cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stabilization and control of distributed systems with time-dependent spatial domains

This paper considers the problem of the stabilization and control of distributed systems with time-dependent spatial domains. The evolution of the spatial domains with time is described by a finite-dimensional system of ordinary differential equations, while the distributed systems are described by first-order or second-order linear evolution equations defined on appropriate Hilbert spaces. First, results pertaining to the existence and uniqueness of solutions of the system equations are presented. Then, various optimal control and stabilization problems are considered. The paper concludes with some examples which illustrate the application of the main results.
A generalization of Everett's result on the Collatz 3x + 1 problem

It is a well-known conjecture that given [email protected], the set of natural numbers, the sequence {m"n}^~"n"-"0, defined by the iterative formula m"0 = m, m"n"+"1=(3m"n+1)2, if m"n is odd,m"n2, if m"n is even, has some iterate m"j = 1. It is shown in this paper that for any [email protected], ''almost every'' natural number m greater than unity has k iterates less than m.
Mouse models of mitochondrial complex I dysfunction

Diseases of the mitochondria generally affect cells with high-energy demand, and appear to most profoundly affect excitatory cells that have localized high energy requirements, such as neurons and cardiac and skeletal muscle cells. Complex I of the mammalian mitochondrial respiratory chain is a very large, 45 subunit enzyme, and functional deficiency of complex I is the most frequently observed cause of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) disorders. Impairment of complex I results in decreased cellular energy production and is responsible for a variety of human encephalopathies, myopathies and cardiomyopathies. Complex I deficiency may be caused by mutations in any of the seven mitochondrial or 38 nuclear genes that encode complex I subunits or by mutations in various other nuclear genes that affect complex I assembly or function. Mouse models that faithfully mimic human complex I disorders are needed to better understand the role of complex I in health and disease and for evaluation of potential therapies for mitochondrial diseases. In this review we discuss existing mouse models of mitochondrial complex I dysfunction, focusing on those with similarities to human mitochondrial disorders. We also discuss some of the noteworthy murine genetic models in which complex I genes are not disrupted, but complex I dysfunction is observed, along with some of the more popular chemical compounds that inhibit complex I function and are useful for modeling complex I deficiency in mice. This article is part of a Directed Issue entitled: Bioenergetic dysfunction, adaptation and therapy.
Design and development of an ultralow-capacitance, high-performance pedestal transistor

High-performance transistors with small geometries require a highly doped collector region to produce a large impurity gradient at the collector-base junction. This allows the structure to sustain high current densities and to attain low collector series resistance. However, the resulting increase in collector transition capacitance degrades the ac characteristics of the transistors. A structure is proposed and experimental results are presented in this paper to demonstrate that the conflicting requirements above, which limit the high-performance characteristics of transistors, can be resolved by the planar IC process.
Mandated reporting: a policy without reason.

About 40 years ago, Denver pediatrician C. Henry Kempe and his colleagues (1962) “discovered” the battered child syndrome. Although I did not have the privilege of knowing Kempe, I have enough friends who did that I am certain that he was thoughtful, caring, and charismatic. Even without those first-hand accounts, however, this picture could easily have been discerned from Kempe’s influence. As the principal founder of the International Society for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect, the Kempe Children’s Center, and Child Abuse & Neglect The International Journal, Kempe has had a remarkable legacy: a worldwide movement of professionals concerned with the safety of children. Kempe’s most extraordinary influence, however, may have been in public policy. He and his colleagues had concluded that child maltreatment in the United States was a problem annually affecting a few hundred children subjected to the violent behavior of some seriously disturbed parents. Therefore, Kempe reached the conclusion that the best policy response would be to require health professionals to report those egregious cases to public authorities. In action that is probably without parallel in the history of US
Computational needs for muon accelerators

Muon accelerators contain beam lines and components which are unlike any found in existing accelerators. Production of the muons requires targets for beams with powers which are at or beyond what has currently been achieved. Many subsystems use solenoid focusing systems where at any given point, several magnets have a significant influence. The beams that are transported can have energy spreads of {+-}30% or more. The required emittances necessitate accurate tracking of particles with angles of tenths of a radian and which are positioned almost at the edge of the beam pipe. Tracking must be done not only in vacuum, but also in materials; therefore, statistical fluctuations must also be included. Design and simulation of muon accelerators requires software which can: accurately simulate the dynamics of solid and liquid targets under proton bombardment; predict the production of particles from these targets; accurately compute magnetic fields based on either a real magnet design or a model which includes end fields; and accurately design and simulate a beam line where the transported beam satisfies the above specifications and the beam line contains non-standard, overlapping elements. The requirements for computational tools will be discussed, the capabilities of existing tools will be described andmore » compared to what is required.« less
Postmenopausal smokers show reduced hemodynamic benefit from oral hormone replacement

With use of a randomized, placebo-controlled trial, 62 healthy, postmenopausal smokers and nonsmokers were tested for resting and stress-induced hemodynamic variables before and after 6 months of treatment with either oral hormone replacement therapy or placebo. Smokers had significantly less reduction in both resting and stress-induced vascular resistance and blood pressure after treatment with oral hormone replacement therapy than nonsmokers.
Isolation of Edwardsiella tarda from three Oregon sea mammals.

