cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Design of Rapidly Recongurable Filters for Attitude and Position Determination

Attitude and position estimation are essential components of any Unmanned Aerial Vehicle. Linear and Extended Kalman Filters as well as complementary lters have traditionally played a major role in these calculations. In order to successfully eld these estimators, a design process requiring many iterations is required. We describe the design process using a new and exible platform developed for rapid prototyping of UAV Guidance, Navigation, and Control algorithms. The evolution of the design begins with a hybrid model consisting of combined Extended Kalman and complementary lters and ends with complementary lters alone. The resulting complementary lters compare favorably with traditional fteen-state Extended Kalman Filters previously reported in the literature and are thus attractive candidates where computational resources are limited. The lter results are shown for actual ight test data.
Validating the cancer diagnosis potential of mid-infrared spectroscopic imaging

Histologic diagnosis is the gold standard for evaluating the presence and severity of most cancers. Unfortunately, the manual nature of histologic recognition leads to low throughput and errors. Here, we report on the evaluation of an automated means to accurate histologic recognition using mid-infrared spectroscopic imaging. The method does not need dyes or probes and dispenses with human input but relies on computational approaches to provide decisions. Hence, the results must be rigorously validated. We present here a validation of two-class models for pixel-level histologic segmentation and pathologic classification by spatial polling for breast carcinoma. We also discuss optimization of spectral resolution and instrumentation for clinical translation.
Application of total selective solvent extraction of germanium, phosphorus and silicon to the simultaneous determination of arsenic, germanium, phosphorus and silicon

Abstract A simple rapid, accurate, and reliable method of simultaneous determination of arsenic, germanium, phosphorus, and silicon is reported. The method involves first, the determination of germanium as its phenlfluorone complex and its selective extraction with isoamyl alcohol. Phosphorus is next determined as its heteropoly blue after selective extraction of phosphomolybdic acid by isobutyl acetate at pH 1.0-0.8 and its direct reduction in this solvent. Silicon is then determined after its extraction as silicomolybdic acid by isooctyl alcohol at pH
Managing heat for electronics

Increasing power densities and decreasing transistor dimensions are hallmarks of modern computer chips. Both trends are increasing the thermal management challenge within the chip and surrounding packaging, as well as accelerating research progress on high-conductivity materials. This article reviews recent materials advances with a focus on novel composite substrates and interface materials, including those composites leveraging the high conductivities of carbon nanotubes. Furthermore, attention is given to the special properties of one-dimensional structures that are likely to be of increasing importance in future applications.
Two multiple criteria group decision support systems based on mathematical programming and ranking methods

Abstract This paper presents two prototype Group Decision Support Systems based on multiobjective linear programming. The emphasis of the paper is on the operationalization of multicriteria modelling techniques through group decision support technology. The major components of the prototype systems include procedures for generating efficient solutions, preference aggregation, and ranking alternatives. Empirical results from a laboratory application and their implications in terms of user preferences and system performance are also provided.
Interaction of the cytotoxic agent estramustine phosphate (Estracyt) with the estrogen receptor of the human uterus

Abstract The biochemical interaction of estramustine phosphate (Estracyt) with estrogen-binding protein (receptor) of the human uterus was studied in vitro . The cytotoxic agent, Estracyt, inhibited competitively cytoplasmic binding of [ 3 H]estradiol. Kinetic analysis showed no inactivation of the receptor protein and demonstrated stability of the receptor after incubation with high concentrations (10 −4 M ) of Estracyt at 4 °C for 21 hr. The apparent dissociation constant ( K D ) for estrogen binding of the human uterus was 0.5 × 10 −9 M . The inhibition constants ( K i ) were 1 × 10 −5 M for Estracyt and 1.3 × 10 −9 M for DES. Preincubation of an Estracyt solution with phosphatase increased the affinity for E 2 binding 15-fold. The exposure of Estracyt to human female blood plasma did not alter the affinity. Sucrose density sedimentation confirmed these results and demonstrated competitive inhibition by Estracyt at high concentrations. The 3.1 S peak showed progressive inhibition with Estracyt concentrations from 10 −5 to 10 −3 M , whereas the 5 S shoulder was inhibited only by a drug concentration of 10 −3 M . The cytotoxic action of estramustine phosphate may be mediated at the cellular level by its interaction with the estrogen receptor. This drug may be a useful chemotherapeutic agent in the treatment of human uterine cancer, which is resistant to conventional approaches of therapy.
Tobin's q ratio, monopoly earnings, risk, and dividend policy

Abstract Inherently nonlinear functional relationships between Tobin's q ratio of market value to replacement cost and financial variables of the firm are developed and estimated. Statistical significance and material importance of returns on equity and dividend payout ratios are established, but systematic risk does not appear to provide significant explanation of differences in equilibrium q values for a sample of 97 firms.
Activation of the interleukin-10 gene in the human T lymphoma line HuT 78: identification and characterization of NF-κ B binding sites in the regulatory region of the interleukin-10 gene

Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is a pleiotropic cytokine which has potent inhibitory effects on macrophages and T cells, and contributes to the regulation of proliferation and differentiation of B cells. Resting HuT 78, a T-cell line derived from a Sezary lymphoma, produced significant amounts of IL-10 compared with another T-cell line, Jurkat. To elucidate the mechanisms by which the IL-10 is expressed, we have analyzed their activity in human T-cell lines. We report here evidence that members of the family of transcription factors nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B)/Rel can specifically recognize 3 identical sequences located in the 5'-regulatory region of IL-10 gene in resting HuT 78 cells, whereas Jurkat cells expressed high levels of NF-kappa B consisting of p65 and p50 only upon activation with tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). In HuT 78 cells, p50 was the major component in the NF-kappa B complexes. Exogenous TNF-alpha and the monoclonal antibody to TNF-alpha did not affect IL-10 production and constitutive NF-kappa B binding levels in HuT 78 cells. This study is the first demonstration of a role for NF-kappa B in the IL-10 gene expression, and suggests that its expression does not require TNF-alpha. These novel findings may account for the specific IL-10 gene expression in T cells.
Ranibizumab: the evidence of its therapeutic value in neovascular age-related macular degeneration

Introduction: Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of severe, irreversible visual impairment in people over 60 years of age. Neovascular AMD is characterized by abnormal growth of blood vessels under the retina, specifically the macula. These vessels leak blood and fluids, damaging the retina and its photoreceptors, resulting in permanent loss of central vision. Vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) has been shown to play a critical role in the pathogenesis of neovascular AMD. In the US, ranibizumab, a VEGF-A blocker, is approved and indicated for the treatment of patients with neovascular AMD.
Comments on Bernard A. Mohan and Winnie Au‐Yeung Lo's “Academic Writing and Chinese Students: Transfer and Developmental Factors”: A Reader Reacts…

Bernard Mohan and Winnie Au-Yeung Lo's recent article in the TESOL Quarterly (Vol. 19, No. 3, September 1985) makes many good points about certain methodological problems associated with much of the extant research in contrastive rhetoric. However, in advancing their claim that "there is no evidence that Chinese paragraph development is in fact indirect" (p. 521), the authors employ a methodology which is itself problematic. Few scholars working in the area of contrastive rhetoric would disagree with Mohan and Lo's claim that it is risky to infer L1 rhetorical patterns from ESL student compositions. But it is equally unsound to claim that a hypothesis (i.e., the purported indirectness of Mandarin prose [see Kaplan, 1966]) has been disproved when the claim is made on the basis of a small corpus of short texts which happen to utilize certain "cognitive categories of organization widely used in English expository prose" (p. 520). As we should all be aware by now, we cannot generalize a claim about the organization of text, either written or oral, by looking at only a few examples. Requirements of randomness and statistical significance must be met to insure empirical validity (although of course such requirements alone are not sufficient conditions to validate or invalidate the Contrastive Rhetoric Hypothesis). Mohan and Lo may have shown that these cognitive categories of organization
Newton's method and generation of a determinantal family of iteration functions

Abstract It is well known that Halley's method can be obtained by applying Newton's method to the function f/ f′ . Gerlach (SIAM Rev. 36 (1994) 272–276) gives a generalization of this approach, and for each m⩾2, recursively defines an iteration function Gm(x) having order m. Kalantari et al. (J. Comput. Appl. Math. 80 (1997) 209–226) and Kalantari (Technical Report DCS-TR 328, Department of Computer Science, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, 1997) derive and characterize a determinantal family of iteration functions, called the Basic Family, Bm(x), m⩾2. In this paper we prove, Gm(x)=Bm(x). On the one hand, this implies that Gm(x) enjoys the previously derived properties of Bm(x), i.e., the closed formula, its efficient computation, an expansion formula which gives its precise asymptotic constant, as well as its multipoint versions. On the other, this gives a new insight on the Basic Family and Newton's method.
Transcriptomic fingerprinting of bone marrow-derived hepatic β2m−/Thy-1+ stem cells

Abstract The aim of the present study was to determine if the bone marrow (BM) β2m−/Thy-1+ stem cells isolated from common bile duct ligated (CBDL) rats possess hepatocyte-like characteristics in their global gene expression profiles. The Affymetrix RG U34A arrays were used to conduct transcriptomic profiling on BM β2m−/Thy-1+ stem cells isolated from CBDL and control rats as well as primary hepatocytes. Forty-one probe sets were up-regulated more than 2-fold in CBDL-derived β2m−/Thy-1+ BM stem cells compared to control BM stem cells. Twenty-seven probe sets were present in both CBDL-derived β2m−/Thy-1+ BM stem cells and control hepatocytes but absent in control β2m−/Thy-1+ BM stem cells, including Tcf1 and Dbp. Compared to the control β2m−/Thy-1+ BM stem cells, CBDL-derived β2m−/Thy-1+ BM stem cells shared more commonly expressed genes with hepatocytes. Overall, CBDL-derived β2m−/Thy-1+ stem cells displayed a different transcriptomic fingerprint compared with β2m−/Thy-1+ BM stem cells isolated from control rats; and CBDL-derived β2m−/Thy-1+ stem cells started to express some hepatocyte-like genes.
Synaptic vesicle cycling at type-identified diaphragm neuromuscular junctions.

