cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Sweet and the Bitter of Drips: Modernity, Postcoloniality, and Coffee Culture in Taiwan

This article explores the history of coffee culture in Taiwan to highlight the complexities of the colonization and globalization of East Asia. Coffee is a not only drinkable commodity but it also carries unique cultural codes in postcolonial Taiwan. The authors recognize that local life and Western culture are entangled on this island, as a consequence of Taiwan’s colonial legacy and globalization. By examining the transnational industries and mass consumption of coffee, the authors argue that there are multiple layers of cultural complexity in Taiwan that reflect a postcolonial cosmology of this evolving society. In this article, the authors aim to construct a glocal (global—local) picture for further discussion about the practices of modernity and global imaginations embedded in the everyday life of postcolonial East Asia.
Preliminary study to facilitate smart structure systems in bridge girders

Sensors are currently available and used to monitor structural performance and loads incurred by bridges already in service. However, there has been limited research concerning the stresses that steel bridge girders endure during transport from the manufacturer to the job site and during the installation process. This paper reports the measured stresses on steel bridge girders during transportation from Lancaster, PA to Hanover, NH and during construction of the Ledyard Bridge on the New Hampshire - Vermont border. Two different monitoring system were developed for this data acquisition in a mobile environment. The first, a fiber optic strain monitoring system, utilizing Bragg grating technology. The second utilized an electrical- resistive foil strain gage network, in conjunction with wireless telemetry equipment. Together, these two systems formed a smart structure system for monitoring bridge girders while confirming the accuracy of data gathered through redundancy. Result conclusively demonstrated for the first time, that stresses in beams during transportation are significant and approach the factor of safety margin in girder design.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Cluster analysis of medical magnetic-resonance images data: diagnostic application and evaluation

We describe the application of statistical clustering algorithms (approximate fuzzy C-means (AFCM) and ISODATA) and a Bayesian/maximum likelihood (BfML) classifier for data dimension reduction and information extraction with MRI. Analyses were performed on 140 cranial and 6 body MR image data sets obtained at 1.5 Tesla (GE Signa) with a variety of pathologies. Cluster analysis methods were run in an unsupervised mode and used to segment image data sets into 32 classes. Unsupervised classification of new image data sets was achieved by training the B/ML classifier on the 32 cluster data set and using the second-order statistics to assign each new image pixel to a cluster centroid in feature space. A translation table was then used to combine these cluster assignments into nine "superclusters" or tissue types. Tissue classification results were evaluated using visual assessment by a radiologic expert and by statistical comparison with a "gold standard" tissue map. Comparison of the newly classified data to the gold standard image using a confusion matrix showed an overall accuracy of 91%. We have found that this approach can improve the diagnostic specificity of MRI and can be applied to new data in an unsupervised mode with a high degree of accuracy.
Expérience et technique de la gestion endovasculaire des lésions iatrogéniques de l'artère sous-clavière

Introduction Le catheterisme accidentel de l'artere sous-claviere au cours de la pose d'un acces veineux central est une complication bien connue. Historiquement, ces patients etaient controles avec une approche chirurgicale ouverte et repares sous vision directe par l'intermediaire d'une incision sous-claviculaire et/ou sus-claviculaire. Nous decrivons notre experience et technique pour la gestion endovasculaire de ces lesions. Methodes Vingt patients ont ete identifies comme ayant subi une insertion de canule iatrogenique accidentelle dans l'artere sous-claviere. Tous les cas ont ete controles par l'intermediaire d'une technique endovasculaire sous anesthesie locale. Apres correction de l'hemostase, un catheter glide de 4-French etait insere par voie percutanee dans l'artere brachiale homolaterale et place dans l'artere sous-claviere proximale. Apres une arteriographie et la localisation du site d'insertion arteriel sous-clavier, le catheter sous-clavier etait enleve et la compression a deux mains etait executee des deux cotes de la clavicule autour du site de ponction pendant 20 min. Une deuxieme angiographie etait executee, et s'il y avait la moindre extravasation, la pression etait maintenue pendant 20 min de plus. Si l'hemostase n'etait toujours pas obtenue, un stent couvert etait place par l'intermediaire de l'acces brachial pour reparer la lesion arterielle et pour controler le saignement. Resultats Deux des 20 patients ont necessite un stent couvert pour la persistance d'un saignement apres compression. Les deux patients etaient bien exclus apres la pose endovasculaire du stent. L'hemostase etait obtenue avec succes avec la compression a deux mains au-dessus du site de ponction chez les autres 18 patients. Il n'y avait aucune complication resultante de la ponction sous-claviere ou brachiale. Conclusion Cette approche endovasculaire mini-invasive des lesions iatrogeniques de l'artere sous-claviere est une alternative efficace au retrait a l'aveugle et compression manuelle ou reparation chirurgicale ouverte.
Turtle Bayou-Kent Bayou-North Turtle Bayou Complex: ABSTRACT

