cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Maximum-likelihood estimation of a laser system pointing parameters by use of return photon counts

A maximum-likelihood estimator used to determine boresight and jitter performance of a laser pointing system has been derived. The estimator is based on a Gaussian jitter model and uses a Gaussian far-field irradiance profile. The estimates are obtained using a set of return shots from the intended target. An experimental setup with a He-Ne laser and steering mirrors is used to study the performance of the proposed method. Both Monte Carlo simulations and experimental results demonstrate excellent performance of the estimator. Our study shows that boresight estimation is more challenging than jitter estimation when both quantities are estimated. Furthermore, their estimation performance improves with an increase in the number of shots. The experimental results are found to agree well with the simulation results.
Relationship between foliar composition of red-pine and jack-pine seedlings and vulnerability to Lophodermium needle-cast disease

The Mn and Al content of needles from two-year-old jack pine (Pinus banksiana) seedlings was found to be more than twice that of red pine (Pinus resinosa). It is speculated that the high Mn and Al content of jack pine seedlings may impart some degree of resistance to needle cast disease caused byLophodermium pinastri.
Experimental study of muscovite stability in pure H2O and 1 molal KCl-HCl solutions

Abstract The following reactions have been reinvestigated in order to resolve conflicting evidence regarding tetrahedral Al Si disorder in muscovite, KAl2(AlSi3)O10(OH)2: muscovite + quartz = andalusite + sanidine + H 2 O ; muscovite = corundum + sanidine + H 2 O ; muscovite + H + = 1.5 andalusite + 1.5 quartz + 1.5 H 2 O + K ; 1.5 sanidine + H + = 0.5 muscovite + 3 quartz + K + Results for the first reaction in the range 1.0–3.0 kbar and second reaction in the range 1.0–6.0 kbar, together with data on the compositions of 1 molal HCl-KCl solutions limited by the third and fourth reactions at 400–500°C, 1 kbar favor total tetrahedral Al Si disorder in muscovite, but this conclusion applies only to synthetic muscovite grown under relatively low-pressure conditions. The stable assemblage for the first and second reactions were based on growth and dissolution textures of muscovite observed with an SEM. The dP dT slopes of the dehydration boundaries are smaller than those determined by most previous work. Results for the fourth reaction are in good agreement with other recent work, but quench pH values for the third reaction are less acidic at 400°C, hence, the muscovite stability field in KCl-HCl solutions is narrower than previously determined. Recommended thermodynamic properties for synthetic muscovite are 306.40 J/mol·K and −5970.45 kJ/mol for the standard entropy, S1,298.5°(Ms), and enthalpy of formation from the elements, ΔFH1,298.15°(Ms), respectively. The enthalpy of formation of muscovite is based, in part, on a revised calorimetric value for sanidine ΔFH1,298.15°(Sa) = −3965.60 ± 4.1 kJ/mol. A similar contradiction regarding tetrahedral Al Si disorder in paragonite appears to exist between structure refinements and phase equilibrium data. However, if the phase equilibrium data for the reaction paragonite = corundum + albite + H2O are omitted, almost all other evidence is consistent with near total Al Si disorder in paragonite.
Drag reduction by coupled systems: microbubble injection with homogeneous polymer and surfactant solutions

The influence of homogeneous surfactant and homogeneous polymer solutions on the performance of microbubble skin friction reduction was investigated on an axisymmetric body. Carbon dioxide was injected into water, homogeneous surfactant (Aerosol OT) solutions, and homogeneous dilute polymer (Polyethylene oxide) solutions. Integrated skin friction measurements were obtained at two freestream velocities as a function of gas injection rate and polyethylene-oxide concentration. A moderate (50%) decrease in surface tension had little to no effect on the drag reducing characteristics of microbubble injection. At similar gas injection rates, microbubble injection exhibited more drag reduction in the polymer solutions than obtained with microbubble injection into water. However, the increased drag reduction obtained with polymer additives was no more than a multiplicative factor related to the baseline levels of drag reduction achieved by the individual methods, and suggests the mechanism for microbubble skin friction reduction acts independently of the polymer drag reduction.
Design and Optimization of Hybrid Compliant Narrow-Gauge Surgical Forceps

This work describes a design and optimization method for developing hybrid, multi-material, compliant instruments which are expected to be useful in mini-laparoscopy and natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery. These two-material devices are designed specifically for Penn State’s lost mold rapid infiltration process, which is capable of fabricating hundreds of freestanding meso-scale parts in parallel. New narrow-gauge surgical procedures impose severe geometric constraints that challenge traditional compliant mechanism design methods. Since narrow-gauge constraints leave geometry optimization ineffective, new design methods are explored to improve the performance of a 1 mm diameter contact-aided compliant forceps. By considering hybrid designs, new design possibilities are enabled through material variation. The hybrid forceps has desired regions of flexibility and stiffness that can be isolated to improve tool performance. For instance, a hybrid forceps can be designed with greater flexibility in some regions to provide larger jaw openings while maintaining high stiffness in other regions to obtain large grasping forces, both vital features in a surgical forceps. Using ANSYS to model large deformation and contact, an optimization problem is formulated to maximize tool performance and to determine optimal segregation of hybrid materials considering a range of modulus ratios. Materials under consideration include nanoparticulate 3 mol% yttria partially stabilized zirconia (3YSZ) and austenitic (300 series) stainless steel. All results are compared to previously optimized homogeneous designs.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
A measurement of vibrational excitation in NO produced in the photodissociatton of NOCl and NOBr at 193nm

