cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multithreaded Layer-wise Training of Sparse Deep Neural Networks using Compressed Sparse Column

Training a sparse Deep Neural Network (DNN) is inherently less memory-intensive and processor-intensive compared to training a dense (fully-connected) DNN. In this paper, we utilize Sparse Matrix-Matrix Multiplication (SpMM) to train sparsely-connected DNNs as opposed to dense matrix-matrix multiplication used for training dense DNNs. In our C/C++ implementation, we extensively use in-memory Compressed Sparse Column (CSC) data structures to store and traverse the neural network layers. Also, we train the neural network layer by layer, and within each layer we use 1D-Column partitioning to divide the computation required for training among threads. To speedup the computation, we apply the bias and activation functions while executing SpMM operations. We tested our implementation using benchmarks provided by MIT/IEEE/Amazon HPEC graph challenge [1]. Based on our results, our single thread (1 core) and multithreaded (12 cores) implementations are up to $22 \times$, and $150 \times$ faster than the serial Matlab results provided by the challenge. We believe this speedup is due to the 1D-Column partitioning that we use to balance the computation of SpMM operations among computing threads, the efficient mechanism that we use for memory (re)allocation of sparse matrices, and the overlapping of the accumulation of SpMM results with the application of the bias and activation functions.
Narrowing the Gaps in Global Disputes: the Case of Counterfeits in Kenya

This article investigates the nature and potential trajectories of global disputes. Conventional accounts of global disputes often see them as inherently open-ended so that actors can always roll back previous defeats; alternatively, path-dependent accounts emphasize the likelihood of those who prevail in early struggles to reproduce their advantaged position. Like path-dependent accounts, I argue that disputes are nested, so that the goals and possible outcomes of new disputes are bounded by the results of earlier disputes—but rather than enlarging the gap between the parties to the dispute by reproducing advantages, nested disputes, on the contrary, lead to the narrowing of positions and to lower stakes. I illustrate this argument by describing two constitutive moments in the debate over intellectual property rights in Kenya: first, the debate around the Industrial Property Act over the exceptions to intellectual property rights; second, the debate around the Anti-Counterfeit Act over whether anti-counterfeit measures should apply to medicines.
Antimicrobial Stewardship at the Core of COVID-19 Response Efforts: Implications for Sustaining and Building Programs

We describe traditional antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP) activities with a discussion of how these activities can be refocused in the setting of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, we discuss possible adverse consequences of ASP attention diversion on COVID-19 response efforts and overall implications for future pandemic planning. We also discuss ASP in collaboration with other groups within health systems and how COVID-19 may affect these relationships long term. Despite the paucity of literature on Antimicrobial Stewardship and COVID-19, the potential contributions of ASPs during a pandemic are numerous. ASPs can develop strategies to identify patients with COVID-19-like-illness; this is particularly useful when these patients are missed at the time of health system entry. ASPs can also play a critical role in the management of potential drug shortages, developing local treatment guidelines, optimizing the use of antibiotics, and in the diagnostic stewardship of COVID-19 testing, among other roles. Importantly, it is often difficult to ascertain whether critically ill patients who are hospitalized with COVID-19 have concurrent or secondary bacterial infections—ASPs are ideally situated to help optimize antimicrobial use for these patients via a variety of mechanisms. ASPs are uniquely positioned to aid in pandemic response planning and relief efforts. ASPs are already integrated into health systems and play a key role in optimizing antimicrobial prescribing. As ASPs assist in COVID-19 response, understanding the role of ASPs in pandemic relief efforts may mitigate damage from future outbreaks.
Need for improvements in simultaneous heart-kidney allocation: The limitation of pretransplant glomerular filtration rate

The incidence of simultaneous heart-kidney transplant (SHK) has increased markedly in the last 15 years. There are no universally agreed upon indications for SHK vs. heart alone (HA) transplant, and center evaluation processes vary widely. We utilized Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients data from 2003 to 2017 to quantify changes in the practice of SHK, examine the survival of SHK vs. HA, and identify patients with marginal benefit from SHK. We used Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards to assess differences in survival. The incidence of SHK increased more than fourfold between 2003 and 2017 from 1.6% to 6.6% of total hearts transplanted, while the proportion of dialysis-dependent patients undergoing SHK has remained constant. SHK was associated with increased survival in dialysis-dependent patients (Median Survival SHK: 12.6 vs. HA: 7.1 years p < .0001) but not with nondialysis-dependent patients (Median Survival SHK: 12.5 vs. HA 12.3, p = .24). The marginal effect of SHK in decreasing the hazard of death diminished with increasing eGFR. Delayed graft function occurred in 26% of SHK recipients. Posttransplant chronic dialysis was similar for both operations (6.4% of HA and 6.0% of SHK). Further study is needed to define patients who benefit from SHK.
Renal vein injuries: a 10-year, single institution experience with a rare injury following blunt abdominal trauma.

