cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Aqueous high-temperature solubility studies. II. The solubility of boehmite at 0.03 m ionic strength as a function of temperature and pH as determined by in situ measurements

Abstract The solubility of pure synthetic boehmite (γ-AlOOH) has been measured over a wide range of pH (2–10, depending on temperature), and temperature (100–290°C) at 0.03 mol · kg −1 ionic strength (NaCl) in a hydrogen-electrode concentration cell (HECC), which provided continuous in situ measurement of hydrogen ion molality (Palmer et al. 2001) . A least-squares regression of the results obtained was used to determine the molal solubility quotients (Q s0 to Q s4 ) of boehmite. The solubility products (Q sn ) were extrapolated to infinite dilution (K sn ), permitting calculation of the thermodynamic properties of aqueous species of aluminum for comparison with previous works, such as Bourcier et al. (1993) and Castet et al. (1993) . These results are generally consistent with the latter study conducted near infinite dilution, although some significant differences are apparent, particularly near the solubility minimum.
Optical and electrical characterization of cadmium selenide doped with cobalt

Abstract The optical and electrical properties of Co 2+ ions in CdSe have been investigated. Absorption, photoluminescence, electron paramagnetic resonance, and Hall measurements were used to characterize a cobalt-doped (1×10 19 cm −3 ) single crystal. Infrared absorption and emission spectra associated with transitions between the 4 A 2 ( F ) ground state and the 4 T 1 ( F ) and 4 T 2 ( F ) excited states are described. At 10 K, spin–orbit splittings result in three structured absorption bands associated with the 4 A 2 ( F ) to 4 T 1 ( F ) transition having zero-phonon lines at 4926, 5101, and 5724 cm −1 . The 4 A 2 ( F ) to 4 T 2 ( F ) transition shows two zero-phonon lines at 2874 and 3286 cm −1 , also accompanied by vibronic structure. Intrinsic lattice modes explain most of the sharp-line structure observed at low temperature, except for a subset of peaks where local modes (25–30 cm −1 ) are invoked. Using below-band-gap light, selective excitation allows detection of the 4 T 1 ( F ) to 4 A 2 ( F ) recombination at liquid-helium temperatures. The activation of free carriers in our n-type material containing shallow donors is affected by the presence of cobalt, and we find the Co +/++ level to be about 34 meV below the conduction band of CdSe.
Making the Most of Small Effects.

The idea that classroom social ecologies are shaped by the aggregate effects of peers’ prior care experiences is provocative, even though the evidence is weak that this explains the small and diminishing effect of childcare experience in the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development study. Small effects may indeed be small effects, but students of early development should attend to the potential importance of group-level influences on social and cognitive growth.
From the Editor of Sexuality and Disability: A Look at Sexuality During Medical, Intellectual, Psychiatric and Developmental Conditions in Life

In the June 2013 issue, front-line topics include a look at upper limb deficiency from The Netherlands, multiple sclerosis from Poland, renal transplantation from Turkey, intellectual disability from Poland, elderly women’s views about sexual desire during old age from Iran, sexual abuse and offending in Autism Spectrum Disorders from the United States. In addition, we have the opportunity to look at the relationship between sexual quality of life in married Turkish women. Sexuality and Disability continues to provide original impact articles addressing the mental health and medical aspects of sexuality in relation to rehabilitation, hospital, academic and community settings, publishing up-to-date articles, case studies, clinical practice reports, reviews, featured articles, historical articles, special grand rounds topics, brief research reports and survey data reports. Value benefit is provided to authors through worldwide electronic exposure and professional access, while readership gains from scholarly contributions to advance the field through research, best-practice and educational articles. The refined lens of individual contributions from the local and international community continues to deliver a wealth of information on the topic of sexuality and disability for the reader. Thank you for joining us.
Scale-Up of Native β-Lactoglobulin Affinity Separation Process

Affinity separation of β-lactoglobulin in its native form with all-trans-retinal immobilized on calcium bio-silicate was scaled up and applied to separate it from industrial sweet whey. Three different methods of mixing the modified calcium bio-silicate and whey for the interaction between all-trans-retinal and β-lactoglobulin were tried at pilot scale. The three methods used were 1) a column packed with calcium bio-silicate, 2) a stirred tank, and 3) a fluidized bed column of calcium bio-silicate particles. Adsorption and desorption of β-lactoglobulin were carried out at pH 5.1 and 7.0, using 0.01 and 0.1 M phosphate buffers, respectively. The phosphate buffer containing desorbed β-lactoglobulin was concentrated 20 times using ultrafiltration and then freeze-dried. The packed column, stirred tank, and fluidized bed column produced β-lactoglobulin with purity of 80, >95, and >95%, and recovery of 0.65, 2.88, and 2.88 g per kilogram of calcium bio-silicate, respectively. The comparative poor purity and recovery of β-lactoglobulin in the case of the packed column was attributed to insufficient contact between the passing fluids and the calcium bio-silicate during adsorption, desorption, and intermittent washing. The fluidized bed column method, with a gentle mixing action, was considered the best suited for further scale up to the industrial level.
Self-Maintained Visual Stimulation in Monkeys after Long-Term Visual Deprivation

Newborn monkeys reared in darkness for 16 months, except for daily 1-hour periods of exposure to unpatterned light, were allowed to press a lever to obtain unpatterned light. The animals showed apparently insatiable responding, at rates that were extremely high as compared with rates for normally reared control animals.
Estimating the effects of toxicants on ecosystem services.

