cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The matrix reduction algorithm for solving separation circuits

Abstract Mineral processing circuits typically employ multi-unit staged separation in order to produce a product with sufficient recovery and quality. The design of these separation circuits is largely driven by trial-and-error, incorporating several stages of experimental testing and computer simulation. Linear circuit analysis is a 30 year old fundamental technique that may supplement the more rigorous simulation methods to streamline the formulation of an optimal solution. Unfortunately, linear circuit analysis remains underutilized due to the manual and cumbersome algebra involved. This paper presents a new matrix-based algorithm that allows efficient and automated generation of analytical circuit solutions required for linear circuit analysis. A major advantage of this technique is that it may also be applied numerically to allow simple spreadsheet-based simulation without circular references and iteration. In this communication, the algorithm is thoroughly demonstrated in a trial case, and the analysis is expanded to include 31 simple two and three-unit circuit configurations as well as two especially complex circuits (>15 units). Such large-scale circuit analysis was prohibitively complicated using prior methods. The overall results indicate that while the linear circuit analysis approach is valid, exceptions do exist for many of the original derived design rules.
Hierarchical image sequence coding with tree-structured vector quantization

The paper presents two different approaches to image sequence coding which exploit the spatial frequency statistics as well as the spatial and temporal correlation present in the video signal. The first approach is the pyramidal decomposition of the Motion Compensated Frame Difference (MCFD) signal in the frequency domain and the subsequent coding by unbalanced Tree Structured Vector Quantizers (TSVQ) designed to match the statistics of the frequency bands. The type of TSVQ used in this study possess the advantage of low computational complexity with coding performance comparable to full-search vector quantization. The second approach is similar except that the order of motion estimation/compensation and pyramidal decomposition are interchanged.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Role delineation study of pediatric nurse practitioners: a national study of practice responsibilities and trends in role functions.

Abstract Introduction: This study explored the current practice responsibilities of pediatric nurse practitioners (PNPs) from a national perspective. Educational preparation, geographic region of practice, years of employment as a PNP, type of employment setting, and full-time versus parttime employment were examined. Method: From a randomly selected sample (N = 997), a total of 387 respondents returned their questionnaire, resulting in 325 usable questionnaires. Results: Years of experience as a PNP, setting of employment, geographic region, prescriptive authority, and subspecialty practice were significantly related to various health supervision and illness-focused activities performed by PNPs, as well as level of management responsibility. Anticipatory guidance supervision continues to be an integral part of the PNP role. PNPs report that they assume major responsibility for the health assessment and management of children with common pediatric illnesses as well as chronic illnesses and conditions. Discussion: The ability to prescribe prescription medications produced the greatest overall effect on PNP role activities and level of management responsibility. Years of experience exerted an interesting effect on role functions related to the overall health supervision and illness-focused activities in which PNPs engaged. Implications for the educational preparation of PNPs, the updating of national certification examinations, and planning for adequate numbers in the workforce to replace the cohort of retiring PNPs in the next 20 years are discussed. J Pediatr Health Care. (2000). 14 , 149–159.
An additional note on the floral morphology and affinities of Medusagyne oppositifolia (Medusagynaceae)

Further observations on the floral morphology and anatomy of the monotypic genusMedusagyne from the Seychelles are presented. The unique synovarious gynoecium is composed of numerous carpels that are attached to the side of a broad, elongated torus. The biovulate carpels are differentiated into a narrow ovary, a stout, erect, three-trace style, and a lobed, discoid stigma. The carpel wall is initially composed of thin-walled parenchyma, but at later stages of development the peripheral region becomes subdivided into many lignified sterile extensions. Carples show pronounced ontogenetic adaxial deformation, during which the upper ventral surfaces become expanded, greatly extending the ventral margins and forming a domelike cushion of carpel-derived tissue over the summit of the torus. The distal cushion remains separated from the flattened torus by a compressed cavity and eventually undergoes lignification, perhaps protecting the underlying gynoecium from chewing insects and exposure. Comparisons are made between the mature gynoecia ofMedusagyne and those of the genusDillenia. The occurrence of S-type sieve-element plastids inMedusagyne is reported for the first time, a feature in agreement with suggested thealean affinities of the family.
Fortification variability in rat diets fortified with arsenic, cadmium, and lead

Eleven rat diets fortified with 200 ppm Pb as lead acetate, and/or 50 ppm Cd as cadmium chloride, and/or 50 ppm As as sodium arsenate or p‐arsanilic acid for use in a feeding study to determine the interactive effects of the three elements in rats were analyzed to confirm the fortification levels. Gross inhomogeneity was found. After remixing, variability within and among diets was improved but was still unacceptable. Fortification levels of Pb and of As as sodium arsenate could be accurately determined only by taking a very large sample and homogenizing the diet subsamples with a Polytron homogenizer. A review of the recent literature indicates that no standard procedures exist for fortification, mixing, or analysis of animal feeding study diets. Such procedures should be developed and analysis of the diets before and at intervals during a feeding study should be adopted as standard procedure.
Activation-enhanced αIIbβ3-Integrin–Cytoskeleton Interactions Outside of Focal Contacts Require the α-Subunit