To determine the incidence, injury type, injury associations, and management of patients with renal vein injuries following trauma. This is a 10-year single-center retrospective observational study of patients with renal vein injuries identified on admission abdominopelvic CT following trauma. Our institutional trauma registry and radiology information system (RIS) was used to identify patients with renal vein injuries. The medical records and imaging exams were reviewed to determine venous injury type, associated injuries, management, and outcomes. Fifteen (15) patients with renal vein injuries (N = 9 right side) were identified out of 36,077 trauma evaluations, for an overall incidence of 0.042%. Eight (53.3%) were male with a mean age of 36.3 years (range 9–67 years) and a mean Injury Severity Score (ISS) of 32 (range 13–57). The most common imaging findings were pseudoaneurysm formation with or without intimal injury and intraluminal thrombus seen in 86.7% of the cohort. Twelve patients (80.0%) had other acute traumatic renal findings, most commonly an ipsilateral grade 4 or higher renal injury. Angiography was performed in 6 patients (40.0%), however no patients received renal vein specific endovascular evaluation, endovascular treatment, or surgical treatment of their renal vein injuries. Three patients were treated with long-term anticoagulation, of which one received an IVC filter. There were no known renal vein injury specific mortalities. Renal vein injuries are an extremely rare entity but can be detected on admission CT. The most common injury patterns include an intimal injury with intraluminal thrombus and pseudoaneurysm in combination with an intimal injury and intraluminal thrombus. Conservative, nonoperative management was successfully employed in all cases with no renal vein specific mortalities.
Patient Attitudes Towards Surgical Management of Peyronie's Disease Prior to Men's Health Consultation.

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate clinical characteristics associated with patient attitudes toward surgical treatment of Peyronie's disease (PD) prior to consultation in a high-volume male sexual health clinic. Methods : From 2014-2018 a prospective database was created of patients presenting to the sexual health clinic at our institution. Multivariable regression analysis was conducted to determine factors associated with pre-visit consideration of surgery. Results : Of 1359 men presenting to clinic, 342 had a chief complaint of PD. Prior to consultation, 79% of patients (n = 270) stated they were willing to consider surgery to correct their PD symptoms. Factors associated with consideration of surgery included younger patient age (mean 55.8 vs 60.0 years; P = .008), history of depression/anxiety (21% vs 8%, P = .01), greater penile curvature (43.3 vs 34.6 degrees; P = .002), penile shortening (64% vs 44%; P = .003), pain with erections (46% vs 33%; P = .05) and decreased ability to have penetrative intercourse (51.9% vs 65.3%, P = .04). On multivariable analysis, age, history of depression, penile shortening, and mean curvature remained significantly associated. Symptom duration and relationship factors were not associated with a difference in the stated preference to consider surgery prior to consultation (P >.05 for all). Conclusion : Nearly 4 out of 5 patients reported willingness to consider surgical intervention for their PD-related symptoms prior to urologic consultation. On multivariable analysis, younger age, history of depression/anxiety, penile shortening, and curvature were associated with a greater likelihood of considering surgery. This information provides important insight into patient attitude toward undergoing surgery and will help drive patient counseling for men with PD.
Moreover: Reading Alfred Starr Hamilton

This article addresses the challenge to professionalised practices of reading represented by the oeuvre of Alfred Starr Hamilton (1914–2005), with broader implications for the contested category of...
Energy, greenhouse gas, and water life cycle analysis of lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide monohydrate from brine and ore resources and their use in lithium ion battery cathodes and lithium ion batteries

Abstract Life cycle analyses (LCAs) were conducted for battery-grade lithium carbonate (Li2CO3) and lithium hydroxide monohydrate (LiOH•H2O) produced from Chilean brines (Salar de Atacama) and Australian spodumene ores. The LCA was also extended beyond the production of Li2CO3 and LiOH•H2O to include battery cathode materials as well as full automotive traction batteries to observe the effect that the lithium production pathways had on these end products. The LCA here covers material, water, and energy flows associated with lithium acquisition; lithium concentration; production of lithium chemicals, battery cathode powders, and batteries; and associated transportation activities along the supply chain. Based on battery cathode material, the difference in lithium source represents a difference of up to 20% for NMC811 cathode greenhouse gases (GHGs) and up to 45% for NMC622 cathode GHGs. For full batteries, this represents a difference of up to 9% for NMC811 batteries and 20% for NMC622 batteries. Production of Li2CO3 from brine-based resources had less life cycle GHG emissions and freshwater consumption per tonne of Li2CO3 than Li2CO3 from ore-based resources. And LiOH•H2O produced from brine-based lithium also had less life cycle GHG emissions and freshwater consumption per tonne of LiOH•H2O than LiOH•H2O from ore-based resources.
WE-F-304-01: Overview of the Working Group On Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (WGSBRT)

Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) was introduced clinically more than twenty years ago, and many subsequent publications have reported safety and efficacy data. The AAPM Working Group on Biological Effects of Hypofractionated Radiotherapy/SBRT (WGSBRT) extracted published treatment outcomes data from extensive literature searches to summarize and construct tumor control probability (TCP) and normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) models for six anatomical regions: Cranial, Head and Neck, Thoracic, Abdominal, Pelvic, and Spinal. In this session, we present the WGSBRT’s work for cranial sites, and recurrent head and neck cancer. From literature-based data and associated models, guidelines to aid with safe and effective hypofractionated radiotherapy treatment are being determined. Further, the ability of existing and proposed radiobiological models to fit these data is considered as to the ability to distinguish between the linear-quadratic and alternative radiobiological models such as secondary cell death from vascular damage, immunogenic, or bystander effects. Where appropriate, specific model parameters are estimated. As described in “The lessons of QUANTEC,” (1), lack of adequate reporting standards continues to limit the amount of useful quantitative information that can be extracted from peer-reviewed publications. Recommendations regarding reporting standards are considered, to enable such reviews to achieve more complete characterization of clinical outcomes. 1 Jackson A, Marks LB, Bentzen SM, Eisbruch A, Yorke ED, Ten Haken RK, Constine LS, Deasy JO. The lessons of QUANTEC: recommendations for reporting and gathering data on dose-volume dependencies of treatment outcome. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 2010 Mar 1;76(3 Suppl):S155–60. Learning Objectives: 1. Describe the techniques, types of cancer and dose schedules used in treating recurrent H&N cancers with SBRT 2. List the radiobiological models that compete with the linear-quadratic model in explaining the results of hypofractionated RT 3. Describe the dose/volume metrics that are considered safe in SBRT treatment of tumors near the optic structures. 4. Discuss the efficacy of hypofractionation and dosing schedules used in treating vestibular schwannomas 5. Identify some difficulties in modeling TCP and NTCP for cranial tumors treated with hypofractionation. One moderator, Dr. Grimm, designed and holds intellectual property rights to the DVH Evaluator software tool which is an FDA-cleared product in commercial use, and can analyze some of this data. No others have relevant conflicts of interest.
Temperature and ionic influences on opiate receptor binding.

Treatment of brain membranes by preliminary incubation with sodium or at elevated temperature increases opiate receptor binding of both the agonist [ 3 H]dihydromorphine and the antagonist [ 3 H]naloxone about 2-fold. Enhancement of receptor binding is elicited by sodium but not potassium and cesium, which coincides with the ability of sodium selectively to accelerate dissociation of opiate agonists from receptor sites. Augmented receptor binding associated with elevated preliminary incubation temperature is antagonized markedly by manganese, to a lesser extent by magnesium, and not by calcium, which coincides with the selectivity of divalent cations in increasing opiate agonist binding. Elevated receptor binding produced by these treatments is associated with an increase in the number of binding sites, with minimal changes in affinity. The "new receptors" unmasked by these preliminary incubation conditions have an augmented sensitivity to degradation by protein-modifying reagents. The characteristics of preliminary incubation conditions that increase opiate receptor binding suggest that enhancement of binding is related to dissociation from the receptor of an endogenous inhibitor of binding with the characteristics of an opiate agonist. Regardless of preliminary incubation conditions, manganese reduces both [ 3 H]naloxone and [ 3 H]dihydromorphine binding at 0°, indicating a direct effect on the opiate receptor. The present observations emphasize the importance of defining experimental conditions for opiate receptor binding.
The metabolic functions of vitamin B 12. IV. Binding of vitami B 12 by ribosomes in Lactobacillus leichmannii.

Abstract The exogenous vitamin B12 utilized by Lactobacillus leichmannii is bound almost exclusively in the ribosomes. This conclusion is based upon the following evidence: Centrifugation of [60Co]vitamin B12-containing cell-free at 144000 × g caused radioactivity to sediment with the ribosome fraction. Centrifugation of the ribosomes in sodium deoxycholate or 50% sucrose did not release bound vitamin. Centrifugation in a sucrose-density-gradient system showed that various ribosomal subunits are equally labelled by [60Co]vitamin B12. Chromatography on DEAE-cellulose, using a NaCl-gradient-elution system, produced congruent elution profiles of radioactivity and ribosomal material. Preparation of cell-free extracts by alumina grinding caused the disintegration or dissociation of [60Co]vitamin B12-containing ribosomes. CsCl treatment also altered ribosomal structure and caused the release of a ribosomal vitamin B12-binding protein.
Active surface wrinkling influences cell migration behavior and control

Dynamic reorganization of a cell's local microenvironment has been shown to critically alter migration, adhesion, and morphological behaviors in vivo during development, wound healing, and disease. While static microenvironments with patterned topographies, stiffness variations, or chemical gradients have been used to characterize cell responses in vitro, they are incapable of capturing the dynamic functionality of extracellular matrix naturally seen in the body. Here, we use a thermally responsive class of materials, shape memory polymers (SMPs), to dynamically manipulate the topographical environment cells experience. By providing physical manipulation of the microenvironment, we demonstrate the ability to control cell migratory behavior in response to a dynamic topographical change provided by SMPs.
Executive compensation and executive contributions to corporate PACS

