cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Laboratory-made artificial marine snow: a biological model of the real thing

Cylindrical tanks of unfiltered seawater were rotated on a roller table until the particles in the seawater formed aggregates resembling marine snow. During the summer of 1987 comparisons were made between marine snow in field samples from two coastal sites on seven separate dates, and aggregates formed in the laboratory in seawater samples taken on the same dates. Aggregates in field and laboratory samples were photographed and their dimensions were determined. Particulate composition of the aggregates was characterized by the abundance of diatoms, benthic diatoms, diatom frustules, mineral grains, fecal pellets, and fungal spores. Laboratory-prepared aggregates had a significantly greater short axis, and significantly larger calculated volume than field aggregates. Particulate compositions of field aggregates were paralleled by similar changes in the laboratory product. Dry weights of known numbers of aggregates collected on three dates indicated no significant differences in calculated densities or porosities of marine snow formed in the field and in the laboratory. We suggest that this method of forming marine snow in the laboratory may provide researchers with a useful experimental tool.
Comparative Analysis of Alternate Econometric Structures for Trip Generation Models

Traditionally trip generation models have been estimated with linear-regression structures even though this methodology does not recognize the nonnegativity and integer nature of the trips. Although the theoretical superiority of count-data models as an alternative approach is well recognized, the empirical benefits of such models have not been well established. In that context, the intent of this study is to undertake a comparative analysis of four different econometric structures for trip generation models. The structures are compared across three different trip purposes with significantly different distribution patterns. The models are estimated by using 2001 U.S. National Household Travel Survey data and are applied to samples from the 2009 National Household Travel Survey data. Predictive validations indicate that the ordered probit models are able to replicate the trip generation patterns better than linear-regression, log-linear, and negative-binomial models for all three trip purposes. The negativ...
Directional learning, but no spatial mapping by rats performing a navigational task in an inverted orientation

Previous studies have identified neurons throughout the rat limbic system that fire as a function of the animal’s head direction (HD). This HD signal is particularly robust when rats locomote in the horizontal and vertical planes, but is severely attenuated when locomoting upside-down (Calton & Taube, 2005). Given the hypothesis that the HD signal represents an animal’s sense of directional heading, we evaluated whether rats could accurately navigate in an inverted (upside-down) orientation. The task required the animals to find an escape hole while locomoting inverted on a circular platform suspended from the ceiling. In Experiment 1, Long-Evans rats were trained to navigate to the escape hole by locomoting from either one or four start points. Interestingly, no animals from the 4-start point group reached criterion, even after 29 days of training. Animals in the 1-start point group reached criterion after about six training sessions. In Experiment 2, probe tests revealed that animals navigating from either 1- or 2-start points utilized distal visual landmarks for accurate orientation. However, subsequent probe tests revealed that their performance was markedly attenuated when navigating to the escape hole from a novel start point. This absence of flexibility while navigating upside-down was confirmed in Experiment 3 where we show that the rats do not learn to reach a place, but instead learn separate trajectories to the target hole(s). Based on these results we argue that inverted navigation primarily involves a simple directional strategy based on visual landmarks.
Influence of Older Siblings on Initiation of Sexual Intercourse

This study uses data from the 1993 Philadelphia Teen Survey (via telephone) of 2080 adolescents and their parents (75% completion rate) to examine the factors affecting early initiation of sexual intercourse that are associated with sibling influence and gender after controlling for parental behavior and attitudes about adolescent sexuality. Data were gathered on two teenagers living in the same household in 218 cases and were analyzed for 183 pairs. The report also contains an introductory review of the literature on the role of older siblings as "orientational others" and on the effect of the gender of siblings. The model tested in the study predicts that 1) the normative beliefs of older siblings influence younger siblings 2) the sex behavior of older siblings influences younger siblings 3) the sex behaviors and normative beliefs in the older siblings reference groups influence younger siblings 4) the effects remain after parental effects are controlled 5) the influence of an older sibling is greater when siblings are the same gender 6) the influence of older siblings increases when both siblings are female and 7) older brothers have the most influence on younger brothers and/or sisters. Statistical analysis confirmed that the older siblings influence the sex behavior of younger siblings through a process in which younger siblings compare themselves with older siblings. It was also found that parental effects have a stronger impact than sibling effects on the odds of a younger sibling being a non-virgin. Older brothers however influence the sex behavior of younger siblings of both genders (stronger for younger brothers) and also influence use of birth control during first intercourse. Older sisters influence younger siblings only by connecting them with new reference groups. Further research is needed to explore the influence of various characteristics of the sibling relationship and sexual activity.
Career Interests of Incarcerated Men: The Influence of Generational Differences