Abstract Infrared emission has been observed from the vibrational state v n ( n from 1 to ⩾ 16) of the nascent NO(X 2 Π) photo-fragment produced in the photodissociation of NOCl and NOBr at 193 nm. The photodissociation was observed to be a single-photon process. Models and mechanisms of photodissociation are discussed in view of experimental observations.
Methods to Assess in Vitro Drug Release from Injectable Polymeric Particulate Systems

This review provides a compilation of the methods used to study real-time (37°C) drug release from parenteral microparticulate drug delivery systems administered via the subcutaneous or intramuscular route. Current methods fall into three broad categories, viz., sample and separate, flow-through cell, and dialysis techniques. The principle of the specific method employed along with the advantages and disadvantages are described. With the “sample and separate” technique, drug-loaded microparticles are introduced into a vessel, and release is monitored over time by analysis of supernatant or drug remaining in the microspheres. In the “flow-through cell” technique, media is continuously circulated through a column containing drug-loaded microparticles followed by analysis of the eluent. The “dialysis” method achieves a physical separation of the drug-loaded microparticles from the release media by use of a membrane, which allows for sampling without interference of the microspheres. With all these methods, the setup and sampling techniques seem to influence in vitro release; the results are discussed in detail, and criteria to aid in selection of a method are stated. Attempts to establish in vitro–in vivo correlation for these injectable dosage forms are also discussed. It would be prudent to have an in vitro test method for microparticles that satisfies compendial and regulatory requirements, is user friendly, robust, and reproducible, and can be used for quality-control purposes at real-time and elevated temperatures.
Phosphorus dynamics at multiple time scales in the pelagic zone of a large shallow lake in Florida, USA

Phosphorus (P) dynamics in large shallow lakes are greatly influenced by physical processes such as wind-driven sediment resuspension, at times scales from hours to years. Results from long-term (30 year) research on Lake Okeechobee, Florida (area 1,730 km2, mean depth 2.7 m) illustrate key features of these P dynamics. Variations in wind velocity result in changes in water column transparency, suspended solids, and total P (TP). In summer there are diurnal changes in TP associated with afternoon winds, and in winter, when strong winds occur for multiple days, monthly average TP remains high compared to summer. The magnitude of daily and seasonal TP changes can exceed 100 μg l−1. Hurricanes and tropical storms also cause extreme changes in TP that are superimposed on seasonal dynamics. When a hurricane passed 80 km south of the lake in October 1999, mean pelagic TP increased from 88 to 222 μg l−1. During large resuspension events, light attenuation is substantially increased, and this influences the biomass and spatial extent of submerged plants, as well as water column TP. In Lake Okeechobee, TP concentrations typically are ∼20 μg l−1 when submerged plants are dense, and soluble reactive P concentrations are reduced below detection, perhaps by the periphyton and plant uptake and by precipitation with calcium at high pH. In contrast, TP exceeds 50 μg l−1 when submerged plants and periphyton are absent due to prolonged deep water, and phytoplankton biomass and algal bloom frequency both are increased. In Lake Okeechobee and other large shallow lakes, complex models that explicitly consider wind-wave energy, hydrodynamics, and sediment resuspension, transport, and key biological processes are needed to accurately predict how lake water TP will respond to different management options.
Overdiagnosis of Pulmonary Embolism: Evaluation of a Hypoxia Algorithm Designed to Avoid This Catastrophic Problem

Background We observed a substantial increase in the incidence of pulmonary embolism (PE) after total joint arthroplasty (TJA) when multidetector computerized tomography (MDCT) replaced ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scans as the diagnostic modality of choice. We questioned whether this resulted from the detection of clinically unimportant PE with the more sensitive MDCT and in 2007 instituted a hypoxia protocol to enhance the detection of PE.
Interoceptive exposure versus breathing retraining within cognitive-behavioural therapy for panic disorder with agoraphobia.

This study compared two components of a cognitive-behavioural treatment for panic disorder. Thirty-eight individuals with panic disorder and agoraphobia were randomly assigned to (a) cognitive restructuring, interoceptive exposure (i.e. repeated exposure to feared bodily sensations) and in vivo exposure to agoraphobic situations; or (b) cognitive restructuring, breathing retraining and in vivo exposure to agoraphobic situations. Assessments were conducted at pre-treatment, post-treatment and six months later. The treatments were equally effective on many measures. However, treatment that included interoceptive exposure was more effective at post-treatment in terms of panic frequency, overall severity and functioning, and more effective at six-month follow-up in terms of panic frequency, phobic fears and general anxiety and functioning. Follow-up results were limited due to attrition.
Acetylation goes global: the emergence of acetylation biology.