This paper estimates the determinants of the contributions made by top executives to their firm's Political Action Committee (PAC). We find that executive's personal PAC contributions (proxy for the interest of the firm) are positively related to his shareholdings, income and option holdings (proxies for the interests of the executive). Contributions are also higher for CEOs and board members. This is direct evidence that the structure of the contracts between the firm and management, especially compensation, aligns manager's personal behavior with the interests of the firm.
Make Him an Offer He Can’t Refuse: Avoiding Conflicts Through Side-Payments

The equilibrium of a two-stage conflict game with side-payments predicts that with binding stage-one offers, proposers make and responders accept side-payments, generating settlements that strongly favor proposers. When side-payments are non-binding, proposers offer nothing and conflicts always arise. Laboratory experiments confirm that binding side-payments reduce conflicts. However, 30% of responders reject binding offers, and offers are more egalitarian than predicted. Surprisingly, non-binding side-payments also improve efficiency, although less than binding. With binding side-payments, 98% of efficiency gains come from avoided conflicts. However, with non-binding side-payments, only 49% of gains come from avoided conflicts and 51% from reduced conflict expenditures.
Radially Projected Finite Element Method on Evolving Surfaces

This talk presents a robust, e_cient and accurate numerical method for solving reaction- di_usion systems on stationary and evolving spheroidal surfaces. These surfaces are the deformation of sphere such as ellipsoids, dumbbell, and hearth-shape surface. Reaction- di_usion models are routinely used in the areas of developmental biology, cancer research, wound healing, tissue regeneration, and cell motility. The advantages of the generalized radially projected _nite element method are that it is easy to implement and that it provides a conforming _nite element discretization which is \logically" rectangular. To demonstrate the robustness, applicability and generality of this numerical method, we present solutions of reaction-di_usion systems on various stationary and evolving sur- faces. We show that the method preserves positivity of the solutions of reaction-di_usion equations which is not true for the Galerkin type methods. We conclude that surface geometry plays a pivotal role in pattern formation. For a _xed set of model parame- ter values, di_erent surfaces give rise to di_erent pattern generation sequences of either spots or stripes or a combination (observed as circular spot-stripe patterns). These re- sults clearly demonstrate the need to carry out detailed theoretical analytical studies to understand how surface geometry and curvature inuence pattern formation on complex surfaces.
GENERAL PROPERTIES OF ISOELASTIC UTILITY ECONOMIES

This paper studies the class of single-good Arrow–Debreu economies in which all agents have isoelastic utility functions and homogeneous beliefs, but have possibly different cautiousness parameters and endowments. For each economy in this class, the equilibrium stochastic discount factor is an exponential function of the inverse mapping of a completely monotone function, evaluated at the aggregate consumption. This fact allows for general properties of the class to be studied analytically in terms of known properties of completely monotone functions. For example, conditions are presented under which the agents’ cautiousness parameters and a distribution of initial wealth can be recovered from an equilibrium stochastic discount factor, even if nothing is known about the agents’ endowments. This is a multiagent inverse problem since information about economic primitives is extracted from equilibrium prices. Several example economies are used to illustrate the results.
A real-time electrically controlled active matching circuit utilizing genetic algorithms for biomedical WPT applications

In this research, the feasibility of a real-time active matching circuit for biomedical WPT applications is discussed. Also, the genetic-algorithm based matching circuit design method utilizing discrete circuit components is introduced and the practicality of active matching circuits for WPT is verified with preliminary measurement results featuring a maximum of 3 dB of improvement in transmission coefficient for a range of spanning a coil to coil distance of 10 to 12 cm, which was achieved by inserting the active matching circuit.
Enhancing DoDAF with a DEVS-based system lifecycle development process

A recent DoD mandate requires that the DoD architectural framework (DoDAF) be adopted to express high level system and operational requirements and architectures. DoDAF is the basis for integrated architectures and provides broad levels of specification related to operational, system, and technical views. The combination of DoDAF operational views, which capture the requirements of the architecture, and system views which provide its technical attributes, forms the basis for semi-automated construction of the needed simulation models. In this paper, we describe an approach to support specification of DoDAF architectures within a development environment based on DEVS (discrete event system specification). The result is an enhanced system lifecycle development process that includes both development and testing in an integral manner. This paper discusses the motivation to carve out a methodology to develop DEVS models for any DoDAF-UML architecture specifications and empower DoDAF with integrated M&S.
Games for engaged learning of middle school children with special learning needs.