Integrins link the cell's cytoskeleton to the extracellular matrix, as well as to receptors on other cells. These links occur not only at focal contacts but also at smaller integrin-containing protein complexes outside of focal contacts. We previously demonstrated the importance of focal contact-independent integrin-cytoskeleton interactions of beta(2) integrins: activation of adhesion resulted from a release of integrins from cytoskeletal constraints. To determine whether changes in integrin-cytoskeleton interactions were related to activation of the integrin, we used single particle tracking to examine focal contact-independent cytoskeletal associations of alpha(IIb)beta(3)-integrin, in which activation results in a large conformational change. Direct activation of alpha(IIb)beta(3) by mutation did not mimic activation of lymphocytes with phorbol ester, because it enhanced integrin-cytoskeleton interactions, whereas activation of lymphocytes decreased them. Using additional integrin mutants, we found that both alpha- and beta-cytoplasmic domains were required for these links. This suggests that 1) both beta(2)- and beta(3)-integrins interact with the cytoskeleton outside of focal contacts; 2) activation of a cell and activation of an integrin are distinct processes, and both can affect integrin-cytoskeleton interactions; and 3) the role of the alpha-subunit in integrin-cytoskeleton interactions in at least some circumstances is more direct than generally supposed.
Properties of a hormone-stimulated lipase from rat adipose cells.

Abstract A well defined, easily reproducible system for the study of hormone-stimulated lipolysis in broken cell preparations from rat adipocytes has been described. Addition of hormone prior to cellular rupture results in a homogenate which liberates free fatty acids (FFA) in a linear fashion for at least 1 hr. The quantity of FFA liberated from nonhormone-treated control homogenates is much smaller but is also linear for at least 1 hr. The activation process occurring after addition of hormone appears to be complete within 1 min. Preincubation of the cells prior to addition of the hormone does not increase the magnitude of the response to the hormone. Broken cell preparations made from both control and hormone-treated cells show a pH optimum in the range of 6.5-1.5, and both preparations show a necessity for the presence of bovine serum albumin in the assay medium. The centrifugation of an activated homogenate at 0° and subsequent recombination of the resulting fractions (fat cake, infranatant and pellet) produced a preparation showing lipolysis. When the infranatant from an untreated homogenate was recombined with the fat cake from a hormone-treated homogenate, hormone-stimulated lipolysis was still seen; the reverse combination showed no such stimulation of lipolytic activity. When the infranatant fluid was removed entirely and replaced with warm (37°) Krebs-Ringer phosphate buffer (KRP), lipolysis was greater in hormone-treated than in control preparations, and the specific activity was increased 5-fold. It is tentatively concluded, therefore, that the “active” lipolytic properties are associated with the fat cake; the infranatant fluid appears to inhibit the lipolytic process.
Layered transition metal thiophosphates /MPX3/ as photoelectrodes in photoelectrochemical cells

Layered crystals of the transition metal thiophosphates were synthesized and characterized for use as photoelectrodes in photoelectrochemical cells. Crystals incorporating tin and manganese show n-type response while those with iron and nickel show p-type response. These materials have a measured indirect bandgap of about 2.1 eV. They show ability to photoelectrolyze water in acid solutions with onset potentials which change in a Nernstian way as the PH of the solution changes. The onset potential is near zero volts versus a saturated calomel electrode at pH 2. At n-type crystals, oxygen could be evolved upon irradiation at underpotentials of 850 mV and at p-type crystals, hydrogen could be evolved at underpotentials of 400 mV, indicating a net gain in energy conversion. All crystals were unstable in basic solution. Liquid junction photovoltaic cells in iodide-triiodide acid solution using these layered materials were also constructed and found to have low efficiences.
Growth and Maturation of Chinook Salmon, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha, Introduced into Lake Superior

Abstract Chinook salmon introduced into Lake Superior were sampled in Cherry Creek in 1971, in the Dead River during 1974 and 1975, and in Presque Isle Harbor during 1974 and 1975. A total of 80 males and 30 females were sampled. Analysis of the scales revealed that maturation could occur at ages I+, II+, III+, and IV+. All fish were found to have a planting check present; no fish were found having more than four annuli. There were no essential differences in age and growth between the sexes.
Nursing's move to a biological understanding of mental illness.

With this issue, PPC introduces a new column, Brain Update. This ongoing column will provide the practicing nurse with featured aspects of brain biology. PPC offers this new feature in an effort to enable nurses to integrate brain biology more effectively into their practice. Topics of future columns will include the basal ganglia, the limbic system, the extrapyramidal system, and the role of biology in schizophrenia.
Homelessness and health care disparities among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth.

