cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Statistical programs for Commodore computers

In research and education, microcomputers are frequently used for statistical analysis, but many existing programs have disparate data entry, storage, and analysis routines. The analyst must reenter the same information for each analysis, often in a different format with a different entry routine, which may confuse even experienced users. The usual solutions to these problems are to organize a set of programs around an easy-to-use menu and to develop an entry-and-storage procedure that creates a data file compatible with all the statistical procedures. In this paper, we describe a set of programs which avoids these problems and offers an efficient approach to a variety of statistical analyses. The package of programs has several significant features: (1) The programs perform many common statistical analyses; however, they do assume that the user is familiar with statistical concepts. (2) The programs are easy to use because they require little knowledge of programming or operation of computers and, consequently, are well suited for student use. (3) All of the longer statistical programs have been converted to machine code to make them run quickly and to reduce computation time with large data sets. (4) Two utility programs, Data Manager and Disk Operations, facilitate and ease use of the statistical analyses. (5) Although designed expressly for Commodore computers, the programs are written entirely in BASIC, making them easily adaptable to other machines which run BASIC programs. (6) Working memory (RAM) of the Commodore computers is not as large as RAM of newer machines, but it is sufficient for the analysis requirements of many investigators and many student projects. (7) Because a Commodore 64 system (C-64 computer, 1541 disk drive, 1702 color monitor) can be purchased for less than $500 (1985), the programs offer an inexpensive source of considerable computing power.
Thermo-optic properties of gadolinium garnet laser crystals

The indices of refraction, thermal variations of refractive indices, and thermal expansion coefficients were measured for the gadolinium garnets Gd3Sc2Ga3O12 (GSGG) and Gd3Sc2Al3O12 The variation of these properties with trivalent chromium doping was investigated for GSGG. The refractive indices were determined by the minimum-deviation technique, with indices fitted to a five-parameter Sellmeier formula. The thermal coefficients were measured by an interferometric technique using simultaneous Twyman–Green and Fizeau interferometry.
Stability of the unswitched polarization state of ultrathin epitaxial Pb(Zr,Ti)O 3 in large electric fields

The initial stage of polarization switching in ferroelectric thin films depends on phenomena that occur at characteristic time scales of tens to hundreds of nanoseconds, including the nucleation polarization domains and the propagation of domain walls. These long intrinsic times allow short-duration electric fields with magnitudes far above the low-frequency coercive electric field to be applied across capacitor devices without inducing switching. Using time-resolved x-ray microdiffraction, we have found that a series of 50 ns duration electric field pulses switches the polarization of a 35-nm-thick ferroelectric PbZr, TiO3 film only at electric fields greater than 1.5 MV/cm, a factor of three higher than the low-frequency coercive field. There is no switching in response to a large number of short pulses with amplitudes lower than 1.5 MV/cm, even when the total duration reaches several milliseconds. In comparison, a series of microsecond-duration pulses causes cumulative changes in the area of switched polarization and eventually switches the entire capacitor. The difference between long- and short-duration electric field pulses arises from effects linked to domain nucleation and charge transport in the ferroelectric film. A phase-field model shows that the shrinking of the switched domain in the interval between pulses is a less important effect. This opportunity to apply large fields for short times without inducing switching by domain-wall motion raises the possibility that future experiments could reach the intrinsic coercive field of ferroelectric layers and provides a way to study the properties of materials under high electric fields.
Trajectory analysis of wet deposition at Whiteface Mountain: A sensitivity study

Abstract Meteorological trajectory analysis, MAP3S precipitation chemistry data, and hourly precipitation data at Whiteface Mountain (WFM) were used to determine the source direction of sulfate deposited in precipitation for 1978. A sensitivity study was done on source direction from different trajectory models, using different transport layers, and different precipitation information to determine the time deposition occurred. Results obtained from the different precipitation information indicate that precipitation data in 6-h increments or less are essential to correctly identify the trajectories associated with the wet deposition. Bias resulted when trajectories were not only associated with wet deposition. The direction of source regions, defined by 30° sectors, was much less dependent on the trajectory model or transport layer. Results suggest that over one-third of the wet sulfate deposition at WFM in 1978 arrived from the west-southwest, passing through the eastern Great Lakes region.
Interatomic Forces and Bonding Mechanisms in MgO Clusters

We report results from a first-principles local spin density quantum mechanical study of the energetics and elastic properties of a series of magnesium-oxygen clusters of various morphologies. The role of quantum effects, e.g. covalency, in the bonding character of diatomic MgO is determined by comparison of classical and quantum restoring force curves. The dependence of binding properties on geometry and metal to oxygen ratio is determined by comparison of binding energy curves for a series of clusters. Results show that while gross features of the binding curves may be represented by simple interatomic potentials, details require the many body corrections of a full quantum treatment. 6 refs., 5 figs.
A phosphatase for cofilin to be HAD.

