cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chapter 1 – Wave Propagation

Publisher Summary The chapter reviews the principles of optics and the mathematical structure of wave propagation. The optical properties of materials arise from the characteristics of their interactions with electromagnetic (EM) waves. The ability of a material to exhibit an induced polarization or magnetization at a selected wavelength or over a selected wavelength band provides the potential for it to change the character of light propagating through it. Such changes can take the form of a loss or gain of intensity, shifts in wavelength, and narrowing, broadening, or filtering of a bandwidth. The chapter also reviews certain characteristics of waves in order to understand the behavior of light and its interaction with matter. Because electromagnetic fields can exist without the presence of matter, light waves propagate through an empty space, while acoustic waves require a propagating medium. All these waves follow the same mathematical formalism. Key measurements of the propagation characteristics of light involve the evaluation of: absorption or loss in intensity as a function of wavelength, scattering coefficient, andrefractive index dispersion.
Ventilation-perfusion heterogeneity measured by the multiple inert gas elimination technique is minimally affected by intermittent breathing of 100% O2.

Proton magnetic resonance (MR) imaging to quantify regional ventilation-perfusion ( V˙A/Q˙ ) ratios combines specific ventilation imaging (SVI) and separate proton density and perfusion measures into a composite map. Specific ventilation imaging exploits the paramagnetic properties of O2 , which alters the local MR signal intensity, in an FI O2 -dependent manner. Specific ventilation imaging data are acquired during five wash-in/wash-out cycles of breathing 21% O2 alternating with 100% O2 over ~20 min. This technique assumes that alternating FI O2 does not affect V˙A/Q˙ heterogeneity, but this is unproven. We tested the hypothesis that alternating FI O2 exposure increases V˙A/Q˙ mismatch in nine patients with abnormal pulmonary gas exchange and increased V˙A/Q˙ mismatch using the multiple inert gas elimination technique (MIGET).The following data were acquired (a) breathing air (baseline), (b) breathing alternating air/100% O2 during an emulated-SVI protocol (eSVI), and (c) 20 min after ambient air breathing (recovery). MIGET heterogeneity indices of shunt, deadspace, ventilation versus V˙A/Q˙ ratio, LogSD V˙ , and perfusion versus V˙A/Q˙ ratio, LogSD Q˙ were calculated. LogSD V˙ was not different between eSVI and baseline (1.04 ± 0.39 baseline, 1.05 ± 0.38 eSVI, p = .84); but was reduced compared to baseline during recovery (0.97 ± 0.39, p = .04). There was no significant difference in LogSD Q˙ across conditions (0.81 ± 0.30 baseline, 0.79 ± 0.15 eSVI, 0.79 ± 0.20 recovery; p = .54); Deadspace was not significantly different (p = .54) but shunt showed a borderline increase during eSVI (1.0% ± 1.0 baseline, 2.6% ± 2.9 eSVI; p = .052) likely from altered hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction and/or absorption atelectasis. Intermittent breathing of 100% O2 does not substantially alter V˙A/Q˙ matching and if SVI measurements are made after perfusion measurements, any potential effects will be minimized.
Telescoping flow diverters for a pediatric fusiform distal anterior cerebral artery aneurysm: technical case report.

Pediatric intracranial aneurysms are rare, with fusiform aneurysms of the distal anterior circulation even more so. A limited number of prior reports detail the management of this pathology. We report a case of a 15-year-old boy presenting with new-onset headache found to have a 3.1 cm × 1.4 cm × 1.4 cm fusiform partially thrombosed aneurysm of the A2 segment of the left anterior cerebral artery. Subsequent treatment with flow diversion resulted in the placement of five telescoping PEDs (2.5 mm × 20 mm, 2.75 mm × 20 mm, 2.75 mm × 20 mm, 3 mm × 25 mm, and 3 mm × 20 mm) from the left pericallosal artery to the left A1 segment. Catheter-based angiography at 6 months post-placement indicated normal vessel caliber, no residual aneurysm, and no in-stent stenosis. The patient’s headache resolved after treatment. Telescoping PEDs are a feasible low-risk treatment option for long-segment fusiform distal ACA aneurysms in children that can have optimal clinical and radiographic outcomes.
Real-World Projectile Catching with Reinforcement Learning: Empirical Analysis using Discretized Simulations

Robotic projectile catching has previously been done with path planning, in which the trajectory is predicted using basic kinematic equations. In addition, reinforcement learning (RL) has proven successful in mastering video games, such as 8bit Atari 2600 games like PacMan or Breakout. We evaluate the performance of two RL algorithms, Q-Learning and a Deep Q-Network (DQN), applied to a simulation of a novel application of catching a projectile. A continuous physical environment is translated into a discretized, limited state and action space, and then solved using RL.
Karp: Accurate and fast taxonomic classification using pseudoalignment