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between career interests and generational characteristics of incarcerated males using Holland's Self Directed Search (SDS). Participants (n = 132) were male offenders incarcerated at two medium security prisons. Each participant voluntarily reported his age and completed the SDS. The SDS codes were examined based on generational affiliation. Results indicated significant differences in career interest by generational group. Implications related to the career interests of incarcerated adult males and employment exploration are provided.
Adaptive cancellation of ECG artifacts in the diaphragm electromyographic signals obtained through intraoesophageal electrodes during swallowing and inspiration

This paper presents a new and effective adaptive filtering method for the cancellation of electrocardiogram (ECG) artifacts in the electromyographic (EMG) signals obtained through intraoesophageal electrodes. This technique requires adjustable filter weights and two input signals. The primary input signal was the EMG signal containing the ECG artifact and the reference or the second input was the ECG signal measured simultaneously by two chest electrodes. The adaptive filter weights were initially set at zero and iteratively adjusted according to a least mean square algorithm proposed in this paper. The filter weights were adjusted in such a way that the output of the adaptive filter was a replica of the contaminating ECG signal, which was then subtracted from the EMG signal, yielding an ECG-free EMG signal. The performance of the proposed method was investigated using computer simulations. It was found that ECG artifacts could be effectively cancelled while the EMG signal was not affected by adaptive filtering. Its applications showed that the proposed new algorithm had better performance than the conventional least mean square algorithm. The EMG signals were obtained in six healthy subjects, during swallows (oesophageal muscle EMG) and deep inspiration (crural diaphragm EMG). Our results demonstrated the effective cancellation of the ECG artifact in both swallow-induced and inspiration-related EMG signals. Spectral analysis of the EMG was performed on the ECG-free EMG signal. The inspiration-related EMG signal was found to have higher frequency components than the swallow-related EMG.
Causal inferences from observational data : use a redesigned cross-lagged methodology

Abstract Ten years ago Rogosa's critique (1980) of the croos-lagged correlation methodology largely contributed to a virtual halt in its use by psychological researchers, but his conclusions were too sweeping. It is essential to recognize the effects on the cross-correlations of differences in the stability of true scores from one occasion to another, as Rogosa clearlydemonstrated, as well as the effects of differences in measurement error, a long-recogized constraint. If parallel forms' reliabilities are obtained for each measure on each occasion, the observed intercorrelations can be corrected for attenuation in a dependable fashion A possible causal relation is revealed by positive nonzero multiple regression weights or causal paths from the estimated true scores for both measures on the first occasion in predicting one or the other, but not both, on the second occasion. Given a positive finding, an interpretation that individual differences on one measure are anticipating individual differences on the other is conservative. Stronger causal inference requires additional research.
Relative Inhibitory Potencies of Chlorpyrifos Oxon, Chlorpyrifos Methyl Oxon, and Mipafox for Acetylcholinesterase Versus Neuropathy Target Esterase

The relative inhibitory potency (RIP) of an organophosphorus (OP) inhibitor against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) versus neuropathy target esterase (NTE) may be defined as the ratio [k(i)(AChE)/k(i)(NTE)], where k(i) is the bimolecular rate constant of inhibition for a given inhibitor against each enzyme. RIPs greater than 1 correlate with the inability of ageable OP inhibitors or their parent compounds to produce OP compound-induced delayed neurotoxicity (OPIDN) at doses below the LD50. The RIP for chlorpyrifos oxon (CPO) is >>1 for enzymes from hen brain homogenate, and the parent compound, chlorpyrifos (CPS), cannot produce OPIDN in hens at sublethal doses. This study was carried out to test the hypothesis that the RIP for the methyl homologue of CPO, chlorpyrifos methyl oxon (CPMO), is >>1 and greater than the RIP for CPO. Mipafox (MIP), an OP compound known to produce OPIDN, was included for comparison. Hen brain microsomes were used as the enzyme source, and k(i) values (mean +/- SE, microM(-1) min(-1)) were determined for AChE and NTE (n = 3 and 4 separate experiments, respectively). The k(i) values for CPO, CPMO, and MIP against AChE were 17.8 +/- 0.3, 10.9 +/- 0.1, and 0.00429 +/- 0.00001, respectively, and for NTE were 0.0993 +/- 0.0049, 0.0582 +/- 0.0013, and 0.00498 +/- 0.00006, respectively. Corresponding RIPs for CPO, CPMO, and MIP were 179 +/- 9, 187 +/- 4, and 0.861 +/- 0.011, respectively. The results demonstrate that RIPs for CPO and CPMO are comparable, markedly different from that for MIP, and >>1, indicating that CPS methyl, like CPS, could not cause OPIDN at sublethal doses.
An Electronic Strain Gauge for Measuring Oral Forces