Edwardsiella tarda was isolated from the peritoneal exudate of a Steller's sea lion (Eumetopias jubata) with peritonitis resulting from a perforating colonic ulcer; from the liver of a harbor porpoise (Phocena phocena) with metritis and peritonitis sequela to dystocia; and from the liver of a California sea lion (Zolophus californianus) with peritonitis following fracture and necrosis of a lumbar vertebrae. These findings indicate E. tarda is a common opportunistic invader in sick or injured marine mammals.
Model studies examining the use of dicyclohexylphenylphosphine to enhance the oxidative and thermal stability of future jet fuels

A model study is described that tests the feasibility of using dicyclohexylphenylphosphine (DCP) as an additive to provide oxidative stability for future jet fuels. In addition, the mechanism of autoxidation of DCP in dodecane is examined.
Critical dynamics of the Potts model

The dynamical critical index $z$ is calculated for the two-dimensional Potts model on square lattice using a Migdal-type recursion method generalized to dynamics.
Wave Approach to Brightness Temperature from a Bounded Layer of Random Discrete Scatterers

By using the fluctuation-dissipation theorem, the strong fluctuation theory is applied to the calculation of brightness temperatures from a bounded layer of random discrete scatterers with the zeroth- and first-order approximations. Various functional dependences on wavelength, polarization, observation angle, medium depth, scatterer constituents, and other physical parameters are discussed. Theoretical results are favorably matched with experimental data for passive remote sensing of snowpacks.
Applying cognitive science principles to improve retention of science vocabulary

We investigated whether three student-centred strategies influenced retention of science vocabulary words among 7th grade students. Two of the strategies (drawing pictures and talking about the definition of the terms) were developed to involve the students in more constructive and interactive exercises when compared to the technique that was in common use (copying definitions from the back of the textbook). Vocabulary from three science units was used in the study and reading level was considered as a potential moderator variable. Results showed some differences among the strategies when retention was measured but, more importantly, the effectiveness of the learning strategies varied with reading level and time of testing.
Regional contrasts in hot degree‐day units in the united States

At the Annual Meeting for 1945, a paper was presented on degree-day units, especially on the regional contrasts in their range or variation. That paper was published in the Transactions for August, 1945 (v. 26, pp. 45–48). The term “degree-day,” invented by a heating engineer and adopted by the United States Weather Bureau, has been applied hitherto to the sums below 65°F, for which the term “cold degree-day units” is here proposed. The sums of the temperatures above 70°F, calculated in the same way as cold degree-day units, is the subject of this paper. A day having a daily mean temperature of 71° has one hot degree-day unit; a day with a mean of 85° has 15 units. Twenty days with means of 85° have a total of 300 units. The annual average number of hot degree-day units in the United States has been laboriously calculated from “Daily Normal Temperatures in the United States,” Supplement 26 of the Monthly Weather Review, published in 1925.
Trapping dependent H+ motion in SIMOX buried oxides

Abstract The transport characteristics of mobile H + ions are examined in SIMOX buried oxides. The H + ions are created in the buried oxides by annealing in H 2 gas. The effects of applied oxide field and H + concentration are investigated in order to develop a model for the mechanism of the H + motion. Results suggest the H + motion across the oxide is limited by the detrapping of the mobile charges from defects located near the top Si/SiO 2 and substrate Si/SiO 2 interfaces. Comparisons of the samples annealed under differing conditions indicate that the H + trapping defects are created and/or modified during the hydrogenation.
Security and Privacy for Implantable Medical Devices

Protecting implantable medical devices against attack without compromising patient health requires balancing security and privacy goals with traditional goals such as safety and utility. Implantable medical devices monitor and treat physiological conditions within the body. These devices - including pacemakers, implantable cardiac defibrillators (ICDs), drug delivery systems, and neurostimulators - can help manage a broad range of ailments, such as cardiac arrhythmia, diabetes, and Parkinson's disease. IMDs' pervasiveness continues to swell, with upward of 25 million US citizens currently reliant on them for life-critical functions. Growth is spurred by geriatric care of the aging baby-boomer generation, and new therapies continually emerge for chronic conditions ranging from pediatric type 1 diabetes to anorgasmia and other sexual dysfunctions. Moreover, the latest IMDs support delivery of telemetry for remote monitoring over long-range, high-bandwidth wireless links, and emerging devices will communicate with other interoperating IMDs.
On-Line Computer Control of a Power System During an Emergency

A control strategy to improve the performance of a power system during an emergency is presented in this paper. Immediately following a major disturbance, the future power system performance is predicted using a faster than real-time simulation. If the predicted performance is unacceptable according to a set of prespecified criteria, appropriate control actions are taken to steer the power system from the impending danger. The major problems considered in this study are abnormal frequency trajectories, transmission line overloads, and abnormal bus voltages. Test results are also included in this study.
Ethanol in cardiomyopathic hamsters: Na and water excretion and righting response.

