cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Scream, cultura popular y el feminismo de la tercera ola : "Yo no soy mi madre"

This paper analyzes Wes Craven’s horror trilogy Scream; the trilogy, like all popular texts, is riddled with contradictions about women’s representation that beg a careful analysis based on an informed understanding of media culture and representation, of history, and of the issues that matter to young women today. My reading of the film draws up the connections between Third Wave feminism and popular culture in order to show how these films provide a rich opportunity to study the contradictions and possibilities of feminism in a postmodern age. The purpose here is not to mount an unconditional defense of popular culture, but to argue that women who care about the next generation of girls need to learn more about the popular texts they're drawn to. If a productive conversation is going to happen among women of all ages about the future of the feminist movement, it will have to take place on the terrain of popular culture where young women today are refashioning feminism toward their own ends.
Cepstral domain stress compensation for robust speech recogniton

Automtic speech recognition algorithms generally rely on the assumption that for the distance measure used, intraword variabilities are smaller than interword variabilities so that appropriate separation in the measurement space is possible. As evidenced by degradation of recognition perforrmnce, the validity of such an assumption decreases from simple tasks to complex tasks, from cooperative talkers to casual talkers, and from laboratory talking environments to practical talking environments. This paper presents a study of talker- stress-induced intraword variability, and an algorithm that commpensates for the systematic changes observed. The study is based on Hidden Markov Models trained by speech tokens in various talking styles. The talking styles include normal speech, fast speech, loud speech, soft speech, and talking with noise injected through earphones; the styles are designed to simulate speech produced under real stressful conditions. Cepstral coefficients are used as the parameters in the Hidden Markov Models. The stress compensation algorithm compensates for the variations in the cepstral coefficients in a hypothesis-driven manner. The functional form of the compensation is shown to correspond to the equalization of spectral tilts. Preliminary experiments indicate that a substantial reduction in recognition error rate can be achieved with relatively little increase in computation and storage requirements.
Medicare and the Private Sector

So long as Medicare manages to pay its bills, the program may seem to be working. But just under the surface, Medicare is badly in disarray. The program faces dramatic long-term financing problems that threaten to create untenable payroll tax burdens for workers or draconian benefit reductions for retirees. The program's benefit structure includes broad gaps that leave the elderly unprotected from high medical expenses and resulting financial ruin. Yet payroll taxes are already too high, reducing employment and economic growth. To counter the program's rapidly rising costs, new regulatory burdens have been imposed on Medicare-financed services. But these burdens are producing a decline in the quality of care for the elderly, and threaten to deprive doctors of professional freedoms and authority central to the American medical system. Consequently fundamental reform of Medicare seems long overdue. Congress adopted Medicare in 1965 as part of the Great Society reforms, and the program became effective on July 1, 1966. l As enacted, Medicare provided coverage for hospital and medical care primarily for persons aged 65 and over who received Social Security retirement benefits.2 In 1973, Congress expanded the program to provide full Medicare benefits to those under 65 receiving disability benefits for at least two years.3 In 1982, federal employees were required to participate in the program, and in 1983 employees of nonprofit organizations were required to participate as well.4 In 1983, to counter rapidly rising Medicare costs, Congress adopted the Prospective Payment System (PPS) to pay doctors and hospitals under the program,5 as discussed below. Otherwise, the structure and coverage of the program has remained fundamentally the same since its adoption.
The Resilience of Deficit Thinking

Deficit thinking, which situates school failure in the minds, bodies, communities and culture of students, dominates schooling practices in the US and Canada. From this perspective, the remedy to school failure is to “fix” students, their families, culture or language. Critics of deficit thinking point to systemic factors, especially diminished opportunities to learn, to explain high levels of school failure among poor students and students of color. Decades of fierce critique have failed to diminish the appeal of deficit thinking. This paper considers the resistance of deficit thinking to critique by examining the appeal of Ruby Payne’s Culture of Poverty, a particularly egregious instantiation of deficit thinking that pathologizes the language and culture of people living in poverty. The paper then turns to more recent work by the author to counter deficit thinking by showing what happens when students in high-poverty schools are challenged by the kind of thoughtful, engaging, high-expectation curricula common in affluent, high-achieving schools and classrooms.
On publication rates in earthquake engineering

It is shown that publication rates of earthquake engineering professors are essentially the same as the average publication rates of a sample of 443 science (59%) and engineering (41%) professors in the United States. This work was motivated by an observation that, in 2004, of 212 of the ‘world’s most cited and influential researchers’ in the category of engineering, HighlyCited.com included no earthquake engineering faculty. Our results suggest that this outcome is not caused by the publication rates in earthquake engineering. q 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Approximation of exponential functions of random variables by statistical linearization

The approximation of a nonlinear function of a random variable by a linear function is considered. An exponential function, which arises in problems such as random sampling and random parameter linear systems, is treated in detail. The values of the two parameters which define the linear function are given for various approximation criteria. The results are then applied to the Gaussian random variable case, with explicit results and numerical comparisons.
Saturation Effects in the Sensitized Fluorescence of Ca F 2 (Ce, Mn)