The Turtle Bayou-Kent Bayou-North Turtle Bayou Complex, located about 65 miles southwest of New Orleans in Terrebone Parish, Louisiana, consists of three separate fields producing from middle Miocene strata. The producing structures appear to be two domal-like features south of a regional, east-west-trending, down-to-the-south normal fault. As it enters the complex, the regional fault splinters into several separate faults, and on the north side of each of the End_Page 1600------------------------------ "splinters" a producing upthrown block is present. The closures developed on the regional fault splinters appear to be related to domal growth older than that accounting for the other two producing structures at the south. Sand development throughout the middle Miocene is best in upper parts of this interval, for deeper in the section some sands lose the blanket characteristic found in shallower zones and instead exhibit a channel-like geometry. The origin of deposition of any particular potential reservoir sand provides the limitations for the shape and extent of the bed and probably is a controlling factor in hydrocarbon accumulation. End_of_Article - Last_Page 1601------------
Discussion on Carbon Isotope Distribution Characteristics of Coalbed Methane and Gas Genetic Types

Abstract Using the measured results of coalbed methane (CBM) δ 13 C 1 of more 170 groups, the paper has analyzed the distribution characteristics and statistical regularity of δ 13 C 1 in coal seam gas in China. The values of δ 13 C 1 are between -73.3‰ ∼ -27.3, increasing with the coal rank in general, and after anthracite, the value of δ 13 C 1 goes to be stably fluctuating around -35‰. Based on the variation relationship between carbon isotope of CBM and coal rank, using the R max of coal vitrinite in coal as index, the origin of the coal seam gas is divided into three categories: secondary biogenetic gas, mixed genetic gas and thermogenetic gas. In addition, the paper has pointed out the gas genetic types of partial coal mining areas in our country.
Recalling the Public Oversight Board (1977-2002) and winners of the John J. McCloy Award

Abstract The Public Oversight Board (POB) was an independent, private sector body that, between 1977 and 2002, monitored and reported on the self-regulatory activities of the SEC Practice Section of the Division for CPA Firms of the AICPA. In retrospect, the POB served an important developmental purpose prior to legislation that established the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) in 2002. As a part of its activities, the POB began in 1989 to honor individuals who had made major contributions to auditing practice. This paper features profiles of individuals who contributed to the development of financial auditing in the United States and who were nationally recognized when the POB selected them as recipients of the John J. McCloy Award. The McCloy Award, given to recognize individual contributions to the achievement of audit excellence by the POB between 1989 and 2001, honored those who advanced the activities of the external auditing profession. McCloy, for whom the award was named, served as the POB's chairman from its inception in 1977 to 1984. As a diplomat and public servant, this non-accountant accumulated a distinguished record of service over his career. The McCloy Award winners were the exemplars of public accountability. Winners had a mix of backgrounds; some had been president or chairman of the AICPA or had won the AICPA Gold Medal for Distinguished Service. Still other McCloy winners were not involved with publicly-held clients on a regular basis, or were not practicing accountants, but whose recognition was merited because of their insistence on the public accountability of the auditing profession. Regardless, the McCloy Award recipients represent those who contributed to the effectiveness of the public auditing process in the United States. To date the PCAOB has not elected to continue the McCloy Award or to establish a similar recognition.
Central pain Diagnosis and treatment strategies

The pathophysiology of central pain (CP) remains poorly understood. The paucity of objective findings on clinical examination of some of these patients can add to the difficulty in establishing a concrete diagnosis of CP. A pathophysiologic conceptual framework has been established to provide guidance. The goal of treatment should be pain reduction rather than complete pain relief. Surgical procedures have been used for specific causes of CP, but no one surgical technique helps relieve pain over the long term in all CP patients. Likewise, no one pharmacologic agent is successful in all CP patients, and pain relief is often incomplete. Pharmacologic treatment may take the form of stepwise addition of various agents, the cornerstone of which are antidepressants, followed by anticonvulsants, opioids, and other drugs. If all standard pharmacologic treatments fail, treatment of psychological problems induced by chronic pain is necessary since depression and the risk of suicide are significant in patients with poorly controlled CP.
How accurately can the peak skin dose in fluoroscopy be determined using indirect dose metrics