Regulating actin dynamics through cofilin dephosphorylation is the role of a newly identified phosphatase, chronophin, a member of the haloacid dehalogenase (HAD) superfamily. Chronophin, the second cofilin phosphatase to be identified, has high phosphoprotein specificity towards cofilin, but curiously it was also discovered independently as a pyridoxal phosphate (vitamin B6) phosphatase.
Two-photon production of pseudoscalar glueballs.

Using a previously calculated distribution amplitude, we calculate the normalized differential cross section for two-photon pseudoscalar glueball plus meson production, $\ensuremath{\gamma}+\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}G+{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{0}$. We compare to a previous calculation and to $\ensuremath{\gamma}+\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{0}+{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{0}$.
Temperature behavior of the photoluminescence decay of semiconducting carbon nanotubes: The effective lifetime

The temperature dependence of the photoluminescence decay of excitons in single-walled carbon nanotubes was measured for two nanotube species, (7,6) and (7,5), representative of the two nanotube $(n\ensuremath{-}m)\mathrm{mod}\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}3$ families. A monotonic increase of the photoluminescence lifetime with decreasing temperature is observed. The external strain induced by lowering the temperature below the freezing point of the solution leads to an overall lowering of the photoluminescence lifetime. This effect indicates that the measured lifetime is defined by the intrinsic electronic properties of carbon nanotubes and could be understood as an exchange interaction between bright and dark excitonic states. We find the lifetime to vary between 223 and $319\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{ps}$ between 290 and $5\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{K}$, obtained by a multiexponential fit, well in agreement with previous experiments.
Axillary Lymph Node Burden in Invasive Breast Cancer: A Comparison of the Predictive Value of Ultrasound-Guided Needle Biopsy and Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy

Abstract Background Recent studies suggest that axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) may be omitted in select breast cancer patients with a positive sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB). As we trend away from ALND, we must understand the burden of axillary disease among various patient subgroups. For patients with positive nodes determined using ultrasound-guided needle biopsy (USNB), there are no data regarding the extent of axillary disease. Patients and Methods An institutional breast cancer registry was retrospectively reviewed to identify women with invasive cancer and a positive USNB/SLNB who had completion ALND. For statistical analysis, we used χ 2 and 1-way analysis of variance. Results One hundred ninety-nine USNB-positive (USNB + ) patients and 434 SLNB + patients were eligible for the study. Positive USNB patients were significantly older, had larger tumors, and were more likely to be estrogen receptor-negative/progesterone receptor-negative and HER2/ neu + than SLNB + patients. USNB + patients had much higher rates of N2 (33.2% vs. 12.4%; P P + patients. Higher axillary disease burden was demonstrated in USNB patients who were clinically node negative and those who met Z11 criteria. Conclusion Patients with invasive breast cancer with a positive node on USNB have a significantly greater burden of axillary disease compared with patients with a positive SLNB. USNB + patients represent a distinct patient population and further research is required to determine if these patients can be safely exempted from axillary dissection.
Early onset psychotic disorders: diagnostic stability and clinical characteristics.

Objectives To examine the clinical features and diagnostic stability of early-onset psychotic disorders.
Comment: regulatory environment for dietary supplements and botanicals targeted to weight loss.

(2001). Comment: Regulatory Environment for Dietary Supplements and Botanicals Targeted to Weight Loss. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition: Vol. 41, No. 1, pp. 43-44.
Ovarian function in Duarte galactosemia.

Objective To determine if girls with Duarte variant galactosemia (DG) have an increased risk of developing premature ovarian insufficiency based on prepubertal anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting University research laboratory. Patient(s) Study volunteers included 57 girls with DG, 89 girls with classic galactosemia (GG), and 64 control girls between the ages of Intervention(s) Blood sampling. Main Outcome Measure(s) We determined AMH and FSH levels in study volunteers with and without Duarte variant or GG. Result(s) FSH levels were significantly higher and AMH levels significantly lower in girls with GG than in age-stratified control girls, but there was no significant difference between FSH and AMH levels in girls with DG and control girls. Conclusion(s) Although >80% of girls with GG in this study demonstrated low to undetectable AMH levels consistent with diminished ovarian reserve, 100% of girls with DG in our study demonstrated no apparent decrease in AMH levels or increase in FSH levels, suggesting that these girls are not at increased risk for premature ovarian insufficiency.
Supervised and Unsupervised Feature Extraction Methods for Underwater Fish Species Recognition

Automated fish species identification in open aquatic habitats based on video analytics is the primary area of research in camera-based fisheries surveys. Finding informative features for these analyses, however, is fundamentally challenging due to poor quality of underwater imagery and strong visual similarity among species. In this paper, we compare two different fish feature extraction methods, namely the supervised and unsupervised approaches, which are then applied to a hierarchical partial classification framework. Several specified anatomical parts of fish are automatically located to generate the supervised feature descriptors. For unsupervised feature extraction, a scale-invariant object part learning algorithm is proposed to discover common shape of body parts and then extract appearance, location and size information of each part. Experiments show that the unsupervised approach achieves better recognition performance on live fish images collected by trawl-based cameras.
Monte Carlo calculation of the wall correction factors for ionization chambers and Aeq for 60Co gamma rays.