Differences in neuromuscular transmission and neuromuscular junction morphology exist across muscle fiber types. We hypothesized that these fiber-type differences are reflected in the size of the cycling synaptic vesicle pool. Synaptic vesicle cycling at type-identified rat diaphragm neuromuscular junctions was examined by fluorescently labeling presynaptic vesicles with FM4-64. We found that FM4-64 fluorescence uptake was higher at presynaptic terminals of type I/IIa fibers than type IIx/IIb fibers. However, no fiber-type differences in the rate of FM4-64 destaining were found with repetitive nerve stimulation. Synaptic vesicle density at active zones was examined by transmission electron microscopy. In accordance with FM4-64 uptake, synaptic vesicle density was greater at type I/IIa than IIx/IIb fibers. These results demonstrate differences in synaptic vesicle cycling across diaphragm muscle fiber types, which may underlie previously observed differences in neuromuscular transmission across diaphragm muscle fiber types. In the diaphragm, motor units comprising type I and type IIa fibers are most frequently recruited with a duty cycle of ∼40%. Motor units comprising IIx/IIb fibers are infrequently recruited and only for short durations. The capacity for synaptic vesicle release and cycling at different muscle fiber types matches the functional requirements of these motor units. If the demand for recruitment of motor units comprising IIx/IIb fibers increases, for example, with mechanical loading, there is an increased risk for neuromuscular transmission failure that my relate to the capacity for synaptic vesicle release and cycling. Muscle fiber type–specific adaptations should be considered when examining neuromuscular disorders. Muscle Nerve, 2004
Dietary intake-, eating behavior-, and physical activity-related determinants of high body mass index in the 2003 Wellness IN the Rockies cross-sectional study

Abstract The primary objective of the study was to assess associations between high body mass index (BMI) and dietary intake-, eating behavior-, and physical activity-related variables using follow-up cross-sectional data from Wellness IN the Rockies. Study participants were 883 men and 1030 women, aged 18 to 96 years, recruited from 6 rural communities in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. All study participants completed a questionnaire that elicited sociodemographic information, self-reported height and weight, and data related to specific dietary intakes, eating-related behaviors, and physical activity behaviors and perceptions. Prevalence of overweight (defined as a BMI ≥25 kg/m 2 ) in the 2003 follow-up survey was 66% in men and 56% in women, lower than the 70% (men) and 59% (women) figures reported from the 2001 baseline survey. Probability of high BMI was positively associated with specific eating habits: ordering supersized portions, eating while doing another activity, consumption of diet soft drinks, and consumption of foods from fast-food restaurants. Physical activity-related variables associated with high BMI were less frequent physical activity and the perception of not getting as much exercise as needed. The relationship between diet soft drink consumption and overweight/obesity could be because of the propensity of individuals with high BMIs to choose these beverages over regular soft drinks as a means to reduce overall energy expenditures. The finding of a relationship between greater frequency of eating while doing another activity and high BMI in both the 2001 and 2003 surveys suggests that interventions aimed at reducing this eating-related behavior could be an effective strategy for helping individuals maintain healthy body weights.
Just-in-time sampling and pre-filtering for wearable physiological sensors: going from days to weeks of operation on a single charge

Continuous monitoring of human physiology and behavior in natural environments via unobtrusively wearable wireless sensors is witnessing rapid adoption in both consumer health-care and in scientific studies, since those portable and long-running devices can provide critical information for diagnosis and early prevention of disease, as well as invaluable data for scientific studies. Due to the requirement of continuous monitoring, these sensors, all operating on small wearable batteries, require frequent recharging. Lowering this recharging burden is essential for their widespread adoption.In this paper we explore mechanisms for significantly enhancing the lifetime of these wearable sensors at the cost of a small loss in their sensing accuracy. We propose two ideas that build upon our observation that collecting bursts of samples over short periods of time is sufficient to capture the most interesting and informative part of the signal. In the first part of this paper, we propose a general methodology for reconstructing bandlimited signals accurately from such short bursts of samples. While this reconstruction task is in nature an ill-conditioned problem, we show that the insertion of an analog "modulated pre-filter" hardware module before the ADC can almost surely alleviate this conditioning problem. In the second part of this paper, we describe just-in-time sampling, which by sampling in short bursts at the "right" times, can accurately track R-wave peaks in ECG signals. Using simulations on publicly available traces as well as self-collected data, we show the efficacy of this technique.
A fuzzy nearest neighbor neural network statistical model for predicting demand for natural gas and energy cost savings in public buildings