N UMEROUS instruments have been devised for measuring the maximum biting force. The literature prior to 1938 has been adequately covered by Brawley and Sedgwick" 2 who found thirty-one references to different instruments for measuring biting force. The principles involved in construction of these devices included use of simple levers, springs, manometers or combinations of these principles, and steel ball impressions. Since that date, instruments have been developed by Worner,3 Boos,4 and Losch,' and a technic was suggested by Baker, Brekhus, and Dowell.6 In Worner 's device, the biting force was transmitted from a plunger to a liquid and registered on a pressure gauge. The equipment employed by Losch consisted of a Sylphon bellows through which pressure was applied to a liquid and registered on a manometer. It was similar to the equipment used by Brekhus and Armstrong7 and by Waugh.8 The device prepared by Boos was applicable only for measuring forces between dentures. The technic suggested by Baker, Brekhus, and Dowell are similar in principle to that recommended by Koehler and Etling.9 It seems evident that the most suitable instrument for measuring biting force will be one with the minimum size for the part on which the force is exerted. During actual chewing the teeth are very nearly in contact when the maximum forces are being exerted. For this reason the bite element should be thin enough to permit observations to be made when there are only a few millimeters of bite opening. Of course, a thin basic element can be adapted to experiments where greater bite opening is desired. The element should also be narrow enough to permit measurements to be made on any tooth in the mouth. Furthermore, it would be desirable to have the bite element not connected to heavy or bulky equipment and to have it capable of withstanding sterilization. The completed instrument should have adequate precision. It is interesting that essentially these requirements were set forth by the Rotterdam Dental Society in 1911 in an effort to stimulate development of a suitable instrument.10 Their size requirement was that the bite element should be small enough to enter an aperture 1 cm. square. Regarding precision, they stipulate an error not over six pounds below 120 pounds, and not over twelve pounds between 120 and 330 pounds. There is no record that these requirements were ever met. Many of the instruments which have been reported for measuring oral forces could not be applied to measurements on a single tooth without modification. Those designed by Friel," Black,'2 Johnson and Hatfield,13 Brawley and
Tracking of single fluorescent particles in three dimensions: use of cylindrical optics to encode particle position.

We present a novel optical technique for three-dimensional tracking of single fluorescent particles using a modified epifluorescence microscope containing a weak cylindrical lens in the detection optics and a microstepper-controlled fine focus. Images of small, fluorescent particles were circular in focus but ellipsoidal above and below focus; the major axis of the ellipsoid shifted by 90 degrees in going through focus. Particle z position was determined from the image shape and orientation by applying a peak detection algorithm to image projections along the x and y axes; x, y position was determined from the centroid of the particle image. Typical spatial resolution was 12 nm along the optical axis and 5 nm in the image plane with a maximum sampling rate of 3–4 Hz. The method was applied to track fluorescent particles in artificial solutions and living cells. In a solution of viscosity 30 cP, the mean squared distance (MSD) traveled by a 264 nm diameter rhodamine-labeled bead was linear with time to 20 s. The measured diffusion coefficient, 0.0558 +/- 0.001 micron2/s (SE, n = 4), agreed with the theoretical value of 0.0556 micron2/s. Statistical variability of MSD curves for a freely diffusing bead was in quantitative agreement with Monte Carlo simulations of three-dimensional random walks. In a porous glass matrix, the MSD data was curvilinear and showed reduced bead diffusion. In cytoplasm of Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts, bead diffusion was restricted. The water permeability in individual Chinese Hamster Ovary cells was measured from the z movement of a fluorescent bead fixed at the cell surface in response osmotic gradients; water permeability was increased by > threefold in cells expressing CHIP28 water channels. The simplicity and precision of this tracking method may be useful to quantify the complex trajectories of fluorescent particles in living cells.
Right Ventricular Hypertrophy in Guinea Pigs Exposed to Simulated High Altitude

Guinea pigs exposed to simulated altitudes of 18,000 feet developed right heart dilatation followed by hypertrophy, more conspicuous in the infundibular area of the right ventricle. Under the described experimental conditions, pulmonary artery hypertension may be the etiologic factor.
Narrow beam neutron dosimetry

Organ and effective doses have been estimated for male and female anthropomorphic mathematical models exposed to monoenergetic narrow beams of neutrons with energies from 10 - 1 1 to 1000 MeV. Calculations were performed for anterior-posterior, posterior-anterior, left-lateral and right-lateral irradiation geometries. The beam diameter used in the calculations was 7.62 cm and the phantoms were irradiated at a height of 1 m above the ground. This geometry was chosen to simulate an accidental scenario (a worker walking through the beam) at Flight Path 30 Left (FP30L) of the Weapons Neutron Research (WNR) Facility at Los Alamos National Laboratory. The calculations were carried out using the Monte Carlo transport code MCNPX 2.5c.
Analysis of Control Loop Interactions

The dynamic and steady state interactions of single input, single output controls can be predicted through a set point perturbation analysis. The analysis is based on set point control theory and leads naturally to Bristol's relative gain analysis at steady state. The utility of this technique is demonstrated through applications to several industrial examples.
Significance of inducible ventricular fibrillation in patients with coronary artery disease and unexplained syncope.