The application of cavity‐ionizaion chambers to the standadization of 60Co γ‐ray beams, in terms of exposure, requires that the specific ionization of air J g , be corrected for the attenuation and scatter of the incident rays by the wall, central electrode, and suporting stem of the chamber. A Monte Carlo photon–electron transport code has been developed for the purpose of calculating this correction for spherical and cylindrical chambers. The code has been applied to a spherical graphite chamber having dimensions typical of the chambers used by the NBS, the calculated wall‐correction factor is in close agreement with the average of the NBS factors which were determined experimentally. The code was also used to calculate A eq, which is central to the determination of tissue‐air ratios. The calculated value, 0.989±0.003, is very close to the generally accepted value, 0.985.
Microhabitat Use and Thermal Biology of the Collared Lizard (Crotaphytus collaris collaris) and the Fence Lizard (Sceloporus undulatus hyacinthinus) in Missouri Glades

Collared lizards, Crotaphytus collaris, live in isolated populations on Missouri glades. Anecdotal observations suggest that another lizard species, Sceloporus undulatus, is rare on glades where C. collaris is present. Possible causes of scarcity of S. undulatus in the presence of C. collaris include competition, predation, and unsuitable thermal conditions. We characterized thermal biology and habitat partitioning in these two species by measuring body and air temperatures, and microhabitat use, at three glades. Sceloporus undulatus maintains lower body temperatures than C. collaris and shifts from open rock perches to shady tree perches during the middle of its activity season. Crotaphytus collaris microhabitats are rockier and more open than those of S. undulatus, which tend to have more branches, leaves, and trees nearby. These data indicate that areas of glades hot enough for use by C. collaris are too hot for S. undulatus. Although we cannot rule out competition or predation, constraints of the thermal environment may be an important factor in the apparent scarcity of S. undulatus on glades.
Recent advances in the application of ion implantation to corrosion and wear protection

Abstract Substantial progress has been made in the past few years in establishing viable approaches for the use of ion implantation for corrosion and wear protection. The major approaches, their theoretical basis and the engineering problems of scale-up to commercially acceptable rates of production and cost are examined in this paper.
Line strengths, collision strengths and excitation rates for multiply-charged silicon ions

In the present paper, the line strengths, collision strengths, and rate coefficients are calculated for a variety of transitions in multiply charged silicon ions from Si(VI) to Si(XIV). The line strengths are obtained by using Clementi wave functions for the ground-state configuration, and excited-state wave functions generated by a semiempirical method. The collision strengths are calculated in an LS coupling scheme in the distorted-wave approximation, neglecting exchange except for the helium-like transitions. These results are then integrated over a Maxwellian velocity distribution function to yield rate coefficients. The rates are presented graphically and also in terms of a two-parameter fit.
Consumer Response to Telecommunications Deregulation: The Equal Access Decision

This paper examines consumer response to equal access-the choice of a primary long-distance carrier. A model is developed that suggests that those consumers who seek information to aid in decision making may acquire it either through search or experience. The paper reports results of a survey of consumers who recently made the equal access decision. Logit analysis identified search in other purchase decisions and age as two characteristics significantly related to the extent of prepurchase search.
The impact of the AIRS spatial response on channel-to-channel and multi-instrument data analyses

The Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) measures the infrared spectrum in 2378 channels between 3.7 and 15.4 microns with a very high spectral resolution of approximately 1200. AIRS footprints are approximately 1.1 by 0.6 degrees. Because AIRS is a grating spectrometer, each channel has a unique spatial response. Image rotation due to the scan mirror causes these spatial responses to rotate. In effect, each channel has 90 spatial responses, one for each scene footprint in the scan line. Although the spatial response for most channels is symmetric and nearly uniform, some channels have significantly asymmetric response. This paper reviews and describes the prelaunch measurements that characterized the spatial response functions. Next, it describes the conversion of the ground-based results into footprint-specific response functions valid in flight. Then we describe the postlaunch validation of the measurements, including centroid location, axes orientations, and a check on the full two-dimensional response functions. This latter check involves comparison of AIRS data with that of the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MODIS), which flies on the same platform as AIRS. An important result is that AIRS/MODIS brightness temperature comparisons are significantly improved (scatter reduced) when the AIRS spatial response is explicitly taken into account. Finally, a status report is given on attempts to fully verify the prelaunch measurements by deriving the AIRS spatial response from flight data alone.
Growth and Characterization of Epitaxially Stabilized Pseudomorphic α-Sn/Si Heterostructures