Numerous functions of ecosystems are essential to the quality of human life, including the provision of food, the decomposition of sewage, the provision of portable water, and the replacement of br...
Fluidic lens laparoscopic zoom camera for minimally invasive surgery

We developed a miniaturized laparoscopic zoom camera that is 17 mm long, has >4X optical zoom, and works under 300 lux. This camera is suitable for advancing minimally invasive surgery. Demonstration surgery (cholecystectomy) was performed.
Influence of congruity in store-attribute dimensions and self-image on purchase intentions in online stores of multichannel retailers

Abstract Online stores of multichannel retailers continue to lag pure internet retailers with reference to consumers' shopping intentions and sales. This study develops and tests a framework in which (a) trust and attitude (conceptualized as a second-order construct with hedonic and utilitarian dimensions) influence purchase intentions, (b) congruity between the multichannel retailer's land-based and online stores (conceptualized as a second-order constructs made up of seven dimensions: aesthetic appeal, navigation convenience, transaction convenience, atmosphere, service, price orientation, and security) influences trust in and attitude toward the online store, and (c) congruity between consumers' self-image and perceived image of the online store influences trust in and attitude toward the online store. The findings provide robust support for the framework and have strong implications for theory and practice.
A FORTRAN nuclidic-mass table with self-modification feature

Abstract A computer program is described which is a FORTRAN subroutine to provide nuclidic masses in amu for any Z and A by a table look-up method. A companion program modifies the internal tables of the subroutine when changes or additions to the known masses become available.
Modeling the cost of data communication for multi-node computer networks operating in the United States

The study reported here examines the cost of data communication for multi-node computer networks operating in the United States. We begin by defining a market basket of private-line transmission services and identifying its constituent prices. Two analytic models are then proposed. The first, which derives a theoretical relationship from microeconomic considerations, gives price movement as a function of the demand for service. The second embodies a learning curve fit to historical data, wherein the slope of this curve (0.71) equals the slope of the historical curve for the advance of integrated-circuit technology. Extrapolations from the two models agree well; moreover, both extrapolations conform to long-established historical trends. These agreements lend plausibility to the idea that the price of data communication unfolds in an orderly way over the long run, and, despite the perturbation introduced by the Bell System divestiture of 1984, future price movements may return to their traditional 11% annual decline.
Security and a Financial Theory of Investment

Introduction, 472. — Origin of the theory, 474. — Definition of risk, 476. — The investment model, 479. — Two theoretical objections to the theory, 481. — Evidence on the theory, 483. — Examination of sample data, 486. — Further research, 490.
Inhibition of [3H]-LSD binding to 5-HT7 receptors by flavonoids from Scutellaria lateriflora.

The hot water and 70% ethanol extracts of dried mad-dog skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) both bound to the 5-HT7 receptor, with 87.2 ± 6.2% and 56.7 ± 1.3% inhibition of [3H]-LSD binding to the receptor at 100 μg/mL, respectively. The on-line analysis of a 70% ethanol extract by HPLC-UV/MS resulted in the identification of five flavones (1−5). Fractionation of the ethanol extract resulted in the isolation of three flavone-glucuronides (6−8) and a flavanone-glucuronide (9), including one new compound, lateriflorin (5,6,-dihydroxy-7-glucuronyloxy-2‘-methoxyflavone) (8). The structure of 8 was determined by NMR (1H NMR, 13C NMR, and NOESY experiments) and MS analysis. From the results obtained in the testing of the pure compounds, it is evident that the activity on the 5-HT7 receptor is at least partly due to the presence of flavonoids. Scutellarin and ikonnikoside I showed the highest inhibition of [3H]-LSD binding with IC50 values of 63.4 and 135.1 μM, respectively.
Melatonin receptors: Role on sleep and circadian rhythm regulation

The circadian release of the hormone melatonin is regulated by the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), which feeds back into the nucleus to modulate sleep and circadian phase through activation of the MT(1) and/or MT(2) melatonin receptors. Considering the functions of the SCN as a sleep and circadian rhythm regulator, melatonin and melatonin receptor agonists have attracted interest as being possible treatments for sleep and circadian rhythm sleep disorders. Part of this interest has centered on elucidating which melatonin receptors are targets for the regulation of these functions within the SCN. Two G-protein coupled melatonin receptors, the MT(1) and MT(2), inhibit neuronal activity and phase shift circadian firing rhythms in the SCN, respectively. Recent reports have uncovered possible interactions between the two types of receptors in the mammalian SCN, as well as the role of physiological and supraphysiological levels of melatonin on the molecular pharmacology and cellular changes of human and rodent melatonin receptors via desensitization and internalization mechanisms. These data outline the complexity of the interplay between melatonin and its receptors in the SCN and their corresponding roles in sleep and circadian regulation. Although further studies are necessary, a great deal of progress has been made toward understanding how melatonin and its agonists contribute to sleep and circadian phase changes, and how best to develop compounds that can target the functions of the SCN specifically and effectively.
Effect of contact angle on the meniscus between two equal contacting rods and a plate

