cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On a Babcock-Leighton dynamo model with a deep-seated generating layer for the toroidal magnetic field, II

In a previous paper (Paper I), we studied a dynamo model of the Babcock-Leighton type (i.e., the surface eruptions of toroidal magnetic field are the source for the poloidal field) that included a thin, deep seated, generating layer (GL) for the toroidal field, Bφ. Meridional motions (of the order of 12 m s−1 at the surface), rising at the equator and sinking at the poles were essential for the dynamo action. The induction equation was solved by approximating the latitudinal dependence of the fields by Legendre polynomials. No solutions were found with Φ p = Φ f where Φ p and Φ f are the fluxes for the preceding and following spot, respectively. The solutions presented in Paper I, had Φ p = −0.5 Φ f , were oscillatory in time, and large radial fields, Bτ, were present at the surface. Here, we resume the study of Paper I with a different numerical approach allowing for a much higher resolution in θ, the polar angle. The time dependent partial differential equations for the toroidal and poloidal field are solved with the help of a second order, time and space centered, finite difference scheme. Oscillatory solutions with Φ p = Φ f are found for various values of the meridional motions and diffusivity coefficients. The surface values of Bτ, while considerably smaller than those of Paper I, are still unacceptably large, specially at the poles. The reason can be traced to the eruption of toroidal field at high latitudes. It appears that in order to obtain small values for the radial field in the polar regions, high latitude sources (θ smaller than π/4, say), must reach their maximum below the surface. Weaker meridional motions near the poles than in the equatorial region are also suggested.
Am I an engineer yet? Perceptions of engineering and identity among first year students

Development of a professional identity may contribute to persistence in an engineering major. Further, perceiving alignment of one’s career values to engineering as well as believing that one is en...
Broadening Participation in Computing: The Role of Upward Transfer

Broadening participation in computing (BPC) has received increasing attention within the computing education community. Yet, much of the existing research on this topic focuses primarily on students who follow traditional pathways to four-year computing programs. This multi-institution study addresses this gap in the literature, providing insight into how upward transfer students (i.e., students who transfer from community colleges to four-year computing programs) fit into the larger BPC narrative. Specifically, I use survey data from computing majors across 15 universities to examine how the characteristics and experiences of upward transfer students differ from those of other computing majors. Findings reveal that while upward transfer students tend to be more diverse than other computing majors in terms of race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and other background characteristics, women are even more underrepresented among upward transfers compared to computing majors who began their degree at four-year institutions. These and other findings are discussed, focusing on implications for how institutions can support upward transfer students as part of their larger BPC efforts.
Sample size estimation for comparing rates of change in K-group repeated binary measurements studies

In clinical research, longitudinal trials are frequently conducted to evaluate the treatment effect by comparing trends in repeated measurements among different intervention groups. For such longit...
Triplet Population Dynamics of Single Conjugated Polymer Molecules and Nanoscale Assemblies

The formation of long-lived triplet excited electronic states has important ramifications for conjugated organic materials used in optoelectronic devices. In the case of polymers, unravelling vario...
Flexibility, Extensibility, and Ratio of Kuhn Length to Packing Length Govern the Pinching Dynamics, Coil-Stretch Transition, and Rheology of Polymer Solutions

We elucidate the influence of chemical structure on macromolecular hydrodynamics, rheological response, and pinching dynamics underlying drop formation/liquid transfer using polyethylene oxide (PEO...
Place, Displacement and Belonging: The Story of Abdi

In traditional geopolitical discourses, an individual's very being is routinely tied to and predicated upon the sanctity of the individual's nation-state. The global refugee regime operates upon th...
Promoting the Quarry Workers' Hazard Identification Through Formal and Informal Safety Training.

Abstract Background The surface mining industry has one of the highest fatality rates among private industries in the United States. Despite recent decreases in the fatality rates of comparable industries, the fatality rate in the surface mining industry has increased. Meanwhile, a lack of safety research in surface mining has hindered efforts to improve safety strategies in the surface mining workplace. Method This study examined quarry workers' hazard identification skills by conducting a case study of a surface mining facility in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. Semistructured interviews were conducted with eight quarry workers who were employed at the mine facility. In addition to the interviews, data were collected through field notes, notes from an expert meeting with safety managers, and site photographs to explore quarry workers' safety behaviors in the workplace. Results The results showed that quarry workers identified hazards and improved their safety performance by translating safety knowledge learned from training into practice, acquiring hands-on work experience, learning from coworkers, and sharing responsibilities among team members. Conclusion This study contributes to understanding quarry workers' safe performance beyond what they have learned in safety training to include their interaction with other workers and hand-on experience in the workplace. This study informs practitioners in the surface mining industry to build a safe work environment as they design effective safety programs for employees.
Learning From Lana: Netflix’s Too Hot to Handle, COVID-19, and the human-nonhuman entanglement in contemporary technoculture