Abstract OBJECTIVES This study was designed to determine the incidence and prognostic significance of inducible ventricular fibrillation (VF) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and unexplained syncope. BACKGROUND Current American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association practice guidelines recommend implantation of internal cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) in patients with unexplained syncope in whom either ventricular tachycardia (VT) or VF is inducible during electrophysiologic (EP) testing. Although the prognostic significance of inducible monomorphic VT is known, the significance of inducible VF remains undefined. METHODS We evaluated 118 consecutive patients with CAD and unexplained syncope who underwent EP testing. Sustained monomorphic VT was inducible in 53 (45%) patients; in 20 (17%) patients, VF was the only inducible arrhythmia; and no sustained ventricular arrhythmia was inducible in the remaining 45 (38%) patients. The latter two groups of 65 (55%) patients make up the study population. RESULTS There were 16 deaths among the study population during a follow-up period of 25.3 ± 19.6 months. The overall one- and two-year survival in these patients was 89% and 81%, respectively. No significant difference in survival was observed between patients with and without inducible VF (80% power to detect a fourfold survival difference). CONCLUSIONS In 17% of patients with CAD and unexplained syncope, VF is the only inducible ventricular arrhythmia. Within the limits of this pilot study, long-term follow-up of patients with and without inducible VF demonstrates no difference in survival between the two groups. Therefore, the practice of ICD implantation in patients with CAD, unexplained syncope and inducible VF, especially with triple ventricular extrastimuli, may merit reconsideration.
The Social Networks and Activity Patterns of Adults with Severe Disabilities: A Correlational Analysis.

This article reports information on the interrelations among measures of lifestyle quality for 20 adults with severe disabilities living in the community. Using two interview-based measures, data were collected on the social networks and activity patterns of the participants. The results indicate that the overall size of the social networks and the number of family members were highly associated with a greater frequency and variety of activities across home and community settings. The results also indicate that neither the number of social network members paid to provide support, nor the number of friends were significantly related to activity patterns. Finally, implications for measuring lifestyle quality and the use of outcome-based measures for assisting people to build and maintain social relationships are presented.
Neuronal Expression of Synaptotagmin-Related Gene 1 Is Regulated by Thyroid Hormone during Cerebellar Development

Thyroid hormone (TH) is essential for proper brain development, acting through nuclear receptors that modulate the expression of specific genes in response to hormone binding. In a screen for genes regulated by TH in the rat cerebellum, we recently identified a novel gene, synaptotagmin-related gene 1 (Srg1). The Srg1 protein is structurally similar to synaptotagmins, a family of proteins involved in regulating neurotransmission. To elucidate a potential role of Srg1 in brain development, we have investigated the developmental and TH-regulated expression of Srg1 in the neonatal rat brain. We show that expression of both Srg1 RNA and protein is detected only in the brain and specifically in neurons. Srg1 mRNA and protein levels increase postnatally, nearing adult levels after the third postnatal week. Neonatal TH deficiency results in a significant reduction and delay in expression of both Srg1 RNA and protein. Using immunohistochemistry, we were able to detect Srg1 protein in numerous brain regions. In the cerebellum, Srg1 protein is localized to the molecular layer, indicating that it is highly expressed in granule cell axons. To further examine Srg1 expression in cerebellar granule cells (CGCs), we used an in vitro cell culture model. In primary cultures of CGCs, Srg1 expression is significantly reduced in the absence of TH. Srg1 mRNA is rapidly upregulated in cultured CGCs, suggesting a direct response to TH. Neuronal and TH-regulated expression of Srg1, together with its localization to neurites, implicates Srg1 as an important component of the program of gene expression induced by TH in the developing brain.
Cavity Ringdown Spectroscopy of cis-cis HOONO and the HOONO/HONO2 Branching Ratio in the Reaction OH + NO2 + M

The termolecular association reaction OH + NO2 + M was studied in a low-pressure discharge flow reactor, and both HONO2 and HOONO products were detected by infrared cavity ringdown spectroscopy (IR-CRDS). The absorption spectrum of the fundamental ν1 band of the cis-cis isomer of HOONO (pernitrous or peroxynitrous acid) was observed at 3306 cm-1, in good agreement with matrix isolation studies and ab initio predictions. The rotational contour of this band was partially resolved at 1 cm-1 resolution and matched the profile predicted by ab initio calculations. The integrated absorbances of the ν1 bands of the cis-cis HOONO and HONO2 products were measured as a function of temperature and pressure. These were converted to product branching ratios by scaling the experimentally observed absorbances with ab initio integrated cross sections for HOONO and HONO2 computed at the CCSD(T)/cc-pVTZ level. The product branching ratio for cis-cis HOONO to HONO2 was 0.075 ± 0.020(2σ) at room temperature in a 20 Torr mixtu...
Reduced river phosphorus following implementation of a lawn fertilizer ordinance

