cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Scalar polynomial functions on the nonsingular matrices over a finite field

Abstract Let F = Fq denote the finite field of order q, and let GLn = GL(n, q) denote the general linear group of all nonsingular n × n matrices over F. A function f : GLn → GLn is called a scalar polynomial function on GLn if there exists a polynomial f(x) ϵ F[x] which, when considered as a matrix function under substitution, represents the function tf. In this paper we characterize those polynomials f(x) ϵ F[x] which define scalar polynomial functions on GLn and we characterize those polynomials f(x) which determine permutations of GLn. Also we enumerate both the functions and the permutations of GLn which are scalar polynomial functions.
General purpose procedure for reliability based structural optimization under parametric uncertainties

The objective of this paper is to integrate the general purpose structural reliability analysis program, NESSUS (Numerical Evaluation of Stochastic Structures Under Stress), with mathematical optimization capabilities for achieving optimal designs. The field of reliability analysis has matured in the last few years to the level where probabilistic analysis is conducted for a multitude of finite elements by considering the uncertain information on geometry, material properties, loads and boundary conditions. For conducting structural reliability analysis, several disciplines are incorporated in NESSUS to consider different failure modes. This research developed RELOPT (RELiability based structural OPTimization), an automated procedure for design optimization by integrating reliability analysis, sensitivity analysis, function approximations and data base management. Example problems are presented on beam and plate structures with strength and eigenvalue requirements and structural mass minimization.
Separation and analysis of 4'-epimeric UDP-sugars, nucleotides, and sugar phosphates by anion-exchange high-performance liquid chromatography with conductimetric detection.

Abstract An anion-exchange HPLC method coupled with conductimetric detection was developed for the analysis of UDP-sugars, nucleotides, and sugar phosphates, each in a single chromatographic run. The analysis was applicable to concentrations over 50 pmol. The utility of this technique was demonstrated by the measurement of UDP-sugar 4′-epimerase activity of cell-free extracts from wild-type and mutant Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B strains, Additionally, the method has been applied to the analysis of the intermediates of glycolysis in human erythrocytes.
Quantitative Evaluation of the Heat-Stabilizing Properties of Organotin Compounds in Rigid Polyvinyl Chloride Using Differential Thermal Analysis

Rigid polyvinyl chloride bottles are in current use in Europe for a host of products including foods, drugs, and cosmetics. In this country, a number of pharmaceutical and cosmetic firms are exploring the possibilities of this plastic container for packaging of one or more products. Presently, a number of vinyl systems are effectively stabilized against thermal and radiation degradation by the use of organotin compounds. In order to ascertain the efficiency of organotins to stabilize rigid vinyls, a quantitative study was undertaken on a series of vinyl formulations containing various organotin compounds using differential thermal analysis. These techniques proved to be extremely helpful in evaluating the materials from both a qualitative and quantitative point of view. Furthermore, the same techniques appear to have great promise in predicting the most suitable plastic formula for achieving the most stable plastic item when thermal or radiation damage becomes a potential problem.
A variety of exact wave solutions with distinct physical structures for the Boussinesq system

Abstract The Boussinesq system is investigated by using the tanh method and the sine–cosine method. A variety of exact travelling wave solutions with compact and noncompact structures are formally obtained. The study shows that each method gives distinct solutions and one method complements the other.
Line shape of the Ag M 4,5 VV Auger spectra measured by Auger-photoelectron coincidence spectroscopy

We present high resolution Ag ${M}_{5}\mathrm{VV}$ and ${M}_{4}\mathrm{VV}$ Auger spectra obtained in coincidence with ${3d}_{5/2}$ and ${3d}_{3/2}$ core photoelectrons, respectively. Auger photoelectron coincidence spectroscopy (APECS) was used to separate these overlapping Auger lines and determine the intrinsic line shape of each spectrum. As the on-site Coulomb correlation energy U of Ag is comparable to twice the $4d$ bandwidth, $2W,$ (i.e., $U/2W\ensuremath{\sim}1),$ the coincidence Auger spectra exhibit both atomiclike and bandlike character. We find that whether considered separately or in combination, neither bandlike nor atomiclike line shapes give a satisfactory account of these Auger spectra. Instead, the intrinsic Ag ${M}_{5}\mathrm{VV}$ and ${M}_{4}\mathrm{VV}$ line shapes are well described by the Cini-Sawatzky theory when it is applied separately to each component of the multiplet structure of the ${4d}^{8}{5s}^{2}$ Auger final state. A fit to the APECS data indicates that the correlation energy the ${}^{1}{G}_{4}$ multiplet is $4.8\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.1\mathrm{eV}.$ Furthermore, our analysis indicates that the missing intensity in the vicinity of the ${}^{3}{F}_{4}$ multiplet in the Ag ${M}_{5}\mathrm{VV}$ Auger line, which has been noted in previous studies, results from a shift in the spectral weight of this multiplet component to higher kinetic energy, into the bandlike region of the spectrum.
Perspectives on Communication and Participation in Research Notification Focus Groups