This paper addresses the problem of predicting demand for natural gas for the purpose of realizing energy cost savings. Daily monitoring of a rooftop unit wireless sensor system provided feedback for a decision support system that supplied the demand for the required number of million cubic feet of natural gas used to control heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. The system was modeled with artificial neural networks (ANNs). Data on the consumption of the system were collected for 111days beginning September 21, 2012. The input/output data were used to train the ANN. The ANN approximated the data very well, showing that it can be used to predict demand for natural gas. A fuzzy nearest neighbor neural network statistical model consisting of four components was used. The predictive models were implemented by comparing regression, fuzzy logic, nearest neighbor, and neural networks. In addition, to optimize natural gas demand, we used the fuzzy regression nearest neighbor ANN model cost function to investigate the variables of price, operating expenses, cost to drill new wells, cost to turn gas on, oil price and royalties.
Yield and quality losses caused by common rust (Puccinia sorghi Schw.) in sweet corn (Zea mays) hybrids

Abstract Yield and quality of fresh ears were measured in field plots of selected hybrids of sweet corn (Zea mays L.) that were affected by rust (Puccinia sorghi Schw.) or were nearly rust-free (mancozeb-sprayed). In 1978, 28 hybrids were tested. Losses in total yield ranged from zero in the more resistant entries to nearly 50% in more susceptible entries. In 1979, three cultivars were planted. Yield losses of these cultivars were similar in ranking order to those in 1978, although the loss was greater in late-planted plots because of the greater final severity of the disease. Losses in total yield in late-planted sweet corn were 18%, 26% and 49% for cv. Sugarloaf (most resistant), cv. Jubilee (intermediate) and cv. Style Pak (most susceptible), respectively.
Spherical wave analysis of EXAFS data including multiple scattering

Abstract A rapid method for spherical-wave calculation of EXAFS spectra including multiple scattering is described. Examples include Co and Cu imidazole complexes, a mixed ligand iron complex, and the native and substrate complexed forms of protocatechuate 3,4-dioxygenase (PCD).
A probabilistic model of rubble mound armor stability

Abstract Two fundamental problems of breakwater armor layer stability — the behavior of interlocking resistance and the random nature of breakwater stability — are examined through laboratory experiments and a probabilistic model. Based upon laboratory experiments of static pull-out tests, it is found that the interlocking resistance of artificial blocks when randomly placed is, more or less, proportional to the weight of the units. Only for tightly packed blocks, arranged in a pattern, does the interlocking resistance show a possible deviation from the weight proportionality. The resistance of the armor layer is shown to be a random property that can be adequately described by a log-normal distribution. A probabilistic stability equation is developed. The final equation contains six random variables; their behaviors are not all known at present. However, with the partial knowledge we have, the equation is used to bring out a number of salient features in breakwater design.
Allozyme Variation within and between Populations of Coreopsis latifolia (Asteraceae)

Enzyme electrophoresis was used to measure genetic variation in five populations of the rare diploid species Coreopsis latifolia which appears to be a relict taxon endemic to a small area of the southeastern United States. Gene diversity within the species as a whole is low compared to other species with similar ecological and life history traits. Also, gene diversity in C. latifolia is lower than nearly all other species of Coreopsis that have been examined. Larger populations contain significantly more variation at isozyme loci than do smaller populations. Populations of C. latifolia are deficient in heterozygotes relative to expected equilibrium values.
Developmental patterns of plasma and pituitary TSH and prolactin and hypothalamic TRH in the female rat.

In developing female rats, pituitary content and concentration of TSH and prolactin measured twice daily (1000 and 1600 h) were low during the first two weeks of life and increased markedly between day 15 and 30. AM-PM variations in pituitary levels of both hormones were apparent, particularly during this latter phase of development. Plasma TSH levels increased between days 5 and 12, showing peak values at this age. After day 15, levels declined gradually to reach a nadir shortly before puberty. At puberty, plasma TSH remained low, showing only minor fluctuations. No consistent AM-PM differences in plasma TSH were observed at any age studied. Plasma prolactin was low between day 5 and 15, increasing thereafter. Starting at day 10, AM-PM fluctuations in plasma levels were detected, titers being higher in the afternoon than in the mornings. It has already been reported (Endocrinology 98: 630, 1976) that during puberty this pattern becomes more evident, peak values being reached in the afternoon of the first...
Refractory hypoxia in an HIV-infected patient—a diagnostic challenge☆☆☆★

A 39-year-old man with HIV presented to the emergency department for evaluation of dyspnea accompanied by fever, diffuse chest discomfort, dry cough, and fatigue for past 1 week. The patient described his dyspnea as exertional progressing over 1 week to rest dyspnea. He was prescribed antiretroviral therapy but was noncompliant. He had no paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, orthopnea, rash, oral thrush, or diarrhea. His last record CD4+ lymphocyte count and HIV viral load were 43 cells/mm3 and 178,0000 copies/mL, respectively. Vital signs included a temperature of 101°F, heart rate of 115 beats per minute, respiratory rate of 16 per minute, and pulse oxygenation of 91% on room air. Lung examination revealed decreased breath sounds bilaterally, and the remainder of the examination was unrevealing. Laboratory findings revealed leukocytosis and increased serum lactate dehydrogenase of 577 U/L (90-190 U/L), and chest radiograph showed a right lower lobe infiltrate and perihilar, bilateral interstitial infiltrates (Fig. 1A).
The “Dark Side” of the Strength of Weak Ties: The Diffusion of Suicidal Thoughts∗:

Granovetter’s theory on the strength of weak ties motivates hypotheses on the diffusive nature of suicidal thoughts in the friendship networks of adolescents. Using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, the effects of friends-of-friends attempting suicide on the suicidal thoughts of respondents are estimated. A focus on friends-of-friends permits a test of the weakties thesis because respondents are indirectly linked to friends-of-friends by “open ties” that are both structurally weak and used as bridges. Results for “atrisk” respondents—or those with certain behaviors, statuses, and experiences that create psychological predispositions to suicide—are consistent with Granovetter’s theory and thus reveal the “dark side” of the strength of weak ties as at-risk respondents are more likely to seriously think about committing suicide when a friend-of-a-friend attempts suicide, controlling for past suicidal thoughts by the respondent and attempts by friends, family, and students in the respondent’s school, among other control factors. Barriers to diffusion are also considered.
A Low-Noise Class-C Oscillator Using a Directional Coupler

An oscillator using a directional coupler is proposed as a solution to the design of efficient low-noise high-power high-frequency oscillators. FM noise measurements are presented for microwave sources derived via varactor multipliers from several different transistor oscillators of this type. The design has an isolated port which can be used to achieve injection phase lock. This feature is used to point out some of the interesting FM noise properties of these oscillators, the knowledge of which is important in the design and application of solid-state microwave sources. Also, experimental results are given which show how a low-noise microwave source can be built using a low-frequency crystal oscillator followed by a high-order varactor multiplier.
Characterizing Occupations with Data from theDictionary of Occupational Titles

In this paper we use available data for theDictionary of Occupational Titles(DOT) reconciled to the 1970 U.S. Census detailed occupational classification to create measures of DOT variables for the 1960 U.S. Census detailed occupational classification. Such measures are needed for cohort or other temporal comparisons employing data coded according to the 1960, 1970, and 1980 detailed occupational classifications and to merge DOT variables with micro-level data sets where occupation is coded using the 1960 detailed classification. We describe procedures used to reconcile the 1960 and 1970 detailed occupational classifications from information currently available and to compute measures of DOT variables for the 1960 classification from measures of DOT variables available for the 1970 classification. We then use confirmatory factor analysis to create summary indices of occupational characteristics for the 1960, 1970, and 1980 Census detailed occupational classification. We hypothesize a factor structure based on substantive conceptual criteria and test this hypothesized structure by estimating a series of modified and nested models. Our analysis produces measures of six occupational characteristics: substantive complexity, motor skill, physical perception, social skill, physical demands, and working conditions.
Evident, but rationally unacceptable

(1987). Evident, but rationally unacceptable. Australasian Journal of Philosophy: Vol. 65, No. 3, pp. 316-326.
Even at the Turning of the Tide An Analysis of the North Carolina Legislative Black Caucus

The increase in the number of African Americans in elective and appointed offices is often cited as lasting evidence of the success of the 1960s civil rights movement. However, two generations after the passage of the 1965 Voting Rights Act, the question of whether electoral power transfers into substantive change for the powerless reverberates. Some may find it sacrilegious to question the utility of the franchise in light of the past sacrifices to gain unfettered access to the ballot. Nevertheless, not to raise this critical question at this juncture commits a disservice to past African American martyrs. Thus, this analysis seeks to critically examine African American legislative participation in the North Carolina general assembly. The following analysis builds on prior research that examined the activities of the North Carolina Legislative Black Caucus (NCLBC) from 1970 to 1985 (Sullivan, 1988). Between 1985 and 1988, several major developments occurred within the North Carolina legislature that warrant further inquiry. First, the number of African Americans serving in the state legislature increased significantly. Second, the state has struggled through several years of divided government. Further exacerbating this division in government has been the Republican Party control of the House of Representatives. The following examines the NCLBC in light of these developments. The analysis proceeds with a discussion of African American legislative participation prior to the post-civil rights period. A pro-
Chinese fisheries enforcement: Environmental and strategic implications☆

Abstract In almost all of the maritime territorial disputes in East Asia, fisheries questions play a significant role. One need only consider that fishing has been at the heart of serious wrangling among East Asian states from the Yellow Sea, through the East China Sea, and down to the South China Sea in recent years. Chinese fisheries policy might be critical to the possibilities for peaceful resolution of the many maritime territorial disputes in East Asia. Moreover, China's status as the world's largest fishing power also means that Beijing's inclination to accept and practice global fisheries norms could mark a giant step forward for environmental protection of the oceans in the coming century. Drawing on a wide array of unique Chinese Mandarin-language sources, this study seeks to explore the often noted “implementation gap” in Chinese fisheries enforcement practices. The study reveals that Beijing is making gradual and earnest efforts to comply with international environmental norms with respect to fisheries. That is a positive development for the health of the world's oceans, but some of these same policies may also have the impact of aggravating tense maritime disputes in the region as well.
Jet functions having indefinite Carathéodory–Pick matrices

