cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sample size and dimensionality in multivariate classification: implications of body surface potential mapping

This paper presents empirically determined guidelines for specifying the number of features appropriate for multivariate classification studies for given sample sizes. Sample size was considered adequate if the mean distance between two sample sets, taken from the same continuous multivariate distribution and projected onto the best separating direction, remained below a prescribed level. To quantitate the sample size requirement, homogeneity of sample set pairs of equal size. N, taken from the same continuous multivariate distribution was studied as a function of dimensionality. M. Homogeneity was characterized by the maximum absolute distances (Dmax) between the corresponding pairs of empirical cumulative probability distributions on the best separating projection. Computer generated data sets were used to estimate the cumulative probability distribution, P(D)M.N, for sample sizes, N, ranging from 5 to 100 and the dimensionality, M, ranging from 1 to 4. An empirical relationship between the estimated step-polygons and the Kolmogorov type one dimensional limiting distribution L(z) has been established. Based on the sample size data of 34 key papers on clinical body surface potential mapping (BSPM) it is noted that in 30% of the cases only one, and in 6% of the cases only two parameters could be used for statistical group representation to ensure a reasonable reliability (Dmax less than 0.2). In 56% of the published cases the sample sizes could not guarantee this reliability even for one feature or parameter.
Coming home: Resident satisfaction regarding return to a revitalized HOPE VI community

Abstract Over the past 50 years, housing advocates have aggressively lobbied for the deconcentration of pockets of poverty in urban areas. These efforts have been welcomed by those who seek to bring new life to these areas through the implementation of urban revitalization strategies, such as the introduction of new mixed use and income developments. The US Department of Housing and Urban Development’s HOPE VI program is based on these principles. Federal funds have been used to demolish public housing in areas of concentrated poverty to make way for mixed use development. While much is known about the effect of displacement on the original occupants of the demolished housing, little is known about the experiences of the residents who are able to move back to these revitalized areas. Employing a case study approach, this research seeks to understand the attitudes of the original residents of a public housing community in Beaumont, Texas, as they return to new housing opportunities on and in the vicinity of the redeveloped site. The findings of this five year study reveal a sense of optimism by the residents who have returned about the future of the slowly transitioning neighborhood. Specifically, they cite great satisfaction with the new developments and a strong belief that, because of the HOPE VI redevelopment, the neighborhood will eventually become more prosperous. The degree to which this optimism will be supported by actual neighborhood change is presently undetermined.
Fiber optic gyros for space, marine, and aviation applications

Fiber-optic gyroscopes (FOGs) are under development at Honeywell as the primary next generation inertial sensor. The open-loop FOG technology has been successfully transitioned to production for attitude heading reference systems and the results of this effort are reported. New developments in closed-loop FOG technology aimed at high performance space applications and at navigation grade aviation applications, are underway. In the former case, results on a high precision FOG are reported. In the latter case, special emphasis is placed on improvements of depolarized FOG technology, which promises to produce a low cost navigation grade sensor.
Dissolutive Capillary Penetration with Expanding Pores and Transient Contact Angles.

The penetration kinetics of a cylindrical capillary and a capillary porous body with a temporally expanding capillary radius due to reactive dissolution ahead of the liquid front is modeled under conditions where the equilibrium contact angle is not attained during at least part of the penetration process. These effects cause deviations from the predictions of the Washburn equation, with the actual penetration kinetics depending upon the rate processes involved.
On the stability and boundedness of differential systems in Banach spaces

In this paper we are investigating boundedness and certain stability properties of differential systems in spaces, utilizing the generalization of Bellman's Lemma which was formulated by one of the authors (8).
Perceived impact of the 80-hour workweek: five years later

Background. We aimed to assess perceptions of the effects of the 80-hour workweek (80hWW) restriction on patient care, education, and resident quality of life. Materials and Methods. In April 2007, attending surgeons and residents in nine surgical specialties at our institution were surveyed. Respondents were categorized into three groups: (1) attending surgeons; (2) residents beginning their training before the 80hWW implementation (ResBefore); and (3) residents beginning training after the 80hWW implementation (ResAfter). Differences between groups were assessed with univariate analysis. Results. The overall response rate was 57%. A minority in all three groups (533%) believed the 80hWW improved patient care. Fifteen percent of attending surgeons, 30% of ResBefore, and 67% of ResAfter believed patients were safer (P < 0.001). Eighty-three percent of attending surgeons, 74% of ResBefore, and 41% of ResAfter (P < 0.001) believed continuity of care was compromised. All groups (≥84%) agreed that midlevel providers were now critical to successfully deliver health care (P = 0.40). Fewer attending surgeons (21%) and ResBefore (29%) perceived improvements in education compared with ResAfter (68%; P < 0.001). A majority perceived improved work-life balance for residents (attending surgeons [85%], ResBefore [71%], and ResAfter [92%]; P = 0.008), but 76% of attending surgeons reported decreased job satisfaction. Conclusion. We showed a discrepancy between perceptions of attending surgeons and residents regarding the effect of the 80hWW on patient care and surgical education. Quality of life was improved for residents but not for attending surgeons. The impact of the 80hWW on patient care and surgical education needs to be quantified.
The Influence of Self-Selection on Older Adults' Active Living in a Naturally Occurring Retirement Community