The Netflix popular reality series Too Hot to Handle (THTH), released during the coronavirus outbreak in 2019, requires all contestants to refrain from sexual activities of any kind in order to win...
The association between electronic wearable devices and self-efficacy for managing health: a cross sectional study using 2019 HINTS data

The purpose of this research was to investigate the association between electronic wearable devices (EWDs) and self-efficacy for managing health among U.S. adults. We extracted data from 2019 Health Information National Trends Survey 5 Cycle 3. Weighted frequencies and prevalence were calculated following the survey’s analytic guideline. A SURVEYFREQ procedure and Wald Chi-square test were performed for bivariate analysis, multivariable ordered logit models were used to estimate the association between EWDs utilization and self-efficacy for managing health in both general population and groups with chronic diseases. 4,037 respondents that represent 196,025,494 US adults aged 18 or older were included in the final sample of this study. 26.2% respondents (n = 970, weighted 51,385,138) used EWDs in the past month. 34.1% EWDs users and 23.5% non-users had “completely confident” in managing health (P < .001). In general population, Individuals used EWDs in the past month were more likely to be completely confident in managing their health (Adjusted OR, 1.48, 95%CI, 1.23–1.77) than those who did not use EWDs. The association with high self-efficacy for managing health remained among people with chronic conditions as well (Adjusted OR, 1.40, 95%CI, 1.05–1.86). In conclusion, about one fourth of American adults used EWDs in the past month and the utilization patters varied across subpopulations. Using EWDs is associated with high self-efficacy for managing health in the general population. This association remained significant among people with chronic conditions. Future studies are needed to further understand the underlying mechanism of EWDs use and self-efficacy for managing health.
Measure of Arctic Sea ice characteristics using microwave scatterometry

Results from a radar scatterometer used in the NASA microwave remote sensing experiment off the Alaska north shore are presented. The experiment was performed to determine whether various radars could be used from aircraft to provide definitive measurement of ice parameters such as pressure ridge height and direction, ice age, and ice type. With the aircraft at 300 m altitude, the 13.9 GHz scatterometer measured the normalized radar cross section of the ice using a pencil beam horizontally polarized antenna which pointed at either nadir or 50 deg incidence angle. Simultaneous laser altimeter and stereo photography measurements are presented as the 'surface truth' for comparison with the radar measurements. The results demonstrate that the scatterometer backscattered power is modulated by ice features and that a correlation exists between the radar cross section and the 'surface truth' derived from these ancillary instruments.
Histologically proven acute paediatric thoracic disc herniation causing paraparesis: a case report and review of literature

We describe an extremely rare and previously unreported presentation of acute progressive paraparesis secondary to traumatic thoracic disc herniation in a child presenting to our institution. A 12-year-old girl presented with progressive paraparesis 24 h after falling from standing height while playing at school. She was being lifted up by her friends and fell landing on her feet then rolled onto her back initially with no pain or neurological sequelae. Over the next few hours, she developed back pain followed by progressive paraparesis associated with urinary retention and sensory impairment. MR imaging demonstrated an unusual lateral and dorsally based lesion at T7/8 causing cord compression which was thought to represent an epidural haematoma. Urgent posterior decompressive surgery was performed but no evidence of haematoma was seen, a large well-circumscribed solid piece of soft tissue was found in the extradural space causing significant cord compression. This was sent for histological analysis and subsequently reported as showing cartilaginous disc material. Postoperative MR imaging at 2 weeks and 3 months demonstrates complete resection of this disc material with no significant kyphotic deformity on standing X-ray at 18 months. Complete neurological recovery occurred over the subsequent 3 months following emergent surgery, and at 18-month review, the patient remains asymptomatic and fully independent.
Models for the use of Expert Opinions

The problem of using expert estimates is investigated. These estimates are treated as evidence that must be evaluated by a decision maker and incorporated into his body of knowledge and beliefs. This is done coherently using Bayes’ theorem. Two models are proposed based on normal and lognormal likelihood functions, which represent the decision maker’s model of the credibility of the expert estimates. Several commonly used methods, e. g., taking the geometric average of the expert estimates, are investigated in the context of the general methods of this paper.
Factoring Polynomials and 0-1 Vectors

As ummary is given of an algorithm, published in [4], that uses lattice reduction to handle the combinatorial problem in the factoring algorithm of Zassenhaus. Contrary to Lenstra, Lenstra and Lovasz, the lattice reduction is not used to calculate coefficients of a factor but is only used to solve the combinatorial problem, which is a problem with much smaller coefficients and dimension. The factors are then constructed efficiently in the same way as in Zassenhaus' algorithm.
Mechanism Design for Networking Research

We propose a pricing mechanism for statistically guaranteed service in packet-switched networks. The mechanism provides congestion control and efficient resource allocation. For users, the mechanism offers better quality and lower price. Service providers can base service and revenue models in the mechanism. We apply this mechanism to the Internet.
In-Plant Testing of a New Multi-Camera Transfer Length Measurement System for Monitoring Quality Control of Railroad Crosstie Production

