cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Applying domain knowledge to SLAM using virtual measurements

Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) aims to estimate the maximum likelihood map and robot pose based on a robot's control and sensor measurements. In structured environments, such as human environments, we might have additional domain knowledge that could be applied to produce higher quality mapping results. We present a method for using virtual measurements, which are measurements between two features in our map. To demonstrate this, we present a system that uses such virtual measurements to relate visually detected points to walls detected with a laser scanner.
Mathematical programming applications in educational planning

Abstract The specific aim of this article is to examine recent developments in the applications of mathematical programming techniques to problems encountered in educational planning. Applications are given for selected problems at national, state, regional and local levels of planning and the implications of this work for educational research methodology is noted. Special attention is given to applications at the microanalytic or school district level, since most applications in this domain are of recent origin and have been developed in disciplines other than education, e.g. industrial engineering, econometrics, public administration, business and operations research. Applications are discussed in light of their relationship to theoretical and empirical research on educational production functions. The final section contains some directions and implications for future research which are discussed in terms of recent developments in socio-economic and public sector planning and the emerging major research needs in educational policy planning.
Optic nerve head topography in ocular hypertensive eyes using confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy.

Purpose To compare measurements of optic nerve topography of ocular hypertensive patients with those of normal subjects and primary open-angle glaucoma patients. Methods Three age-matched study groups of 46 ocular hypertensive patients, 46 primary open-angle glaucoma patients, and 46 normal subjects were recruited from patients and volunteers of a glaucoma referral practice. Optic nerve topography was measured using a confocal scanning laser tomograph, the Heidelberg Retina Tomograph. The following optic nerve parameters were evaluated: disk area, cup/disk area ratio, cup shape, height in contour, rim area, rim volume, maximum cup depth, cup area, cup volume, retinal height, and retinal cross-section area. For this cross-sectional study, analysis of variance was used to evaluate overall differences among the three subject groups and the Tukey-Kramer multiple comparison test to evaluate differences between the means of two groups. Results Statistically significant differences among study groups were found for all topographic optic nerve parameters evaluated. Despite considerable overlap in optic nerve parameter measurements among the study groups, mean values of ocular hypertensive eyes were intermediate between those for normal and primary open-angle glaucoma eyes. Statistically significant differences were found between ocular hypertensive and glaucomatous eyes for all optic nerve parameters measured, and between ocular hypertensive and normal eyes for disk area, height in contour, rim area, and rim volume. Conclusions In age-matched groups, mean measurements of certain topographic optic nerve parameters of ocular hypertensive eyes differ from those of normal and glaucomatous eyes.
Statistical perturbation theory of order-disorder ferroelectrics: First perturbative correction

The equation-of-motion method is used to calculate excitation energies of proton tunneling modes in KD2PO4 using an Ising pseudo-spin representation of the proton Hamiltonian. The calculation is carried to terms 0 (Z – 〈Z〉) extending an earlier treatment and representing the first perturbative correction in a systematic extension of random-phase decoupling devised by Wallace. The corrections are small for the deuterated compound, as are the corresponding first-order contributions to the isotope effect in spontaneous polarization at 0 °K. With increasing temperature, the newly-calculated terms make a small contribution to the observed decrease in the long-wavelength excitation energies. Die Methode der Bewegungsgleichungen wird zur Errechnung der Anregungsenergien von Protonen-Tunnelzustanden in KD2PO4 ad der Grundlage der Ising-Pseudospindar-stellung des Haniiltonoprators der Protonen verwendet. Die Rechnung wird bis zu Glie-dern 0 (Z – 〈Z〉) durchgefuhrt, womit cine fruhere Arbeit erweitert wird. Die erste Storungskorrektur ist eine systematische Erweiterung der von Wallace eingefuhrten Entkopplung der statistischen Phasen. Die Korrekturen sind klein fur die deuterierte Verbindung. Das gilt auch fur die entsprechenden Beitrage erster Ordnung zum Isotopeneffekt der spontanen Polarisierung bei 0 °K. Mit zunehmender Temperatur ergeben die hier neuberechneten Glieder cinen kleinen Beitrag zu der beobachteten Verkleinerung der Anregungsenergien bei langen Wellenlaangen.
Homeostatic matching and nonlinear amplification at identified central synapses

Here we describe the properties of a synapse in the Drosophila antennal lobe and show how they can explain certain sensory computations in this brain region. The synapse between olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) and projection neurons (PNs) is very strong, reflecting a large number of release sites and high release probability. This is likely one reason why weak ORN odor responses are amplified in PNs. Furthermore, the amplitude of unitary synaptic currents in a PN is matched to the size of its dendritic arbor. This matching may compensate for a lower input resistance of larger dendrites to produce uniform depolarization across PN types. Consistent with this idea, a genetic manipulation that lowers input resistance increases unitary synaptic currents. Finally, strong stimuli produce short-term depression at this synapse. This helps explain why PN odor responses are transient, and why strong ORN odor responses are not amplified as powerfully as weak responses.
GPU Acceleration of WRF WSM5 Microphysics

