cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Discrete-continuous model conversion

Abstract This paper presents methods for model conversions of continuous-time state-space equations and discrete-time state-space equations. An improved geometric-series method is presented for converting continuous-time models to equivalent discrete-time models. Also, a direct truncation method, a matrix continued fraction method and a geometric-series method are presented for converting discrete models to equivalent continuous models. As a result, many well-developed theorems and methods in either continuous or discrete domains can be effectively applied to a suitable model in either domain.
Digital signal processor trends

Advancements in digital signal processing technology are enabling its use for increasingly widespread applications. Developers will be challenged to use this processing power to its utmost, while creating new applications and improving existing ones.
The JILA Penning trap mass spectrometer

A Penning-ion trap mass spectrometer which is designed to make sub ppb mass measurements on ions is described. The spectrometer incorporates an external ion source for the injection of ions to be "weighed" into the trap. Novel features include a nonmagnetic alloy from which the trap electrodes are machined, as well as an ion detection system based on a superconducting inductor and a very low-noise amplifier incorporating a gallium-arsenide field-effect transistor (GaAs FET). Also discussed is a technique to increase the axial resistive damping constant for trapped ions using a regenerative detection circuit.
Spironolactone: A Glucocorticoid Agonist or Antagonist?

Spironolactone displaces 3H-dexamethasone from HTC cell nuclei and inhibits the induction of tyrosine aminotransferase (TAT) activity by dexamethasone in HTC cells. Spironolactone alone fails to increase TAT activity in HTC cells or in the liver of adrenalectomized rats. These actions indicate that spironolactone lacks glucocorticoid agonist activity but can be an antagonistic to the actions of glucocorticoid as well as mineralocorticoid steroid hormones.
The burden of acute heart failure on U.S. emergency departments.

Objectives The goal of this study was to examine 2006 to 2010 emergency department (ED) admission rates, hospital procedures, lengths of stay, and costs for acute heart failure (AHF). Background Patients with AHF are often admitted and are associated with high readmissions and cost. Methods We utilized Nationwide Emergency Department Sample AHF data from 2006 to 2010 to describe admission proportion, hospital length of stay (LOS), and ED charges as a surrogate for resource utilization. Results were compared across U.S. regions, patient insurance status, and hospital characteristics. Results There were 958,167 mean yearly ED visits for AHF in the United States. Fifty-one percent of the patients were female, and the median age was 75.1 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 62.5 to 83.7 years). Overall, 83.7% (95% confidence interval: 83.1% to 84.2%) were admitted; the median LOS was 3.4 days (IQR: 1.9 to 5.8 days). Comparing 2006 with 2010, there was a small decrease in median LOS (0.09 days), but the proportion admitted did not change. Odds of admission, adjusting for age, sex, hospital characteristic (academic and safety net status), and insurance (Medicare, Medicaid, private, self-pay/no charge) were highest in the Northeast. Median ED charges were $1,075 (IQR: $679 to $1,665) in 2006 and $1,558 (IQR: $1,018 to $2,335) in 2010. Patients without insurance were more likely to be discharged from the ED, but when admitted, were more likely to receive a major diagnostic or therapeutic procedure. Conclusions A very high proportion of ED patients with AHF are admitted nationally, with significant variation in disposition and procedural decisions based on region of the country and type of insurance, even after adjusting for potential confounding.
Synthesis of Polymeric Photoinitiators Containing Pendent Chromophore−Borate Ion Pairs: Photochemistry and Photopolymerization Activities1

Poly(methyl methacrylate)s containing light-absorbing acetonaphthone and acetobenzo[b]furan as electron acceptors paired with tetraorganyl borates have been synthesized. Upon irradiation at 350 nm, oxidative carbon−nitrogen and reductive carbon−boron bond cleavage occurs, producing reactive radicals and tertiary amines. The efficiency of bond-breaking processes is found to be dependent on the nature of both the acceptors and the donors. Photoinduced polymerizations initiated by these polymeric initiators have been compared to 2,2-dimethoxy-2-phenylacetophenone (Irgacure 651) in tetraethylene glycoldiacrylate (TEGDA). Differences in the efficiency of the initation are accounted for by parameters associated with photoreactivity.
Sequence and gene organization of mouse mitochondrial DNA

The complete sequence of the 16,295 bp mouse L cell mitochondrial DNA genome has been determined. Genes for the 12S and 16S ribosomal RNAs; 22 tRNAs; cytochrome c oxidase subunits I, II and III; ATPase subunit 6; cytochrome b; and eight unidentified proteins have been located. The genome displays exceptional economy of organization, with tRNA genes interspersed between rRNA and protein-coding genes with zero or few noncoding nucleotides between coding sequences. Only two significant portions of the genome, the 879 nucleotide displacement-loop region containing the origin of heavy-strand replication and the 32 nucleotide origin of light-strand replication, do not encode a functional RNA species. All of the remaining nucleotide sequence serves as a defined coding function, with the exception of 32 nucleotides, of which 18 occur at the 5' ends of open reading frames. Mouse mitochondrial DNA is unique in that the translational start codon is AUN, with any of the four nucleotides in the third position, whereas the only translational stop codon is the orthodox UAA. The mouse mitochondrial DNA genome is highly homologous in overall sequence and in gene organization to human mitochondrial DNA, with the descending order of conserved regions being tRNA genes; origin of light-strand replication; rRNA genes; known protein-coding genes; unidentified protein-coding genes; displacement-loop region.
Light-harvesting in carbonyl-terminated phenylacetylene dendrimers: The role of delocalized excited States and the scaling of light-harvesting efficiency with dendrimer size.

