cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Maintenance-outsourcing contracts for a system with backup machines

In this paper, we consider a system with multiple components, each prone to failure, during which production is halted. Minimal repair is performed by an external contractor whenever a component breaks down. The contractor also conducts a general preventive maintenance (PM) for the whole system at pre-determined times. The contractor’s goal is to minimise maintenance-related costs; however, the system (made up of the contractor and the manufacturer, who gains revenue whenever the system is up) profit would be maximised if the revenue is also considered. Since these goals usually require different PM schedules, we propose a cost subsidisation scheme which coordinates the system. We then extend this basic model by considering the existence of a backup machine which will allow the system to continue running (albeit, generating a lower revenue) whenever a component fails. We show that the existence of such a machine reduces the profit difference between uncoordinated and coordinated systems.
Chicken Erythrocytes as an Internal Reference for Analysis of DNA Content by Flow Cytometry in Grass Carp

Abstract We estimated the nuclear DNA content of unfixed erythrocytes of the grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella by fluorescence flow cytometry using propidium iodide as a fluorochrome. Frozen erythrocytes from the domestic chicken Gallus gallus were thawed and used as an internal reference for simultaneous analysis with grass carp samples. The nuclear DNA content of erythrocytes from diploid grass carp (mean ± SD) was 2.00 ± 0.01 pg/cell, whereas triploids possessed 2.97 ± 0.03 pg/cell. Variations in the nuclear DNA content ofdifferent chickens were standardized in relation to the DNA content of fresh human leukocytes (7.00 pg/cell). The value for DNA content of the chicken erythrocytes (around 2.5 pg/cell) occupied a position intermediate between the two grass carp values, and thus provided a clear reference for discrimination between diploids and triploids.
Forest trees and tropospheric ozone: role of canopy deposition and leaf uptake in developing exposure-response relationships

Abstract The development of ozone exposure-response relationships for forests must account for sources of variation in the atmosphere (e.g. ozone exposure dynamics) and the biosphere (i.e. ecological and physiological processes that govern pollutant transport and metabolic response). Whereas considerable effort has been devoted to atmospheric issues, the role of the biosphere is not well understood. A conceptual model is proposed to identify those ecological and physiological processes most relevant in developing exposure-response relationships for ozone, many of which are based on the uniqueness of ozone as an environmental stress. One of the greatest sources of variation underlying exposure-response relationships is the linkage between ozone transport from the troposphere through the stomata and intercellular spaces (gas phase) to metabolic sites of action in the leaf interior (liquid phase). The tropospheric pathway approaches meters in length, whereas the path length from the leaf surface to cellular target sites is less than a millimeter, and even though the latter segment is only a small fraction of the total pathway (less than 1%), physiochemical processes therein largely dictate the pollutant's fate and subsequent effects. Unfortunately, this segment of the pathway is not well characterized. Using a combination of process-level models operating at the levels of the atmospher-canopy interface and leaf surface/leaf interior, results are presented to indicate that ozone exposure dynamics in the leaf interior can be substantially uncoupled from that in the free troposphere and that ozone in the leaf interior is not homogeneously distributed. It is concluded that biological and chemical factors operating at the atmosphere/leaf interface are at least as important as physical exposure characteristics in the atmosphere in controlling exposure-response relationships for ozone.
Diel periodicity in the behaviour of the caddisfly, Brachycentrus americanus (Banks)

Summary Behaviour of Brachycentrus americanus was observed in a simulated stream in the laboratory every 2 h for 7 days in January, and in Lawrence Creek, Wisconsin, every half hour for 2 days in May. In the field, animals, algae, and detritus in the drift were sampled every half hour with an 800-μm and a 60-μm mesh net. The primary mutually-exclusive behavioural units were filtering, case building, and withdrawn when the larvae had their cases attached to the substrate, and crawling and holding when cases were not attached. Diel changes in behaviour were similar i n the laboratory and field. Almost 100% of the animals were filtering at night, whereas only about 60% were during day. Withdrawn, case building and unattached activities occurred more frequently during the day. While only 0-5% of the laboratory animals were unattached during the day, in Lawrence Creek 10-20% were unattached at that time and many moved across the substrate and grazed. Drifting, which was acyclic, did not correlate closely with the diurnal increase in unattached activity. Available drifting food in both nets increased markedly following rain. In the absence of rain, dry weight of detritus from the 800-μm net increased at night. Changes i n timing and method of feeding are discussed relative to gut contents, morphological adaptations, and energy expenditure of B. americanus, and to food availability.
Macrovoids in Hybrid Organic/Inorganic Hollow Fiber Membranes

Large, characteristically tear- or finger-shaped voids found in polymer hollow fiber membranes, termed macrovoids, have been known since the early development of asymmetric membranes. These voids are undesirable as they decrease the mechanical integrity of the hollow fiber membrane, limiting the use of high pressure feeds for separations. Moreover, if such macrovoids penetrate the selective layer they become and even more serious problem for membrane performance. With current membrane technology moving toward a mixed-matrix hybrid format with inorganic and carbon molecular sieves embedded in a polymer matrix, additional complications caused by the presence of particulates within the spinning dope toward the formation of macrovoids must be considered. While numerous hypotheses have been suggested regarding the formation of macrovoids formed in polymer-only membranes, no mention so far has been made of such macrovoids initiated in hollow fiber membranes by particles present in the spinning dope. This paper ...
Gravitational Waves and Dark Energy