Researchers are slowly acknowledging an ethical obligation to inform research participants about study findings. Research notification may help participants become aware of and manage potential health risks. Scholars and practitioners have acknowledged the need for better understanding of this process. This study investigates transcripts of focus groups conducted to gauge audience reactions to notification materials that communicate scientific research findings about occupational exposures. Focus groups are a useful way to tailor notification materials to audiences, but we caution that transmission models of communication used in risk research may obscure the full value of focus groups. The emphasis on translating scientific communication into “lay” language may overlook how scientists and lay audiences can work together to bridge differences in language, experiences, goals, and orientations toward health. This study demonstrates limitations in scientific risk communication that minimize participation in ...
Maximum temperature in fixed-bed sorption columns and isosteric heats of adsorption

Abstract Heat effects in fixed-bed sorption columns are often quite large and have a pronounced effect on the sorption kinetics. Proper design of such systems must include consideration of these effects. A method is developed for computing the maximum possible bed temperature. The model is tested on two systems: (1) the Linde molecular sieve 4 A/water system and (2) the Alcoa activated alumina F-1/water system. Since the predicted temperatures appeared to be low for the latter system, the model was refined by the inclusion of the isosteric integral heat of adsorption. Tests on the activated alumina show considerable improvement. The isosteres of two sorption therm correlations are investigated. The results show that the heat of adsorption of water on the alumina varies logarithmically with sorbate concentration—approaching high values at low concentrations and approaching the heat of vaporization of water at high concentrations. The results also suggest that the isosteric heat of adsorption behavior may be of use in assessing the “goodness of fit” of sorption therm correlations.
Synthesis and structure of a copper sulfate/kinked organodiimine coordination polymer entraining "infinite" decorated water chains with C14 classification

Abstract The 1D chain coordination polymer {[Cu(SO4)(dpmd)2] · 8H2O} (1, dpmd = 4,4′-dipyridylmethanediol) has been prepared by a solution phase method and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, IR and thermogravimetric analysis. The dpmd ligand was formed in situ from 4,4′-dipyridylketone. Decorated 1D water molecule chains with a very rare C14 classification co-crystallized and were stabilized within the coordination polymer matrix.
Studies on the chromatographic-properties of amino acid transfer and ribosomal RNA.

Abstract Ribosomal RNA, which was isolated from yeast with Duponal at 100° and had a s20,w of 4.5, was adsorbed to Ecteola cellulose and was eluted with 2 M NaCl at pH 9.7. Amino acid transfer RNA with a s20,w of 3.2 was eluted with neutral NaCl. When chromatographed at 60 and 80°, the ribosomal RNA had a decreased affinity and the transfer RNA an increased affinity for the adsorbent. This datum supports the role of secondary structure in the determination of chromatographic characteristics. When high-molecular-weight ribosomal RNA isolated by the phenol procedure was chromatographed on Ecteola adsorbent, a variable per cent was not adsorbed and retained its high average sedimentation coefficient. The major portion of the adsorbed material was eluted with 2 M NaCl at pH 9.7 and had an average sedimentation coefficient of 7–8. This evidence indicates that the ribosomal RNA was degraded during the chromatographic procedure. The degradation of the RNA was thought to be due to interaction with the Ecteola rather than to the alkaline conditions of elution.
How do temperature, dissolved organic matter and nutrients influence the response of Leptodiaptomus ashlandi to UV radiation in a subalpine lake?

SUMMARY 1. Ultraviolet radiation (UV) is an important stressor for zooplankton in alpine lake ecosystems. Multiple environmental variables such as dissolved organic matter (DOM), temperature and nutrient availability may alter how UV affects zooplankton. 2. We conducted a week-long experiment manipulating UV, nutrients and DOM in enclosures suspended at the surface of cold and warm alpine lakes to determine the interactive effects of these variables on ovigerous Leptodiaptomus ashlandi (Marsh, 1893), a calanoid copepod. 3. UV had a negative effect on nauplii and gravid females at the colder temperature and at low, ambient DOM levels, but had no effect at the warmer temperature or when DOM was added. At the warmer temperature, fewer nauplii were produced in the +nutrient compared to )nutrient treatment. Adult survival was not affected by UV or any other experimental variable. 4. These results demonstrate that the extent of the impact of UV radiation on zooplankton in alpine systems is altered by other environmental variables, and that these effects may not be apparent from experiments that look only at the survival of adult organisms that are better defended against UV.
The Ethics of Social Responsiblity: A Discriminant Analysis

An instrument was designed to measure the ethical aspect of social responsibility. It was administered to 359 respondents, factor analyzed to ascertain major dimensions and then subjected to discriminant analysis.Four dimensions emerged in the factor analysis but only two were found to be useful in predicting a respondent's work experience. This is taken to indicate that although differences do exist, there is an underlying dimension on some of the ethical issues.It is suggested that researchers attempting to develop a workable definition of social responsibility take this ethical dimension into consideration.
Solid-Pseudopapillary Tumors of the Pancreas Are Genetically Distinct from Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinomas and Almost Always Harbor β-catenin Mutations