Purpose: Skin dosimetry is important for fluoroscopically-guided interventions, as peak skin doses (PSD) that result in skin reactions can be reached during these procedures. There is no consensus as to whether or not indirect skin dosimetry is sufficiently accurate for fluoroscopically-guided interventions. However, measuring PSD with film is difficult and the decision to do so must be madea priori. The purpose of this study was to assess the accuracy of different types of indirect dose estimates and to determine if PSD can be calculated within ±50% using indirect dose metrics for embolization procedures. Methods: PSD were measured directly using radiochromic film for 41 consecutive embolization procedures at two sites. Indirect dose metrics from the procedures were collected, including reference air kerma. Four different estimates of PSD were calculated from the indirect dose metrics and compared along with reference air kerma to the measured PSD for each case. The four indirect estimates included a standard calculation method, the use of detailed information from the radiation dose structured report, and two simplified calculation methods based on the standard method. Indirect dosimetry results were compared with direct measurements, including an analysis of uncertainty associated with film dosimetry. Factors affecting the accuracy of the different indirect estimates were examined. Results: When using the standard calculation method, calculated PSD were within ±35% for all 41 procedures studied. Calculated PSD were within ±50% for a simplified method using a single source-to-patient distance for all calculations. Reference air kerma was within ±50% for all but one procedure. Cases for which reference air kerma or calculated PSD exhibited large (±35%) differences from the measured PSD were analyzed, and two main causative factors were identified: unusually small or large source-to-patient distances and large contributions to reference air kerma from cone beam computed tomography or acquisition runs acquired at large primary gantry angles. When calculated uncertainty limits [−12.8%, 10%] were applied to directly measured PSD, most indirect PSD estimates remained within ±50% of the measured PSD. Conclusions: Using indirect dose metrics, PSD can be determined within ±35% for embolization procedures. Reference air kerma can be used without modification to set notification limits and substantial radiation dose levels, provided the displayed reference air kerma is accurate. These results can reasonably be extended to similar procedures, including vascular and interventional oncology. Considering these results, film dosimetry is likely an unnecessary effort for these types of procedures when indirect dose metrics are available.
COMPUTERIZED SOLUTION FOR SIGNALIZED INTERSECTION SERVICE VOLUMES

The 1985 Highway Capacity Manual defines level of service as a function of the average vehicular stopped delay. The complexity of the equation to calculate this delay, however, makes the determination of service volumes required to produce a desired delay very difficult. Simple computerized techniques can be used for intersections where permitted phasing is not provided. Iterative solutions are required, however, where permitted phasing is provided. An iterative procedure to determine initial estimates of the service volumes for each lane group required to produce a desired delay is described and verified. After the initial solutions are obtained, the shared lane groups are checked for de‐facto left‐turn lanes. If necessary, the computations are repeated for each of these lane groups assuming an exclusive left‐turn lane with permitted signal phasing.
A computer-assisted image processing method for determining relative cardiac function in the chick embryo

The general objective of this study was to develop a noninva-sive method for efficiently and reproducibly determining relative cardiac function parameters in the chick embryo. The specific objectives of the study were 1) to develop several methods for computer-assisted image processing and quan-titation of relative intraventricular blood volumes in the 3-day-old embryonic chick heart and 2) to compare methods for precision and with a previously established manual processing method. Images of the embryonic chick heart in ovo were recorded on videocassette tape, digitized, and enhanced by computer-aided histogram equalization. The area occupied by blood within the common ventricle was extracted by region-growing and spurious region removal algorithms and defined by the determination of edge-pixel coordinates. Edge-pixel coordinates of the longitudinal and transverse axes of the common ventricular blood region were located by three different methods, the lengths of the axes calculated, and volumes computed from the equation for determining volume of a prolate spheroid. Twenty-five images of the embryonic heart were randomly selected and processed. Volumes were calculated with each of the three methods on six different occasions. A coefficient of variation was determined for each image by each of the three methods. A mean coefficient of variation was calculated for each method. The intraobserver mean coefficient of variation for each method was 7.4%. When a 2-way ANOVA was conducted, mean coefficients of variation did not differ significantly for the three methods. However, computer processing (in addition to significantly reducing the time required to generate data) reduced the coefficient of variation observed in manual processing by 56.5%.
Fully coupled finite element model for dynamics of partially saturated soils

Abstract Understanding the response of partially saturated earth structures under various static and dynamic loads is important for the design and construction of economical and safe geotechnical engineering structures. In this study, the numerical approach is used to understand the dynamics of partially saturated soils. The mathematical equations governing the dynamics of partially saturated soils are derived based on the theory of mixtures and implemented within a finite element framework. The stress–strain behavior of the soil is represented by an elasto-plastic constitutive model for unsaturated soil based on bounding surface concept and the moisture-suction behavior is modeled using van Genuchten model. Fully coupled finite element simulations are performed to study the response of partially saturated soil embankment under earthquake loading and validated with centrifuge test results available in the literature. The predicted displacement responses are in good agreement with the measured responses. The pore water pressure, pore air pressure, matric suction, the degree of saturation in various elements and the response of the embankment under different initial moisture content are also discussed.
System integration of a miniature rotorcraft for aerial tele-operation research