The photophysics of a family of conjugated phenylacetylene (PA) light-harvesting dendrimers are studied using steady-state and time-resolved optical spectroscopy. The dendrimers consist of a substi...
Close to Home: A Simultaneous Equations Model of the Relationship Between Child Care Accessibility and Female Labor Force Participation

Rising rates of maternal employment among current and former welfare recipients have increased the use of non-parental child care. Little empirical work examines the relationship between women’s labor supply and the geographic supply of child care. We combine census data with child care provider information for the state of Maryland to explore the relationship between female labor supply and the geographic supply of child care. OLS and 3-SLS equations are estimated, and the findings are consistent across each estimator: Women’s labor supply is sensitive to the geographic supply of child care and vice versa. These results are important because states now spend significant money on quality improvement initiatives, many of which increase child care supply in low-income neighborhoods.
Approving Vision-Based Measurement Systems in the Presence of Within-Part Variation

This article presents a methodology for measurement systems analysis (MSA) under two conditions.
Reliability and degradation of InAlGaN semipolar (20\bar{2}1) plane green lasers with relaxed InGaN waveguide core

We demonstrate >400 h continuous-wave operation with 50% output power degradation for InAlGaN ridge laser diodes with InGaN waveguide relaxed via interfacial misfit dislocations. The lasers with emission wavelength of 503 nm were grown on free-standing plane GaN substrates. After >1000 h of operation, the misfit dislocations remained localized in the waveguide/cladding interfaces and no degradation occurred via their motion or growth toward the active region. No intensity degradation was detected for spontaneous emission devices without mesa elements, which implies that point defect migration from the surfaces, induced by ridge dry etching, is responsible for the ridge laser degradation.
Direct Imaging of Two-State Dynamics on the Amorphous Silicon Surface

Amorphous silicon is an important material, amidst a debate whether or not it is a glass. We produce amorphous Si surfaces by ion bombardment and vapor growth, and image discrete Si clusters which hop by two-state dynamics at 295 K. Independent of surface preparation, these clusters have an average diameter of �5 atoms. Given prior results for metallic glasses, we suggest that this cluster size is a universal feature. The hopping activation free energy of 0:93 : 0:15 eV is rather small, in agreement with a previously untested surface glass model. Hydrogenation quenches the two-state dynamics, apparently by increasing surface crystallinity.
U.s. Geological survey core drilling on the atlantic shelf.

The first broad program of scientific shallow drilling on the U.S. Atlantic continental shelf has delineated rocks of Pleistocene to Late Cretaceous age, including phosphoritic Miocene strata, widespread Eocene carbonate deposits that serve as reflective seismic markers, and several regional unconformities. Two sites, off Maryland and New Jersey, showed light hydrocarbon gases having affinity to mature petroleum. Pore fluid studies showed that relatively fresh to brackish water occurs beneath much of the Atlantic continental shelf, whereas increases in salinity off Georgla and beneath the Florida-Hatteras slope suggest buried evaporitic strata. The sediment cores showed engineering properties that range from good foundation strength to a potential for severe loss of strength through interaction between sediments and man-made structures.
Taguchi Method Applied in Optimization of Shipley SJR 5740 Positive Resist Deposition

Taguchi Methods of Robust Design presents a way to optimize output process performance through an organized set of experiments by using orthogonal arrays. Analysis of variance and signal-to-noise ratio is used to evaluate the contribution of each of the process controllable parameters in the realization of the process optimization. In the photoresist deposition process, there are numerous controllable parameters that can affect the surface quality and thickness of the final photoresist layer.
Serum testosterone concentration and penile tumescence changes in men.

Abstract Serum testosterone concentration of 24 human males was correlated with penile diameter changes in response to erotic stimuli. Mean testosterone concentration was significantly and negatively correlated with latency to maximum tumescence and it is hoped that this finding will shed light on the psychophysiological mechanisms involved in normal and impaired erectile function.
Estimation of walrus populations on sea ice with infrared imagery and aerial photography

Population sizes of ice-associated pinnipeds have often been estimated with visual or photographic aerial surveys, but these methods require relatively slow speeds and low altitudes, limiting the area they can cover. Recent developments in infrared imagery and its integration with digital photography could allow substantially larger areas to be surveyed and more accurate enumeration of individuals, thereby solving major problems with previous survey methods. We conducted a trial survey in April 2003 to estimate the number of Pacific walruses (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) hauled out on sea ice around St. Lawrence Island, Alaska. The survey used high altitude infrared imagery to detect groups of walruses on strip transects. Low altitude digital photography was used to determine the number of walruses in a sample of detected groups and calibrate the infrared imagery for estimating the total number of walruses. We propose a survey design incorporating this approach with satellite radio telemetry to estimate the proportion of the population in the water and additional low-level flights to estimate the proportion of the hauled-out population in groups too small to be detected in the infrared imagery. We believe that this approach offers the potential for obtaining reliable population estimates for walruses and other ice-associated pinnipeds.
Improvement of properties of BSCCO superconductor tapes with thermal processing