One study reported that somewhere between 30 and 40 percent of homeless youths identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. A NUMBER OF recent studies on lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youth have come up with some startling statistics. One study reported that somewhere between 30% and 40% of homeless youths identify as LGBT (Corliss, Goodenow, Nichols, & Austin, 2011). Researchers from the Children's Hospital Boston and the Harvard Medical School suggest that this may be because LGBT youths are more often kicked out of their homes than straight youths, or even if they are not kicked out, they may feel so uncomfortable that they leave. The study identified two distinct groups that make up the population of homeless children and youths in the United States: (a) families with children and (b) unaccompanied youths. The first group has been estimated to be more than 1.5 million U.S. children living within families that lacked a permanent home during the period of 2005 and 2006. The second group was estimated to be an additional 575,000 to 1.6 million U.S. youths living without a home and without a family, unaccompanied on the streets or in a shelter (National Center on Family Homelessness, 2009). The researchers used data from the Massachusetts Youth Risk Behavior Survey, which contains information on homeless status and sexual orientation to estimate the prevalence of homelessness in sexual minority adolescents. The researchers defined homelessness as lacking a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. Several factors associated with greater risk for homelessness were found to occur more frequently in youths with minority sexual orientation than in heterosexual youths. The researchers documented a higher risk of familial maltreatment among
Intestinal Transplantation in Infants with Intestinal Failure

Intestinal failure (IF) occurs when a person’s functional intestinal mass is insufficient. Patients with IF are placed on parenteral nutrition (PN) while efforts are made to restore intestinal function through surgical or medical intervention. Patients who fail standard IF therapies may be candidates for intestinal transplantation (IT). Clinical outcomes for IT have improved to make this therapy the standard of care for patients who develop complications of PN. The timing of referral for IT is critical because accumulated complications of PN can render the patient ineligible for IT or can force the patient to await multiorgan transplantation.
Slack, Slick, and Sodium-Activated Potassium Channels

The Slack and Slick genes encode potassium channels that are very widely expressed in the central nervous system. These channels are activated by elevations in intracellular sodium, such as those that occur during trains of one or more action potentials, or following activation of nonselective cationic neurotransmitter receptors such as AMPA receptors. This review covers the cellular and molecular properties of Slack and Slick channels and compares them with findings on the properties of sodium-activated potassium currents (termed KNa currents) in native neurons. Human mutations in Slack channels produce extremely severe defects in learning and development, suggesting that KNa channels play a central role in neuronal plasticity and intellectual function.
Building on the Strengths of Different Approaches

Just as completely different work teams at Boeing can collaborate on the design of a new type of aircraft which will have the speed of military fighter jets and the stability of passenger jets, so too can research and practice in the field of conflict resolution work together to enhance and increase our knowledge. To do so, conflict resolution researchers and practitioners should go beyond traditional collaborative efforts. The author suggests four areas that would help accomplish this goal: improving the ways we ask questions; creating better designs for dialogs; recognizing unexplored areas of practice; and codifying emergent areas for future use.
Using emerging genome data to identify conserved bone morphogenetic protein (Bmp) 2 gene expression mechanisms

Comparing genomes from diverse species has revealed surprisingly high conservation between proteins of vastly different organisms, e.g. 75% of pufferfish proteins have human counterparts. Thus subtle variation in the expression of master developmental control genes, like Bone Morphogenetic Protein (Bmp)2, is central to species differentiation. Understanding the evolution of the complex transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms required to precisely regulate such genes requires novel, interdisciplinary approaches. We describe here our efforts towards defining Bmp2 gene expression determinants by combining functional assays with computational analyses of emerging genome data. Our results suggest that both primary sequence and more subtle parameters such as nucleotide composition control Bmp2 expression at the post-transcriptional level.
Critical remarks on “Determination of reaction kinetic parameters from variable temperature DSC or DTA”

A critical assessment of a published paper (by Bansal and Doremus) is presented. The non-validity of an equation derived by them to calculate the kinetic parameters for the crystallization of fluoride glasses is first reviewed. Then the question of the correct mathematical form is addressed.
Glycosylation Increases Potassium Channel Stability and Surface Expression in Mammalian Cells

Abstract N-linked glycosylation is not required for the cell surface expression of functional Shaker potassium channels in Xenopus oocytes (Santacruz-Toloza, L., Huang, Y., John, S. A., and Papazian, D. M. (1994)Biochemistry 33, 5607–5613). We have now investigated whether glycosylation increases the stability, cell surface expression, and proper folding of Shaker protein expressed in mammalian cells. The turnover rates of wild-type protein and an unglycosylated mutant (N259Q,N263Q) were compared in pulse-chase experiments. The wild-type protein was stable, showing little degradation after 48 h. In contrast, the unglycosylated mutant was rapidly degraded (t = ∼18 h). Lactacystin slowed the degradation of the mutant protein, implicating cytoplasmic proteasomes in its turnover. Rapid lactacystin-sensitive degradation could be conferred on wild-type Shaker by a glycosylation inhibitor. Expression of the unglycosylated mutant on the cell surface, assessed using immunofluorescence microscopy and biotinylation, was dramatically reduced compared with wild type. Folding and assembly were analyzed by oxidizing intersubunit disulfide bonds, which provides a fortuitous hallmark of the native structure. Surprisingly, formation of disulfide-bonded adducts was quantitatively similar in the wild-type and unglycosylated mutant proteins. Our results indicate that glycosylation increases the stability and cell surface expression of Shaker protein but has little effect on acquisition of the native structure.
Field-induced first-order phase transition and spinodal point in nematic liquid crystals.

