cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Progress in remote sensing (1972–1976)

Abstract This report concerns the progress in remote sensing during the period 1972–1976. Remote sensing has been variously defined but is basically the art or science of telling something about an object without touching it. During the past four years, the major research thrusts have been in three areas: 1. (1) computer-assisted enhancement and interpretation systems; 2. (2) earth science applications of Landsat data; 3. (3) and investigations of the usefulness of observations of luminescence, thermal infrared, and microwave energies. Based on the data sales at the EROS Data Center, the largest users of the Landsat data are industrial companies, followed by government agencies (both national and foreign), and academic institutions. Thermal surveys from aircraft have become largely operational, however, significant research is being undertaken in the field of thermal modeling and analysis of high altitude images. Microwave research is increasing rapidly and programs are being developed for satellite observations. Microwave research is concentrating on oil spill detection, soil moisture measurement, and observations of ice distributions. Luminescence investigations offer promise for becoming a quantitative method of assessing vegetation stress and pollutant concentrations.
Manganese removal from water using limestone-filled tanks

Abstract A pilot-scale water treatment system, consisting of two limestone-filled tanks followed by a vegetation cell, was constructed to treat drainage water from a coal-ash disposal pond located at a coal-fired fossil plant in Alabama, USA. Inflow water manganese concentration averaged 3.5 mg l −1 (ranging from 0.02 to 5.98 mg l −1 over the 495-day treatment period. The system worked effectively in removing Mn, producing water which averaged 0.49 mg l −1 or an 88% removal efficiency. A black film coated the rocks in the limestone tanks and was assumed to be the chief site of Mn removal via microbial oxidation. This film contained up to 140 g Mn kg −1 , with an average concentration of 61.4 g Mn kg −1 . The results of this study demonstrate an ecotechnological means to treat water that is high in Mn, provided the water does not have high Fe concentrations that would coat rock surfaces.
Critical L-values of Level p Newforms (mod p)

Suppose that p≥ 5 is prime, that ℱ(z) ∈ S 2k (Γ 0 (p)) is a newform, that v is a prime above p in the field generated by the coefficients of ℱ, and that D is a fundamental discriminant. We prove non-vanishing theorems modulo v for the twisted central critical values L(ℱ⊗ χ D ,k). For example, we show that if k is odd and not too large compared to p, then infinitely many of these twisted L-values are non-zero (mod v). We give applications for elliptic curves. For example, we prove that if E/ℚ is an elliptic curve of conductor p, where p is a sufficiently large prime, there are infinitely many twists D with Ш(E D /ℚ)[p] = 0, assuming the Birch and Swinnerton-Dyer conjecture for curves of rank zero as well as a weak form of Hall’s conjecture. The results depend on a careful study of the coefficients of half-integral weight newforms of level 4p, which is of independent interest.
Electrospinning of continuous piezoelectric yarns for composite application

The focus of this research is to electrospin continuous yarns of piezoelectric nanofibers. Incorporating piezoelectric polymer fibers in traditional composites can add sensing and actuation capabilities, which creates a wide array of potential applications. To process nanofibers with piezoelectric properties, we are pursuing the electrospinning of poly (vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) in DMAc. A method of electrospinning on water is used to form the continuous fibers, which are then tested using DSC, XRD, and microscopy. Through this technique, we see evidence that the non-polar α-phase of PVDF is converted to the polar β-phase, which is responsible for its piezoelectric behavior.
An algorithm for subspace computation, with applications in signal processing

An algorithm for computing the eigenvectors corresponding to the m algebraically smallest or largest eigenvalues of an $n \times n$ symmetric matrix ${\bf A}$ is described. The algorithm consists of repeated applications of the Rayleigh-Ritz procedure to a sequence of subspaces of dimension $m + 1$ which converges to the desired subspace. The method is closely related to the Lanczos method, but requires a constant amount of computation at each iteration. Applications of the algorithm include the adaptive covariance eigenstructure computation, in which the matrix ${\bf A}$ can change while the algorithm is in progress.
Studying American grand strategy; facets in an ‘exceptionalist tradition’

(1991). Studying American grand strategy; facets in an ‘exceptionalist tradition’. Diplomacy & Statecraft: Vol. 2, No. 2, pp. 211-235.
Seismic detection of CO2 leakage along monitoring wellbores