High-T C BSCCO superconductor tapes were prepared by the powder-in-tube (PIT) method. Some tapes involved partial melting followed by slow cooling, and some involved partial melting followed by rapid quenching. X-ray diffraction showed the presence of BSCCO phases and secondary phases in all the materials. Careful control of the cooling rate (0.1 °C/min) after the partial melting at 850 °C for 0.5 hours improved the critical current densities and basal texture alignment compared to the rapidly quenched tapes. Direct current (DC) magnetic susceptibility measurements were used to follow the transition at T C. Critical current density, J C, values were estimated from DC magnetic hysteresis loops.
Directed evolution of protease beacons that enable sensitive detection of endogenous MT1-MMP activity in tumor cell lines.

Directed evolution was applied to identify peptide substrates with enhanced hydrolysis rates by MT1-MMP suitable for protease beacon development. Screening of a random pentapeptide library, using two-color CLiPS, yielded several substrates identical to motifs in distinct collagens that shared the consensus sequence P-x-G↓L. To identify substrates with enhanced cleavage rates, a second-generation decapeptide library incorporating the consensus was screened under stringent conditions, which resulted in a MxPLG↓M/LMG/AR consensus motif. These substrates are hydrolyzed by human-MT1-MMP up to six times faster than reported peptide substrates and are stable in plasma. Finally, incubation of soluble protease beacons incorporating the optimized substrates, but not previous substrates, enabled direct detection of endogenous MT1-MMP activity of human-fibrosarcoma (HT-1080) cells. Extended substrate libraries coupled with CLiPS should be useful to generate more effective activity probes for a variety of proteolytic enzymes.
Capturing software traceability links from developers' eye gazes

The paper presents a novel approach for recovering software traceability links from developers' eye gazes. An eye tracker is used to capture eye gazes while developers perform software maintenance tasks within the Eclipse IDE. An algorithm is presented that establishes a set of traceability links from the eye-gaze data of several developer sessions. A preliminary study assesses the feasibility and validity of the approach. The links generated by the approach were validated by another set of developers. Results indicate that our algorithm achieves strong recall when developers accurately perform bug-localization tasks.
Biodegradable Polyurethanes: Synthesis and Applications in Regenerative Medicine

Biostable polyurethanes (PURs) have been incorporated in biomedical devices since the 1960s. The mechanisms of degradation and compositions with improved in vivo biostability have been investigated extensively. In recent years, biodegradable PURs have been investigated for applications in regenerative medicine. In contrast to the biostable implants, these biomaterials are designed to undergo controlled degradation in vivo and promote ingrowth of new tissue. Tissue-engineered scaffolds have been fabricated from biodegradable PURs using a variety of techniques, including thermally induced phase separation, salt leaching, wet spinning, electrospinning, and carbon dioxide foaming. These materials have been reported to support the ingrowth of cells and tissue in vitro and in vivo, and undergo controlled degradation to noncytotoxic decomposition products. Due to their tunable biological, mechanical, and physicochemical properties, biodegradable PURs present compelling future opportunities as scaffolds for regeneration of tissue. This review article summarizes recent advances made in the synthesis of biodegradable PURs and the application of these materials as scaffolds for regenerative medicine.
Energy conditions for a generally coupled scalar field outside a reflecting sphere

We analyze the stress-energy tensor, and the resulting energy conditions, for a scalar field with general curvature coupling, outside a perfectly reflecting sphere with Dirichlet boundary conditions. For conformal coupling we find that the null energy condition is always obeyed, and therefore the averaged null energy condition (ANEC) is also obeyed. Since the ANEC is independent of curvature coupling, we conclude that the ANEC is obeyed for scalar fields with any curvature coupling in this situation. We also show explicitly how the spherical case goes over to that of a flat plate as one approaches the sphere.
Coalition formation in n-person stackelberg games

Stackelberg games and their resulting nonconvex programming problems have been used to model multilevel economic systems. These formulations have suggested that independent players, acting sequentially, may not produce Pareto-optimal decisions. Such systems naturally encourage the introduction of an n-player abstract game which permits coalitions of players to form. This paper examines the mathematical characteristics of these imbedded games and the implications of their solution for the overall problem.
Cohort study of the treatment of severe HIV-associated nephropathy with corticosteroids