Abstract Statistical comparisons of 2008 surface water quality data with a historical data set at weekly and subweekly resolution revealed statistically significant reductions in total phosphorus (TP) and a trend of reduction in dissolved phosphorus following implementation of a municipal ordinance limiting the application of lawn fertilizers containing phosphorus. No reductions were seen at an upstream control river site not affected by the ordinance. Nontarget analytes including nitrate, silica and colored dissolved organic matter did not change systematically as did P. The data were analyzed in the context of a statistical model that characterized historical temporal variability and predicted the sampling effort needed to detect changes of specified magnitude. Expected changes of about 25% in monthly mean value were predicted to require weekly samples during the summer for only 1 or 2 years for TP; statistically significant reductions measured after 1 year averaged 28%, or about 5 kg P/day. The lawn fe...
Conversation as planned behavior

In this paper, planning models developed in artificial intelligence are applied to the kind of planning that must be carried out by participants in a conversation. A planning mechanism is defined, and a short fragment of a free-flowing videotaped conversation is described. The bulk of the paper is then devoted to an attempt to understand the conversation in terms of the planning mechanism. This microanalysis suggests ways in which the planning mechanism must be augmented, and reveals several important conversational phenomena that deserve further investigation.
Formulary Measures for the U.S. Current Account: Accounting for Transactions Attributable to Special Purpose Entities of Multinational Enterprises *

Consistent with the residence concept of BPM6 and the SNA2008, the U.S. current account reflects international transactions within multinational enterprises (MNEs), including international transactions conducted with special purpose entities (SPEs). To better understand the role of SPEs in economic accounting statistics, international guidelines on foreign direct investment (FDI) positions and transactions recommend that compilers distinguish resident SPEs for inbound FDI and encourage compilers to offer supplemental measures on non-resident SPEs for outbound FDI. While U.S. economic accounting statistics are not significantly affected by resident SPEs, recent empirical evidence calls into question the extent to which U.S. statistics may be affected by non-resident SPEs (Lipsey 2009, 2010). In this paper, I explore formulary apportionment as an accounting treatment for transactions related to outbound FDI in the U.S. current account in order to better understand the effects of non-resident SPEs on U.S. economic accounting statistics. The empirical results reveal that formulary apportionment significantly reduces total U.S. exports of services and total U.S. imports of services but the combined effect on U.S. net exports is negligible with no noticeable effect on U.S. gross domestic product (GDP). Likewise, formulary apportionment significantly reduces total U.S. income receipts, which reduces U.S. gross national product by 1.1 percent. The results imply that transactions attributable to non-resident SPEs do not affect U.S. net exports or U.S. GDP. Likewise, nonresident SPEs appear to play a larger role in income-based measures of production than in expenditure-based measures of production.
Foley catheter vs prostaglandin as ripening agent in pregnant women with premature rupture of membranes.

CONTEXT Although studies support the efficacy of the Foley catheter (FC) as a cervical ripening agent in pregnant women at term with intact membranes, its efficacy has not been well studied in women with premature rupture of membranes (PROM). OBJECTIVE To compare the interval to delivery in women with PROM who underwent induction of labor and cervical ripening with mechanical (FC) vs nonmechanical (prostaglandin [PG]) cervical ripening agents. DESIGN Retrospective medical record review at 2 hospitals of pregnant women who delivered between January 2009 and April 2011. SETTING Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Christiana Care Health System in Newark, Delaware. PATIENTS Pregnant women with singleton gestations 36 weeks or greater who presented with PROM. INTERVENTIONS Cervical ripening with FC or PG. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome was time from induction until delivery. Secondary outcomes included epidural use, maximum temperature during labor, number of vaginal examinations, occurrence of tachysystole, oxytocin dose, delivery mode, chorioamnionitis, and neonatal Apgar score. RESULTS Of 155 medical records of patients who met the inclusion criteria, 33 women underwent cervical ripening with PG (ie, misoprostol) and 122 with FC. The interval to delivery was almost halved in women who underwent cervical ripening with FC compared with misoprostol (736 vs 1354 minutes; P<.01). Compared with the women in the misoprostol group, those in the FC group received a statistically significant higher dose of oxytocin (P<.01). There were no statistically significant differences between the groups with respect to the remaining secondary outcomes. Of note, all of the women who received FC were from Christiana Care Health System, and all women who received misoprostol were from Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. CONCLUSION Foley catheters may help shorten the interval to delivery in women who are candidates for cervical ripening after PROM at or near term. There does not appear to be an increased risk for cesarean delivery or chorioamnionitis in those treated with FC.
Preparing for Fellowship in Internal Medicine. Steps for Success with a Focus on Pulmonary and/or Critical Care Programs