In this paper, we describe an in situ study that examined the diverse design features and effects of three pre-algebra games for middle school children who have either challenges with learning or different language backgrounds. Data were collected through in-field observation, artifact analysis, school performance report and knowledge test during 15 one-hour gaming sessions over a period of 3 weeks. A list of key design features related to creating engagement and learning for students with special learning needs emerged from the data. The findings and discussions will inform educational designers and practitioners on successful educational game design and implementation for learners with diverse characteristics and needs. Practitioner notes What is already known about this topic Computer games can act as rich primers for engaged learning of academic content., What this paper adds The potential for computer games to promote engaged learning for school children with learning difficulty or different language/cultural backgrounds., The common and unique game design features that promote engaged learning for school children with special learning needs., Game-based learner support for school children with special learning needs., Implications for practice and/or policy Educational game designers should make purposeful design efforts (eg, a simple fantasy, open-ended game challenges and scaffolding with visual cue/feedback) to create learner-adaptive engagement., Content processing should be a core and active part of the game-play to promote game-based learning., Adaptive and nonintrusive support should be provided to student players to reinforce game-based learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
From the Mountain Top to the Foothills

Abstract The American musical from “Oklahoma!” (1943) to 1990 is surveyed in an essay and bibliography. The entire Broadway careers of Rodgers and Hammerstein, Lerner and Loewe, Frank Loesser, Kurt WeiII, Leonard Bernstein, and Jule Styne are featured, along with the careers of Stephen Sondheim and Andrew Lloyd Webber through the 1980s.
Motion segmentation and tracking using normalized cuts

We propose a motion segmentation algorithm that aims to break a scene into its most prominent moving groups. A weighted graph is constructed on the image sequence by connecting pixels that are in the spatiotemporal neighborhood of each other. At each pixel, we define motion profile vectors which capture the probability distribution of the image velocity. The distance between motion profiles is used to assign a weight on the graph edges. Using normalised cuts we find the most salient partitions of the spatiotemporal graph formed by the image sequence. For segmenting long image sequences, we have developed a recursive update procedure that incorporates knowledge of segmentation in previous frames for efficiently finding the group correspondence in the new frame.
Direct measurements of exciton diffusion length limitations on organic solar cell performance.

Through a combination of X-ray scattering and energy-filtered electron microscopy, we have quantitatively examined the relationship between the mesostructure of the photoactive layer and device performance in PBTTT/PC71BM solar cells. We can predict device performance from X-ray structural data through a simple morphological model which includes the exciton diffusion length.
Goodness-of-fit test for length-biased data with discussion on prevalence, sensitivity and specificity of the length bias

Abstract Due to reasons like absence of a proper sampling frame or inaccessibility to population units, data in statistical studies are sometimes contaminated by a phenomenon called length bias (LB). In this article, an asymptotic test statistic is derived to examine the homogeneity of a length biased sample from the Mean Exponential Family (MEF), a new class of distributions introduced by Shanmugam ( J. Statist. Plann. Inference 23 (1989) 227–291). Expressions for the test statistic are obtained for length biased binomial, Poisson, negative binomial, beta, gamma, normal, Pareto, Laplace, and Raleigh distributions as special cases. The results are illustrated. One among several advantages in our approach is the ability to quantify the specificity and sensitivity of LB and their instrinsic relations.
Effects of cyclosporine in spontaneous, posterior uveitis.

Cyclosporin A (CsA) was administered to chicks of the Smyth delayed-amelanotic (SDA) line from day of hatch to 4, 8 or 12 weeks of age. Animals were evaluated at 8, 12, 16 or 20 weeks with regard to major features of the SDA-line disorder, including extent of feather and choroidal ame-lanosis, choroidal inflammation, and his-topathology of the retinal pigment epithelium and outer retina. A suppression and delay in the onset of both amelanosis and ocular histopathology occurred during CsA administration. However, a rebound enhancement of symptoms occurred 4–8 weeks after withdrawal of CsA that was closely associated with the duration of CsA treatment. These results indicate that CSA may yield therapeutic effects during the period of treatment, but its withdrawal may lead to more severe symptoms that would have occurred without treatment.
Lipid content of Plasmodium berghei-infected rat red blood cells.

Abstract The lipid extracts of rat red blood cells infected with the malarial parasite Plasmodium berghei contained increased amounts of total lipid when compared to extracts of cells from either normal or phenylhydrazine-treated rats. Total cholesterol increased approximately two-fold while the total lipid-P increased more than four-fold. The four-fold increase in phospholipid content of Plasmodium berghei parasitized over unparasitized blood cells largely represents a proportionate increase of all phospholipids studied rather than a selective increase of particular ones. However, the phospholipids of parasitized cells did contain a small but statistically significant higher percentage of phosphatidylethanolamine and also a significantly lower percentage of sphingomylins plus lysolecithins than unparasitized cell phospholipids. These minor changes could reflect the phospholipid composition of the membranes characteristic of this malarial parasite.
The NRL Cyclotron Ion Optics System