Abstract A pilot carbon dioxide (CO2) sequestration experiment was carried out in the Michigan Basin in which ∼10,000 tonnes of supercritical CO2 was injected into the Bass Island Dolomite (BILD) at 1050 m depth. A passive seismic monitoring (PSM) network was operated before, during and after the ∼17-day injection period. The seismic monitoring network consisted of two arrays of eight, three-component sensors, deployed in two monitoring wells at only a few hundred meters from the injection point. 225 microseismic events were detected by the arrays. Of these, only one event was clearly an injection-induced microearthquake. It occurred during injection, approximately 100 m above the BILD formation. No events, down to the magnitude −3 detection limit, occurred within the BILD formation during the injection. The observed seismic waveforms associated with the other 224 events were quite unusual in that they appear to contain dominantly compressional (P) but no (or extremely weak) shear (S) waves, indicating that they are not associated with shear slip on faults. The microseismic events were unusual in two other ways. First, almost all of the events occurred prior to the start of injection into the BILD formation. Second, hypocenters of the 94 locatable events cluster around the wells where the sensor arrays were deployed, not the injection well. While the temporal evolution of these events shows no correlation with the BILD injection, they do correlate with CO2 injection for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) into the 1670 m deep Coral Reef formation that had been going on for ∼2.5 years prior to the pilot injection experiment into the BILD formation. We conclude that the unusual microseismic events reflect degassing processes associated with leakage up and around the monitoring wells from the EOR-related CO2 injection into the Coral Reef formation, ∼700 m below the depth of the monitoring arrays. This conclusion is also supported by the observation that as soon as injection into the Coral Reef formation resumed at the conclusion of the BILD demonstration experiment, seismic events (essentially identical to the events associated with the Coral Reef injection prior to the BILD experiment) again started to occur close to a monitoring arrays. Taken together, these observations point to vertical migration around the casings of the monitoring wellbores. Detection of these unusual microseismic events was somewhat fortuitous in that the arrays were deployed at the depth where the CO2 undergoes a strong volume increase during transition from a supercritical state to a gas. Given the large number of pre-existing wellbores that exist in depleted oil and gas reservoirs that might be considered for CO2 sequestration projects, passive seismic monitoring systems could be deployed at appropriate depths to systematically detect and monitor leakage along them.
The Young equation and the effect of surfactants on the wettability of minerals

Abstract The change in the wetting properties of alumina with the adsorption of alkyl sulfonates is explained in terms of the Young equation, accounting for adsorption at the solid—vapor as well as the solid—liquid interfaces. It is shown that the adhesion tension vs. solid—liquid adsorption density data of Watkamatsu and Fuerstenau (Trans. AIME, 254 1973) 123), obtained for several different pH values and surfactants of various alkyl chain lengths, can be explained when adsorption densities at the solid—vapor and solid—liquid interfaces are modeled with Langmuir expressions with a constant value of the ratio of the Langmuir adsorption constants for the solid—vapor and solid—liquid interfaces, KSV/{cyK}SL. An explanation is also offered for the constancy of KSV/KSL for various pH values and surfactant alkyl chain lengths. The method presented can be used to correlate adhesion tension or contact angle behavior for other systems.
Triangulation on Reconfigurable Meshes: A Natural Decomposition Approach

Abstract Central to many algorithms for reconfigurable meshes (R-meshes) is the method of divide-and-conquer (DAC). Although there is no provision in this method per se that a problem must be divided into subproblems evenly in size, in practice almost all existing DAC-based R-mesh algorithms divide problems in this fashion. This paper demonstrates that dividing a problem evenly is not necessarily a good approach. For some problems, a natural decomposition scheme may be preferable, in which a problem is divided into subproblems along their "natural" boundaries, often resulting in an irregular decomposition. Taking this approach, we obtain a new R-mesh algorithm that triangulates a set of points on O(1) time. This algorithm is simpler than existing ones. We also obtain an R-mesh algorithm for simple-polygon triangulation, the first such algorithm for this problem.
Visualizing dynamic cytoplasmic forces with a compliance-matched FRET sensor

Mechanical forces are ubiquitous modulators of cell activity but little is known about the mechanical stresses in the cell. Genetically encoded FRET-based force sensors now allow the measurement of local stress in specific host proteins in vivo in real time. For a minimally invasive probe, we designed one with a mechanical compliance matching that of many common cytoskeleton proteins. sstFRET is a cassette composed of Venus and Cerulean linked by a spectrin repeat. The stress sensitivity of the probe was measured in solution using DNA springs to push the donor and acceptor apart with 5–7 pN and this produced large changes in FRET. To measure cytoskeletal stress in vivo we inserted sstFRET into α-actinin and expressed it in HEK and BAEC cells. Time-lapse imaging showed the presence of stress gradients in time and space, often uncorrelated with obvious changes in cell shape. The gradients could be rapidly relaxed by thrombin-induced cell contraction associated with inhibition of myosin II. The tension in actinin fluctuated rapidly (scale of seconds) illustrating a cytoskeleton in dynamic equilibrium. Stress in the cytoskeleton can be driven by macroscopic stresses applied to the cell. Using sstFRET as a tool to measure internal stress, we tested the prediction that osmotic pressure increases cytoskeletal stress. As predicted, hypotonic swelling increased the tension in actinin, confirming the model derived from AFM. Anisotonic stress also produced a novel transient (~2 minutes) decrease in stress upon exposure to a hypotonic challenge, matched by a transient increase with hypertonic stress. This suggests that, at rest, the stress axis of actinin is not parallel to the stress axis of actin and that swelling can reorient actinin to lie more parallel where it can absorb a larger fraction of the total stress. Protein stress sensors are opening new perspectives in cell biology.
Structure-Function Relationships of M124Q Calmodulin, a Mutant that Mimics Oxidative Insults