For the first 30 years since its discovery, reversible protein acetylation has been studied and understood almost exclusively in the context of histone modification and gene transcription. With the discovery of non–histone acetylated proteins and acetylation-modifying enzymes in cellular compartments outside the nucleus, the regulatory potential of reversible acetylation has slowly been recognized in the last decade. However, the scope of protein acetylation involvement in complex biological processes remains uncertain. The recent development of new technology has enabled, for the first time, the identification and quantification of the acetylome, acetylation events at the whole-proteome level. These efforts have uncovered a stunning complexity of the acetylome that potentially rivals that of the phosphoproteome. The remarkably ubiquitous and conserved nature of protein acetylation revealed by these new studies suggests the regulatory power of this dynamic modification. The establishment of comprehensive acetylomes will change the landscape of protein acetylation, where an exciting research frontier awaits.
Optimal burn‐in decision making

This paper presents a conceptual model of burn-in decision making which gives an optimal burn-in time for semiconductor devices and describes how burn-in affects total yield and reliability. For the gate oxide of integrated circuits we consider four burn-in policies: no burn-in, wafer-level burn-in only, package-level burn-in only and wafer-level burn-in prior to package-level burn-in. A decision-making model to minimize cost is given for each burn-in policy. Burn-in time is strongly limited by the cost factor and reliability requirements. In order to reduce the cost incurred in burn-in, a short test time and small test samples are recommended. Copyright © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Towards the development of multimodal action based assessment

In this paper, we describe multimodal learning analytics techniques for understanding and identifying expertise as students engage in a hands-on building activity. Our techniques leverage process-oriented data, and demonstrate how this temporal data can be used to study student learning. The proposed techniques introduce useful insights in how to segment and analyze gesture- and action-based generally, and may also be useful for other sources of process rich data. Using this approach we uncover new ideas about how experts engage in building activities. Finally, a primary objective of this work is to motivate additional research and development in the area of authentic, automated, process-oriented assessments.
Using a quasi-experimental research design to assess knowledge in continuing medical education programs.

AbstractIntroduction:The objectives of continuing medical education (CME) programs include knowledge acquisition, skill development, clinical reasoning and decision making, and health care outcomes. We conducted a yearlong medical education research study in which knowledge acquisition in our CME pr
Unsupervised question answering data acquisition from local corpora

Data-driven approaches in question answering (QA) are increasingly common. Since availability of training data for such approaches is very limited, we propose an unsupervised algorithm that generates high quality question-answer pairs from local corpora. The algorithm is ontology independent, requiring very small seed data as its starting point. Two alternating views of the data make learning possible: 1) question types are viewed as relations between entities and 2) question types are described by their corresponding question-answer pairs. These two aspects of the data allow us to construct an unsupervised algorithm that acquires high precision question-answer pairs. We show the quality of the acquired data for different question types and perform a task-based evaluation. With each iteration, pairs acquired by the unsupervised algorithm are used as training data to a simple QA system. Performance increases with the number of question-answer pairs acquired confirming the robustness of the unsupervised algorithm. We introduce the notion of semantic drift and show that it is a desirable quality in training data for question answering systems.
Energetics and kinetics of dissolutive wetting processes

Abstract Dissolutive wetting occurs when a liquid wets and spreads over a solid surface with simultaneous dissolution of the solid into the liquid. It is shown that this process initially yields a metastable equilibrium and a compact model for the kinetics of approach to this metastable state is described. The technique for constructing these kinetics stems from the early work of Onsager and begins with a relationship for the entropy production. From this, a coupled set of nonlinear, ordinary differential rate equations can be written directly. The equations are solved numerically for the wetted area and compared with experimental data. The model captures many of the subtle complexities of dissolutive wetting such as metastable equilibria. The main weaknesses of the model are the assumptions of fully-stirred liquid and a spherical solid/ liquid interface which were made to keep the analysis simple.
In vivo imaging of neurotransmitter systems using radiolabeled receptor ligands

In vivo functional brain imaging, including global blood flow, regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF), measured with positron emission tomography (PET) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), and regional cerebral metabolic rate (rCMR) measured with deoxyglucose PET, have been widely used in studies of psychiatric disorders. These studies have found modest differences and required large numbers of patients. Activation studies using rCBF or rCMR as indices of neuronal activity are more sensitive because patients act as their own control; however, findings localize regions of change but provide no data about specific neurotransmitter systems. After a general discussion of the role of neurotransmitter systems in neuropsychiatric disorders, an overview of the methodology of development and selection of radioligands for PET and SPECT is presented. Studies involving PET and SPECT ligand methods are reviewed and their findings summarized, including recent work demonstrating successive mutual modulation of neurotransmitter systems. Kinetic and equilibrium analysis modeling are reviewed. The emerging methodology of measuring neurotransmitter release on activation, both pharmacologically and by task performance, using ligand methods is reviewed and proposed as a promising new approach for studying psychiatric disorders.
Contribution of bile to radiation-induced sodium loss via the rat small intestine.