The idea that dark energy is gravitational waves may explain its strength and its time-evolution. A possible concept is that dark energy is the ensemble of coherent bursts (solitons) of gravitational waves originally produced when the first generation of super-massive black holes was formed. These solitons get their initial energy as well as keep up their energy density throughout the evolution of the universe by stimulating emission from a background, a process which we model by working out this energy transfer in a Boltzmann equation approach. New Planck data suggest that dark energy has increased in strength over cosmic time, supporting the concept here. The transit of these gravitational wave solitons may be detectable. Key tests include pulsar timing, clock jitter and the radio background.
A clustering based method to evaluate soil corrosivity for pipeline external integrity management

Abstract One important category of transportation infrastructure is underground pipelines. Corrosion of these buried pipeline systems may cause pipeline failures with the attendant hazards of property loss and fatalities. Therefore, developing the capability to estimate the soil corrosivity is important for designing and preserving materials and for risk assessment. The deterioration rate of metal is highly influenced by the physicochemical characteristics of a material and the environment of its surroundings. In this study, the field data obtained from the southeast region of Mexico was examined using various data mining techniques to determine the usefulness of these techniques for clustering soil corrosivity level. Specifically, the soil was classified into different corrosivity level clusters by k-means and Gaussian mixture model (GMM). In terms of physical space, GMM shows better separability; therefore, the distributions of the material loss of the buried petroleum pipeline walls were estimated via the empirical density within GMM clusters. The soil corrosivity levels of the clusters were determined based on the medians of metal loss. The proposed clustering method was demonstrated to be capable of classifying the soil into different levels of corrosivity severity.
Antioxidant Education; Influence on Knowledge and Behavior

Abstract LEARNING OUTCOME: To examine the effects of an anti-oxidant educational program on knowledge and food behavior in female consumers. An antioxidant educational program was developed and validated with eighty-seven female consumers. Nine test sessions were divided equally into a control group, and two experimental treatments. All participants completed a pre- and one-month follow-up knowledge test about antioxidants and a nutrient specific food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) on foods rich in antioxidants. No other data was collected on the control group. All six experimental treatment sessions participated in an audio visual educational program, developed for this study,on antioxidants and completed a knowledge assessment immediately after the program. Additionally, three of the experimental sessions participated in a food tasting activity of foods rich in antioxidants during the educational program. One-month follow-up knowledge and FFQ assessments were distributed by mail to all participants with a 85% return. Pre- versus one-month follow-up knowledge test scores increased significantly (p≤0.05) for both the control and experimental groups. Dietary intake of foods rich in antioxidants increased significantly (p≤0.05) for both experimental groups, while the control group had a significant decrease(p≤0.05)in the dietary intake of these foods. There were no significant differences between the two experimental groups on dietary intake of foods rich in antioxidants. This study indicates an educational program on antioxidants was effective in positively changing consumers knowledge about antioxidants and their food behavior on consumption of foods rich in antioxidants.
Reflections on facilitating a participatory community self-evaluation

This paper is a reflective essay about our experience in conducting a participatory, community self-evaluation of a neighborhood revitalization effort in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. We took a controversial approach to evaluation by focusing on learning community dialogues as a vehicle for program evaluation. As we implemented our strategy, two sets of contradictions surfaced. The first points to the fundamental differences between conventional and constructivist research paradigms. The second centers around our focus on dialogue as a strategy for evaluation. In response to these contradictions we performed three complementary roles: program evaluator, process consultant, and learning facilitator. We are not implying that we performed an outstanding job in these roles. Rather, this article is our way of taking stock of what we learned about our practice as evaluators and how we may expand our repertoire of skills in the future.
Identification of a Ligand Binding Site in the Human Neutrophil Formyl Peptide Receptor Using a Site-specific Fluorescent Photoaffinity Label and Mass Spectrometry *