Knowledge of transfer length is critical for maintaining continuous production quality in the modern manufacture of prestressed concrete railroad ties. Traditional manual laboratory methods for measuring transfer length are simply not suitable for production operation. They are much too time-consuming to implement, and typically require extensive surface preparation in order to obtain the required surface strain measurements needed for determining the transfer length. In addition, the traditional 95% Average Maximum Strain (95% AMS) method of assessing transfer length from the measured surface strain profile has been shown to possess bias. The accuracy of transfer length assessment using this method is generally influenced by individual operator judgment; therefore, making it unsuitable for use as a reliable production quality-control parameter.This paper presents recent in-plant testing of a newly developed prototype multi-camera non-contact transfer length measurement system, representing a major improvement over the traditional manual methods. The testing was conducted on concrete railroad ties at a manufacturing facility in North America. Concrete ties tested included those which were manufactured using indented prestressing wire as well as with 7-wire strand. The new device represents a next generation version of the previously successful Laser-Speckle Imaging (LSI) system developed by the authors. The multi-camera system is shown to provide nearly real-time surface strain profile measurements (subsequent to de-tensioning), with surface strain accuracy comparable to the mechanical Whittemore gage device, yet with little or no required surface preparation. Furthermore, with the previously demonstrated Zhao-Lee (ZL) transfer length processing algorithm built into a LabVIEW data acquisition and control interface, the multi-camera system is shown to provide assessments of transfer length within a nominal tolerance of +/− 1.5 inches using as few as six uniformly spaced surface strain measurements. This brings within reach the ultimate goal of providing the railroad tie manufacturer with the ability to measure the transfer length of every tie produced prior to leaving the plant, thereby ensuring that they are within an acceptable tolerance, and providing the means to quickly identify the need to modify production (e.g., concrete mix) if transfer length specifications fall out of desired range.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Improvements in the early death rate among 9380 patients with acute myeloid leukemia after initial therapy: A SEER database analysis

Background Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is treated with conventional induction chemotherapy shortly after diagnosis for most patients ≤ 65 years old. A recent report suggested a substantial decline in the early, or one-month, mortality rate in patients treated on clinical trials over the past 2 decades. It is unknown if a similar improvement has been observed in the general population.
A Noise-Tolerant Approach to Symbolic Learning from Sensory Data

This article presents a novel approach to noise-tolerant symbolic learning. The approach is applicable to many existing learning programs, and it has been implemented for the AQ-14 rule learning and C4.5 decision tree learning programs. In this approach, the system 1 acquires initial concept descriptions from pre-classified attributional training data, 2 optimizes concept descriptions to improve their descriptiveness, 3 applies optimized concept descriptions to filtrate initial training data, and 4 repeats the learning process from filtered data. This method outperforms the traditional open-loop, single step learning procedure when applied to the texture recognition problem of 12 classes and to the image annotation problem of natural scenes.
Modeling the thermal and physical evolution of Mount Sharp's sedimentary rocks, Gale Crater, Mars: Implications for diagenesis on the MSL Curiosity rover traverse

Gale Crater, the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) landing site, contains a central mound, named Aeolis Mons (informally Mount Sharp) that preserves 5 km of sedimentary stratigraphy. Formation scenarios include (1) complete filling of Gale Crater followed by partial sediment removal or (2) building of a central deposit with morphology controlled by slope winds and only incomplete sedimentary fill. Here we model temperature-time paths for both scenarios, compare results with analyses provided by MSL Curiosity, and provide scenario-dependent predictions of temperatures of diagenesis along Curiosity's future traverse. The effects of variable sediment thermal conductivity and historical heat flows are also discussed. Modeled erosion and deposition rates are 5–37 µm/yr, consistent with previously published estimates from other Mars locations. The occurrence and spatial patterns of diagenesis depend on sedimentation scenario and surface paleotemperature. For (1) temperatures experienced by sediments decrease monotonically along the traverse and up Mount Sharp stratigraphy, whereas for (2) temperatures increase along the traverse reaching maximum temperatures higher up in Mount Sharp's lower units. If early Mars surface temperatures were similar to modern Mars (mean: −50°C), only select locations under select scenarios permit diagenetic fluids. In contrast, if early Mars surface temperatures averaged 0°C or brines had lowered freezing points, diagenesis is predicted in most locations with temperatures < 225°C. Comparing our predictions with future MSL results on diagenetic textures, secondary mineral assemblages, and their spatial variability will constrain past heat flow, Mount Sharp's formation processes, the availability of liquid water on early Mars, and sediment organic preservation potential.
Direct Detection Techniques for MCPD Esters