Abstract The curvature of the meniscus between two equal rods and a plate, all in mutual contact, was calculated using a method proposed by Princen. Experiments were performed using capillary rise and bubble movement to test these theoretical values for both perfectly wetted systems and for systems which gave reproducible advancing and receding contact angles. The theory agreed with the experimental values to within the experimental accuracy thus verifying a remarkably successful way of calculating pore capillary properties, and indicating that the method may have much wider application.
Recent Advances in the Molecular Genetics of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

The recent evolution of molecular genetic techniques and their application in deciphering the molecular genetic basis of inherited diseases have facilitated the dawning of molecular medicine. A complete genetic map of the human genome, based on easily identifiable highly polymorphic DNA markers, has been developed.1 2 3 This achievement is a milestone in that it provides the foundation for genetic linkage analysis, a technique essential to the mapping of the chromosomal locus responsible for a disease. Before the development of multiple informative markers, identification of a disease-related gene required a priori knowledge of the defective protein, which was known for only a few diseases. The previous approach of “from a defective protein to a defective gene” has been replaced with the approach of “from a defective gene to a defective protein.” The recent availability of the highly informative STRP markers compared with previous markers based on RFLP has greatly accelerated chromosomal mapping by linkage analysis.4 Furthermore, the RFLP markers detected by Southern blotting required 5 to 7 days, whereas STRP markers are detected by PCR and require as few as 1 to 2 days.4 5 The loci for more than 400 disease-related genes have been mapped, and the responsible genes have been identified for more than 40 of these diseases.1 Theoretically, it is possible to map the chromosomal locus of any disease-related gene if a family with 10 or more living affected individuals spanning two or more generations is available.4 5 Subsequent to the chromosomal mapping of the locus by genetic linkage analysis, several techniques, such as positional cloning, are used to identify the responsible gene.6 7 Positional cloning refers to cloning of a segment of DNA with only its chromosomal position in relation to a marker known. This process of identifying the genes, …
Circulating and utero-placental adaptations to chronic placental ischemia in the rat

Abstract While utero-placental insufficiency is associated with adverse outcomes for both mother and fetus, many of the maternal-fetal adaptations during pregnancy in models of fetal compromise remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine if chronically reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP) during days 14–19 of gestation alters feto-placental growth differentially from the cervical to ovarian ends of the uterus and generates metabolic adaptations such as increased blood lactate (BLa) concentrations and lactate transporter expression in the placenta. Fetal growth restriction was evident, placental efficiency (fetal weight/placental weight) decreased (4.7 ± 0.35 vs. 5.9 ± 0.30; P vs. 2.1 ± 0.4 mmol/l; P vs. 3.3 ± 0.3 mmol/l; P vs. 7.1 ± 0.8 mmol/l; P vs . 3.1 ± 0.4; P
Effect of Crystal-Fields on the Electron Paramagnetic Resonance and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance of Some Rare-Earth Compounds. III

We have investigated theoretically the NMR longitudinal relaxation rate, T 1, N -1 , due to magnetic impurities diluted in a metal where conduction electrons are in the “isothermal limit,” and the magnetic ion has a substantial crystal-field splitting. The theory is applied to a singlet ground-state Pr-compound, and the result reveals an anomalous behavior of T 1, N -1 as a function of temperature. The theory is also applied to the doublet ground-state Dy-compound (YAl 2 : Dy). The anomalies in T 1, N -1 observed experimentally by Abe for YAl 2 : Dy can be successfully explained by the present theory, provided that the first excited state of Dy 3+ is about 5 K from a \(\varGamma_{7}\) doublet ground-state. This is the first theoretical investigation of the NMR broadening due to magnetic ions in metals in which the magnetic ion has a crystal-field splitting and conduction electrons are in the “isothermal limit.”
Sociosexual orientation and 2D:4D ratios in women: Relationship to men's desirability ratings as a long-term pair bond.