A novel fluorescent photoaffinity cross-linking probe, formyl-Met-p-benzoyl-L-phenylalanine-Phe-Tyr-Lys-epsilon-N-fluorescei n (fMBpaFYK-fl), was synthesized and used to identify binding site residues in recombinant human phagocyte chemoattractant formyl peptide receptor (FPR). After photoactivation, fluorescein-labeled membranes from Chinese hamster ovary cells were solubilized in octylglucoside and separated by tandem anion exchange and gel filtration chromatography. A single peak of fluorescence was observed in extracts of FPR-expressing cells that was absent in extracts from wild type controls. Photolabeled Chinese hamster ovary membranes were cleaved with CNBr, and the fluorescent fragments were isolated on an antifluorescein immunoaffinity matrix. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry identified a major species with mass = 1754, consistent with the CNBr fragment of fMBpaFYK-fl cross-linked to Val-Arg-Lys-Ala-Hse (an expected CNBr fragment of FPR, residues 83-87). This peptide was further cleaved with trypsin, repurified by antifluorescein immunoaffinity, and subjected to matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry. A tryptic fragment with mass = 1582 was observed, which is the mass of fMBpaFYK-fl cross-linked to Val-Arg-Lys (FPR residues 83-85), an expected trypsin cleavage product of Val-Arg-Lys-Ala-Hse. Residues 83-85 lie within the putative second transmembrane-spanning region of FPR near the extracellular surface. A 3D model of FPR is presented, which accounts for intramembrane, site-directed mutagenesis results (Miettinen, H. M., Mills, J., Gripentrog, J., Dratz, E. A., Granger, B. L., and Jesaitis, A. J. (1997) J. Immunol. 159, 4045-4054) and the photochemical cross-linking data.
A highly efficient watt-level SiGe BiCMOS power amplifier with envelope tracking for LTE applications

In this paper, a pseudo-differential power amplifier (PA) is designed using two SiGe power cells fabricated in the 0.35-μm IBM 5PAe SiGe BiCMOS technology with through-wafer-vias (TWVs). In the continuous wave (CW) measurement, the PA achieves a 2-watt level saturated P OUT with power-added-efficiency (PAE) above 65% across the bandwidth of 0.7–1 GHz. The envelope tracking (ET) technique is then applied to the PA for enhanced efficiency using the LTE 16QAM signals with a peak-to-average-ratio (PAR) of 7.5 dB. Beside a conventional single buck converter based envelope modulator (SBEM), a dual buck converter based envelope modulator (DBEM) is also designed for higher power drivability. Measurement shows the ET-PA systems can transmit linear P OUT of 25/24 dBm with system PAE of 40%/32% at 750 MHz for LTE 16QAM 5/20 MHz signals.
Development of optimum solar irradiation energy model for Iran

In this article, an optimal model for calculating the total solar irradiation is represented for Iran. Eight irradiation models are analysed based on the meteorology information of 22 synoptic stations. Afterwards, accuracy of these methods is compared using standard error criteria. Hence, Daneshyar and Modified Daneshyar are introduced as the most precise methods. Then, a new coefficient is added to Daneshyar model and Niroo Research Institute (NRI) model is presented. Ultimately, errors of NRI method are compared with other methods and it is observed that regarding all types of errors, NRI model has the most conformity with experimental data.
Comment on “Long‐term Forecast of the Demographic Transition in Japan and Asia”

Komine and Kabe (2009) tell an important, albeit underappreciated story: namely, that Asia’s period of economic outperformance may have been largely predicated on favorable demographic trends that are ending in much of the region. Across the continent labor force growth is slowing rapidly, even turning negative in a number of important economies, most obviously Japan. The period of “demographic bonus” ended in Japan in 1990 (coinciding with the burst in that country’s macroeconomic bubble and the onset of a prolonged period of economic stagnation) and within a few years will be ending in economies such as Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, South Korea, and China. The authors project that economies such as Singapore, South Korea, and Vietnam will age even more rapidly than Japan did. Some Asian economies are projected to exit the period of demographic bonus at relatively low levels of income, in effect growing old before they become rich. Some demographically related challenges may be reinforced by the relatively low levels of urbanization in some of these economies as well. In short, Komine and Kabe paint a fairly negative picture of how demographic forces could affect Asian economies over the next 40 years or so. Although demographic variables tend to evolve in a more predictable way than other macro variables, significant forecast uncertainty remains, as the authors implicitly acknowledge in their treatment of the fertility assumptions underlying the United Nations’ World Population Prospects . In some cases (e.g., new labor force entrants over the medium term), the object of analysis is largely observable and not conjectural (i.e., we can count the number of young people in high school or college) so this is not a major concern. But there is significant endogenous decision-making across the life cycle starting with fertility decisions, working through childhood mortality rates, human capital investment decisions, and on to labor-leisure decisions (including decisions by women to participate or not participate in the labor market, as well as the age of retirement) which could have considerable impact on some of the longer-run projections. Given the breadth of the paper, it is understandable that the projections are presented as simple point estimates, but some discussion of forecast uncertainty and what aspects of the forecasts are the least robust could have been informative. This leads directly to my second question: to what extent are the demographic issues discussed in the paper subject to policy intervention? China, for example, has pursued a
Diffraction of helium atoms from a tungsten (112) crystal surface

Abstract Molecular beam techniques have been employed in an investigation of the scattering of helium atoms from the (112) face of a tungsten crystal. The resulting data are believed to be the first observation of the diffraction of atoms from a clean metal surface. When the azimuthal angle of the incident beam relative to the surface lattice corresponds to the [110] direction of the lattice, the zeroth and first order diffraction peaks are sharp and well resolved and their positions agree satisfactorily with the predictions of simple diffraction theory. However, no first ordei peaks are observed when the azimuthal angle is changed to correspond to the [111] direction of the surface lattice. It is suggested that this result arises from the fact that the surface structure is far more pronounced in the [110] direction than in the [111] direction, thereby causing the strength of the periodic interaction potential for He-W(112) to be significantly greater when the azimuthal angle corresponds to [110] rather than to [111].
Prediction of equibiaxial loading stress in collagen-based extracellular matrix using a three-dimensional unit cell model.