Abstract This study examined the effects of ethanol and hereditary cardiomyopathy on sodium and water excretion by golden Syrian hamsters of both sexes. Ethanol (4 g/kg) or the isotonic saline vehicle were injected IP into 60–70-day-old hamsters of normal and cardiomyopathic (BIO 14.6) strains. Urine and blood were collected after 90 or 350 min in different groups. Cardiomyopathic hamsters more quickly lost their righting responses, eliminated ethanol more slowly, and had lower urine volume and sodium excretion than normal hamsters after ethanol injections. Plasma creatine kinase levels were normal in all animals tested, indicating no active skeletal or cardiac lesioning in the cardiomyopathic hamsters at the time of the experiment. Some factors which could contribute to the increased CNS and renal sensitivity to ethanol in cardiomyopathic hamsters include impaired ethanol metabolism, enhanced myocardial depression, and reduced atrial content of natriuretic peptides. The resultd do not owe to decompensated heart failure. Thus, the genetic mutation which causes skeletal and cardiac myopathy in these hamsters may also affect the metabolism and sensitivity to ethanol.
Feasibility evaluation of an online tool to guide decisions for BRCA1/2 mutation carriers

Women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 (BRCA1/2) mutations face difficult decisions about managing their high risks of breast and ovarian cancer. We developed an online tool to guide decisions about cancer risk reduction (available at: http://brcatool.stanford.edu ), and recruited patients and clinicians to test its feasibility. We developed questionnaires for women with BRCA1/2 mutations and clinicians involved in their care, incorporating the System Usability Scale (SUS) and the Center for Healthcare Evaluation Provider Satisfaction Questionnaire (CHCE-PSQ). We enrolled BRCA1/2 mutation carriers who were seen by local physicians or participating in a national advocacy organization, and we enrolled clinicians practicing at Stanford University and in the surrounding community. Forty BRCA1/2 mutation carriers and 16 clinicians participated. Both groups found the tool easy to use, with SUS scores of 82.5–85 on a scale of 1–100; we did not observe differences according to patient age or gene mutation. General satisfaction was high, with a mean score of 4.28 (standard deviation (SD) 0.96) for patients, and 4.38 (SD 0.89) for clinicians, on a scale of 1–5. Most patients (77.5 %) were comfortable using the tool at home. Both patients and clinicians agreed that the decision tool could improve patient–doctor encounters (mean scores 4.50 and 4.69, on a 1–5 scale). Patients and health care providers rated the decision tool highly on measures of usability and clinical relevance. These results will guide a larger study of the tool’s impact on clinical decisions.
45. Development of a tissue engineered human prostate tumor equivalent: Evaluation of cryoablative techniques

The study of cancer biology is replete with debate and disagreement over the various analytical stratagems ( in vitro vs. in vivo , animal vs. human) employed to develop therapeutic treatments. Yet, due to the highly variable nature of cancer cells and their acute sensitivity to extracellular microenvironments and culture conditions, it is critical that a culture model be chosen that closely resembles actual in vivo conditions in support of clinical relevance. As such, we hypothesized that the development of a three-dimensional (3D), tissue engineered human prostate cancer model would provide for a viable alternative, bridging the gap between issues with animal and in vitro models. In this study, we developed and tested the feasibility of such a model as well as a series of modified cell and molecular assays utilized to assess the effects of a given treatment on cell response. Human prostate cancer cells (PC3) were suspended in collagen matrices and variables such as gel thickness (1–3 mm), collagen density (0.5, 1, and 2 mg/mL), cell seeding density (1, 2.5, and 5 × 10 6 cells/mL), and top-seeded vs. 3D-seeded, were evaluated for their influence on cell survival, proliferation, and response to a therapeutic stress. With the engineered model we were able to assess, using modified techniques, membrane integrity, metabolic function, and various cell death mechanisms. From our evaluations it was found that PC3 cells were able to survive and proliferate under several different model parameters, but a 2 mm thick collagen gel at 2 mg/mL seeded with 5 × 10 6 cells/mL was chosen as the standard configuration. Additionally, the application of cryosurgical therapy to our 3D model revealed cell behavior characteristics similar to that of in vitro monolayer data. Through this study, we established a 3D, tissue engineered in vivo -like prostate cancer model along with a series of assessment techniques for utilizations in cancer research studies. Using this model, our aim is to better understand cancer cell responses to low temperatures, thus providing a new avenue for the improvement of cryosurgery.
Sequences of Hopf–Swan subgroups

Abstract Let l be an odd prime which satisfies Vandiver's conjecture, let n ⩾ 1 be an integer, and let K = Q ( ζ n ) where ζ n is a primitive l n th root of unity. Let C l denote the cyclic group of order l. For each j, j = 1 , … , l n − 1 , there exists an inclusion of Larson orders in K C l : Λ j − 1 ⊆ Λ j and a corresponding surjection of Hopf–Swan subgroups T ( Λ j − 1 ) → T ( Λ j ) . For the cases n = 1 , 2 we investigate the structure of various terms in the sequence of Hopf–Swan subgroups including the Swan subgroup T ( Λ 0 ) .
Microwave characteristics and far-infrared reflection spectra of zirconium tin titanate dielectrics