This paper describes the development and integration of the systems required for research into human interaction with a tele-operated miniature rotorcraft. Because of the focus on vehicles capable of operating indoors, the size of the vehicle was limited to 35 cm, and therefore the hardware had to be carefully chosen to meet the ensuing size and weight constraints, while providing sufficient flight endurance. The components described in this work include the flight hardware, electronics, sensors, and software necessary to conduct tele-operation experiments. The integration tasks fall into three main areas. First, the paper discusses the choice of rotorcraft platform best suited for indoor operation addressing the issues of size, payload capabilities, and power consumption. The second task was to determine what electronics and sensing could be integrated into a rotorcraft with significant payload limitations. Finally, the third task involved characterizing the various components both individually and as a complete system. The paper concludes with an overview of ongoing tele-operation research performed with the embedded rotorcraft platform.
Development of Advanced Verification and Validation Procedures and Tools for the Certification of Learning Systems in Aerospace Applications

Adaptive control technologies that incorporate learning algorithms have been proposed to enable automatic flight control and vehicle recovery, autonomous flight, and to maintain vehicle performance in the face of unknown, changing, or poorly defined operating environments. In order for adaptive control systems to be used in safety-critical aerospace applications, they must be proven to be highly safe and reliable. Rigorous methods for adaptive software verification and validation must be developed to ensure that control system software failures will not occur. Of central importance in this regard is the need to establish reliable methods that guarantee convergent learning, rapid convergence (learning) rate, and algorithm stability. This paper presents the major problems of adaptive control systems that use learning to improve performance. The paper then presents the major procedures and tools presently developed or currently being developed to enable the verification, validation, and ultimate certification of these adaptive control systems. These technologies include the application of automated program analysis methods, techniques to improve the learning process, analytical methods to verify stability, methods to automatically synthesize code, simulation and test methods, and tools to provide on-line software assurance.
The year cycle of Eudiaptomus vulgaris (Schmeil, 1896) (Copepoda, Calanoida) in a small, acid water body during 1973. Development in the natural habitat and relationships between temperature and duration of development stages

The development of a population of Eudiaptomus vulgaris (Schmeil, 1896) in the Meeuwenven, a shallow acid guanotrofic moorland pool, has been described during one year. The population hibernates as copepodite 5 stages, adults and, to a small extent as naupliar stages N1, N2 and N3 (which could not develop further at low temperatures in autumn). In spring the population development starts at temperatures above 10°C and shows 3 or 4 pulses a year. An attempt has been made to explain seasonal changes in the size of adult males and females and in the sex ratio. In order to establish the duration of the various development stages, the animals have been cultured at different temperatures under illumination with 2000 Lux at a daylength of 14 hours. An adequate quantity of food from the natural habitat was available. Total egg development and total naupliar and copepodite development have been compared with the results of other workers, especially with those from Eckstein (1964), who studied Eudiaptomus vulgaris in the deep Schluchsee. The duration curves do not differ markedly with those of Eckstein and are strongly temperature dependent. The relation between the development times of the various stages with temperature can be generally expressed as parabolic regressions of the type D = a + b1T + b2T2, the C5 and adult stages being the only exception at higher temperatures. Comparison of the relative duration of the stages at different temperatures did show that younger stages can take a larger share of the total development time at lower temperatures, stage N6 being the most temperature-sensitive.
What’s new about policy analysis research?

p olicy analysis or policy studies can be broadly defined as the study of the nature, causes, and effects, of alternative public policies. Sometimes policy analysis is more specifically defined to refer to the methods used in analyzing public policies. The main methods, however, are no different from those associated with social science and the scientific method in general, except that they are applied to variables and subject matters involving t'elations among policies, policy causes, and policy effects. In that sense, policy analysis is not something new methodologically. There are, however, at least two relatively new and exciting developments that are becoming increasingly associated with policy analysis. One new development involves a concern for deducing the effects of alternative public policies before the policies are adopted, as contrasted to the more usual approach of quantitatively or nonquantitatively evaluating policies betore and after they have been adopted. Deductive modeling involves drawing conclusions about the effects of policies from empirically tested premises, although the conclusions have not necessarily been empirically tested. A second new development involves a concern for determining an optimum policy or combination of policies for achieving a given goal or set of goals. This evaluative approach can be contrasted with the more common situation where policies are taken as givens and the researcher attempts to determine the extent to which they are achieving their desired effects. The purpose of this article is to present a few general principles concerning these new developments of deducing policy effects and of optimizing policy alternatives, and especially to present some illustrative examples. The examples are mainly taken from the criminal justice field, but one can see by analogy how the basic methods are applicable to a great variety of public policies.
Meprin β metalloprotease gene polymorphisms associated with diabetic nephropathy in the Pima Indians