Growth and structural characterization of ultrathin, coherently strained oc-Sn/Si quantum well heterostructures have been performed. Severe Sn segregation to the surface during growth, which prevents growth of these structures at ordinary Si epitaxy temperatures, has been minimized by substrate temperature and growth rate modulations during molecular beam epitaxy. Single Sn/Si quantum wells grown with Sn coverage up to 1.4 ML have been verified to be pseudomorphic by transmission electron microscopy and X-ray rocking curve analysis. Similarly, pseudomorphic superlattices with up to 10 periods of 1 ML Sn/7.7 nm Si have been verified to be free of extended defects.
Provenance of inorganic aerosol using single-particle analysis: A case study

Abstract A total of 137 samples of airborne particulates with an aerodynamic equivalent diameter of 10 μm or less (PM10) were collected from April 2007 to July 2008 in four different areas (Potenza, Lavello, Viggiano, Matera) of the Basilicata region in southern Italy. A total of approximately 140,000 particles were analysed using a Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) equipped with an Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectrometer (EDS). To formulate a hypothesis on the origin of particles, the dataset was numerically reduced using mineralogical criteria. Eight particle groups were established (Silicate, Silica, Carbonate, Sea Salt, Polymineral, Industrial, Sulphur, and Biogenic Particles) among which Silicate, Sulphur and Industrial Particles were found to be the most abundant. Among the Silicate Particles, the alumosilicates were the most commonly occurring particles (mineral and fly ash particles), and the presence of a small metallurgical factory located in the industrial area of Potenza significantly affects the presence of metal particles (mainly Fe–Zn spinels). The anthropogenic pressure exerted by different types of Sulphur-rich (e.g., Na–Ca-Sulphates, S-only) Particles in the other areas is most likely linked to industrial combustion processes, i.e., waste incinerator oil and oil extraction. Significant differences were found in the particulate concentrations and the compositions of samples collected in different seasons as well as during the night and daytime periods. Crustal Particles were the most abundant in spring–summer, and both Sulphur-rich Particles and Industrial Particles increased in autumn–winter. The proportion of latter category of particles increases in the samples collected during the night periods due to weather conditions (atmospheric stability, thermal inversion, etc.). Sulphur-rich Particles were observed to be more abundant during the daytime due to anthropogenic processes (combustion) and solar radiation. In summary, mineralogical and geochemical approaches are fundamental to delineate the human and natural contributions from automated microscopic analyses.
Recruiting International Students to Your Campus.

The purpose of this paper was to determine what institutional, program, and recruitment characteristics influenced international students to attend institutions in the United States. Two hundred sixteen international students at a Southern public research university responded to the survey (53% response rate) from 56 countries representing 8 regions. An empirical analysis using t-tests and analysis of variance was conducted to determine what characteristics international students found to be most important when selecting an institution. Regardless of degree level, all students ranked faculty/student ratio as an important program characteristic. Second, students ranked both the admission process and time to degree as important characteristics. Third, doctoral, master’s, and bachelor’s students respectively ranked funding as an important characteristic in their decision making process. There are three basic implications for recruitment officers. First, as size matters, international students need to feel connected to faculty and staff. Second, institutions need to implement business strategies to improve efficiency and performance. Third, if the U.S. wants to continue to be a destination for international students, institutions and the federal government need to offer more funding.
A novel ultrasound method for evaluation of collateral development in limb ischemia

Although clinical studies are underway to evaluate the effectiveness of angiogenesis, there are no validated, non-invasive methods to assess peripheral collateral development. This study was performed to validate a novel ultrasound-based method of assessing collateral formation in a pig model of hindlimb ischemia. Ultrasonography of predefined ultrasound planes was performed on 12 pigs immediately after ligation of the right common femoral artery, and 7, 14, 28 and 42 days thereafter. A custom software program was used to evaluate both color Doppler (CD) and power Doppler (PD) images to generate flow indices. Collateral development was observed with ultrasound as early as 7 days post-arteriectomy and increased dramatically by 28 days. Areas of persistent ischemia resulting from inadequate collateral formation were easily quantified in all images. Collaterals detected on ultrasound were confirmed by angiography and histology, and tissue perfusion by a fluorescent microsphere method. As demonstrated with color and power Doppler measurements, collateral formation is initiated early after ischemic injury in this large juvenile animal model of angiogenesis. This non-invasive method is useful to quantify blood flow, visualize angiogenesis and determine areas of persistent lower limb ischemia, and may have an important role in evaluating new approaches to modulate angiogenesis.
Ultrastructure of germ cells and sertoli cells in the postnatal rabbit testis