Solid-pseudopapillary tumors (SPTs) are unusual pancreatic neoplasms of low malignant potential that most frequently affect young women. Genetic events contributing to the development of SPTs are unknown. Whereas the more common ductal adenocarcinomas of the pancreas essentially never harbor β-catenin or APC gene mutations, we have recently identified alterations of the APC/β-catenin pathway in other nonductal pancreatic neoplasms including pancreatoblastomas and acinar cell carcinomas. We analyzed a series of 20 SPTs for somatic alterations of the APC/β-catenin pathway using immunohistochemistry for β-catenin protein accumulation, direct DNA sequencing of β-catenin exon 3, and direct DNA sequencing of the mutation cluster region in exon 15 of the APC gene in those SPTs that did not harbor β-catenin mutations. Immunohistochemical labeling for cyclin D1 was performed to evaluate the overexpression of this cell-cycle protein as one of the putative downstream effectors of β-catenin dysregulation. In addition, we analyzed the SPTs for genetic alterations commonly found in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas, including mutations in the K-ras oncogene and p53 and DPC4 tumor suppressor genes, using direct DNA sequencing of K-ras and immunostaining for p53 and Dpc4. Almost all SPTs harbored alterations in the APC/β-catenin pathway. Nuclear accumulation of β-catenin protein was present in 95% (19 of 20), and activating β-catenin oncogene mutations were identified in 90% (18 of 20) of the SPTs. Seventy-four percent (14 of 19) showed overexpression of cyclin D1, ranging from 10 to 70% of tumor nuclei. In contrast, no K-ras mutations were present in any of the 20 SPTs, and Dpc4 expression was intact in all 16 SPTs for which immunohistochemical labeling was successful. Overexpression of p53 was limited to only 3 of 19 (15.8%) SPTs. These results emphasize the two distinct, divergent genetic pathways of neoplastic progression in pancreatic ductal and nonductal neoplasms.
Exploring performativity and resistance in qualitative research interviews: A play in four acts

This play describes how the authors become aware of the complexities of resistance and performativity in the qualitative interview process. It also illustrates how this awareness and subsequent acquisition of knowledge changed and informed the way they viewed qualitative research interviewing. More specifically, performativity is put into work in this play through various theorists and examples from two qualitative research studies. As Cathrine and Vivian work together to understand resistance during the interviewing situations, with the assistance of a faculty member, Mirka, they discover theories and concepts that help them to better articulate their thoughts and describe their experiences in complex research situations. The authors learn that both performativity and resistance can challenge the normative nature of interviewing by opening up more complex knowledge construction and new spaces for interpretation.
Effect of Some Physical and Chemical Properties of Lubricants on Boundary Lubrication

A series of studies was conducted in the jour-ball wear tester to better define the roles of volatility, environment, and polar impurities in boundary lubrication. A number of well-defined, super-refined mineral oils, free from polar impurities, were utilized as base stocks for these studies. The effect of volatility as a factor in wear is conclusively shown. Volatile base stocks were used to illustrate the effects of less volatile polar and nonpolar impurities. The relative importance of volatility of lubricity additives is also demonstrated. Methods for the quantitative measurement of dissolved gases including oxygen in the lubricant under practical test conditions are illustrated. The relationship between dissolved oxygen and wear is shown for several lubricants. The interrelationship between dissolved oxygen, lest temperature, load, and fluid is also discussed. Presented as an American Society of Lubrication Engineers paper at the Lubrication Conference held in Rochester, New York, October 15–17, 1963.
The Use of Plackett-Burman Designs to Construct Split Plot Designs.

When some factors are hard to change and others are relatively easier, split-plot experiments are often an economic alternative to fully randomized designs. Split-plot experiments, with their structure of subplot arrays imbedded within whole-plot arrays, have a tendency to become large, particularly in screening situations when many factors are considered. To alleviate this problem, we explore, for the case of two-level designs, various ways to use orthogonal arrays of the Plackett–Burman type to reduce the number of individual tests. General construction principles are outlined, and the resulting alias structure is derived and discussed.
Simplified group interference cancelling for asynchronous DS-CDMA

A simplified group interference cancelling (IC) approach is investigated for asynchronous direct-sequence code-division multiple access on flat fading channels. The technique employs grouping by estimated signal-to-noise-plus-interference ratio (SNIR), and interference cancellation is performed blockwise, for a subset of the total number of users. We consider long random spreading codes, and include the effects of imperfect amplitude, carrier phase, and delay estimation. Performance of the technique shows SNIR gains of several dB, and concomitant improvements in error probability, with lower computational complexity than that of parallel or serial interference cancelling techniques. We also show that our SNIR expressions are applicable to both the AWGN and flat fading channels, and for moderate near–far conditions. In addition, we determine optimal group sizes for our technique, where optimality is in terms of average error probability over all users. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Theory of Spin-Wave Relaxation in Antiferromagnets