A cross-sectional, single-case study of older adults (N = 197) in a Midwestern rural naturally occurring retirement community compared the active living behavior and salience of socio-physical characteristics for three subsets of older residents: (1) in-migrants who moved based on recreational opportunities; (2) in-migrants who moved for other reasons; and (3) long-time residents. Some older adults with preferences for outdoor recreation self-selected into the naturally occurring retirement community due to opportunities for water-based activities. Self-selectors engaged in light recreation activities more frequently and for longer durations, received more frequent spousal encouragement to be active, and identified more types of activity companions than in-migrants who had moved for other reasons.
Households' immediate Responses to the 2009 American Samoa Earthquake and Tsunami

This study used variables from the Protective Action Decision Model to guide data collection about 262 residents' responses to the 2009 Samoa M8.1 earthquake and tsunami. The results show that earthquake shaking, combined with knowledge that this can cause a tsunami, was the most common source of first awareness about a possible tsunami and that broadcast media were the most common first social sources of warnings. Radio was an important source of additional information, as were face-to-face contacts and phone calls. Contrary to previous research, few of the recommended elements of a warning message were communicated to those at risk and none of these message elements was significantly correlated with evacuation. Nonetheless, two thirds of coastal residents and half of inland residents began evacuations within 15 min after the earthquake. Those who had participated in earthquake hazard awareness meetings had higher risk perceptions but were no more likely to evacuate to higher ground or evacuate promptly. This study's results are broadly consistent with previous findings on disaster response but raise a number of unresolved questions about behavioral response to rapid onset disasters.
Weight Changes in Postpartum Women With Remitted Depression

Objective To compare weight loss after birth in women who took the antidepressants nortriptyline or sertraline or placebo in 2 clinical studies designed to prevent recurrent postpartum major depression. Method Data were collected from 1995 to 2001. All subjects had at least 1 prior episode of Research Diagnostic Criteria- or DSM-IV-defined major depressive disorder. Data on weight were available for 467 weeks from 60 women who were weighed 8 times from 2 to 17 weeks postpartum. The dependent measures were weight at weeks 11 and 17 and weight change from weeks 2 to 17 postpartum. Results At week 17, the women's weights ranged from 109 to 268 lb. Their weight change ranged from +14 to -19 lb over the 15-week postpartum period (mean = -1.8, SD = 5.1 lb). After controlling for week 2 weights, the mean weights at week 17 for the women treated with nortriptyline, sertraline, or placebo were not significantly different. Of 60 women with 3 or more weight assessments, those who were randomly assigned to nortriptyline lost weight more rapidly than the other 2 groups; however, the mean weight change across all groups was only -1.8 lb (SD = 5.1 lb). Conclusions Weight loss was not compromised by antidepressant pharmacotherapy. Postpartum weight retention occurred in this group of nondepressed women with previous histories of major depression independent of drug treatment.
Feasibility study of the university of Utah Triga reactor power upgrade part II: Thermohydraulics and heat transfer study in respect to cooling system requirements and design

The thermodynamic conditions of the University of Utah's TRIGA Reactor were simulated using SolidWorks Flow Simulation, Ansys, Fluent and PARET-ANL. The models are developed for the reactor's currently maximum operating power of 90 kW, and a few higher power levels to analyze thermohydraulics and heat transfer aspects in determining a design basis for higher power including the cost estimate. It was found that the natural convection current becomes much more pronounced at higher power levels with vortex shedding also occurring. A departure from nucleate boiling analysis showed that while nucleate boiling begins near 210 kW it remains in this state and does not approach the critical heat flux at powers up to 500 kW. Based on these studies, two upgrades are proposed for extended operation and possibly higher reactor power level. Together with the findings from Part I studies, we conclude that increase of the reactor power is highly feasible yet dependable on its purpose and associated investments.
What is the Optimal Management of Infants With Coarctation and Ventricular Septal Defect

Background The management of patients with aortic coarctation and ventricular septal defect (VSD) remains controversial. We reviewed our experience with coarctation and VSD from 2002 to 2006. Methods Three approaches were used to manage 36 consecutive infants with coarctation and VSD. Group I had staged coarctation repair with or without pulmonary artery banding, followed by VSD closure with two separate operations (two-stage, n=11); Group II had coarctation repair and VSD closure on cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) with circulatory arrest or regional perfusion during coarctation repair (one-stage, one-incision, n=10); Group III had coarctation repair without CPB through a thoracotomy, followed by VSD closure during the same operation (one-stage, two-incisions, n=15). Results No patients died. One recoarctation occurred in group II. Group II had significantly longer times for CPB (135.6 ± 31.8 versus 94.3 ± 29.8 minutes for group I; 67.6 ± 16.7 minutes for group III; p p p = 0.04) and hospital (8.4 ± 3.8 versus 24.4 ± 24.4 days, p = 0.01). Combining values for the two hospitalizations in the group I infants, lengths of stay in the intensive care unit (178.8 ± 70.8 hours) and hospital (20.5 ± 11.6 days) were intermediate between groups II and III. Conclusions Primary repair of infants with coarctation and VSD using a one-stage approach through separate incisions affords excellent clinical results. One can avoid prolonged aortic cross-clamping, CPB, and circulatory arrest/regional perfusion. Compared with the group undergoing combined coarctation and VSD repair simultaneously by sternotomy, total lengths of stay in the intensive care unit and hospital were significantly decreased.
Evidence for Cambrian deformation in the Ellsworth-Whitmore Mountains terrane, Antarctica: Stratigraphic and tectonic implications

