, controlled, prospective clinical trial approved by an independent Institutional Review Board, which enrolled 34 patients with moderate to severe clinical erythema (CEA) into a two-arm study of PDL with concomitant oxymetazoline cream (Arm 1) and oxymetazoline cream alone (Arm 2). Patients in Arm 1 were treated with 3 monthly laser sessions, which were started after 1 month of topical oxymetazoline cream. Thirty subjects continued with the study, and 25 subjects (Arm 1: 14, Arm 2: 11) completed the 6-month follow-up. With photographic comparison to baseline images, efficacy endpoints were based on clinical on-site grading by both the investigator and the patient, using the grading tools for CEA, Global Aesthetic Improvement (GAI) assessment, vessel size improvement, and subject self-assessment. These scales were assessed at baseline and/or at each clinical follow-up at 1, 2, 3, and 6 months. Subject satisfaction as well as post-treatment immediate response and treatment-associated pain scores were also evaluated. RESULTS Statistically significant improvement in CEA was seen in both arms at the 1-, 2-, and 3-month post-baseline visits (P < 0.01). Only Arm 1 presented statistically significant improvement in CEA (P < 0.001) at 6 months post baseline with a mean score of 1.6 (almost clear-mild) compared with 3.2 at baseline. Arm 1 showed significantly greater mean vessel size improvement at 3 months (P < 0.01) and 6 months (P < 0.05) post baseline compared to Arm 2. Significantly greater improvement (P < 0.05) in the investigator GAI score was reported at the 2- and 6-month follow-ups compared with Arm 2. Subject GAI scores showed statistically significant greater improvement in Arm 1 compared with Arm 2 at both the 3- and 6-month follow-ups (P < 0.01). There were no complications or long-term effects associated with PDL or topical oxymetazoline treatments. CONCLUSION The prospective trial verifies a safe, enhanced clinical outcome with the combination of PDL therapy and topical oxymetazoline for the treatment of erythematotelangiectatic rosacea patients. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2021 The Authors. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Anthracycline Treatment and Left Atrial Function in Children: A Real-Time 3-Dimensional Echocardiographic Study

Anthracycline (AC) therapy is associated with left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. Left atrial (LA) size and function are used to assess LV diastolic function in heart failure in adults. Data on LA size and function following AC therapy in children is limited. We hypothesized that LA size and function will be abnormal in children following AC chemotherapy. This retrospective review included patients who received AC for pediatric cancers. Controls had normal echocardiograms performed for evaluation of chest pain, murmur, or syncope. Real-time three-dimensional echocardiography was performed to evaluate LA reservoir, conduit, and booster pump function parameters. In addition to LA volume data, LV shortening fraction, spectral and tissue Doppler variables assessing diastolic function as well as myocardial performance index was obtained. Groups with and without AC therapy were compared by student t-test and chi-square test. We evaluated 136 patients, 55 (40.4%) had received AC. There was no significant difference between the groups in LV shortening fraction, diastolic as well as global function indices. LA reservoir and conduit function parameters were significantly lower in AC group compared to controls. The booster function parameters showed variable results. It is intriguing that AC-treated children have smaller LA reservoir and abnormal booster function. We speculate that these findings may reflect early changes in LA compliance associated with AC exposure. Assessment of LA volumes and function as prognostic markers of AC-induced cardiotoxicity in children is warranted.
Using Amazon’s Mechnical Turk (MTurk) For Modern Survey Experiments: A Review With A Particular Focus on Racial Inequality

MTurk is a multiple sources platform that provides people and companies with the ability to outsource procedures and jobs to distributed workers from across the globe. Survey experiment research on MTurk has become extremely popular in the last decade. I briefly review a number of recent research projects examining racial inequality using survey experiments on MTurk. This research has particularly important insights for the field of psychology with reference ot stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination.
Immunological and Molecular Analyses of the Borrelia burgdorferi OspF Protein Family F