There are a number of significant advantages to the direct detection and quantitation of intact MCPD esters. Since direct methodology does not require ester hydrolysis, intact contaminants are analyzed just as they occur in the oils without any structural transformation. This eliminates the potential for the creation or destruction of 3-MCPD or 2-MCPD during the relatively harsh acidic or basic conditions used in indirect methods. Under hydrolysis conditions, there is also the possibility of inter conversion between 2-MCPD, 3-MCPD, and glycidol. This chapter discusses some direct methods for MCPD Esters. It concludes that the progress made over the past years in direct MCPD ester analysis has been tremendous. Direct methods were developed when the reliability of indirect approaches for 3-MCPD esters was called into question after the detection of glycidyl esters in edible oils. Direct analyses conclusively showed that early hydrolysis methods were not producing accurate results. As a result, the quality of indirect methods improved, with researchers recognizing and correcting many of the problems with the earlier methodology. The presence of 2-MCPD esters at concentrations as high as half that of 3-MCPD esters raised legitimate questions about the accuracy of results produced by existing direct methods, which provided no separation between these isomers.
Learning and optimization with cascaded VLSI neural network building-block chips

To demonstrate the versatility of the building-block approach, two neural network applications were implemented on cascaded analog VLSI chips. Weights were implemented using 7-b multiplying digital-to-analog converter synapse circuits, with 31*32 and 32*32 synapses per chip. A novel learning algorithm compatible with analog VLSI was applied to the two-input parity problem. The algorithm combines dynamically evolving architecture with limited gradient-descent backpropagation for efficient and versatile supervised learning. To implement the learning algorithm in hardware, synapse circuits were paralleled for additional quantization levels. The hardware-in-the-loop learning system allocated 2-5 hidden neurons for parity problems. Also, a 7*7 assignment problem was mapped onto a cascaded 64-neuron fully connected feedback network. In 100 randomly selected problems, the network found optimal or good solutions in most cases, with settling times in the range of 7-100 mu s. >
A cryogenic blackbody for millimeter wavelengths

The present cryogenic blackbody reference, or 'cold load', for mm-wavelength radiation has an emissivity of more than 0.99 over a two-octave wavelength range and can be used as a calibrating standard for sensitive IR photometers. The transmittance spectrum obtained indicates that wave impedance and index do not vary significantly over the 80-360 GHz range.
"Who's Daddy" in the Taiwan Strait? The Offshore Islands Crisis of 1958

The offshore islands crisis of 1958 found the United States caught in a trap. The military buildup by the People's Republic of China (PRC) on its Fujian coast (opposite Taiwan) and its shelling of Quemoy on 23 August seemed to many in the United States to herald an invasion of the offshore islands. With one-third of the army of the Republic of China (ROC) deployed in Quemoy and Matsu, the administration of President Dwight D. Eisenhower decided that it could not back down before a Communist threat and committed itself to the defense of these islands. American plans for the defense of the offshore islands called for the use of nuclear weapons against targets in mainland China. But domestic and international opinion strongly opposed a nuclear war in defense of the tiny islands and forced a change in the U.S. policy. For a time, however, the United States found itself in a crisis that was the closest that it came to using nuclear weapons after Nagasaki. Some scholars have treated this crisis as a case of successful Ameri can deterrence of a Chinese attempt to invade the offshore islands.1 A recent account of this episode that is also an in-depth study of the Chinese side of the crisis treats it as a case of mutual Sino-American deterrence.2 The only study of this crisis based on newly available American documents concentrates on the role of public opinion in moderating U.S. policy in the crisis.3
Ibuprofen Versus Aspirin and Placebo in the Treatment of Muscle Contraction Headache

SYNOPSIS One hundred eight patients with muscle contraction headaches completed a double-blind, randomized, parallel trial in which they took either ibuprofen 400 mg, ibuprofen 800 mg, a spirin 650 mg, or placebo for four successive headaches. Acetaminophen was allowed as a rescue analgesic. Intensity of headache pain was recorded pretreatment and three hours posttreatment. A Pain Intensity Difference (PID) score was calculated from the difference. Patients on ibuprofen (both doses) and aspirin had significantly lower pain scores and higher PID scores at three-hour follow-up than did patients on placebo. Physician's global assessment indicated that both doses of ibuprofen were significantly superior to placebo; aspirin was not. The highest number of side effects occurred with aspirin (26 complaints), followed by placebo (11), ibuprofen 400 mg (3), and ibuprofen 800 mg (2); all were minor. These results suggest that, for the treatment of muscle contraction headache, ibuprofen is significantly more effective than placebo and at least as effective as aspirin.
Functional conservation of the hydrophobic domain of polypeptide 3AB between human rhinovirus and poliovirus