The visible fluorescence of ${\mathrm{Ce}}^{3+}$ and ${\mathrm{Mn}}^{2+}$ impurities in crystals of Ca${\mathrm{F}}_{2}$ has been investigated under conditions of intense uv irradiation. A change in the fluorescent quantum efficiencies for both impurities is observed at high intensities. In particular, the resonant energy transfer from a ${\mathrm{Ce}}^{3+}$ sensitizer to a neighboring ${\mathrm{Mn}}^{2+}$ begins to saturate. A simple model is postulated to explain this effect. From this model an estimate can be made of the number of sensitizable sites surrounding the ${\mathrm{Ce}}^{3+}$. The rather large numbers obtained, about 150, may be due to some pairing of the ${\mathrm{Ce}}^{3+}$ and ${\mathrm{Mn}}^{2+}$ ions.
A Novel Heterooctametallic Metallacarborane Tetramer

The synthesis and X-ray crystal structure determination of [(2,3-Et 2 C 2 B 4 H 4 )Co(2,3-Et 2 C 2 B 3 H 3 -5-Bu)Ru] 4 ( 3 ) are reported. Complex 3 was obtained serendipitously in low yield from a reaction of [(η 4 -C 8 H 12 )Ru(MeCN) 4 ][PF 6 ] 2 with the (Et 2 C 2 B 4 H 4 )Co(Et 2 C 2 B 3 H 3 Bu) 2- anion in THF solution at room temperature. The molecular geometry of 3 , isolated as a yellow-orange crystalline solid, is without precedent in boron cluster chemistry and consists of an array of four (Et 2 C 2 B 4 H 4 )Co(Et 2 C 2 B 3 H 3 Bu)Ru units linked via intercluster Ru-B covalent bonds. Each cluster moiety contains a double-decker (C 2 B 4 )Co(C 2 B 3 ) sandwich with an exo-polyhedral ruthenium atom occupying a "wedging" position in which it is bound to the C 2 B 3 and the C 2 B 4 ligands as well as to a neighboring sandwich unit.
Immobilization-related hypercalcemia after renal failure in burn injury.

ABSTRACT Objective To describe a patient with hypercalcemia presumably due to immobilization in the setting of burn injury and acute renal failure. Methods We present a case report of a man who sustained a severe burn injury and then had renal failure and hypercalcemia. An additional series of patients with burns and immobilization was assessed for the presence of hypercalcemia. Results In a 43-year-old man with burns on 65% of his body surface area, acute renal failure developed. Renal function failed to return, and he continued to require hemodialysis. Because of the severity and extensiveness of his burns, he remained immobilized. Serum calcium levels were low during the early part of the hospitaliza-tion. On the 57th day, generalized tonic-clonic seizures developed, and he was found to have a high ionized calcium level (1.41 mmol/L). Low values were recorded for intact parathyroid hormone (2 pg/mL), 25-hydroxyvitamin D (5 ng/mL), and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (4 pg/mL). Persistent and recurrent hypercalcemia eventually responded to pamidronate and calcitonin. Other than immobilization, we could identify no predisposing factors such as confounding illnesses or medications that could have caused the hypercalcemia. A review of serum ionized calcium levels in 50 consecutive patients admitted to a burn unit and immobilized for at least 20 days failed to reveal any episodes of persistent hypercalcemia. Conclusion In our patient with burns and renal failure, symptomatic hypercalcemia was most likely attributable to prolonged immobilization. As patients with catastrophic illnesses survive for longer periods, additional problems such as hypercalcemia from immobilization may occur. (Endocr Pract. 2002;8:213-216)
Replica Exchange Umbrella Sampling Simulations Provide Insight into the Role of Docosahexaenoic Acid in Modulating the Stability of Transmembrane Proteins

Polyunsaturated fatty acids are known to dramatically change the structural and dynamic properties of membrane bilayers, and to modulate the properties of membrane proteins, most notably the GPCR Rhodopsin that resides in rod outer cell membranes greatly enriched in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). We previously showed that DHA exhibits unique lipid-protein interactions with Rhodopsin and hypothesized that increased DHA-Rhodopsin contacts come at the expense of helix-helix interactions in the protein. This model explains the experimentally observed lowering of Rhodopsin's unfolding temperature with increasing polyunsaturation and suggests a novel mechanism by which DHA lowers the energy of activation to the light adapted state by destabilizing the ground state. To further test this idea we have constructed MD simulations of model transmembrane helices in lipid bilayers composed of saturated dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) and of polyunsaturated 1-palmitoyl-2-docosahexaenoylphosphatidylcholine (PDPC), lipids chosen based on their essentially identical hydrophobic thickness. For each lipid we have computed the potential of mean force as a function of helix-helix distance. To address the substantial sampling challenges posed by slow relaxation of peptide and lipid conformations we employed replica exchange umbrella sampling after generating independent lipid starting configurations for each window. Using thermodynamic integration, with mean forces averaged over greater than one microsecond of simulation, we found a significant difference for the dimerization energy of the two lipids. The helix-helix association energy is greatly diminished in the DHA containing membrane, consistent with our stated hypothesis. By decomposing the mean force into contributions from helix-helix and membrane-helix interactions we found that DHA disrupts attractive interactions between the helices. These results highlight the importance of the lipid bilayer, and in particular short-range direct lipid-protein interactions, in modulating the structure and function of membrane proteins.
A probabilistic model for the granular layer of frog cerebellar cortex.