The relaxation frequencies associated with spin waves in flopped antiferromagnets have been investigated for various mechanisms. It is found that the three-magnon dipolar interaction, which is important in ferromagnets, does not contribute to the relaxation of antiferromagnetic spin waves, because of sublattice cancellations. The two processes that appear to make the dominant contributions to the relaxation process are the scattering of spin waves from nuclear spin fluctuations through the hyperfine interaction and three-magnon non-momentum-conserving scattering induced by spatial inhomogeneities. The latter process gives good agreement with experimental data on RbMn${\mathrm{F}}_{3}$.
Religion and politics: understanding the effects of conservative origins on contemporary patterns of sub-national relative human development

Understanding the effects of historical circumstance on contemporary development patterns is important in understanding the overall trajectories of societies. Using a spatially centered technique and various sources of historical and contemporary data, this link is tested by examining variations in historical levels of conservative values in the American South on contemporary patterns of development. This context provides an interesting case study involving a time and region marked by rapid social change. Results show that the spatial distribution of development levels is non-random and that historical levels of highly conservative values are associated with lower levels of contemporary development.
Changes in microRNA expression in the whole hippocampus and hippocampal synaptoneurosome fraction following pilocarpine induced status epilepticus.

MicroRNAs regulate protein synthesis by binding non-translated regions of mRNAs and suppressing translation and/or increasing mRNA degradation. MicroRNAs play an important role in the nervous system including controlling synaptic plasticity. Their expression is altered in disease states including stroke, head injury and epilepsy. To better understand microRNA expression changes that might contribute to the development of epilepsy, microRNA arrays were performed on rat hippocampus 4 hours, 48 hours and 3 weeks following an episode of pilocarpine induced status epilepticus. Eighty microRNAs increased at one or more of the time points. No microRNAs decreased at 4 hours, and only a few decreased at 3 weeks, but 188 decreased 48 hours after status epilepticus. The large number of microRNAs with altered expression following status epilepticus suggests that microRNA regulation of translation has the potential to contribute to changes in protein expression during epileptogenesis. We carried out a second set of array’s comparing microRNA expression at 48 hours in synaptoneurosome and nuclear fractions of the hippocampus. In control rat hippocampi multiple microRNAs were enriched in the synaptoneurosomal fraction as compared to the nuclear fraction. In contrast, 48 hours after status epilepticus only one microRNA was enriched in the synaptoneurosome fraction. The loss of microRNAs enriched in the synaptoneurosomal fraction implies a dramatic change in translational regulation in synapses 48 hours after status epilepticus.
Effects of dietary linoelaidate on fatty acid composition and phospholipase activity in rat liver microsomes

Abstract The activity of calcium-stimulated microsomal phospholipase towards endogenous membrane bound phospholipids was monitored by analyzing the fatty acids released using gas chromatography. Activation by calcium (10 mM) resulted in the release of 2.1 nmoles fatty acid/10 mg microsomal protein/hr. The pattern of release of particular fatty acids reflected their concentration in the microsomal phospholipids. The effects of feeding 10 and 50% dietary linoelaidate (t,t18:2) and hydrogenated tallow (i.e., essential fatty acid deficient) on microsomal fatty acids and phospholipase activity was determined. The levels of t,t18:2 in the microsomal phospholipids increased with dietary intake and duration of feeding and attained 8.4% of total fatty acids after 11 weeks. There was a concomitant increase in linoleic acid and a decrease in arachidonic acid levels in microsomal lipids. The microsomal phospholipids of animals receiving exclusively hydrogenated tallow contained only trace amounts of linoleic and arachidonic acid after four weeks. The amount of eicosatrienoic acid increased dramatically in these animals. Palmitoleic and oleic acid also increased. The calcium-stimulated phospholipase activity in liver microsomes was unchanged by alterations in the fatty acid composition of the phospholipids.
Creating a Faculty Publications Database Using Sci-Matetm.

Faculty publication are reflection of research activity at a medical school and are thus very important. When a more organized and detailed record of faculty productivity was desired at the University of Nevada School of Medicine, manual methods as well as generic database manger were seen as too cumbersome. Instead, automating the collection using Sci-Mate, tm since it will accept downloaded citations, was seen as the more efficient solution to producing and keeping eh list up-to-date. This article will discuss the design and the methods used to create the database.
The depression in primary care tool kit

Objective:A tool kit was developed to help primary care physicians overcome some of the barriers to recognition and management of depression.Method:Tools were collected from a variety of sources, c...
Nutrient Solution and Solution pH Influences on Onion Growth and Mineral Content