IMMUNOLOGICAL AND MOLECULAR ANALYSES OF THE BORRELIA BURGDORFERI OSPF PROTEIN FAMILY By Emily Tran, B .S. A thesis submitted in partial hlfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2006 Major Director: Richard T. Marconi, Ph.D. Professor Department of Microbiology and Immunology In North America, Borrelia burgdorferi is the primary causative agent of Lyme disease which is a growing health concern. The ability of B. burgdorferi to maintain chronic infection indicates that they are capable of immune evasion. A distinguishing characteristic of B. burgdorferi is the large number of sequences encoding predicted or known lipoproteins, including outer surface protein F (OspF). This study analyzes the specificity of the humoral immune response to B. burgdorferi B3 IMI OspF proteins during murine and human infection. Immunoblot analyses revealed a temporal xiii expression of OspF proteins during infection and mapped the immunodominant epitopes which lie within the variable domains. To determine if OspF-related proteins are produced by other isolates, immunoblot analyses were performed using sera collected from mice and humans infected with diverse B. burgdorferi strains. Differences in the immunoreactivity profile to OspF proteins were seen among the infection sera tested. To identify the molecular basis of these differences, the ospF gene was isolated from several strains, sequenced and evolutionary analyses were conducted. These analyses revealed that OspF proteins show little diversity despite the separate geographic locations from which isolates originated. The high degree of OspF protein conservation seen in isolates from two distinct regions emphasizes the potential for OpsF proteins as vaccinogens or in serodiagnostic assays. Altogether, this study demonstrates the potential contribution of OspF proteins to immune evasion through its temporal expression during infection which may play specific roles at different stages of infection. Studies are underway to determine if inactivation of ospF genes through allelic exchange mutagenesis impacts on the pathogenicity of the Lyme disease spirochetes.
Mussolini's Propaganda Abroad: Subversion in the Mediterranean and the Middle East, 1935-1940

This is the first major study in English of Fascist Italy’s overseas propaganda. Using rare Italian and French captured documents, this is also the first investigation into the relationship between Mussolini’s regime and Arab nationalist movements This new account covers propaganda and subversive activities engineered by the Italian government in the Mediterranean and the Middle East from 1935 until 1940, when Italy entered the war. It assesses the nature of the challenge brought by the Fascist regime to British security and colonial interests in the region. Fascist propaganda, in particular in the Arab Middle East, must be regarded as an expression of Mussolini’s foreign policy and his attempts to build an Italian empire that would stretch beyond the Mediterranean, gaining control over the exits, Gibraltar and Suez, which were in the hands of the British and the French. The activities of individual agents and organizations are carefully reconstructed and analyzed to highlight the seemingly contradictory objectives of the Italian government: on the one hand, Rome was courting the Arab nationalist movements in Egypt and Palestine, which were seeking the support of external forces capable of providing political, financial and military backing needed to overthrow foreign rulers; on the other, the regime was promoting further territorial expansion in Africa. These aspects build into an excellent picture of this fascinating period of modern history. This book will be of great interest to all students and scholars of politics, media, Italian history and propaganda.
An Expanded Rubric for Assessing Molecular Visualization Literacy

A discussion of molecular visualization skills initiated at the 2013 ASBMB Education Symposium has led to an expanded rubric for biomacromolecular 3D literacy. The rubric is divided into twelve are...
Occurrence and amount of microplastic ingested by fishes in watersheds of the Gulf of Mexico

Ingestion of microplastics by fishes could be an emerging environmental crisis because of the proliferation of plastic pollution in aquatic environments. Microplastics in marine ecosystems are well documented, however only one study has reported percent occurrence of microplastics in freshwater fishes. The purpose of this study was to quantify the occurrences and types of microplastics ingested by fishes within several freshwater drainages of the Gulf of Mexico and an estuary of the Gulf of Mexico. Among 535 fishes examined in this study, 8% of the freshwater fishes and 10% of the marine fishes had microplastics in their gut tract. Percentage occurrence of microplastics ingested by fishes in non-urbanized streams (5%) was less than that of one of the urbanized streams (Neches River; 29%). Percent occurrence of microplastics by habitat (i.e., benthic, pelagic) and trophic guilds (herbivore/omnivore, invertivore, carnivore) were similar. Low but widespread occurrences among drainages, habitat guilds, and trophic guilds indicate proliferation of plastic pollution within watersheds of the Gulf of Mexico, but consequences to fish health are unknown at this time.
Different dorsal striatum circuits mediate action discrimination and action generalization