The Ellsworth-Whitmore Mountains terrane is a large geologically and geophysically defined crustal block that lies between the Transantarctic Mountains and West Antarctica. The Cambrian position of the terrane is controversial, with many workers placing it between East Antarctica and southern Africa and distant from Cambrian orogenic belts. We present structural and stratigraphic evidence for Cambrian deformation in the Heritage Range, Ellsworth Mountains. From our revised stratigraphy and structural history of the Heritage Range, we propose that the Ellsworth-Whitmore Mountains block was located within the belt of Pan-African deformation, within the Late Cambrian continental arc, and was part of a collage of allochthonous terranes that included the Queen Maud terrane and probably the Bowers terrane of Antarctica. These terranes were situated outboard of Coats Land in the Cambrian and were subsequently translated and accreted to East Antarctica, probably during early Paleozoic time.
BIOLUMINESCENCE: BIOCHEMICAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL ADVANCES

Bioluminescent organisms are to be found among the bacteria, fungi, unicellular algae, and most of the major animal phyla, some of which contain hundreds of luminescent species. Early biochemical studies reflected this taxonomic diversity and often a primary focus of attention was the uniqueness of each newly isolated system. Relatively few in vitro cross-reactions were discovered among unrelated species and five of the first six luciferins to be characterized proved to be structurally unrelated compounds. The functions of bioluminescence in many organisms were unknown and, while several theories arose, these theories seldom addressed the part that light production might play in the ecology of an organism or a population. Major advances on each of these fronts have been made during the past decade. Biochemical research has centered on the chemical mechanism(s) of luminescence and a single type of chemical species, a dioxetanone, has emerged as a common intermediate in several (but not all) bioluminescence and chemiluminescence systems. Likewise, in the last 10 years, numerous interphyletic cross-reactions have been discovered and the ecological functions of bioluminescence for a large number of species have been established. Intensive studies are continuing on reaction mechanisms, especially those involving the bioluminescent bacteria, and much remains to be learned about the protein biochemistry of all luminescence systems. Amino acid sequence determinations and X-ray crystallographic studies have been initiated in several laboratories and, in others, attempts are being made to clone the genes that code for bioluminescence proteins. Sensitized bioluminescence has been implicated in representatives of both prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. Low level biological chemiluminescence has been investigated in a variety of systems including liver microsomes and phagocytic leucocytes using sensitive photon counting devices. Perhaps the area of greatest growth, however, has been the application of bioluminescence and chemiluminescence techniques as tools of clinical research. The need for safe, sensitive and specific assay methods has, for example, stimulated the development of immobilized luciferases and luciferase-linked enzyme systems. In addition, luminescence immunoassay has emerged as a reasonable alternative to the commonly used, but more troublesome, method of radioimmunoassay. This trend toward applications development has shifted the emphasis of some of the university laboratories and in general has improved the lines of communication between basic and applied research groups working in the area of bioluminescence.
Recognition of emotional expression by abused children

This study compared 17 abused and 17 matched, nonabused children on their ability to identify six facial expressions of emotions and on teacher ratings of social competency. Abused children were less skilled in decoding facial expressions of emotions and were rated less socially competent than nonabused children. The findings suggest a strategy for studying the development of emotion recognition skills by abused and nonabused children.
N‐terminal PDZ domain is required for NHERF dimerization

NHERF, a 55 kDa PDZ-containing protein, binds receptors and ion transporters to mediate signal transduction at the plasma membrane. Recombinant NHERF demonstrated an apparent size of 150 kDa on gel filtration, which could be reduced to approximately 55 kDa by protein denaturing agents, consistent with the formation of NHERF dimers. Biosensor studies established the time- and concentration-dependent dimerization of NHERF. Overlays of recombinant NHERF fragments suggested that NHERF dimerization was principally mediated by the N-terminal PDZ-I domain. In PS120 cells, reversible protein phosphorylation modulated NHERF dimerization and suggested a role for NHERF dimers in hormonal signaling.
Cross-linked envelopes in nail plate in lamellar ichthyosis