Pooled DNA from multiple unknown organisms arises in a variety of contexts, for example microbial samples from ecological or human health research. Determining the composition of pooled samples can be difficult, especially at the scale of modern sequencing data and reference databases. Here we propose the novel pooled DNA classification method Karp. Karp combines the speed and low-memory requirements of k-mer based pseudoalignment with a likelihood framework that uses base quality information to better resolve multiply mapped reads. In this text we apply Karp to the problem of classifying 16S rRNA reads, commonly used in microbiome research. Using simulations, we show Karp is accurate across a variety of read lengths and when samples contain reads originating from organisms absent from the reference. We also assess performance in real 16S data, and show that relative to other widely used classification methods Karp can reveal stronger statistical association signals and should empower future discoveries.
Double Deterrence: Restitution and Punitive Damages in Trust and Fiduciary Law

Trustees and other fiduciaries manage, invest, and distribute trillions of dollars in assets, subject to fiduciary duties. But the remedies for fiduciary breach, and their justifications, are convoluted. The conventional view, especially in law and economics, is to characterize most fiduciary relationships, including trusts, as contractual and most fiduciary duties as implicit contract terms. One might suppose, then, the optimal remedy for fiduciary breach would be the same as the remedy for contractual breach: damages. But the traditional equitable remedies and modern remedies in fiduciary law allow a plaintiff to elect either damages based on plaintiff’s harm or disgorgement based on defendant’s gain. Moreover, some courts now allow punitive damages for fiduciary breach, even though, historically, punitive damages were unavailable in contract and fiduciary law. Applying insights from optimal deterrence theory and agency costs theory, this Article provides a framework for analyzing remedies in trust law, fiduciary law, and beyond. It argues that disgorgement and punitive damages serve distinct purposes and that both remedies may be necessary to achieve the deterrence and disclosure functions of fiduciary law and other situations involving the stripping of ill-gotten gains. If a defendant’s gain exceeds the harm and there is no possibility of the defendant’s escaping liability, then an election of damages or disgorgement may be necessary to deter breach, but punitive damages are not. Conversely, if there is no concern about ill-gotten gains but the defendant may escape liability, punitive damages are necessary to deter, but disgorgement is not. In both cases, a single type of remedy is necessary to deter wrongdoing. However, if there is a concern about both ill-gotten gains and a defendant’s escaping liability, then an election of punitive damages or punitive disgorgement is necessary. A damages multiplier, set equal to the inverse of the probability of escaping liability, forces a party to internalize the harm by paying average damages equal to expected harm. In addition, because a defendant may escape liability when the gain exceeds the harm as well when the harm exceeds the gain, there is a justification for punitive disgorgement. Under this remedy, a court not only would strip ill-gotten gains but also impose a disgorgement multiplier to ensure that a defendant forfeits the entire expected benefit by paying average disgorgement equal to the expected benefit. In these cases, double deterrence is necessary to prevent wrongdoing.
Walking humans trade off different task goals to regulate lateral stepping

People walk in complex environments where they must adapt their steps to maintain balance and satisfy changing task goals. How people do this is not well understood. We recently developed computational models of lateral stepping, based on Goal Equivalent Manifolds that serve as motor regulation templates, to identify how people regulate walking movements from step-to-step. In normal walking, healthy adults strongly maintain step width, but also lateral position on their path. Here, we used this framework to pose empirically-testable hypotheses about how humans might adapt their lateral stepping dynamics when asked to prioritize different stepping goals. Participants walked on a treadmill in a virtual-reality environment under 4 conditions: normal walking and, while given direct feedback at each step, walking while trying to maintain constant step width, constant absolute lateral position, or constant heading (direction). Time series of lateral stepping variables were extracted, and variability and statistical persistence (reflecting step-to-step regulation) quantified. Participants exhibited less variability of the prescribed stepping variable compared to normal walking during each feedback condition. Stepping regulation results supported our models' predictions: to maintain constant step width or position, people either maintained or increased regulation of the prescribed variable, but also decreased regulation of its complement. Thus, people regulated lateral foot placements in predictable and systematic ways determined by specific task goals. Humans regulate stepping movements to not only "just walk" (step without falling), but also to achieve specific goal-directed tasks within a specific environment. The framework and motor regulation templates presented here capture these important interactions.
The Nature of Azo-Substituted Carbocations: N-N π-Electron Stabilization versus Nitrogen Nonbonding Electron Stabilization.