Calmodulin (CaM) is a calcium-sensitive regulatory protein that interacts with numerous target proteins, including the ryanodine receptor (RyR). The RyR is a calcium channel responsible for releasing Ca2+ from the sarcoplasmic reticulum to induce muscle contraction. Due to its high methionine content, CaM is highly susceptible to oxidation by reactive oxygen species produced by normal metabolism. It has been shown that the oxidation level of CaM increases with aging, and contributes to muscle degeneration. Oxidized forms of CaM also have a decreased ability to regulate RyR function, thus disrupting the regulation of muscle contraction. The M124Q CaM mutant mimics the effects of a methionine sulfoxide at position 124, a key residue for CaM's interaction with the RyR. Here, we used dipolar electron-electron resonance (DEER) and NMR to characterize the structural dynamics of the M124Q-CaM. DEER analysis of M124Q-CaM suggests that the mutant exhibits open and closed conformations in micromolar Ca2+, but shifts to the more open conformation in nanomolar Ca2+. Differences in the population distributions were also observed for M124Q-CaM in the presence and absence of a RyR1 peptide that forms part of the CaM binding site. Finally, NMR analysis of wild-type and M124Q-CaM also indicated structural shifts due to the mutation and describe how both the wild-type and M124Q CaM respond to changes in Ca2+ concentration. These initial results give important insights on the structural effects of deleterious oxidative processes on the RyR regulation by CaM.
Motilin, erythromycin, and the gastric migrating motor complex: site of action

Motilin is a putative hormone which induces a premature migrating motor complex when administered exogenously, but the target organ for this hormonal effect is undetermined. Our aim was to determine whether motilin and the motilin agonist, erythromycin, induce a premature migrating motor complex via an effect directly on the stomach. Six dogs underwent splenectomy and ligation of all branches of the splenic artery except the left gastroepiploic and short gastric arteries to the proximal stomach. An intra-arterial catheter was placed in the proximal splenic artery for close intra-arterial injection of motilin and erythromycin directly to the gastric corpus/proximal antrum. After recovery, the minimum effective dose required to induce a premature migrating motor complex was determined for motilin and for erythromycin given close intra-arterially or intravenously (systemically) by monitoring upper gut myoelectric activity. Minimum effective doses of motilin and erythromycin were the same whether given intra-arterially or intravenously. The latency interval or the time to onset of a premature Phase III was less than 2 minutes for intra-arterial or intravenous administration (P > 0.05). The characteristics of induced-Phase HI activity (appearance, duration, velocity) did not differ from spontaneous Phase HI activity (P > 0.05). Although plasma motilin concentrations increased after threshold doses of both motilin and erythromycin, increases in plasma motilin occurred later after erythromycin (lOmin) than after exogenous motilin (3 min). Our findings suggest that motilin initiation of the migrating motor complex does not occur by independent stimulation of putative receptors in the gastric corpus or proximal antrum.
Book review: Infantile autistic behavior and experience—A new clinical picture by Joseph J. G. Prick

In the search for the etiology of infantile autism, it is helpful to have detailed studies of new clinical syndromes associated with autistic behavioral patterns. A notable example of such studies is this report by Dr. Joseph Prick, Professor of Neurology and Psychiatry at the Catholic University of Nijmegen in the Netherlands. Dr. Prick describes in depth an autistic child who exhibits a number of aberrant developmental features that appear to be hereditary. The unusual clinical picture is carefully documented with biochemical and radiographic .findings, karyograms, and longitudinal data from infancy to the age of 15 89 years. The child (Mariet) presents certain physical features that differ strikingly from the classical description by Leo Kanner to whom, incidentally, the book is dedicated. Some of the features are similar to those found in Down's syndrome, such as hypertelorism, epicanthus, and sunken nasal bridge. Bone malformations of the jaw and ears, endocrinopathy, skin folds and pouches are additional characteristics of the syndrome. The behavioral descriptions of Mariet as she grows older would clearly identify her as a severely autistic child. In Dr. Prick's opinion, the child suffers from a genetically conditioned embryopathy. There is no evidence that infectious diseases such as rubella, syphilis, tuberculosis and toxoplasmos.is play a role in pathogenesis. Nor does the child's chromosomal pattern indicate any translocation or deletion. "Nevertheless, on the basis of the results of familial investigations we are convinced that Mariet's morbid condition is based on a degenerative genotypical constitution, which manifests itself in certain innate metabolic errors." The
Stochastic stability of macroeconomic systems

Classical, non-linear macroeconomic theory is considered as the basis for a model of a two-sector economic system. The non-linear behaviour patterns of businesses and households are combined with a classical economic growth mechanism to produce a system describable by Lienard's equation. Sufficient conditions for the existence, uniqueness and orbital asymptotic stability of a limit cycle are derived. These conditions are interpreted in an economic context. Stochastic stability of a region containing the deterministic limit cycle is shown when the system is randomly disturbed. The model is exercised using short-term contemporary data from the United Kingdom and a comparison is made with long-term economic trends. The comparison indicates that the addition of a control input into the model would not only enhance the model-data correspondence but also account for the economic reality that macroeconomic systems use government spending as a feedback control mechanism.
National collecting trends: Collection analysis methods and findings