Abstract Mechanical signals are important factors in determining cell fate. Therefore, insights as to how mechanical signals are transferred between the cell and its surrounding three-dimensional collagen fibril network will provide a basis for designing the optimum extracellular matrix (ECM) microenvironment for tissue regeneration. Previously we described a cellular solid model to predict fibril microstructure–mechanical relationships of reconstituted collagen matrices due to unidirectional loads (Acta Biomater 2010;6:1471–86). The model consisted of representative volume elements made up of an interconnected network of flexible struts. The present study extends this work by adapting the model to account for microstructural anisotropy of the collagen fibrils and a biaxial loading environment. The model was calibrated based on uniaxial tensile data and used to predict the equibiaxial tensile stress–stretch relationship. Modifications to the model significantly improved its predictive capacity for equibiaxial loading data. With a comparable fibril length (model 5.9–8 μm, measured 7.5 μm) and appropriate fibril anisotropy the anisotropic model provides a better representation of the collagen fibril microstructure. Such models are important tools for tissue engineering because they facilitate prediction of microstructure–mechanical relationships for collagen matrices over a wide range of microstructures and provide a framework for predicting cell–ECM interactions.
Microwave Field Dependence of Drift Mobility in Germanium

At lattice temperatures between 80 and 300\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K, electrons and holes in germanium have been heated by microwaves, with an extension to high microwave fields of the technique developed by Morgan. The microwave frequency was 34.67 kMc/sec. The effect of carrier densities between ${10}^{13}$ and ${10}^{16}$/${\mathrm{cm}}^{3}$ has been investigated. At large microwave fields $E$ (up to about ${10}^{4}$ volts/cm in amplitude) the mobility $\ensuremath{\mu}$, relative to the mobility ${\ensuremath{\mu}}_{0}$ at zero field, is proportional to ${E}^{\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\gamma}}$; the exponent $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ is smaller for purer samples. These microwave measurements agree with previous dc field measurements. At small values of $E$, $\frac{({\ensuremath{\mu}}_{0}\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\mu})}{{\ensuremath{\mu}}_{0}{E}^{2}}\ensuremath{\equiv}\ensuremath{\alpha}$ is field independent. The variation of $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ with lattice temperature $T$ has been measured. In the range of pure lattice scattering, $\ensuremath{\alpha}(T)\ensuremath{\propto}{{\ensuremath{\mu}}_{0}}^{2}{T}^{x}$; $\mathrm{exp}x={(\frac{n}{{n}_{0}})}^{0.67}$ where ${n}_{0}=1.7\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{14}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$ for electrons and 1.0\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{14}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$ for holes. This dependence on carrier density suggests that carrier-carrier interaction plays an important role in the carrier-phonon scattering mechanism.
Execution Stack Management for Hard Real-Time Computation in a Component-Based OS

In addition to predictability, both reliability and security constraints are increasingly important. Mixed criticality, and open real-time systems execute software of different certification and trust levels. To limit the scope of errant behavior in these systems, a common approach is to raise isolation barriers between software components. However, a thread that executes through multiple components computes on execution stacks spread across each component. As these stacks require backing memory, each component has a finite amount of execution stacks. In this paper, we treat these stacks as shared resources, and investigate the implementation of traditional resource sharing protocols in a real component-based system. We implement multi-resource versions of the Priority Inheritance Protocol (PIP) and Priority Ceiling Protocol (PCP) for these shared stacks and find -- surprisingly -- that neither provide better schedulability characteristics than the other for all system parameterizations. Additionally, we identify the relationship between allocating additional stacks to components, and system schedulability. Given this, we describe and evaluate algorithms to ensure system schedulability while seeking to minimize the amount of memory consumed for stacks.
Patterns of labor-management cooperation

This article analyzes six long-term labor-management cooperative relationships, based on lengthy field research, extensive, in-depth interviews with key labor and management officials, and the author's review and evaluation of labor agreements and other documents related to the individual relationships. Key internal and/or external events that helped energize the cooperative relationships are examined and important principles found to be necessary to maintain the relationships are identified and illustrated. Based on this research, conclusions are presented that suggest patterns that practitioners might implement to develop a more mutually beneficial and productive relationship.
Electrophoretically detectable protein variation in natural populations of the lone star tick, Amblyomma americanum (Acari: Ixodidae).