SummarySmall intestine DNA and net small intestine transport of sodium were measured in bile-duct-ligated and sham-operated rats. DNA analyses indicated that bile played no measurable role in the extent or rate of loss, or rate of repair of the mucosa after x-irradiation. Net transport of sodium was measured in vivo after 1500 R x-irradiation in animals with and without bile-duct ligation. Three days after irradiation, leakage of sodium across the intestine from blood to lumen occurred in the absence of bile and bile acids had no significant effect on the magnitude of the leakage. It is concluded that the major contribution of bile to small intestine sodium loss after irradiation is the secretion of bile sodium rather than an action of bile acids on the intestinal transport process.
Mechanism of action of forskolin on adenylate cyclase: effect on bovine sperm complemented with erythrocyte membranes

The mechanism of action of forskolin stimulation of adenylate cyclase was investigated by examining its effects on the enzyme's Mg2+ activated catalytic unit (C) from bovine sperm, both preceding and following complementation with human erythrocyte membranes as a source of guanine nucleotide regulatory protein (N). Prior to complementation, sperm C was not activated by either NaF (10 mM) or 5'-guanylyl-beta-gamma-imidodiphosphate (Gpp(NH)p, 10 microM), suggesting that functional N was not present in this preparation. Forskolin (100 microM) was also without effect on C. Following complementation of the sperm membranes with those of erythrocytes, Mg2+-dependent sensitivity to forskolin, NaF, and Gpp(NH)p was imparted to C. Our findings are incompatible with the current hypothesis that forskolin stimulates adenylate cyclase by direct activation of C. Rather, the data suggest that the activation process occurs through an effect on N or by augmentation of the interaction between the components of the adenylate cyclase complex.
Queuing delay models for single-lane roundabouts†

This article presents an analytical model for a few important operational characteristics of single-lane roundabouts in the United States. In particular, we obtain renewal-based analytical expressions for the mean and variance of the time required for entry into the circulating stream for an arbitrary vehicle occupying the first position of the approach, regardless of the distribution of time headways for the circulating stream. These analytical models are subsequently applied in a M/G/1 queuing model to compute the steady-state average delay and length of the queue at the approach under stable conditions. The analytical models are validated by comparing numerical results for average delay with field observations obtained at six single-lane roundabout sites in the United States. The models are shown to perform well under a range of circulating stream flow rates. †The views expressed in this paper are those of the authors and do not reflect the official policy or position of the United States Air Force, De...
H+ countertransport and electrogenicity of the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump in reconstituted proteoliposomes

The Ca2+ transport adenosine triphosphatase of sarcoplasmic reticulum was reconstituted in unilamellar liposomes prepared by reverse-phase evaporation. The size of the resulting proteoliposomes was similar to that of native sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles, but their protein content was much lower, with a protein/lipid ratio (wt/wt) of 1:40–160, as compared with 1:1 in the native membrane. The proteoliposomes sustained adenosine triphosphate-dependent Ca2+ uptake at rates proportional to the protein content (1–2 mumol Ca2+/mg protein/min), reaching asymptotic levels corresponding to a lumenal calcium concentration of 10–20 mM. The low permeability of the proteoliposomes permitted direct demonstration of Ca2+/H+ countertransport and electrogenicity by parallel measurements in the same experimental system. Countertransport of one H+ per one Ca2+ was demonstrated, and inhibition of the Ca2+ pump by lumenal alkalinization was relieved by the H+ ionophore carbonyl cyanide p-(trifluoromethoxy)phenylhydrazone. Consistent with the countertransport stoichiometry, net positive charge displacement was produced by Ca2+ transport, as revealed by a rapid oxonol VI absorption rise. The initial rise and the following steady-state level of oxonol absorption were highest when SO4(2-) was the prevalent anion and lowest in the presence of the lipophilic anion SCN-. The influence of anions was attributed to potential driven counterion compensation. The absorption rise was rapidly collapsed by addition of valinomycin in the presence of K+. Experimentation with Ca2+ and H+ ionophores was consistent with a primary role of Ca2+ and H+ in net charge displacement. The estimated value of the steady-state electrical potential observed under optimal conditions was approximately 50 mV and was accounted for by the estimated charge transfer associated with Ca2+ and H+ countertransport under the same conditions.
The blame game