Abstract A class of functions is introduced that take values in the set of ordered tuples of complex numbers and are defined on a subset of the unit disc; the number of components of the value of a function at a given point may be countably infinite and may depend on the point. The class is defined by the property that all Caratheodory–Pick matrices of a function have not more than a prescribed number of negative eigenvalues, and at least one Caratheodory–Pick matrix of the function has exactly the prescribed number of negative eigenvalues. The class is characterized in several ways. It turns out that a typical function in the class is generated by a meromorphic function, together with several of its derivatives at regular points, with a possible modification at a finite number of points. Extension and interpolation results are proved for functions in the class. These functions are also interpreted as pseudomultipliers on the the Hardy space H 2 of the unit disc.
Electrostatically-controlled large-aperture reflecting satellite antennas

A major practical limit to the size of antennas in space is the minimum feasible mass per unit reflecting area. To achieve low antenna mass the reflector could be constructed from a wire mesh or metalized plastic film. This structure has little inherent mechanical rigidity, but rigidity can be achieved by feedback control of surface deflections at many points. For geodesic reflectors with flat facets, for instance, D/93?? control points are required to achieve an rms surface tolerance of E? for an antenna with aperture diameter D and focal length ?D. Simple electrostatic actuators are considered which can reduce this required number of control points by a factor of 10 or more. As antenna geometry is adjusted to achieve increasingly precise electrostatic reflector figure control, the reflector will begin to exhibit Rayleigh-Taylor instabilities. It can be advantageous to operate within this unstable regime because achievable D/?, and hence antenna beamwidth and gain, scale as M2, M-2, and M4 respectively, where M is the number of successfully stabilized reflector deflection modes. The origin and essential elements of this control problem are described and a control approach is proposed. A laboratory demonstration of three successfully stabilized modes on a meter-square wire mesh is also described which suggests that electrostatically-figured antennas with ? as small as 1 could perhaps achieve beamwidths of 1 to 10 arc-seconds.
Hydrothermal growth of calcite from alkali carbonate solutions

Abstract Optically clear rhombohedral crystals of calcite can be grown from 5m solutions of K 2 CO 3 and Rb 2 CO 3 in the range of 400–600°C and pressures of 1–2 kbar. Phase equilibria for both systems were determined. Growth from K 2 CO 3 must be carried out above the decomposition pressure of the double salt K 2 CO 3 · CaCO 3 of approximately 1 kbar. Growth from Rb 2 CO 3 does not have this limitation.
From Logic Specification to y-calculus: A Method for Designing Multiagent Systems

A program construction method based on ?-calculus is proposed: The problem to be solved is specified by first-order predicate logic, and a semantic verification program is constructed directly from the specification. We exploit this method in synthesizing the architectural specifications of multiagent systems (MAS) in ?-calculus based on the logic specifications of the MAS. By enabling the transformation from the logic specifications to operational specifications of MAS, this method allows the design of the MAS to be focused on the architectural definition level. It benefits the development of MAS by enabling logic deduction on behaviors of the MAS, and a design methodology in an incremental fashion.
Effective CLEAN algorithms for performance-enhanced detection of binary coding radar signals

With binary coding waveform as radar pulse compression signal, the sidelobe of the matched processing result of the received signals is a serious interference to the effective detection of multiple targets. In this paper, the CLEAN algorithms are introduced to eliminate such sidelobes and significantly improve the target detection performance of binary coding radar signals. A novel modified CLEAN algorithm is proposed to remove the sidelobe interferences in formulating target range profile when wideband binary coding signals are used. The effectiveness of the CLEAN algorithms is demonstrated through the processing results.
The ExbD Periplasmic Domain Contains Distinct Functional Regions for Two Stages in TonB Energization

The TonB system of Gram-negative bacteria energizes the active transport of diverse nutrients through high-affinity TonB-gated outer membrane transporters using energy derived from the cytoplasmic membrane proton motive force. Cytoplasmic membrane proteins ExbB and ExbD harness the proton gradient to energize TonB, which directly contacts and transmits this energy to ligand-loaded transporters. In Escherichia coli, the periplasmic domain of ExbD appears to transition from proton motive force-independent to proton motive force-dependent interactions with TonB, catalyzing the conformational changes of TonB. A 10-residue deletion scanning analysis showed that while all regions except the extreme amino terminus of ExbD were indispensable for function, distinct roles for the amino- and carboxy-terminal regions of the ExbD periplasmic domain were evident. Like residue D25 in the ExbD transmembrane domain, periplasmic residues 42 to 61 facilitated the conformational response of ExbD to proton motive force. This region appears to be important for transmitting signals between the ExbD transmembrane domain and carboxy terminus. The carboxy terminus, encompassing periplasmic residues 62 to 141, was required for initial assembly with the periplasmic domain of TonB, a stage of interaction required for ExbD to transmit its conformational response to proton motive force to TonB. Residues 92 to 121 were important for all three interactions previously observed for formaldehyde-cross-linked ExbD: ExbD homodimers, TonB-ExbD heterodimers, and ExbD-ExbB heterodimers. The distinct requirement of this ExbD region for interaction with ExbB raised the possibility of direct interaction with the few residues of ExbB known to occupy the periplasm.
Noise reduction in high dynamic range imaging