Cohort study of the treatment of severe HIV-associated nephropathy with corticosteroids. Background Human immunodeficiency virus-associated nephropathy (HIVAN) results in rapidly progressive azotemia. The effectiveness and safety of corticosteroids in the treatment of HIVAN, however, remains controversial. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients with biopsy-proven HIVAN and progressive azotemia who were eligible for corticosteroid treatment and who had no clinical or histologic evidence of an alternative cause of acute renal failure. Selected patients were treated with 60 mg of prednisone for one month, followed by a several-month taper. Results Twenty-one eligible patients were identified. Thirteen subjects had received corticosteroid treatment, whereas eight had not. The mean serum creatinine was 6.2 and 6.8 mg/dL, respectively ( P > 0.05). The relative risk (95% CI) for progressive azotemia with corticosteroid treatment at three months was 0.20 (0.05, 0.76, P P = 0.02) and baseline serum creatinine ( P = 0.10) were retained within the model. In the corticosteroid-treated group, the mean level of proteinuria decreased by 5.5 g/24 hour ( P = 0.01). On long-term follow-up, there was no significant difference in the incidence of hospitalizations (1 per 2.1 vs. 1 per 2.3 patient months) or of serious infections (1 per 2.6 vs. 1 per 2.3 patient months), but there was a significantly longer duration of hospitalization in the corticosteroid-treated group (3.2 vs. 2 days per patient month). At six months, only one of the non–corticosteroid-treated patients but seven of the corticosteroid-treated group continued to have independent renal function ( P = 0.06). Three of the corticosteroid-treated group continued to have independent function at two years of follow-up. Conclusion A limited course of corticosteroid therapy in selected patients was beneficial and safe. Further research is required for the role of corticosteroids in the treatment of HIVAN.
Locating Wisdom from the Past: How Indigenous Knowledges Could Engage Education and Pedagogy in a Kenyan Community

Development programs in Africa have been unsuccessful, a situation attributed, among many other reasons, to Africans’ lack of agency and belief in themselves. The argument presented in this article is that education—a core vision of any economic or cultural growth—should be aligned with stakeholders’ realities and knowledges (Ngugi, 1986; Nyamnjoh, 2011; Tucker, 1999), thereby constructing development as a discourse in which local peoples’ epistemology, imagination, and identities matter. Additionally, education and pedagogy in African societies should be transformed to give stakeholders the power to choose from competing knowledge paradigms.Data was collected between 2006 and 2009 from 13 elders who had lived in Central Kenya most of their lives. Using ethnographic and dialogic methodologies, Indigenous realities and knowledges were reconstructed following Czarniawaska-Joerges’ (2004) concepts of mimesis and emplotment. Findings indicated an epistemology that privileged negotiations, face-to-face interac...
Difference in topology of normal and tumour cell membranes shown by different surface distributions of ferritin-conjugated concanavalin A.

THE observations of Burger and Goldberg1 on the differential agglutinability of malignant cells by the saccharide-binding protein, wheat germ agglutinin (WGA), have prompted other investigators to study the nature of tumour cell surfaces using similar reagents. A variety of other plant agglutinins specifically agglutinate certain oncogenic virus-transformed cells at much lower concentrations than those required to agglutinate their normal parental lines. In addition to WGA1,2 (specific for binding N-acetyl-D-glucosamine-like residues1), these include concanavalin A (Con A)3,4 (specific for binding α-D-glucose or α-D-mannose-like residues5), soy bean agglutinin (SBA)6,7 (specific for binding N-acetyl-D-galactosamine and D-galactose-like residues6) and Ricinus communis agglutinin (specific for binding D-galactose and L-arabinose-like residues) (G. L. N. and J. Blaustein, in preparation). To explain this differential agglutinability phenomenon, Burger2 proposed that the agglutinin-binding sites on normal cells could have undergone three possible types of change after transformation: (a) the normal parent cell may have no agglutinin sites and after transformation a complete de novo synthesis of agglutinin sites occurs; (b) the normal parent cell may have agglutinin sites, but not enough for agglutination and transformation results in an increase in the number of agglutinin sites; or (c) the normal parent cell agglutinin sites remain constant in number after transformation; but this process results in an exposure of “cryptic” agglutinin sites and the transformed cell is rendered agglutinable. Several workers8,10,19 postulate a fourth type of change: (d) the normal parent cell agglutinin sites remain constant in number after transformation but the topological distribution of agglutinin sites changes to a distribution more favourable for agglutination. The first and second mechanisms have proved to be unlikely as originally suggested2, because agglutinin surface receptors are present on normal cells2 and they are present in the same amounts on normal or transformed cells. This latter finding has been demonstrated in saturation binding experiments using purified 125I-labelled WGA8, Con A8,9 and SBA10, with results contrary to earlier reports using 63Ni-labelled Con A3.
Minimum time heading control of underpowered vehicles in time-varying ocean currents

Abstract We present a numerical method for minimum time heading control of fixed speed AUVs (autonomous underwater vehicles) such as gliders in known, spatially complex, 2D, time-varying flow fields. This problem is difficult because locally optimal trajectories abound and, worse, currents stronger than the vehicle can push it far off course. Nevertheless, globally optimal trajectories may be obtained (where they exist) by solving a dynamic HJB (Hamilton Jacobi Bellman) partial differential equation for the time-varying optimal time-to-go function and the associated optimal feedback control law; the local optima and strong currents simply make the control law and the time-to-go function, respectively, discontinuous. In prior work, we found solutions via a variant of the “extremal field” method–essentially the method of characteristics, and equivalent to tracking a 2D “controllability front” backward-in-time from the target set, a line in space-time. In the present work, we exploit a special property of minimum time control to obtain the same globally optimal trajectories, albeit in open loop form, by tracking a 1D “reachability front” forward-in-time from the initial position. The method is further improved by a trimming procedure for locally optimal trajectories. It is tested on a numerically defined flow field from a model of the Adriatic Sea.
Crystallographic evidence for oxygen acceptor directionality in oxyanion hydrogen bonds.