Abstract If synaptic connectivity among neurons of a network is probabilistic, physiological input-output relations may vary over the ensemble of realizations of the network. To relate models of single neurons and of neuronal interactions to the global performance of the network two complementary approaches may be used. Simulation of individual realizations of the network shows features to be expected in physiological preparations but does not indicate the variability or frequency of occurrence of the features. Statistical calculation of ensemble-averaged characteristics of the network reveals the predominant features of its performance but may conceal significant differences among realizations. In this paper we examine by statistical methods a model for the granular layer of frog cerebellar cortex. In the model the connectivity of mossy fibers to granule cells is probabilistic. This study complements a recent exploration of the performance of individual realizations of the model. Comparison of calculations from the model with results from stereology show that a granule cell only synapses with a small fraction of the mossy fiber arborizations intersecting its dendritic domain. Consequently, granule cells at corresponding positions in different realizations may show a wide range of responses to a given mossy fiber input. In most granular layers a cluster of active mossy fibers (beam input) excites the majority of granule cells in a focal region beyond the threshold. The significance of a beam input lies in the reliable production of a focus of active granule cells in spite of variations in excitation of individual granule cells. By contrast, although weak and diffuse mossy fiber inputs produce active foci in some realizations, the number and spatial distribution of these foci may vary considerably over the ensemble.
Respiratory Complications of Cardiac Transplantation

ABSTRACT The authors evaluated all respiratory complications of cardiac transplantation in a 10-year study of 94 consecutive recipients. Mean follow-up time was 20 ± 17 months. The initial 20 patients were treated with azathioprine and prednisone, while the subsequent 74 patients received cyclosporine and prednisone. In the azathioprine group, respiratory infections accounted for 24 of 60 (40%) infections. Two-thirds of the respiratory infections occurred in the first 3 postoperative months and were generally localized processes (focal pneumonitis, nodule(s), abscess, or empyema). Gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria (8/30) and aspergillus (8/30) were the predominant pathogens. Respiratory failure occurred in 29% of infectious episodes. In the cyclosporine group, there were significantly fewer respiratory infections. There was also a reduction in the number of nonrespiratory infections; hence, the percentage of total infections due to respiratory causes, 26 of 50 (52%), was not significantly different. In contrast, however, nearly two-thirds of the respiratory infections in cyclosporine-treated patients occurred after the first 3 postoperative months, and were usually diffuse processes. Despite diffuse disease, respiratory failure was observed with similar frequency (19%). Pneumocystis carinii (9/31) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) (7/31) were the predominant pathogens. CMV pneumonitis tended to mo vs. 9.8 ± 11.2 mo, respectively), but there was considerable overlap. In comparison with infectious processes, there were 50% fewer noninfectious respiratory complications in both groups. These were primarily pleural (46%) or thromboembolic (18%) disorders. Four of five pulmonary emboli occurred in patients with intercurrent cardiorespiratory illness, and were detected only at autopsy. The authors conclude that respiratory infections account for one-half of all infections observed in cardiac transplant recipients, despite the reduced infection rate associated with the use of cyclosporine. Furthermore, respiratory infections in cyclosporine- treated patients exhibit different clinical and etiologic features than those seen in azathioprine-treated patients. Finally, occult thromboemboli may be difficult to recognize in cardiac transplant recipients because of the high incidence of coexisting cardiorespiratory disease.
A modified tissue forceps for use during umbilical laparoscopic entry and closure

Abstract A modification of the common tissue or thumb forceps facilitates initial transumbilical entry into the peritoneal cavity at the start of a laparoscopic procedure and at closure of that umbilical port. The modification consists of placement of teeth on the outside and inside of the forceps jaws. The instrument can be used to hold tissue and also as a spring retractor to hold open the umbilical crater. It is not now commercially available, but surgeons can obtain them from individual instrument makers.
Role of microRNAs in the Regulation of Breast Cancer Stem Cells

