cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Saddle-point technique for inner-shell-vacancy problems in quantum mechanics

In this paper a theorem is proved which shows that a physical system with an inner-shell vacancy corresponds to the saddle-point energy solution in the Rayleigh-Ritz variation method if the vacancy is built explicitly into the wave function. This enables us to calculate the inner-shell-vacancy states of a many-body system from first principles. This method is very easy to use and should be applicable to many areas of physics.
Water turnover rates in the megalopa and crab stages I–V of Pinnixa occidentalis

Abstract 1. 1. Water turnover rates, measured as the rate of release of tritium, were determined for the megalopa and crab stages I–V of Pinnixa occidentalis . 2. 2. Mean values for rate constants and half-times were 3.27 ± 1.64 hr −1 and 0.28 ± 0.17 hr, respectively. Differences in rates for different stages were not statistically significant. Therefore, body size or life stage apparently did not influence water turnover rates in this crab.
Cognitive Dissonance and Yielding Behavior

(1960). Cognitive Dissonance and Yielding Behavior. The Journal of Psychology: Vol. 50, No. 2, pp. 205-208.
Modulation of rat cardiac sodium channel by the stimulatory G protein α subunit

1. Modulation of cardiac sodium currents (INa) by the G protein stimulatory alpha subunit (Gsalpha) was studied using patch-clamp techniques on freshly dissociated rat ventricular myocytes. 2. Whole-cell recordings showed that stimulation of beta-adrenergic receptors with 10 microM isoprenaline (isoproterenol, ISO) enhanced INa by 68.4 +/- 9.6 % (mean +/- s.e.m.; n = 7, P < 0.05 vs. baseline). With the addition of 22 microgram ml-1 protein kinase A inhibitor (PKI) to the pipette solution, 10 microM ISO enhanced INa by 30.5 +/- 7.0 % (n = 7, P < 0.05 vs. baseline). With the pipette solution containing both PKI and 20 microgram ml-1 anti-Gsalpha IgG or 20 microgram ml-1 anti-Gsalpha IgG alone, 10 microM ISO produced no change in INa. 3. The effect of Gsalpha on INa was not due to changes in the steady-state activation or inactivation curves, the time course of current decay, the development of inactivation, or the recovery from inactivation. 4. Whole-cell INa was increased by 45.2 +/- 5.3% (n = 13, P < 0.05 vs. control) with pipette solution containing 1 microM Gsalpha27-42 peptide (amino acids 27-42 of rat brain Gsalpha) without altering the properties of Na+ channel kinetics. Furthermore, application of 1 nM Gsalpha27-42 to Na+ channels in inside-out macropatches increased the ensemble-averaged INa by 32.5 +/- 6.8 % (n = 8, P < 0.05 vs. baseline). The increase in INa was reversible upon Gsalpha27-42 peptide washout. Single channel experiments showed that the Gsalpha27-42 peptide did not alter the Na+ single channel current amplitude, the mean open time or the mean closed time, but increased the number of functional channels (N) in the patch. 5. Application of selected short amino acid segments (Gsalpha27-36, Gsalpha33-42 and Gsalpha30-39) of the 16 amino acid Gsalpha peptide (Gsalpha27-42 peptide) showed that only the C-terminal segment of this peptide (Gsalpha33-42) significantly increased INa in a dose-dependent fashion. These results show that cardiac INa is regulated by Gsalpha via a mechanism independent of PKA that results in an increase in the number of functional Na+ channels. In addition, a 10 residue domain (amino acids 33-42) near the N-terminus of Gsalpha is important in modulating cardiac Na+ channels.
Microbial community interactions and population dynamics of an algicidal bacterium active against Karenia brevis (Dinophyceae)