The Weather Research and Forecast (WRF) model is the most widely used community weather forecast and research model in the world. There are several single moment ice microphysics models in WRF. A mixed phase for WRF Single Moment (WSM) represents the condensation, precipitation, and thermodynamic effects of latent heat release. In this paper, we will show our optimization efforts on WSM5. The processing time can be reduced from 16928 ms on CPU to 48.3 ms using General Purpose Graphics Processing Unit (GPGPU). Thus, the speedup is 350x without I/O using a single GPU. Taking I/O transfer times into account the speedup is 202x.
Reproducing color images as duotones

We investigate a new approach for reproducing color images. Rather than mapping the colors in an image onto the gamut of colors that can be printed with cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks, we choose the set of printing inks for the particular image being reproduced. In this paper, we look at the special case of selecting inks for duotone printing, a relatively inexpensive process in which just two inks are used. Specifically, the system we describe takes an image as input, and allows a user to select 0, 1, or 2 inks. It then chooses the remaining ink or inks so as to reproduce the image as accurately as possible and produces the appropriate color separations automatically. CR Categories: I.3.4 [Computer Graphics]: Graphics Utilities Additional
Geographical distribution of a chromosome 7C and 17 intergenomic translocation in cultivated oat

Previous cytogenetic and molecular genetic investigations have shown variation for the presence of intergenomic translocation segments on chromosomes 7C and 17 of common cultivated oat (Avena sativa L., 2n = 6x = 42) and red oat (A. byzantina K. Koch, 2n = 6x = 42). The objective of this work was to determine the geographic distribution of these translocation segments in 197 landraces and cultivars using C-banding. Genotypes were selected primarily on the basis of diversity of geographic origins, particularly within the Mediterranean-Near Eastern center. Eighty-nine percent of traditional A. byzantina-type accessions, mostly from the lowland Mediterranean basin and Indian subcontinent, were of the nontranslocation type. Ninety-seven percent of traditional A. sativa and hulless (A. sativa subsp. nuda) genotypes possessed the 7C-17 translocation (Δ7C-17) segments. Presence or absence of the Δ7C-17 was more loosely associated with spring vs. winter growth habit, but still highly significant. The results support the hypothesis that common cultivated oat and red oat are distinct races of the bexaploid biological species and were domesticated independently of one another.
The effect of cognitive skills and autism spectrum disorder on stereotyped behaviors in infants and toddlers

Abstract Stereotyped behaviors are prominent in both the ASD and ID populations; stereotypies can impede social skill acquisition, interfere with learning, and adversely affect an individual's quality of life. The current study explored the effect of cognitive skills and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) on the rate of stereotypies in 2019 children aged 17–39 months. Cognitive abilities were assessed using the cognitive developmental quotient (DQ) on the Battelle Developmental Inventory, Second Edition (BDI-2); two levels of cognitive skill were used: (1) low (cognitive DQ less than or equal to 70), and (2) typical (cognitive DQ greater than 70). Stereotypies were examined utilizing the Baby and Infant Screen for Children with aUtIsm Traits, Part 3 (BISCUIT-Part 3). Children with ASD were found to have greater rates of overall stereotyped behaviors compared to children with atypical development, regardless of cognitive level; however, children with ASD and typical cognitive ability evinced the highest rate of stereotypies. An examination of specific stereotyped behaviors (i.e., unusual play with objects, repeated and unusual vocalizations, repeated and unusual body movements) revealed disparate results. Research and clinical implications regarding these findings are discussed.
Purges and Forced Retirements of Soviet Party Elites as Power Tools of Social Mobility

The article presents a tumulus seventy-year history of the top party elite, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (CC CPSU), by profiling the anatomy of historical generations that embodied it. Five district generations in power and various political “teams” had been locked in ferocious battle for access to political capital, high social status, coveted positions, ranks, and privileges. Their survival and advancement demanded perseverance, bargaining skills, and ruthless elimination of competitors. Purges and forced retirement were essential power tools used in their generational struggle for power and status. The article discusses these methods of compulsory “exclusion” and offers innovative and revealing perspective on the nature of the Soviet political structure as well as on the techniques of its internal combat.
Start with the Syllabus: Universal Design from the Top

Principles of universal design become increasingly important as librarians add information literacy courses and other instructional modules. Issues of access in higher education may be reframed as issues of the design of the inclusive classroom environment. This allows for the spectrum of multiple intelligences and learning modalities to be addressed, as well as the broad diversity that contemporary learners and teachers bring to the classroom experience, live or delivered through distance education. Using the principles of universal design (UD), this paper addresses the manner in which a course may be front-loaded to achieve maximum understanding on the part of the learner as to the expected learning environment and requirements, as well as expected outcomes and assessment practices.
Mediation in Discrimination Transfers: A Reply to Cole and Medin.