BACKGROUND. Corneocytes of the nail plate, like those of the stratum corneum, generate cornified envelopes (CEs) of cross-linked protein that can be visualized readily after removal of non-cross-linked protein by detergent extraction. Defective CE formation occurs in epidermal scale and hair in transglutaminase 1 (TGM1)-negative lamellar ichthyosis (LI) and has been proposed as a diagnostic aid for this syndrome. OBJECTIVES. (i) To ascertain whether TGM1 is important for CE formation in nail; (ii) to characterize CE abnormalities occurring in LI that may be distinguished from other types of inherited ichthyosis when nail samples are subjected to detergent extraction; and (iii) to evaluate the utility of nails as a diagnostic aid for LI. METHODS. Nail samples were provided by nine patients previously classified as having TGM1-negative LI, four with other types of ichthyotic conditions and six normal controls. Samples were extracted extensively in sodium dodecyl sulphate under reducing conditions and examined by light and electron microscopy. RESULTS. After extraction, defective CE cross-linking was visualized in epidermal corneocytes from seven of nine patients exhibiting TGM1-negative LI, whereas nail samples from patients with the other syndromes were normal. The defects in CE structure resembled those recently reported for LI scale, although in some cases residual CE and CE-associated structures were present. CONCLUSIONS. Despite the paucity of clinical nail symptoms in LI, TGM1 activity is important for generation of normal CE in nail plate, consistent with its importance in protein cross-linking in interfollicular epidermis and hair. Lack of this activity leads to a strikingly aberrant appearance of CE in LI nail after detergent extraction that is evident ultrastructurally in a large majority of cases. Nail envelopes therefore could provide a useful diagnostic tool in distinguishing LI from other ichthyoses with overlapping clinical features.
Hydrodynamic convergence of hydropressured and geopressured zones, Central Texas, Gulf of Mexico Basin, USA

Freshwater moving downdip in the Carrizo–Wilcox aquifer, Central Texas, USA, and saltwater and hydrocarbons moving updip from a geopressured zone come together in a groundwater convergence zone, marked by (1) a hydraulic-gradient reversal, (2) “updip” oil fields, and (3) the downdip limit of potable water beyond which there is a marked increase in salinity. Data combined from groundwater-supply and petroleum-extraction industries document the interface between the hydropressured and geopressured zones. The hydraulic-head gradient updip of the convergence zone is 0.001 to 0.002, directed toward the coast; farther downdip it is −0.02 to −0.04, directed inland. Salinity increases from 100,000 mg/L in the geopressured zone. Upward-directed flow paths probably predominate in the convergence zone. The convergence zone in the study area lies within only 30–50 km of the outcrop because updip extensional faulting offsets permeable aquifer units against low-permeability strata and restricts the downdip flux of recharged water. The major elements of the convergence zone may have been in place since the Miocene development of circulation in the updip coastal aquifer following incision of river valleys and lowering of base level.
Hospital disaster preparedness in Los Angeles County, California

Abstract Study objectives: We characterize disaster preparedness among a cohort of hospitals, focusing on practice variation, plan characteristics, and surge capacity. Methods: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study using an in-person hospital survey and a 117-item questionnaire in Los Angeles County, CA. The study included 45 of the 81 designated 911 receiving hospitals, including private and tertiary care facilities. Observations include a description of hospital disaster plans, modes of intra- and interhospital communication, community and interagency involvement, decontamination capability and training, drills, pharmaceutical stockpiles, and each facility's surge capacity (assessed by monthly emergency department [ED] diversion status, number of available beds, ventilators, and negative pressure isolation rooms). Additional measures of preparedness included whether hospitals had the following: mutual aid agreements with other hospitals, long-term care facilities, and medical vendors; protocols for canceling elective surgeries and early in-patient discharge; surveillance systems; ongoing training with local emergency medical services and fire departments; communication with the public health department; volunteer credentialing systems; and a protocol for mass fatality incidents. Results: Ninety-five percent had adopted the Hospital Emergency Incident Command System, and 100% used the ReddiNet, a radio-based communications network. Ninety-five percent had memoranda of understanding with medical suppliers. However, 67% never had joint training programs with local police and fire agencies, and only 16% and 7% had written mutual aid agreements with other hospitals and long-term care facilities, respectively. Eighty-eight percent of hospitals had level B and/or C personal protective equipment, and 44% had decontamination facilities suitable in inclement weather. Ninety-six percent of respondents noted a nurse shortage, 58% had a monthly ED diversion rate of greater than 20%, and 69% estimated a surge capacity of less than 20 beds. Fifty-eight percent of responding hospitals had fewer than 10 negative pressure isolation rooms, only 36% had more than 10 ventilators, and 55% did not keep a stockpile of antibiotics or antidotes. Although 93% and 98%, respectively, had protocols for canceling elective surgeries and early in-patient discharge, only 64% had plans in place for a mass fatality incident. Conclusion: There are no objective measures of “hospital preparedness” or “hospital surge capacity.” In addition to establishing such standards, focus must be placed on enhancing interagency and interhospital communications. Current numbers of available hospital beds, ventilators, isolation rooms, and pharmaceuticals may be insufficient to effectively care for victims of large-scale disasters and other public health emergencies.
Young measures generated by sequences in Morrey spaces