In this study we exchanged portions of the poliovirus type 1 (PV1) hydrophobic domain within the membrane-associated polypeptide 3AB for the analogous sequences from human rhinovirus 14 (HRV14). The sequence exchanges were based upon a previous report in which the 22 amino acid hydrophobic region was subdivided into two domains, I and II, the latter of which was shown to be required for membrane association (J. Biol. Chem. 271 (1996), 26810). Using these divisions, the HRV14 sequences were cloned into the complete poliovirus type 1 cDNA sequence. RNAs transcribed from these cDNAs were transfected into HeLa cell monolayers and used in HeLa cell-free translation/replication assays. The data indicated that 3AB sequences from PV1 and HRV14 are interchangeable; however, the substitutions cause a range of significant RNA replication defects, and in some cases, protein processing defects. Following transfection of RNAs encoding the domain substitutions into HeLa cell monolayers, virus isolates were harvested, and the corresponding viral RNAs were sequenced. The sequence data revealed that for the carboxy-terminal domain substitutions (domain II), multiple nucleotide changes were identified in the first, second, and third positions of different codons. In addition, the data indicated that for one of the PV1/HRV14 chimeras to replicate, compensatory mutations within poliovirus protein 2B may be required.
Simulation and Analysis of InGaAs Power MOSFET Performances and Reliability

The new approach of implementing a laterally diffused metal-oxide-semiconductor (LDMOS) with In0.53Ga0.47As is investigated. Power device parameters such as specific on-resistance, gate charge, and breakdown voltage are examined using 2-D device simulation. Comparisons are made between In0.53Ga0.47As and Si LDMOS, showcasing the advantages of In0.53Ga0.47As LDMOS. Further ON-state analysis of the In0.53Ga0.47As LDMOS is then provided with a proposed enhanced structure that demonstrates excellent I-V characteristics.
Growth and Survival of Newly Parasitic Sea Lampreys at Representative Winter Temperatures

Abstract Larval sea lampreys Petromyzon marinus begin to metamorphose into their parasitic phase in July and migrate to the Great Lakes either in autumn, when they immediately feed on fish, or in spring after overwintering in the stream substrate. Survival and growth of newly parasitic autumn migrants (mean weight, 4.18 g) differed significantly between temperature treatments when sea lampreys were held over winter and allowed to feed on longnose suckers Catostomus catostomus at either the maximum available temperature (˜4°C) or normal surface temperature (minimum <1°C) in the Great Lakes during winter. Survival from December 1990 to June 1991 was 60% for the animals held in the warmer water but only 30% for the animals held in the colder water until 23 April. The average increase in weight was 8.23 g for the 35 survivors in the warmer water but only 5.15 g for the 17 survivors in the colder water. Average increases in weight from December to May for sea lampreys at both temperatures were 3.8 to 6.6 times...
Characterization of groups of the zygomycete genusRhizopus

Rhizopus is a zygomycetous genus. Several species of this taxon may infect humans and lower animals. Seventeen isolates ofRhizopus species in three distinct morphological groups were studied: the ‘stolonifer’ group (sporangiophores greater than 1 mm in height, sporangial diameters of 100–275 µm, branched rhizoids); the ‘arrhizus’ group (sporangiophores greater than 1 mm in height, branched rhizoids, sporangial diameters of 100–240 µm); and the ‘microsporus’ group (sporangiophores less than 0.8 mm in height, sporangial diameters less than 100 µm, simple rhizoids). Maximal growth temperatures were characteristic: the ‘stolonifer’ group grew at 30°C, the ‘arrhizus’ group grew at 36°C, and the ‘microsporus’ group grew at 45°C. The DNA mol% G + C base composition of all isolates ranged from 34.9 to 40.2% Species within the three groups were grouped by DNA differences. The ‘arrhizus’ group was most distinctive with a value of 34.9–36.3%; the ‘stolonifer’ and ‘microsporus’ groups had G + C values of 37.0–39.3% and 37.8–40.2%, respectively. Our research clarifies and defines the G-C values of the three important groups ofRhizopus species.
Immunobiology of cartilage.

Abstract Although conflicting data have been presented, several definitive conclusions may be reached. Success may be anticipated using intact autogenous cartilage grafts of varying structure if septic and mechanical problems can be circumvented. In contrast, the allogeneic grafting of such tissue has a high failure rate, even in conjunction with host immunosuppression. Chondrocytes contain major histocompatibility antigens, as well as perhaps surface determinants unique to their cell type. Though an immune response may be generated against such antigens, matrix is able to afford protection, the degree dependent upon prior host sensitization to donor tissue. Thus cartilage appears to be an “immunologically privileged tissue”, not because of its lack of antigenicity but because of the sequestration of its antigens from the immune system as reflected by matrix protection of chondrocytes and the structural conformation of matrix molecules. It is evident that better designed immunologic investigations, including studies pertaining to matrix antigenicity as well as more directly to chondrocyte surface determinants, are indicated in this important area.
Bone marrow augmentation in renal transplant recipients.