Abstract In replying to Cole and Medin we agree with their main point that a demonstration of the existence of mediation in young children no longer constitutes an important theoretical contribution. However, we emphasize the features of the Brown and Scott study which we believe make it more than an existence demonstration. Furthermore, we have some quarrels with Cole and Medin's general assessment of the problems in the area and wish to raise a further question: Do the shift paradigms thus far employed deal with mediated learning or mediated transfer?
Patterns of daytime sleepiness in narcoleptics and normals: A pupillometric study

Abstract Pupil diameter was measured in light and dark conditions every half hour for 6.5–10 h in 3 normal controls and 3 narcoleptics. Mean pupillary diameter was significantly smaller in the narcoleptic group than in the normal group. Pupil activity was correlated with pupil diameter only in the dark condition in narcoleptics. Pupil diameter varied with a circa 90 min periodicity in the narcoleptics but not in the normal controls. These results indicate firstly, that one-time assessment of pupil size is insufficient; and secondly, that the appearance of these rhythms may be the result of a defect in arousal mechanisms of narcoleptics which usually play an inhibitory role.
Formation and mitigation of halo particles in the Spallation Neutron Source linac

A halo generation mechanism in the nonperiodic lattices such as the SNS (Spallation Neutron Source) linac MEBT [medium-energy beam transport between radio-frequency quadrupole and DTL (drift tube linac)] is reported. We find that the nonlinear space charge force resulting from large transverse beam eccentricity $\ensuremath{\sim}2:1$ in the $\ensuremath{\sim}1.6\mathrm{m}$-long MEBT chopper section is responsible for halo formation. As a result, the beam distribution, based on the front end emittance measurements and multiparticle simulation studies, develops halo that leads to beam loss and radioactivation of the SNS linac. Designing lattices with transverse beam eccentricity close to 1:1 suppresses this kind of halo generation. Modifying the MEBT optics and introducing adjustable collimators in the MEBT significantly reduced beam losses in the coupled cavity linac, which is a preferred scheme for mitigating halo. It turns out that the DTL collimation does not effectively remove halo and presents a risk of overheating drift tubes.
(Non‐)occurrence of sentential no in Spanish negative sentences

It is generally claimed that preverbal n-phrases (Laka 1990) are incompatible with sentential no in Spanish. However, no is optional with a preverbal Topic n-phrase. Furthermore, no is obligatory if the preverbal n-phrase occurs to the left of a wh-complementiser or between a non-wh-complementiser and its doubled form. The Minimalist Program of Chomsky (1995) allows us to offer a unified explanation of the distribution of no, including the aforementioned cases. The proposal is that Spanish negative sentences contain a projection NegP, whose head bears a semantically interpretable feature that is responsible for the negative polarity of the sentence and, crucially, also contains an uninterpretable feature that must be checked before Spell-Out. Moving an n-phrase through SpecNegP is one way to achieve this. This is the case for Focus and moved Topics. Otherwise, no is needed. This is the case when there is no preverbal n-phrase and with Topics merged preverbally. These Topics include n-phrases occurring to the left of a wh-complementiser or between a non-wh-complementiser and its doubled form, since movement from a VP-internal position in these cases would violate economy principles.
Pd-Catalyzed Amidations of Aryl Chlorides Using Monodentate Biaryl Phosphine Ligands: A Kinetic, Computational, and Synthetic Investigation

We present results on the amidation of aryl halides and sulfonates utilizing a monodentate biaryl phosphine-Pd catalyst. Our results are in accord with a previous report that suggests that the formation of κ2-amidate complexes is deleterious to the effectiveness of a catalyst for this transformation and that their formation can be prevented by the use of appropriate bidentate ligands. We now provide data that suggest that the use of certain monodentate ligands can also prevent the formation of the κ2-amidate complexes and thereby generate more stable catalysts for the amination of aryl chlorides. Furthermore, computational studies shed light on the importance of the key feature(s) of the biaryl phosphines (a methyl group ortho to the phosphorus center) that enable the coupling to occur. The use of ligands that possess a methyl group ortho to the phosphorus center allows a variety of aryl and heteroaryl chlorides with various amides to be coupled in high yield.
Regulation of Human RNA Polymerase III Transcription by DNMT1 and DNMT3a DNA Methyltransferases