Let $${\Omega\subset\mathbb{R}^n}$$ be open and bounded. For 1 ≤ p < ∞ and 0 ≤ λ < n, we give a characterization of Young measures generated by sequences of functions $${\{{\bf f}_j\}_{j=1}^\infty}$$ uniformly bounded in the Morrey space $${L^{p,\lambda}(\Omega;\mathbb{R}^N)}$$ with $${\{\left|{{\bf f}_j}\right|^p\}_{j=1}^\infty}$$ equiintegrable. We then treat the case that each f j = ∇ u j for some $${{\bf u}_j\in W^{1,p}(\Omega;\mathbb{R}^N)}$$ . As an application of our results, we consider the functional $${\bf u} \mapsto \int\limits_{\Omega}f({\bf x}, {\bf u}({\bf x}), {\bf {\nabla}}{\bf u}({\bf x})){\rm d}{\bf x},$$ and provide conditions that guarantee the existence of a minimizing sequence with gradients uniformly bounded in $${L^{p,\lambda}(\Omega;\mathbb{R}^{N\times n})}$$ .
Contributions of sociolinguistics to the language sciences: Language and sex

Abstract In recent years, many arguments over linguistic models have foundered in the various investigators' inability to agree on the acceptability of the crucial data; one reason for this is the neglect of actual language behavior data in favor of data comprised solely of intuitions as to sentences' grammaticality. This paper will review some of the specific problems which have arisen from the neglect of actual speech events and conclude that the pitfalls of constructing theories based on investigator intuitions alone can only be avoided by a radical shift in focus toward the analysis of sufficient quantities of real speech. The felicitous results of such a shift are apparent in a study of syntactic variation across sex in Japanese. Sex is clearly a sociocultural parameter which affects both lexical choice and syntax; a study of socially situated speech, moreover, shows that sex of speaker interacts with other features of speaker identity and of the speech situation either to stimulate or to inhibit the production of certain stereotypically female/male speech forms. It is also possible to identify certain dimensions of the speech situation with which sex of speaker interacts. Finally, I will suggest a method of arriving at an appropriate set of parameters for defining context in the Japanese setting.
Fracture toughness and tensile properties of nano-structured ferritic steel 12YWT

Abstract The oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) steels are being developed and investigated for fission and fusion structural applications in Japan, Europe, and the United States. In this paper, the fracture toughness and tensile properties of an ODS steel with nominal composition Fe–12Cr–2.5W–0.4Ti–0.25Y2O3 (designated 12YWT) were investigated and compared to commercial reduced-activation ferritic/martensitic (RAFM) steels. Small, 1.6-mm thick and 3.2-mm wide, 3-point bend specimens were used for fracture toughness characterization of this steel. Specimens were fatigue pre-cracked to initial crack length (a) to width (W) ratio of 0.45 and tested quasi-statically in the temperature range from −50 °C to 550 °C. Specimens tested up to 50 °C exhibited elastic–plastic cleavage fracture that was typical for the transition region in ferritic steels. The master curve transition temperature, T0, for the 12YWT alloy was determined to be 102 °C. Specimens tested at 100 °C and higher exhibited ductile stable crack growth. In these cases, the J-integral at the onset of stable crack growth (JIc) was determined from the J–R curves. Their equivalent values in terms of stress intensity factor, K J Ic , were about 93 MPa√m at 100 °C and decreased to 53 MPa√m at 550 °C. This study showed that oxide dispersion strengthening resulted in significant decreases in the toughness properties compared to commercial RAFM steels, although appreciable level of toughness was still retained. Tensile tests were performed at temperatures between room temperature and 800 °C. As expected, this material exhibited very high yield strength, ∼1300 MPa, at room temperature. For comparison, the yield strength of commercial RAFM steels is about 550 MPa. Yield strength of 12YWT decreases as test temperature increases and at 800 °C it is about 323 MPa.
Surgical Management of Hereditary Breast Cancer

Hereditary breast cancer (HBC) has been linked to mutations in a number of genes, most notably BRCA1 and BRCA2. With the widespread availability of large panel testing and whole genome sequencing, an increasing number of individuals may discover their susceptibility for breast cancer as a result of genetic mutations. Surgical interventions may significantly reduce the risk for subsequent development of breast cancer. Patients should be counselled, however, about alternatives for risk reduction as well as the risks and benefits of surgery in order to make an informed decision regarding whether such an intervention is right for them.
Preoperative radiation therapy for rectal carcinoma

Preoperative irradiation was given to 58 selected patients with adenocarcinoma of the rectum to decrease local recurrence and to improve survival. The irradiation was well tolerated without increasing operative complications. At a median follow-up of 25 months, the local failure rate appeared to be improved. Evaluation of increased length of survival will require longer follow-up. Results suggest that preoperative irradiation can safety decrease local recurrence of rectal carcinoma in patients believed to be at higher risk for local recurrence.
Discrete-time log-optimal portfolio rebalancing: A scalable efficient algorithm