The primary focus of collection evaluation and assessment has been the subjective judgment of the strengths and weaknesses of library collections. The process has generally been a local application, often utilizing peer group comparative data Quantitative collection analysis to support the subjective processes of collection evaluation and assessment is now almost universally conducted through extraction of data from local systems or network databases. National collecting patterns can be studied through the use of data extracted from the bibliographic utilities. This article examines the use of data from the OCLC/AMIGOS Collection Analysis CD and standard statistical series as a methodology for studying national collecting patterns. Findings on national collecting patterns from 1986–1995 in academic libraries in the United States utilizing the methodology are presented.
Chemically-selective imaging of brain structures with CARS microscopy

We demonstrate the use of coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) microscopy to image brain structure and pathology ex vivo. Although non-invasive clinical brain imaging with CT, MRI and PET has transformed the diagnosis of neurologic disease, definitive pre-operative distinction of neoplastic and benign pathologies remains elusive. Definitive diagnosis still requires brain biopsy in a significant number of cases. CARS microscopy, a nonlinear, vibrationally-sensitive technique, is capable of high-sensitivity chemically-selective three-dimensional imaging without exogenous labeling agents. Like MRI, CARS can be tuned to provide a wide variety of possible tissue contrasts, but with sub-cellular spatial resolution and near real time temporal resolution. These attributes make CARS an ideal technique for fast, minimally invasive, non-destructive, molecularly specific intraoperative optical diagnosis of brain lesions. This promises significant clinical benefit to neurosurgical patients by providing definitive diagnosis of neoplasia prior to tissue biopsy or resection. CARS imaging can augment the diagnostic accuracy of traditional frozen section histopathology in needle biopsy and dynamically define the margins of tumor resection during brain surgery. This report illustrates the feasibility of in vivo CARS vibrational histology as a clinical tool for neuropathological diagnosis by demonstrating the use of CARS microscopy in identifying normal brain structures and primary glioma in fresh unfixed and unstained ex vivo brain tissue.
Quadrupole exchange contributions to the /sup 181/Ta nuclear acoustic resonance line shapes in pure Ta single crystal

We present a detailed experimental and theoretical study of nuclear acoustic resonance line-shape functions in $^{181}\mathrm{Ta}$ metal. Strong evidence is presented that the dominant spin-spin interaction in this substance is isotropic quadrupolar exchange. Further, we demonstrate that physical parameters can be extracted from line-shape measurements even in the presence of significant inhomogeneous broadening.
Rational-ruled surfaces: implicitization and section curves

Abstract This paper shows how to express the implicit equation of a degree 1 × n tensor product rational surface as a determinant of dimension at most n × n . If the rational surface has base points whose multiplicities sum to p , the implicit equation can still be expressed in a single determinant with no extraneous factors. As part of the derivation, it is shown that the given ruled surface can be expressed using two directrices whose degrees sum to 2 n - p . It is also noted that any plane section curve of such a surface patch is rational, and formulas for the control points of the rational Bezier representation of that curve are given.
Melanin-laden macrophages in the CSF to diagnose Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada simulating ocular syphilis.

Purpose: To describe a case of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease initially presenting as ocular syphilis. Methods: A 51-year-old woman presented with counting fingers vision in both eyes. She underwent a complete ophthalmic examination, serological testing, fluorescein angiography, and CSF analysis. Results: Serological testing revealed positive titers for syphilis. Fluorescein angiography demonstrated findings suggesting VKH. CSF cytology showed macrophages containing melanin granules consistent with VKH. Subsequent treatment with corticosteroids and cyclosporine resulted in significant improvement of vision. Conclusion: The presence of melanin-laden macrophages within the CSF allows for the differentiation of VKH from ocular syphilis.
Nutrient-dependent expression of a vegetative-specific gene of dictyostelium discoideum

Abstract The V4 gene of Dictyostelium discoideum is thought to play a role in the transition from amoebal growth to multicellular development. In addition to being rapidly deactivated upon the onset of development, the two corresponding mRNAs show differential nutrient-dependent regulation. Both mRNAs are expressed at the same level during growth in axenic broth, while the larger mRNA is induced to higher levels during growth in association with bacteria, the natural food source. Thus, higher nutrient levels result in a greater level of expression of the V4 gene. The nutrient-dependent regulation is interesting in light of the involvement of the V4 gene in the initiation of development, which represents a response to nutrient deprivation.
A DECOMPOSITION APPROACH FOR THE MACHINE SCHEDULING PROBLEM