ABSTRACT The effects of hydroponic nutrient solution composition and pH on growth and mineral content of green onions was evaluated. Three onion varieties [Allium cepa L. (‘Deep Purple’ and ‘Purplette’) and A. fistulosum L. (‘Kinka’)] were propagated in three nutrient solutions (Peter's Hydro-Sol, modified Hoagland's, and half-strength modified Hoagland's) at two pH levels (5.8 and 6.5) in a three-by-two factorial design applied in a randomized block with three replications. Seeds were germinated in Cropking's Oasis Horticubes under greenhouse conditions and irrigated with tap water. Once the seedlings reached the flag stage, the plants were placed into hydroponic units within the greenhouse and grown under ambient conditions. Plants were harvested 30 d after transplanting to the hydroponic units. The results indicated nutrient solution, pH, and variety significantly affected several plant physiological variables. Total biomass and edible biomass production was as high for plants grown in half-strength Ho...
The effect of periodontal therapy on lymphocyte blastogenesis to plaque associated microorganisms

Dental Research Institute and Departments of Oral Biology and Periodontics, Schoo! of Dentistry and theDepartment of Microbiology-Immunology, Schoo! of Medicine, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor,Michigan, U.S.A.The effect of clinical treatment on the in vitro lymphocyte blastogenic response to a panel of dentalplaque-associated microorganisms, as well as non-oral antigens, was assessed longitudinally in a groupof twenty-three patients during treatment for periodontitis. The patients' blastogenic response to thenon-oral antigens remained constant, without significant change, throughout the three year study.Following scaling, root planning, and ora! hygiene instruction {hygiene phase), an increased blastogenicresponse to the plaque-associated stimulants {except B. gingivalis) was observed. Responses measuredafter periodontal surgery and one year following the hygiene phase (first maintenance year) were lowerthan pretreatment values. Between the first and second yearly maintenance phase evaluations there wasa significant increase in the blastogenic response to A. viscosus. B. gingivalis. and F. nucleatum. Thus,periodontal therapy initially resulted in a reduction of plaque antigen-induced lymphocyteblastogenesis. However, the responses increased again with time in the absence of deteriorating clinicalparameters,(Accepted for publication August 19, 1982)
Pediatric sedation in an interventional radiology setting

Abstract Our IR department sedates more than 1200 children each year. Underlying medical conditions and the child's current state of health might contribute to an increased risk of complications for those receiving sedation. The IR nurse, in collaboration with the interventional radiologist, uses several variables in determining the safest and most effective method of sedation. These variables include, but are not limited to, the patient's medical history, known or suspected drug allergies, the invasiveness and expected duration of the procedure, current physical assessment data, the patient's diagnosis, and the patient's age. A developmentally appropriate, patient-specific plan can reduce adverse outcomes related to sedation.
Analytical and numerical optimization of an implantable volume conduction antenna

As implantable devices become increasingly sophisticated, there is a strong need for developing a wireless data communication channel between these devices and external computers. This important problem has been studied and an antenna is being designed based on the volume conduction of biological tissues. Closed-form equation and finite element analyses were performed for the case of brain implantation using a spherical volume conduction model of the head. A 2D proof of concept was done showing the influence of a volume conductor reflector on volume currents, exhibiting changes in the far field as controlled by the near field. A 3D finite element analysis showed an increased signal transduction of 35% as compared to the 3D analytical analysis, which was not able to simulate the epoxy.
The Role of Literacy Level in Second Language Acquisition: Doesn't Who We Study Determine What We Know?

TESOL Quarterly invites commentary on current trends or practices in the TESOL profession. It also welcomes responses or rebuttals to any articles or remarks published here in the Forum or elsewhere in the Quarterly.
The Church's Response to Alzheimer's Disease:

This study examined churches'responses to families living with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Forty informants (19 spousal caregivers and their respective clergy) were interviewed with four research goals in mind: (a) to identify the importance of church participation, (b) to examine the nature of the caregiver-clergy dyad, (c) to identify church-based intervention programs, and (d) to develop guidelines for offering assistance to congregants. Findings show that churches can play an important support role to AD families. Church participation remained important for most informants, even with the added demands of caregiving. Most provided information congruent with that of their clergy and most were satisfied with their churches'responses to their situations. Several successful church-based programs were identified, and six guidelines for responding to AD families emerged from the data. Future research should examine how non-Christian faiths are responding to members who have AD or related illnesses.
Impact of diet on blood pressure and age-related changes in blood pressure in the US population: analysis of NHANES III.

Background: The impact of diet on blood pressure and the age-related changes in blood pressure have been difficult to detect within one population. We designed this analysis to study the association of major dietary factors with blood pressure and with age-related changes in blood pressure in a representative sample of the US population. Methods: Data were obtained on all individuals 20 years or older (n=17030) surveyed in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III), including demographic data, anthropometric data, dietary intake (sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, protein, alcohol, and total energy) based on 24-hour recall, and blood pressure. Multivariate models relating diet to blood pressure were constructed using stepwise regression, best subset regression, and multiple regression. Results: Systolic blood pressure was positively associated with higher sodium, alcohol, and protein intakes (P,.05) and negatively associated with potassium intake (P=.003). Diastolic blood pressure was negatively associated with potassium and alcohol intakes (P,.001). Pulse pressure was positively associated with sodium, protein, and alcohol intakes (P,.001). A higher intake of calcium (P=.01) was associated with a lower rate of rise in systolic blood pressure with age. Conclusion: A diet low in sodium, alcohol, and protein is associated with lower systolic blood and pulse pressure. Potassium intake was associated with lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure, whereas alcohol intake was associated with lower diastolic blood pressure. In addition, the age-related changes in systolic blood pressure were attenuated by higher calcium and protein intakes. Magnesium was not associated with any changes in blood pressure.
Development of a State Machine Sequencer for the Keck Interferometer: Evolution, Development and Lessons Learned using a CASE Tool Approach