Electrophoretically detectable protein variation in natural populations of the lone star tick, Amblyomma americanum (Acari: Ixodidae)
On the broad nutritional requirements of the mud snail, Ilyanassa (Nassarius) obsoleta (Say), and its polytrophic role in the food web

Abstract Laboratory populations of the mud snail, Ilyanassa (Nassarius) obsoleta (Say), were separately maintained ad libidum on three different diets: vegetable (spinach), meat (shrimp), and a mixed diet of both. In one experiment where populations of meat-fed and vegetable-fed snails were maintained for 13 months, survivorship was found to be much higher in the vegetable-fed population. No growth occurred in either of these populations. In another experiment in which snails in all three dietary regimes were separately maintained, survivorship for meat-fed snails was found to be only slightly greater than for a starvation control group. Survivorship was again higher for the vegetable-fed snails, and also for the snails fed the mixed diet. However, only snails fed the mixed diet exhibited growth during the experiment. These results indicate that I. obsoleta is an obligate omnivore, requiring both animal and plant food sources in its diet.
Event-related potentials in high-functioning adult autistics: Linguistic and nonlinguistic visual information processing tasks

Event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded from high-functioning adult autistics and age- and IQ-matched normal controls during performance of two non-linguistic information processing tasks, the Continuous Performance Task (CPT) and Span of Apprehension (SPAN), and an Idiom Recognition Task (IRT) involving idiomatic, literal and nonsense phrases. The autistics exhibited behavioral deficits only when attempting to identify idiomatic phrases. The ERP correlate of that deficit was greatly reduced N400 to idioms. In addition, autistics produced larger N1 amplitudes in all tasks, and larger P3s in the IRT and CPT.
Comparison of mRNA levels for the PGF2α receptor (FP) during luteolysis and early pregnancy in the ovine corpus luteum

Prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) is the physiological signal that triggers luteolysis in the non-pregnant ewe. This is associated with a decline in circulating levels of progesterone, beginning around day 14 of a 16–17 day estrous cycle. Recently, the receptor for PGF2α (FP) was cloned from an ovine day 10 large luteal cell cDNA library. The purpose of this study was to measure relative abundance of FP mRNA as it may change with luteolysis during the luteal phase. Corpora lutea (CL) were collected from ewes on day 10, 12, 14 or 16 (n≥4/day; day 0=synchronized estrus); 12 h after PGE2α-treatment on day 10, 12 or 14 (n≥3/day) of the estrous cycle; or on day 16 of pregnancy (n=6). Pregnancy was confirmed by visualization of the conceptus. Blood samples were collected 12 h prior to and at the time of tissue collection to determine levels of progesterone. Serum concentrations of progesterone declined with the onset of luteolysis in control animals (day 14, day 16;P<0.05) as well as 12 h following PGF2α-treatment (day 10, day 12;P<0.05). Genomic DNA from these tissues was prepared and visualized by agarose gel electrophoresis. Internucleosomal fragmentation (indicative of apoptosis) was seen in CL from animals in which luteolysis had been initiated (all PGE2α-treated and day 16 control ewes), but not in ewes with functional CL. Total RNA isolated from each CL was separated through a denaturing 1% agarose gel, transferred to nylon membranes and hybridized to a radioactive ovine FP cDNA probe. Hybridization to a radiolabeled 18S ribosomal cRNA probe was used to confirm equal loading of RNA in each lane. By northern analysis, a major transcript was seen at ∼6.1 kb. A relatively high level of FP mRNA was measured in CL collected from control non-pregnant ewes during the mid luteal phase (day 10, 2.73±0.17; day 12, 2.47±0.91; FP/18S ratio), but varied among animals (3.09±1.59) on day 14. Administration of PGF2α resulted in the lowest amounts of FP mRNA on days 10, 12, and 14 (P<0.05). Amounts of FP mRNA were higher (P<0.05) on day 16 of pregnancy as compared to day 10 (by 1.9-fold) or to day 16 (by 5.9-fold) of the estrous cycle. From these observations we conclude that PGF2α or some event associated with luteolysis appears to down regulate amounts of the FP mRNA. Furthermore, pregnancy, and/or the antiluteolytic signals associated with maternal recognition of pregnancy may prevent the decline in the amount of FP mRNA.
On the edges of the sea

Ecology of Coastal Waters: A Systems Approach. By K. H. Mann. Pp.322. Hbk ISBN 0-632-00669-2; pbk ISBN 0-632-00953-5. (Blackwell Scientific/University of California Press: 1982.) Hbk £25, $36; pbk £10.80, $18.
Metadata Mapper: a web service for mapping data between independent visual analysis components, guided by perceptual rules

The explosion of online scientific data from experiments, simulations, and observations has given rise to an avalanche of algorithmic, visualization and imaging methods. There has also been enormous growth in the introduction of tools that provide interactive interfaces for exploring these data dynamically. Most systems, however, do not support the realtime exploration of patterns and relationships across tools and do not provide guidance on which colors, colormaps or visual metaphors will be most effective. In this paper, we introduce a general architecture for sharing metadata between applications and a "Metadata Mapper" component that allows the analyst to decide how metadata from one component should be represented in another, guided by perceptual rules. This system is designed to support "brushing [1]," in which highlighting a region of interest in one application automatically highlights corresponding values in another, allowing the scientist to develop insights from multiple sources. Our work builds on the component-based iPlant Cyberinfrastructure [2] and provides a general approach to supporting interactive, exploration across independent visualization and visual analysis components.
Fluoroscopic evaluation of contrast distribution within the adductor canal.