SUMMARY This paper investigates the solution of the machine scheduling problem by a decomposition approach. The original problem is partitioned into a series of smaller, more manageable sub-problems. Considerable experimentation is conducled to study the statistical characteristics of this approach and to compare results with those obtained by complete or partial enumeration. The relative efficiencies of the decomposition solutions are investigated. The hypothesis that the mean of the schedule times shifts toward the minimum as the number of jobs in each sub-problem increases is tested. Finally, the computer times spent to obtain the complete or partial enumeration and decomposition solutions are compared.
The relationship of individualism–collectivism and self-construals to communication styles in India and the United States

Abstract This study investigated the high-/low-context communication construct in terms of individualistic and collectivist values and self-construals. European American students studying in the United States and Indian students studying in India rated 80 communication statements, 29 self-construal statements and 34 value (individualism/collectivism) statements to examine cultural differences in each construct. As expected, Indians rated themselves as more collectivistic, having more interdependent self-construals, and preferring silence and indirect communication than Americans. Contrary to prior theorization, Indians also rated themselves as more dramatic and more individualistic. Several other expected differences were not apparent in this study. These findings show complex subtleties that defy simple definition by the common rubrics or generalizations of individualism/collectivism, self-construal, or high- and low-context behaviors.
Dynamo waves and palaeomagnetic secular variation

Summary. A dynamic model is proposed for large amplitude geomagnetic secular variation with periodicity in the range of 1000-3000yr. Thermal convection in the lower mantle imposes a spatially variable heat flux at the core-mantle boundary. If the total heat loss from the core exceeds approximately 3 x 10'2W, then both (i) a convective layer and (ii) large scale, quasigeostrophic shear flows are likely to exist beneath the core-mantle boundary. The combined effects of convection and shear at the top of the outer core can generate three-dimensionally propagating magnetic field disturbances called cuw-dynamo waves. An analysis is made of the surface magnetic field disturbances due to dynamo wave propagation in the outer core in the presence of turbulent convection and an east-west shear flow. Nonaxisymmetric disturbances exhibit the following characteristics: (i) dynamo waves propagate in each hemisphere with a poleward or equatorward component, depending on the sign of the a-effect; (ii) both eastward and westward propagation is allowed althcugh westward propagation is preferred. The apparent velocity at the earth's surface is the sum of propagation and drift velocities in the core; (iii) dynamo wave disturbances are transient, with exponential growth and decay phases; (iv) traces of inclination versus declination of individual Fourier components obey Runcorn's circularity rule. A comparison is made with lake sediment secular variation records from central North America measured by Lund & Banerjee. The band-passed time series and the major inclination/declination loops can be modelled from 2600 to 10 000 yr BP by a single dynamo wave, periodic in 2400 yr, propagating under the site along an azimuth of 345". Between 0 and 2600 yr BP, the record can be modelled by addition of a wave with 1200yr period, propagating along an azimuth of 30". This indicates that the palaeomagnetic secular variation record in North America to 10 000 yr may be dominated by poleward propagating wave-like disturbances.
Whatever happened to the monopoly theory of labor unions

This paper argues that unions act in accord with the conventional cartel or monopoly model. The basic premise is that it is useful to ask what a “union maximizes” because if more wealth is available, union decision-makers have an incentive to capture it for themselves or their membership. In the formal model, unions negotiate wage rates which maximize the monetary surplus above the supply price of labor, providing an endogenous answer to the questions of how union employment and wages are simultaneously determined. Comparative static analysis yields empirical predictions about the behavior of union employment, wage rates, and union-nonunion wage differentials.
On the absence of ribonuclease inhibitor in rat liver nuclei.

Abstract Attempts were made to demonstrate the presence of free or bound ribonuclease inhibitor in rat liver nuclei prepared by several different methods. No inhibitor active against bovine pancreatic ribonuclease was found.
Renotropic stimulation in rat kidney cell culture

A circulating renotropic factor specific for renal cells has been described in rats. The addition of sera obtained from unilaterally nephrectomized (uni) rats 24h after operation compared to sham-operated (sham) rats augments 3H-thymidine incorporation into the DNA of incubating kidney slices approximately 10%-30%. Attempting to amplify the sensitivity of the assay for this renotropic agent, we replaced slices with primary rat kidney cultures. The assay system was based on one previously used for rabbits. The cultured cells were synchronized in their growth phase by a period of protein-free starvation. Compared to sera from sham rats, sera from uni rats showed significant stimulation of thymidine incorporation into DNA, 35.5% +/- 9.3 (SEM), p less than .0001, at 16 h; 63.3% +/- 10.0 (SEM), p less than .001, at 24 h; and 19.5% +/- 6.5 (SEM), p less than .01, at 48 h post operation. Accordingly, the maximal stimulation at 24 h was greater than that previously found using the kidney slice assay. Measurable renotropic activity occurred earlier and over a shorter duration than in rabbits. Stimulation was similar when a D-valine medium, relatively specific for renal epithelial cells, replaced DME medium. We conclude that growth synchronized, primary rat renal cells in culture verify the presence of a circulating renotropin arising 24 h post uni.
The interplay of phase inversion and membrane formation in the drug release characteristics of a membrane-based delivery system