Spermatogenesis begins in the rabbit at seven to eight weeks of age. During the preceding postnatal period, seminiferous tubules contain round to oval prespermatogonia arranged in pairs at the tubular periphery and elongated Sertoli cells lying perpendicular to the basal lamina. Prespermatogonia are distinguished from fetal gonocytes by their abundant cytoplasm and the presence of intercellular bridges. Preceding the onset of spermatogenesis, prespermatogonia undergo diminution in cell size and cytoplasmic condensation. At the same time there is marked nucleolar enlargement, with elaborate proliferation of the nucleolonema. By the end of the seventh week, characteristic type A and B spermatogonia are present. Spermatocytes are seen at the end of the eighth week. Spermatids appear in the twelfth week, coincident with tubular lumen formation. The duration of the initial spermatogenic cycle is similar to that in the adult. Sertoli cells are closely associated with adjacent germinal elements throughout the postnatal period. The Sertoli cell cytoplasm includes elongated mitochondria, abundant smooth endoplasmic reticulum and prominent Golgi complexes. Many of the cells contain phagocytized material, presumably derived from degenerating germ cells. The observations suggest possible mechanisms by which Sertoli cells support early germ cell maturation.
A Pragmatic Neurological Screen for Patients With Suspected Cord Compressive Myelopathy

Physical therapists commonly use screening tests to identify upper motoneuron lesions such as cord compressive myelopathy (CCM), the presence of which necessitates appropriate medical referral. Signs and symptoms of CCM include sensory and ataxic changes of the lower extremities, poorly coordinated gait, weakness, tetraspasticity, clumsiness, spasticity, hyperreflexia, and primitive reflexes. Clinical tests and measures such as Hoffmann sign, clonus, Lhermitte sign, the grip and release test, the finger escape sign, the Babinski test, and the inverted supinator sign have historically been used as screens for CCM. For effectiveness as a screen, a clinical test or measure should demonstrate high sensitivity. Diagnostic accuracy studies have shown that clinical tests and measures for CCM often display low sensitivity, indicating that a negative finding may falsely suggest the absence of a condition or disease that actually is present. To counter the low levels of sensitivity, screening should include a combination of a thorough patient history, recognition of and appropriate referral for cauda equina symptoms, and clusters of any pertinent contributory tests and measures.
Dimensions associated with recurrent self-similar sets

The Hausdorff and box dimensions for measures associated with recurrent selfsimilar sets generated by similitudes is explicitly given. The box dimension of the attractor associated with a class of two-dimensional affine maps is also computed.
Electrical performance of microwave boards

Work has focused on filling the need for electrical properties data at microwave frequencies on a wide range of circuit board substrates including materials other than the traditional array of composites based on poly(tetrafluoroethylene), (PTFE). An effort is continuing to study the variation of permittivity (K') and dissipation factor (tan/spl delta/) with changing temperature in a test format close to circuit board conditions. Similar effort is focused on observing how K' and tan/spl delta/ vary with frequency. This is providing a growing data base on a growing array of new products for intelligent materials selection on new applications. >
COHRA: hardware-software co-synthesis of hierarchical distributed embedded system architectures

Hardware-software co-synthesis of an embedded system architecture entails partitioning of its specification into hardware and software modules such that its real-time and other constraints are met. Embedded systems are generally specified in terms of a set of acyclic task graphs. For medium-to-large scale embedded systems, the task graphs are usually hierarchical in nature. The embedded system architecture, which is the output of the co-synthesis system, may itself be non-hierarchical or hierarchical. Traditional non-hierarchical architectures create communication and processing bottlenecks, and are impractical for large embedded systems. Such systems require a large number of processing elements and communication links connected in a hierarchical manner, thus forming a hierarchical distributed architecture, to meet performance and cost objectives. In this paper, we address the problem of hardware-software co-synthesis of hierarchical distributed embedded system architectures from hierarchical or non-hierarchical task graphs. We show how our co-synthesis algorithm can be easily extended to consider fault tolerance or low power objectives or both. Although hierarchical architectures have been proposed before, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first time the notion of hierarchical task graphs and hierarchical architectures has been supported in a co-synthesis algorithm.
The APC/C subunit Mnd2/Apc15 promotes Cdc20 autoubiquitination and spindle assembly checkpoint inactivation.

The fidelity of chromosome segregation depends on the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC). In the presence of unattached kinetochores, anaphase is delayed when three SAC components (Mad2, Mad3/BubR1, and Bub3) inhibit Cdc20, the activating subunit of the anaphase-promoting complex (APC/C). We analyzed the role of Cdc20 autoubiquitination in the SAC of budding yeast. Reconstitution with purified components revealed that a Mad3-Bub3 complex synergizes with Mad2 to lock Cdc20 on the APC/C and stimulate Cdc20 autoubiquitination, while inhibiting ubiquitination of substrates. SAC-dependent Cdc20 autoubiquitination required the Mnd2/Apc15 subunit of the APC/C. General inhibition of Cdc20 ubiquitination in vivo resulted in high Cdc20 levels and a failure to establish a SAC arrest, suggesting that SAC establishment depends on low Cdc20 levels. Specific inhibition of SAC-dependent ubiquitination, by deletion of Mnd2, allowed establishment of a SAC arrest but delayed release from the arrest, suggesting that Cdc20 ubiquitination is also required for SAC inactivation.
Nonlinear output feedback control for seismic-excited linear structures