There is evidence that susceptibility to diabetic nephropathy has a significant genetic component. This investigation tested the hypothesis that variations in the structural or regulatory regions of the MEP1B gene are related to susceptibility to diabetic nephropathy in the Pima Indian population. The structure of the human MEP1B gene on chromosome 18 was determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification. Samples from 154 diabetic individuals were analyzed for polymorphisms. These individuals belonged to 65 sibships with at least one sibling pair discordant for diabetic nephropathy. Approximately half of the individuals had diabetic nephropathy. Of the 154 samples, there were 91 discordant sibling pairs. Sequencing revealed 19 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the MEP1B gene. SNPs 1–5 were in the 5′ region upstream of the start site for transcription; SNPs 6, 7, 9, 11–15, 17, and 19 were within introns; SNPs 8, 10, 16, and 18 were in exons 4, 9, 12, and 14. SNP 18 was the only one that results in an amino acid change (proline to leucine in the cytoplasmic tail). No overall associations were found for individual SNPs. Within-family association tests found significant results for SNPs 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 11, 18, and 19 such that the more common allele was more frequently observed in those with nephropathy than in their unaffected siblings. The present study demonstrates significant within-family association for SNPs in MEP1B gene with diabetic nephropathy. These results could be explained by functional effects of one or more of these SNPs or by linkage disequilibrium with a nearby functional locus.
Convergence of stochastic orbit computations

Abstract Numerical integrations of stochastic orbits generally fail to yield convergent values of the particle position and velocity at a given time. In what sense do such computations remain valid? It is shown that numerical integrations accurately predict the global topography of stochastic orbits over long times compared to the field period. In numerical solutions of the Vlasov equation, no single particle is followed long enough to become stochastic. Do such solutions yield stochastic diffusion? This question is examined by comparing computations involving averages over a large number of stochastic particles with numerical solutions of the Vlasov equation.
Is foraging in the desert ant, Messor pergandei (Hymenoptera: Formiceidae), limited by water?

. 1 The seed-harvesting ant Messor (Veromessor) prrgandei (Mayr) is a common inhabitant of southwestern deserts of the U.S.A. Foragers vary in size from less than 1 mg to more than 10 mg in body mass and may travel over 80 m on a single foraging trip. Their small size, long foraging range, and hot, arid habitat suggest that water stress may limit foraging activity. We examined intercolony and interindividual variation in water loss of M.pergandei foragers under several different situations in the field. 2 Colonies differed significantly in minimum critical water content (Wc) of individual foragers (water content below which foragers are incapable of normal locomotion). In one colony small workers had disproportionately higher Wc than larger workers; in the other colony Wc was isometric with body size. 3 Groups of workers confined in the field approached Wc only after normal foraging stopped and substrate temperatures exceeded 45°C, while water content of individual foragers did not approach the Wc during normal foraging periods. Moreover, seed load and distance travelled did not negatively affect forager water content, as measured on return to the nest: indeed, our results suggest that forager hydration level may influence load selection and/or foraging distance. We conclude that, under normal circumstances, foraging in M.pergandei is not water-limited.
A study of blood pressure in children

The difficulty of accurately recording the blood pressure of children undergoing routine health care and the prevalence of hypertension in such a population were studied in this survey of 493 children. Little attention is given to hypertension in the pediatric patient. Blood pressure readings and family histories were taken of 484 children.
Identification of Aeromonas trota (hybridization group 13) by amplification of the aerolysin gene using polymerase chain reaction.

Abstract Aeromonas trotais recognized as an important enteropathogen, and its haemolysin (aerolysin) is purported to be one of the virulence factors. Rapid detection and identification ofA. trotais important for early and specific diagnosis of the infectious diseases that it causes. Synthetic oligonucleotide primers were used in a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique to amplify a species-specific sequence of theaerAgene, which encodes the aerolysin ofA. trota. A DNA fragment of 622 bp was amplified from both lysed cells and isolated DNA fromA. trota. The identity of the amplified 622 bp fragment was confirmed by digestion withBamHI restriction endonuclease, which produced the predicted 557 and 65 bp fragments. The lower limit for detection of theaerAgene by PCR amplification was 10 pg of total DNA or 10–15 cells ml−1. Primer specificity forA. trotawas determined by the PCR assay with cells of 55 strains ofAeromonassppincluding all of the 14 currently recognized DNA hybridization groups. A strain ofAeromonas enteropelogenesthat had been reclassified asA. trotawas also PCR positive. The method described here can be used to detect aerolysin-producingA. trota(hybridization group 13) strains from environmental and clinical samples without the use of selective media or additional biochemical tests.
Retinal vein occlusion and transient monocular visual loss associated with hyperhomocystinemia.