Generalization is an important process that allows animals to extract rules from regularities of past experience and apply them to analogous situations. In particular, the generalization of previously learned actions to novel instruments allows animals to use past experience to act faster and more efficiently in an ever-changing environment. However, generalization of actions to a dissimilar instrument or situation may also be detrimental. In this study, we investigated the neural bases of action generalization and discrimination in mice trained on a lever-pressing task. Using specific schedules of reinforcement known to bias animals towards habitual or goal-directed behaviors, we confirmed that action generalization is more prominent in animals using habitual rather than goal-directed strategies. We discovered that selective excitotoxic lesions of the dorsolateral and dorsomedial striatum have opposite effects on the generalization of a previously learned action to a novel lever. Whereas lesions of the dorsolateral striatum impair action generalization, dorsomedial striatum lesions affect action discrimination and bias subjects towards action generalization. Importantly, these lesions do not affect the ability of animals to explore or match their lever-pressing rate to the reinforcement rate, or the ability to distinguish between different levers. The data presented here reveal that dorsolateral and dorsomedial striatal circuits have opposing roles in the generalization of previously learned actions to novel instruments, and suggest that these circuits compete for the expression of generalization in novel situations.
Phase III clinical trial of the combination of cisplatin, dacarbazine, and carmustine with or without tamoxifen in patients with advanced malignant melanoma.

PURPOSE: A prospective randomized phase III clinical trial was conducted to assess whether the addition of tamoxifen (TAM) to the three-agent regimen of cisplatin (CDDP), dacarbazine (DTIC), and carmustine (BCNU) significantly increased the progression-free survival and overall survival of patients with advanced malignant melanoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with advanced malignant melanoma were treated with CDDP + DTIC + BCNU (CDB) with or without TAM. The dose schedule was CDDP 25 mg/m2 given intravenously (IV) for 30 to 45 minutes in 500 mL of dextrose and ½ normal saline (NS) on days 1 to 3 of a 3-week cycle; DTIC 220 mg/m2 IV for 1 hour in 500 mL of dextrose and ½ NaCl on days 1 to 3 of a 3-week cycle; BCNU 150 mg/m2 IV for 2 to 3 hours in 750 to1,000 mL of dextrose and 5% water onday 1 of every odd 3-week cycle; and TAM 20 mg taken orally every morning. RESULTS: There were 184 eligible patients enrolled. These patients were observed until death or for a minimum of 1.3 years. At last contact, 12 ...
Inquiry-based experiments for large-scale introduction to PCR and restriction enzyme digests

Polymerase chain reaction and restriction endonuclease digest are important techniques that should be included in all Biochemistry and Molecular Biology laboratory curriculums. These techniques are frequently taught at an advanced level, requiring many hours of student and faculty time. Here we present two inquiry-based experiments that are designed for introductory laboratory courses and combine both techniques. In both approaches, students must determine the identity of an unknown DNA sequence, either a gene sequence or a primer sequence, based on a combination of PCR product size and restriction digest pattern. The experimental design is flexible, and can be adapted based on available instructor preparation time and resources, and both approaches can accommodate large numbers of students. We implemented these experiments in our courses with a combined total of 584 students and have an 85% success rate. Overall, students demonstrated an increase in their understanding of the experimental topics, ability to interpret the resulting data, and proficiency in general laboratory skills.
Variation in Arundo donax stem and leaf strength: Implications for herbivory

Abstract We determined leaf and stem strength for Arundo donax from plants grown in different geographic areas and at different times within their growing cycle. Mean leaf strength for plants collected within California was 1.72 Newtons (N) and ranged from 0.36 to 6.32 N, based on 1170 individual determinations. For leaves collected from 30 plants within four states between July 11 and 20, 2007, mean leaf strength was 1.58 N based on 936 determinations. Values ranged from 0.24 to 4.90 N. Overall, leaf strength showed statistically significant changes depending on the sampling date, sampling location, type of leaf sampled, and position within the leaf where the measurement was taken. In general leaf strength was greater near the base of the leaf and decreased with distance away from the base; leaf strength changed as the growing season progressed; and first year leaves had leaf strength values about 25% greater than leaves produced on stems >1-year old. This represents two of the three age categories of leaves which may be present on giant reed at any one time. Stem strength and stem wall thickness were strongly correlated (Kendall's Tau b = 0.92, P N = 26). Linear regression indicated that mean stem strength decreased by approximately 6.8% (95% confidence limits 5.8–7.7%) from one node to the successive node progressing from the stem base to the shoot tip. These results imply that the ability of biological control agents to damage A. donax leaves may not be the same across the locations this plant occurs or at all times during the growing season within a given location.
Scanning electron microscopic study of degeneration and regeneration in the olfactory epithelium after axotomy