The human small nuclear RNA (snRNA) and small cytoplasmic RNA (scRNA) gene families encode diverse non-coding RNAs that influence cellular growth and division. Many snRNA and scRNA genes are related via their compact and yet powerful promoters that support RNA polymerase III transcription. We have utilized the human U6 snRNA gene family to examine the mechanism for regulated transcription of these potent transcription units. Analysis of nine U6 family members showed enriched CpG density within the promoters of actively transcribed loci relative to inert genes, implying a relationship between gene potency and DNA methylation. Indeed, both pharmacological inhibition of DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) activity and the forced diminution of DNMT-1, DNMT-3a, and DNMT-3b by siRNA targeting resulted in increased U6 levels in asynchronously growing MCF7 adenocarcinoma cells. In vitro transcription assays further showed that template methylation impedes U6 transcription by RNA polymerase III. Both DNMT-1 and DNMT-3a were detected at the U6-1 locus by chromatin immunoprecipitation directly linking these factors to RNA polymerase III regulation. Despite this association, the endogenous U6-1 locus was not substantially methylated in actively growing cells. However, both DNMT occupancy and low frequency methylation were correlated with increased Retinoblastoma tumor suppressor (RB) expression, suggesting that the RB status can influence specific epigenetic marks.
The effects of meteorology on ozone in urban areas and their use in assessing ozone trends

The United States Environmental Protection Agency issues periodic reports that describe air quality trends in the US. For some pollutants, such as ozone, both observed and meteorologically adjusted trends are displayed. This paper describes an improved statistical methodology for meteorologically adjusting ozone trends as well as characterizes the relationships between individual meteorological parameters and ozone. A generalized linear model that accommodates the nonlinear effects of the meteorological variables was fit to data collected for 39 major eastern US urban areas. Overall, the model performs very well, yielding R2 statistics as high as 0.80. The analysis confirms that ozone is generally increasing with increasing temperature and decreasing with increasing relative humidity. Examination of the spatial gradients of these responses show that the effect of temperature on ozone is most pronounced in the north while the opposite is true of relative humidity. By including HYSPLIT-derived transport wind direction and distance in the model, it is shown that the largest incremental impact of wind direction on ozone occurs along the periphery of the study domain, which encompasses major NOx emission sources.
Conversion electron measurements of transitions following the beta decay of 131mTe

Abstract The MSU six gap orange and π√2, iron-free beta-ray spectrometers have been used to study the internal conversion electron spectrum of 131mTe. The multipolarities (in parentheses) of the 80.9 (M1), 102.3 (M1), 149.7 (90% M1, 10% E2), 200.7 (E1), 240.6 (E1), 334.5 (M1, E2), 452.7 (M1,E2) and 773.7 (80% E2 + 20% M1) keV transitions have been determined. The E1 multipolarities of the 200.7 and 240.6 keV transitions and the log ft values of the beta decay to the high-energy states suggest negative-parity assignments for the 1797, 1899 and 1980 keV states in 131I. In addition to the data presented, a survey of the low-energy, positive-parity states of the odd-mass iodine isotopes has been performed. The energies of separation of several states have been found to have a strong quadratic dependence on the neutron number.
Dendrochronological analysis of white oak growth patterns across a topographic moisture gradient in southern Ohio

Moisture availability is a key factor that influences white oak (Quercus alba L.) growth and wood production. In unglaciated eastern North America, available soil moisture varies greatly along topographic and edaphic gradients. This study was aimed at determining the effects of soil moisture variability and macroclimate on white oak growth in mixed-oak forests of southern Ohio. Using accurately dated and measured tree rings, we analyzed 119 white oaks growing across an integrated moisture index (IMI), a computer-generated GIS model that simultaneously combines topographic and edaphic features into a moisture index scale. Growth trends varied considerably across the IMI, with trees in mesic sites exhibiting patterns much different from those in either xeric or intermediate sites. BAI growth and biomass increments were higher for trees growing in the intermediate and mesic sites than those from the xeric sites. Correlation and response function analyses, and redundancy analysis revealed significant relations between ring-width indices and climate, with current year May–July PDSI, precipitation and temperature as the most important correlates of white oak growth. Additionally, climatic influences on growth rate were variable across the IMI; trees in xeric sites showed much greater coefficients relative to those from the intermediate and mesic sites. Despite these differences, xeric and intermediate trees exhibited similar growth patterns. The present results provide further evidence of the usefulness of the IMI for identifying and comparing white oak growth patterns across the complex, dissected landscape of southern Ohio.
Molecular dynamics potentials in magnetite (Fe3O4) modeling

Abstract This paper involves modeling iron oxidation to form magnetite using molecular dynamics. Magnetite has two different oxidation states of iron ions: one type carries the maximum charge of +2e and the other type carries the maximum charge of +3e. The problem is how to decide which type each iron ion belongs to. This is not a trivial problem because, in molecular dynamic simulations, each iron ion normally carries a fractional charge, say +0.25e, not fully +2e or +3e. This paper introduces a novel implementation in modeling magnetite formation with satisfactory results when compared to actual experiment results.
Ethnopolitics and research ethics for the non‐native researcher