The interplay of phase inversion and membrane formation in the drug release characteristics of a cellulose acetate (CA) membrane-based delivery system has been examined. Drug encapsulated films were cast from solutions of naproxen (drug), CA (polymer), acetone (solvent), and water (nonsolvent). Membrane morphologies, drug release kinetics, and drug–polymer interactions were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), USP apparatus 5 dissolution bath release rate measurements, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The drug load (DL), drug–polymer compatibility, and water content in the casting solution has a significant effect on the membrane morphology and drug release rates. Naproxen was shown to inhibit the locking-in of the phase invertion structure by lowering the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the naproxen/CA membrane. Interestingly, the burst effect for high DL films was avoided for membranes with the honeycomb structure. An interpretation of these results is discussed, and a quantitative model for the drug release mechanism is also given.
Thermodynamic properties of quantum lattice models from numerical linked cluster expansions

We review a recently proposed numerical linked-cluster (NLC) algorithm that allows one to obtain temperature-dependent properties of quantum lattice models, in the thermodynamic limit, from exact diagonalization of finite clusters. This approach provides a systematic framework to assess finite-size effects and is valid for any quantum lattice model. We present results for thermodynamic properties of spin and t-J models in different lattice geometries in two-dimensions. In addition, we present an extrapolation scheme that enables one to accelerate the convergence of NLC.
Two-dimensional diagonal summing of coincidence spectra for bulk PGNAA applications

Abstract In the past 10 years, new electronic devices have been developed that allow fast coincidence measurements to be performed that are capable of simultaneously recording the individual spectra as well as the coincidence spectra of multiple detectors. Utilizing these devices with computer software allows multiparameter data acquisition which adds much more flexibility in data analysis. One of the capabilities that is enabled is that of obtaining two-dimensional spectra. In this work, the use of this equipment and the two-dimensional spectra obtained with it are used to allow two-dimensional diagonal summing. The main advantages of this approach are improved peak resolution and very low background (Compton continuum). Possible uses of the two-dimensional diagonal summing are identifying coincidence schemes, performing elemental analysis, and identifying trace elements in bulk samples. The spectra obtained are very promising for these applications.
STATIC VS DYNAMIC AIRWAY PRESSURE AND REGIONAL LUNG BLOOD FLOW

To compare pulmonary vascular effects of static(S) and dynamic (D) airway pressure(AP), 21 intact, two to four week lambs with L atrial(LA) lines were given chloralose and pancuronium, positioned supine, and ventilated (12-16cc/kg, 25 breaths/min.) Ratrium(RA), pulmonary artery and aorta were catheterized. Apneic SAP (2 and 15 cmH2O), and DAP (ventilation with 2 and 15 cmH2O end-expiratory pressure) were studied by recording vascular and airway pressures and by RA injection of 15μ radioactive microspheres. After experiments, upper(U) and lower(L) lung segments were sampled for scintillation counting. Pulmonary blood flow(PBF), U and L regional PBF, pulmonary vascular resistance(PVR) and mean airway pressure (MAP) were calculated. 5 successful studies (group 1) were obtained at low LA (4 cmH2O), and 6 (group 2) at LA=14. Within each group, 2 and 15 cmH2O AP trials were compared using Student's paired t test. At low LA, both SAP and DAP with 15 cmH2O reduced PBF(40%*,32%*), and elevated PVR(55%,116%). SAP and DAP reduced both UPBF(40%,49%*) and LPBF(36%*,29%*). At high LA, PVR was increased by both SAP and by DAP(9%,72%*), but significantly more so by DAP†. Furthermore, DAP reduced both UPBF and LPBF (17%, 29%), but SAP of comparable MAP(15 vs 19 cmH2O) reduced only UPBF (17%), and not LPBF. High LA, which should blunt Starling resistor effects of AP on LPBF, ablated the decrease in LPBF due to SAP, but not that due to DAP. This is compatible with a non-Starling, perhaps arteriolar effect of DAP on PVR.
X-RAY RADIATION EFFECTS ON THE DIELECTRIC PROPERTIES OF PZT CERAMICS

We have systematically studied the X-ray radiation effects on PZT thin ceramic disk provided by CTS Communications Components, Inc using the X-ray beam line in the Center for Advanced Micro-Structure and Devices (CAMD) in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The photo energies of the X-ray range from 2000 eV to 8000 eV. The beam size is 10.0cm×1.0cm.We measure the dielectric constant in situ with different dose of the radiation in one sample and in different samples. The dielectric constants as a function of radiation dose are presented in the paper. It demonstrates the effects on the dielectric constant. Unexpectedly, we also found that X-ray radiation on the PZT disk generates charges on the surface of the samples. We measured the surface voltage due to the X-ray radiation with different radiation dose at the same temperature for these samples. This founding may have application potential for photoelectric devices. This is just a preliminary study. More thorough investigations are needed.
Three-wave interaction soliton switching in a polarization-gate geometry