The current study examined whether men’s ratings of women’s desirability as a long-term pairbond, based on static photographs, were related to the women’s second-to-fourth digit (2D:4D) ratio and their sexual attitudes and behavior. The 2D:4D ratio was measured in 164 women and facial photographs were taken of 55 of these women. All women completed the Sociosexual Orientation Inventory (SOI). Male participants (n = 89), masked to this information, rated the 55 female participants on their desirability as a long-term sexual partner, specifically along dimensions of faithfulness, youthfulness, and attractiveness. Ten independent judges rated women’s photographed faces on masculinity. Results indicated a significant negative relationship between women’s SOI scores and men’s faithfulness ratings (more unrestricted sociosexuality was associated with lower faithfulness ratings). There was also a significant positive relationship between right (but not left) 2D:4D ratio and faithfulness ratings (women with female-like ratios were rated as being more faithful). The SOI scores of the women were not related to 2D:4D ratios. These results suggest that the potential for sexual infidelity can be gleaned from static facial cues.
Propellant-driven aerosols of functional proteins as potential therapeutic agents in the respiratory tract.

Abstract Aerosols of respirable-sized particles of functional proteins were delivered vy volatile propellant from metered-dose aerosol canisters. The enzyme alkaline-phosphatase and a monoclonal antibody were lyophilized with surfactant and suspended in the aerosol propellant dimethylether. As much as 20 μg of functional protein, assessed by enzyme function or antibody binding activity, was delivered per 40 μl of released propellant. Up to 25% of the protein was of respirable size (≤ 4 μ m mass median aerodynamic diameter) when aerosolized proteins were sampled with a Casella cyclone. Respirable particles were derived from visible surfactant/protein complexes suspended in the liquified propellant and from propellant-soluble, nonsedimentable, surfactant/protein molecules that are probably reverse micelles. 10–14 days of propellant exposure in dimethylether increased protein solubility in the propellant, increased the total protein aerosolized and maintained or increased the quantity of respirable-sized protein molecules, as compared to the day aerosol vials were charged with propellant. Scanning electron microscopic studies of the respirable-sized protein/surfactant particles showed that they ranged in size from 0.07 to 3.25 μm in diameter, and they appeared to be chain aggregates of spherical subunits, 0.11 to 0.93 μm in diameter. This structural motif was common to both proteins. The possibility of delivering immunizing antigens, cytokines, passive antibodies and other therapeutic proteins to the respiratory tract using propellant-driven aerosols is discussed.
Meeting the EuP Directive: Life Cycle Assessment Information Sharing as Opportunity for Global Compliance

The EU's directive 2005/32/EC seeks to set eco-design standards for the life cycle of energy-using products (EuP). While not yet formally ratified like the WEEE and RoHS standards, this directive is expected to ride the same wave of momentum and go into effect in the next few years. WEEE and RoHS have gone beyond Europe and had similar application in other parts of the world, thus global EuP-like directives are also likely. If manufacturers want to continue to comply with this new wave of regulation, they will need to start exploring existing tools. A key need for compliance is the creation of global networks of shared environmental and energy profiles for products, which could be led by the electronics industry. This paper discusses developments in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) over the last decade and how it can be a key tool in meeting EuP- like standards, currently planned to go into effect in 2007.
A Comparison of Early Development between a Domesticated Stock of Coho Salmon and Its Parental Stock

Abstract We compared the rate of early development and yolk conversion efficiency in a domesticated stock of coho salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch that had been selected for improved growth to pan size (350 g) over 18 generations with that of its hatchery-origin unselected parental stock. Fish from both the domesticated stock and the parental stock were spawned and incubated under similar conditions. The domesticated fish produced significantly smaller eggs, reached blastopore closure sooner, and utilized their yolk store more efficiently than the parental stock. Because we were concerned that egg size may have confounded the results of the blastopore closure portion of the experiment, we repeated the experiment using eggs of sizes different from those of the domesticated stock. We determined that the rate of early embryonic development to blastopore closure was strongly influenced by egg size, an influence that probably confounded our stock comparison. In contrast, comparisons of later embryonic growth rates ...
Noninvasive prenatal testing: limitations and unanswered questions

The clinical use of noninvasive prenatal testing to screen high-risk patients for fetal aneuploidy is becoming increasingly common. Initial studies have demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity, and there is hope that these tests will result in a reduction of invasive diagnostic procedures as well as their associated risks. Guidelines on the use of this testing in clinical practice have been published; however, data on actual test performance in a clinical setting are lacking, and there are no guidelines on quality control and assurance. The different noninvasive prenatal tests employ complex methodologies, which may be challenging for health-care providers to understand and utilize in counseling patients, particularly as the field continues to evolve. How these new tests should be integrated into current screening programs and their effect on health-care costs remain uncertain.
What We Know about Voter-ID Laws, Registration, and Turnout

“Turning out to vote is the most common and important act citizens take in a democracy,” John Aldrich writes (1993, 246), “and, therefore, is one of the most important behaviors for scholars of democratic politics to understand.” Turnout matters at the community as well as the individual level; the larger a county's voter turnout, for instance, the more discretionary federal resources it is likely to receive per capita (Martin 2003 ). “The blunt truth,” according to V. O. Key ( 1949 , 527), “is that politicians and officials are under no compulsion to pay much heed to classes and groups of citizens that do not vote.”
Numerical simulations of novel InGaN solar cells