There is increasing evidence that many human cancers, including breast cancer, are driven and maintained by cancer stem cells (CSCs) which mediate tumor metastasis and contribute to treatment resistance and relapse. Our group was the first to describe “breast cancer stem cells” (BCSCs) characterized by expression of the cell surface markers ESA and CD44 and the absence of expression of the marker CD24. More recently, we have demonstrated that breast cancer cells contain subpopulations with stem cell properties that can be isolated by virtue of their expression of Aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) as assessed by the Aldefluor assay. Interestingly, these markers identify overlapping, but not identical cell populations. Recent studies have suggested similarities between cancer stem cells and the epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) state. Our studies suggest that both normal and malignant breast stem cells exist in distinct, inter-convertible states (EMT and MET), the inter-conversion of which is regulated by microRNAs. EMT-like CSCs have a mesenchymal morphology, are largely quiescent, invasive and characterized by expression of the CSC markers CD24-CD44+ and are EpCAM-CD49f+. In contrast, the MET (mesenchymal epithelial transition) state of CSCs is characterized by active self-renewal and expression of the CSC markers ALDH and EpCAM+CD49f+. A subpopulation of cells expressing both CD24-CD44+ and ALDH may represent cells in transition between these states. This transition is regulated by signals originating in the microenvironment which in turn modulate microRNA networks in the CSC populations. The existence of multiple stem cell states suggests the necessity of developing therapeutic strategies capable of effectively targeting CSCs in all of these states. In addition, since CSC states are regulated by miRNAs, these small non-coding RNAs may be useful therapeutic agents to target CSCs.
Kinetic studies of a composite thermoset cure reaction—application in pultrusion simulations

A mechanistic kinetic model based on the concept of free radical polymerization and corrected for diffusion controlled reactions was used to describe the curing behavior of an unsaturated polyester resin. Kinetic parameters for the model were obtained from dynamic differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) scans using a multiple regression technique. The presence of kaolinite or fiber glass in the system does not affect the progression of the reaction. The results obtained from the kinetic studies were used to simulate the influence of system composition on temperature and conversion profiles inside a pultrusion die. The results of the simulations show that kaolinite and fiber glass act as heat sinks for the composite system reducing the peak exotherm and delaying curing progression.
Degradation and conjugation of Cecropia juvenile hormone by the southern armyworm (Prodenia eridania)

Abstract 1. 1. The degradation of Cecropia juvenile hormone by prodenia eridania occurs via two major pathways. 2. 2. Ester hydrolysis can either precede or succeed epoxide cleavage. 3. 3. The responsible esterase and epoxide hydrase are found in a number of tissues. 4. 4. The final degradative products is an acid-diol that is conjugated and excreted as the sulphate.
The coalition technical assistance and training framework: helping community coalitions help themselves.

Coalition staff, leaders, and members need training to promote coalition building and maintenance as well as ongoing technical assistance. The Coalition Technical Assistance and Training Framework uses a 6-step process to diagnose coalition strengths and challenges and provide a prescription for action. Re-evaluation after a specified time period helps determine whether a coalition adopted recommended changes in coalition participants, structures, and/or processes and progressed through stages of development. This empowerment approach helps coalition staff and members help themselves to be more effective and efficient. The framework was piloted with the Virginia Healthy Start Initiative from November 1997 to June 2001. Seven perinatal councils that focused on preventing low-weight births and infant mortality adopted 75% of the recommended actions within 1 year. Results from a pre and post-assessment tool after 3 years showed significant progress in the coalitions’ ability to develop effective participants...
One-dimensional field theories with odd-power self-interactions

Classical solutions to nonlinear field theories are considered as model particles. Two fields are examined here, the lambdaphi/sup 3/ field and a generalization of the sine-Gordon system. Each of these fields is in one space dimension and quantization is accomplished using the WKB method. Static solutions to the lambdaphi/sup 3/ field are shown to represent objects with an internal structure resembling a dumbbell. The quantum mass of these objects is computed in the weak-coupling limit and an approximate expression for the classical force between two of these objects is obtained. This force seems to be attractive and constant at large separations. In the case of the generalized sine-Gordon field it is shown that classical solutions to the field equation may be obtained by a transformation from known solutions to the sine-Gordon equation. The behavior of this field is therefore similar to that of the sine-Gordon field.
A trust-leadership model

A model of trust-leadership is described that was used to grow a manufacturing company from 16 total employees to over 500 in eight years. The model uses trust as the base along with four other components that all reinforce trust. The authors believe the model is simple and straightforward and applicable in any Western culture.
A comparison of the effects of cinnarizine and related compounds on [3H]nitrendipine binding in the brain, heart and ileum

Abstract The influence of cinnarizine, flunarizine and lidoflazine on [3H]nitrendipine binding in the cerebral cortex, heart and longitudinal muscle of the ileum was investigated. When assays were run in Ca++ free Tris/HCl buffer on extensively washed tissue homogenates, cinnarizine, flunarizine and lidoflazine were approximately equipotent inhibitors of [3H]nitrendinpine binding in the heart and cerebral cortex. with Ki values of approximately 10−6 M. In contrast, the compounds were 4 to 100 times more potent in the ileum with the rank order of potency being: lidoflazine> flunarizine>cinnarizine. The same rank order of potency was observed in the ileum when assays were run in the presence of 1 mM Ca++, although all three drugs were somewhat less potent. Similarly, Ca++ inhibited the binding of the cinnarizine-like drugs in the cerebral cortex and heart as well, with all drugs being less potent than that observed in the ileum under similar assay conditions.
Failure Profile Analysis of Complex Repairable Systems With Multiple Failure Modes