Sammendrag Karen Larson gjor i artikkelen et forsok pa a omforme sine erfaringer fra en traumatisk feltsituasjon til en analyse av forholdet mellom etnopolitikk, kulturelle grenser og forskning. Hun viser hvorledes vestlig forskning med sitt kartesisk‐analytiske utgangspunkt alltid tenderer til a objektivisere sin posisjon, ogsa der hvor en mer kollektiv/relasjonell tilnaerming kunne vaere aktuell. Steilt mot dette ‘objektive’ tenkesett star ofte et subjektivistisk og privatisert forskningsideal hos minoriteten. I en slik konfrontasjonslignende situasjon star man i den fare at ogsa forskningssektoren i de vestlige og dominerende samfunn kan vaere undertrykkende i sine konsekvenser. Forfatterens idealer for en framtidig dialog mellom vestlige akademikere og minoritetenes forskningsinstitusjoner er knyttet til tanken om ‘apenhet’ og komplementaritet. Hun onsker ikke den frihet som tillater enhver a velge sine egne forskningsstrategier for sitt formal, men hun skisserer et onske om den slags kommunikasjon hvor ...
Revisiting Case IV: A reassessment of bias and standard errors of Case IV under range restriction

In 2004, Hunter and Schmidt proposed a correction (called Case IV) that seeks to estimate disattenuated correlations when selection is made on an unmeasured variable. Although Case IV is an important theoretical development in the range restriction literature, it makes an untestable assumption, namely that the partial correlation between the unobserved selection variable and the performance measure is zero. We show in this paper why this assumption may be difficult to meet and why previous simulations have failed to detect the full extent of bias. We use meta-analytic literature to investigate the plausible range of bias. We also show how Case IV performs in terms of standard errors. Finally, we give practical recommendations about how the contributions of Hunter and Schmidt (2004) can be extended without making such stringent assumptions.
Laying the foundation: Institutional research office organization, staffing, and career development

Appropriate staffing is critical to effective institutional research, yet most institutional research offices are chronically understaffed. How many and what types of staffing are needed for the ideal institutional research office, and how can it be achieved?
Piecewise-linear bounds on the yield-point load of shells∗

Abstract I t is shown that upper and lower bounds on the yield-point load of a shell of uniform thickness can be obtained from a consideration of related piecewise linear problems. The bounds are independent of the yield criterion and may be obtained when the material yield stress in either tension or shear is known. The theory is given for a general shell problem, simplified for a circular cylindrical shell, and applied to a particular example.
Modification of protein synthetic components by aflatoxin B1.

Abstract Molecular sites of perturbation by the hepatocarcinogen aflatoxin B 1 (AFB 1 ) in the protein synthesis initiation complex were assessed using isolated hepatocytes and a cell-free activating system containing microsomes and cytoplasmic ribonucleoprotein complexes (cRPC). Ribosomal proteins showed no detectable modification by the toxin in either system. With hepatocytes, initiation factors demonstrated only slight modification by AFB 1 . RNAs from both hepatocytes and the cell-free system with microsomes and cRPC were modified, with poly(A)-containing RNA exhibiting at least a 5-fold higher modification than poly(A)-lacking RNA. The poly(A)-lacking RNAs were modified in the order 28S rRNA > 18S rRNA > 5–6S rRNA > 4S tRNA. Guanine was the target base of AFB 1 , but only 10% of the AFB 1 -GMP adducts were on guanines located in a poly(G) region. These results suggest that guanine modification in RNAs may be responsible for the observed inhibition of translational initiation by AFB 1 to a greater extent than modification of either ribosomal intrinsic or associated proteins.
Hydroxylation of [3h]5α-androstane-3β,17β-diol by whole tissue, epithelial cells and fibroblasts from the same hyperplastic human prostate

Hydroxylations of 3 beta-hydroxy 5 alpha-dihydro C19-steroids are terminal reactions by which male accessory sex organs dispose of intracellular androgens. Cellular androgen egress is of particular interest in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) where the elevated nuclear 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone-receptor content may be implicated in the etiology of the disease. We here report substitution of hydroxyl groups at C-6 alpha, C-7 beta and predominantly at C-7 alpha of [3H]5 alpha-androstane-3 beta,17 beta-diol on incubation of 3 and 8.5 nM substrate concentrations with minced and explanted human BPH tissue. Fibroblasts isolated from the same prostatectomy specimen hydroxylated 3 nM radiosubstrate mainly at C-6 alpha, with extensive metabolism to 17-oxosteroids. Epithelial cells from the same tissue source substituted to the same extent at the three positions. Competing 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase exceeded hydroxylase activity only in epithelial-cell cultures. Our findings support previous evidence that prostatic epithelial and stromal cells make different contributions to androgen disposition by the 3 beta-hydroxysteroid pathway.
The Nature of the Binary Solvent N-Methylpyrrolidone/Carbon Disulfide