We report the discovery of a novel, magnetic-field-driven first-order phase transition in nematic liquid crystals. The transition is between a spatially periodic distortion, stable at intermediate-field strengths, and a uniform distortion which is the ground state at high fields. From studies of dynamics we show that the transition is first order. We also find a spinodal point, below which the transition from the uniform to the periodic state occurs continuously. We discuss the utility of thickness gradient samples and determine the equilibrium wavelength of the periodic phase as a function of magnetic-field strength
Smart sprayer project: sensor-based selective herbicide application system

The smart sprayer, a local-vision-sensor-based precision chemical application system, was developed and tested. The long-term objectives of this project were to develop new technologies to estimate weed density and size in real-time, to realize site-specific weed control, and to effectively reduce the amount of herbicide applied to major crop fields. This research integrated a real-time machine vision sensing system and individual nozzle controlling device with a commercial map-driven-ready herbicide sprayer to create an intelligent sensing and spraying system. The machine vision system was specially designed to work under outdoor variable lighting conditions. Multiple vision sensors were used to cover the target area. Instead of trying to identify each individual plant in the field, weed infestation conditions in each control zone (management zone) were detected. To increase the delivery accuracy, each individual spray nozzle was controlled separately. The integrated system was tested to evaluate the effectiveness and performance under varying commercial field conditions. Using the on-board differential GPS, geo-referenced chemical input maps (equivalent to weed maps) were also recorded in real-time. The maps generated with this system have been compared with other sensing and referencing systems.
Does Monetary Policy Affect Relative Educational Unemployment Rates

This paper examines the empirical relationship between relative educational unemployment rates and monetary policy. Such an examination is warranted because policymakers’ attempts to understand the distributional effects of monetary policy may be confounded by vintages of the theoretical literature that offer contrasting views of how skill-based relative unemployment (with unemployment of the less skilled in the numerator) might behave over the business cycle. A traditional view emphasizes characteristics of labor markets that could induce countercyclical movements in skill-based relative unemployment. For example, Arthur Okun (1973) argues that an important benefit of high levels of aggregate economic activity is that opportunities for employment in the high-quality jobs sector open up to the relatively unskilled. A mechanism for the relative improvement of the employment prospects of the unskilled is changes in hiring standards of high-quality job providers that occur over the cycle. Changes that occur during expansion and boom periods mentioned by Okun include accepting younger and less experienced workers or workers without diplomas and more intensive screening of applicants. A forceful statement of this highpressure economy view is contained in Rebecca Blank (2000). A more recent view of the impact of technological adoption could have quite different implications for movements in skill-based relative unemployment over the cycle. For example, Dale Mortensen and Christopher Pissarides (1999) show that, in their equilibrium search and matching framework, the relationship between skill and unemployment is convex in the presence of labor-market policies such as unemployment compensation. In this environment, skill-biased technology shocks increase overall unemployment rates with a disproportionate share of the unemployment falling on the unskilled. In his popular account of the matter, Krueger (2002) ties cyclical investment in new technologies to the conduct of monetary policy, thereby linking relative educational unemployment to monetary policy. My answer to the title question emerges from quantitative results designed to assess the dynamic effect on relative educational unemployment of a monetary policy surprise, controlling for supply shocks and the introduction of new technical ideas. These findings appear to resolve some of the tension between alternative views on relative unemployment dynamics in favor of the high-pressure economy hypothesis. † Discussants: Seth B. Carpenter, Federal Reserve Board; Jonah B. Gelbach, University of Maryland; Bridget Terry Long, Harvard University.
Some aspects of the stability and anisotropy of amorphous Co-Gd films

Cobalt-gadolinium films were prepared by r.f. bias sputtering to produce films with compensation temperatures near room temperature corresponding to Co 79 Gd 21 . Kerr magneto-optic hysteresis loops measured at various temperatures were used to determine the compensation temperature. Torque curves indicated that these films had a perpendicular anisotropy. Rapid changes in the torque curves were measured as a function of time at room temperature on films with no protective overlay film. With about 1000A SiO 2 over the film the compensation temperature and the torque characteristic were both stable to about 200°C for 2 hrs. At higher temperatures the compensation temperature decreased indicating an increase in cobalt in the film. This was confirmed by the increase in the torque component derived from the shape anisotropy of the disk while the -\sin2\theta component decreased. SIMS depth profiling could not confirm that this was due to oxidation or the release of argon. Transmission electron microscopy on a thinned cross-section of the film, and through film thickness, failed to reveal any structure other than equiaxed contrast with a wave length of about 20A.
Analysis of underivatized artemisinin and related sesquiterpene lactones by high‐performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection

Introduction Although high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection (HPLC-PAD) is widely available, it has not been used for artemisinin (1) analysis because of the lack of UV absorption reported for this lactone. Increased Artemisia annua cultivation for production of 1 requires an affordable and reliable method to analyse 1 and its precursors dihydroartemisinic acid (2) and artemisinic acid (3) simultaneously from underivatized plant extracts. Objective To validate HPLC-PAD for the quantification of underivatized artemisinin from A. annua and artemisinin-based drugs. Methodology Dried A. annua leaves were extracted with petroleum ether, dried, reconstituted in acetonitrile, and analysed by HPLC-PAD at 192 nm using an isocratic mobile phase (60:40, acetonitrile:0.1% acetic acid). HPLC-PAD was evaluated through accuracy, precision, recovery and comparison with HPLC with evaporative light scattering detection (HPLC-ELSD). Results HPLC-PAD proved accurate, precise and reproducible for the direct quantification of 1 and related compounds, and was more sensitive than ELSD for most of the compounds tested. The limit of quantification of 1–3 from plants was 0.048, 0.024 and 0.008 g/100 g dry weight, respectively. Recoveries were over 98%, with good intra- and inter-day repeatability. HPLC-PAD correlated significantly (r2 = 0.99, p <0.001) with HPLC-ELSD for artemisinin analysis. HPLC-PAD was also reliable for the analysis of dihydroartemisinin, artesunate and artelinic acid. Conclusion HPLC with ultraviolet detection was validated for the quantification of underivatized 1, 2, and 3 from crude plant samples, and is readily applicable for the quality control of herbals and artemisinin-related pharmaceutical compounds. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Roles of CUP-5, the Caenorhabditis elegans orthologue of human TRPML1, in lysosome and gut granule biogenesis

CUP-5 is a Transient Receptor Potential protein in C. elegans that is the orthologue of mammalian TRPML1. Loss of TRPML1 results in the lysosomal storage disorder Mucolipidosis type IV. Loss of CUP-5 results in embryonic lethality and the accumulation of enlarged yolk granules in developing intestinal cells. The embryonic lethality of cup-5 mutants is rescued by mutations in mrp-4, which is required for gut granule differentiation. Gut granules are intestine-specific lysosome-related organelles that accumulate birefringent material. This link between CUP-5 and gut granules led us to determine the roles of CUP-5 in lysosome and gut granule biogenesis in developing intestinal cells. We show that CUP-5 protein localizes to lysosomes, but not to gut granules, in developing intestinal cells. Loss of CUP-5 results in defects in endo-lysosomal transport in developing intestinal cells of C. elegans embryos. This ultimately leads to the appearance of enlarged terminal vacuoles that show defective lysosomal degradation and that have lysosomal and endosomal markers. In contrast, gut granule biogenesis is normal in the absence of CUP-5. Furthermore, loss of CUP-5 does not result in inappropriate fusion or mixing of content between lysosomes and gut granules. Using an in vivo model of MLIV, we show that there is a defect in lysosomal transport/biogenesis that is earlier than the presumed function of TRPML1 in terminal lysosomes. Our results indicate that CUP-5 is required for the biogenesis of lysosomes but not of gut granules. Thus, cellular phenotypes in Mucolipidosis type IV are likely not due to defects in lysosome-related organelle biogenesis, but due to progressive defects in lysosomal transport that lead to severe lysosomal dysfunction.
Making an Imperfect Marker Better

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is the most widely used and validated marker of prostate cancer risk [1]. With >20 yr of experienceusingPSA, themedical community recognizes it is a good, if imperfect, marker for prostate cancer risk. Early evaluations of PSA were flawed and overestimated its sensitivity and specificity for predicting prostate cancer because often only themenwith an elevated PSA underwent biopsy [2]. Themagnitudeof these limitationswas illustrated in several series, notably the placebo arm of the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial (PCPT), which demonstrated that widely recommended thresholds for biopsy were not very sensitive andwouldmissmany cancers of both low and high clinical significance [3]. Additionally, the lack of specificity of so-called elevated PSA levels is documented in everyday practicewhere onlyone in fourmenwithanelevated PSAhas cancer on biopsy. Although several factors can confound PSA’s ability to predict prostate cancer, resulting in the low specificity, the main confounder is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). One way of eliminating the confounding effects of BPH on PSA and PSA rise is to treat them with a 5a-reductase inhibitor (5-ARI). Three prospective randomized phase 3 trials all showed that 5-ARIs improve the diagnostic performance of PSA and/or PSA change to identify prostate cancer [4–6]. These agents improve PSA by ‘‘stabilizing’’ the amount of PSA from BPH and probably low-grade cancers that enters the serum. Consequently, a rising PSA inmenon a 5-ARI should be more indicative of a clinically important cancer thana risingPSA inuntreatedmen.Thiswasverified in the Reduction by Dutasteride of Prostate Cancer Events
Proton-Proton Scattering at 7 Mev