Portfolio rebalancing decisions are crucial to today's portfolio managers especially in high frequency trading environment. These decisions must be made fast in dynamic market conditions. We analyze the efficiency and scalability of a proposed discrete-time rebalancing algorithm suitable for log-optimal investors. These investors seek to maximize the expected value of log of portfolio growth in the long run. We incrementally utilize various computational and optimization techniques to develop a highly efficient version of the algorithm.
Photonic crystal nanocavity lasers and modulators

We have demonstrated electrically driven photonic crystal nanocavity lasers, LEDs and modulators with record low operation powers (e.g., lasing threshold of 180nA and sub-fJ/bit modulator operation), and with the modulation speeds exceeding 10GHz.
Executive option exercises and financial misreporting

Abstract Several recent papers document that the magnitude of potential gains from stock-based compensation is positively related to the likelihood of misreporting. In a sample of firms that announce restatements of their financial statements from 1997 to 2002, we examine whether managers realize these potential gains occurring from their accounting choices. After controlling for diversification needs and stock price impact, we find no significant evidence of higher option exercises by executives in the misreported years. However, for firms that are more likely to have made deliberate aggressive accounting choices, we find significant evidence of higher option exercises. For these firms, option exercises are higher by 20–60% in comparison to industry and size matched nonrestating firms. Options exercises by executives are also increasing in the magnitude of the restatement as captured by the effect of the restatement on net income. These higher option exercises tend to be more pervasive and are not just confined to the CEO and CFO of the firm.
Effect of Stream Acidification on Periphyton Composition, Chlorophyll, and Productivity

We determined periphyton community composition, cell number and biovolume, chlorophyll a density, and areal and chlorophyll-specific primary productivity along a pH (4.5–6.4) and total monomeric al...
Hydrofoil Cavitation Under Strong Thermodynamic Effect

Cavitation was studied for a NACA0015 hydrofoil using a material that simulates cryogenic behavior Several angles of attack and flow speeds up to 8.6 m/s were tested. The material used, 2-trifluoromethyl-1,1,1,2,4,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-3-pentanone, hereafter referred to as fluoroketone, exhibits a strong thermodynamic effect even under ambient conditions. Static pressures were measured at seven chordwise locations along the centerline of the hydrofoil suction side and on the test section wall immediately upstream of the hydrofoil. Frequency analysis of the test section static pressure showed that the amplitude of the oscillations increased as the tunnel speed increased. A gradual transition corresponding to the Type II-I sheet cavitation transition observed in water was found to occur near σ/2α =5 with Strouhal numbers based on chord dropping from 0.5 to 0.1 as the cavitation number was reduced. Flash-exposure high-speed imaging showed the cavity covering a larger portion of the chord for a given cavitation number than in cold water The bubbles appeared significantly smaller in the current study and the pressure data showed increasing rather than constant static pressure in the downstream direction in the cavitating region, in line with observations made in literature for other geometries with fluids exhibiting strong thermodynamic effect.
Supporting Negotiations in the Early Stage of Large-Scale Mechanical System Design

The development of large-scale mechanical systems involves interactive negotiations among nontechnical and technical design stakeholders. Usually, two types of negotiations exist: (i) those between the nontechnical stakeholders and technical stakeholders with responsibilities for the overall system, such as chief system design engineers and project managers; and (ii) those within the design engineering groups who are responsible for design tasks at different system hierarchical levels, i.e., system, subsystem, and component. This paper addresses the interactive negotiations among the design engineering groups. A direct synthesis (DS) method was developed to support the negotiations by combining adaptive and interactive modeling system based surrogate modeling with a set-based “zoom-in” approach. A vehicle frontal structural system design example is used to demonstrate how to apply the DS method in industrial practice. The preliminary results show that DS has the potential to support the fast synthesis of robust design alternatives that satisfy performance requirements at the system, subsystem, and component level.
Statistical structure and implicit serial learning.

In serial reaction time (RT) tasks, RT decreases faster with practice when a short sequence of trials is repeated continuously than when the sequence of trials is random (e.g., Nissen & Bullemer, 1987). Learning is implicit because Ss are not asked to learn the sequence and they often seem unaware of it. Relative to a random sequence, the repeating sequence imposes extreme statistical constraints. The present research examined the relation between these statistical constraints and implicit serial learning
Sequential Coccolith Morphogenesis in Hymenomonas carterae

SYNOPSIS. A careful re-examination with refined technics of the ultrastructure of the formation of calcified scales (coccoliths) in the marine unicellular alga Hymenomonas carterae has yielded new and more detailed information about the structure and morphogenesis of these unique and complex Golgi-elaborated organelles. The coccolith rim is formed from 2 distinct, alternating, anvil-shaped elements, 13–16 each, fitted together with a “right-handed” asymmetry. The coccolith is assembled in Golgi cisternae from 2 precursors, a single, scale-like base and multiple granular elements called coccolithosomes. The association of scales and coccolithosomes and subsequent development to the mature coccolith occur in a characteristic sequential fashion within what is one of the better examples of a polarized Golgi. Morphogenesis involves a special cisternal membrane association with the base of the coccolith, the contribution of granular material by coccolithosomes to form the outer rim matrix, and the subsequent filling of the area enclosed by the matrix with an electron-dense material, presumably CaCO3. A “microenvironment” model system for species specific shape-determination of calcified elements is proposed.
Purification and characterization of a major component from the cytoplasmic matrix of cultured murine L cells.