The lattice vibrations of zirconium titanate containing SnO2 in solid solution were investigated using Fourier transform-infrared spectrophotometry. Microwave dielectric functions were determined by the Kramers-Kronig analysis followed by the classical dispersion analysis of infrared reflection spectra. The relative tendency of the spectroscopically determined dielectric functions is in agreement with those directly measured. For comparative studies or for the development of new microwave ceramic materials, the method is promising.
Nonconventional costs of rent-seeking: X-inefficiency in the political process

There is relatively little controversy about the expenditures of time and money devoted to lobbying, campaign contributions, and so on that bias the political process. However, these traditional rent-seeking costs appear to be quite different from nonconventional costs of rent-seeking such as those associated with the lack of information about policies that distort the democratic process. It is likely that deviations from the ideal pattern of behavior arise not only in markets but also in the democratic process (as Tullock suggests) because voters are not properly informed. The problem of identifying waste due to lack of motivation and/or information is similar whether in the political arena or in market activities. In neither situation is X-efficiency observable. Ex post there will always be situations in which it is obvious that potential opportunities were foregone, but to the extent that such “wastes” either in markets or in the political process cannot be avoided, they have no importance for identification of inefficiency or for public policy. The conclusion is that X-efficiency theory contributes little to our understanding of rent-seeking actions by individuals and groups to obtain transfers of wealth through the political process.
Characterization of deoxyribozymes that synthesize branched RNA

We recently reported deoxyribozymes (DNA enzymes) that synthesize 2‘,5‘-branched RNA. The in vitro-selected 9F7 and 9F21 deoxyribozymes mediate reaction of a branch-site adenosine 2‘-hydroxyl on one RNA substrate with the 5‘-triphosphate of another RNA substrate. Here we characterize these DNA enzymes with respect to their branch-forming activity. Both 9F7 and 9F21 are much more active with Mn2+ than with Mg2+. The Kd,app(Mg2+) > 400 mM but Kd,app(Mn2+) ≈ 20−50 mM, and the ligation rates kobs are orders of magnitude faster with Mn2+ than with Mg2+ (e.g., 9F7 ∼ 0.3 min-1 with 20 mM Mn2+ versus 0.4 h-1 with 100 mM Mg2+, both at pH 7.5 and 37 °C). Of the other tested transition metal ions Zn2+, Ni2+, Co2+, and Cd2+, only Co2+ supports a trace amount of activity. 9F7 is more tolerant than 9F21 of varying the RNA substrate sequences. For the RNA substrate that donates the adenosine 2‘-hydroxyl, 9F7 requires YUA, where Y = pyrimidine and A is the branch site. The 3‘-tail emerging from the branch-site A may have...
Seasonal variability of the Texas 'brown tide' (Aureoumbra lagunensis) in relation to environmental parameters

The spatial and temporal variation of salinity, specific conductivity, temprature, turbidity, pH, dissolved oxygen, redox potential, soluble reactive phosphate (SRP), ammonium, nitrate, phytoplankton and mesozooplankton within Baffin Bay, Texas were monitored monthly from April 1995–July 1996 to understand better the seasonal variability of the Texas ‘brown tide’, Aureoumbra lagunensis . High A. lagunensis densities (0·05–5·97×106cells ml−1) were observed in the summer months, whereas low densities ( 40) and A. lagunensis densities were greatest between 25 and 30°C. This suggests that A. lagunensis is well adapted to the warm hypersaline environment. Surface water SRP and ammonium concentrations were inversely related to A. lagunensis densities at all sample stations (P< 0·001 and P< 0·05, respectively). Aureoumbra lagunensis densities showed no relation with other chemical parameters. Acartia tonsa , Oithona brevicornis and Oithona sp. were the predominant mesozooplankton during the study. Although A. tonsa occurred in higher concentrations than other mesozooplankton, A. lagunensis and A. tonsa densities showed no significant relationship. Densities ofOithona sp. were inversely related to A. lagunensis cell densities (P< 0·05) signifying possible grazing pressures. These results suggest that additional parameters other than those investigated are contributing to the seasonal variability and the persistence of Texas ‘brown tide.’
SU-E-T-124: Dosimetric Comparison of HDR Brachytherapy and Intensity Modulated Proton Therapy