The relative failure frequency among different failure modes of a production system is referred to as failure profile in this paper. Identification of failure profile based on failure-time data collected in the production phase of a system can help pinpoint the bottleneck problems, and provide valuable information for system design evaluation and maintenance management. Major challenges of effective failure profile identification come from time-varying and limited failure-time data. In this paper, the failure profile is estimated by using the maximum likelihood method. In addition, statistical hypothesis testing procedures are proposed to inspect the existence of a dominating failure mode, and possible changes of failure profiles during a production period. The developed methods are illustrated with an automation system of a high throughput screening (HTS) process, and a production process for cylinder heads.
Nucleation and growth mechanism for flame synthesis of MoO2 hollow microchannels with nanometer wall thickness.

Abstract The growth and morphological evolution of molybdenum-oxide microstructures formed in the high temperature environment of a counter-flow oxy-fuel flame using molybdenum probes is studied. Experiments conducted using various probe retention times show the sequence of the morphological changes. The morphological row begins with micron size objects exhibiting polygonal cubic shape, develops into elongated channels, changes to large structures with leaf-like shape, and ends in dendritic structures. Time of probe–flame interaction is found to be a governing parameter controlling the wide variety of morphological patterns; a molecular level growth mechanism is attributed to their development. This study reveals that the structures are grown in several consecutive stages: material “evaporation and transportation”, “transformation”, “nucleation”, “initial growth”, “intermediate growth”, and “final growth”. XRD analysis shows that the chemical compositions of all structures correspond to MoO2.
In situ determination of elastic stiffness constants of thick composites

We summarize in this paper some of the challenges of making ultrasonic measurements in thick composites and, in particular, in determining non-destructively the matrix of elastic constants of such materials. The procedure relies on the point-source/point-receiver measurement technique by which various wave modes are simultaneously generated over a broad angular spectrum in a test specimen. A procedure is described for analyzing the measured wavespeeds to determine the elastic symmetry of a composite test specimen and its matrix of elastic moduli.
The Interactive Effects of Touch and Touch Avoidance on Interpersonal Evaluations

The importance and complexity of tactile communication in a variety of interpersonal contexts is underscored in the nonverbal communication literature. However, whether touch produces positive or negative effects on interpersonal relationships may depend upon the coactants’ levels of touch avoidance. The present experimental study examined the interactive effects of touch and touch avoidance on interpersonal attraction and perceived homophily. The results of a MANOVA and follow‐up univariate tests demonstrated that interpersonal attraction and perceived homophily are dependent, in part, on the receiver's level of touch avoidance. Touch avoiders rated confederates who touched them lower in attraction and homophily than did touch approachers who were touched. A gender of confederate effect was also observed. These findings are consistent with the extant literature.
On overtaking optimal tracking for linear systems

Optimal tracking problems involving a time-varying linear plant and infinite-horizon quadratic performance index are considered. In general, such problems yield an unbounded performance index for every control and thus must be interpreted as so-called overtaking optimal control problems. A completing-the-square argument is used to derive the overtaking optimal control for a general problem formulation, and various properties are discussed.
SU‐E‐T‐547: Rotating Shield Brachytherapy (RSBT) for Cervical Cancer

Purpose: To assess rotating shield brachytherapy (RSBT) delivered with the electronic brachytherapy (eBT) source comparing to intracavitary (IC) and intracavitary plus supplemental interstitial brachytherapy (IC+IS BT) delivered with conventional isotoperadiationsource. Method and Materials: IC, IC+IS and RSBT plan was simulated for 5 patients with advanced cervical cancer (>40cc). One BT plan for each patient (fraction 1) guided by magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) was used in our treatment planning system (TPS). A bio‐ and MRI‐compatible polycarbonate (Makrolon Rx3158) intrauterine applicator was simulated for IC and RSBT, and the vienna applicator was simulated for IC+IS BT. 192Ir was used as the radiationsource of IC and IC+IS BT; Xoft AxxentTM eBT source was used for RSBT. A 0.5 mm thick tungsten shield was used for RS‐BT with different azimuthal and zenith angles. The total dose for each plan was escalated as the external beam radiation therapy(EBRT) plus BT times fraction number (5 in our case). Results: RSBT and IC+IS BT had higher dose conformity in terms of D90 than IC BT for all the patients. The advantage of RSBT over IC+IS BT was dependent on the shield emission angle, tumor shape and tandem applicator location. The delivery time of RSBT was increased as finer emission angle was selected. Conclusions:RSBT is a less‐invasive potential alternative to conventional IC and IC+IS BT for treating bulky (>40cc) cervical cancer. RSBT can provide better treatment outcome with clinically acceptable increased delivery time if proper emission angle is selected based on the tumor shape and tandem applicator location. supported in part by NSF grants CCF‐0830402 and CCF‐0844765; and the NIH grant K25‐CA123112, and American Cancer Society seed grant (IRG‐77‐004‐31).
Theories of multiple equilibria and weather regimes : A critical reexamination. II - Baroclinic two-layer models