Computational and experimental studies reveal two different modes of cation stabilization by the phenylazo group. The first mode involves a relatively weak conjugative interaction with the azo π-bo...
Geant4 validation of neutron production on thick targets bombarded with 120 GeV protons

Abstract Neutron energy spectra and angular distributions are calculated for 120 GeV protons on thick graphite, aluminum, copper, and tungsten targets using relevant physics models within the Monte-Carlo simulation package Geant4. The calculations are compared to data from recent experiment. Discrepancies are observed between experimental data and Geant4 models, and suggest that improvements of the intra-(INC) and inter-nuclear cascade processes employed by the models are required.
Contention-free MAC protocols for wireless sensor networks

A MAC protocol specifies how nodes in a sensor network access a shared communication channel. Desired properties of such MAC protocol are: it should be distributed and contention-free (avoid collisions); it should self-stabilize to changes in the network (such as arrival of new nodes), and these changes should be contained, i.e., affect only the nodes in the vicinity of the change; it should not assume that nodes have a global time reference, i.e., nodes may not be time-synchronized. We give the first MAC protocols that satisfy all of these requirements, i.e., we give distributed, contention-free, self-stabilizing MAC protocols which do not assume a global time reference. Our protocols self-stabilize from an arbitrary initial state, and if the network changes the changes are contained and the protocol adjusts to the local topology of the network. The communication complexity, number and size of messages, for the protocol to stabilize is small (logarithmic in network size).
Racial Experience as an Alternative Operationalization of Race

The study of human variation is central to both social and biomedical sciences, but social and biomedical scientists diverge in how variation is theorized and operationalized. Race is especially problematic because it is a cultural concept that contains implicit and explicit understandings of how collective bodies differ. In this article, we propose an operationalization of race that addresses both racial experience and human biological diversity, placing them within the same ontological sphere. Furthermore, this approach can more effectively advance antiracist pedagogy and politics. We argue that human biological diversity does not have to be in opposition to constructivist notions of race. Rather, racial experience is emphasized as an embodied experience that is as real and as valid as biological variation. By focusing on both racial experience and biological diversity, it becomes more feasible to operationalize race to fruitfully inform the pedagogy and politics of antiracism. To do so, racial experience must be more broadly conceived and should not always equate to negative outcomes. With the recognition that racial experience has the potential to be something other than damaging, an antiracist anthropology can more effectively address issues pertaining to racial health disparities.
From deep-sea volcanoes to human pathogens: a conserved quorum-sensing signal in Epsilonproteobacteria

Chemosynthetic Epsilonproteobacteria from deep-sea hydrothermal vents colonize substrates exposed to steep thermal and redox gradients. In many bacteria, substrate attachment, biofilm formation, expression of virulence genes and host colonization are partly controlled via a cell density-dependent mechanism involving signal molecules, known as quorum sensing. Within the Epsilonproteobacteria, quorum sensing has been investigated only in human pathogens that use the luxS/autoinducer-2 (AI-2) mechanism to control the expression of some of these functions. In this study we showed that luxS is conserved in Epsilonproteobacteria and that pathogenic and mesophilic members of this class inherited this gene from a thermophilic ancestor. Furthermore, we provide evidence that the luxS gene is expressed—and a quorum-sensing signal is produced—during growth of Sulfurovum lithotrophicum and Caminibacter mediatlanticus, two Epsilonproteobacteria from deep-sea hydrothermal vents. Finally, we detected luxS transcripts in Epsilonproteobacteria-dominated biofilm communities collected from deep-sea hydrothermal vents. Taken together, our findings indicate that the epsiloproteobacterial lineage of the LuxS enzyme originated in high-temperature geothermal environments and that, in vent Epsilonproteobacteria, luxS expression is linked to the production of AI-2 signals, which are likely produced in situ at deep-sea vents. We conclude that the luxS gene is part of the ancestral epsilonproteobacterial genome and represents an evolutionary link that connects thermophiles to human pathogens.
Punctuated equilibrium comes of age

The intense controversies that surrounded the youth of punctuated equilibrium have helped it mature to a useful extension of evolutionary theory. As a complement to phyletic gradualism, its most important implications remain the recognition of stasis as a meaningful and predominant pattern within the history of species, and in the recasting of macroevolution as the differential success of certain species (and their descendants) within clades.
ULTRASONIC TESTING TO DETERMINE WATER-CEMENT RATIO FOR FRESHLY MIXED CONCRETE

The objective of the research presented here was to find promising directions for the development of ultrasonic test method(s) for the direct, instantaneous determination of the water-cement ratio (W/C) in fresh mortar or concrete. The importance of W/C is related to potential strength development and, to a certain extent, the durability potential of the hardened concrete. Since previous efforts during the past 50 years have been unsuccessful in testing fresh concrete due to the complexity of the problem, innovative, high-risk/high-gain methods were selected in the present work. The methods are considered innovative since a literature search detected no sign that they have been used for testing fresh concrete before. The following test methods were tried out for testing fresh concrete: • ultrasonic methods used regularly for testing hardened concrete; • solidification of the fresh mixtures by freezing or heat treatment or accelerating admixture + heat treatment before testing; • use of high-intensity stress waves by lithotripter; • the direct contact method. None of these methods produced a satisfactory solution for the instantaneous determination of the water-cement ratio, although interesting side results were obtained. It is hoped that both the positive and negative results presented will help researchers in their work on ultrasonic testing of concrete.
Phosphorylation of Ser232Directly Regulates the Transcriptional Activity of the P Protein of Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus: Phosphorylation of Ser237May Play an Accessory Role