Background and Objectives This case series assesses the in vivo spread of contrast within the adductor canal in subjects who recently underwent a total knee arthroplasty. A previous analysis of profound leg weakness with a continuous adductor canal revealed contrast spread from the adductor canal to the femoral triangle with as little as 2 mL of volume. Methods We enrolled 10 American Society of Anesthesiologists class II–III subjects. Maximum voluntary isometric contraction was measured to assess quadriceps strength before and after surgery. Contrast was then injected continuously via electronic pump into the adductor canal, and fluoroscopy was used to capture images after 1-mL increments. For analysis, the femur was divided into 8 equidistant sectors between the lesser trochanter and medial epicondyle. Results Contrast did not reach the level of the lesser trochanter or the medial epicondyle of the femur in any subject. The greatest spread after 5 mL of contrast was 4 sectors. Sixty percent of subjects had contrast spread within either the same sector as the catheter tip or 1 sector distally. No subjects demonstrated additional proximal spread of contrast after 4 mL. Conclusions This study reveals that in vivo continuous infusions within the adductor canal spread in both a cephalad and caudad direction in limited fashion. Although a previous report described proximal spread of injectate to the level of the common femoral nerve, this event is infrequent.
The crystal and molecular structure of 1,1,4,4-tetraethyl-2,5-dimethyl-1,4-diphosphoniacyclohexadiene-1,4-dibromide

The structure of the title compound has been determined by a single-crystal, x-ray diffraction study. The compound crystallizes in a monoclinic unit cell (P21/c) with two molecules per unit cell. Least-squared lattice parameters are: a = 7.164 ± 0.001A, b = 14.770 ± 0.001A, c = 10.562 ± 0.001A, and β = 124.95 ± 0.01°. The structure parameters refined to a value of R=0.062, excluding hydrogens, for the 1475 statistically significant reflections. The structure determination confirmed that the compound is indeed a diene and not a delocalized structure. The ring is planar but the ethyl groups extend over the ring in an unusual crab-like fashion.
Ultrasonic Rate Measurements in Two-Phase Bubble Flow

One of the most important tools in well testing and production logging is the downhole flowmeter. Unfortunately, existing spinner and tracer tools have limited accuracy in low-rate single phase flow and multiphase flow situations. Two experimental studies investigated the use of ultrasonic methods to measure flow rates under these conditions. The experiments showed that the ultrasonic transmission method can be used for accurate measurements of low-rate single phase water flow. The ultrasonic reflection method provided reasonably accurate bubble velocities in two-phase bubble flow regime under laminar flow conditions. Experiments using ultrasonic transmission provided higher accuracy and better sensitivity in measurement of low-rate single phase water flow than conventional methods. The one-inch square flowcell device investigated in this study used the transmission properties of ultrasonic waves to measure the volumetric rate in single phase water flow. The flow cell was installed in a vertical flow loop. Water also passed through a section where the weight of water was recorded accurately against time, thus giving another rate measurement for cross-checking purposes. The device-measured flow rates were compared with actual rates obtained by the weight measurement. The device was accurate down to a flow rate of 1.0 gallon/min, which is the showest flow rate achievable in this loop. Such a low flow rate would normally be difficult to measure using a conventional spinner tool. Experiments using ultrasonic reflection examined how accurately an experimental flow tool measured bubble velocity in a two-phase bubble flow regime. Measurements were made in a graduated, transparent pipe with an inside diameter of 5.50 inches. The tool diameter is 3.25 inches. Gas and oil were bubbled through a stagnant column of water, and bubble velocities were measured. To cross-check the accuracy of tool measurements, bubble motion was also recorded using a video camera. The video frame had a clock, with a resolution of one hundredth of a second, providing time information. Tool-measured bubble velocities were compared with actual velocities determined by a frame-by-frame playback of video data. The tool readings were linearly related to the actual velocities in the range from 0.38 ft/sec to 1.30 ft/sec, although the velocities registered by the tool were consistently in error. This velocity information, in combination with the void fraction data, will provide the dispersed phase volumetric flow rate. The result is significant because, in contrast to the currently employed spinner and tracer tools, this technique can provide us with flow rates for individual phases in a two-phase bubble flow situation.
Development of a MEMS-scale photoacoustic chemical sensor for trace vapor detection

Photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS) is a useful monitoring technique that is well suited for trace gas detection. This method routinely exhibits detection limits at the parts-per-million (ppm) or parts-per-billion (ppb) level for gaseous samples. PAS also possesses favorable detection characteristics when the system dimensions are scaled to a microsystem design. Micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS)-scale designs offer the possibility to develop photoacoustic sensors in which the signals would remain at sensitivities similar to or greater than those typically found in macro-scale devices. The objective of the present work is to develop a monolithic MEMS-scale photoacoustic trace gas sensor utilizing the Army Research Laboratory's chemical and biological sensing capability. In order to realize the advantage of photoacoustic sensor miniaturization, light sources of comparable size are required. Quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) have been tested in combination with MEMS-scale photoacoustic cells. This sensing platform has provided favorable detection limits for a standard nerve agent simulant. Current research employs this sensor scheme for the detection of 2,4-dinitrotoluene, a degradation product of TNT. Preliminary results describing the sensor capabilities and performance for the detection of this compound will be presented.
Effect of Temperature on Structure of Outer Fe Oxide Layer of Fe-2.2Si Alloy

Red scale is the main surface defect of hot-rolled silicon steel plate due to the formation of fayalite. Studies have been done on high temperature oxidation of Fe-Si alloy, but effect of temperature on structure of outer Fe oxide layer is not fully discussed. Thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) was used to simulate isothermal 60-min oxidation process of Fe-2.2Si alloy under air condition at 700°C-1200°C. Cross-sectional scale morphology and elemental distribution of the oxide layer were investigated by electron probe microanalysis (EPMA). It is found that in order to observe internal oxide precipitates clearly it is helpful that the sample is etched with nitric acid solution in alcohol firstly and then etched with hydrochloric acid solution in alcohol. At 700°C-1150°C outer Fe oxide layer is mostly composed of Fe2O3 and at 1200°C it consists of FeO + Fe3O4 + Fe2O3 + mixture of FeO/Fe2SiO4.
Palynomorphs as Indicators of Nearshore and Offshore Features in Modern Sedimentary Basins: ABSTRACT

Distribution of pollen, spores, cuticles, tracheids, as well as dinoflagellates, hystrichospheres, microforaminifers, and certain other microplankton, may be used within certain limitations to identify or assist in determining sedimentary environments and ancient paleogeographic patterns. Special consideration is given to the modifying influence of marine circulation, currents, tides, etc. on patterns of distribution. Configuration and restrictions of basin and shorelines, patterns of surface or near-surface circulation resulting from prevailing wind regimes (resulting in localized areas of upwelling in different seasons), submarine canyons, and other such agencies and features cause significant modifications on distribution patterns of palynomorphs. Direction, strength, and season of prevailing winds and storms exert some control in distribution of pollen and spores. Down-wind distribution areas show decreasing frequency from source areas. Dilution of palynomorph concentrations in the vicinity of deltas and channels, where an abundant supply of terrigenous sediments is accumulating, seems to lower absolute frequencies of palynomorphs only in main channels and very near the shore. Differential susceptibility to decay, which characterizes these entities, makes it difficult to depend on the presence or absence of particular pollen of plants which make up the communities on the coastal plains to identify nearshore position. Use of total number of spores and pollen in sediments, to determine positions of former shorelines, should be amplified with a consideration of type of sediment at the sampling site and the nature of thanatocoenoses of marine faunas and algae. Cuticles and tracheids are extremely abundant in fine sediments near the shore and decrease offshore. Cuticular fragments greater than 1 millimeter in diameter usually are not carried or are destroyed within a few miles of shore; tracheids greater than 50µ and finer cuticles are deposited in decreasing numbers 50-100 miles offshore. Some kinds of palynomorphs increase in relative frequency, compared with total pollen and spores, with increasing distance offshore. Mangrove and pine are typical of this group. Herbaceous pollen generally is more abundant near the shore. Comparison is made of results of studies of palynomorphs in modern bottom sediments in the Gulf of California, Gulf of Paria, Mediterranean Sea, Sea of Okhotsk, and Gulf of Mexico for the purpose of indicating proximity to shorelines and deltas. End_of_Article - Last_Page 460------------
EXTENDING SOCIAL DISORGANIZATION THEORY: MODELING THE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN COHESION, DISORDER, AND FEAR*

In this study, we build on recent social disorganization research, estimating models of the relationships between disorder, burglary, cohesion, and fear of crime using a sample of neighborhoods from three waves of the British Crime Survey. The results indicate that disorder has an indirect effect on burglary through fear and neighborhood cohesion. Although cohesion reduces disorder, nonrecursive models show that disorder also reduces cohesion. Part of the effect of disorder on cohesion is mediated by fear. Similar results are obtained in nonrecursive burglary models. Together, the results suggest a feedback loop in which decreases in neighborhood cohesion increase crime and disorder, increasing fear, in turn, further decreasing cohesion.
Significance of Levels of Specific Immunoglobulins to DNA in SLE Patients' Sera Detected by Solid Phase Radioimmunoassay