THE goal of tolerance induction, although achievable in pre-clinical models, is not yet a clinical reality. One of the most important areas of experimental research in the field of tolerance induction has been the administration of donor-specific bone marrow in conjunction with whole organ transplantation. The same strategy has been tested in several clinical trials; all have included chronic immunosuppression as well. This paper will review briefly the major published experience to date with bone marrow augmentation in renal transplantation, with passing reference to observations in pre-clinical experimental models. Although the results do not portend the end of the need for chronic non-specific immunosuppression, they suggest that bone marrow augmentation is reasonably safe, has an impact on chimerism and perhaps the outcome after transplantation, and may have a role in future immunosuppressive regimens.
A1-1: “Exercise as a Vital Sign”: Impact of Documenting Self-Reported Exercise in Primary Care

Background/Aims Physical inactivity is highly prevalent in US adults and significantly increases mortality risk. We examined the impact of implementing a new primary care visit process to record patient exercise frequency and intensity (“Exercise as a Vital Sign” [EVS]) at the beginning of each visit.
ACOUSTIC–VORTICITY WAVES IN SWIRLING FLOWS

The propagation of small disturbances in an annular duct with a mean vortical swirling flow is studied. The disturbance velocity is split into a nearly-convected part and a nearly-sonic part, obeying weakly coupled equations. A normal mode analysis shows that the eigenvalues are segregated into a finite number of propagating pressure-dominated nearly-sonic waves and a cluster of infinite number of vorticity-dominated nearly-convected modes. A generalized gust can then be identified with the vorticity-dominated nearly-convected eigensolutions. The nearly-convected eigenvalues form two branches on either side of a critical layer which corresponds to purely convected modes. An asymptotic analysis is used to investigate the stability of the nearly-convected eigensolutions in the vicinity of the critical layer.
Using standardized outcome measures in the federal government

This article demonstrates the strategic role HR can play in the government's efforts to measure its effectiveness. As federal agencies are being held increasingly accountable for their performance, the need for standardized outcome measures to assess results has become critical. The authors describe a balanced-measures approach for the federal government and provide examples of generic, standardized measures for each perspective of the Balanced Scorecard, including key measures for the HR function. The authors also detail the development of one such measure, a generic customer satisfaction survey. The survey was pilot-tested with three HR organizations in the federal government and is being used by agencies to measure satisfaction with internal services including HR. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pattern-based design evolution using graph transformation

In recent years, design patterns gain more interest in software engineering communities for both software development and maintenance. As a template to solve a certain recurring problem, a design pattern documents successful experiences of software experts and gradually becomes the design guidelines of software development. Applying design patterns correctly can improve the efficiency of software design in terms of reusability and enhance maintainability during reverse engineering. Software can be evolved when developers modify their initial designs as requirements change. For instance, a developer may add/delete a set of design elements, such as classes and methods. Modifications on software artifacts can introduce conflicts and inconsistencies in the previously applied design patterns, which are difficult to find and time-consuming to correct. This paper presents a graph-transformation approach to pattern level design validation and evolution. Based on a well founded formalism, we validate a given design by a graph grammar parser and automatically evolve the design at pattern level using a graph-transformation system. Rules for potential pattern evolutions are predefined. The graph-transformation approach preserves the integrity and consistency of design patterns in the system when designs change. A prototype system is built and a case study on the Strategy pattern demonstrates the feasibility of pattern-based design validation and evolution using graph transformation techniques.
Conjugated Thiophene-Containing Polymer Zwitterions: Direct Synthesis and Thin Film Electronic Properties

We report a direct and facile synthesis of novel conjugated polymeric zwitterions (CPZs) as a simple route to electronically active homopolymers and copolymers containing dipole-inducing pendent zwitterions. Sulfobetaine-containing polythiophenes (PTSB-1 and PTSB-2) and alternating thiophene–benzothiadiazoles (PTBTSB-1 and PTBTSB-2) were prepared and characterized relative to alkylated polymer analogues (POT-a-T and POT-a-BT). The polar zwitterionic side chains make these polymers hydrophilic and salt-responsive, with interesting electronic properties that depend on zwitterion distance from the conjugated polymer backbone (tether length), as characterized by UV–vis absorption and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS). Close proximity (CH2 spacer) of the sulfobetaine groups to the polymer backbone results in increased ionization potential and enlarged band gaps of 2.19 and 2.04 eV for PTSB-1 and PTBTSB-1, respectively. On Au and Ag surfaces, the zwitterionic pendent groups significantly alter the wo...
Cation-Sensitive Neutral Endopeptidase: Isolation and Specificity of the Bovine Pituitary Enzyme

: A highly purified preparation of a cation-sensitive neutral endopeptidase was obtained from bovine pituitaries. The enzyme constitutes almost 0.1% of the protein in bovine pituitary homogenates. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the enzyme showed a single protein band, and in gel filtration experiments on calibrated Sepharose 6B columns the enzyme eluted slightly ahead of thyroglobulin, suggesting an apparent molecular weight of about 700,000. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in SDS-containing buffers indicated the presence of three major components with molecular weights ranging from about 24,000 to 28,000. The enzyme hydrolyzes bonds between hydro-phobic and small neutral amino acids in both model synthetic substrates and biologically active peptides such as substance P, LH-RH, and bradykinin. Peptide bonds in which the carbonyl group is contributed by a glutamyl or arginyl residue are also hydrolyzed, especially if they are preceded in the sequence by hydrophobic amino acids. Leupeptin exclusively inhibited enzymatic activity toward the arginine-containing substrates. This observation, together with the high molecular weight and broad specificity of the enzyme, raised the possibility that the isolated enzyme represents a proteolytic complex composed of units with distinctly different activities. Preliminary attempts to dissociate the enzyme into catalytic units of lower molecular weight were not successful and led to loss of activity.
Estimation of Seemingly Unrelated Tobit Regressions via the EM Algorithm

An expectation-maximum (EM) likelihood algorithm is used to estimate two seemingly unrelated Tobit regressions in which the dependent variables are truncated normal. An illustrative example on the determination of the life-health insurance and pension benefits is also given.
Both the chloroplast and nuclear genomes of Chlamydomonas reinhardi share homology with Escherichia coli genes for transcriptional and translational components.