The phosphoprotein P of human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was expressed in eukaryotic cells in phosphorylated form. Site-directed mutagenesis of the recombinant protein established Ser232 as the major site of phosphorylation in vivo. Phosphorylation of bacterially made P protein in vitro by purified casein kinase II (CKII) resulted in the phosphorylation of Ser237, whereas mainly Ser232 was phosphorylated by a crude cell extract. The P kinase activity in the cell extract exhibited properties characteristic of CKII. While the Ser232,237 to Ala double mutant was nearly completely defective for phosphorylation and transcription, phosphorylation at Ser232, through the use of appropriate P mutant or kinase, activated P protein. Phosphorylation of Ser237 restored activity only to the extent it facilitated phosphorylation of Ser232. Phosphate groups of P protein in RSV-infected cells were highly stable; inhibitors of protein serine phosphatases had no effect on the intracellular turnover of the phosphates. Highly purified viral polymerase L was transcriptionally active but devoid of P protein kinase activity. Thus, CKII-mediated phosphorylation of Ser232 appears to be the primary regulator of P protein activity while phosphorylation of Ser237 may be involved in a modulatory role under certain conditions.
The Metabolism of Cortisol by Term Baboon Neonates (Papio papio)

The metabolism of iv administered [4-14C]cortisol (F) was examined in 3 female, spontaneously delivered, term baboons <24 h old. Sixty and 80% of 14C was recovered in urine within 24 and 68 h, respectively. The distribution of urinary 14C was 44.7% unconjugated, 18.1% glucuronoside, 3.3% sulfate, and 24% unextractable with ethyl acetate. The metabolites were isolated by chromatography and crystallization. Eighty percent of unconjugated and 60% of glucuronoside metabolites were more polar than the cortols, the majority being unknown I (Rf 0.15), and unknown II (Rf 0.35), [cf., 6β,11β,17,21-tetrahydroxypregn-4-ene-3,20- dione (6β-ol-F), Rf 0.44, ethyl acetate-chloroformmethanol-water, 25:75:50:50]. Unconjugated cortisol plus cortisone (E) represented <1% of urinary 14C and tetrahydrocortisone (THE) glucuronoside represented 1.2%. Excretion of tetrahydrocortisol (THF) and products of side-chain cleavage were negligible. Excretion of 20β-hydroxy metabolites and 6β-ol-F was ≤5% of urinary 14C. The cortisol pro...
Mean Reversion in the Real Interest Rate and the Effects of Calculating Expected Inflation

We investigate the measured persistence in the real interest rate using a variety of methods to annualize inflation and calculate the real rate. Results from a battery of conventional unit root tests yield conflicting conclusions for the various real rates, adding to an existing confusion regarding mean reversion. Both long memory and exponential smooth-transition autoregres sive models (ESTAR) nonlinearity are considered as possible alternatives, and in contrast to the unit root test results, we find highly robust evidence against the unit root null. Based on the empirical results, Monte Carlo analysis is performed to study the disparate results obtained using fractional integration and unit root tests.
Advances of thin shell finite elements and some applications—version I

Abstract A first attempt is made to review the advances of the formulations for thin shell finite elements in the form of flat plates, axisymmetrical shells and curved shells. The Discrete Kirchhoff Theory shell elements and the degenerated shell elements are discussed. Experiences in shear and membrane lockings are elaborated. The survey is further illustrated with some extensions and applications to cases such as static and dynamic responses, static and dynamic bucklings, laminated composites, random loadings and random structural and material properties. In all cases, studies of the effects of geometric and material nonlinearities are discussed.
Treatment of Obese, Diet-Restricted Subjects with Growth Hormone for 11 Weeks: Effects on Anabolism, Lipolysis, and Body Composition