The solvent properties of the binary solvent carbon disulfide/N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP) have been investigated using density, viscosity, solvatochromic, and FTIR measurements. The excess molar volumes were negative throughout the entire range of CS2/NMP ratios suggesting complex formation or preferred solvent structures at intermediate ratios of the solvents. The viscosity measurements suggested either complex formation between CS2 and NMP or very complex self-association equilibria. FTIR data did not support the idea of specific interactions between CS2 and NMP, but did show that complex changes in self-association were occurring. The solvatochromic studies indicated that at approximately a 1:1 volume ratio, the dipolar state of the binary solvents was greater than for either solvent separately. All the information together suggested that some type of NMP chain oligomer may be an important factor in understanding the synergistic extraction of coal in CS2/NMP solvent.
Sensitivity of Network-Level BMS MR&R Policies to Variations in Cost, Transition Probability, and Discount Factor

A sensitivity analysis of the recommendations obtained from the maintenance, repair, and rehabilitation (MR&R) optimization model of the Pontis bridge management system (BMS) to changes in Wisconsin's estimates of MR&R costs, transition probabilities, and discount factor is presented. The scope includes the MR&R actions for 25 bridge elements in Wisconsin. The analysis is based on scenarios of cost and transition probabilities that represent a range of low- to high-cost projects and slow to fast element deterioration. The potential cost savings per element from adopting special policies on extreme high- and low-cost projects were estimated. The analysis identified the MR&R actions that are sensitive to changes in cost or transition probability, the MR&R actions that are never recommended, and the cost and transition scenarios for which the optimal policy is to do nothing until failure. The optimal policies recommended by the BMS and the current practice at Wisconsin District 1 were compared. Recommendatio...
Electrostatic charging properties of simulated lunar dust

The charge on grains of simulated lunar regoliths (MLS-1 and JSC-1) has been measured in a plasma containing thermal electrons with a few electron volts temperature and a second population of nearly monoenergetic fast electrons with energy variable from 15 to 100 eV. The measured charges are similar to that on glass microspheres of the same diameter. Both the glass and the simulated lunar samples showed multiple charge states in a finite electron energy range, that might help the theoretical models suggesting active electrostatic dust transport on the Moon. The measurements can be well described by a charging model which includes currents due the background thermal plasma, monoenergetic fast electrons and secondary electrons.
The Political Economy of Food and Nutrition Policies

In this volume Per Pinstrup-Andersen brings together a distinguished group of leading authorities to extend the analysis of food and nutrition policy beyond the simple measurement of cost-effectiveness. Using qualitative as well as quantitative data from Asia, Latin America, and the United States, the authors ask how these policies are formulated within larger political and economic contexts and follow the impact of these policies on the populations involved. They contend that explicit consideration of economic as well as political trade-offs is likely to result in more realistic advice to governments, identification of opportunities for coalition-building, more effective government action, and reduced food insecurity and malnutrition. The book is divided into five parts. Part One provides evidence of national political economy issues related to food and nutrition. Part Two examines the impact of policies at the local and household levels. Part Three explores the relationship of nutrition and labor productivity. Part Four assesses future research needs and policy implications. Part Five offers general conclusions by the volume's editor.
The zinc-binding protein chordc1 undergoes complex diurnal changes in mRNA expression during mouse brain development.

Diurnal changes in Chordc1 mRNA were recently described in mouse hypothalamus. This report shows that Chordc1 mRNA changes rhythmically throughout the entire adult brain with highest expression levels occurring around the dark–light transition. The rhythmic cycling pattern of Chordc1 was retained under various light–dark schedules and analysis of adult whole brain revealed diurnal patterns that were different than young animals (postnatal day (P) 6). Analysis of adult hippocampus, prefrontal cortex and cerebellum confirmed these observations and a comparison between adult and P6 animals using in situ hybridization indicated that Chordc1 underwent coordinated but altered diurnal changes in mRNA abundance during development. Further, a developmental profile of Chordc1 expression beginning at embryonic day 17 revealed a regional distribution of Chordc1 consistent with its adult pattern. These results suggest that Chordc1 mRNA is under complex and widespread transcriptional regulation during development and implicate Chordc1 in circadian and/or homeostatic mechanisms in mammalian brain.
P04.40. Lifestyle therapy use in pediatric cancer survivors

Purpose Pediatric cancer survivors often experience late effects secondary to cancer therapy, but their choices for symptom management is largely unknown. Many of these late effects can be treated by lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise, and conventional supplements. Although the use of lifestyle therapies appears common in children and adolescents, including pediatric cancer survivors, the reasons for use and perceptions of efficacy have not been investigated.
Don't ask don't tell: examining attitudes about black homosexuality and the media in an online forum