We constantly assess and attribute blame in daily life and more momentously, in public politics. Blame is based on a simple cause-and-effect logic that reasons backwards from outcomes and their consequences to agents and their responsibility. Public debates over the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in New York and Washington and over the Iraq war illustrate the processes of assigning and deflecting blame, and the varied logics actors appeal to in these processes.
Instrumentation for minimally invasive internal thoracic artery harvest

The anterior fourth interspace minithoracotomy is our current choice for exposure of the anterior myocardial wall for minimally invasive coronary bypass grafting procedures. This approach provides direct access to the left anterior descending coronary artery for anastomosis, and good exposure of the midsegment of the internal thoracic artery. We describe the use of instrumentation that facilitates the harvest of the left internal thoracic artery under direct vision. The use of this retractor system, which elevates the third and fourth and depresses the second and first ribs, permits better visualization of the internal thoracic artery and allows for proximal internal thoracic artery harvest without rib resection.
Neuropsychological Factors Related to College Ice Hockey Concussions

We analyzed data from 74 male collegiate hockey players. Each athlete’s season began with a baseline administration of the Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) neuropsychology test battery. Fourteen athletes sustained a sport-related head injury and were readministered the test to assess the impact of the injury. A significant decrease in performance (compared to baseline) on immediate and delayed word recall and designs followed the first concussion. Following a second sport-related concussion, the 4 affected athletes showed significant decrease in visual motor speed. Performance improved on 2 response speed measures (Ps < .01). More errors occurred during a visual processing/discrimination task and immediate recall of designs declined (Ps < .05). We discuss the results in light of recent work related to the impact of early-life concussions and head injury on late-life consequences, such as chronic traumatic encephalopathy, and more immediate issues such as return-to-play d...
Estrogen use among nursing home residents with a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease.

Background The role of estrogen in motor, cognitive, and behavioral functions in Parkinson's disease (PD) remains unclear. Objectives/methods To determine differences in functional, cognitive, and behavioral patterns between estrogen users and non-users, we performed an observational study on 10,145 elderly women with PD using the Systematic Assessment in Geriatric drug use via Epidemiology (SAGE) database. The SAGE database consists of the Minimum Data Set (MDS), data collected on a cross-section of over 400,000 nursing home (NH) residents in five US states. Using a cross-sectional study design, we evaluated the demographics, physical and cognitive function, and mortality rates of women with PD who received estrogen (n = 195) versus those who did not receive estrogen (n = 9950). Results Independent of age, estrogen users were less cognitively impaired and more independent in their activities of daily living. Surprisingly, more estrogen users were depressed and more likely to be on an antidepressant than non-users. One-year death rates were comparable between estrogen users and non-users. Conclusion This study supports the growing number of recent data suggesting estrogen's potential beneficial effects on PD motor and cognitive functions.
Elevated Parasitism in Artificially Augmented Populations of Lymantria dispar (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae)

Within 1-ha plots, gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar L., densities were artificially elevated from low densities (about 20 egg masses/ha) to high densities (8,000 egg masses/ ha) using field-collected eggs and F1 sterile laboratory-reared eggs. At all sites, including the feral and sterile release areas, densities decreased to undetectable levels (less than 10 egg masses/ha). In the sterile and feral release areas, parasitism by Cotesia melanoscela (Ratzeburg) was the largest source of identified mortality and was significantly greater than in the surrounding area or in untreated plots. Within the feral release area, parasitism by Compsilura concinnata (Meigen) and Parasetigena silvestris (Robineau-Desvoidy) was substantial and was greater than in the surrounding area. This pattern was not observed in the sterile release area. This difference may have been caused by differences in gypsy moth phenologies between the two populations. Spatially density-dependent mortality caused by parasitoids is hypothesized to be important in the regulation of low-density populations. Furthermore, this mortality may have profound effects on attempts to suppress populations using releases of induced- inherited sterile insects.
Exorbitant Privilege: The Rise and Fall of the Dollar and the Future of the International Monetary System B. Eichengreen

Exorbitant Privilege: The Rise and Fall of the Dollar and the Future of the International Monetary System B. Eichengreen (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2011) This is a most welcome book: an asse...
Formation of poly(methylmethacrylate) layers on the surface and intergallery regions of Cu2+-, Fe3+-, and VO2+-exchanged hectorite thin films

Abstract We have used the techniques of scanning force microscopy (SFM), electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy, ATR IR spectrometry, and powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) to investigate the reaction of methylmethacrylate (MMA) on metal cation-exchanged hectorite thin films. SFM images of the topmost surface of Cu 2+ -, VO 2+ -, and Fe 3+ -exchanged hectorite exposed to liquid MMA show that in all three cases a complete layer of the polymer, polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), has formed. IR spectra taken on the same films support the SFM observations for the VO 2+ and Fe 3+ samples, but are not conclusive for the Cu 2+ -exchanged films. The PMMA formed on the surface of these films is segregated into small grains or bundles, ranging in average size from 250 A (Cu 2+ hectorite substrate) to several thousand angstrom units (Fe 3+ hectorite substrate). XRD and ESR measurements on these thin films indicate that little intercalation of the MMA monomer into the intergallery regions of the Cu 2+ -exchanged clay film occurs. This result is substantiated by SFM phase-contrast images of exposed intergallery regions in these samples. For the VO 2+ - and Fe 3+ -exchanged hectorite films, XRD-measured basal spacings show moderate intercalation of the organic monomer. SFM images of these intergallery regions clearly indicate the presence of interlayer polymer, in the form of quasi-two-dimensional sheets.
Hermitian varieties as codewords