Abstract This study describes the purification and preliminary characterization of a 94 000 molecular weight protein (S-94) previously known only as a major band in SDS-polyacrylamide gels of total proteins from cultured murine cells. Native S-94 is a soluble constituent of the cytoplasm and sediments at 5.0 S in sucrose gradients, behavior compatible with that of a 94 000 molecular weight monomer. S-94 is purified more than 20-fold from the 100 000 × g supernatant of murine L or L1210 lymphoma cells by DEAE-Sephadex (A-50) chromatography in the presence of 2-mercaptoethanol followed by Sephadex G-200 chromatography in 8 M urea. The protein prepared by this procedure is extensively aggregated, but is essentially homogeneous by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. S-94 preparations from the two types of murine cells behave identically during the purification procedure and are presumed to be the same protein. It appears that these cells contain only one major protein of 94 000 molecular weight. Purified S-94 yields a distinctive pattern of fragments following CNBr degradation, including one peptide of 36 100 molecular weight. The amino acid composition is distinguished by being relatively rich in threonine, glycine and lysine, but poor in valine, leucine and tyrosine.
Evaluation of asymptomatic microscopic hematuria in adults: the American Urological Association best practice policy--part II: patient evaluation, cytology, voided markers, imaging, cystoscopy, nephrology evaluation, and follow-up.

P I of this report (preceding article) addressed the definition, detection, prevalence, and etiology of asymptomatic microscopic hematuria. This section of the best practice policy (Part II) is intended to serve as guidance to urologists and primary care physicians with respect to the evaluation of adult patients who may have asymptomatic microscopic hematuria. Recommendations for a nephrology evaluation and for patient follow-up are provided.
Assessing MODIS LWIR band calibration accuracy

Five cases using NASA ER-2 aircraft based SHIS and MAS radiances have been used to assess the L1B radiometric performance of Terra and Aqua MODIS Collection 5 radiances for LWIR bands 31-36. The composite results of these cases show that the split window bands 31 (11 μm) and 32 (12 μm) have performed well within the 0.5% radiometric specification over their lifetime. This is in agreement with results from other ground based and satellite based comparisons that are discussed in the paper. However, the LWIR CO2-sensitive bands 34-36 appear to be performing outside of their 1% accuracy specification, especially for Terra MODIS. This is also observed in global Aqua AIRS-MODIS comparisons. Possible causes for this behavior are under investigation, with the most likely contributors being spectral characterization error, OOB influences due to spectral filter leaks, or possibly scan mirror characterization. It seems that an optical leak from Terra MODIS band 31 into bands 32-36 is probably not a significant contributor to the large residuals of bands 34-36, owing to an effective radiometric correction. Calibration coefficient error is probably only a small contributor since, after adjustments in 2002, the on-orbit calibration now closely follows that of the pre-launch calibration.
Distributed Diversification of Large Datasets

Diversification has been recently proposed as an approach to allow a user to better grasp a large result set without having to look through all relevant results. In this paper, we expand the use of diversification as an analytical tool to explore large datasets dispersed over many nodes. The diversification problem is in general NP-complete and existing uniprocessor algorithms are unfortunately not suitable for the distributed setting of our environment. Using the MapReduce framework we consider two distinct approaches to solve the distributed diversification problem, one that focuses on optimizing disk I/O and one that optimizes for network I/O. Our approaches are iterative in nature, allowing the user to continue refining the diversification process if more time is available. Moreover, we prove that (i) this iteration process converges and (ii) it produces a 2-approximate diversified result set when compared to the optimal solution. We also develop a cost model to predict the run-time for both approaches based on the network and disk characteristics. We implemented our approaches on a cluster of 40 cores and showed that they are scalable and produce the same quality results as the state-of-the-art uniprocessor algorithms.
Fighting pathophobia: how to construct constructive public engagement with biocontrol for nature without augmenting public fears

Social networks of stakeholders are necessary to foster public support for classical biological control for nature. Drawing from recent scholarship in policy-relevant social science fields, this article describes two key concepts that can improve science communication strategies to support invasive species management and biocontrol: lay public risk perception, and public engagement with science. This article then recommends a fundamental communication strategy: construct public trust in invasive species control efforts using public engagement processes that link trustworthy messengers and appropriate messages with the public. It draws examples from biocontrol projects that used pathogens as the natural enemy of choice, but more broadly seeks to inform efforts to engage the public about the use of classical biocontrol agents in nature conservation efforts.
Damage to tissue defenses by vasoconstrictors

The paper investigates the effect of solutions of local anesthetic agents on the ability of wounds to resist infection as well as the influence of the injection techniques on the dissemination of bacteria through the wound. On the basis of these studies, the following recommendations are made: (1) a regional nerve block with 1% lidocaine administered through a 27 gauge needle is indicated before wound cleansing; (2) if the wound is not susceptible to a regional nerve block, anesthetize the wound by injecting the agent through the skin around the periphery of the wound; (3) avoid the use of epinephrine with the anesthetic agent.
Stage IIB-IVB cervical adenocarcinoma: Prognostic factors and survival