The olfactory epithelium of the adult hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) was examined with the scanning electron microscope following olfactory nerve axotomy. Axotomy results in retrograde degeneration of mature olfactory neurons. Maximum degeneration was observed around day 4. During the degeneration period the epithelium consists primarily of supporting and basal cells. Microvillar columnar supporting cells were observed to have fine cellular processes extending from their lateral border to neighbouring cells. Supporting cells extended to the basal lamina where they terminated in foot-like processes of variable shapes (club, splay and hook). Basal cells which gave rise to new replacement olfactory neurons were observed near the basal lamina. They had a rough cellular surface covered with small granules and fine cellular extensions. Bowman's gland duct cells extended unbranched through the epithelium where they formed funnel duct openings covered with microvilli. During early recovery periods (5–30 days) the number of olfactory neurons in the lower epithelium region increased. We observed olfactory neurons with developing axon and dendritic processes. Specialized growth cone structures were seen at the tips. Olfactory neuron growth cones were elongated or club-shaped and had a ruffled membrane surface. Several thin filopodia extended from the growth cone and made contact with adjacent cells. At late recovery periods (35–120 days) there was a marked increase in the number of olfactory neurons within the middle and lower epithelium regions. Numerous dendritic processes extended to the epithelial surface and terminated in knob-like ciliated structures. Olfactory axons passed basally, forming small intra-epithelial bundles that penetrated the basal lamina then fasciculated into larger bundles within the lamina propria. This study provides detailed three-dimensional observations of the olfactory epithelium following neuron injury, and describes neural degenerative changes, replacement of olfactory neurons, development and maturation. In addition, we describe the structure and basal attachment of supporting cells and their glial-like relation with olfactory neurons.
The librarian's role in motivating language learners: tales from an Eastern Washington college town

Purpose – This paper aims to describe the benefits of contact between the language librarian and a first year language class at Washington State University, for the purpose of promoting library resources to inform language learning.Design/methodology/approach – The paper discusses sociolinguistic research as it applies to motivating language learners, and promoting materials for language acquisition. By keeping abreast of sociolinguistic literature, librarians can choose the best approach for supporting, motivating, and scaffolding first year language learners through both library instruction and library collections.Findings – The experience described provides a strategy for making contact with teaching faculty, promoting library materials, and the tips for planning and delivering a library instruction session on language materials to a first year language class.Practical implications – This approach can be particularly valuable for librarians who wish to initiate contact with language students in the ear...
Model-Based Control of the Air Fuel Ratio for Gasoline Direct Injection Engines via Advanced Co-Simulation: An Approach to Reduce the Development Cycle of Engine Control Systems

Nowadays, the precise control of the air fuel ratio (AFR) in spark ignition (SI) engines plays a crucial role in meeting the more and more restrictive standard emissions for the passenger cars and the fuel economy required by the automotive market as well. To attain this demanding goal, the development of an advanced AFR control strategy embedding highly predictive models becomes mandatory for the next generation of electronic control unit (ECU). Conversely, the adoption of more complex control strategies affects the development time of the ECU increasing the time-to-market of new engine models. In this paper to solve the AFR control problem for gasoline direct injection (GDI) and to speed up the design of the entire control system, a gain scheduling PI model-based control strategy is proposed. To this aim, AFR dynamics are modeled via a first order time delay system whose parameters vary strongly with the fresh air mass entering the cylinders. Nonlinear relations have been found to describe the behavior of model parameters in function of air mass. Closed loop performances, when this novel controller is nested in the control loop, are compared to those provided by the classical PI Ziegler–Nichols control action with respect to different cost functions. Model validation as well as the effectiveness of the control design are carried out by means of ECU-1D engine co-simulation environment for a wide range of engine working conditions. The combination in one integrated designing environment of control systems and virtual engine, simulated through high predictive commercial one dimensional code, becomes a high predictive tool for automotive control engineers and enables fast prototyping.
Beyond personality: the impact of GMA on performance for entry‐level service employees