Purpose To report a 24-year-old man with bilateral central retinal vein occlusions who had preceding episodes of prolonged transient monocular visual loss during which ophthalmoscopic findings were not suggestive of vein occlusion. Method Case report. Result Extensive hematologic studies for causes of vein occlusion were unremarkable with the exception of increased plasma homocysteine in the patient and in his asymptomatic father. Conclusions Impending vein occlusion should be considered in the differential diagnosis of transient monocular visual loss regardless of ophthalmoscopic appearance, and hyperhomocystinemia should be considered as a possible cause of retinal vein occlusion.
Flirting with Meaning

Representational views of language and communication view ambiguity as a problem to be solved. An alternative approach treats ambiguity as an opportunity to challenge, skirt, and reinvent received knowledge and identity. In so doing, this approach makes a connection between epistemology and ontology, linguistic and existential meaning. This article describes this perspective on language and communication and offers three practical examples of how resources of ambiguity can be used to flirt with new, different notions of self and the world.
Neuromechanical sensor fusion yields highest accuracies in predicting ambulation mode transitions for trans-tibial amputees

Advances in battery and actuator technology have enabled clinical use of powered lower limb prostheses such as the BiOM Powered Ankle. To allow ambulation over various types of terrains, such devices rely on built-in mechanical sensors or manual actuation by the amputee to transition into an operational mode that is suitable for a given terrain. It is unclear if mechanical sensors alone can accurately modulate operational modes while voluntary actuation prevents seamless, naturalistic gait. Ensuring that the prosthesis is ready to accommodate new terrain types at first step is critical for user safety. EMG signals from patient's residual leg muscles may provide additional information to accurately choose the proper mode of prosthesis operation. Using a pattern recognition classifier we compared the accuracy of predicting 8 different mode transitions based on (1) prosthesis mechanical sensor output (2) EMG recorded from residual limb and (3) fusion of EMG and mechanical sensor data. Our findings indicate that the neuromechanical sensor fusion significantly decreases errors in predicting 10 mode transitions as compared to using either mechanical sensors or EMG alone (2.3±0.7% vs. 7.8±0.9% and 20.2±2.0% respectively).
Flux enhancement for membrane filtration of bacterial suspensions using high‐frequency backpulsing

A promising method for reducing membrane fouling during crossflow microfiltration of biological suspensions is backpulsing. Very short backpulses (0.1-1.0 s) have been used to increase the net flux for washed bacterial suspensions and whole bacterial fermentation broths. The net fluxes under optimum backpulsing conditions for the washed bacteria are approximately 10-fold higher than those obtained during normal crossflow microfiltration operation, whereas only a 2-fold improvement in the net flux is achieved for the fermentation broths. A theory is presented that is based on external fouling during forward filtration and nonuniform cleaning of the membrane during reverse filtration. The model contains an adjustable parameter which is a measure of the cleaning efficiency during backpulsing; the cleaning efficiency found by fitting the model to the experiments increases with increasing frequency and duration of the backpulses. The theory predicts an optimum backpulsing frequency, as was observed experimentally. An economic analysis shows that crossflow microfiltration with backpulsing has lower costs than centrifugation, rotary vacuum filtration, and crossflow microfiltration without backpulsing.
Scaling relationships for the abrasion of steel by diamondlike carbon coatings

In previous work we found that the rate of abrasion of steel by metal-containing diamondlike carbon Me-DLC coatings is not constant but decreases significantly during the course of our test. In this work we provide quantitative scaling relationships which show how the time dependence of the abrasion rate of a steel ball by a Me-DLC-coated disk varies with important parameters of dry sliding wear such as sliding velocity, distance travelled, number of cycles, and wear track radius. We also demonstrate how to predict wear volume when the wear track radius is changed in the middle of an experiment. We show that changes in the Me-DLC coatings, not in the (steel ball) counterparts, are responsible for the reduction in the measured abrasion rates. We find that the volume of steel abraded does not depend strongly on the average nominal contact stress between the coated coupon and the steel ball or on the state of wear of the ball.
Detecting Spillover Effects: Design and Analysis of Multilevel Experiments

Interpersonal communication presents a methodological challenge and a research opportunity for researchers involved in field experiments. The challenge is that communication among subjects blurs the line between treatment and control conditions. When treatment effects are transmitted from subject to subject, the stable unit treatment value assumption (SUTVA) is violated, and comparison of treatment and control outcomes may provide a biased assessment of the treatment’s causal influence. Social scientists are increasingly interested in the substantive phenomena that lead to SUTVA violations, such as communication in advance of an election. Experimental designs that gauge SUTVA violations provide useful insights into the extent and influence of interpersonal communication. This article illustrates the value of one such design, a multilevel experiment in which treatments are randomly assigned to individuals and varying proportions of their neighbors. After describing the theoretical and statistical underpinnings of this design, we apply it to a large-scale voter-mobilization experiment conducted in Chicago during a special election in 2009 using social-pressure mailings that highlight individual electoral participation. We find some evidence of within-household spillovers but no evidence of spillovers across households. We conclude by discussing how multilevel designs might be employed in other substantive domains, such as the study of deterrence and policy diffusion.
Influence of Aspect Ratio on End Wall Flows of Surface Mounted Obstacles