This paper outlines specific tips for those applying to pulmonary and/or critical care medicine fellowship training in the United States using the PAIR-Match steps: preparation, application, interview, ranking, and match. Preparation for fellowship begins long before the application process with an assessment of one's long-term goals (to the extent that these are known). The cornerstone of the application is the curriculum vitae, which should highlight applicants' pulmonary and critical care-related experiences and scholarly work. Applicants should obtain letters of recommendation from faculty members who know them well and can write a letter that speaks to their strengths in clinical, scholarly, or leadership areas. The personal statement is an opportunity to share experiences not otherwise shared in the application and is an opportunity to explain any breaks in training or performance lapses. When selecting programs to which they will apply, applicants should pay close attention to the areas of education and curriculum, clinical experience, scholarly opportunity, and personal factors. Preparing for interviews should include a review of the program at which one is interviewing and development of relevant questions regarding details of the program. The interview day is the applicant's opportunity to see the "personality" of the program by meeting with the program director, faculty, and current fellows and to assess whether the program is a good fit for their goals. Applicants should only rank those programs they are willing to attend, in order of preference; they should be aware that the match process is binding.
Signal space interpretations of Hopfield neural network for optimization

A necessary condition for a Hopfield neural network (HNN) to achieve the global minimum is introduced. The condition is obtained from a geometrical analysis of the Lyapunov energy function for HNNs. The condition can be effectively used to test, for an optimization problem under consideration, whether an HNN will generate the global optimum solution for the problem without the local optimum problem or not. The condition can also serve as a measure of the likelihood of achieving the global minimum when the condition is violated. For the bearing estimation problem, the HNN is interpreted as reaching the global minimum in the signal space. >
Forming and Testing Implicit Personality Theories in Cyberspace

In this article, I describe an exercise for Social, Personality, and Introductory Psychology classes. In this exercise, students form implicit personality theories (IPTs) based on information provided by social psychologists on their internet home pages. As part of the exercise, students also compose a personal home page and describe the IPTs that are likely to emerge from the information they present. Students reported that the exercise was enjoyable and enhanced their understanding of the influence of IPTs on impression formation.
Realization of an n -qubit controlled- U gate with superconducting quantum interference devices or atoms in cavity QED

We propose an approach to realize an $n$-qubit controlled-$U$ gate with superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs) in cavity QED. In this approach, the two lowest levels of a SQUID represent the two logical states of a qubit while a higher-energy intermediate level serves the gate manipulation. Our method operates essentially by creating a single photon through one of the control SQUIDs and then performing an arbitrary unitary transformation on the target SQUID with the assistance of the cavity photon. In addition, we show that the method can be applied to implement an $n$-qubit controlled-$U$ gate with atomic qubits in cavity QED.
Botanical epidemiology:some key advances and its continuing role in disease management

Epidemiology involves the study of the temporal, spatial, and spatio-temporal dynamics of disease in populations, and the utilization of results of experiments and surveys to describe, understand, compare, and predict epidemics. Such understanding and description of epidemics can lead directly to the development and evaluation of efficient control strategies and tactics. Mathematical and statistical models are key tools of the epidemiologist. Recent advances in statistics, including linear and nonlinear mixed models, are allowing a more appropriate matching of data type and experimental (or survey) design to the statistical model used for analysis, in order to meet the objectives of the investigator. Coupled ordinary and partial differential equations, as well as simpler growth-curve equations, are especially useful deterministic models for representing plant disease development in fields in time and space over single seasons or many years, and their use can lead to appraisal of control strategies through metrics such as the basic reproduction number, a summary parameter that may be calculated for many general epidemic scenarios. Recently, compelling arguments have been made for the use of Bayesian decision theory in developing and evaluating real-time disease prediction rules, based on measured disease or weather conditions and either empirical or mechanistic models for disease or control intervention. Through some simple calculations of predictor accuracy and (prior) probability of an epidemic (or the need for control), the success of any predictor can be quantified in terms of the estimated probability of random observations being epidemics when predicted to be epidemics or not epidemics. Overall, despite the many contributions in epidemiology over the past four decades, more effort is still needed to convince those outside of epidemiology to more fully use epidemiological results and insights into the development and evaluation of disease controls.
Decision-Making Involvement and Socioeconomic Resources in Norway: A Normative-Empirical Analysis*

The relationship between socioeconomic resources and political participation has been the subject of considerable normative-empirical debate. The present article addresses the problem on the basis of Norwegian survey data (N = 1,170) with the intent of testing both the resource-involvement relationship and the possible consequences of value over-representation among the most active citizens. The analysis of resource-involvement dependency in relation to Robert Dahl's norm-set for ‘non-cumulative resource distributions' shows only two resources to be of potential difficulty for pluralist expectations: education and gender. Other expectations as to resource-involvement inequality prove to be nonfounded for Norway. A further test of the consequences of pedagarchal and patriarchal over-representation shows the former to imply a general ‘progressive’ bias in political values, while the latter has no clear-cut ideological implications.
Multimodal Maintenance Application HCI

Human Computer Interface (HCI) in applications for the maintenance of complex machinery such as an aircraft can be enhanced by exploiting new developments in HCI. We have developed a multimodal HCI demonstration system for maintenance applications, incorporating Augmented Reality (AR), Speech Recognition, and 3-dimensional audio technologies. The Augmented Reality interface is based on an original dynamic tracking approach to provide rapid update of the scene with graphical overlays. We enhance the use of this interface with speech recognition to control the system and to add annotations using dictation-based text information. A combination of 3-D audio, graphic animations, and text displays is used to communicate information to the user.
Expanding the genetic counseling workforce: program directors' views on increasing the size of genetic counseling graduate programs.