Purpose – While personality is often deemed important, few studies have examined the relationship between general mental ability (GMA) and job performance for entry‐level service employees. As such, the present study aims to examine the impact of GMA, along with the Big Five personality dimensions, on performance in this context.Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected on servers from multiple units of two large restaurant chains. The employees completed GMA and personality assessments. Managers in Sample 1 provided ratings of service performance and two dimensions of contextual performance – interpersonal facilitation and job dedication. In Sample 2, sales performance data were obtained from company records.Findings – Unlike the Big Five taxonomy, GMA was the only variable to significantly predict all performance criteria.Research limitations/implications – Successful job performance requires more than habits and motivation rooted in personality; it also requires knowledge acquisition and ongoin...
On trigonometric wavelets

Wavelets in terms of sine and cosine functions are constructed for decomposing 2π-periodic square-integrable functions into different octaves and for yielding local information within each octave. Results on a simple mapping into the approximate sample space, order of approximation of this mapping, and pyramid algorithms for decomposition and reconstruction are also discussed.
Photoemission studies of core level shifts in HgCdTe, CdMnTe, and HgZnTe

The results of photoemission studies of core level shifts in the Hg(1-x)Cd(x)Te, Cd(1-x)Mn(x)Te, and Hg(1-x)Zn(x)Te alloys are discussed. In Hg(0.7)Cd(0.3)Te, the Hg 5d level is found to shift to lower binding energy by 0.1 eV, and the Cd 4d level to shift to higher binding energy by 0.25 eV upon alloying (relative to their binaries). The Born-Haber cycle is used to determine core level binding energies relative to the valence-band maximum in the context of tight-binding theory, and calculated core level shifts upon alloying in HgCdTe are shown to be too small to account for the observed values. A natural valence-band offset between HgTe and CdTe of 0.35 eV is found.
Calorimeters for pulsed lasers: calibration

A calibration technique is developed and tested in which a calorimeter used for single-shot laser pulse energy measurements is calibrated with reference to a cw power standard using a chopped cw laser beam. A pulsed laser is required only to obtain the relative time response of the calorimeter to a pulse. With precautions as to beam alignment and wavelength, the principal error of the technique is that of the cw standard. Calibration of two thermopiles with cone receivers showed −2.5% and −3.5% agreement with previous calibrations made by the National Bureau of Standards.
Tire-Rim Mismatch Explosions: Human Factors Analyses of Case Studies Data

Data from 13 accidents involving mismatches of 16 inch tires and 16.5 inch rims were analyzed. These mismatches resulted in tire bead failures during inflation that caused the assembly to explode leading to serious injuries and deaths. The data indicated a number of consistent findings. In ten of the accidents an “entrapment” situation existed in which the person inflating the tire and subsequently injured was not the person who selected the components and placed the tire on the rim. While there was great variance in training, experience and knowledge of tire busters, virtually all were unaware of this mismatch hazard. Tire busters typically did not look for size information on rims, and such information was either not displayed or displayed poorly. Regarding task feedback, because the outer flange diameter of the 16 inch and 16.5 inch rims are virtually the same, placing the tire on the 16.5 inch rim did not provide feedback that something was wrong due to greater task difficulty. Also, the fact that the...
A New Hepatitis B Virus Surface Antigen

A new determinant of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBs Ag), g, which is distinct from the previously identified determinants a, d, y, w, and r, was studied. This new antigen tended to be associated with the d antigen; it was found in 97% of ad specimens and in 15% of ay specimens. With few exceptions, the atypical subtypes, adg- and ayg+, were identified in sera from blood donors, but not in sera from patients with acute viral hepatitis; this finding possibly reflects a reduced tendency of these viral strains to evoke a host immune response. The ability to identify g represents a refinement of HBs Ag serotyping that may be of value in the study of the epidemiology of hepatitis B virus.
An Analysis of Numerical Phenetics