We found in a previous study that injections of GH for 3 weeks caused nitrogen conservation despite restriction of intake to 24 Cal (100 kJ)/kg ideal BW (IBW). To determine the effects of longer periods of treatment and further caloric restriction on nitrogen balance, lipolysis, and body composition, 20 obese (30-67% over IBW) subjects (16 women and 4 men; 20-54 yr old) were fed a diet of 18 Cal (75 kJ)/kg IBW with 1.2 g protein/kg IBW daily for 13 weeks. During weeks 2-12, 10 subjects received injections of recombinant methionyl GH (0.1 mg/kg IBW every other day), and the other 10 sex-, age-, and weight-matched subjects were given injections of saline. There were no significant differences between the two groups in total weight loss [GH, 13.9 +/- 3.0 (+/- SD) kg; saline, 15.2 +/- 3.8 kg ) or the percentage of body fat lost (GH, 8.1 +/- 2.4%; saline, 7.5 +/- 1.5%), although GH injection caused a significant acute increment in serum FFA concentrations (GH, 0.53 +/- 0.37 mmol/L; saline, 0.08 +/- 0.22 mmol/L; P less than 0.001) throughout the study. This acute lipolytic response to GH decreased significantly, from 0.86 +/- 0.32 mmol/L on day 1 of GH treatment to 0.35 +/- 0.41 mmol/L by day 35 of GH injection (P less than 0.01). Nitrogen balance was significantly more positive in the group receiving GH during the first 33 days of the GH injection period [GH, +0.07 +/- 1.82 g/day (+5.0 +/- 130.0 mmol/day); saline, -1.91 +/- 1.10 g/day (-136.3 +/- 78.5 mmol/day); P less than 0.001]. During the last 44 days of GH injection, however, the nitrogen balance in the two groups was similar [GH, -0.90 +/- 1.65 g/day (-64.2 +/- 117.8 mmol/day); saline, -1.08 +/- 0.95 g/day (-77.1 +/- 67.8 mmol/day); P = NS]. Mean plasma insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) concentrations rose from a basal value of 1.6 +/- 0.8 to 2.9 +/- 1.2 U/mL by 48 h after the first GH injection and ranged subsequently from 3.2 +/- 1.3 to 4.9 +/- 3.3 U/mL during GH injection (P less than 0.001). In contrast, the mean IGF-I concentration did not change in the group that received saline. Dietary restriction during the first week of study caused serum T3 concentrations to decline in both groups.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Structural Systems Biology and Multiscale Signaling Models

We review current advances in experimental as well as computational modeling and simulation approaches to structural systems biology, whose overall aim is to build quantitative models of signaling networks while retaining the crucial elements of molecular specificity. We briefly discuss the current and emerging experimental and computational methods, particularly focusing on hybrid and multiscale methods, and highlight several applications in cell signaling with quantitative and predictive capabilities. The scope of such models range from delineating protein–protein interactions to describing clinical implications.
Societal and Managerial Implications of Implicit Social Cognition: Why Milliseconds Matter

This article argues for the vulnerability of managerial work to unintended forms of racial and other bias. Recent insights into “implicit social cognition” are summarized, highlighting the prevalence of those mental processes that are relatively unconscious and automatic, and employed in understanding the self and others. Evidence from a response-time measure of implicit bias, the Implicit Association Test, (“IAT”; Greenwald, McGhee, and Schwartz, 1998) illustrates this phenomenon. Recent work on the predictive validity of the IAT demonstrates that social cognitive pitfalls threaten a) managers’ explicit commitments to egalitarianism and meritocracy and b) managers’ performance in their three primary roles of processing information, interacting with others, and making decisions (Mintzberg, 1973). Implicit bias influences managerial behavior in unexpected ways, and this influence is heightened in the messy, pressured, and distracting environments in which managers operate.
Citrus Seedling Growth and Susceptibility to Root Rot as Affected by Phosphite and Phosphate

The growth of ‘Ridge Pineapple’ sweet orange [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck] seedlings and their susceptibility to Phytophthora root rot were studied under contrasting supplies of phosphate (Pi) or Phosphite (Phi). After 10 weeks of repeated applications of nutrient solutions, Phi concentrations were barely detectable in soil. Soil Pi was higher in Phi treatments than in pots that received Pi alone. Seedling growth was greatest when supplied with Pi or Phi separately, but when Pi and Phi were combined, growth was reduced to levels comparable to plants that received no P. Phi was found in both stems and leaves after it was applied to soil supporting the mobility of Phi within the plant. In addition, a small amount of Phi was found in roots after applications of Phi in foliar sprays. Different sources of soil-applied P did not affect the amount of Pi in roots, while the amounts of Pi in leaves were higher in plants that received Phi and Pi combined. Root resistance to Phytophthora root rot of citrus seedlings treated with Phi alone or in combination with Pi was greater than in plants treated with Pi alone, confirming the antifungal effect of Phi.
All searches are divided into three parts: string searches using ternary trees

This paper considers the problem of searching for strings in a dictionary or symbol table. It presents a data structure which can be used for this purpose---the Ternary Tree. It considers the theoretical properties of this structure, compared with other possible structures for the same purpose. It presents an implementation of this structure in APL, including code to do a variety of operations on it.
Novel thermoplastic elastomeric gels as high performance actuators with no mechanical pre-strain

Nanostructured organic materials derived from block copolymers solvated by block-selective solvents have shown considerable potential as versatile dielectric elastomers. These materials can easily be tuned to achieve the mechanical and electrical properties required for actuator applications. They are lightweight and attractive due to their facile processing, robust properties and reliable performance. Their superb actuation behavior is realized when they are used as dielectric materials under actuation conditions promoting Maxwell compression, which produces large mechanical displacements, coupling efficiencies, and energy densities. These properties generally improve when the material is subjected to mechanical pre-strain. In most cases, mechanical pre-strain is needed to safely achieve application of a desired electrical field. Requisite pre-strain generally necessitates additional overhead in terms of weight and space for the device, and promotes changes in mechanical properties. In this study a new electroactive nanostructured polymer (ENP) is prepared from a triblock copolymer and a nonvolatile block-selective solvent, and evaluated as an actuator candidate. The copolymer exhibits reasonably high actuation strains (up to 70 area%) at relatively low electric fields and energy densities up to 50 kJ/m 3 without pre-strain. These performance metrics exceed those reported for conventional dielectric materials such as the VHB acrylic elastomer, as well as those of ENPs derived from styrenic triblock copolymers under no pre-strain.
Costing for an Autonomous Future: A Discussion on Estimation for Unmanned Autonomous Systems