A common method to create high dynamic range (HDR) images is to combine several different exposures of the same scene. In this approach, the use of higher ISO settings will reduce exposure times, and thereby the total capture time. This is advantageous in certain environments where it may help minimize ghosting artifacts. However, exposures taken at high sensitivity settings tend to be noisy, which is further amplified by the HDR creation algorithm. We present a robust and efficient technique to significantly reduce noise in an HDR image even when its constituent exposures are taken at very high ISO settings. The method does not introduce blur or other artifacts, and leverages the wealth of information available in a sequence of aligned exposures.
Stress Analysis Based on Albite Twinning of Plagioclase Feldspars

Plagioclase twins mechanically on the albite law. Twinning is most likely to occur when the resolved shear stress on the twin plane, (010), and in the glide direction, perpendicular to [100] in (010), is at a maximum. Only those crystals oriented in the stress field to approximately meet this condition will twin. Thus, in a rock containing mechanically twinned grains, the principal stress directions affecting the rock may be approximated by measuring the twin elements of these grains. The plagioclase fabric must be taken into account if the results are to be significant. Study of samples of anatectic granodiorite of the Chewack River Gneiss in the northeastern Cascade Range, Washington, where the unit was deformed adjacent to the Chewack-Paysaten fault, demonstrate the use of the method.
The Kansas Revised Uniform Partnership Act

The original Uniform Partnership Act (UPA) was promulgated in 1914 by the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws (NCCUSL). At its pinnacle, it was the law in every state except Louisiana. Kansas adopted the UPA in 1972. In 1992, in response to a recommendation from an American Bar Association subcommittee, the NCCUSL promulgated a revised version of the UPA. Although entitled Uniform Partnership Act, the revised act is almost universally referred to as the Revised Uniform Partnership Act (RUPA), and that terminology is used in this article. RUPA itself was revised in 1993 and again in 1994. IN 1996 the NCCUSL amended RUPA to integrate provisions governing limited liability partnerships (LLPs).
Multidimensional Incremental Parsing for Universal Source Coding

A multidimensional incremental parsing algorithm (MDIP) for multidimensional discrete sources, as a generalization of the Lempel-Ziv coding algorithm, is investigated. It consists of three essential component schemes, maximum decimation matching, hierarchical structure of multidimensional source coding, and dictionary augmentation. As a counterpart of the longest match search in the Lempel-Ziv algorithm, two classes of maximum decimation matching are studied. Also, an underlying behavior of the dictionary augmentation scheme for estimating the source statistics is examined. For an m-dimensional source, m augmentative patches are appended into the dictionary at each coding epoch, thus requiring the transmission of a substantial amount of information to the decoder. The property of the hierarchical structure of the source coding algorithm resolves this issue by successively incorporating lower dimensional coding procedures in the scheme. In regard to universal lossy source coders, we propose two distortion functions, the local average distortion and the local minimax distortion with a set of threshold levels for each source symbol. For performance evaluation, we implemented three image compression algorithms based upon the MDIP; one is lossless and the others are lossy. The lossless image compression algorithm does not perform better than the Lempel-Ziv-Welch coding, but experimentally shows efficiency in capturing the source structure. The two lossy image compression algorithms are implemented using the two distortion functions, respectively. The algorithm based on the local average distortion is efficient at minimizing the signal distortion, but the images by the one with the local minimax distortion have a good perceptual fidelity among other compression algorithms. Our insights inspire future research on feature extraction of multidimensional discrete sources.
Charged hadron spectra in PHENIX.

Abstract PHENIX has measured transverse momentum spectra of charged particles at mid-rapidity up to 10 GeV/c in Au+Au collisions at √s nn = 200 GeV. For central collisions, the yield at high p T is significantly suppressed comparing to binary scaled p+p data, and this suppression is stronger than observed at 130 GeV [1,2]. Above 4 GeV/c, the deficit of high momentum particles is almost independent of p T .
General transition probabilities for finite Markov chains

We consider a stationary discrete-time Markov chain with a finite number m of possible states which we designate by 1,…, m . We assume that at time t = 0 the process is in an initial state i with probability ( i = 1,…, m ) and such that and .
Time-lapse cinemicrographic analysis of superficial cell behavior during and prior to gastrulation in Xenopus laevis.