The methodical variants of numerical phenetics, as recently summarized by Sneath and Sokal (1973) are analysed concerning their theoretical bases and practical procedures with special reference to their claims of "objectivity", "repeatability" and production of "stable groups". Inconsistencies and deficiencies are proven to be incorporated in numerical phenetics' methodology to a decisive extent that prevents numerical taxonomy to reach its aims in theory and praxis. Moreover, a large number of truly intuitive decisions are enclosed which effect the results in an undefined and uncontrollable way.
THE GERMINATION STRATEGY OF OLDFIELD ASTER (ASTER PILOSUS)

At maturity in November, a high percentage of Aster pilosus Willd. seeds germinated in light at high temperatures (30/15, 35/20 and 40/25 C). Stratification during winter lowered the temperature requirement for germination, and high percentages of germination were obtained in light at 15/6 and 20/10 C, as well as at 30/15, 35/20 and 40/25 C. Stratification in darkness was completely ineffective, but stratification in light was partially effective in overcoming the light requirement for germination. Inability of seeds to germinate at low temperatures prevents germination after dispersal in late autumn and winter, when freezing temperatures could kill the seedlings. The lowering of the temperature requirement for germination during winter stratification allows the seeds to germinate and the resulting vegetative rosettes to become well established before the onset of the periodic summer droughts that occur in habitats occupied by A. pilosus.
The minimal U (1)R-symmetric model revisited

Abstract U (1) R -symmetric models of low energy supersymmetry, in which R -parity is extended to a continuous symmetry, make definitive experimental predictions in contrast to the standard supersymmetric model. We show that, contrary to previous claims, the minimal model is phenomenologically viable because large radiative corrections to the Higgs mass can invalidate the Higgs mass constraint on the parameters of the model. We incorporate these corrections and demonstrate that, unlike the standard supersymmetric light Higgs boson, which may be much heavier than the Z if the top quark mass is large, the light Higgs of our model will very likely accessible to LEP II. We also show that the sleptons should be within reach.
Modulation method for minimizing the depth distortion offset of lock-in TOF cameras

Registered depth and intensity data at a high frame rate, a compact design, low weight and a reduced power consumption have motivated the increasing usage of lock-in time-of-flight cameras in research areas such as computer graphics, machine vision and robotics. State of the art is to use continuous wave modulation with square waves for TOF cameras. Square waves can be easily generated digitally with a high accuracy and stability using programmable logic devices. In this paper a modulation method based on sine waves is proposed, which significantly reduces the depth distortion offset (wiggling effect) of lock-in TOF cameras.
Novel Chemically Stable Ba3Ca1.18Nb1.82–xYxO9−δ Proton Conductor: Improved Proton Conductivity through Tailored Cation Ordering

Simple perovskite-structured proton conductors encounter significant challenges to simultaneously achieving excellent chemical stability and proton conductivity that are desirable for many important applications in energy conversion and storage. This work demonstrates that Y-doped complex-perovskite-structured Ba3Ca1.18Nb1.82–xYxO9−δ materials possess both improved proton conductivity and exceptional chemical stability. Neutron powder diffraction refinement revealed a Fm3m perovskite-structure and increased oxygen vacancy concentration due to the Y doping. High-resolution TEM analysis confirmed the perturbation of the B site cation ordering in the structure for the Ba3Ca1.18Nb1.82–xYxO9−δ materials. Such combined effects led to improved proton conductivity with a value of 5.3 × 10–3 S cm–1 at 600 °C for Ba3Ca1.18Nb1.52Y0.3O9−δ (BCNY0.3), a value 2.4 times higher compared with that of the undoped Ba3Ca1.18Nb1.82O9−δ. The Ba3Ca1.18Nb1.82–xYxO9−δ materials showed remarkable chemical stability toward water a...
It is Good that You are Listening: The Dynamics of Native American Cultural Resource Management

Cultural preservation laws are concerned with the protection of the archaeological record for humanistic and scientific purposes. However, as Native American leaders, scholars, cultural resource managers, and archaeologists become increasingly engaged in cultural preservation issues and assume the legal responsibilities of cultural resource management (CRM), they soon realize that federal and state cultural preservation laws do more to promote the norms and values of the dominant society than it does of indigenous culture. As a consequence, the Native community finds itself immersed in a form of community-centered advocacy that not only seeks to educate federal agencies with whom they work but to show that the application of law, despite its limitations, should be proactive in its approach in protecting and managing Native American cultural resources.
An Electrochemical Study of Uranium in Fused Chlorides