Purpose: Brachytherapy is known to be able to deliver more radiation dose to tumor while minimizing radiation dose to surrounding normal tissues. Proton therapy also provides superior dose distribution due to Bragg peak. Since both HDR and Intensity Modulated Proton Therapy (IMPT) are beneficial for their quick dose drop off, our goal in this study is to compare the pace of dose gradient drop-off between HDR and IMPT plans based on the same CT image data-set. In addition, normal tissues sparing were also compared among HDR, IMPT and SBRT. Methods: Five cervical cancer cases treated with EBRT + HDR boost combination with Tandem and Ovoid applicator were used for comparison purpose. Original HDR plans with prescribed dose of 5.5 Gy x 5 fractions were generated and optimized. The 100% isodose line of HDR plans was converted to a dose volume, and treated as CTV for IMPT and SBRT planning. The same HDR CT scans were also used for IMPT plan and SBRT plan for direct comparison. The philosophy of the IMPT and SBRT planning was to create the same CTV coverage as HDR plans. All three modalities treatment plans were compared to each other with a set of predetermined criteria.more » Results: With similar target volume coverage in cervix cancer boost treatment, HDR provides a slightly sharper dose drop-off from 100% to 50% isodose line, averagely in all directions compared to IMPT. However, IMPT demonstrated more dose gradient drop-off at the junction of the target and normal tissues by providing more normal tissue sparing and superior capability to reduce integral dose. Conclusion: IMPT is capable of providing comparable dose drop-off as HDR. IMPT can be explored as replacement for HDR brachytherapy in various applications.« less
Photoselection of Carbene Stereoisomers with Surprisingly Different Electronic Spectra: 3-Furylchlorocarbene

Syn and anti conformational isomers of 3-furylchlorocarbene were characterized in low-temperature matrixes by IR, UV/vis, chemical trapping, and calculational modeling. Displaying significantly different electronic spectra, the two isomeric carbenes could be photochemically interconverted. At shorter wavelengths, the carbene rearranges to a conjugated methylenecyclopropene.
Explosives detection portal for high-volume personnel screening

We discuss a trace explosive detection portal for high-volume personnel screening, which has been developed recently at Sandia National Laboratories (SNL), using funding provided by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Safeguards and Security (OSS). This portal screens individuals for explosives using noninvasive means to collect explosive residue in the forms of vapor and particulate contamination. The portal combines a commercially available ion mobility spectrometer (IMS) with a preconcentrator developed at SNL to perform detection of explosives. The prototype portal has undergone one series of tests at the Albuquerque International Airport, and we are now proceeding to develop an improved, second-generation portal, and to find a company to market the portal.
On the calculation of cumulants of estimators arising from a linear time series regression model

Abstract Bounds for higher-order cumulants of statistics arising from a linear time series regression model are investigated. A result given in Brillinger is proved and extended. The bounds permit derivation of asymptotic moments and asymptotic normality for estimators of parameters in the model. Two examples are given as illustrations.
Crew radiation dose from the plume of a high impulse gas-core nuclear rocket during a Mars mission

Analytical calculations are performed to determine the radiation dose rate and total dose to the crew of a gas-core nuclear rocket from the fission fragments located throughout the plume volume. The radiation dose from the plume fission fragments to two crew locations of 100 and 200 meters from the nozzle exit are calculated. It is found that, in the case of the most probable fission fragment retention time of 100 seconds, the crew must be protected from the radiation dose. Five centimeters of lead shielding would reduce the radiation dose by two orders of magnitude thereby protecting the crew. The increase in vehicle weight would be insignificant (7150 kg to a vehicle gross weight of 0.94 million kg).
Environmental effects on production of primary and secondary conidia, infection, and pathogenesis of Neozygites floridana, a pathogen of the twospotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae

Abstract Primary and secondary conidia of Neozygites floridana were produced in the greatest numbers at 15° to 26°C and at 100% RH. No conidia were produced at 32°C or at or below 85% RH. When twospotted spider mites, Tetranychus urticae, were released on bean leaves previously infested with capilliconidia, temperature had little effect on the incidence of infection (RH was held at 90–95%). In a similar test at 30% RH, no mites became infected at any temperature. Apparently RH is more important than temperature in determining the longevity of previously established capilliconidia. Infected mites maintained at 10°, 20°, 30°, and 37°C died within 15, 5, 4, and 7 days, respectively. Epizootics of N. floridana were induced in the greenhouse by 14-hr periods of approximately 100% RH per day, but not by 30 min of simulated rain when the water was applied without an associated period of 100% RH.
Increasing the Social Skills of a Student With Autism Through a Literacy-Based Behavioral Intervention

Social skills instruction is as important for many students with disabilities as instruction in core academic subjects. Frequently, students with autism require individualized social skills instruction to experience success in general education settings. Literacy-based behavioral Interventions (LBBIs) are an effective intervention that instructors may use to increase positive social skills among students. This article describes LBBIs, provides step-by-step instructions for creating an LBBI, and describes the benefits of LBBIs.
Exploring the "Missing Link": Political Culture as an Explanation of the Occu Pational Status and Diversity of State Legislators in Thirty States:

cal culture, its utility as an explanatory variable in state politics has varied depending upon the structure or process under examination. Nevertheless, it is widely viewed as an important factor helping us to understand differences across the states in the way politics is carried out. Yet, an important caveat was offered by Lowery and Sigelman (1982). After failing to uncover strong relationships between mass attitudes about political participation and political culture, they were puzzled over the numerous studies indicating a linkage between political culture and state public policies (pp. 382-83). As a possible explanation for the discrepancy, these authors proposed that while mass publics may not differ significantly in their fundamental political values, elite publics might. Since elites are the key policy-makers in the states, Lowery and Sigelman argued that this might be the "missing link" between political culture and policy outcomes (p. 383). Drawing upon this notion of "elite cultures," and in answer to the call by Kincaid (1980) for further research that examines political culture's effects on institutional structures, this paper explores the usefulness of political culture as an explanation of variations in the occupational status and diversity of state legislators at two points in time. If Elazar's initial propositions, and Lowery and Sigelman's arguments, are correct, the underlying premise here is that chambers in the more traditionalistic states will reflect higher occupational status among their members than those in the other two of Elazar's three cultures. However, it is also assumed that this relationship was stronger prior to the professionalization of state legislatures that occurred during the 1960s and 1970s.
Thermal anomalies in aqueous systems: manifestations of interfacial phenomena?

Abstract It is proposed that the structure of water near certain interfaces is different from that of bulk water and that this vicinal water readily undergoes structural transitions at discrete temperatures. This phenomenon may, in part, be responsible for the often reported thermal anomalies (“kinks”) in aqueous systems.
A Logarithmic Current-to-Voltage Amplifier with High Sensitivity, Stability, and Dynamic Range, Suitable for Field Application

A logarithmic amplifier is described which has a dynamic range of 6 decades of input current (from 10-13 to 10-7 A) while maintaining very good logarithmic response (output voltage deviates less than ±1% from a logarithmic function). A high degree of temperature stability is also achieved (total offset less than ±2% of full scale voltage over ambient temperature range from -10°C to +70°C). It has a usable range (by nonlogarithmic response extensions) to 9 decades. The circuit covers its exceptionally wide dynamic range without range switching. Power requirement is less than 1 W, and the circuit fits ontwo 4 X 4 inch printed circuit boards. It is readily portable and performs well under rugged field conditions, as demonstrated by its successful use in Plowshare nuclear cratering experiments.
Using the scanning infrared camera in experimental fatigue studies

Materials under cyclic loading dissipate energy in the form of heat due to hysteresis effects in the material. At locations of high stress levels, more heat is released than elsewhere, resulting in a local temperature rise in those areas. The scanning infrared camera has been used in this study to visualize the surface-temperature field on steel and fiberglass-epoxy composite samples during fatigue tests. The information achieved in this manner allows one to predict the probable location of the greatest fatigue damage well before such damage becomes visible in the form of a crack. The use of the scanning infrared camera for monitoring traveling cracks and mapping the temperature fields resulting from stress concentrations in cyclically loaded materials is also demonstrated. The results indicate that this instrument is of value in both nondestructive testing and crack-propagation studies.
USE OF SPECTRAL REFLECTANCE IN DETERMINING COLOR STABILITIES OF NINHYDRIN COMPLEXES OF ADSORBED AMINO ACIDS.

Abstract A method is described whereby spectral reflectance can be used to investigate some of the factors affecting the color stabilities of the ninhydrin complexes of adsorbed amino acids.
The Socialist Contributions to Human Rights: An Overlooked Legacy

Abstract The nineteenth century industrial revolution and the growth of the labour movement opened the gates to previously marginalised individuals, who challenged the classical liberal economic conception of social justice. Yet, despite the important socialist contribution to the human rights discourse, the human rights legacy of the socialist – and especially the Marxist – tradition is today widely overlooked or dismissed. Bearing in mind the atrocities committed by communist regimes in the name of human rights, this article attempts to correct the historical record, by showing that the struggle for universal suffrage, social justice and worker's rights – principles endorsed in the major UN documents of human rights – were shaped by socialist ideals.
Automatic 3D object reconstruction from a single image

In this paper, we describe a fully automatic, unsupervised system for recognizing and reconstructing various classes of 3D objects in single-object, light-background 2D images, using a three-layer back-propagation neural network for object classification. Our system takes a single 2D image as input and provides a correctly textured 3D VRML, X3D, or WebGL file for two classes of objects: boxes and spheres. Our approach applies edge detection to the 2D input image, finds the center of gravity of the foreground object, and gathers a set of perimeter distances around the center of gravity. These values are passed to a trained back-propagation neural network with 36 input nodes, 100 intermediate nodes, and four output nodes corresponding to four classes of objects: rectangular prisms (boxes), spheres, cylinders, and organic/other. The approach then deconstructs the object in 2D, reconstructs it in 3D and outputs a textured model in VRML, X3D or WebGL.
Comparison of serum phenobarbital levels after single versus multiple attempts at intraosseous infusion.