This paper presents a discussion of the evolution of a sequencer from a simple EPICS (Experimental Physics and Industrial Control System) based sequencer into a complex implementation designed utilizing UML (Unified Modeling Language) methodologies and a CASE (Computer Aided Software Engineering) tool approach. The main purpose of the sequencer (called the IF Sequencer) is to provide overall control of the Keck Interferometer to enable science operations be carried out by a single operator (and/or observer). The interferometer links the two 10m telescopes of the W. M. Keck Observatory at Mauna Kea, Hawaii. The IF Sequencer is a high-level, multi-threaded, Hare1 finite state machine, software program designed to orchestrate several lower-level hardware and software hard real time subsystems that must perform their work in a specific and sequential order. The sequencing need not be done in hard real-time. Each state machine thread commands either a high-speed real-time multiple mode embedded controller via CORB A, or slower controllers via EPICS Channel Access interfaces. The overall operation of the system is simplified by the automation. The UML is discussed and our use of it to implement the sequencer is presented. The decision to use the Rhapsody product as our CASE tool is explained and reflected upon. Most importantly, a section on lessons learned is presented and the difficulty of integrating CASE tool automatically generated C++ code into a large control system consisting of multiple infrastructures is presented.
Genetics and Pathogenesis of Polycystic Kidney Disease

Eberhard Ritz Polycystic kidney disease (PKD), a common genetic cause of chronic renal failure in children and adults, is characterized by the accumulation of fluid-filled cysts in the kidney and other organs. The renal cysts originate from the epithelia of the nephrons and renal collecting system
A Lesson Plan For Sustainability In Higher Education

Much anxiety surrounds the future of higher education in the United States. With escalating costs, tuition, and class sizes, and the increasing exclusion of many poor and minority students, higher education needs to become more accessible and sustainable. This paper defines five “abilities” for the sustainability of higher education - availability, dependability, capability, affordability, and marketability. The literature indicates that components of each of these abilities are lacking at many institutions. To remedy this problem, the authors developed a framework for sustainability based on these five abilities, and a case study at a public university in the United States was used to validate the framework’s applicability to education.
The Validity and Significance of Substages of Advanced Ovarian Cancer

Abstract No studies to date have evaluated the validity of the new FIGO substaging of advanced epithelial ovarian cancer nor assessed the importance of substage in relation to other elements such as age at diagnosis, debulking surgery, and second-look laparotomy. The purpose of this study was to determine the significance of these factors. One hundred sixty-seven patients with Stage III ovarian cancer were restaged according to the 1988 FIGO criteria (6% Stage IIIa, 15.6% Stage IIIb, and 78.4% Stage IIIc). The mean age at diagnosis was 40.5 for Stage IIIa, 51 for Stage IIIb, and 62 for Stage IIIc ( P = 0.0001). Median survival was 2.5 years for patients age P = 0.0001). Median survival for patients undergoing TAH/BSO was 2.06 years, bowel resection 1.39 years, and biopsy only 1.38 years ( P = 0.0003). Only 61 of 131 Stage IIIc patients underwent second-look laparotomy. Seven of nine Stage IIIa, 6 of 17 Stage IIIb, and 14 of 61 Stage IIIc patients had negative second-look laparotomies ( P = 0.004). Only 4 of the 14 patients with Stage IIIc and 8 of 13 Stage IIIa/b patients are alive after negative second look ( P = 0.37). Median survival for Stage IIIa patients has not been reached and for Stages IIIb and IIIc was 2.29 years and 1.33 years, respectively ( P = 0.0001). These data confirm the prognostic validity of FIGO substages for Stage III. The age differential by substages suggests that the natural history of Stage III disease is progressive over several decades. The appropriateness of aggressive cytoreductive surgery and second-look laparotomy must be reevaluated using the new FIGO staging system.
From a Distance: Pastoral Care and Theological Education.