Flow in the juncture of surface mounted stream-lined slabs of various aspect ratios was studied in a low speed wind tunnel for laminar as well as turbulent approach boundary layer conditions for Reynolds number of 70,000, 90,000 and 120,000. For a laminar approach boundary layer a wavy structure along the primary separation line was observed for an aspect ratio of 1 while at higher aspect ratios and in case of the turbulent boundary layer for all aspect ratios this pattern was not visible. Mean pressures measured along the plane of symmetry on the surface exhibited influence of aspect ratio as well as boundary layer condition. While the surface pressure gradient for the turbulent case continuously increased in the direction of the slab, the laminar boundary layer case had a distinct change in slope, the location of which was aspect ratio dependent. Additionally the pressure gradient for the turbulent boundary layer was lower in comparison to the laminar boundary layer. The pressure differential at the mean vortex location for the turbulent boundary layer was higher than the laminar boundary layer case and reduced with increasing aspect ratio for both cases. The mean vortex location moved away from the slab leading edge with increasing aspect ratio for the laminar case while movement in case of the turbulent boundary layer was not discernable. The mean vortex locations for the turbulent boundary layer were further upstream as compared to the laminar boundary layer cases
Thermal stability of polysilicon resistors

The stability of polysilicon sheet resistance was studied as a function of conventional furnace anneal (CFA) and rapid thermal anneal (RTA). Polysilicon films of 100, 200, and 300 nm thickness were doped with boron, borofluoride, arsenic, or phosphorus and subjected to a CFA anneal matrix simulating the thermal cycles of a digital base BiCMOS process. RTA was introduced at the beginning or the end of the CFA anneal cycle to study its effectiveness in stabilizing the sheet resistance. CFA temperature was varied from 550 to 900 degrees C, and RTA temperature from 900 to 1100 degrees C. Throughout this range, it was found that the resistance depends primarily on the final anneal temperature and duration. The resistance increases substantially when the samples are subjected to a final low temperature anneal cycle, and decreases dramatically when followed by high temperature RTA. This was observed for arsenic- phosphorus-, and boron-doped films. It is suggested that the duration of cooling plays an important role in determining the nominal film resistance, thus explaining the efficiency of RTA in reducing and stabilizing the resistance. The results are compared with available models on dopant redistribution and carrier transport in polysilicon films. >
Carotenoid-based coloration is associated with predation risk, competition, and breeding status in female convict cichlids ( Amatitlania siquia ) under field conditions

The signaling function of carotenoid-based orange ventral coloration expressed by female convict cichlids (A. siquia) is still largely unknown. This field study examined the relationship between breeding female A. siquia orange coloration and predation stress, territorial competition, and offspring developmental stage. Female orange coloration decreased significantly with increased behavioral interactions with predators and heterospecific competitors, and the presence of wrigglers, fry, or juveniles was significantly associated with a lack of orange coloration. Multiple alternative explanations for these observations are discussed, including body carotenoid re-allocation and variation in environmental characteristics.
Exercise, weight loss, and changes in body composition in mice: phenotypic relationships and genetic architecture

The regulation of body weight and composition is complex, simultaneously affected by genetic architecture, the environment, and their interactions. We sought to analyze the complex phenotypic relat...
Digital and analog gene circuits for biotechnology

Biotechnology offers the promise of valuable chemical production via microbial processing of renewable and inexpensive substrates. Thus far, static metabolic engineering strategies have enabled this field to advance industrial applications. However, the industrial scaling of statically engineered microbes inevitably creates inefficiencies due to variable conditions present in large-scale microbial cultures. Synthetic gene circuits that dynamically sense and regulate different molecules can resolve this issue by enabling cells to continuously adapt to variable conditions. These circuits also have the potential to enable next-generation production programs capable of autonomous transitioning between steps in a bioprocess. Here, we review the design and application of two main classes of dynamic gene circuits, digital and analog, for biotechnology. Within the context of these classes, we also discuss the potential benefits of digital-analog interconversion, memory, and multi-signal integration. Though synthetic gene circuits have largely been applied for cellular computation to date, we envision that utilizing them in biotechnology will enhance the efficiency and scope of biochemical production with living cells.
Precision in managing organisational change: identifying and analysing needs using social constructs