We show that the incidence vector of any hermitian variety in the projective geometry PGm−1(Fq2), where q = p t , and p is a prime, is in the code over F p of the symmetric design of points and hyperplanes of the geometry by using the theorem of Delsarte [8] that identifies this code with a nonprimitive generalized Reed-Muller code.
Combined vibrational, conformational energy and electron diffraction studies of trans-2-decalone

Abstract The structure of trans-2-decalone was investigated by combined gas phase electron diffraction, conformational energy and vibrational analyses. In this study first the minimum energy conformations for trans-2-decalone were calculated by molecular mechanics techniques using a force field described in the literature; the same field and the minimum energy conformations were then used in subsequent vibrational analyses to calculate the mean amplitudes of vibration for each minimum energy conformation of trans-2-decalone; these mean amplitudes and the corresponding internuclear distances were then used to calculate theoretical electron diffraction radial distribution curves which were compared to the experimental curves. Four conformational energy minima were investigated with one or both rings in a chair or non-chair form. The results of the combined investigations indicate that the molecule exists in the conformation which has both rings in a distorted chair form.
EVALUATING THE CONSTRUCT‐COVERAGE OF THE E‐RATER® SCORING ENGINE

This report evaluates the construct coverage of the e-rater® scoring engine. The matter of construct coverage depends on whether one defines writing skill, in terms of process or product. Originally, the e-rater engine consisted of a large set of components with a proven ability to predict human holistic scores. By organizing these capabilities into features, e-rater researchers organized the e-rater engine along the lines of trait scoring, which recognizes that essay quality has several dimensions. Some traits of essay quality cut across different methods for scoring essay quality, such as the rubrics employed by the GRE® and TOEFL® assessments, as well as the 6-trait scoring model. Factor analyses conducted by Attali and Powers (2008) suggest that e-rater features capture low-level aspects of essay quality, such as sentence complexity, vocabulary, and conventions. Future e-rater development should focus on (a) deepening and expanding coverage of the construct, such as by developing measures of essay content and organization, as well as on (b) addressing accuracy issues in existing features.
Human salivary function in relation to the prevalence of Tannerella forsythensis and other periodontal pathogens in early supragingival biofilm.

Abstract Objective: Previously, we screened 149 subjects and established four groups high or low for salivary killing of oral bacteria, and for aggregation and live and dead adherence of oral bacteria (as a combined factor). Caries scores were significantly lower in both High Aggregation–Adherence groups. Subsequently, we found that supragingival total biofilm DNA, total streptococci and two major streptococcal rRNA variants also were significantly lower in the High Aggregation–Adherence groups. In this study, we looked at the effects of those differences in salivary function on three periodontal pathogens. Design: Quantitative PCR was used to determine levels of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Tannerella forsythensis (formerly Bacteroides forsythus) in stored DNA extracts of overnight supragingival biofilm collected from buccal upper central incisors (UC), lingual lower central incisors (LC) and buccal upper and lower first molars (BM) and lingual upper and lower first molars (LM) of subjects in the four groups. Results: A. actinomycetemcomitans and P. gingivalis were almost completely absent from these samples. T. forsythensis was found in 11 of 35 persons at the buccal molar site. Only two of those subjects were in the High Aggregation–Adherence groups, and that difference was statistically significant. The mean quantity of T. forsythensis also was significantly lower in the High Aggregation–Adherence groups. Conclusions: The difference between the Low and High Aggregation–Adherence groups might reflect direct interactions of salivary proteins with T. forsythensis. Alternatively, the higher levels of total biofilm and total streptococci seen in the Low Aggregation–Adherence groups might create a favourable environment for early secondary colonization of T. forsythensis.
Reducing risk from lahar hazards: concepts, case studies, and roles for scientists