Previous results based on low- and intermediate-order truncations of the two-layer model suggest the existence of multiple equilibria and/or multiple weather regimes for the extratropical large-scale flow. The importance of the transient waves in the synoptic scales in organizing the large-scale flow and in the maintenance of weather regimes was emphasized. The result shows that multiple equilibria/weather regimes that are present in lower-order models examined disappear when a sufficient number of modes are kept in the spectral expansion of the solution to the governing partial differential equations. Much of the chaotic behavior of the large-scale flow that is present in intermediate-order models is now found to be spurious. Physical reasons for the drastic modification are offered. A peculiarity in the formulation of most existing two-layer models is noted that also tends to exaggerate the importance of baroclinic processes and increase the degree of unpredictability of the large-scale flow.
Neural Aspects of Inhibition Following Emotional Primes in Depressed Adolescents

Adults diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) have been found to be characterized by selective attention to negative material and by impairments in their ability to disengage from, or inhibit the processing of, negative stimuli. Altered functioning in the frontal executive control network has been posited to underlie these deficits in cognitive functioning. We know little, however, about the neural underpinnings of inhibitory difficulties in depressed adolescents. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging in 18 adolescents diagnosed with MDD and 15 age- and gender-matched healthy controls (CTLs) while they performed a modified affective Go=No-Go task that was designed to measure inhibitory control in the presence of an emotional distractor. Participants were presented with either a happy or a sad face, followed by a go or a no-go target to which they either made or inhibited a motor response. A group (MDD, CTL) by valence (happy, sad) by condition (go, no-go) analysis of variance indicated that MDD adolescents showed attenuated BOLD response in the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and in the occipital cortex bilaterally, to no-go targets that followed a sad, but not a happy, face. Adolescents diagnosed with MDD showed anomalous recruitment of prefrontal control regions during inhibition trials, suggesting depression-associated disruption in neural underpinnings of the inhibition of emotional distractors. Given that the DLPFC is associated with the maintenance of goal-relevant information, it is likely that sad faces differentially capture attention in adolescents with MDD and interfere with task demands requiring inhibition.
A long-range air pollution transport model for eastern north America—II. Nitrogen oxides

Abstract A simple, five-species algorithm to model the chemistry of oxides of nitrogen during long-range transport has been developed and used in the Eastern North America Model of Air Pollution (ENAMAP). The algorithm models the reactions and the physical depositions of NO and NO 2 as the primary pollutants, HNO 3 and particulate nitrate as the reaction products, and peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN). PAN is utilized as a temporary reservoir for NO x , reacting during the day to form HNO 3 , nitrate, and itself, then decomposing back to NO 2 at night. The NO and NO 2 are kept at equilibrium, and the NO 2 reacts to form PAN, HNO 3 , and nitrate. The reaction rates and NO: NO 2 equilibrium constant vary diurnally. The model has been run for the months of January and August 1977, and has produced NO 2 concentration patterns that have characteristics consistent with the limited existing measurements of atmospheric nitrogen compounds.
Baylisascaris procyonis in raccoons in Texas and its relationship to habitat characteristics.

Raccoons (n=590) were collected from October 1999 to August 2003 from 35 counties across Texas, USA, and gastrointestinal tracts were examined for Baylisascaris procyonis. We documented B. procyonis in central and eastern Texas. Baylisascaris procyonis occurred in 5.4% raccoons in Texas with an overall mean abundance and mean intensity of 0.4±0.1 and 7.4±2.3, respectively. Prevalence was higher in central Texas ecoregions and on clayey soil texture than other regions or soil textures of Texas. Mean parasite abundance was highest in the Postoak Savanna ecoregion located in central Texas. Our findings expanded the range of B. procyonis in Texas and confirmed that areas of Texas with clayey soil texture are more vulnerable to B. procyonis transmission. This study gives a better understanding of where B. procyonis may occur in Texas and which environmental characteristics are better suited for B. procyonis occurrence and transmission, especially in areas where likelihood of frequent human contact with raccoon...
Patient-Controlled Conditioning for Left Ventricular Assist Device–Induced Myocardial Recovery

Although medical protocols exist to promote reverse remodeling in left ventricular assist device–supported patients, there are scant data about device management in these patients. We report the use of a Jarvik 2000 left ventricular assist device (Jarvik Heart Inc, New York, NY) to facilitate myocardial recovery leading to device explantation using a sequential, patient-controlled approach. Sequential conditioning of the left ventricular assist device–supported heart is a promising strategy for bridging patients to recovery and pump removal.
Observations of solar gamma ray continuum between 360 keV and 7 MeV on August 4, 1972