Finite element simulations of novel InGaN solar cells, requiring no p-type InGaN, were carried out using the commercial software package APSYS. Simulations show that efficient, compositionally graded p-GaN/n-In x Ga 1−x N solar cells can be achieved, provided the graded layer is confined within the depletion region. These compositionally graded solar cells can be used as the top cell in an InGaN/Si double-junction cell to achieve AM 1.5 efficiencies over 27% using realistic material parameters.
The GPI Anchor of Cell-Surface Proteins Is Synthesized on the Cytoplasmic Face of the Endoplasmic Reticulum

Glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) membrane protein anchors are synthesized from sugar nucleotides and phospholipids in the ER and transferred to newly synthesized proteins destined for the cell surface. The topology of GPI synthesis in the ER was investigated using sealed trypanosome microsomes and the membrane-impermeant probes phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C, Con A, and proteinase K. All the GPI biosynthetic intermediates examined were found to be located on the external face of the microsomal vesicles suggesting that the principal steps of GPI assembly occur in the cytoplasmic leaflet of the ER. Protease protection experiments showed that newly GPI-modified trypanosome variant surface glycoprotein was primarily oriented towards the ER lumen, consistent with eventual expression at the cell surface. The unusual topographical arrangement of the GPI assembly pathway suggests that a biosynthetic intermediate, possibly the phosphoethanolamine-containing anchor precursor, must be translocated across the ER membrane bilayer in the process of constructing a GPI anchor.
Approximate calculation of Green's functions

The basic idea here is that a Green’s function which may be difficult to determine in particular cases can be determined in an easily computable series by decomposition of a differential operator L, which is sufficiently difficult to merit approximation, into an operator L1 whose inverse is known, or found with little effort, and an operator L2 with no smallness restrictions, whose contribution to the total inverse L−1 can be found in series form.
Interaction of a shear wall with the soil for incident plane SH waves: Elliptical rigid foundation

The closed-form solution of the dynamic interaction of an elastic shear wall and the elastic homogeneous half-space, previously known only for the rigid foundation with circular cross section, has been generalized to apply for the foundation with elliptical cross section. It is shown that the interaction equation depends on the incidence angle of plane SH waves and that this dependence gradually disappears as the elliptical cross section approaches the circular one. The effectiveness with which the rigid foundation can scatter the incident energy has been found to increase with the depth of the foundation.
Retail Politics: Local Sales Taxes and the Fiscalization of Land Use

Policy makers may view the local sales tax as an attractive alternative to the property tax. However, if sales tax revenues are awarded to the jurisdiction where the sale occurs, local budgets are tied to the fortunes of the retail sector. In California, use of the property tax has been greatly restricted, and the local sales tax is a key source of discretionary revenues for municipalities. During the period from 1971 to 1995, as the retail sector decentralized, central cities lost substantial ground to suburbs in per capita sales tax revenues. Moreover, a survey of city managers indicates that the quest for retail development and sales tax revenues is a prime motivation for land-use decisions. Although such “fiscalization” of land-use policy is unlikely to markedly affect retail location, the California evidence suggests that the property tax has comparative merits in its ability to create incentives for more balanced development.
The use of data profiles in class 2 and 3 adaptive filters

Adaptive filters are optimum filters whose transfer functions adapt to changing input statistics. Such adaptation is usually needed because of fluctuating signal and/or noise conditions. These filters can be classified in order of increasing difficulty based upon the a priori assumptions about the signal and noise models. A class 2/3 adaptive filter is a transitional filter between class 2 and class 3 filters. In this paper, we use data profiles to formulate class 2/3 filters. Averaging provides an estimate of the signal and eliminates noise. Data profiles can also be used to formulate either class 2 and/or class 3 filters. Results show that this method provides improved estimates of expected signal and/or noise by smoothing the average signal profile. To demonstrate this approach, these results are used to process EKG signals where no a priori information is available. >
From structured english to robot motion

Recently, Linear Temporal Logic (LTL) has been successfully applied to high-level task and motion planning problems for mobile robots. One of the main attributes of LTL is its close relationship with fragments of natural language. In this paper, we take the first steps toward building a natural language interface for LTL planning methods with mobile robots as the application domain. For this purpose, we built a structured English language which maps directly to a fragment of LTL.
Variation in Adrenal Cortical Hormones Within Physiologic Ranges, Stress and Interferon Production in Mice.∗

SummaryBoth stress and pharmacologic levels of adrenal cortical hormones have been reported to suppress the synthesis of interferon. We measured interferon in mice 6 hours after intravenous injection of NDV and related interferon titers to plasma corticosterone levels. The stress of repeated random electric shocks preceded by a warning buzzer during interferon production did not alter the response from that of controls; such stress administered for 5 hours prior to virus inoculation significantly enhanced interferon production. Administration of ACTH did not alter interferon response. Corticosterone administration adequate to produce high circulating steroid levels just greater than maximal attainable physiologic levels also did not alter response. All adrenalectomized mice had relatively higher interferon titers; however, neither prior stress nor partial corticosterone replacement therapy in any combination significantly altered interferon production. Administration of the virus itself produced an adrena...
The Influence of Agricultural Abandonment and the Abiotic Environment on the Vegetation Communities of a Suburban Deciduous Forest