Although there is an anticipated need for more genetic counselors, little is known about limitations at the graduate training level. We evaluated opportunities for growth of the genetic counseling (GC) workforce by exploring program directors’ perspectives on increasing number of graduate trainees. Thirty US-based GC program directors (PDs) were recruited through the Association of Genetic Counseling Program Directors’ listserv. Online surveys and semistructured phone interviews were used to explore factors impacting the expansion of the GC workforce. Twenty-five PDs completed the survey; 18 interviews were conducted. Seventy-three percent said they believe that the workforce is growing too slowly and the number of graduates should increase. Attitudes were mixed regarding whether the job market should be the main factor driving workforce expansion. Thematic analysis of transcripts identified barriers to program expansion in six categories: funding, accreditation requirements, clinical sites, faculty availability, applicant pool, and physical space. General consensus among participants indicates the importance of increasing the capacity of the GC workforce pipeline. Addressing funding issues, examining current accreditation requirements, and reevaluating current education models may be effective strategies to expanding GC program size. Future research on increasing the number of GC programs and a needs assessment for GC services are suggested. Genet Med 18 8, 842–849.
Relationship between magnitude estimation of resistive loads, inspiratory pressures, and the RREP P1 peak

This study investigated the relationship among resistive load magnitude (ΔR), the cortical evoked potential P1peak amplitude of the respiratory-related evoked potential (RREP), mouth pressure (Pm),...
A note on strong, non-anticipating solutions for stochastic differential equations: When is path-wise uniqueness necessary?

A necessary and sufficient condition for obtaining strong, non-anticipating solutions is given. As a corollary, we show that path-wise uniqueness is necessary for the existence of strong solutions in a large class of stochastic differential equations.
Extraction of vortical flow features in a turbomachinery simulation

[Abstract] In this paper, we use flow feature extraction to study a CFD application from the turbomachinery industry. We show that for this RANS, nearly incompressible simulation, our new eigen helicity density scheme outperforms the widely accepted �2 scheme in identifying vortex regions. A new vortex coreline extraction algorithm is introduced, which extracts accurately the vortex corelines o f the horse -shoe vortices in this case. This new coreline algorithm, combined with the eigen helicity vortex regi on scheme, shows promise in reducing the false positives that are affecting existing vortex coreline algorithms. We analyze the potential impact of the automatic feature extraction schemes on turbomachinery flow analysis.
The Incensario Complex of Palenque, Chiapas*

The three major forms of Palenque incensarios, the great majority of which appear to be locally made, are pedestal-based vessels, ladles, and elaborately decorated, hollow, flanged cylinders. The first two forms were clearly used for burning incense, but the elaborate cylinders show no definite evidence of burning. They may have served as stands or supports for incense burners, and in any case, are certainly related to the incensario tradition in Mesoamerica. At Palenque, this tradition seems to be oriented toward the hierarchical aspects of Maya civilization. The decoration on the flanged cylinders shows close resemblances to the symbolism and the manner of portrayal in Maya monumental art. While the Palenque incensarios are fundamentally similar to those in other parts of Mesoamerica, they are quite distinctive in both shape and decoration. The main correspondences are with Late Classic incense burners in southern Tabasco and the Alta Verapaz.
Aerosolized droplet mediated self-assembly of photosynthetic pigment analogues and deposition onto substrates.

Self-assembled photosynthetic molecules have a high extinction coefficient and a broad absorption in the infrared region, and these properties can be used to improve the efficiency of solar cells. We have developed a single-step method for the self-assembly of synthetic chlorin molecules (analogues of native bacteriochlorophylls) in aerosolized droplets, containing a single solvent and two solvents, to synthesize biomimetic light-harvesting structures. In the single-solvent approach, assembly is promoted by a concentration-driven process due to evaporation of the solvent. The peak absorbance of Zn(II) 3-(1-hydroxyethyl)-10-phenyl-131-oxophorbine (1) in methanol shifted from 646 nm to 725 nm (∼80 nm shift) after assembly, which is comparable to the shift observed in the naturally occurring assembly of bacteriochlorophyll c. Although assembly is thermodynamically favorable, the kinetics of self-assembly play an important role, and this was demonstrated by varying the initial concentration of the pigment mon...
Silt Fencing as a Barrier to the Dispersal of Ixodes scapularis (Acari: Ixodidae) into Pastures