On 8 November 2005, a posting appeared on the BET.COM Bulletin Board under the heading Noah's Arc. It read: ‘Has anyone caught the new show called Noah's Arc? It comes on a gay/lesbian channel called LOGO and the show is really good. It is about four gay men living and loving in Los Angeles … it gives us a glimpse into a world of gay men and the struggles that they endure in life. I suggest that all of you watch it.’ Using textual analysis, this study examines the responses of forum users addressing the following research question: Thematically, what attitudes and opinions emerged from the postings surrounding the question ‘Has anyone caught the new show Noah's Arc?’ Eight themes emerged from the postings submitted by 84 respondents as BET.COM visitors engaged in a four-month discussion about sexual orientation and identity, race, religion and spirituality. The analysis reveals that while many respondents were homophobic and heterosexist, others had a more sophisticated and enlightened understanding of se...
Constraints on the mass of unstable neutrinos from the supernova

Abstract The cosmological constraint together with the information obtained from the supernova could be used to give a lower bound on the mass of unstable neutrinos. It is shown that if the only viable channel for the unstable neutrino decay is through three lighter neutrinos, the mass of this particle should be heavier than about 500 eV.
Theory versus experiment in low-energy positron diffraction by Cu{111}

Abstract Four experimental spectra measured in a low-energy positron diffraction (LEPD) experiment on Cu{111} are satisfactorily matched by intensity calculations. The calculations were carried out with a computer program developed for LEED (low-energy electron diffraction) but using a potential consisting of negative Coulomb contribution, no exchange term and the correlation correction used normally for electrons. The present experimental data are not refined enough to show that positrons do not feel an exchange potential.
Climatic change in Britain: Is SO2 more significant than CO2?

Many climate scientists have suggested that anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases may create severe climate problems for Britain; however, the potential cooling effects of sulphur dioxide are widely acknowledged. In this investigation, we analyze British mean annual temperature, mean annual precipitation, and mean diurnal air temperature range over the period 1929–1988. Our analyses of these records reveal (a) a shift in the early 1950s away from warming and toward cooling, (b) a relative decline in maximum air temperatures when compared to minimum air temperatures, (c) a strong decline in the diurnal air temperature range and (d) a significant linkage between diurnal temperature range and precipitation. Given these signals in the observed climate record, it would appear that SO2 rather than CO2 has been the major anthropogenic climate influence in Britain over the past four decades.
Managing Patients with Psoriatic Disease: The Diagnosis and Pharmacologic Treatment of Psoriatic Arthritis in Patients with Psoriasis

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic, systemic inflammatory disease. Up to 40 % of patients with psoriasis will go on to develop PsA, usually within 5–10 years of cutaneous disease onset. Both conditions share common pathogenic mechanisms involving genetic and environmental factors. Because psoriasis is typically present for years before PsA-related joint symptoms emerge, dermatologists are in a unique position to detect PsA earlier in the disease process through regular, routine screening of psoriasis patients. Distinguishing clinical features of PsA include co-occurrence of psoriatic skin lesions and nail dystrophy, as well as dactylitis and enthesitis. Patients with PsA are usually seronegative for rheumatoid factor, and radiographs may reveal unique features such as juxta-articular new bone formation and pencil-in-cup deformity. Early treatment of PsA with disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs has the potential to slow disease progression and maintain patient quality of life. Optimally, a single therapeutic agent will control both the skin and joint psoriatic symptoms. A number of traditional treatments used to manage psoriasis, such as methotrexate and cyclosporine, are also effective for PsA, but these agents are often inadequately effective, temporary in benefit and associated with significant safety concerns. Biologic anti-tumour necrosis factor agents, such as etanercept, infliximab and adalimumab, are effective for treating patients who have both psoriasis and PsA. However, a substantial number of patients may lose efficacy, have adverse effects or find intravenous or subcutaneous administration inconvenient. Emerging oral treatments, including phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitors, such as apremilast, and new biologics targeting interleukin-17, such as secukinumab, brodalumab and ixekizumab, have shown encouraging clinical results in the treatment of psoriasis and/or PsA. Active and regular collaboration of dermatologists with rheumatologists in managing patients who have psoriasis and PsA is likely to yield more optimal control of psoriatic dermal and joint symptoms, and improve long-term patient outcomes.
Experimental Evaluation of a Simple Contact Model Containing Two Elastic Particles Bonded by a Thin Layer of Viscoelastic Binder

AbstractThis paper presents an experimental study on the aggregate contact behavior in asphalt mixture. As a three-phase material composed of aggregates, asphalt binder, and air voids, asphalt mixture is considered as a viscoelastic material at a low stress level. The behavior of the mixture depends largely on the interaction among different components. A contact model between two aggregates is very important for understanding the deformation mechanism of the mixture. In this study, a contact model between two aggregates was reviewed in details. A closed-form time-dependent relationship between the contact forces and the relative particle/binder movements was derived. An experimental test was designed to evaluate the model which contains two elastic particles bonded by a thin layer of asphalt binder. The displacement and resistant force of the aggregate-binder system under uniaxial compression loading were documented using a cabinet X-ray tomography system. The effectiveness of the model was evaluated by ...
FLS skill acquisition: a comparison of blocked vs interleaved practice.