ABSTRACT Length of time since agricultural abandonment, variations in topography and soil, and forest fragmentation associated with suburban development can influence dominant vegetation and foster exotic species invasion in a secondary successional forest. The Middle Patuxent Environmental Area (MPEA) in Maryland is a regrowth forest adjacent to suburban sprawl that was abandoned from agriculture at staggered rates. I surveyed vegetation throughout the MPEA to investigate how these interrelated factors have influenced species distribution and abundance. My predictions were that time since abandonment would explain the broader differences in forest succession, but that topography and an interface with suburbia would be the strongest determinants of smaller-scale species discrepancies within an area of similar abandonment history. I performed a hard noise clustering analysis using the R package vegclust to classify the MPEA into herbaceous, shrub, and tree communities each dominated by similar species. Tr...
I/O equations for nonlinear systems and observation spaces

The authors study various types of input/output representations for nonlinear continuous-time systems. The algebraic and analytic I/O equations studied in previous work by the authors are generalized to integral and integro-differential equations, and an abstract notion is also considered. New results are given on generic observability, and these results are then applied to give conditions under which the minimal order of an equation equals the minimal possible dimension of a realization, just as with linear systems but in contrast to discrete-time nonlinear theory. >
A comprehensive engine to drive-cycle modelling framework for the fuel economy assessment of advanced engine and combustion technologies

A comprehensive engine to drive-cycle modelling framework has been developed for evaluating fuel economy improvements of new engine technologies. The framework comprises three key components: (a) full engine system models and routines for the generation of engine performance and fuel consumption maps; (b) an improved experimental heat release analysis and model calibration tool, which was created by coupling an in-house heat release analysis program to an engine cycle simulation, and which can be used for model calibration and validation when experimental data are available; and (c) an integrated vehicle modelling and drive-cycle simulation platform for fuel economy assessment. The framework implementation has been demonstrated through a fuel economy study of three engine and combustion technologies: a conventional spark-ignition (SI) engine, a high compression ratio SI engine with early intake valve closing (EIVC), and a homogeneous-charge compression ignition engine (HCCI) employing a recompression valv...
Learning to commit in repeated games

Learning to converge to an efficient, i.e., Pareto-optimal Nash equilibrium of the repeated game is an open problem in multiagent learning. Our goal is to facilitate the learning of efficient outcomes in repeated plays of incomplete information games when only opponent's actions but not its payoffs are observable. We use a two-stage protocol that allows a player to unilaterally commit to an action, allowing the other player to choose an action knowing the action chosen by the committed player. The motivation behind commitment is to promote trust between the players and prevent them from mutually harmful choices made to preclude worst-case outcomes. Our agents learn whether commitment is beneficial or not. Interestingly, the decision to commit can be thought of as expanding the action space and our proposed protocol can be incorporated by any learning strategies used for playing repeated games. We show the improvement of the outcome efficiency of standard learning algorithms when using our proposed commitment protocol. We propose convergence to pareto optimal Nash equilibrium of repeated games as desirable learning outcomes. The performance evaluation in this paper uses a similarly motivated metric that measures the percentage of Nash equilibria for repated games that dominate the observed outcome.
Temperament characteristics of child and adolescent bipolar offspring.

Abstract Background: We wished to characterize temperament of children at high risk for bipolar disorder (BD). Methods: We collected data from the Dimensions of Temperament-Revised (DOTS-R) from 53 biological offspring of at least one parent with BD. Results: Overall, our cohort differed from population means for the DOTS-R, having decreased Activity Level–General scores, and increased Approach, and Rhythmicity-Sleep scores. Offspring with psychiatric disorders differed from those without in having decreased Flexibility, Mood, and Task Orientation scores. Temperament profiles for diagnostic categories of BD and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder were performed in a descriptive manner. Limitations: Self- or parent-report of temperament was used rather than clinical observation. Temperament characterization was cross-sectional and retrospective rather than prospective and may overlap with clinical diagnoses. Conclusions: Assessment of temperament may be useful in characterizing bipolar offspring. Decreased flexibility and task orientation, and presence of negative moods may be correlated with development of psychopathology.
Compression algorithms for dummy-fill VLSI layout data

Dummy fill is introduced into sparse regions of a VLSI layout to equalize the spatial density of the layout, improving uniformity of chemical-mechanical planarization (CMP). It is now well-known that dummy fill insertion for CMP uniformity changes the back-end flow with respect to layout, parasitic extraction and performance analysis. Of equal import is dummy fill's impact on layout data volume and the manufacturing handoff. For future mask and foundry flows, as well as potential maskless (direct-write) applications, dummy fill layout data must be compressed at factors of 25 or greater. In this work, we propose and assess a number of lossless and lossy compression algorithms for dummy fill. Our methods are based on the building blocks of JBIG approaches - arithmetic coding, soft pattern matching, pattern matching and substitution, etc. We observe that the fill compression problem has a unique "one-sided" characteristic; we propose a technique of achieving one-sided loss by solving an asymmetric cover problem that is of independent interest. Our methods achieve substantial improvements over commercial binary image compression tools especially as fill data size becomes large.
The identity work of questioning in intellectual discussion