Abstract The population dynamics of Cytophaga strain 41-DBG2, a bacterium algicidal to the harmful algal bloom (HAB) dinoflagellate Karenia brevis, were investigated in laboratory experiments using fluorescent in-situ hybridization (FISH) and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). Following its introduction into non-axenic K. brevis cultures at concentrations of 103 or 105 bacterial cells per milliliter, 41-DBG2 increased to 106 cells per milliliter before initiation of its algicidal activity. Such threshold concentrations were not achieved when starting algal cell numbers were relatively low (103 cells per milliliter), suggesting that the growth of this bacterium may require high levels of dissolved organic matter (DOM) excreted by the algae. It remains to be determined whether this threshold concentration is required to trigger an algicidal response by 41-DBG2 or, alternatively, is the point at which the bacterium accumulates to an effective killing concentration. The ambient microbial community associated with these algal cultures, as determined by DGGE profiles, did not change until after K. brevis cells were in the process of lysing, indicating a response to the rapid input of algal-derived organic matter. Resistance to algicidal attack exhibited by several K. brevis clones was found to result from the inhibition of 41-DBG2 growth in the presence of currently unculturable bacteria associated with those clones. These bacteria apparently prevented 41-DBG2 from reaching the threshold concentration required for initiation of algicidal activity. Remarkably, resistance and susceptibility to the algicidal activity of 41-DBG2 could be transferred between K. brevis clones with the exchange of their respective unattached bacterial communities, which included several dominant phylotypes belonging to the α-proteobacteria, γ-proteobacteria, and Cytophaga–Flavobacterium–Bacteroides (CFB) groups. We hypothesize that CFB bacteria may be successfully competing with 41-DBG2 (also a member of the CFB) for nutrients, thereby inhibiting growth of the latter and indirectly providing resistance against algicidal attack. We conclude that if algicidal bacteria play a significant role in regulating HAB dynamics, as some authors have inferred, bacterial community interactions are crucial factors that must be taken into consideration in future studies.
Forested Landscapes Promote Richness and Abundance of Native Bees (Hymenoptera: Apoidea: Anthophila) in Wisconsin Apple Orchards

Wild bees provide vital pollination services for many native and agricultural plant species, yet the landscape conditions needed to support wild bee populations are not well understood or appreciated. We assessed the influence of landscape composition on bee abundance and species richness in apple (Malus spp.) orchards of northeastern Wisconsin during the spring flowering period. A diverse community of bee species occurs in these apple orchards, dominated by wild bees in the families Andrenidae and Halictidae and the honey bee, Apis mellifera L. Proportion of forest area in the surrounding landscape was a significant positive predictor of wild bee abundance in orchards, with strongest effects at a GIS (Geographic Information Systems) buffer distance of 1,000 m or greater. Forest area also was positively associated with species richness, showing strongest effects at a buffer distance of 2,000 m. Nonagricultural developed land (homes, lawns, etcetera) was significantly negatively associated with species richness at buffer distances >750 m and wild bee abundance in bowl traps at all distances. Other landscape variables statistically associated with species richness or abundance of wild bees included proportion area of pasture (positive) and proportion area of roads (negative). Forest area was not associated with honey bee abundance at any buffer distance. These results provide clear evidence that the landscape surrounding apple orchards, especially the proportion of forest area, affects richness and abundance of wild bees during the spring flowering period and should be a part of sustainable land management strategies in agro-ecosystems of northeastern Wisconsin and other apple growing regions.
Site-specific Effects of Peptide Lipidation on β-Amyloid Aggregation and Cytotoxicity

Beta-amyloid (Abeta) aggregates at low concentrations in vivo, and this may involve covalently modified forms of these peptides. Modification of Abeta by 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) initially increases the hydrophobicity of these peptides and subsequently leads to additional reactions, such as peptide cross-linking. To model these initial events, without confounding effects of subsequent reactions, we modified Abeta at each of its amino groups using a chemically simpler, close analogue of 4-HNE, the octanoyl group: K16-octanoic acid (OA)-Abeta, K28-OA-Abeta, and Nalpha-OA-Abeta. Octanoylation of these sites on Abeta-(1-40) had strikingly different effects on fibril formation. K16-OA-Abeta and K28-OA-Abeta, but not Nalpha-OA-Abeta, had increased propensity to aggregate. The type of aggregate (electron microscopic appearance) differed with the site of modification. The ability of octanoyl-Abeta peptides to cross-seed solutions of Abeta was the inverse of their ability to form fibrils on their own (i.e. Abeta approximately Nalpha-OA-Abeta>>K16-OA-Abeta>>K28-OA-Abeta). By CD spectroscopy, K16-OA-Abeta and K28-OA-Abeta had increased beta-sheet propensity compared with Abeta-(1-40) or Nalpha-OA-Abeta. K16-OA-Abeta and K28-OA-Abeta were more amphiphilic than Abeta-(1-40) or Nalpha-OA-Abeta, as shown by lower "critical micelle concentrations" and higher monolayer collapse pressures. Finally, K16-OA-Abeta and K28-OA-Abeta are much more cytotoxic to N2A cells than Abeta-(1-40) or Nalpha-OA-Abeta. The greater cytotoxicity of K16-OA-Abeta and K28-OA-Abeta may reflect their greater amphiphilicity. We conclude that lipidation can make Abeta more prone to aggregation and more cytotoxic, but these effects are highly site-specific.
Impact of a sirolimus/tacrolimus-based immunosuppressive regimen on kidney function after islet transplantation.