An optimal nonlinear controller, which is polynomial in the states, has been proposed earlier for applications to seismic-excited buildings. Such an optimal polynomial controller has been demonstrated to have significant advantages over the linear optimal controller for limiting the peak dynamic response of the structure. In this paper, a nonlinear static output feedback controller corresponding to the optimal polynomial controller is proposed. The nonlinear static output feedback controller utilizes only the information measured from a limited number of sensors installed at strategic locations, without an observer, thus facilitating practical applications of active/hybrid control systems to civil engineering structures. Significant advantages of the proposed nonlinear static output feedback controller over the linear one, in terms of the load-adaptive capability for limiting the peak response of the structure and required control energies, are demonstrated by simulation results.
Bayesian Estimation for CBRN Sensors with Non-Gaussian Likelihood

Many sensors in chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) applications only provide very coarse, integer outputs. For example, chemical detectors based on ion mobility sensing typically have a total of eight outputs in the form of bar readings. Non-Gaussian likelihood functions are involved in the modeling and data fusion of those sensors. Under the assumption that the prior distribution is a Gaussian density or can be approximated by a Gaussian density, two methods are presented for approximating the posterior mean and variance. The Gaussian sum method first approximates the non-Gaussian likelihood function by a mixture of Gaussian components and then uses the Kalman filter formulae to compute the posterior mean and variance. The Gaussian-Hermite method computes the posterior mean and variance through three integrals defined over infinite intervals and approximated by Gaussian-Hermite quadrature.
Topology of finite graphs

This paper derives from a course in group theory which I gave at Berkeley in 1982. I wanted to prove the standard theorems on free groups, and discovered that, after a few preliminaries, the notion of "locally injective" map (or "immersion") of graphs was very useful. This enables one to see, in an effective, easy, algorithmic way just what happens with finitely generated free groups. One can understand in this way (1) Howson's theorem that if A and B are finitely generated subgroups of a free group, then A ~ B is finitely generated, and (2) M. Hall's theorem that finitely generated subgroups of free groups are closed in the profinite topology. During this course, S.M. Gersten came up with a simple proof of H. Neumann's inequality on the ranks in Howson's theorem. One of the ideas in Gersten's proof was to use core-graphs (graphs with no trees hanging on). Subsequently, I found that some consequences of a paper of Greenberg's could be proved using core-graphs and "covering translations" of immersions; the most striking such result is that if A and B are finitely generated subgroups of a free group and if A c~ B is of finite index in both A and B, then A ~ B is of finite index in A v B, the subgroup generated by A uB.
Stratification issues in estimating value-at-risk

Considers the efficient estimation of value-at-risk, which is an important problem in risk management. The value-at-risk is an extreme quantile of the distribution of the loss in portfolio value during a holding period. An effective importance sampling technique is described for this problem. The importance sampling can be further improved by combining it with stratified sampling. In this setting, an effective stratification variable is the likelihood ratio itself. The paper examines issues associated with the allocation of samples to the strata, and compares the effectiveness of the combination of importance sampling and stratified sampling to that of stratified sampling alone.
Antagonism of the TRPv1 receptor partially corrects muscle metaboreflex overactivity in spontaneously hypertensive rats

The circulatory response to exercise is exaggerated in hypertension potentially increasing the risk for adverse cardiovascular events. Evidence suggests the skeletal muscle metaboreflex contributes to this abnormal circulatory response. However, as the sensitivity of this reflex has been reported to be both reduced and potentiated in hypertension, its role remains controversial. In addition, the receptor mechanisms underlying muscle metaboreflex dysfunction in this disease remain undetermined. To address these issues, metaboreflex activity was assessed during 'supra-stimulation' of the reflex via ischaemic hindlimb muscle contraction. This manoeuvre evoked significantly larger increases in mean arterial pressure (MAP) and renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) compared to normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats. The skeletal muscle TRPv1 receptor was evaluated as a potential mediator of this metaboreflex response as it has been shown to contribute significantly to muscle reflex activation in healthy animals. Stimulation of the TRPv1 receptor by injection of capsaicin into the arterial supply of the hindlimb evoked significantly larger elevations in MAP and RSNA in SHR compared to WKY. The pressor and sympathetic responses to ischaemic muscle contraction in WKY and SHR were attenuated by the administration of the TRPv1 receptor antagonist capsazepine with the magnitude of the capsazepine-induced reductions being greater in SHR than WKY. TRPv1 protein expression in dorsal root ganglia, but not skeletal muscle, was significantly greater in SHR than WKY. The results suggest the muscle metaboreflex is overactive in hypertension. Further, this reflex overactivity can be partially normalized by antagonizing TRPv1 receptors in skeletal muscle.
Chemopreventive anti-inflammatory activities of curcumin and other phytochemicals mediated by MAP kinase phosphatase-5 in prostate cells