The U(III)‐U(O) and U(IV)‐U(III) standard potentials in eutectic, and the U(IV)‐U(III) and standard potentials in eutectic have been measured at 450°C. The values found are respectively, −2.25, −1.30, −1.25, and −0.285 v vs. the standard Pt(II)‐Pt(O) reference electrode on the mole‐fraction scale. Polarographic studies of the behavior of U(III), U(IV), and in eutectic at 450°C have been performed. The significance of the results with respect to certain industrially important processes is briefly noted. A coulometric titration procedure utilizing electrogenerated Pt(II) has been developed for an in situ determination of U(III) in and eutectics.
Equine herpesvirus-1 infection induces IFN-γ production by equine T lymphocyte subsets

A commercial bovine IFN-gamma-specific monoclonal antibody was used to measure antigen-specific IFN-gamma production by equine lymphocytes. Paired PBMC samples were collected from six ponies prior to and 10 days after challenge infection with equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1). Each sample was stimulated in vitro with EHV-1, virus-free medium, or PMA and ionomycin, and labelled with monoclonal antibodies specific for various equine lymphocyte subset markers. Following fixation, intracellular IFN-gamma was detected using a FITC-conjugated bovine IFN-gamma-specific monoclonal antibody. In vitro restimulation of PBMC with EHV-1 induced IFN-gamma production by a significantly higher percentage of total (CD5(+)) T lymphocytes, and CD4(+) and CD8(+) T lymphocyte subsets among post-EHV-1 infection PBMC samples compared to pre-infection samples. This response was associated with an increase in virus-specific CTL activity, a critical immune effector for the control of EHV-1 infection and disease. No significant increase in IFN-gamma production by B lymphocytes was observed. These data demonstrate that EHV-1 challenge infection of ponies results in increased production of IFN-gamma by virus-specific T lymphocytes, and that this response can be quantitated using flow cytometry.
Charge reduction electrospray mass spectrometry.

A new mass spectrometric technique, charge reduction electrospray mass spectrometry (CREMS), allowing the analysis of complex mixtures of biological molecules is described. The charge state of ions produced by electrospray ionization may be reduced in a controlled manner to yield predominantly singly charged ions through reactions with bipolar (i.e., both positively and negatively charged) ions generated using a 210Po alpha particle source. The electrospray-generated multiply charged ions undergo charge reduction in a "neutralization chamber" positioned before the entrance nozzle to the mass spectrometer. The ions are detected using a commercial orthogonal electrospray time-of-flight mass spectrometer, although the neutralization chamber can be adapted to virtually any mass analyzer. The CREMS results obtained exhibit a signal intensity drop-off with increasing oligonucleotide size similar to that observed with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry. Proton-transfer reactions were found to be responsible for reducing charge on proteins and oligonucleotides in both positive and negative ion mode.
Environmentally significant volatile organic pollutants in human blood.

Volatile organic compounds are an important category of commercial and industrial chemicals whose common and frequent usage has rendered them ubiquitous in the environment. The occurrence of these chemicals as environmental pollutants, as well as their potentially toxic nature, has prompted numerous studies aimed at determining their presence and impact on the environment and on human health. To characterize and measure environmentally significant volatile organic pollutants in various sample matrices, the authors were interested in determining whether these chemicals were present in a patient population whose medical histories suggested a high sensitivity to synthetic chemicals. A second objective was to establish baseline concentration and frequency of occurrence data for six aromatic hydrocarbons and twelve halogenated organics in a selected population. Therefore, the authors undertook to ascertain the presence of eighteen commonly used organic solvents and vapors in whole blood of environmentally sensitive patients by means of a recently developed clinical screening test known as the VOST (volatile organics screening test).
Instructional technology and the bifurcation of the university

Abstract Arguments over instructional technology in the university generally obscure more than they reveal. Hidden are vastly different assumptions about the definition of knowledge; hidden are different notions of the role of the university in an information-oriented society; and hidden is the fact that the difference between supplementary media and comprehensive, planned instruction is not a matter of degree of efficiency but of kind of learning. Looking beneath the controversy, it appears that the stalemate over the implementation of planned instruction has not arisen because instructional technologists and traditional professors are on opposite sides of a barricade, but because they are, in many cases, fighting different battles. Just as traditional teaching methods are inadequate in the face of mass demands for information, so is packaged mass instruction incompatible with the role of the traditional university. This analysis suggests that the issue of planned instruction cannot end in compromise nor remain static, but will result in the bifurcation of the university.
Assessment of urgent and ongoing contraceptive needs in an OB/GYN urgent care setting.