Considerable DNA sequence homology can be detected between the Escherichia coli genes coding for translational and transcriptional components and both the chloroplast and nuclear genomes of Chlamydomonas reinhardi. Labeled chloroplast DNA was demonstrated to hybridize to DNA fragments of the transducing phages λfus3 and λspc2 that encode ribosomal proteins of the α and S10 operons. Further, chloroplast DNA probes hybridize to fragments of λrtfd 18 that encode the β and β′ subunits of RNA polymerase. The regions homologous to the ribosomal protein and RNA polymerase genes were located on the chloroplast DNA physical map by probing restriction fragments of chloroplast DNA with phage or plasmid fragments carrying these E. coli genes. Probing nuclear DNA with bacterial gene probes revealed DNA fragments homologous to elongation factor and ribosomal protein genes. Most surprisingly, sequences homologous to the β subunit of RNA polymerase were found not only in chloroplast DNA but in nuclear DNA as well.
Beware the March of this IDE: Eclipse is overshadowing other tool technologies

The open source Eclipse Project is rapidly obtaining majority market share among development platforms, according to analysts' surveys as well as adoption rates by major vendors. According to industry surveys, well over half the developers contacted prefer Eclipse as their primary Java IDE. In coding productivity features and as a professional code oriented developer tool, IDEA is the only product that stands in competition with Eclipse.
Interferometer real time control development for SIM

Real Time Control (RTC) for the Space Interferometry Mission will build on the real time core interferometer control technology under development at JPL since the mid 1990s, with heritage from the ground based MKII and Palomar Testbed Interferometer projects developed in the late '80s and early '90s. The core software and electronics technology for SIM interferometer real time control is successfully operating on several SIM technology demonstration testbeds, including the Real-time Interferometer Control System Testbed, System Testbed-3, and the Microarcsecond Metrology testbed. This paper provides an overview of the architecture, design, integration, and test of the SIM flight interferometer real time control to meet challenging flight system requirements for the high processor throughput, low-latency interconnect, and precise synchronization to support microarcsecond-level astrometric measurements for greater than five years at 1 AU in Earth-trailing orbit. The electronics and software architecture of the interferometer real time control core and its adaptation to a flight design concept are described. Control loops for pointing and pathlength control within each of four flight interferometers and for coordination of control and data across interferometers are illustrated. The nature of onboard data processing to fit average downlink rates while retaining post-processed astrometric measurement precision and accuracy is also addressed. Interferometer flight software will be developed using a software simulation environment incorporating models of the metrology and starlight sensors and actuators to close the real time control loops. RTC flight software and instrument flight electronics will in turn be integrated utilizing the same simulation architecture for metrology and starlight component models to close real time control loops and verify RTC functionality and performance prior to delivery to flight interferometer system integration at Lockheed Martin's Sunnyvale facility. A description is provided of the test environment architecture supporting the RTC path to flight.
Mutant DMPK 3'-UTR transcripts disrupt C2C12 myogenic differentiation by compromising MyoD.

Myotonic dystrophy (DM) is caused by two similar noncoding repeat expansion mutations (DM1 and DM2). It is thought that both mutations produce pathogenic RNA molecules that accumulate in nuclear foci. The DM1 mutation is a CTG expansion in the 3′ untranslated region (3′-UTR) of dystrophia myotonica protein kinase (DMPK). In a cell culture model, mutant transcripts containing a (CUG)200 DMPK 3′-UTR disrupt C2C12 myoblast differentiation; a phenotype similar to what is observed in myoblast cultures derived from DM1 patient muscle. Here, we have used our cell culture model to investigate how the mutant 3′-UTR RNA disrupts differentiation. We show that MyoD protein levels are compromised in cells that express mutant DMPK 3′-UTR transcripts. MyoD, a transcription factor required for the differentiation of myoblasts during muscle regeneration, activates differentiation-specific genes by binding E-boxes. MyoD levels are significantly reduced in myoblasts expressing the mutant 3′-UTR RNA within the first 6 h under differentiation conditions. This reduction correlates with blunted E-box–mediated gene expression at time points that are critical for initiating differentiation. Importantly, restoring MyoD levels rescues the differentiation defect. We conclude that mutant DMPK 3′-UTR transcripts disrupt myoblast differentiation by reducing MyoD levels below a threshold required to activate the differentiation program.
Demand for factors of production in municipal police departments