Abstract It is shown,that three-wave interaction solitons can be used for optical switching in a polarization-gate geometry. This new all-optical logic gate combines the advantages of soliton switching devices with a short length of a second order nonlinear interaction. A new phase transform connecting the solutions of the three-wave interaction equations with different phase mismatch is found for systems including second-order dispersion terms.
Divided Government and Economic Voting

With one party in charge of the presidency and the other one in charge of Congress, how are American voters supposed to allocate credit and blame for the government's economic performance? The following solutions are proposed and tested: Hung Jury, where voters refuse to render an economic judgment on either president or Congress; Split Verdict, where voters reach separate judgments depending on whichever party is in control of a given branch; President Liable, where the electorate solves the responsibility problem by singling out the President and absolving Congress; and Congress Liable, with the roles of president and Congress reversed. The results show that the President Liable model wins easily under varying configurations of divided government as well as economic conditions. Divided government poses no noticeable obstacle for retrospective voting on the economy.
Distributed gradient systems and dynamic coordination

Many systems comprised of interconnected sub-units exhibit coordinated behaviors; social groups, networked computers, financial markets, and numerous biological systems come to mind. There has been long-standing interest in developing a scientific understanding of coordination, both for explanatory power in the natural and economic sciences, and also for constructive power in engineering and applied sciences. This thesis is an abstract study of coordination, focused on developing a systematic "design theory" for producing interconnected systems with specifiable coordinated behavior; this is in contrast to the bulk of previous work on this subject, in which any design component has been primarily ad-hoc. The main theoretical contribution of this work is a geometric formalism in which to cast distributed systems. This has numerous advantages and "naturally" parametrizes a wide class of distributed interaction mechanisms in a uniform way. We make use of this framework to present a model for distributed optimization, and we introduce the distributed gradient as a general design tool for synthesizing dynamics for distributed systems. The distributed optimization model is a useful abstraction in its own right and motivates a definition for a distributed extremum. As one might expect, the distributed gradient is zero at a distributed extremum, and the dynamics of a distributed gradient flow must converge to a distributed extremum. This forms the basis for a wide variety of designs, and we are in fact able to recover a widely studied distributed averaging algorithm as a very special case. We also make use of our geometric model to introduce the notion of coordination capacity; intuitively, this is an upper bound on the "complexity" of coordination that is feasible given a particular distributed interaction structure. This gives intuitive results for local, distributed, and global control architectures, and allows formal statements to be made regarding the possibility of "solving" certain optimization problems under a particular distributed interaction model. Finally, we present a number of applications to illustrate the theoretical approach presented; these range from "standard" distributed systems tasks (leader election and clock synchronization) to more exotic tasks like graph coloring, distributed account balancing, and distributed statistical computations.
Interpreting Monieson: Creative and Destructive Tensions

Monieson's article focuses on an important problem that confronts all knowledge systems, including that of macromarketing. This is the problem of intellectualization, whereby knowledge processes be...
Chlorophyll‐Amino Acid Interactions in Synthetic Models

A number of amino acids and molecules of related functionality have been covalently connected to pyrochlorophyllide a (PChla) and bacteriopyrochlorophyllide a (BPChla) to determine their impact on the properties of the chromophore. PChla and BPChla esterified with side chains containing the thio-ether functionality (methyl-6-hydroxyhexylsulfide, a Met analogue) were studied in detail by NMR. Intramolecular coordination at the central metal is observed for the Zn-PChla and Zn-BPChla thio-ether derivatives, but not for the Mg-PChla derivative. The NMR data for the Zn-PChla derivative is interpreted as providing evidence for two, distinguishable five-coordinate complexes, with the ligand on either side of the macrocycle. In contrast, the Zn-BPChla derivative appears to be coordinated exclusively on one side. It is proposed that stereoselective coordination may provide a simple mechanism for altering the spectroscopic properties of BChla when it binds to a protein. PChla was covalently attached to the methyl esters of L-Trp, L-Tyr, L-Phe and L-Val. Very large, similar chemical shift changes in the NMR spectra in the absence of a coordinating ligand indicate that all of these compounds form a novel dimer, in which the carbonyl group of the carbomethoxy group on the amino acid coordinates to the central metal, bridging between macrocycles. An average structure is proposed for this dimer in which the macrocycle planes are parallel, overlap in ring IV and have their x-axes antiparallel.
The PEP beam line

Abstract A synchrotron radiation beam line has been constructed tangential to the PEP (Positron-Electron Project) storage ring. The beam line is illuminated by electrons circulating through a 26-period undulator, yielding highly collimated photons tunable from 12 to 24 keV. The spectral and angular properties of this radiation are described, and a brief description of the proposed experimental program is given.
Questionnaire assessment of airway disease symptoms in equine barn personnel

Background People working in cattle, swine and poultry barns have a higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms and decreased lung function. There is scant evidence regarding the respiratory health of humans working in horse barns, although it is well documented that stabled horses have a high prevalence of airway disease. Aims To determine whether people spending time in horse barns have a higher prevalence of self-reported respiratory symptoms than non-exposed controls. Methods A cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted from May 2005 to January 2006 to investigate the prevalence of self-reported respiratory symptoms in 82 barn-exposed subjects and 74 control subjects. Logistic regression and the chi-square test were used to analyse the data. Results There was a significantly higher prevalence of self-reported respiratory symptoms in the barn-exposed group (50%) versus the control group (15%). Exposure to horse barns, smoking and family history of asthma or allergies was independent risk factors for respiratory symptoms. High exposure to the horse barn yielded a higher odds ratio for self-reported respiratory symptoms (8.9). Conclusions Exposure to the equine barn is a risk factor for respiratory symptoms. Investigation of organic dust exposures, lung function and horse dander allergies in the barn-exposed group will be necessary to determine how best to protect the health of this group.
Hematopoietic cell regulation of osteoblast proliferation and differentiation.