As inflammation emerges as a risk factor for prostate cancer (PCa), there is potential for chemoprevention by anti-inflammatory agents. Dietary phytochemicals have been shown to have chemopreventive properties which may include anti-inflammatory activities. In this study, we demonstrate a role for mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase-5 (MKP5) in mediating anti-inflammatory activities of the phytochemicals curcumin, resveratrol and [6]-gingerol. We utilized the cytokines tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha) and interleukin (IL)-1beta to increase p38-dependent nuclear factor kappa-B (NFkappaB) activation and expression of pro-inflammatory genes cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), IL-6 and IL-8 in normal prostatic epithelial cells. MKP5 over-expression decreased cytokine-induced NFkappaB activation, COX-2, IL-6 and IL-8 in normal prostatic epithelial cells, suggesting potent anti-inflammatory activity of MKP5. Pretreatment of cells with a p38 inhibitor mimicked the results observed with MKP5 over-expression, further implicating p38 inhibition as the main activity of MKP5. Curcumin, the phytochemical found in turmeric, up-regulated MKP5, subsequently decreasing cytokine-induced p38-dependent pro-inflammatory changes in normal prostatic epithelial cells. Resveratrol and [6]-gingerol, phytochemicals present in red wine and ginger, respectively, also up-regulated MKP5 in normal prostate epithelial cells. Moreover, we found that PCa cell lines DU 145, PC-3, LNCaP and LAPC-4 retained the ability to up-regulate MKP5 following curcumin, resveratrol and [6]-gingerol exposure, suggesting utility of these phytochemicals in PCa treatment. In summary, our findings show direct anti-inflammatory activity of MKP5 in prostate cells and suggest that up-regulation of MKP5 by phytochemicals may contribute to their chemopreventive actions by decreasing prostatic inflammation.
A longitudinal study of conceptual change: Preservice elementary teachers' conceptions of moon phases

This research consists of a longitudinal study of 12 female elementary preservice teachers' conceptual understanding over the course of several months. The context in which the participants received instruction was in an inquiry-based physics course, and the targeted science content was the cause of moon phases. Qualitative research methods, including observations and interviews, were used to investigate and describe participants' conceptual understanding over time. Participants were interviewed on their understanding of the cause of moon phases before instruction, 3 weeks after instruction, and again in delayed post-interviews several months after instruction. Patterns and themes in the participants' conceptual understanding were identified through constant-comparative data analysis. Consistent with results reported earlier, participants who had instruction that included recording and analyzing moon observations over time and psychomotor modeling of changes in moon phases were very likely to hold a scientific conceptual understanding shortly after instruction. The present study indicates a majority of participants continued to hold a scientific understanding six months or more after instruction. However, some participants reverted to alternative conceptions they had shown during the pre-interview. These results are interpreted utilizing contemporary conceptual change theory. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 44: 303–326, 2007
A Unique Electrode Catheter for Continuous Monitoring of Arterial Blood Oxygen Tension in Newborn Infants

Arterial blood oxygen tension (paO2) is frequently determined in the intensive care of newborn infants with lung or heart diseases. Knowledge of paO2 in such patients is imperative because elevation above the normal range of 50–110 mm Hg. may cause damage to the retina of prematurely born infants sufficient to result in permanent blindness. At present the most reliable technique for monitoring paO2 is intermittent and requires periodic removal of arterial blood samples through a catheter which has been passed through an umbilical artery into the aorta. Analysis is done by means of a micro blood gas analyzer which requires 0.4 – 0.6 ml. of blood. A method of continuously monitoring paO2 would permit better control of the oxygen enriched breathing environment and eliminate the need for frequent sampling which might dangerously deplete the blood volume of a small infant. Several investigators have recently described indwelling systems for measuring paO2.(1,3,4) The authors have developed a new technique which makes it possible to modify an ordinary umbilical artery catheter for continuously measuring paO2.(5) This is done by means of a Polarographic electrode embedded within the wall of the catheter.
The Gini Index and Measures of Inequality

The Gini index is a summary statistic that measures how equitably a resource is distributed in a population; income is a primary example. In addition to a self-contained pre- sentation of the Gini index, we give two equivalent ways to interpret this summary statistic: first in terms of the percentile level of the person who earns the average dollar, and second in terms of how the lower of two randomly chosen incomes compares, on average, to mean income. 1. INTRODUCTION. You hear anecdotes all the time: The poorest 20% of the peo- ple on Earth earn only 1% of the income. A mere 20% of the people on Earth consume 86% of the consumer goods. Only 3% of the U.S. population owns 95% of the privately held land. The Gini index offers a consistent way to talk about statistics like these. A single number that measures how equitably a resource is distributed in a population, the Gini index gives a simple, if blunt, tool for summarizing economic data. It allows us to illustrate how equity has changed in a given situation over time, such as how U.S. family income changed over the 20th century. (The poor got poorer over the second half.) We can also compare income or wealth across societies, and even analyze salary structures of organizations. Being only a single summary statistic, the Gini index has been critiqued by social scientists (2). It is true that no summary statistic can reveal all we need to know about the distribution of income, wealth, or land. Even so, the Gini index deserves to be better known in the mathematical community, as it continues to find application in new situations, from genetics (7) to astronomy (1).
High-energy rate forgings of wedges. Characterization of processing conditions