A 9 foot radius, 135 degree, double focusing magnet, having a second order energy resolution less than 2 × 10-4 for 1 mm slits, is the principal element in the NRL Cyclotron Ion Optics System. A 21.5 inch wide pole face and 4.75 inch gap provide radial and axial acceptance angles of 3.0 degrees and 1.3 degrees respectively. This 80 ton magnet can be remotely traversed on a tracking system making it possible to bring the energy-analyzed beam into either of two experimental vaults for use along 8 different beam paths. Also described is the coupling of quadrupoles with the analyzing magnet in a manner that provides a minimum dispersion system when the full cyclotron beam intensity is desired on the experimental target. Ray-tracing calculations have been performed to determine the properties of the composite ion optics system, and the influence on image quality of power supply fluctuations and quadrupole misalignment. The design criteria for the system, the calculational methods used in the ray-tracing programs, and the results of ray-tracing along typical paths is discussed.
Optical guiding in a free-electron-laser oscillator.

We have measured the reduction in optical-mode size produced by optical guiding in a free-electron laser. The intracavity transverse mode is smaller than the diffraction-limited mode in the small-signal as a result of strong guiding regime, but it grows larger in saturation as a result of reduced gain. Comparison with theory shows agreement except for a discrepancy in the shape of the mode as saturation begins.
Control of solidification boundary in continuous casting by asymmetric cooling and mold offset

A solution, developed to obtain solidification-interface shapes for complex situations in which both the ingot cooling and mold geometry are asymmetric, is analyzed. The effect of mold offsett and of unequal ingot side temperatures on the interface shapes is illustrated in graphs. The results of the analysis show how the solidification interface in continuous casting can be controlled by asymmetries in both mold geometry and cooling of the ingot sides.
Computer Operational Systems Engineering for an Orbiting Satellite and Its Command and Telemetry Data Acquisition Station

The important aspects of operational systems engineering for a typical earth-orbiting satellite are highlighted. Focus is on the use of a general purpose digital computer at a command and telemetry data acquisition station. The operational concept utilizes the computer equipment both on-line, in near real time, and off-line to assess satellite performance for operational purposes. The operational commands transmitted to the satellite are derived and printed out by the computer and its peripheral equipment from a diagnostic processing of the satellites recorded telemetry data. While the spacecraft is still within range of communication, commands are transmitted from the ground station either for immediate execution or for execution at a specified future time. An adequately detailed description of the spacecraft-computer interface is attempted to permit sufficient understanding for early incorporation of complete subsystem operational requirements during the initial design phase of any similar program.
Observations of coherent emissions from soils

Observations of the microwave emissions at 1.413 GHz (L band) and 2.65 GHz (S band) from a silt loam soil exhibited an oscillatory behavior in time as the soil was being irrigated. The oscillations are attributed to interference between reflections from the air-soil interface and the wet soil-dry soil interface as the latter moved down in the soil. The magnitude of the first oscillation at L band was 56 K, and at S band it was 40 K, with oscillation damping out after about three cycles to the brightness temperature expected for the wet soil. The emission was modeled using a coherent model, and the results show qualitative and quantitative agreement with the observations.
Integrating Separability Curves to Expert Control Systems of Flotation Plants

Abstract Flotation processes are very complex and only few reports on applications of novel techniques in monitoring and control of flotation plants are available. The lack of good measurements and models has favored the use of knowledge based expert control system on top of DCS of local objectives. Since several stages are involved in a flotation plant, the overall optimization of the plant operation must consider a combination of local targets for each stage. Furthermore, each process stage poses its own constraints, making it more difficult to choose the appropriate local targets. In this paper, the idea of using separability curves of the material entering the plant to predict these local targets is presented. Examples based on the experience of developing an expert system for a flotation plant are discussed.
Countercurrent chromatography—A new method for the fractionation of glycosaminoglycans

Abstract A new method is described for continuous flow fractionation of glycosaminoglycans (GAG) by partition in two-phase systems. In the 1-butanol/aqueous NaCl two-phase system containing hexadecylpyridinium chloride fractionation is dependent primarily upon chemical composition, or charge density, of the GAG and is relatively independent of molecular weight. Chondroitin 4-sulfate was fractionated according to degree of sulfation and could be completely resolved from heparin. A heparin sample was shown to contain three discrete components differing with respect to sulfaminohexose and sulfate substitution.
The Achilles' heels of an academic surgeon: a leadership tale.