The last several decades have revealed numerous interactions between cells of the hematopoietic lineage and osteoblasts (OBs) of the mesenchymal lineage. For example, OBs are important players in the hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) niche and OBs are known to impact osteoclast (OC) development. Thus, although much is known regarding the impact OBs have on hematopoietic cells, less is known about the impact of hematopoietic cells on OBs. Here we will review this reciprocal relationship: the effects of hematopoietic cells on OBs. Specifically, we will examine the impact of hematopoietic cells such as HSCs, lymphocytes, and megakaryocytes, as well as the hematopoietic cell–derived OCs on OB proliferation, differentiation, and function.
Utility of the Bard BTA Test in Detecting Upper Urinary Tract Transitional Cell Carcinoma

Abstract Objectives. The Bard BTA test has been shown in early studies to be useful in diagnosing transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the bladder. However, the utility of this test has not been evaluated for TCC of the upper urinary tract. We therefore evaluated the clinical utility of the BTA test for upper urinary TCC. Methods. We tested 71 specimens from the ureter and/or renal pelvis in 22 patients with a history or clinical suspicion for TCC and 9 patients with benign disorders. Results. When compared to cytologic diagnoses, BTA had a sensitivity of 65%, a specificity of 40% (when correlated with clinical history), a false-positive rate of 33%, and a false-negative rate of 62%. The test had a positive predictive value of 83% and a negative predictive value of 32%. Conclusions. The BTA does not have any clinical value in detecting upper urinary tract TCC.
Selecting regression tests for object-oriented software

Regression testing is an important but expensive software maintenance activity aimed at providing confidence in modified software. Selective retest methods reduce the cost of regression testing by selecting tests for a modified program from a previously existing test suite. Many researchers have addressed the selective retest problem for procedural-language software, but few have addressed the problem for object-oriented software. We present a new technique for selective retest, that handles object-oriented software. Our algorithm constructs dependence graphs for classes and applications programs, and uses these graphs to determine which tests in an existing test suite can cause a modified class or program to produce different output than the original. Unlike previous selective retest techniques, our method applies to modified and derived classes. As well as to applications programs that use modified classes. Our technique is strictly code-based, and makes no assumptions about methods used to specify or test the software initially. >
Electrochemically deposited thermoelectric n-type Bi2Te3 thin films

Electrochemically deposited n-type BiTe alloy thin films were grown from nitric acid baths on sputtered Bi xTey/SiO/Si substrates. The film compositions, which varied from 57 to 63 at.% Te were strongly dependent on the deposition conditions. Surface morphologies varied from needle-like to granular structures depending on deposited Te content. Electrical and thermoelectric properties of these electrodeposited BixTey thin films were measured before and after annealing and compared to those of bulk Bi 2Te3. Annealing at 250 ◦ C in reducing H2 atmosphere enhanced thermoelectric properties by reducing film defects. In-plane electrical resistivity was highly dependent on composition and microstructure. In-plane Hall mobility decreased with increasing carrier concentration, while the magnitude of the Seebeck coefficient increased with increasing electrical conductivity to a maximum of −188.5V/K. Overall, the thermoelectric properties of electrodeposited n-type BiTe thin films after annealing were comparable to those of bulk BiTe films. © 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Gaming Performance Fees By Portfolio Managers

We show that it is very difficult to devise performance-based compensation contracts that reward portfolio managers who generate excess returns while screening out managers who cannot generate such returns. Theoretical bounds are derived on the amount of fee manipulation that is possible under various performance contracts.We show that recent proposals to reform compensation practices, such as postponing bonuses and instituting clawback provisions, will not eliminate opportunities to game the system unless accompanied by transparency in managers' positions and strategies. Indeed, there exists no compensation mechanism that separates skilled from unskilled managers solely on the basis of their returns histories.
Photovoltaic Array Reliability Optimization

Several statistical reliability studies have been conducted in areas of photovoltaic component design covering cell failure, interconnect fatigue, glass breakage and electrical insulation breakdown. This paper integrates the results from these studies and draws general conclusions relative to optimal reliability features for modules. The analysis is based on designing for specified low levels of component failures and then controlling the degrading effects of the failures through the use of fault tolerant circuitry and module replacement. Means of selecting the cost-optimal level of component failures, circuit redundancy, and module replacement are described.