Scattering experiments have been performed with protons from the cyclotron scattered in hydrogen gas. Photographic plates were used in a camera which recorded simultaneously individual protons scattered at angles from 10.5\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} to 45\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}. 5000 tracks were counted in each of nine narrow angular ranges to give good statistical accuracy. An experimentally determined correction was necessary due to proton penetration of the edges of the slits which admitted scattered protons to the photographic plates. The energy of the protons was determined by magnetic deflection and from ionization ranges. Analysis of the results shows an $s$ phase shift somewhat lower than that predicted by extrapolation of the earlier low energy data as analyzed in terms of square well, Gauss, and meson potentials. On the assumption of central $p$ wave scattering the results are fitted by a $p$ phase shift of -0.22\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} which corresponds to scattering from a repulsive square well with interior Coulomb potential, range ${\mathit{e}}^{2}$/${\mathrm{mc}}^{2}$ and height 2.2 Mev. Extending the Rarita-Schwinger neutron-proton interactions to the proton-proton system for a prediction of tensor $^{3}P$ wave scattering, we find that the experimental results are reconcilable with the "symmetrical" theory and with the "charged" theory as formally constructed by them. The "neutral" theory gives $^{3}P$ scattering in definite disagreement with the experimental results.
EFFECT OF A CASTILLEJO--DALITZ--DYSON POLE IN THE $pi$N I = 1/2, J = 1/ 2$sup +$ AMPLITUDE.

Recent phase-shift analyses of the $I=\frac{1}{2}$, $J={\frac{1}{2}}^{+}$ $\ensuremath{\pi}N$ amplitude imply that the real part of the phase shift changes sign at about 150-MeV pion lab kinetic energy and either passes through 90\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} or reaches a maximum slightly below 90\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} at about 600 MeV. These features of the phase shift strongly contradict the predictions of dispersion-theory calculations of the nucleon mass, which generally yield a negative phase shift decreasing with increasing energy. We assume that the observed phase-shift behavior is due to multichannel-coupling effects which can be accounted for in a single-channel calculation only by including a Castillejo-Dalitz-Dyson pole. A previous determination of the nucleon mass, $m$, and coupling with pions, $\frac{{g}^{2}}{4\ensuremath{\pi}}$, based on the assumed knowledge of the $\ensuremath{\pi}N$ $I=\frac{3}{2}$, $J={\frac{3}{2}}^{+}$ (${N}^{*}$) resonance parameters, is repeated with the inclusion of a CDD pole. A variant of the Bal\'azs method is used. The CDD pole parameters are determined so as to give the phase-shift behavior mentioned above. The Bal\'azs-pole residues are determined by requiring crossing symmetry in a form relating the $\ensuremath{\pi}N$ amplitude on the nearby left-hand cut to physical $\ensuremath{\pi}N$ scattering. We find $m=0.97$ in units of the physical nucleon mass; $\frac{{g}^{2}}{4\ensuremath{\pi}}=10.5$; and a $\ensuremath{\pi}N$ $I=\frac{1}{2}$, $J={\frac{1}{2}}^{+}$ scattering length between about -0.038 and -0.048 (in units of the cube of the pion Compton wavelength), depending on the assumed energy at which the phase shift changes sign. These parameters appear to be very insensitive to the choice of Bal\'azs-pole positions.
Efficient retrieval in medical image databases

Interaction with image databases is facilitated by using example images in a query. Query-by-example often requires a comparison of the features in the query image with features of the database image. The appropriate comparison function need not be the Euclidean distance between the two features - several non-Euclidean similarity measures have been shown to be visual more appropriate. This paper considers the problem of efficient retrieval of images using such similarity measures. A classical k-d tree based indexing algorithm is extended to such similarity measures and experimental performance evaluation of the algorithm is also provided.
A micro-cantilever based photoacoustic detector of Terahertz radiation for chemical sensing

A Microelectromechanical system (MEMS) cantilever pressure sensor was designed, modeled, fabricated, and tested for sensing the photoacoustic response of gases to Terahertz (THz) radiation. This paper describes manufacturing, experimental set-up and the most recent spectroscopic results, which demonstrate the capabilities of this spectroscopic technique.
Border Crossings? Exploring the Intersection of Second Language Acquisition, Conversation Analysis, and Foreign Language Pedagogy

This article explores recent changes in the landscape of second language acquisition (SLA) and foreign language pedagogical (FLP) research. Firth and Wagner's (1997) proposal for the reconceptualization of SLA has been supported by SLA and FLP researchers who share the sentiment concerning the need for increased attention to social and contextual dimensions beyond the diversity of their theoretical and methodological orientations. In the meantime, a growing number of studies have adopted conversation analysis (CA), the sociological methodology on which Firth and Wagner have built their arguments, to examine data involving second language speakers, even though not all these studies may be viewed as addressing the issue of language learning and therefore may not belong to the category of SLA studies. The review of developments in the last decade points to potentials and remaining issues in using CA to conduct SLA and FLP research and to draw pedagogical implications.
Measurements of damping constants of atoms in flames by atomic fluorescence flame spectrometry with a continuum source