Abstract Objective. The incidence of cervical adenocarcinoma is increasing relative to squamous cell carcinoma and all cervical cancers. Few reports have described the outcome of patients with advanced cervical adenocarcinoma. The purpose of this study was to determine the prognostic factors and survival for patients with stage IIB–IVB disease. Methods. Institutional Review Board approval was obtained to perform a computerized search of all women diagnosed with cervical adenocarcinoma at our three institutions between 1982 and 2000. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical follow-up was obtained from the SGO database and tumor registry and via correspondence with health care providers. Statistical analysis was performed using logistic regression for clinical variables and the log-rank test to compare Kaplan–Meier survival estimates. Results. Eighty-three women with FIGO stage IIB–IVB cervical adenocarcinoma were identified. The median patient age was 53 years (range, 22–88). The median follow-up of 17 (20%) surviving patients was 33 months (range, 6–147); 66 (80%) died during the study interval. Stage IIB disease, young patient age, and grade 1 histology were independent variables having a favorable impact on survival (each P n = 41) were more likely to be alive at 2 (64% vs 8%) and 5 years (30% vs 0%) than women with stage IIIA–IVB disease ( n = 42; P Conclusions. Women diagnosed with advanced stage cervical adenocarcinoma have a poor prognosis. Prospective, multicenter trials of platinum-based chemoradiation or other novel therapies are urgently needed in the treatment of this highly lethal disease.
Synthesis and X-ray crystal structures of dinuclear hydrogen-bonded cadmium and lead 2-aminoethanethiolates

Abstract Under varying conditions the reaction of cysteamine hydrochloride (SHCH2CH2NH3)Cl with stoichiometric amounts of Cd and Pb salts in water gave [Cd2.5Cl5(SCH2CH2NH3)] (1), [Cd(SCH2CH2NH2)2] (2), [Pb2Cl(SCH2CH2NH2)3] (3) and [Pb2(SCH2CH2NH2)3](NO3)0.67(Cl)0.33 (4). Compound 1 is a molecular solid, one that contains a solid state-like core, but is nevertheless soluble in common organic solvents. The geometry around the Cd atoms in 1 are octahedral with varying numbers of sulfur and chlorine atoms. In contrast the pentacoordinate Cd atoms in 2 possess distorted square pyramidal geometry comprised of cysteamine sulfur and nitrogen atoms. Compounds 3 and 4 are structurally similar despite the presence and involvement of the anion in 4. The Pb atoms in 3 possess both distorted square pyramidal and octahedral geometry, while in 4 the geometry around the Pb atoms is distorted square pyramidal. The NO3 and Cl anions in 4 participate in more extensive hydrogen bonding by comparison to 3, which has a Cl anion only. The hydrogen bonding in these compounds is not confined to the presence or absence of anions, as it is also observed between the amine of cysteamine with adjacent sulfur and nitrogen atoms. Full characterization of the compounds was achieved using IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, EA, Mass Spectrometry and X-ray crystallography.
Characterization of the [omega]-hydroxylase of Pseudomonas oleovorans as a nonheme iron protein

The w-hydroxylase of Pseudomonas oleovoruns, which catalyzes the hydroxylation of fatty acids and alkanes and the epoxidation of alkenes in the presence of a reduced pyridine nucleotide, a reductase, rubredoxin, and molecular oxygen, has been purified to electrophoretic homogeneity. Octane hydroxylation and octadiene epoxidation activities appear to remain at a constant ratio during the purification procedure. The hydroxylase has been characterized as a nonheme iron protein containing one iron atom and one cysteine residue per polypeptide chain of molecular weight 40,800. The enzyme is inhibited by cyanide, and activity is restored upon removal of the cyanide by dialysis. Iron is removed from the enzyme by dialysis against EDTA provided that a reducing agent such as dithionite or ascorbate is also added, and enzyme activity is restored by the addition of ferrous ions to the apohydroxylase.
Adaptive MapReduce using situation-aware mappers

We propose new adaptive runtime techniques for MapReduce that improve performance and simplify job tuning. We implement these techniques by breaking a key assumption of MapReduce that mappers run in isolation. Instead, our mappers communicate through a distributed meta-data store and are aware of the global state of the job. However, we still preserve the fault-tolerance, scalability, and programming API of MapReduce. We utilize these "situation-aware mappers" to develop a set of techniques that make MapReduce more dynamic: (a) Adaptive Mappers dynamically take multiple data partitions (splits) to amortize mapper start-up costs; (b) Adaptive Combiners improve local aggregation by maintaining a cache of partial aggregates for the frequent keys; (c) Adaptive Sampling and Partitioning sample the mapper outputs and use the obtained statistics to produce balanced partitions for the reducers. Our experimental evaluation shows that adaptive techniques provide up to 3x performance improvement, in some cases, and dramatically improve performance stability across the board.