A survey of 2632 D-H...O-A hydrogen bonds in crystal structures (where D is any atom and A is the central atom of a trigonal planar (A = C, N) or tetrahedral (A = P, S, Cl, As, Se, Cr, Mo) oxyanion, has established the existence of a distinct directionalities at the oxygen atom acceptors. The directionality depends primarily on the geometry of the oxyanion. With the trigonal planar oxyanions NO3-, HCO3-, and CO32-, the average H...O-A angle is 115 +/- 12 degrees and there is a clear preference for the hydrogen to lie within the plane of the anion. With the tetrahedral oxyanions H2PO4-, HPO42-, HSO4-, SO42-, ClO4-, H2AsO4-, HAsO42-, AsO43-, HSeO4-, SeO42-, CrO42-, and MoO42-, the average H...O-A angle is 122 +/- 12 degrees , and there is a weak preference for eclipsed H...O-X-O dihedral angles. The observed directionality closely coincides with minima on electrostatic potential surfaces calculated for the anions.
The influence of flow rate and chloride delivery on TcH2O formation in the rat.

The influence of flow rate and chloride delivery on T c H 2 O formation in the rat. The relationship between T c H 2 O and osmolar clearance (C Osm ) in the rat was examined under conditions of a) high flow rates, and b) reduced chloride delivery to the ascending limb. The latter condition was achieved by infusing hypertonic sodium bicarbonate into both normal and chloride-depleted rats. It was demonstrated in control rats that, at high osmolar clearances produced by hypertonic sodium chloride infusion, the relationship between T c H 2 O and C Osm became curvilinear. T c H 2 O formation was depressed when sodium bicarbonate was infused into normal rats, and further depressed when chloridedepleted rats were similarly infused. In some instances, free water formation actually occurred. It is concluded that, contrary to previous reports, hypotonic fluid is delivered into the medullary collecting duct at very high rates of osmolar clearance in the rat. In addition, sodium bicarbonate appears not to be reabsorbed in the ascending limb, as judged by the depression of T c H 2 O formation which occurred with increasing sodium bicarbonate delivery to the loop. Sodium transport in the ascending limb therefore appears to be dependent upon chloride as the specific accompanying anion.
Concept Mapping—an Empirical Study in Introductory Financial Accounting1

The AICPA's Core Competency Framework advocates a skills-based curriculum, based on the rapidly expanding body of knowledge in accounting and developing preferred skills for succeeding in the accounting profession. To address this concern, concept mapping is experimentally used in an introductory financial accounting course. Concept mapping is a learning tool involving a process of externalizing, through drawing and diagrams, the mental connections and association patterns students make on knowledge learned. Widely used in other disciplines, prior research suggests concept mapping develops more complete and organized knowledge structures, leading to more meaningful learning and higher-order thinking skills. This study tests the hypothesis that student learning in an introductory financial accounting course increases, as measured by examination scores, when traditional methods of instruction are supplemented by concept mapping activities. Extraneous variables, such as gender, SAT scores, major, and extra-c...
Detection and surveillance of antimicrobial resistance

The clinical microbiology laboratory is strategically positioned to recognize changing patterns in bacterial resistance to antimicrobials. This requires the application of accurate testing methods and a methodological survey of drug-resistance patterns among clinically important bacteria. This information can be assembled into comprehensive international databases, using a common format to facilitate monitoring.
Saline intrusions in the intermediate waters north of Oahu, Hawaii

Abstract The Hawaii Ocean Time-series (HOT) hydrographic observations at station ALOHA (22°45′N, 158°W) reveal that the region is sometimes the site of intrusive interleaving of different water types near the salinity minimum of the North Pacific Intermediate Waters. This interleaving is associated with saline laminae, or lenses, 5–30 km long (submesoscale) and 5–100 m thick (finestructure). The temporal variability of these intermediate waters is investigated statistically, and a background water type is defined against which to measure the strength of intrusions. The salinity minimum shows a relative maximum in variability, caused mainly by the episodic appearance of the saline, finestructure intrusions, which are correlated with low oxygen and silicate concentrations. The intermediate salinity minimum has its southern boundary near the latitude of the Hawaiian Islands, where salinity increases towards the south and oxygen gradually decreases. Thus, stirring processes local to the Hawaiian Ridge may explain the observations. Possible mechanisms are suggested, including fluctuations of the subtropical gyre southern boundary and a hydrodynamically unstable flow at intermediate depths along the ridge. Either process could transport relatively saline water into the ALOHA region, and would lead to interleaving, driven by double diffusion on scales of the order of 10 m in the vertical.
Kepler's equation and Newton's method