When Dr. Lonny Strickland (a fictitious name) saw the 5 p.m. appointment with the dean on his calendar, he thought nothing of it. He assumed it was just another meeting to discuss recruitment, space or building market share. Besides, he had been so consumed with trying to get his department in order that he had little time to speculate about what was next on his “to do” list. The dean had recruited Strickland 9 months earlier to be Chairman of the Department of Surgery, a department that had a prestigious history but had struggled of late because of ineffective leadership, faculty turnover and poor morale. Strickland’s track record had been impressive; he had built a strong academic division at his previous institution all of the while maintaining a clinical presence and an NIH grant. He was described as energetic and resilient and it was the dean’s impression that he had the ability to learn from his mistakes and setbacks. It was Strickland’s debut as a department chair and he had his hands full dealing with all sorts of issues, many of which had not been evident during the interview process. On more than one occasion, he had jokingly described himself as a firefighter—it often felt like all he did was run around extinguishing problems, handling what seemed to be a series of mini-crises. Although he often wondered whether his time was well spent dealing with these relatively minor emergencies, he enjoyed helping others solve their problems. It was not uncommon for the dean to meet with the department chairs from time to time, if merely to touch base and catch up on things. That style of collegiality was one of the things about his boss that Strickland
Regulatory modules that generate biphasic signal response in biological systems

Biochemical networks might be composed of modules. It is still not clear how biochemical modules can be defined and characterised. Here we propose a functional approach to module definition, considering different classes of biphasic regulation modules, which effect optimal cell response to intermediate signal strength. Each regulation class might possess unique properties that make it especially suitable for particular biological functions.
Polymerase Chain Reaction for the Diagnosis of Candidemia

A PCR assay was developed for the diagnosis of candidemia. Primers were selected to amplify a 158-bp segment from the Candida actin gene that was detected by hybridization with a 32P-labeled oligomer probe. The lower limit of detection was DNA extracted from 10 Candida yeasts/sample, or 25 fg of purified Candida albicans DNA. This PCR was specific for medically important Candida species. Circulating Candida DNA was detected by this PCR from plasma of mice with induced candidemia and from sera in 11 (79%) of 14 patients with blood cultures positive for Candida species. This PCR may offer a sensitive method for diagnosis of candidemia.
Monte-Carlo Simulation of the Effects of Charges on Water and Ions in a Tapered Pore

Abstract Monte-Carlo simulations of the water in a model pore have been carried out in the presence of charges. As the original motivation for the work included modeling a biological pore, which is known to taper and to be critical for ion transport into and out of cells, the model is a cylindrically symmetric pore that tapers at one end, having a funnel-like appearance. The biological pore has protein as its wall, and the dielectric constant of the wall was chosen accordingly as 4. The electric field and potential were calculated for the pore and the surrounding wall. The simulation volume held 50 to 60 water molecules, which are represented explicitly in the simulation. The number of molecules passing through the lower opening of the channel, the energy, the orientation of molecules in the lower section, and the number density of these molecules were determined. The number density varied appreciably with placement and number of fixed charges. With four fixed charges just above the bottom of the lowest section, the energy was lower, the molecules in that section became very strongly oriented, molecules did not pass through the bottom of the channel, and number density rose sharply. Charges below the bottom produced a density minimum and allowed water transport. With K + ions, generally the water behaved in a similar manner, but the location of the K + ion in the channel had a strong effect on the surrounding water molecules; this may suggest a mechanism for ion transport.
International competitive effects of harmonization

Abstract The objective of this research is to theoretically examine international competitive consequences surrounding harmonization of international accounting standards. Using a stochastic oligopoly model of two firms in each of two countries, it is shown that when firms only operate domestically, harmonization of accounting standards may not be beneficial for both countries. If it is beneficial for both, then it is also a dominant strategy equilibrium and will be voluntarily implemented by the individual country's standard setting boards. Thus, a meta-FASB can play no value-adding role. Conversely, when firms operate both domestically and internationally, a variety of equilibria may emerge. In general, we observe the result that harmonizing on full disclosure may be detrimental to developing countries, while strictly benefiting developed countries. Also, the benefits to disclosing cost information far exceed the costs of disclosing demand information. Finally, the IASC may in some circumstances add value as a norm setter, not only as a designer/enforcer of more elaborate accounting rules.
Structural and reactivity comparison of analogous organometallic Pd(III) and Pd(IV) complexes.

The tetradentate ligands RN4 (RN4 = N,N′-di-alkyl-2,11-diaza[3,3](2,6)pyridinophane, R = Me or iPr) were found to stabilize cationic (RN4)PdMe2 and (RN4)PdMeCl complexes in both PdIII and PdIV oxidation states. This allows for the first time a direct structural and reactivity comparison of the two Pd oxidation states in an identical ligand environment. The PdIII complexes exhibit a distorted octahedral geometry, as expected for a d7 metal center, and display unselective C–C and C–Cl bond formation reactivity. By contrast, the PdIV complexes have a pseudo-octahedral geometry and undergo selective non-radical C–C or C–Cl bond formation that is controlled by the ability of the complex to access a five-coordinate intermediate.
Extending undergraduate CS programs with informatics: emphasizing software and system design in context

In this poster we describe the diversification of our undergraduate curricula in the computing disciplines at UC Irvine, in particular the creation of Bachelor of Science degree in Informatics.
Some new smoother implementations for discrete-time gaussian reciprocal processes