Serum drug levels from a single intraosseous attempt in nontraumatized bone have proven comparable to levels from IV drug infusions. However, in the clinical situation, inexperienced personnel may make multiple intraosseous attempts, which could allow significant extravasation from multiple intramedullary entrance sites. Serum drug levels arising from multiple intraosseous attempts in traumatized bone were compared with those arising from single intraosseous attempts in nontraumatized bone. We administered phenobarbital to 24 dogs randomly divided into single- (11) and multiple-attempt (13) groups. In the multiple-attempt group, we created three intramedullary insertion sites in a linear fashion and infused through only the central site. In the single-attempt group, only a single infusion site was created. Phenobarbital then was infused into the intramedullary space, and central venous phenobarbital samples were collected at one-, three-, six-, and ten-minute intervals. The single-attempt group attained significantly higher serum phenobarbital levels at each interval compared with the multiple-attempt group ( P
Reduced anterior insula, enlarged amygdala in alcoholism and associated depleted von Economo neurons

The insula, a structure involved in higher order representation of interoceptive states, has recently been implicated in drug craving and social stress. Here, we performed brain magnetic resonance imaging to measure volumes of the insula and amygdala, a structure with reciprocal insular connections, in 26 alcohol-dependent patients and 24 healthy volunteers (aged 22–56 years, nine females in each group). We used an established morphometry method to quantify total and regional insular volumes. Volumetric measurements of the amygdala were obtained using a model-based segmentation/registration tool. In alcohol-dependent patients, anterior insula volumes were bilaterally reduced compared to healthy volunteers (left by 10%, right by 11%, normalized to total brain volumes). Furthermore, alcohol-dependent patients, compared with healthy volunteers, had bilaterally increased amygdala volumes. The left amygdala was increased by 28% and the right by 29%, normalized to total brain volumes. Post-mortem studies of the anterior insula showed that the reduced anterior insular volume may be associated with a population of von Economo neurons, which were 60% diminished in subjects with a history of alcoholism (n = 6) as compared to subjects without a history of alcoholism (n = 6) (aged 32–56 years, all males). The pattern of neuroanatomical change observed in our alcohol-dependent patients might result in a loss of top-down control of amygdala function, potentially contributing to impaired social cognition as well as an inability to control negatively reinforced alcohol seeking and use.
Topoisomerase I interacts with transcribed regions in Drosophila cells

The in vivo distribution of topoisomerase I on specific DNA sequences is determined at high resolution in Drosophila cells using a photo-crosslinking method. Topoisomerase I-DNA adducts are generated by irradiation of intact cells with UV light and then purified by immunoprecipitation with antibody to topoisomerase I. Analyses of the DNA sequences crosslinked to topoisomerase I by blot-hybridization with appropriate DNA probes indicate that topoisomerase I is concentrated on transcribed regions and not on nontranscribed flanking sequences. Like RNA polymerase II, topoisomerase I is recruited to heat-shock genes during the heat-shock response. However, topoisomerase I and RNA polymerase II can interact independently with the transcribed region because different ratios of topoisomerase I and RNA polymerase II are crosslinked to the highly transcribed hsp70 gene and the moderately transcribed copia genes. We hypothesize that topoisomerase I allows topological changes in DNA that are required for transcription.
Scattering studies from polymer blends

Abstract Polymer blends can exist in various morphologies ranging from a completely mixed amorphous system, as in the polystyrene (PS)/poly-o-chlorostyrene (PoCIS) blend below its lower critical solution temperature (LCST) to a system containing mixed crystals as in poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET)/poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) blends. The final morphology developed in a blend can lead to information concerning the mixing behavior of the two polymers. With this in mind, small-angle x-ray (SAXS), neutron (SANS), and light (SALS) scattering have been used to examine mixtures of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) and poiv-ϵ-caprolactone (PCL), isotactic polystyrene (iPS) in atactic polystyrene (aPS), PS in PoCIS, and poly-p-iodostyrene (PpIS) in PS. PVC/PCL and iPS/PS blends are semicrystalline above 50% (by weight) PCL and 70% iPS. Microscopically, the two systems are volume filled with spherulites at these concentrations. Examination on the submicroscopic scale reveal some interesting differences.
High resolution X‐ray diffraction analyses of ion‐implanted GaN/AlN/Si heterostructures

High resolution triple-axis X-ray diffraction has been used to characterize the effects of nitrogen ion implantation into thin (15 nm and 55 nm) AlN buffer layers on the resultant structural quality of nominally 2 μm epitaxial GaN layers grown on silicon substrates. The GaN symmetric (0002) and the asymmetric (1014) and (1015) Bragg reflections shows that in all cases, the extent of the off-peak kinematic diffuse scattering was reduced when growth was performed on the ion-implanted AlN buffer layers. Analysis of the log I - log q dependence of the kinematic intensity shows linear behavior but with slopes changing from -4.3 to -3.7 (in the case of the (0002) reflection) in the unimplanted and ion-implanted buffer layers, respectively, indicating a change in the defect character in the layers.
The allometry of metabolism and stature: worker fatigue and height in the Tanzanian labor market.

Abstract If the positive wage–height correlation is at least partially biological in origin, one plausible pathway is the effect of stature on energy expenditure in individuals. If metabolism scales proportionately with stature, then relative to short individuals, taller individuals can produce more energy for a given work task. This also suggests that end-of-the-workday fatigue, or lack of energy, varies inversely with stature. We test this hypothesis with data from the 2004 Tanzanian Household Worker Survey in which workers report the extent of their fatigue at the end-of-the-workday. Ordinal latent variable parameter estimates reveal that relative to short workers, taller workers are less likely to report being tired at the end-of-the-workday. This suggests that the positive wage–height relationship also has a biological foundation whereby the energy requirements and metabolic costs associated with work effort/tasks are inversely related to stature.
The interleukin-2 receptor: a target for immunotherapy.