Abstract Experimental fluorescence and emission growth curves are compared with theoretical growth curves to estimate the damping constant (a-parameter) for Ag (328·1 nm) and Mg (285·2 nm) in a variety of H2-O2-Ar flames of known composition and temperature. Several reasons are given to suggest that the fluorescence method is more reliable than the emission technique. The a-parameter for Ag varied from 1·0 to 1·4 for flames from very fuel-rich to stoichiometric using the fluorescence method and from 0·85 to 1·2 for the same range of flame conditions with the emission method. For Mg, the a-parameter varied from 0·85 to 1·0 by the fluorescence method and from 0·6 to 0·85 with the emission method, but only fuel-rich flames were examined.
PECVD deposition of a-B/C on Si using a surface-ECR plasma source and o-carborane precursor gas

Vacuum wall deposition of a-B/C films has had tremendous positive impact on the performance of tokamak fusion reactors. In the present work, sublimed gas from o-carborane and helium carrier gas are used to create a plasma using the surface-ECR source. The plasma operates in a pressure range of 5 to 15 mTorr and typical flow rates are 5 sccm He plus 0.5-1 sccm o-carborane vapor. The film deposition rate is approximately 200 /spl Aring//minute. Microwave power levels range from 200-500 W at 2.45 GHz. We present data from the deposition plasma, including Langmuir probe measurements and time-of-flight (TOF) analyzer measurements of elemental and molecular ion species concentrations. Plasma electron densities on the order of n/sub e/=10/sup 11/ cm/sup -3/ and electron temperatures of T/sub e//spl ap/2 eV were measured. Using these measurements a self-consistent plasma equilibrium is being modeled. The films have been analyzed for atomic constituency using XPS. Thickness is measured by profilometry. Preliminary X-ray diffraction analysis has been performed. Films with a thickness of a few thousand /spl Aring/ are routinely obtained.
Use of Conivaptan (Vaprisol) for hyponatremic neuro-ICU patients.

Background Hyponatremia is common in neurocritical care and is associated with poor outcome, but the optimal treatment is not known. We wished to test the hypothesis that for neurocritical care patients with severe hyponatremia (Na < 130 mmol/l) or hyponatremia (Na < 135 mmol/l) with depressed Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) that conivaptan use would lead to increased serum sodium compared to usual care.
In situ synchrotron X-ray microdiffraction analysis of thermomechanically induced phase transformations in Cu–Al–Ni shape-memory alloy

Phase transformations in a single-crystal Cu–Al–Ni shape-memory alloy induced by thermomechanical effects were investigated in situ by high-resolution synchrotron X-ray microdiffraction. Contrary to the common belief, austenite texture maps revealed that austenite-to-martensite transformation occurred during heating of the partially transformed material under fixed specimen elongation. Twinned and detwinned types of martensite coexisted during this austenite-to-martensite phase transformation. Twinning and detwinning structures evolved to accommodate changes in stress and strain generated in the temperature-varying environment. Small amounts of austenite exhibiting distorted crystallographic orientation were detected in regions of stress-induced martensite during heating of the partially transformed material. The results of this investigation provide insight into intriguing stress rate-dependent phenomena intrinsic of shape-memory alloys and elucidate complex phase transformations due to thermal and mecha...
MODELING AND ESTIMATION FOR ELECTROMECHANICAL THRUST VECTOR CONTROL OF ROCKET ENGINES

Increased use of electromechanical actuators (EMA) in high-power,  ight-critical applications where hydraulics have traditionally been employed has increased the need for accurate, measurable models of the EMA-load systems. Thrust vector control (TVC) of rocket engines is such an application. An intuitive, linearized model of a TVC –EMA system is presented along with practical and accurate methods of estimating the model parameters. The estimation techniques are a combination of calculations using engineering design data and of experiments based on  rst principles that are designed to isolate the effects of speci c parameters and/or combinations of parameters. The techniques use measurements that are commonly available in an EMA system and inputs that are easily generated with either a computer or signal generator. The validity of the model and the parameter estimation techniques are experimentally veri ed with a pendulum simulator of a rocket engine and an EMA designed for TVC. Nonlinearities are discussed and simulated, and resonance shifting caused by backlash is demonstrated with experimental data.
School district quality and property values: Examining differences along school district boundaries