Abstract The smoothing problem for discrete-time gaussian reciprocal processes is examined. For this class of process, the smoother takes the form of a second-order two-point boundary-value nearest-neighbour model. This smoother is non-causal, but admits causal implementations which extend the two-filter and Rauch-Tung-Striebel smoothing formulae of Gauss-Markov processes. A multi-rate implementation based on a block cyclic reduction method is also described.
Silyl Glyoxylates. Conception and Realization of Flexible Conjunctive Reagents for Multicomponent Coupling

This Perspective describes the discovery and development of silyl glyoxylates, a new family of conjunctive reagents for use in multicomponent coupling reactions. The selection of the nucleophilic and electrophilic components determines whether the silyl glyoxylate reagent will function as a synthetic equivalent to the dipolar glycolic acid synthon, the glyoxylate anion synthon, or the α-keto ester homoenolate synthon. The ability to select for any of these reaction modes has translated to excellent structural diversity in the derived three- and four-component coupling adducts. Preliminary findings on the development of catalytic reactions using these reagents are detailed, as are the design and discovery of new reactions directed toward particular functional group arrays embedded within bioactive natural products.
A Psychobiological Study of Archery Performance

Abstract This study examined the physical, psychological and perceptual/visual variables related to elite archers' shooting performance. Complete data on 62 variables were obtained on male (n = 44) and female (n = 35) archers, who were tested during the years 1982-1984. In order to reduce the number of variables, only those that correlated significantly with performance (r > .25, p < .005) were retained. This yielded seven variables. These variables were then combined into an overall hierarchical regression model. The overall model was significant (p <.001, adjusted R2 = .53). This analysis indicated that relative leg strength, reaction time, depth perception, endomorphy, imagery usage, confidence, and focus on past mistakes were variables associated with archery performance. Finally, the total sample was classified into two groups on the basis of the shooting scores. Discriminant function analysis indicated that 81% of the archers were classified correctly on the basis of these significant predictors.
THE STOOPER: A PROFESSIONAL THIEF IN THE SUTHERLAND MANNER

Sutherland's conceptualization of professional crime, while hailed as a milestone in criminology, has been criticized as excessively narrow, and its applicability to modern criminal activity has also been seriously questioned. Using qualitative data developed during an 18-month investigation, this paper demonstrates that modern-day stoopers, who retrieve discarded winning racetrack tickets, manifest criminal behavior that closely resembles Sutherland 's characterization of professional crime. The characteristics of this small group of determined thieves are delineated by using the j v e criteria of professionalism established by Sutherland. This delineation demonstrates that the Sutherland model remains viable and shouId not be relegated to the status of an historical footnote.
Multivariate association analysis of the components of metabolic syndrome from the Framingham Heart Study

Metabolic syndrome, by definition, is the manifestation of multiple, correlated metabolic impairments. It is known to have both strong environmental and genetic contributions. However, isolating genetic variants predisposing to such a complex trait has limitations. Using pedigree data, when available, may well lead to increased ability to detect variants associated with such complex traits. The ability to incorporate multiple correlated traits into a joint analysis may also allow increased detection of associated genes. Therefore, to demonstrate the utility of both univariate and multivariate family-based association analysis and to identify possible genetic variants associated with metabolic syndrome, we performed a scan of the Affymetrix 50 k Human Gene Panel data using 1) each of the traits comprising metabolic syndrome: triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, blood glucose, and body mass index, and 2) a composite trait including all of the above, jointly. Two single-nucleotide polymorphisms within the cholesterol ester transfer protein (CETP) gene remained significant even after correcting for multiple testing in both the univariate (p < 5 × 10-7) and multivariate (p < 5 × 10-9) association analysis. Three genes met significance for multiple traits after correction for multiple testing in the univariate analysis, while five genes remained significant in the multivariate association. We conclude that while both univariate and multivariate family-based association analysis can identify genes of interest, our multivariate approach is less affected by multiple testing correction and yields more significant results.
Age-related loss of synaptic terminals in the rat medial nucleus of the trapezoid body

The effect of aging on axosomatic synaptic terminals in the rat medial nucleus of the trapezoid body was studied using quantitative electron microscopy. In young adult rats (3 months of age), the mean percentage of the surface area of principal cells covered by synaptic terminals is 61.7% (S.E.M. = 4.1) while in aged animals (27-33 months of age) the per cent coverage is 43.7% (S.E.M. = 3.3). Likewise, between 3 and 27-33 months of age, the average number of synaptic terminals present along a 100 micron length of principal cell surface decreases significantly (P less than 0.001) from 28.3 (S.E.M. = 1.3) to 18.9 (S.E.M. = 1.3). Only terminals derived from calyces of Held are lost in the aged animals, displaying a 37% reduction between 3 and 27-33 months of age. The length of apposition by synaptic terminals in the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body does not change significantly with aging. We conclude that because of a significant loss of calycine synaptic endings, the structure of calyces of Held becomes less complex with advancing age in rats. This would presumably result in an age-related partial deafferentation of principal cells, causing significant alterations in the processing of auditory information in the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body.