Immune intervention began almost two centuries ago when Jenner introduced vaccination with cowpox as a means of protecting against smallpox. This form of immune intervention plays a dominant role in the prevention of human disease. Furthermore, immunological approaches including radioimmunoassays, enzyme-linked immunoassays, microfluorometry, and modern molecular immunogenetics are critical in clinical diagnosis.
Dispelling the Myth of “White Flight” An Examination of Minority Enrollment in Charter Schools

At the outset of the charter school movement, some opponents feared that charter schools would become havens for White students wishing to flee the traditional public school system, resulting in publicly funded segregation. However, studies suggest that this has not occurred. In fact, charter schools on average remain slightly racially segregated, enrolling more minority students than traditional public schools. Segregation in charter schools is not unavoidable considering that they often can exercise more control of student body composition through recruitment measures. This article examines the current racial makeup of charter schools by reporting student body diversity data in the 32 states that enroll more than 1,000 students in charter schools (as of 2002-2003). Additionally, the impact of parental choice, the lifting of desegregation decrees, and state statutory language on the racial composition of charter schools is discussed. Finally, the authors offer recommendations for combating segregation in...
Clustering support and replication management for scalable network services

The ubiquity of the Internet and various intranets has brought about widespread availability of online services and applications accessible through the network. Cluster-based network services have been rapidly emerging due to their cost-effectiveness in achieving high availability and incremental scalability. We present the design and implementation of the Neptune middleware system that provides clustering support and replication management for scalable network services. Neptune employs a loosely connected and functionally symmetric clustering architecture to achieve high scalability and robustness. It shields the clustering complexities from application developers through simple programming interfaces. In addition, Neptune provides replication management with flexible replication consistency support at the clustering middleware level. Such support can be easily applied to a large number of applications with different underlying data management mechanisms or service semantics. The system has been implemented on Linux and Solaris clusters, where a number of applications have been successfully deployed. Our evaluations demonstrate the system performance and smooth failure recovery achieved by proposed techniques.
Measuring ultrashort pulses in space and time

We measure the complete electric field of an ultrashort pulse train vs. time and all spatial coordinates without an independent reference pulse, by combining Fourier-synthesis digital holography with frequency-resolved optical gating.
A Genomic Study of the Bipolar Bud Site Selection Pattern in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

A genome-wide screen of 4168 homozygous diploid yeast deletion strains has been performed to identify nonessential genes that participate in the bipolar budding pattern. By examining bud scar patte...
Comparison of sprinkler, trickle and furrow irrigation efficiencies for onion production

Abstract In the Mesilla Valley of southern New Mexico, furrow irrigation is the primary source of water for growing onions. As the demand for water increases, there will be increasing competition for this limited resource. Water management will become an essential practice used by farmers. Irrigation efficiency (IE) is an important factor into improving water management but so is economic return. Therefore, our objectives were to determine the irrigation efficiency, irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE) and water use efficiency (WUE), under sprinkler, furrow, and drip irrigated onions for different yield potential levels and to determine the IE associated with the amount of water application for a sprinkler and drip irrigation systems that had the highest economic return. Maximum IE (100%) and economic return were obtained with a sprinkler system at New Mexico State University’s Agriculture Science Center at Farmington, NM. This IE compared with the 54–80% obtained with the sprinkler irrigation used by the farmers. The IEs obtained for onion fields irrigated with subsurface drip irrigation methods ranged from 45 to 77%. The 45% represents the nonstressed treatments, in which an extra amount of irrigation above the evapotranspiration (Et) requirement was applied to keep the base of the onion plates wet. The irrigation water that was not used for Et went to deep drainage water. The return on the investment cost to install a drip system operated at a IE of 45 was 29%. Operating the drip system at a IE of 79% resulted in a yield similar to surface irrigated onions and consequently, it was not economical to install a drip system. The IEs at the furrow-irrigated onion fields ranged from 79 to 82%. However, the IEs at the furrow-irrigated onion fields were high because farmers have limited water resources. Consequently, they used the concept of deficit irrigation to irrigate their onion crops, resulting in lower yields. The maximum IWUE (0.084 t ha −1 mm −1 of water applied) was obtained using the sprinkler system, in which water applied to the field was limited to the amount needed to replace the onions’ Et requirements. The maximum IWUE values for onions using the subsurface drip was 0.059 and 0.046 t ha −1 mm −1 of water applied for furrow-irrigated onions. The lower IWUE values obtained under subsurface drip and furrow irrigation systems compared with sprinkler irrigation was due to excessive irrigation under subsurface drip and higher evaporation rates from fields using furrow irrigation. The maximum WUE for onions was 0.009 t ha −1 mm −1 of Et. In addition, WUE values are reduced by allowing the onions to suffer from water stress.