Power series solutions of Kepler's Equation associated with Lagrange, Levi-Civita and Stumpff may be obtained by Newton's method as an algorithm for formal power series.
The extreme core

For a Siegel modular cusp formf of weightk letv(f) be the closure of the convex ray hull of the support of the Fourier series inside the cone of semidefinite forms. We show the existence of the extreme core,C ext, which satisfiesv(f) ⊇k Cext for all cusp forms. This is a generalization of the Valence Inequality to Siegel modular cusp forms. We give estimations of the extreme core for general n. For n ≤5 we use noble forms to improve these estimates. Forn = 2 we almost specify the extreme core but fall short. We supply improved estimates for all relevant constants and show optimality in some cases. The techniques are mainly from the geometry of numbers but we also use IGUSA’s generators for the ring of Siegel modular forms in degree two.
Ion Pair Properties of Lithium and Cesium Salts of Carbazole1

The lithium salt of carbazole, LiCb, is monomeric in THF in the concentration range (1−5) × 10-3 M. It is a contact ion pair (CIP) with an effective ion pair pK of 13.48 on a scale where fluorenyllithium solvent separated ion pairs (SSIP) are 22.90 (per hydrogen). The cesium salt, CsCb, is a mixture of monomer and dimer with K2 = 300 M-1. The monomer forms a 1:1 complex, CsCb·CbH, with Kc = 62 M-1. The ion pair pK of monomeric CsCb is 19.24.
Perfluorochemicals and hyperbaric oxygen in radiation therapy.

Abstract It has been postulated that tumors contain hypoxic cells of decreased radiation sensitivity, which limit curability with radiation therapy. Hyperbaric oxygen has been used in an attempt to improve tumor oxygenation. The nature of the oxygen concentration-radiation sensitivity relationship (oxygen increases the slope of the radiation cell survival curve) suggests that a small number of hypoxic cells, as few as one in one million, would limit tumor curability. Oxygen moves by diffusion from the capillary into the tumor. An increase in partial pressure in the capillary will increase the effective diffusion distance. To improve tissue oxygenation effectively the partial pressure of oxygen in blood must be significantly increased throughout the length of the capillary, in particular at the venous end. Theoretical considerations indicate that hyperbaric oxygen as presently used in radiation therapy, 3 ATA, would lead to only marginal improvement. P ar O 2 may be as much as 0.8 atm below that of the inspired gas; this plus the consumption of oxygen along the length of the capillary lead to predictions of values for P End Ca O 2 of less than twice normal. Such considerations explain the rather limited success of hyperbaric oxygen with radiation therapy. Thus it is unnecessary to postulate an absence of hypoxic cells to explain this clinical observation. In the presence of perfluorocarbon micelles the non-hemoglobin-bound oxygen carrying capacity of blood is significantly increased. Theoretical considerations predict that the difference between P art O 2 and PO 2 of the inspired gas should be decreased. Furthermore, the nonhemoglobin-bound oxygen carrying capacity should be adequate to satisfy tissue consumption requirements without unloading hemoglobin, thereby avoiding the "PO 2 buffering effect of hemoglobin" and permitting a significant increase in PO 2 throughout the capillary length. This effect has been demonstrated using a rodent tumor model.
Tight-binding representation for rf floquet states

Abstract The interaction of highly excited hydrogen atoms with rf fields is described in terms of a tight-binding Hamiltonian with long- range energy transfer terms. Modifications to localization characteristics are summarized and applied to the question of quantal suppression of classical diffusion seen for this system.
Circadian expression of clock genes in mouse macrophages, dendritic cells, and B cells

In mammals, circadian and daily rhythms influence nearly all aspects of physiology, ranging from behavior to gene expression. Functional molecular clocks have been described in the murine spleen and splenic NK cells. The aim of our study was to investigate the existence of molecular clock mechanisms in other immune cells. Therefore, we measured the circadian changes in gene expression of clock genes (Per1, Per2, Bmal1, and Clock) and clock-controlled transcription factors (Rev-erbα and Dbp) in splenic enriched macrophages, dendritic cells, and B cells in both mice entrained to a light-dark cycle and under constant environmental conditions. Our study reveals the existence of functional molecular clock mechanisms in splenic macrophages, dendritic cells, and B cells.
HOW BEING INTERVIEWED AFFECTS VOTING: AN EXPERIMENT

This section of the Quarterly is reserved for brief reports of research in progress, discussions of unsolved problems, methodological studies, and public opinion data not extensively analyzed or interpreted. Succinct case histories are welcomed, as well as hypotheses and insights that may be useful to other students of public opinion. Usually, material in this section will be shorter, more informal, and more tentative than in preceding pages of the Quarterly.
On the dehydration of trans-1,2-dihydrophthalic acid

Abstract The epimerization/dehydration of the title compound occurs by way of an enolization rather than a pair of concerted, suprafacial [1,5] hydrogen shifts.
Family therapy and a “good” society: Fit or misfit?