A solid phase radioimmunoassay was developed for detecting the quantity of double-stranded and single-stranded DNA antibodies in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and other connective tissue diseases. The assay system employs a solid support 96-well, flex-vinyl microtiter plate to which bovine methyl albumin is layered, followed by denatured or native calf thymus DNA. A 1:80 dilution of patients' sera was added to respective wells followed by tritiated high affinity anti-IgG, -IgA, or IgM. Denatured DNA (single-stranded DNA) bound to methylated bovine serum albumin had less than 5% reannealment to the double-stranded form and provided a better substrate for Ab binding than double-stranded DNA, producing a linear binding curve. Of 58 patients diagnosed as having systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), only 11 having active SLE had IgG antibody levels of> 5.0 μg/ml to single-strand DNA. Renal involvement of some degree was found in all 11 with the high concentrations of IgG antibodies to DNA correlating with severe involvement. Patients with 1gM antibodies to DNA alone had more benign types of SLE with little renal involvement. No abnormal levels of IgA Ab to either single-strand DNA or double-strand DNA were found in SLE patients' sera. Corticosteroid and/or immunosuppressant treatment caused a marked drop in the IgM Ab level to DNA within 10 days while IgG Ab to DNA remained high for up to 30 days. Quantitation of IgG and 1gM Ab to single-strand DNA provides a useful method for diagnosing severe SLE with possible renal involvement and monitoring the course of the disease during therapy.
Electronic tuning of site-selectivity

Site-selective functionalizations of complex small molecules can generate targeted derivatives with exceptional step-efficiency, but general strategies for maximizing selectivity in this context are rare. Investigations with the ion-channel-forming natural product amphotericin B have revealed that site-selectivity can be tuned by simply modifying the electronic nature of the reagents.
Quantitative Study of Chaos in a Piecewise Linear Mechanical System

This paper presents a simple piecewise linear, two-degrees of freedom, differential active damper mechanical system, derived from an analogy to an electrical circuit. Analytical solutions for the state trajectory of this system are derived and discussed. Three different methods of quantifying the complicated chaotic dynamic behavior of the system are compared on the basis of their accuracy in estimating the regions of chaotic behavior. The concept of mean correlation delay function (MCD) is introduced as a simple and efficient quantifier of chaotic motion in deterministic systems with known absence of stochastic inputs.
Transcription profiling and regulation of fat metabolism genes in diapausing adults of the mosquito Culex pipiens.

Culex pipiens, the mosquito that vectors West Nile virus in North America, overwinters in an adult diapause (dormancy) that is programmed by the short day length and low temperatures of autumn. In ...
Protocols for roadside-to-roadside data relaying over vehicular networks

In this work, we examine the feasibility of vehicles acting as data relays between roadside base-stations. Vehicular networks (VANETs) can be exploited due to the constrained and predictable motion of the vehicles along the roadways. We consider the feasibility of data relaying as a cost-effective scheme to provide virtual data paths between roadside base-stations. We develop a suit of protocols to achieve this relaying operation. Our results indicate that throughput on the order of 4.5 Mbps (for a peak rate of 11 Mbps) is obtained with minimal overhead for various scenarios. In scenarios where as low as 5% of the vehicles are equipped, the throughput obtained is in the order of 2 Mbps
Learning to discover complex mappings from web forms to ontologies

In order to realize the Semantic Web, various structures on the Web including Web forms need to be annotated with and mapped to domain ontologies. We present a machine learning-based automatic approach for discovering complex mappings from Web forms to ontologies. A complex mapping associates a set of semantically related elements on a form to a set of semantically related elements in an ontology. Existing schema mapping solutions mainly rely on integrity constraints to infer complex schema mappings. However, it is difficult to extract rich integrity constraints from forms. We show how machine learning techniques can be used to automatically discover complex mappings between Web forms and ontologies. The challenge is how to capture and learn the complicated knowledge encoded in existing complex mappings. We develop an initial solution that takes a naive Bayesian approach. We evaluated the performance of the solution on various domains. Our experimental results show that the solution returns the expected mappings as the top-1 results usually among several hundreds candidate mappings for more than 80% of the test cases. Furthermore, the expected mappings are always returned as the top-k results with k
Developing and refining an adaptive token-passing strategy

Token rotation algorithms play an important role in distributed computing, to support such activities as mutual exclusion, round-robin scheduling, group membership and group communication protocols. Ring-based protocols maximize throughput in busy systems but can incur a linear (in the number of processors) delay when a processor needs to obtain a token to perform an operation. This paper synthesizes new algorithmic techniques for improving the performance (responsiveness) of logical ring protocols. The parameterized technique presents the safety properties of ring protocols and maintains high throughput in busy systems, while reducing the delay in lightly loaded systems from a linear to a logarithmic function in the number of processors. The development in this paper is done using term rewriting systems, where our parameterized protocol is developed in a series of safety-preserving refinements of a basic specification.
DID BLACK MONDAY HAVE A PERMANENT EFFECT

Black Monday caused an immediate disruption between index futures and stock markets, but it is not clear whether it had any lasting effects. Here we examine links between the markets that are sensitive to the liquidity shortages during Black Monday. By employing a tick-by-tick transactions data set of S&P 500 index futures trades and S&P 500 equity index we calculate the spot/futures basis and basis risk, the spot/futures lead/lag relation, and the bid-ask spread. Evidence suggests that Black Monday had little continuing effect. On high-volatility days, however, index arbitrage becomes more costly as prices are more sensitive to future trades.