Lahars are rapid flows of mud–rock slurries that can occur without warning and catastrophically impact areas more than 100 km downstream of source volcanoes. Strategies to mitigate the potential for damage or loss from lahars fall into four basic categories: (1) avoidance of lahar hazards through land-use planning; (2) modification of lahar hazards through engineered protection structures; (3) lahar warning systems to enable evacuations; and (4) effective response to and recovery from lahars when they do occur. Successful application of any of these strategies requires an accurate understanding and assessment of the hazard, an understanding of the applicability and limitations of the strategy, and thorough planning. The human and institutional components leading to successful application can be even more important: engagement of all stakeholders in hazard education and risk-reduction planning; good communication of hazard and risk information among scientists, emergency managers, elected officials, and the at-risk public during crisis and non-crisis periods; sustained response training; and adequate funding for risk-reduction efforts. This paper reviews a number of methods for lahar-hazard risk reduction, examines the limitations and tradeoffs, and provides real-world examples of their application in the U.S. Pacific Northwest and in other volcanic regions of the world. An overriding theme is that lahar-hazard risk reduction cannot be effectively accomplished without the active, impartial involvement of volcano scientists, who are willing to assume educational, interpretive, and advisory roles to work in partnership with elected officials, emergency managers, and vulnerable communities.
Heparin modulates conformational states of plasma fibronectin: An electron spin resonance spin label approach

Abstract We have examined the interaction between heparin and human plasma fibronectin using electron spin resonance (ESR) spin label methods. The titratable sulfhydryl groups of plasma fibronectin were modified with a maleimide spin label [ Lai and Tooney (1984) Arch. Biochem. Biophys., 228, 465–473 ]. Addition of heparin resulted in a decrease in the maximum splitting value of the ESR spectrum of spin-labeled fibronectin from 66.8 to 64.3 G, suggesting that heparin induces a conformational alteration of plasma fibronectin. This heparin effect was noticeable at a heparin-to-fibronectin ratio of 20 to 1 and reached a plateau at about 100 to 1. Other sulfated carbohydrates were tested; dextran sulfate was found to be as effective as heparin but chondroitin sulfates were ineffective. The results presented suggest that the binding of heparin changes the molecular conformation of plasma fibronectin to a more relaxed or flexible state.
Self-reported inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity at ages 15 and 18 years in the general population.

Abstract Objective Prevalence, impact, and continuity of self-reported attention deficit disorder (ADD) symptomology from ages 15 to 18 years were examined in a longitudinal study of a New Zealand birth cohort. Method: At age 15, prevalence of ADD symptomology was estimated, with no gender differences found in self-reported symptomology. Four adolescents (0.5%) met full DSM-III criteria for ADD. Adolescents scoring higher than 1.5 SD above the sample mean on total ADD symptom score were identified as having high levels of ADD symptomology. Results: Male and female adolescents reporting ADD symptomology with (6% of males; 4% of females) and without history of behavior disorder (6% of males; 7% of females) did not differ in inattention and impulsivity, received more diagnoses other than ADD, and experienced more adverse educational and social outcomes at 15 and 18 years than did the nonADD group. Conclusions: Findings pertaining to the ADD with history group were consistent with previous research on the outcome of hyperactive children, whereas the ADD without history group may be reflecting the onset of other pathology in adolescence. Results suggest adolescent self-report of attentional difficulties may be a clinically significant marker of adjustment difficulties for both males and females, but additional information likely is needed for accurate diagnosis.
Anion (and cation) requirements of the coupled electron flow in spinach thylakoids

Proton uptake as well as coupled electron flow of chloroplasts swollen in dilute impermeable buffers became dependent upon the addition of exogenous permeable anions. This dependence was observed with both cyclic and non-cyclic electron acceptors, suggesting that this anion requirement is associated with the electrogenic proton uptake step rather than with the oxygen-evolving reactions of photosystem II.
High-field properties of carbon-doped MgB2 thin films by hybrid physical-chemical vapor deposition using different carbon sources

We have studied the high-field properties of carbon-doped MgB2 thin films prepared by hybrid physical–chemical vapor deposition (HPCVD). Carbon doping was accomplished by adding carbon-containing gas, such as bis(methylcyclopentadienyl)magnesium and trimethylboron, into the hydrogen carrier gas during the deposition. In both cases, Tc drops slowly and residual resistivity increases considerably with carbon doping. Both the a and c lattice constants increase with carbon content in the films, a behavior different from that of bulk carbon-doped MgB2 samples. The films heavily doped with trimethylboron show very high parallel Hc2 over 70 T at low temperatures and a large temperature derivative near Tc. These behaviors are found to depend on the unique microstructure of the films, which consists of MgB2 layers a few-nanometers thick separated by non-superconducting MgB2C2 layers. This leads to an increase in the parallel Hc2 by the geometrical effect, which is in addition to the significant enhancement of Hc2 due to changes in the scattering rates within and between the two bands present in films doped using both carbon sources. The high Hc2 and high-field Jc(H) values observed in this work are very promising for the application of MgB2 in high magnetic fields.
The adsorption of benzene on the Pt(111) surface studied by low-energy electron diffraction intensity measurements and quantitative Auger electron spectroscopy

Benzene, when chemisorbed on the Pt(111) crystal face forms an ordered metastable ‖40 4−2‖ surface structure which transforms, slowly, to a stable ‖40 5−2‖ surface structure. A complete set of intensity–voltage (I vs V) curves are presented in the appendix to aid in solving the surface structures of this complex organic molecule. The size of the unit cells and the larger than monolayer carbon surface concentrations (determined by quantitative Auger spectroscopy) indicate that most of the adsorbed benzene molecules are inclined at an angle to the surface. The similarity of the (I–V) profiles for the same diffraction beams from the two structures indicate that the carbon–platinum layer spacing changes very little during the order–order transformation.
Effects of price and pellet type on food waste in mice