As the fiscal crises of municipalities deepen, the search for ways to reduce the cost of providing municipal services increases. In the production of police service, the use of civilians to handle administrative jobs has mcrease&( In this regard, the studies of demand for productive factors in municipal police departments becomes interesting. Several attempts have been made to estimate input demands or expenditure functions for police departments. Carr-Hill and Stern [5], Chapman et al. 161, Vatey and Philips (231, Pbifips and Votey (201, Greenwood and Wadyeki 1121, Ohls and Wales [18], and Ehrlich [ll] all have estimated the demand for factors as part of a simultaneous equation system. Most of these studies were not interested in the factor demands.’ They were only necessary to estimate correctly the supply of offense equations. Same of the equations are no1 carefully specified and justified. There are however, some single equation studies. Hirsch [15], Borcherding and Deacon [4], Bergstrom and Goodman [l], and McDougall [I 61 all estimated police demand equations. All the above studies use lhe Cobb-Douglas or the CES functional form -functional forms that are too restrictive. In particular, the assumptions of constant elasticity of substitution between inputs is unacceptable when there are more than two inputs. Second, these studies have created police production as nonjoint even though police departments are considered as multiproduct firms producing a variety of outputs. Philips [19] has employed the Constant Difference Elasticity production function to estimate factor demands in municipal police departments in
Effect of iron impurities on the superconducting transition temperature of sintered Nb3Sn

Abstract Samples of Nb 3 Sn were prepared by sintering with concentrations of iron impurity of up to 10 at.%. Resistive measurements of the superconducting transition temperature T c showed a depression of T c as iron was added at a rate of about 0.4 K (nominal at.% Fe) −1 . This rate is much lower than that in some other carefully studied A15 systems. The actual amount of iron entering the A15 phase, the magnetic nature of the iron impurities and the compositional differences are discussed as explanations for the low rate of depression of T c in Nb 3 Sn. The important point of this work is that for Nb 3 Sn produced by sintering, a process similar to the commercial method for producing Nb 3 Sn tapes, T c is not as sensitive to iron impurities as would be expected. Lower grade starting materials could be used resulting in considerable cost savings.
Temporal Stability of Polar Organic Compounds in Stainless Steel Canisters

Because of considerable interest at US EPA for the collection of polar organic compounds in stainless steel canisters, particularly for the Toxic Air Monitoring Site (TAMS) study, the stability of 10 selected polar organics in canisters was investigated and the results are described in this paper. The polar organic compounds selected for this stability study were: methanol, acetone, isoprene, acrylonitrile, vinyl acetate, methyl ethyl ketone, t-butyl methyl ether, ethyl acetate, n-butanol, and ethyl acrylate. Two nonpolar compounds, methyl chloroform and toluene, shown to be stable in previous work were included in the stability study as controls. The compounds were loaded in unpolished and Summa-polished canisters at parts-per-billion (ppb) levels under dry and humid conditions. The canister samples were analyzed on Days 0, 1, 3, 4, 14, and 31 after loading. The experimental procedures and stability results are summarized briefly.
Chemical modification and X-ray absorption studies for lead(II) binding by Medicago sativa (alfalfa) biomass

Traditional methods currently employed to remediate heavy metal contaminated waters prove to be cost prohibitive. Therefore, more cost-effective methods of remediating heavy metals from contaminated waters need to be developed. The use of plant materials as metal adsorbents may be a possible solution. Previously performed experiments have shown that alfalfa shoot biomass can bind an appreciable amount of heavy metal ions, even from multi-contaminate containing solutions. Although the alfalfa biomass has shown to be very effective at removing heavy metal ions from aqueous solution, more research is needed to understand the metal binding mechanism. Carboxyl groups were chemically modified in order to determine their contribution to the metal binding process. Batch experiments were performed with the modified biomass and suggest that carboxyl groups play a significant role in the binding of lead(II). In addition, X-ray absorption spectroscopic analysis (XANES and EXAFS) corroborate these results. These studies are important for determining the ligands that may be involved in the binding of lead ions to alfalfa biomass, thus aiding in our understanding of the mechanisms involved in the removal and recovery of metal ions from contaminated waters through phytofiltration.
Answers to Four Questions

Socially responsible investing (SRI) is rapidly becoming an investment discipline in its own right. Despite the volume of work, the scope of SRI research has actually narrowed. Hardly any new quantitative work has been done on many topics that matter greatly to clients, such as corporate charitable giving, plant closings, corporate crime, involvement in nuclear power, or military contracting. But this narrowness also has important benefits. Four key questions about SRI have been studied intensively, and these are the first questions an interested fiduciary is likely to ask: 1) What do financial theories have to say about SRI? 2)What has the performance been, and what are the risks? 3) Could there be an investment benefit to SRI? And 4) What do we know about social investors and their behavior? This article will review each of these questions in detail.