Abstract This paper will produce three areas of discussion in the field of cost estimation for unmanned autonomous systems. First, this paper will propose a common definition of an Unmanned Autonomous system. Second, it will introduce a method to estimate the cost of unmanned autonomous systems utilizing existing parametric cost estimation tools: SEER – HDR, COCOMO II, COSYSMO, and two relationships – weight and performance. The third discussion will focus on challenges surrounding autonomy. To address these challenges from a cost perspective, this paper recommends modifications to parameters within COCOMO II – via the use of object oriented function points in lieu of current methods, and COSYSMO – via the introduction of two cost driving parameters, namely, TVED and HRI-T. Finally, in summary this paper will identify areas of further research.
Streamer chamber charging regulator system

Abstract In a streamer chamber system being built at Argonne National Laboratory, the specifications for pulse repeatability impose stringent requirements on the Marx generator charging electronics. A charging regulator using type 284 tetrode modulator tubes was developed to provide the required stability. The system philosophy, design requirements, and circuit configuration are discussed.
INDIVIDUAL AND SITUATIONAL INFLUENCES ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF SELF‐EFFICACY: IMPLICATIONS FOR TRAINING EFFECTIVENESS

We proposed a model that included individual and situational antecedents of self-efficacy development during training. Initial performance and self-efficacy levels, achievement motivation, and choice were examined as individual variables. Constraints, operationalized at both the individual and aggregate levels of analysis, were examined as situational influences. Mid-course efficacy was hypothesized to have positive linear relationships with training reactions and subsequent performance, and an interactive relationship with performance when training reactions were considered as a moderator. Survey data were gathered at two points in time from 215 students enrolled in 15 eight-week long university bowling classes. All of the hypothesized antecedents of mid-course self-efficacy were significant except aggregate and individual situational constraints, although both constraints related negatively to training reactions. Time 2 self-efficacy exhibited significant positive influences on training reactions and subsequent performance, but the hypothesized moderated relationship was not supported.
Microstructural characterization of rapidly solidified NbSi alloys

Abstract Rapidly solidified NbSi alloys containing between 12 and 25 at. Si have been examined by analytical electron microscopy to identify the phases present and the solidification path. The phase Nb3Si is absent as either the equilibrium tetragonal phase or the A15 phase. Glass formation is observed in high silicon alloys but is difficult and observed only near the chill side of melt-spun ribbons. The most commonly observed microstructure consists of fine-grain (15–100 nm) mixtures of α-Nb and Nb5Si3. The observed microstructures are shown to be consistent with the metastable phase diagram and T0 curves for the NbSi system.
A study of the effect of dichotomizing ordinal data upon modeling

Investigators in health services research often analyze ordinal outcome data as if it were dichotomous by collapsing outcomes into two groups and using standard logistic regression, rather than an alternate discrete model. This paper assesses the degree to which parameters are inaccurately estimated and ower is lost when this is done. Simulations with a five level ordinal outcome variable demonstrated that the loss of precision and power can be very pronounced. Parameter estimates were especially poor in the presence of moderately sparse data, while the loss of power was most evident with balanced data. Polychotomous models are also examined and discussed. An example using length of hospital stay data grouped into discrete outcome levels is given.
Small-molecule regulation of zebrafish gene expression

The zebrafish has emerged as a versatile model organism for biomedical research, yet its potential has been limited by a lack of conditional reverse-genetic tools. Here we report a chemically inducible gene expression technology that has orthogonality to vertebrate signaling processes, high induction levels, and rapid kinetics. Coupled with tissue-specific promoters, this system provides multidimensional control of gene expression and will enable new models of human disorders and diseases.
Spatial orientation of molecules in strong electric fields and evidence for pendular states

IN typical collisional or spectroscopic experiments, molecules rotate freely with random spatial orientations. The resulting isotropic averaging obscures or suppresses much stereodynamical information and has remained a recalcitrant problem. The only practical means for orienting a molecule itself, rather than just its axis of rotation, has been electric field focusing1,2. But this is applicable only to certain rotational states of symmetric top molecules (or equivalent) that exhibit a first-order Stark effect. Orientation of molecules other than symmetric tops has long been considered to be quite unfeasible3. Recently, however, it has been pointed out4,5 that by exploiting the extreme rotational cooling that can occur in supersonic molecular beams, substantial orientation of diatomic, linear or asymmetric top molecules should become possible at accessible field strengths. The anisotropy of the Stark effect allows molecules in the lowest few rotational states to be trapped in 'pendular states' and thereby confined to librate (oscillate about the field axis) over a limited angular range. Here we describe an experiment which demonstrates that oriented pendular states can be obtained for a diatomic molecule with modest field strengths. With anticipated improvements, this technique should become widely applicable.
Perioperative changes in trunk musculature and postoperative outcomes