Contextual therapy is compared with a “good” society based on socialist principles of equality, planning and sociality. The two models are analyzed across dimensions of justice, connectedness, change, and basic human resource for similarities and differences.
THE EFFECTS OF COLD INTRAVENOUS SALINE IN POST-CARDIAC ARREST PATIENTS TREATED WITH TARGET TEMPERATURE MANAGEMENT

Recent data suggests that rapid infusion of intravenous (IV) cold saline for Targeted Temperature Management (TTM) after cardiac arrest is associated with higher rates of re-arrest, pulmonary edema and hypoxia, with no difference in neurologic outcomes or survival when administered by Emergency
Selective detection of mercury (II) ion using nonlinear optical properties of gold nanoparticles.

Contamination of the environment with heavy metal ions has been an important concern throughout the world for decades. Driven by the need to detect trace amounts of mercury in environmental samples, this article demonstrates for the first time that nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of MPA−HCys−PDCA-modified gold nanoparticles can be used for rapid, easy and reliable screening of Hg(II) ions in aqueous solution, with high sensitivity (5 ppb) and selectivity over competing analytes. The hyper Rayleigh scattering (HRS) intensity increases 10 times after the addition of 20 ppm Hg2+ ions to modified gold nanoparticle solution. The mechanism for HRS intensity change has been discussed in detail using particle size-dependent NLO properties as well as a two-state model. Our results show that the HRS assay for monitoring Hg(II) ions using MPA−HCys−PDCA-modified gold nanoparticles has excellent selectivity over alkali, alkaline earth (Li+, Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+), and transition heavy metal ions (Pb2+, Pb+, Mn2+, Fe2...
A demonstration of the costs and benefits of expertise in recognition memory

In their area of expertise experts know more potentially interfering facts than nonexperts do, yet their memory IS superior to that of nonexperts. This has been termed the “paradox of interference.” We proposed that the ability of experts to go beyond the information given allows them to infer the presence of items that might not otherwise be remembered. However, such inferences can also be detrimental to accurate recognition memory in that such inferences might become confused with actual targets. We examined the benefits and costs of expertise in two recognition memory experiments In which experts and nonexperts participated. Experts in Ex-penment 1 were knowledgeable about baseball; those in Experiment 2 were knowledgeable about Ohio geography. Distractors in both studies bore a synonymous, an inferential, or no special relation to the targets. In the last instance, experts had recognition memory superior to that of the nonexperts. When the distractors were related to the targets, however, the non-experts were superior. We proposed that experts' inferential behavior is a contributor to their generally superior memory, but that task demands can convert this asset into a liability.
Mathematical model using non-uniform flow distribution for dynamic protein breakthrough with membrane adsorption media

A mathematical model has been investigated to predict protein breakthrough during membrane adsorption/chromatography operations. The new model incorporates a non-uniform boundary condition at the column inlet to help describe the deviation from plug flow within real membrane adsorption devices. The model provides estimated breakthrough profiles of a binding protein while explicitly accounting for non-uniform flow at the inlet of the separation operation by modeling the flow distribution by a polynomial. We have explored experimental breakthrough curves produced using commercial membrane adsorption devices, as well as novel adsorption media of nanolayered nanofiber membranes, and compare them to model predictions. Further, the impact of using various simplifying assumptions is considered, which can have a dramatic effect on the accuracy and predictive ability of the proposed models. The new model, using only simple batch equilibrium and kinetic uptake rate data, along with membrane properties, is able to accurately predict the non-uniform and unsymmetrical shape for protein breakthrough during operation of membrane adsorption/chromatography devices.
Finite element analysis of crystalline solids

Abstract A recently developed finite element formulation for the analysis of nonuniform and localized deformations in rate-dependent single crystals is reviewed. A few illustrative examples are presented but the main focus is on issues relating to the formulation and implementation of finite element methods for crystalline solids.
Systemic lupus erythematosus in three ethnic groups: I. The effects of HLA class II, C4, and CR1 alleles, socioeconomic factors, and ethnicity at disease onset

Objective To study the relative impact of immunogenetic versus socioeconomic factors on systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) at disease onset/presentation. Methods Medical records regarding SLE onset/presentation were abstracted on 229 SLE patients who were enrolled in a prospective lupus outcome study. Patients were grouped in equivalent proportions of Caucasians, African Americans, and Hispanics. HLA-DRB1, DQA1, and DQB1 oligotyping, as well as C4 and CR1 allotyping, were carried out by standard methods. In addition to these genetic factors, data on ethnicity, age at SLE onset, monthly income, level of education, and home ownership were entered into stepwise logistic or stepwise multiple linear regression models as independent variables, and each specific clinical feature (neurologic, renal, and cardiovascular disease due to SLE), as well as the total Systemic Lupus Activity Measure (SLAM) score and physician's global assessment of disease activity at disease onset, were entered as dependent variables. Results HLA-DRB1*0301 (DR3), DRB1*1503 (DR2), and DRB1*08 (DR8) alleles were more frequently found in Caucasians, African Americans, and Hispanics, respectively. Hispanics were more likely to have cardiac and renal disease, as well as a higher physician's global assessment of disease activity. African Americans were more likely to have neurologic disease, renal disease, and a higher SLAM score. Those with less education had a higher SLAM score. Patients with HLA-DRB1*01 had less renal disease and a lower SLAM score. Those with C4A*3 alleles had a higher SLAM score and a higher physician's global assessment of disease activity. Conclusion Both genetic and socioeconomic determinants, as well as other factors associated with Hispanic and African-American ethnicity, affect the presentation of SLE.
A Review of the Religious Identity/Sexual Orientation Identity Conflict Literature: Revisiting Festinger's Cognitive Dissonance Theory