When laboratory mice are provided with free access to food, they often fragment their food such that it collects on the cage floor – wasted. An operant analysis of food waste, however, has not yet been conducted. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of response requirement and pellet type on food waste using a behavioral economic paradigm. Sixteen mice responded under a series of escalating fixed ratio schedules. Nose pokes were reinforced with either a grain-based pellet or a fiber-based pellet (diluted with non-digestible cellulose) across conditions. We found that mice spilled a greater percent of the total earned pellets at low response requirements. Additionally, mice spilled more fiber-based pellets relative to grain-based pellets. This difference was most pronounced when the fixed ratio requirement was low and was attenuated as the fixed ratio was increased, and this decrease in food waste across prices was well accounted for by an exponential model. Mice may have been extracting the calorically dense components of the fiber-based pellets only when the schedule of reinforcement was rich. When the schedule of reinforcement was lean, responding for a new pellet likely was a more functional behavior than fragmenting a pellet and discarding portions.
The Prehistoric Settlement Pattern of San Salvador, Bahamas

ABSTRACT There are 39 recorded prehistoric archeological sites located on San Salvador Island, Bahamas. These prehistoric sites are settlements of the indigenous inhabitants of the island, the Lucayans. Data exist for both the archaeological sites and their surrounding resources, including site location, vegetation, geology, and proximity to fresh water, coastline, wetlands, and reefs, etc. Specific application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to Lucayan settlements on San Salvador had not been performed in a major way prior to the present research, although it was proposed by other researchers. GIS data analysis required the application of a computer program, ArcGIS 9.2. In ArcGIS, the prehistoric settlement pattern of San Salvador was investigated via rapid extraction of data critical to perform analyses of resources surrounding the archaeological sites. Resulting information, displayed in various forms, primarily maps and data tables, helped to identify past cultural patterns, trends in prehisto...
Random set framework for multiple instance learning

Multiple instance learning (MIL) is a technique used for learning a target concept in the presence of noise or in a condition of uncertainty. While standard learning techniques present the learner with individual samples, MIL alternatively presents the learner with sets of samples. Although sets are the primary elements used for analysis in MIL, research in this area has focused on using standard analysis techniques. In the following, a random set framework for multiple instance learning (RSF-MIL) is proposed that can directly perform analysis on sets. The proposed method uses random sets and fuzzy measures to model the MIL problem, thus providing a more natural mathematical framework, a more general MIL solution, and a more versatile learning tool. Comparative experimental results using RSF-MIL are presented for benchmark data sets. RSF-MIL is further compared to the state-of-the-art in landmine detection using ground penetrating radar data.
Tuberculosis screening and treatment in children

Tuberculosis continues to be a major health care problem in the world, especially among children. In the United States, health care providers rely heavily on routine skin testing to identify cases of tuberculosis. Pediatric nurse practitioners have the opportunity to recognize high-risk children, teach preventive health practices to patients and families, and thus to decrease morbidity from the disease. This article presents an overview of the incidence of the disease, as well as the causes, pathophysiology, epidemiology, diagnosis and management of tuberculosis.
Nutrition Education is as Effective as Calorie Restricted Diets in Promoting Weight Loss

Abstract LEARNING OUTCOME: To determine if nutrition education was as effective in treating obesity, as demonstrated by improved eating habits, than calorie restricted diets without nutrition education. Obesity has many deleterious health implications, yet effective treatment remains elusive. Although the cause of high recidivism rates for weight control is multifactorial, calorie-restricted diets have been implicated as a possible culprit Teaching healthy eating habits without specifying dairy calorie intakes may improve the treatment of obesity. In comparing these two weight loss treatments, 97 mild to moderately obese female subjects, mean ages 21 to 60 years, were randomly assigned to either a nutrition education (n=52) or a calorie-restricted (n=45) intervention group. Both groups participated in a 10 week program plus a one month follow-up session. The nutrition education group received practical tips on reducing dietary fat intake. No calorie or fat level was prescribed. Subjects receiving calorie-restricted intervention were taught a 1200 calorie diet, with 24% calories from fat, using the 1989 American Dietetic/ Diabetes Association exchange list Food intake records were collected four consecutive days at 5 times throughout the treatment period and were analyzed for calorie and fat content. Subjects were weighed weekly. Pre-, post-, and one month follow-up nutrition knowledge test scores were obtained. The nutrition education group significantly improved nutrition knowledge test scores (67.9% ± 15.3) (p The nutrition education method was more effective in reducing dietary fat intake and improving nutrition knowledge than prescribing a calorie-restricted diet, and as effective in promoting weight loss.