Measurements were made of the time-averaged gamma ray energy loss spectrum in the energy range 360 keV to 7 MeV by the gamma ray detector on the OSO-7 satellite during the 3B flare on August 4, 1972. The differential photon spectrum unfolded from this spectrum after subtracting the background spectrum and contributions from gamma ray lines is best described by a power law with spectral index of 3.4±0.3 between 360–700 keV and by an exponential law of the form exp (-E/E 0) with E 0 = 1.0±0.1 MeV above 700 keV. It is suggested that this spectrum is due to nonthermal electron bremsstrahlung from a population of electrons, with a strong break in the spectrum at 2 MeV. Since the observational data indicates that the matter number density must be n H ⩾ 5 × 1010 cm-3 in the production region, the number of electrons above 100 keV required to explain the results is ⩽2 × 1034.
On the structure of the Phytophthora α1 mating hormone : synthesis and comparison of four candidate stereoisomers

Two two-compound mixtures of candidate structures for the Phytophthora α1 mating hormone have been synthesized. The mixtures were designed to have differing configurations at C3, but proved to be identical. This suggests that epimerization occurred at C3, and comparison with the data for the natural samples suggest that this is also a mixture of isomers.
Hadronic screening lengtiis and quark number susceptibility from lattice QCD

Abstract Techniques for dealing with dynamical fermions have advanced to the stage where one can do finite temperature simulations on reasonably sized lattices. To learn more about the nature of the quark-gluon plasma, we have measured hadronic screening lengths and the response of the quark number density to an infinitesimal chemical potential. We find a signal consistent with a plasma of light quarks.
Change of morphology of a liquid—liquid dispersion as a stochastic process

Abstract We report a new phenomenon: that the morphology of an unstabilized liquid—liquid dispersion is predicted by a statistical law rather than by a causal law. For any given volume ratio of the two liquids, only a probability of obtaining one type of dispersion rather than the other can be determined. The inversion point is defined as the volume ratio, all other variables being constant, at which the probabilities of obtaining the two morphological types of dispersion are equal. For a given set of conditions the probability of obtaining a certain morphology, as determined statistically, is a smooth continuous function of the composition, conforming to a symmetrical distribution of probabilities on either side of the inversion point. These effects are demonstrated with a system of three liquid components in which a miscibility gap occurs between two liquid phases. The inversion point manifests a continuous trend toward a 50:50 volume ratio as the two conjugate solutions of the system approach identity of physical properties at their temperature-invariant point. An application of statistical mechanics, in which the degree of mechanical agitation assumes the role of temperature, provides a theory that is confirmed by its agreement with the observed facts.
Application of the Rietveld method to assess chromium(VI) speciation in chromite ore processing residue.

Abstract The Rietveld method allows the quantification of crystalline phases and amorphous material identified by X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) and other diffraction methods. The method assists in determining the speciation of contaminants in solid matrices both qualitatively and quantitatively in a statistically defensible approach, as it does not focus on a microscale. Rietveld was applied to chromite ore processing residue (COPR), a cementitious waste containing hexavalent chromium. Calcium aluminum chromium oxide hydrates (CACs) were the crystalline phases identified by XRPD that bind Cr 6+ in COPR according to their chemical formula. Rietveld quantification, combined with mass balances on Cr 6+ , showed that CACs may bind Cr 6+ in variable percentages, ranging from 25% to 85%. Analysis of duplicate samples showed that material variability is the predominant factor of uncertainty in evaluating the role of CACs in Cr 6+ speciation, provided that a consistent quantification strategy is pursued. The choice of strategy was performed on the basis of the pertinent literature, preliminary analyses of the equipment and the software settings, and mass balances. The correlation between the average CAC-bound Cr 6+ concentration and the total Cr 6+ for five samples ( R 2 = 0.94), extracted from different zones and soil borings, suggests that CACs are a primary sink for Cr 6+ in COPR.
Machine Vision Condition Monitoring of Railcar Structural Underframe Components

Monitoring the structural health of rolling stock is critical to ensuring safe and efficient railroad operation. The structural integrity of freight cars depends on the health of certain structural components within their underframes. These structural components serve two principal functions: supporting the car body and lading, and transmitting longitudinal buff and draft forces. Although railcars are engineered to withstand large static, dynamic and cyclical loads, various structural defects can still develop within their underframes. As a result, both the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations and individual railroad mechanical department practices require periodic inspection of railcars to detect structural damage and defects. These inspections are conducted manually and rely heavily on the acuity, knowledge and endurance of qualified inspection personnel. Enhancements are possible through machine-vision technology, which uses computer algorithms to convert digital image data into useful information. This paper describes research investigating the feasibility of an automated inspection system capable of detecting structural defects in freight car underframes and presents an inspection approach using machine-vision techniques, including multi-scale image segmentation. Using field data from a preliminary image acquisition system, algorithms were developed to analyze images of railcar underframes and assess the condition of certain structural components. This technology, in conjunction with additional preventive maintenance systems, has the potential to provide more objective information on railcar condition, improve utilization of railcar inspection and repair resources, increase train and employee safety, and improve overall railroad network efficiency.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
CONSTRUCT VALIDITY OF THE SAT ACROSS POPULATIONS—AN EMPIRICAL CONFIRMATORY STUDY