The wedge geometry is a simple geometry for establishing a relatively constant gradient of strain in a forged part. The geometry is used to establish gradients in microstructure and strength as a function of strain, forging temperature, and quenching time after forging. This geometry has previously been used to benchmark predictions of strength and recrystallization using Sandias materials model for type 304L austenitic stainless steel. In this report, the processing conditions, in particular the times to forge and quench the forged parts, are summarized based on information recorded during forging on June 18, 2013 of the so-called wedge geometry from type 316L and 21Cr-6Ni-9Mn austenitic stainless steels.
Lifespan development in the academy of American poets

The present study investigated lifespan writing tendencies among members of the Academy of American Poets (N = 411). All original English language poems (N = 2,558) available on the Academy website during 2013 were included provided that each poet was represented by at least two poems. Correlations of the age in which each poet published each poem with established indicators of lifespan development were small to moderate (r’s from -.11 to .16). Contrary to lifespan development for expository and emotionally expressive writing, poets tended to employ past tense and use less emotionally valenced language as they aged. Multilevel analysis revealed no significant relationships between publishing age and maturation outcomes, although that process did indicate various curvilinear relations. I conclude by discussing the implications of automated text analysis on literary analysis of career development.
Cabbage Loopers: Pupae Sterilized with Fractionated Doses of Gamma Irradiation

When male pupae of Trichoplusia ni (Hubner) were irradiated with 15 krad of gamma irradiation, the dose that effectively induces sterility in the progeny, the performance of emerging adults was inferior to that of males irradiated similarly as adults. However, when the same dose to pupae was fractionated, that is, applied over several successive days, the performance of emerging adults was comparable to that of males exposed as adults to an unfractionated dose, and the performance of the F1 progenies did not differ. Thus, the male parents were about 50% sterile, the F1 males were about 90% sterile, and the F1 females were about 80% sterile. Adult females from pupae irradiated with the fractionated dose were 100% sterile.
APPLICATION AND OUTCOMES OF THE HYBRID APPROACH TO CHRONIC TOTAL OCCLUSION PERCUTANEOUS CORONARY INTERVENTION: AN UPDATE FROM A CONTEMPORARY MULTICENTER U.S. REGISTRY

Background: The hybrid approach to chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) combines all available crossing techniques to optimize procedural success rates, efficiency, and safety. Methods: We examined the clinical, angiographic and procedural characteristics of 1,974
A possible mechanism for color vision in the rat

The ERG of the rat, evoked by equal energy flashes of monochromatic light in the dark-adapted eye, flashes superimposed on a bright “white” background, and flashes superimposed on chromatic backgrounds, was used to construct action spectra for the rat eye. These action spectra indicate that the rat retina contains more than one spectral mechanism. While these data are inadequate for determination of the number and spectral characteristics of the underlying mechanisms, the hypothesis that the rat has a single spectral mechanism mediated by rhodopsin must be rejected.
Exposure to pathogens among workers in a poultry slaughter and processing plant

Background Working conditions in poultry slaughter/processing plants may expose workers to zoonotic pathogens. We explored exposure to pathogens among poultry slaughter/processing plant workers including job duties as risk factors. Methods We collected questionnaire data on job duties and nasal swabs from 110 workers at one plant in South Carolina. Swabs were tested for Staphylococcus aureus and gram-negative organisms. Isolates were screened for antimicrobial susceptibility. Results There was no differences in prevalence of S. aureus carriage based on job duties. As compared with office or packing workers, the adjusted odds of GNO carriage was 6.29 times (95% CI: 1.43, 27.71) higher in slaughter or carcass processing workers and 5.94 times (95% CI: 0.94, 37.50) higher in cleaning or maintenance workers. Conclusions Poultry processing plant workers may have increased exposure to GNOs, depending on job duties. Am. J. Ind. Med. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Protein-Observed Fluorine NMR: A Bioorthogonal Approach for Small Molecule Discovery

The (19)F isotope is 100% naturally abundant and is the second most sensitive and stable NMR-active nucleus. Unlike the ubiquitous hydrogen atom, fluorine is nearly absent in biological systems, making it a unique bioorthogonal atom for probing molecular interactions in biology. Over 73 fluorinated proteins have been studied by (19)F NMR since the seminal studies of Hull and Sykes in 1974. With advances in cryoprobe production and fluorinated amino acid incorporation strategies, protein-based (19)F NMR offers opportunities to the medicinal chemist for characterizing and ultimately discovering new small molecule protein ligands. This review will highlight new advances using (19)F NMR for characterizing small molecule interactions with both small and large proteins as well as detailing NMR resonance assignment challenges and amino acid incorporation approaches.
Gene Expression in Renal Growth and Regrowth

AbstractTo elucidate the molecular events associated with postnatal and compensatory renal growth, the expression of growth/differentiation genes (c-fos, c-myc, c-H-ras, c-K-ras), a stress-related ...