The discourse presented in this paper focuses on the deployment of Appreciative Inquiry (AI) to determine organisational needs. The AI methodology enables a co-constructed and systematic analysis that gives a clear and accurate assessment of prevailing cultural conditions, a prerequisite step in introducing and managing change. Using AI will enable deep change to occur. AI is one of the best methods in organisational transformation that has revolutionised how change is introduced and managed. The methodology is a complete change management process equipped with tools for measurement and evaluation of culture in organisations, an interview protocol, and a framework for creating desired change and positivism. The method uses a Four-Dimension Cycle (Four-D Cycle) as its technological hub for determining organisational needs, continued co-constructing of a shared vision, and developing concerted efforts in fulfilling desirable destiny. Using AI as the intervention of choice, this paper draws a discourse that focuses on getting the organisational needs right the first time and the successful implementation of long-lasting desirable change.
Muslim Zion: Pakistan as a Political Idea. By Faisal Devji. (Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 2013. Pp. vii, 278. $21.95.)

Editorial Office: Elliott Hall IV, Ohio Wesleyan University;Delaware, OH 43015. Telephone: 740‐368‐3642. Facsimile: 740‐368‐3643.E‐mail Address: brhistor@owu.eduWeb Address: http://go.owu.edu/~brhi...
Supporting Collaborative Problem Solving in Engineering Design Teams

The effect of question prompt and role clarification tools on student team performance within university civil engineering design teams was examined in this quasi-experimental study. Civil Engineering students (N = 122) in sixteen teams were matched and randomly assigned to teams which were then randomly assigned to one of four conditions, question prompts (QP), role clarification (R), both (QP+R), and neither (N). Data collection included pre-post project questionnaires, interviews, and individual and team project grades. The measures included team grades, team interaction levels, and satisfaction with the team process. Findings revealed that teams using both question prompt and role scaffolds performed better and had higher levels of satisfaction. Teams in this condition appeared to coordinate more quickly and developed their own questions more often than other teams. We discuss how the findings may inform the design of blended learning environments.
Evolutionarily Conserved TCR Binding Sites, Identification of T Cells in Primary Lymphoid Tissues, and Surprising Trans-Rearrangements in Nurse Shark

Cartilaginous fish are the oldest animals that generate RAG-based Ag receptor diversity. We have analyzed the genes and expressed transcripts of the four TCR chains for the first time in a cartilaginous fish, the nurse shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum). Northern blotting found TCR mRNA expression predominantly in lymphoid and mucosal tissues. Southern blotting suggested translocon-type loci encoding all four chains. Based on diversity of V and J segments, the expressed combinatorial diversity for γ is similar to that of human, α and β may be slightly lower, and δ diversity is the highest of any organism studied to date. Nurse shark TCRδ have long CDR3 loops compared with the other three chains, creating binding site topologies comparable to those of mammalian TCR in basic paratope structure; additionally, nurse shark TCRδ CDR3 are more similar to IgH CDR3 in length and heterogeneity than to other TCR chains. Most interestingly, several cDNAs were isolated that contained IgM or IgW V segments rearranged to other gene segments of TCRδ and α. Finally, in situ hybridization experiments demonstrate a conservation of both α/β and γ/δ T cell localization in the thymus across 450 million years of vertebrate evolution, with γ/δ TCR expression especially high in the subcapsular region. Collectively, these data make the first cellular identification of TCR-expressing lymphocytes in a cartilaginous fish.
Identification of synchronous machine parameters for stability models, using synchronizing tests

Connecting a synchronous machine to a power system, when the magnitude and the angle of the machine terminal voltage are different from those of the system, makes a synchronizing test in which the transient behavior is affected by the parameters of both axes of the machine. The transient data of several synchronizing tests is obtained using a computer program, hereafter called the first program, to simulate the tests. Each set of transient data obtained from this computer program together with quasilinearization are used in another computer program, called hereafter the second program, to identify the machine reactances along the two axes. The values determined for xe, xd, x′d, x″d and xq from the second computer program are compared with those used in the first program to measure the goodness of quasilinearization and synchronizing tests in the identification of synchronous machine parameters.
Total dose effects in a linear Voltage regulator

Experiments and simulations are used to analyze the total-dose response of a linear voltage regulator. Degradation of the dynamic output range of the error amplifier is determined to be responsible for the regulator failure. We present a first-order model to reproduce total dose circuit and system response. Modification of the bias circuitry in the error amplifier using beta compensation techniques is shown to harden the system to a significantly higher total dose level.
An Image Processing Tool for Efficient Feature Extraction in Computer-Aided Detection Systems

In this paper, we present an image processing tool that supports efficient image feature extraction and pre-processing developed in the context of a computer-aided detection (CAD) system for lung cancer nodule detection from CT images. We outline the main functionalities of the tool, which implements a number of novel methods for handling image pre-processing and feature extraction tasks. In particular, we describe an efficient way to compute the run-length feature, a photometric feature describing the texture of an image.