Abstract Examining differences across school district boundaries rather than school attendance zone boundaries has several advantages. These advantages include being applicable when attendance zones are not available or less relevant to educational outcomes as arises with within district school choice and for examining the effect of factors like school spending or property taxes that do not vary within districts. However, school district boundaries have often been in place for many years allowing households to sort based on school quality and potentially creating distinct neighborhoods on either side of boundaries. We estimate models of housing prices using repeated cross-sections of housing transactions near school district boundaries in Connecticut. These models exploit changes over time to control for across boundary differences in neighborhood quality. We find significant effects of test scores on property values, but those effects are notably smaller than both OLS and traditional boundary fixed effects estimates.
An hierarchical system architecture for automated design, fabrication, and repair

The architecture of an automated system which has the following properties is described: (1) if it is presented with a final product specification (within its capabilities) it will do the detailed design (all the way down to the raw materials if need be) and then produce that product; (2) if a faulty final product is presented to the system, it will repair it. Interesting extensions of this architecture would be the ability to add fabricator nodes when required and the ability to add entire ranks when required. This sort of system would be a useful component of a self-replicating system (used in space exploration).
A neural network trained to identify the presence of myocardial infarction bases diagnostic decision on nonlinear relationships between input variables

To determine whether an artificial neural network trained to recognize the presence of acute myocardial infarction makes clinical decisions based on nonlinear relationships it establishes between inputted information, a linear and nonlinear network with identical number of input nodes were trained and then tested on identical pattern sets. The ratio of residual variances between the two networks was 0.726. The linear and nonlinear networks made 21 and 9 errors, respectively, on 350 test patterns. The use of nonlinear relationships was further studied by trending the quantitative effect on network output resulting from the modification of single clinical input variables in 706 specific patterns derived from patients presenting with anterior chest pain. This revealed that the distribution of the effect on network output was bimodally distributed in 8 of the 20 clinical input variables utilized by the network. The basis for this distribution was due to the network placing markedly different diagnostic importance on the same variable in different patterns. This appears to be the first instance in which nonlinear logic has been shown to improve upon clinical decision-making.
The Determinants and Efficiency of Local Authority Spending in England

This paper analyzes the efficiency and determinants of local authority expenditure in England during 1989/90. The capitalization of local spending in house prices is used as a test of efficiency, and it is found that local services are in general excessive from this standpoint. The determinants of local government spending are then estimated and local incomes, the tax price faced by the electorate, and local party control are found to be significant. Application of the analysis to the recently introduced local government reforms suggest small effects on the overall level of spending.
Interacting with the telephone

This paper describes an empirical study of the use of a mundane domestic technology?the telephone. It combines qualitative and quantitative data gathered as part of a longitudinal study of a panel of 2400 individuals distributed across 1000 UK households. It uses this data to build a rich picture of the ways in which people use the telephone in the late 1990s highlighting the way in which factors such as roles, location, life rhythms and in particular, gender, influence patterns of use and interaction for social purposes. The paper then discusses how these findings are of significance at various levels from the identification of specific design requirements to the conception of what user centred design is and can be in the consumer market.
Invasive necrotizing infection secondary to anorectal abscess

During a six-year period, six patients were treated for invasive necrotizing infection secondary to anorectal abscess. The delay in definitive diagnosis and treatment ranged from three to 14 days. All patients had significant concomitant diseases. The number of operative procedures for each patient ranged from one to nine. Antibiotics, as well as nutritional supplementation by the parenteral or enteral route, were used on all patients. Each patient had three or more complications attributable to this infection. Hospital stay ranged from 30 to 76 days. All patients survived. Factors contributing to the development of this condition are delay in diagnosis, inadequate and inappropriate treatment, and concomitant disease. Factors associated with a satisfactory outcome are examination under general or conduction anesthesia by an experienced examiner, prompt and definitive operative therapy (including drainage and removal of all necrotic tissue), antibiotics, frequent reexamination under general anesthesia, nutritional support, and close attention to concomitant disease.
Combined Piggyback Technique and Cavoportal Hemitransposition for Liver Transplant

Portal Vein thrombosis (PVT) increases the difficulty of liver transplant; however, it is not an absolute contraindication. Cavoportal hemitransposition (CPH) is an option for patients with complete PVT and no alternative collateral vein. Our center often performs the piggyback technique for the hepatic vein reconstruction, which allows for great access to the recipient vena cava in patients with known complete PVT that may need a CPH preformed to successfully restore flow to the portal system of the donor liver. We describe the use of the piggy-back technique to prepare the vena cava for possible CPH in patients with known complete PVT.
Language Learning Motivation in Early Adolescents: Using Mixed Methods Research to Explore Contradiction

This mixed methods study with an Explanatory Design is an exploration of students’ language learning motivation as it relates to their attrition from a language immersion program. A total of 131 students who had graduated from five public elementary immersion schools responded to surveys, and 33 of those students were interviewed. Data analysis procedures included a theme analysis of the interview data, a statistical analysis of the survey data, and an integrated consideration of the qualitative and quantitative findings. It was found that mixed methods research can be uniquely revealing about social psychological constructs such as motivation, it can offer new perspectives where previous studies were contradictory, and it can accommodate multiple theoretical frameworks.