This article examines how questioning practices in intellectual discussion do identity work. Drawing upon the discussion discourse of a Ph.D. department's weekly colloquium, as well as several other sources, three aspects of intellectual identity are identified that are routinely at stake for academic presenters in discussion periods: their knowledgeability, originality, and level of intellectual sophistication. We identify and describe questioning practices that support and challenge these desired identities. Analysis of the discussion discourse shows how use of marked and unmarked question forms implicate a question recipient's knowledgeability level, how time references and interest queries imply a person's degree of originality, and how lexical choices can problematize presenters’ intellectual frameworks, which in turn can become challenges to their intellectual sophistication. The concluding section considers how the identity—implicative discourse analysis developed and used in the paper could become...
Medical student case presentation performance and perception when using mobile learning technology in the emergency department

Background: Hand-held mobile learning technology provides opportunities for clinically relevant selfinstructional modules to augment traditional bedside teaching. Using this technology as a teaching tool has not been well studied. We sought to evaluate medical students’ case presentation performance and perception when viewing short, just-in-time mobile learning videos using the iPod touch prior to patient encounters. Methods: Twenty-two fourth-year medical students were randomized to receive or not to receive instruction by video, using the iPod Touch, prior to patient encounters. After seeing a patient, they presented the case to their faculty, who completed a standard data collection sheet. Students were surveyed on their perceived confidence and effectiveness after using these videos. Results: Twenty-two students completed a total of 67 patient encounters. There was a statistically significant improvement in presentations when the videos were viewed for the first time (p=0.032). There was no difference when the presentations were summed for the entire rotation (p=0.671). The reliable (alpha=0.97) survey indicated that the videos were a useful teaching tool and gave students more confidence in their presentations. Conclusion: Medical student patient presentations were improved with the use of mobile instructional videos following first time use, suggesting mobile learning videos may be useful in medical student education. Clinical educators should consider whether, in an instance where live bedside or direct interactive teaching is unavailable, using just-in-time educational videos on a handheld device might be useful as a supplemental instructional strategy. Keywords: mobile technology; iPod touch; just-in-time learning; medical students; case presentations; bedside teaching; acutely ill patient; educational videos; handheld devices Published: 14 October 2011 Citation: Medical Education Online 2011, 16 : 7327 - DOI: 10.3402/meo.v16i0.7327
Case Studies In Introductory Courses

The introductory college classroom is the foundation of the learning process. It is a student’s first exposure to the subject. These courses are strong in basic concepts, but often inadequate in developing essential critical thinking and problem solving skills, required in the 21 st century workplace. This article discusses the steps required to offer adaptions of existing case studies in an introductory course resulting in an enriched learning community. First, we suggest strategies to overcome the challenges inherent in the incorporation of this pedagogy for introductory students. Then, we present a step-by-step approach for the adaption of existing case studies to fit the learning objectives of the introductory course as well as the skill set of your students. Next is the discussion of the setting of ground rules to establish expectations, encouraging a community of trust, and recommended methods for a purposeful discussion. Finally, we address assessment of the process, which leads to mastering the art of case study teaching.
License to Sin: The Politics and Opportunity Cost of Sexual Freedom

This paper presents the development of two Sexual Freedom Indexes for the 50 U.S. states for the year 2010. The indexes measure the degree to which the laws of the individual states encourage or discourage sexual freedom. Over a dozen variables are used to construct the index. Further, this paper runs some bivariate and multivariate regressions with the Sexual Freedom Indexes. One finding is that sexual freedom and economic freedom have a negative relationship. The paper seeks to complete a preliminary investigation into the role of time preferences, and the role of the median voter and interest groups in sexual freedom.
Two problems with self-deception : No self and no deception

While the idea that being wrong can be strategically advantageous in the context of social strategy is sound, the idea that there is a “self” to be deceived might not be. The modular view of the mind finesses this difficulty and is useful – perhaps necessary – for discussing the phenomena currently grouped under the term “self-deception.”
Getting Started with NIST* DTSA-II

Since its introduction in 2007, DTSA-II has been adopted by numerous researchers, and it has been integrated into numerous educational programs. This is the first of a series of articles in Microscopy Today that will appear in the upcoming months to provide an introduction to use of the product. These articles also will provide details of how DTSA-II can be used to implement best practices for microanalysis in your laboratory or in your teaching environment. These articles will demonstrate how to form the most accurate type of spectrum quantification—standards-base quantification—as well as how to use simulation to optimize various types of measurement problems. They will focus on using DTSA-II to understand the physical process including the interaction of energetic electrons with your sample and the propagation of x-rays through matter and to the detector.
Enumeration of National Airspace System uncertainties within an agent-based, state-based model