Abstract Background The potential that ongoing contraception and emergency contraception (EC) offer to reduce unplanned pregnancy and abortion is diminished by many barriers. Even when women seek care, their acute needs for those interventions may not be assessed. Study Design This is a retrospective chart review of charts of women potentially at risk for unplanned pregnancy who were provided care in an OB-GYN urgent care clinic in a tertiary care, training hospital. Information was collected about the patient's age group, her presenting complaint, the specialty of the resident who saw her and whether or not her needs for EC and ongoing contraception were assessed and/or met. Results Charts of 1006 visits were assessed; the visits of 666 potentially at-risk women were included. Slightly more than one third (37.5%) of women were asked about contraception. Only 11% of women were asked about recent unprotected intercourse; 20% of women with recent unprotected intercourse were given EC. Conclusions Even in centers dedicated to women's reproductive health, the acute need for fertility control and EC is not adequately assessed. Many opportunities to reduce unintended pregnancy are missed.
The evolution of material lines curvature in deterministic chaotic flows

Abstract It is by now well established that curvature plays a fundamental role in the description of the topology emerging from the partially mixed structures advected by chaotic flows. This article focuses on the dynamics of curvature in volume-preserving time-periodic flows. Previous work on the subject dealt with the evolution of curvature in the time-continuous framework. Here we derive the dynamical equations for the time-discrete dynamical system associated with the Poincare return map of the flow. We show that this approach allows one to gain more insight into understanding the mechanisms of folding of material lines as they are passively stirred by the mixing process. By exploiting the incompressibility assumption, we analyze dependence on initial conditions (i.e. on the initial curvature and tangent vectors), and discuss under which circumstances the dependence on the initial curvature vector becomes immaterial as time increases. This analysis is closely connected with the properties of an invariant geometric structure referred to as the global unstable manifold associated with the flow system. Direct numerical simulations for physically realizable systems are used to provide concrete examples of the results that arise from theoretical considerations. The impact of this information on the prediction of the behavior of diffusing-reacting mixing processes (e.g. pattern formation and generation of lamellar structures) is also addressed.
SU‐GG‐T‐102: Evaluation of Smoothing/Complexity Adjustment Feature for Three IMRT Inverse Treatment Planning Systems

Purpose: Commercially available IMRTtreatment planning systems (TPS) often include a smoothing function which allows the user to vary the irregularity/complexity of delivered beam fluence patterns. The cost of reducing the complexity of inverse‐planned optimal fluence patterns may be a reduction in plan quality. In this study we evaluated the behavior of 3 treatment planning systems when using varying smoothing parameters. Method and Materials: We evaluated three cases treated by IMRT in our clinic: a sinonasal carcinoma (SNL), a base of tongue carcinoma (BOT), and a glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Varian Eclipse v6.5, BrainLab Brainscan v5.31, and Nomos Corvus v6.2 TPS were studied for the SNL and GBM plans. Only Eclipse and Corvus TPS were studied for BOT planning due to field size constraints of the MM3 collimator. For each TPS, plans were first optimized using the vendor recommended default “smoothing”. Treatment plans were then reoptimized with various smoothing levels being explored for each of the planning systems. Key metrics were recorded for each plan, including efficiency factors and conformity index. Results: Results varied widely by vendor with regard to smoothing's impact on both plan quality and delivery efficiency. The Corvus TPS allowed, as might be reasonably expected, increased OAR sparing for the majority of structures as smoothing was incrementally decreased. Both Eclipse and BrainScan also experienced an expected trend for decreased efficiency as smoothing was decreased. However, this increase in expected complexity did not result in appreciably improved OAR sparing for either TPS. Conclusions: Depending on the treatment planning system, the potential benefits of optimizing fluence smoothing levels can be significant, allowing for increases in either delivery efficiency or plan quality. Because of the variability in behavior of smoothing functions by TPS vendor, it is important that users familiarize themselves with the effects of varying smoothing/efficiency parameters for their respective TPS.