Time-lapse cinemicrography was used to show what changes in the number, size, shape, arrangement and what movements of apices of superficial cells occur during epiboly, extension, convergence and blastopore formation in the blastula or gastrula of Xenopus laevis. Epiboly of the animal region occurs by apical expansion of superficial cells at a nearly constant rate from the midblastula to the midgastrula stage. Egression of deep cells into the superficial layer does not occur. Extension of the dorsal marginal zone begins in the late blastula stage with the rapid spreading of the apices of cells in this region and this continues until the onset of neurulation when rapid shrinkage begins. Extension and convergence of the dorsal marginal zone occurs by a rearrangement in which individual cells exchange neighbors and by a change in the shape of the cell apices. Regional differences in apical expansion are accompanied by differences in rate of anticlinal division of superficial cells such that cells in all sectors of the animal region and the marginal zone show similar patterns of decrease in apparent apical area. Shrinkage of the apices of bottle cells during blastopore formation is described. From this and other studies, a model of the cellular behavior of epiboly, extension and convergence is constructed and several hypotheses as to how these activities might generate the mechanical forces of the gastrulation movements are presented.
Advances in adenoviral vectors for cancer gene therapy

Delineation of the molecular basis of cancer affords the possibility of specific intervention at the molecular level for therapeutic purposes. To this end, viral and non-viral vectors have been designed for delivery and expression of genes into target malignant and non-malignant cells. Gene transfer by available vectors, applied in both the ex vivo and in vivo contexts, has resulted frequently in the desired cellular phenotypical changes. In this regard, recombinant adenoviruses have been particularly efficient for in vivo gene transfer. Importantly, numerous human clinical protocols using adenoviruses have rapidly entered into Phase I clinical trials. However, major vector-related problems remain to be solved before the transfer of therapeutic genes by adenoviruses can become an effective and common place strategy for cancer treatment. An overriding obstacle is the basic ability to deliver therapeutic genes quantitatively, and specifically, into tumour cells. In addition, transgene expression in transduc...
Self-efficacy psychological well-being of wheelchair tennis participants and wheelchair nontennis participants

The importance of self-efficacy as a cognitive mediator of wheelchair mobile individuals’ psychological well-being was examined. Specifically assessed were competitive wheelchair tennis participants’ and wheelchair nontennis participants’ mood and self-efficacy toward performing tennis and general wheelchair mobility tasks. Wheelchair tennis participants exhibited an iceberg profile of positive well-being and were higher than the Profile of Mood States norm on vigor and lower than the norm on tension, anger, depression, fatigue, and confusion. Furthermore, wheelchair mobility self-efficacy significantly correlated with wheelchair tennis self-efficacy. More important, both self-efficacy measures correlated significantly with vigor for the wheelchair tennis participants and wheelchair mobility self-efficacy correlated significantly with each mood factor except depression for the wheelchair nontennis participants. It was concluded that wheelchair mobile individuals participating in tennis may be more confide...
Bourbon Intervention in the Peruvian Tobacco Industry, 1752–1813

During the second half of the eighteenth century the Spanish Crown monopolised the tobacco industry in its American colonies, creating vertically integrated organisations which included factories for the production of cigars and cigarettes. A detailed analysis of the regulations, organisation and policies applied during the Peruvian viceroyalty suggests that Bourbon officials were effective managers. The monopoly was successful at curbing contraband and extracting rents. The evolution of monopoly policies, however, reflected political constraints on the Crown's efforts to raise revenues. The archival evidence suggests that Bourbon officials closed the tobacco factories in Peru in 1791 as a result of public opposition.
Symptoms and Risk Factors Associated with First Urinary Tract Infection in College Age Women: A Prospective Cohort Study

Purpose: We identified epidemiological risk factors for the initial urinary tract infection in females of college age compared to age matched controls.Materials and Methods: We performed a prospective cohort study from July 2001 to January 2006 at the student health care facility at our institution. A total of 180 women experiencing a first urinary tract infection were compared to 80 asymptomatic women with no urinary tract infection history who served as controls. Urinalysis and urine culture were done at study enrollment. Questionnaires were used to obtain information on clinical symptoms and behaviors, including sexual and dietary practices, and alcohol consumption. Logistic regression was performed to identify potential risk factors in women who presented with an initial urinary tract infection compared with controls. Principal component analysis was then done to identify key sexual activity variables for multiple regression models.Results: Urinary frequency and urgency were the most common urinary tr...
Point-of-Care Coagulation Testing

Several technologies are used in point-of-care monitoring of anticoagulation in outpatient anticoagulation clinics, cardiac surgery units, intensive-care units, and dialysis units. Prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time are measured with standard coagulation systems; activated coagulation time is measured with a specially designed coagulometer, using whole blood specimens; and now some patients can measure their prothrombin time with self-obtained capillary blood samples, using instruments specifically designed for such applications. Quality control and quality assurance of point-of-care testing are particularly important because of the danger of adverse reaction to anticoagulation therapy.