Silt fence barriers were set along pasture fencelines and evaluated as a method of restricting the dispersal of blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis Say, adults and nymphs from woodlands into adjacent horse pastures. The barriers received no acaricidal treatment for the 1st cohort of adults. Thereafter the woods side of the barriers was sprayed with cyfluthrin at the onset of each season of host seeking activity of nymphs and adults. When high densities of adults were present, the barriers significantly limited the numbers of ticks in pastures. Nymphs, however, were not significantly fewer in numbers in pasture areas associated with the barriers compared with control areas. Marked adult ticks released in woodlands and ecotones were recaptured on mowed verges and pastures, but there was little dispersal from the woods edge into the woods.
Prostatic stents. Current perspectives for the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

SUMMARY The urethral stent is a relatively new treatment modality for symptomatic BPH. Our knowledge and experience using various stenting devices for this indication have been enhanced considerably within the last 12 to 18 months as the results from more investigations have become available. These preliminary data indicate that the intraurethral stent is an effective and safe treatment for symptomatic BPH in properly selected patients. Although the majority of clinical data currently available involve the UroLume Endourethral Prosthesis (American Medical Systems), other product designs such as thermosensitive and biodegradable prostheses are being investigated in animal models and human clinical trials. The ultimate urethral endoprosthesis for the treatment of an enlarged prostate gland resulting in symptomatic bladder outlet obstruction has yet to be developed.
Lie Groups: PDEs

This chapter examines the application and procedure of lie groups. It is applicable to linear and nonlinear partial differential equations. It yields similarity variables that may be used to decrease the number of independent variables in a partial differential equation. By determining the transformation group under which a given partial differential equation is invariant, one can obtain information about the invariants and symmetries of that equation. This information, in turn, can be used to determine similarity variables that will reduce the number of independent variables in the system. The general technique on one partial differential equation in two independent variables is also described.
The Sense of Touch

Touch begins with the activation of receptors embedded in the skin. Different receptors are sensitive to different aspects of skin stimulation, ranging from pressure and vibration to heating or cooling. Signals from these receptors are then conveyed to and processed in the brain. Signals from the receptors in the skin and their subsequent processing in the brain allow us to perceive the shape of objects, the microgeometry of surfaces (their texture), and motion across the skin, all of which are important in recognizing objects by touch and in manipulating them. Touch also plays an important role in social and emotional communication.
Track structure model of microscopic energy deposition by protons and heavy ions in segments of neuronal cell dendrites represented by cylinders or spheres.

Abstract Changes to cognition, including memory, following radiation exposure are a concern for cosmic ray exposures to astronauts and in Hadron therapy with proton and heavy ion beams. The purpose of the present work is to develop computational methods to evaluate microscopic energy deposition (ED) in volumes representative of neuron cell structures, including segments of dendrites and spines, using a stochastic track structure model. A challenge for biophysical models of neuronal damage is the large sizes (> 100 µm) and variability in volumes of possible dendritic segments and pre-synaptic elements (spines and filopodia). We consider cylindrical and spherical microscopic volumes of varying geometric parameters and aspect ratios from 0.5 to 5 irradiated by protons, and 3 He and 12 C particles at energies corresponding to a distance of 1 cm to the Bragg peak, which represent particles of interest in Hadron therapy as well as space radiation exposure. We investigate the optimal axis length of dendritic segments to evaluate microscopic ED and hit probabilities along the dendritic branches at a given macroscopic dose. Because of large computation times to analyze ED in volumes of varying sizes, we developed an analytical method to find the mean primary dose in spheres that can guide numerical methods to find the primary dose distribution for cylinders. Considering cylindrical segments of varying aspect ratio at constant volume, we assess the chord length distribution, mean number of hits and ED profiles by primary particles and secondary electrons (δ-rays). For biophysical modeling applications, segments on dendritic branches are proposed to have equal diameters and axes lengths along the varying diameter of a dendritic branch.
Elevated Serum Beta-D-Glucan with Pseudomonas , Aspergillus , and a Partially Acid-Fast Organism in Respiratory Cultures: A Case of Hickam’s Dictum Over Occam’s Razor

We describe a case of a man with ectopic Cushing’s syndrome, elevated serum beta-D-glucan, and respiratory cultures with Pseudomonas, Aspergillus, and a partially acid-fast organism. Our case highlights challenges in diagnosis and management of coinfection in an immunocompromised host.
Poster Abstract: A Beverage Intake Tracking System Based on Machine Learning Algorithms, and Ultrasonic and Color Sensors

We present a novel approach for monitoring beverage intake. Our system is composed of an ultrasonic sensor, an RGB color sensor, and machine learning algorithms. The system not only measures beverage volume but also detects beverage types. The sensor unit is lightweight that can be mounted on the lid of any drinking bottle. Our experimental results demonstrate that the proposed approach achieves more than 97% accuracy in beverage type classification. Furthermore, our regression-based volume measurement has a nominal error of 3%.