Introduction Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS) certification is required for general surgery. The recommended practice for learning FLS is to practice tasks one at a time until proficient (blocked practice). Learning theory suggests that interleaved practice, a method in which tasks are rotated rather than learned one at a time, may result in superior learning. Method Residents were randomized into 1 of 2 groups: blocked practice or interleaved practice. We compared the performance of residents across groups over 20 trials of each of 4 FLS tasks (peg transfer, pattern cut, extracorporeal suture, and intracorporeal suture). Four weeks later, participants returned to the laboratory and completed 2 additional trials of each of the 4 tasks. Results Performance on each of the tasks improved with increased practice. The interleaved group showed significantly better performance on the peg transfer task; trends favoring the interleaved group resulted for the other tasks. Standardized mean differences in favor of the interleaved group were substantial both at the end of practice and at follow-up (with the exception of the pattern cut). Conclusion Interleaved practice appears to have advantages over blocked practice in developing and retaining FLS skills. We encourage others to experiment with the method to confirm our findings.
The role of community-based, problem-centered information intermediaries in local problem solving

Lobbying for school reform, cleaning up graffiti, installing traffic calming measures, and enacting noise ordinances are daily problem-based activities performed by organized citizen groups. These civic organizations – nonprofit associations, community groups, and neighborhood block watch programs – have operated within communities as a way for people to affect their community’s quality of life. Routinely in the course of problem-solving, these organizations—both formal and informal—seek out, interpret, distill, and re-frame information. But understanding information access and use in a community where a range of community-based, organized groups play the role of information seeker as well as information provider and facilitator presents a challenge to the researcher. In these settings, information researchers must not only address the context of the community, but also the multiple roles that the community-based groups play in the local information reality. In this paper we argue that organized local groups are critical to the information landscape of communities precisely because they play important intermediation roles. Based on our field work conducted with community organizations in Hartford, Connecticut, we identified several broad strategies employed by problem-centered information intermediaries. First, they make information relevant for their constituents by distilling, tailoring, vetting, translating and compiling. Second, they use both formal and informal mechanisms to collect, share and refer information. Third, they prepare information for specific uses and disseminate information broadly to the community and locally to their target group. This constructed information role emerges out of the context and needs of the community. Moreover, these problem-centered information intermediaries are seen as trusted and credible knowledge sources among their constituencies. And though these civic intermediaries share characteristics with the broad information intermediary role of information professionals, they are different in their focus, purpose and even attitudinal perspective toward information.
Developmental and geographic variation in stress hormones in wild Belding’s ground squirrels (Spermophilus beldingi)

Extensive research has been conducted on the role of glucocorticoids in regulating growth, mobilizing energy, responding to stressors and modulating learning and memory. However, little is known about the production of corticoids during early development in free-living animals, particularly during sensitive periods of acquisition of important behaviors. In a four-year study of Belding's ground squirrels, Spermophilus beldingi, a non-invasive assay of glucocorticoids was used to quantify age and population differences among juveniles from three California locations. Fecal–cortisol metabolites are elevated during a short period when juveniles first emerge aboveground from their natal burrows at about 4 weeks of age. This period of cortisol elevation coincides with when young are learning survival behaviors such as anti-predator responses and foraging strategies. Population differences in juvenile cortisol levels, which may reflect local variation in habitat quality and predator environments, were not evident until 2 weeks after emergence. Elevated cortisol at the age of emergence was also observed in juveniles born and reared in captivity without exposure to typical stressors that occur around the age of emergence. These results indicate that corticoids are regulated during early development, and the possible functions of age-related corticoid levels are discussed, including mobilization of glucose for natal emergence and later facilitation of growth and energy storage during the short summer before hibernation. In some species, elevated corticoids can also facilitate learning and memory, and current work is exploring whether the higher cortisol observed in all three S. beldingi populations just after emergence function to promote rapid acquisition of survival behaviors.
A field-cancellation algorithm for constructing economical planar permanent magnet (PM) multipoles with large high-quality field apertures

In recent years studies have been initiated on a new class of multipole field generators consisting of cuboid planar permanent magnet (PM) pieces arranged in biplanar arrays of 2-fold rotational symmetry. These structures, first introduced for free electron laser (FEL) applications, are based on reducing the rotational symmetry of conventional N-pole field generators from N-fold to 2-fold. One consequence of this reduction is a large higher-multipole content in a planar PM multipole's field at distances relatively close to the structure's axis, making it generally unsuitable for applications requiring a large high-quality field aperture. In this paper we outline an economical field-cancellation algorithm that can substantially decrease the harmonic content of a planar PM's field without breaking its biplanar geometry or 2-fold rotational symmetry.