An analysis of covariance structural factor model was posed that allowed for tests of invariance across populations of (1) similarity of the factor pattern, (2) equivalence of units of measurement, (3) standard errors of measurement of each factor, (A) reliability of each factor and (5) a factor mean structure. The analysis of the SAT-V and the SAT-M indicated support for the hypothesis that the respective factors for SAT-V and M were measuring the same things across populations in the same units with equivalent accuracy as measured by the standard error of measurement. The factor analysis of item type classifications indicated that little useful information would be obtained if the scores were reported by item type. This is particularly true for the SAT-M. The verbal item type analysis did suggest the possibility that the analogy scores be reported separately and the remaining item types be combined in a single reading-vocabulary score.
O(1D)/N2O branching ratio at 290 K

Abstract The branching ratio k1a/k1b for has been measured. O(1D) was produced from N2O photolysis at 184.9 nm. The photolyses were carried out at [N2O] = 9.6 × 1017 to 4.3 × 1018 ml−1 and [He] = 0 or 2.1 × 1019 to 2.4 × 1019 ml−1. The product N2 was determined by gas chromatography; NO and its oxidation product NO2 were each determined with a chemiluminescence analyzer. The measurements yield R0 = 0.73 ± 0.11 and RHe = 0.92 ± 0.10 for “hot” and for thermally modified (with He) O(1D), respectively. These error limits pertain to accuracy. Exclusion of systematic errors common to both sets of experiments leads to R0/RHe = 0.80 ± 0.10, indicative of a definite effect of the O(1D) kinetic energy on the branching ratio. Analysis of these and previous data suggests good agreement within realistic error limits.
The potentials for spatial audio to convey information in virtual environments

Digital sounds can be processed such that auditory cues are created that convey spatial location within a virtual auditory environment (VAE). Only in recent years has technology advanced such that au- dio can be processed in real-time as a user navigates an environ- ment. We must first consider the perceptual challenges faced by 3D sound rendering, before we can realize its full potential. Now more than ever before, large quantities of data are created and collected at an increasing rate. Research in human perception has demonstrated that humans are capable of differentiating among many sounds. One potential application is to create an auditory virtual world in which data is represented as various sounds. Such a representation could aid data analysts in detecting patterns in data, decreasing cog- nitive load, and performing their jobs faster. Although this is one application, the full extent of the manner in which 3D sounds can be used to augment virtual environments has yet to be discovered.
Neuromorphic Bayesian Surprise for Far-Range Event Detection

In this paper we address the problem of detecting small, rare events in very high resolution, far-field video streams. Rather than learning color distributions for individual pixels, our method utilizes a uniquely structured network of Bayesian learning units which compute a combined measure of "surprise" across multiple spatial and temporal scales on various visual features. The features used, as well as the learning rules for these units are derived from recent work in computational neuroscience. We test the system extensively on both real and virtual data, and show that it out-performs a standard foreground/background segmentation approach as well as a standard visual saliency algorithm.
Problems and resolutions to future knowledge‐based assets reporting

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a measurement system of knowledge‐based assets for graduate students, researchers and practitioners which can help them enhance their understanding of valuation issues. Design/methodology/approach – Three types of validity are reported to be relevant for the purposes of understanding knowledge‐based assets information systems: criterion validity – establishment of a statistical relationship with a knowledge‐based information system and productivity; content validity – representation of a specified universe of contents in the knowledge‐based information system; construct validity – measurement of knowledge. Findings – A framework is provided that helps explain why measurement is important in deciding characteristics such as information value, cost, reliability, validity, and bias (random and non‐random error) which is germane to the development of an efficient and effective knowledge‐based assets information system. Practical implications – The paper is a very useful source of information for graduate students, researchers and practitioners involved with testing, designing, valuing and/or implementing a knowledge‐based information system. Originality/value – A measurement model is presented that may spark future models that can be implemented, tested and translated into actions in various organizational settings.
SPOTTED OWL PROTECTION, BOOMING HOUSING MARKET, AND LOG PRICE CHANGES IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST

. In this paper we assess the impacts of the federal policy shifts and the booming housing market on log price changes in the Pacific Northwest. Our intervention analysis and causality test indicate that both factors have affected the log market dynamics. Our further estimation shows that at least 71% of the log price movements might have been caused by the policy shifts induced by the spotted owl debate, with the remaining caused by lumber price changes driven by the booming housing market. We also discuss the implications of our results for understanding policy decision and market behavior.
Thermal stresses in thin beams

Abstract A method is proposed for the exact solution of certain two-dimensional thermoelastic problems by the use of doubly infinite Fourier series. The method possesses computational advantages in many practical types of temperature distribution. Illustrative examples are given comparing the present method with an existing solution.