Abstract Background Surgeons often face difficult decisions in selecting which patients can tolerate major surgical procedures. Although recent studies suggest the potential for trunk muscle size, as measured on preoperative imaging, to inform surgical risk, these measures are static and do not account for the effect of the surgery itself. We hypothesize that trunk muscle size will show dynamic changes over the perioperative period, and this change correlates with postoperative mortality risk. Methods A total of 425 patients who underwent inpatient general surgery were identified to have both a 90-d preoperative and a 90-d postoperative abdominal computed tomography scan. The change in trunk muscle size was calculated using analytic morphomic techniques. The primary outcome was 1-y survival. Covariate-adjusted outcomes were assessed using multivariable logistic regression. Results A total of 82.6% patients ( n = 351) experienced a decrease in trunk muscle size in the time between their scans (average 62.1 d). When stratifying patients into tertiles of rate of change in trunk muscle size and adjusting for other covariates, patients in the tertile of the greatest rate loss had significantly increased risk of 1-y mortality than those in the tertile of the least rate loss ( P = 0.002; odds ratio = 3.40 95% confidence interval, 1.55–7.47). The adjusted mortality rate for the tertile of the greatest rate loss was 24.0% compared with 13.3% for the tertile of the least decrease. Conclusions Trunk muscle size changes rapidly in the perioperative period and correlates with mortality. Trunk muscle size may be a critical target for interventional programs focusing on perioperative optimization of the surgical patient.
A transmissible developmental block in Tetrahymena thermophila.

Abstract When the amicronucleate mutant BI3840 of Tetrahymena thermophila is mated with normal micronucleate cells, it receives a pronucleus from its partner but there is no further nuclear development and the conjugants separate, retaining their original macronuclei. Both of these sexually mature exconjugants and any cells with which they are mated show an unconditional block in macronuclear development. Although prezygotic nuclear divisions, nuclear transfer and post-zygotic nuclear divisions appeared normal upon cytological analysis of Giemsa-stained conjugants, macronuclear development was invariably aborted. Since the original macronucleus was resorbed, the cells were rendered amacronucleate and they died. When no macronuclear development was initiated, as in crosses with the aneuploid strain A ∗ (III), the exconjugants were viable and retained their original macronuclei. This pattern was invariant with three different strains serving as the original micronuclear source, and in the case of one non-BI3840 exconjugant, persisted for over 200 cell generations. Exconjugants from a cross of one of the micronuclear donors with strain A ∗ (III) did not show arrested development when crossed. It thus appears likely that there is conjugal transfer of non-nuclear information originating in BI3840 which is self-replicating and which causes an arrest in macronuclear development.
Time perception and consumer behaviour: some cross‐cultural implications

Perception of time differs across cultures. As time perception is a critical component of consumer decision making, awareness of such differences is a key to successful cross-cultural marketing. Mistakes in international marketing efforts are frequently traceable to ethnocentric cultural assumptions. No culture's perception of time is ‘right’, but there can be a tendency to impose such assumptions without cultural self-awareness. Time perception differences in four cultures are examined: Anglo, Hispanic, Eastern and Arabic. Implications for marketing efforts due to these cross-cultural differences are offred.
User Centric Policy Management in Online Social Networks

Online social networking sites are experiencing tremendous user growth with hundreds of millions of active users. As a result, there is a tremendous amount of user profile data online, e.g., name, birth date, etc. Protecting this data is a challenge. The task of access policy composition is a tedious and confusing effort for the average user having hundreds of friends. In this paper, we propose a Policy Manager (PolicyMgr) Framework for social networks. PolicyMgr assists users in composing and managing their access control policies for objects posted to their profiles. Our approach is based on a supervised learning mechanism that leverages user provided example policy settings as training sets to build classifiers that are the basis for auto-generated policies. Furthermore, we provide mechanisms to enable users to fuse policy decisions that are provided by their friends or others in the social network. These policies then regulate access to user profile objects. We implemented our framework and, through experimentation, demonstrate positive emerging results.
Differential inequalities for systems of degenerate parabolic operators

The Prodi-Westphal theorem is generalized to systems of differential inequalities for nonlin ear nonuniformly parabolic operators of the form [d] The function F[d] is defined for (x,t) in a hypercylinder [d] where G is a bounded open domain in Rm. Suppose that F[d] is elliptic with respect to [d] and that [d] Since it is admissible that [d] at some points of [d] may be nonuniformly parabolic. Two additional theorems on differential inequalities for systems are proved and the results are applied to the paroblem of investigating stability of solutions of certain systems of degenerate parabolic equations,[d]
Comment on “Partitioning tropical oceanic convective and stratiform rains by draft strength” by David Atlas et al.