Over the past 20 years, numerous research studies have been published indicating that lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals, LGB couples, and family members of LGB individuals are experiencing religious identity/sexual orientation identity conflict. In addition, many of these same studies have included in the findings resolution strategies utilized by participants to negotiate this type of conflict. This article presents a review of the religious identity/sexual orientation identity conflict research and links it to cognitive dissonance theory. Subsequently, implications for counselors and future research are offered in light of this literature review.
Field and laboratory testing of St. Peter sandstone

The purpose of this project was to evaluate mechanical properties of St. Peter sandstone by in situ testing, and to compare the field data with laboratory results. Direct shear tests were conducted to evaluate the strength-dilatancy behavior, and thin-section microscopy was used to help explain the significant friction angles associated with the material. St. Peter sandstone is nearly cohesionless, but it possesses a friction angle of 57-63° at low confinement. The large angle of internal friction at failure may be due to locking of sand particles or to postdepositional quartz overgrowths. Tests on pulverized densely packed sand and loosely packed sand were conducted in the same manner as the intact specimens and yielded friction angles of about 42 and 34°. Pressuremeter tests were performed in situ and the results were interpreted using an elasto-plastic analysis in terms of total stresses. By appropriate consideration of system stiffness, Young's modulus was found to be about 0.5 GPa, slightly lower than the laboratory value, although unload-reload cycles were not attempted. Assuming associative behavior, the friction angle was estimated to be at least 56°.
Bifunctional nitrofluorenes: structure-activity relationships in Salmonella typhimurium.

Bifunctional derivatives of fluorene have long been the subject of intense study for their carcinogenic activity in animal systems (reviewed by Arcos and Argus, 1974). In vivo studies typically used the amine derivatives of fluorene and relied on the endogenous metabolic pathways of the test system to activate the chemical to its ultimate carcinogenic form. It is now possible to use shortterm bioassays, e.g. the Ames test (Ames et al., 1975), to investigate the mutagenic activity of many of the fluorene derivatives. Since Salmonella are quite sensitive to many nitroaromatics, it is also possible to study the nitro analogues of the carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic fluorene compounds. The commonality between a nitroand amino-aromatic is that the proximate mutagenic/ carcinogenic form for both is most probably the hydroxylamine derivative. A particular advantage in using the Ames Salmonella is the availability of nitroreductase-deficient strains, developed by H.S. Rosenkranz and his colleagues (Rosenkranz and Speck, 1976), that are otherwise isogenic with the standard tester strains. By combining a microsomal enzyme activating system ($9) with the TA98NR assay, one can test the effect of a nitro group on an aminofluorene and, conversely, the effect of an amino group on a nitrofluorene in TA98 without $9. This principle can be extended to testing the effect of other functional groups
Fabrication and testing of a flat polymer micro heat pipe

A novel fabrication process is presented that uses liquid crystal polymer (LCP) film with copper filled thermal vias to construct a flat micro heat pipe (MHP) suitable for thermal management of semiconductor devices. LCP is chosen for its high chemical resistance, reliability, flexibility, and its ability to be readily incorporated into current mass production technologies. Copper filled thermal vias are formed in the evaporator and condenser regions of the MHP to decrease the thermal resistance of the LCP casing. In addition, a novel method for bonding woven mesh to liquid flow channels has been developed. The polymer MHP has been tested and the results show an average steady state effective thermal conductivity of 851 W/m·K with an input heat flux of 3.0 W/cm2.
Cluster-Based Early Warning Indicators for Political Change in the Contemporary Levant

We use cluster analysis to develop a model of political change in the Levant as reflected in the World Event Interaction Survey coded event data generated from Reuters between 1979 and 1998. A new statistical algorithm that uses the correlation between dyadic behaviors at two times identifies clusters of political activity. The transition to a new cluster occurs when a point is closer in distance to subsequent points than to preceding ones. These clusters begin to “stretch” before breaking apart, which serves as an early warning indicator. The clusters correspond well with phases of political behavior identified a priori. A Monte Carlo analysis shows that the clustering and early warning measures are not random; they perform very differently in simulated data sets with similar statistical characteristics. Our study demonstrates that the statistical analysis of newswire reports can yield systematic early warning indicators, and it provides empirical support for the theoretical concept of distinct behavioral phases in political activity.