. This article is a presentation and discussion of a seminary course on the Corinthian Correspondence. The pedagogical model for this course was structured to parallel the pattern of Paul's pastoral care from a distance as he relates to the Corinthian congregation by personal visits, delegations from and to the congregation, letters from and to the congregation, and unofficial grapevine types of communication. The course was designed for dispersed students to interact with the Corinthian letters, with each other, and with myself as instructor in ways that 1) simulate a first-century exchange between congregation and apostle and 2) facilitate careful interpretive work on the message of these letters, including their contemporary relevance.
High SNR Analysis for MIMO Broadcast Channels: Dirty Paper Coding Versus Linear Precoding

In this correspondence, we compare the achievable throughput for the optimal strategy of dirty paper coding (DPC) to that achieved with suboptimal and lower complexity linear precoding techniques (zero-forcing and block diagonalization). Both strategies utilize all available spatial dimensions and therefore have the same multiplexing gain, but an absolute difference in terms of throughput does exist. The sum rate difference between the two strategies is analytically computed at asymptotically high SNR. Furthermore, the difference is not affected by asymmetric channel behavior when each user has a different average SNR. Weighted sum rate maximization is also considered. In the process, it is shown that allocating user powers in direct proportion to user weights asymptotically maximizes weighted sum rate.
Towards intelligent agents for collaborative learning: recognizing the roles of dialogue participants

Our goal is to build and evaluate a web-based, collaborative distance-learning system that will allow groups of students to interact with each other remotely and with an intelligent agent that will aid them in their learning. The agent will follow the discussion and interact when it detects learning trouble of some sort, such as confusion about the problem they are working on or a participant who is dominating the discussion or not interacting with the other participants. In order to recognize problems in the dialogue, we are first examining the role that a participant is playing as the dialogue progresses. In this paper we discuss group interaction during collaborative learning, our representation of participant roles, and the statistical model we are using to determine the role being played by a participant at any point in the dialogue.
Assessing infection control measures for pandemic influenza.

We construct a mathematical model of aerosol (i.e., droplet-nuclei) transmission of influenza within a household containing one infected and embed it into an epidemic households model in which infecteds occasionally infect someone from another household; in a companion paper, we argue that the contribution from contact transmission is trivial for influenza and the contribution from droplet transmission is likely to be small. Our model predicts that the key infection control measure is the use of N95 respirators, and that the combination of respirators, humidifiers, and ventilation reduces the threshold parameter (which dictates whether or not an epidemic breaks out) by ≈20% if 70% of households comply, and by ≈40% if 70% of households and workplaces comply (≈28% reduction would have been required to control the 1918 pandemic). However, only ≈30% of the benefits in the household are achieved if these interventions are used only after the infected develops symptoms. It is also important for people to sleep in separate bedrooms throughout the pandemic, space permitting. Surgical masks with a device (e.g., nylon hosiery) to reduce face-seal leakage are a reasonable alternative to N95 respirators if the latter are in short supply.
Estimating size-specific brook trout abundance in continuously sampled headwater streams using Bayesian mixed models with zero inflation and overdispersion

We examined habitat factors related to reach-scale brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis counts of four size classes in two headwater stream networks within two contrasting summers in Connecticut, USA. Two study stream networks (7.7 and 4.4 km) were surveyed in a spatially continuous manner in their entirety, and a set of Bayesian generalised linear mixed models was compared. Trout abundance was best described by a zero-inflated overdispersed Poisson model. The effect of habitat covariates was not always consistent among size classes and years. There were nonlinear relationships between trout counts and stream temperature in both years. Colder reaches harboured higher trout counts in the warmer summer of 2008, but this pattern was not observed in the cooler and very wet summer of 2009. Amount of pool habitat was nearly consistently important across size classes and years, and counts of the largest size class were correlated positively with maximum depth and negatively with stream gradient. Spatial mapping of trout distributions showed that reaches with high trout counts may differ among size classes, particularly between the smallest and largest size classes, suggesting that movement may allow the largest trout to exploit spatially patchy habitats in these small headwaters.
Quad Charts in the Classroom to Reinforce Technical Communication Fundamentals.

Quad charts are a genre frequently used in scientific and technical environments, yet little prior work has evaluated their potential for reinforcing technical communication fundamentals. This arti...
A control theoretic model of driver steering behavior

Following well-established feedback control design principles, a control theoretic model of driver steering behavior is presented. While accounting for the inherent manual control limitations of the human, the compensation dynamics of the driver are chosen to produce a stable, robust, closed-loop driver-vehicle system with a bandwidth commensurate with the demands of the driving task being analyzed. A technique for selecting driver model parameters is a natural by-product of the control theoretic modeling approach. Experimental verification shows the ability of the model to produce driver-vehicle responses similar to those obtained in a simulated lane-keeping driving task on a curving road. >
Farm Data, Agency Problems, and Free Cash Flow Theory