Abstract Aim Islet transplantation is gaining recognition as a therapeutic option for selected diabetic patients. The immunosuppressive regimen based on sirolimus/low-dose tacrolimus is considered a major breakthrough that allowed considerable improvement in graft survival. A high incidence of side effects associated with such a regimen has been reported in the literature, but this immunosuppressive protocol is generally considered safe or even protective to the kidney. Herein, we analyze the impact of the sirolimus/low-dose tacrolimus–based protocol on kidney function. Patients and Methods Five islet-after-kidney and 5 islet-transplant-alone patients were enrolled and followed up. Renal function was assessed by the periodic measurement of serum creatinine and by the presence of albuminuria. Metabolic control markers and graft function were followed, as well as immunosuppressive whole blood trough levels. Results Kidney function significantly decreased in 6 of 10 patients. Neither metabolic markers nor immunosuppressive drugs levels were significantly associated with the decreased kidney function. Conclusion Although a specific etiology was not identified, subsets of patients presented a higher risk for decrease of kidney function. The presence of low creatinine clearance, albuminuria, and long-established kidney graft were associated with poorer outcomes.
Optical whispering gallery mode resonators with Q > 1011 and F > 107

We show that a proper thermal annealing leads to a significant increase of the quality factors of crystalline whispering gallery mode (WGM) resonators. We have demonstrated a fluoride resonator with Q exceeding 1011 using the method.
Computerized tomography of in vitro abdominal organs—effect of preservation methods on attenuation coefficient☆

Abstract The effect of formalin, freezing, and refigeration on the attenuation coefficient of fresh abdominal tissue of rhesus monkeys and dogs was investigated over a 1-week period. These techniques were used individually and in combinations designed to simulate circumstances involved in future in vitro investigations of human specimens. Statistically significant alterations of attenuation coefficients were found to occur at all scanning times within the first week except for the first 48 hr of formalin storage. Refrigeration resulted in the largest alteration. The results indicate that attenuation coefficients of tissues preserved by these three methods may be altered and that the magnitude of the change will vary according to the preservation techniques, tissue, and duration between tissue death and scanning.
Channel coupling theory of molecular structure: Explanation and elimination of unphysical results

Abstract Earlier (LCAO) structure calculations for H 2 + ungerade and H 2 triplet states based on the channel coupling array (CCA) theory of many-particle collisions have yielded unphysical potential energy curves. It is shown herein for H 2 + that this is a result of not requiring the CCA wavefunction components to obey a certain boundary condition. A simple ansatz obeying this condition is constructed and shown to yield a physically correct, approximate ungerade potential energy.
Can the Compressive Response of Fiber-Reinforced Composites be Modelled by Means of Layered Arrays?

Abstract : The validity of some basic premises employed in modelling of the compressive response of fiber-reinforced composites is examined in the present article. It is shown that the deformation fields associated with the compression of layered media yield inadmissible results when applied to hexagonal and square arrays of circular fibers. Consequently, predictions of compressive strength, which derive from the prevailing representations of layered geometry, may not apply to realistic circumstances.
Threshold effects and the expected benefits of attracting middle‐income households to the central city

Abstract This article looks at the two primary expected benefits of efforts to bring back, or retain, middle‐income households in the central city: (1) improved fiscal conditions caused by increasing the tax base and (2) decreased socioeconomic isolation of central‐city low‐income households. We examine the causal linkages reputed to produce these two benefits in light of the relatively limited relevant theoretical and empirical research. Although stressing that this work is only tentative and intended to be provocative, we cautiously conclude that thresholds matter. That is, it is likely that the number of middle‐income households in a given area must exceed a certain threshold for significant benefits to accrue. The geographic scale of this area, the threshold that applies, and the time needed for benefits to appear depend on the particular causal linkage at issue. In the last section, we derive implications for research and policy evaluation.
Learning through ICT-enabled social networks

Utilising Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to build effective learning networks in organisations has received attention from both practitioners and researchers in recent years. Going beyond the limited focus on the structural characteristics of networks in prior research, this paper develops a theoretical model that specifies how the structural properties of network ties and the quality of interaction influence the occurrence of single- and double-loop learning within ICT-enabled social networks. It provides insights into how ICT can be utilised to bring people together and form a productive environment conducive to learning. The model is expected to have theoretical and practical implications for the development of ICT-enabled social networks for individual learning.
A new approach to adjuvant radiotherapy in rectal cancer