A framework for understanding the effect of various sources of uncertainty in the National Airspace System has been created and populated with data from various past efforts to quantify such sources. This framework identifies the specific agent functions in the NAS that are affected by these uncertainties and indicates their interactions. In addition, the effort has produced a comprehensive library of sources of uncertainty that can be used in future simulation efforts.
A Reassessment of the Effects of Appeals on Response to Mail Surveys

Two mail surveys were conducted to test experimentally the effect of using appeals and postscripts to stimulate response to mail surveys. The results indicate that use of appeals presented as posts...
Monitoring of Sidewall Spacer Etch by Optical Emission Spectroscopy and Mass Spectroscopy

Selective etch of SiO2/poly Si in a high density CF4+D2 plasma generated by ECR (Electron Cyclotron Resonance) system was studied. The end point detection of the SiO2 sidewall spacer etch was monitored using optical emission spectroscopy and mass spectrometer. SEM cross sectional analysis was conducted to confirm the end point detection and spacer formation.
Analysis on malaria epidemic situation of Shiyan City from 1995 to 2006

During 1995 to 2006,259 malaria cases were reported in Shiyan and the incidence rate fluctuates in 0.32 to 0.92 of ten thousands per year.Epidemic situation shows visible seasonal and regional character.The age of the cases mainly ranges from 15 to 44 years old.Male are more than female.Most of them are peasants and workers,and most of them were input cases.
Expression of OsBC88,a Rice Cellulose Synthase Catalytic Subunit Gene

Brittle culm mutant in gramineae plants is an ideal material for secondary cell wall research.Previous studies about bc88 mutant in rice show that BC88 encodes a cellulose synthase catalytic subunit,OsCesA9.The genetic transformation of rice by BC88 promoter fused with GUS vector showed that BC88 was expressed ubiquitously in root,stem,leaf,sheath,flower,with high expression in culm and root.The mutation in BC88 may affect normal development and function of root,thereby affect the shoot growth and lead to semi-dwarf phenotype.Transfer BC88 fused with GFP protein into rice and tobacco epidermal cells show that,OsCesA9 is located at plasma membrane where cellulose synthesized,coinciding with that OsCesA9 is one of the essential functional CESA units for cellulose synthesis of secondary cell wall.These results provided new information for analysis of BC88 biological function and it's of great significance for the further understanding of BC88 in regulating the secondary cell wall synthesis or other related process.
Blessings of a mixed marriage ... a creative approach to R.T. education.

Cooperative education programs produce confident students with realistic career goals, and employees who can immediately contribute to their department.
Use of Analogy and Comparative Thinking in Scientific Creativity and Gifted Education

Discerning similarities and differences are fundamental cognitive operations for learning. Four important strategies for engaging students in using these foundational operations (Marzano, Pickering, & Pollock, 2001) are (1) comparing similarities and contrasting differences; (2) classifying things into categories based on characteristics; (3) creating analogies that map relationships between pairs of concepts; and (4) creating metaphors that show similar patterns from different domains.
SU-F-J-33: On-Line Daily KV Image Protocol of Lung Patient Setup with Minimal CBCT

Purpose: This study's intent is to test if the first 3 fractions of an IGRT protocol consisting of a kV orthogonal pair and subsequent CBCT are representative of all remaining treatment fractions. Methods: At our institution the standard IGRT protocol includes CBCT after kV imaging for the first 3 fractions followed by daily kV and weekly CBCT. We randomly selected 20 lung patients who have at least 8 CBCTs in the entire treatment course (total 187 sets of orthogonal kV images plus CBCT). Our evaluation criterion is the fraction of kV-vs-CBCT position mismatches in the first 3 fractions. An additional CBCT is acquired if only 1 fraction mismatches among the first three. We define as 'protocol eligible’ (eGroup) the group of patients for whom the setups with kV images match within the pre-selected thresholds of 3, 4 and 5 mm those of the consecutive CBCTs for at least 60% of the fractions. A protocol ineligible (iGroup) is defined as the group of patients other than eGroup. Results: The fractions of patients in the eGroup were 70%, 85% and 95%, when the setup thresholds selected were 3, 4 and 5mm respectively. The sensitivities of determining iGroup from the first 3 fractions of kV and CBCT were 0.83, 1.0, and 1.0, and the specificities were 0.93, 0.94 and 0.89 with thresholds 3, 4 and 5 mm respectively. Conclusion: The method suggested here well categorized cases for our kV-based on-line IGRT protocol. More patients are eGroup eligible if larger setup threshold is used. CBCT frequency in the on-line daily kV plus weekly CBCT protocol may need to increase for protocol ineligible patients. Also, our IGRT CBCT frequency could be decreased when position differences between kVs and CBCTs are less than 1.5mm, the average positional standard deviation of out kV-CBCT sets.