Financial Economists have over the years gained many insights from surveys of crop farmers in so far as different aspects of economic activity are concerned. In this study, using micro level survey data obtained from small scale entrepreneurs (farmers), I obtain a strictly concave inverted "U" relationship between productivity and free cash flows and do not find any evidence that free cash flows induce agency problems. The empirical results indicate free cash flows induce losses in aggregate productivity in contexts within which the marginal benefit of debt for productivity is relatively high. Robustness tests show neither the amount of debt in the capital structure nor the marginal cost of debt replicate the productivity effects of free cash flows. The empirical findings provide support for conclusions in Harvey, Lins, and Roper (2004) that debt is least beneficial for mitigating agency problems in contexts within which agency problems are not severe.
Role of Prostate apoptosis response-4 tumor suppressor in the survival and growth of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) is characterized by accumulation of clonally expanded population of CD5 + CD19 + B lymphocytes in peripheral blood and secondary lymphoid organs, with a majority of circulating cells in a non-dividing resting stage. However CLL is no longer considered a static disease that results from simple accumulation of long-lived lymphocytes, but rather, is a dynamic process with a birth rate of about 0.1-2% of the entire CLL clone per day. The Eµ-Tcl1 mouse serves as an excellent model for the development of CLL as they develop a CLL like disease by 9-13 months of age, due to overexpression of the oncogene, T cell Leukemia 1 (Tcl1), in B cells through the Ig VH promoter and Eµ enhancer (Bichi et al. PNAS. 2002). In an adoptive transfer model, intravenous or intraperitoneal injection of primary CD5 + CD19 + CLL cells from the Eµ-Tcl1 CLL mouse into recipient syngeneic mice leads to development of a CLL like disease within 3-5 weeks of transfer. We have characterized the growth of CLL cells in these mice by periodic submandibular bleeding, ultrasonography of spleen and flow cytometry. We find that Eµ-Tcl1 CLL cells express more Prostate apoptosis response-4 (Par-4), a pro-apoptotic tumor suppressor protein, than normal B-1 or B-2 cells in mice. Par-4 is silenced by promoter methylation in more than 30% of all cancers. Par-4 has been shown to be secreted and to induce apoptosis selectively in various types of cancer cells but not in normal cells. Although we find that Eµ-Tcl1 CLL cells constitutively secrete Par-4, they are resistant to Par-4 mediated apoptosis. We show that CLL cells have constitutively active B-cell receptor signaling and that inhibition of BCR signaling with FDA approved drugs (i.e. Dasatinib, Ibrutinib, and Fostamatinib) causes a decrease in Par-4 protein and mRNA levels and increases apoptosis. Interestingly, systemic Par-4 appears to inhibit CLL growth in vivo, since adoptively transferred Eµ-Tcl1 CLL cells grew better in Par-4 null mice, despite excellent Par-4 expression and secretion by the transferred cells. Thus there were three times more CLL cells in the bone marrow and twice as many in the spleens of Par-4 null mice compared to their wild type counterparts. We conclude that even though Par-4 is pro-apoptotic in the CLL microenvironment, intracellular Par-4 is either rendered inactive or is potentially pro-survival in Eµ-Tcl1 CLL cells. (Supported in part by NIH grants) Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Alcoholism. II. Sex, socioeconomic status and race in two hospitalized samples.

Significant differences by race, sex and type of hospital (private and public) were found in diagnosis, drinking patterns, mental and physical disorders, social background, suicide attempts, arrest...
Networks and the Politics of Access: Affordable Housing in Urban Ghana

Studies of the urban housing shortage in Africa emphasize the structural constraints of globalization, neoliberal housing policies that privilege the rich over the poor, and inadequate planning by African governments. What these studies omit are the everyday strategies that people use to access affordable housing - and the ways they are prevented from doing so. In the absence of strong regulatory and property rights institutions, individuals rely on social, political, and economic networks to secure access to housing. But these networks are double-edged: they also exclude people and create barriers to the access of public goods. The paper presents two ethnographic case studies from one year of fieldwork that demonstrate how people access housing in Accra: one case explains how residents find housing in Old Fadama’s largest illegal settlement and the other examines the process of renting a house in the emerging middle-class suburbs. The case studies are complemented by evidence from a household survey across 15 Ghanaian slums that examine access to housing and public goods in urban Ghana. The paper argues that access to housing is not just a problem for the urban poor; it is an institutional problem that favors the well-connected.
Comments of Colin R. Hagan Submitted to the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources in Response to the ‘White Paper on a Clean Energy Standard’

These comments respond specifically to a question raised in the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources’ “White Paper on a Clean Energy Standard.” These comments argue that the Committee should consider lifecycle greenhouse gas analysis as one factor in determining whether an energy resource, or a specific project, is a “clean energy” resource for the purposes of a clean energy standard. Lifecycle analysis is increasingly recognized as a necessary assessment for understanding the full greenhouse gas consequences of generating electricity, or producing transportation fuels, with a particular resource. Applying a lifecycle analysis in a clean energy standard will help ensure that a clean energy mandate maximizes greenhouse gas reductions. In addition, a lifecycle analysis can help identify cost-effective opportunities for reducing emissions from new energy projects. These comments do not provide a full assessment or recommendation for how to incorporate lifecycle analysis into a clean energy standard. Nor do these comments recommend the inclusion or exclusion of any resources in a clean energy standard. Rather, these comments merely highlight the importance of including a lifecycle assessment of greenhouse gases in determining whether a resource qualifies as a “clean energy” resource.