[1] The crux of this comment is to clarify attribution. If someone looks at a published graph and has a different interpretation from that of the original authors, that new interpretation should not be attributed to the original authors. [2] The references given by Atlas et al. [2000] regarding distinct convective and stratiform reflectivity Z to rain rate R relations attributed to Yuter and Houze [1997] are incorrect. The convective and stratiform Z-R relations labeled as those of Yuter and Houze in Table 3 (incorrectly referred to there as 1996) and mentioned in the text on pp. 2262, 2264, and 2265 of Atlas et al. [2000] do not appear anywhere in the Yuter and Houze [1997] paper. The Yuter and Houze [1997] study used two-dimensional (2-D) particle probe drop spectra collected by the National Center for Atmospheric Research Electra aircraft during the Tropical Ocean-Global Atmosphere (TOGA) Coupled Ocean-Atmosphere Response Experiment (COARE) to compute Z and R values over 6 s intervals of flight track ( 1400 L sample volumes). These data were classified into convective and stratiform subsets using radar data obtained by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration WP-3D airborne radar. Segments of the Electra flight track were categorized by noting when the Electra flew within regions of convective and stratiform precipitation classified according to a radar reflectivity texture algorithm based on the paper by Steiner et al. [1995]. The main conclusion of the Yuter and Houze [1997] study was that the populations of radarclassified convective and stratiform Z-R points overlapped in dbZ-log R space and did not form two statistically distinct populations. [3] The previous statements do not rule out the possibility that different physical processes can yield different drop size distributions (DSD) [e.g., Braun and Houze, 1994, pp. 2749–2750]. However, in the large areas of radar-classified convective and stratiform precipitation examined in this study, the physical processes mixed, exhibited natural variation, and were subject to sampling error to such a degree that the Z and Rvalues associated with the DSD samples in the convective and stratiform populations did not form distinct populations. A classification method that can truly distinguish between dominant precipitation growth by vapor deposition versus accretion (riming and collection/coalescence) would have the property of yielding distinct populations in lowrain-rate regions of dbZ-log R space where both processes are known to occur. 2. Follow-up
Mixed lineage kinase-dependent JNK activation is governed by interactions of scaffold protein JIP with MAPK module components

It has been proposed that JNK-interacting proteins (JIP) facilitate mixed lineage kinase-dependent signal transduction to JNK by aggregating the three components of a JNK module. A new model for the assembly and regulation of these modules is proposed based on several observations. First, artificially induced dimerization of dual leucine zipper-bearing kinase (DLK) confirmed that DLK dimerization is sufficient to induce DLK activation. Secondly, under basal conditions, DLK associated with JIP is held in a monomeric, unphosphorylated and catalytically inactive state. Thirdly, JNK recruitment to JIP coincided with significantly decreased affinity of JIP and DLK. JNK promoted the dimerization, phosphorylation and activation of JIP-associated DLK. Similarly, treatment of cells with okadaic acid inhibited DLK association with JIP and resulted in DLK dimerization in the presence of JIP. In summary, JIP maintains DLK in a monomeric, unphosphorylated, inactive state. Upon stimulation, JNK–JIP binding affinity increases while JIP–DLK interaction affinity is attenuated. Dissociation of DLK from JIP results in subsequent DLK dimerization, autophosphorylation and module activation. Evidence is provided that this model holds for other MLK-dependent JNK modules.
Unsupervised Trend Extraction for Prognostics and Condition Assessment

Maintenance is becoming more expensive nowadays due to the increased complexity in design and function of industrial systems. Continuous health monitoring is thus of high importance to increase the availability of industrial systems and consequently reduce the costs. This paper presents an algorithm for unsupervised trends extraction from multidimensional sensory data so as to use such trend in machinery health monitoring and maintenance needs. The proposed method does not assume any prior knowledge about the nature and type of the input signals. It is based on extracting successive multi-dimensional features from machinery sensory signals. Then, unsupervised feature selection on the features domain is applied without making any assumptions concerning the source of the signals and the number of the extracted features. Finally, empirical mode decomposition algorithm (EMD) is applied on the projected features with the purpose of following the evolution of data in a compact representation over time. The algorithm is demonstrated on accelerated degradation dataset of bearings acquired from PRONOSTIA experimental platform and a second dataset acquired form NASA repository where it is shown to be able to extract interesting signal trends.
On the Behavior of Natural and Artificial Voids in Insulation under Internal Discharge

Studies made on insulation containing natural voids which usually occur as prolate spheroids and on artificial voids in the form of cylindrical cavities, show that the discharge inception voltage and resulting deterioration above the inception voltage is considerably different in the two types of voids.