Abstract A sandwich technique of adjuvant radiotherapy was used to treat twenty-three patients with rectal cancer. In this technique, low dose preoperative irradiation (500 rad in one treatment) was given to all patients followed by immediate surgery (usually an A-P resection); on the basis of histopathological findings, patients with stage B 2 and C rectal cancer were selectively given 4500 rad post-operative irradiation in 5 weeks. Nine patients had early lesions (stage A and B 1 ) and did not receive postoperative irradiation. Thirteen patients had stage B 2 and C disease and hence received the full course of postoperative irradiation. One patient was found to have liver metastasis at the time of surgery, and hence received only palliative therapy. Follow-up of these twenty-three patients ranges from 10 months to 24 months with a median follow-up of 15 months. Treatment was well-tolerated with few side effects. Only two of the twenty-two patients who were treated for cure have failed to date. Both patients had stage C 2 disease; once patient developed an anterior abdominal wall recurrence in the surgical scar 3 months post-treatment and the second patient developed brain and bone metastases. No patients have failed in the pelvis. We feel this technique of adjuvant therapy is a logical approach to the treatment of rectal cancer and has potential for improving survival. The rationale for this approach to adjuvant radiotherapy is discussed together with implications for survival.
Electrokinetically driven fluidic transport in integrated three-dimensional microfluidic devices incorporating gold-coated nanocapillary array membranes

Electrokinetically driven fluid transport was evaluated within three-dimensional hybrid nanofluidic–microfluidic devices incorporating Au-coated nanocapillary array membranes (NCAMs). Gold NCAMs, prepared by electroless gold deposition on polymeric track-etched membranes, were susceptible to gas bubble formation if the interfacial potential difference exceeded ∼2 V along the length of the gold region. Gold membranes were etched to yield 250 μm wide coated regions that overlap the intersection of two orthogonal microfluidic channels in order to minimize gas evolution. The kinetics of electrolysis of water at the opposing ends of the gold region was modeled and found to be in satisfactory agreement with experimental measurements of the onset of gas bubble formation. Conditions to achieve electrokinetic injection across Au-coated NCAMs were identified, with significant reproducible injections being possible for NCAMs modified with this relatively thin gold stripe. Continuous gold films led to suppressed injections and to a variety of ion enrichment/depletion effects in the microfluidic source channel. The suppression of injections was understood through finite element modeling which revealed the presence of a significant electrophoretic velocity component in opposition to electroosmotic flow at the edge of the Au-dielectric regions.
A model to locate potential areas for lake sturgeon spawning habitat construction in the St. Clair–Detroit River System

Abstract In response to a need for objective scientific information that could be used to help remediate loss of fish spawning habitat in the St. Clair River and Detroit River International Areas of Concern, this paper summarizes a large-scale geographic mapping investigation. Our study integrates data on two variables that many riverine fishes respond to in selecting where to spawn in these waters (water flow velocity and water depth) with available maps of the St. Clair–Detroit River System (SC–DRS). Our objectives were to locate and map these two physical components of fish habitat in the St. Clair and Detroit rivers and Lake St. Clair using a geographic information system (GIS) and to identify where, theoretically, fish spawning habitat could be remediated in these rivers. The target fish species to which this model applies is lake sturgeon ( Acipenser fulvescens ), but spawning reefs constructed for lake sturgeon in this system have been used for spawning by 17 species of fish. Our analysis revealed areas in each river that possessed suitable water velocity and depth for fish spawning and therefore could theoretically be remediated by the addition of rock-rubble substrate like that used at two previously remediated sites in the Detroit River at Belle Isle and Fighting Island. Results of our analysis revealed that only 3% of the total area of the SC–DRS possesses the necessary combination of water depth and high flow velocity to be indicated by the model as potential spawning habitat for lake sturgeon.
Immobilization of Nickel and Other Metals in Contaminated Sediments by Hydroxyapatite Addition

Batch experiments were conducted to evaluate the ability of hydroxyapatite (HA) to reduce the solubility of metals, including the primary contaminants of concern, Ni and U, from contaminated sediments located on the Department of Energy's Savannah River Site, near Aiken, SC. Hydroxyapatite was added to the sediments at application rates of 0, 5, 15.8, and 50 g kg-1. After equilibrating in either 0.02 M KCl or 0.01 M CaCl2, the samples were centrifuged and the supernatants filtered prior to metal, dissolved organic C, and PO4 analyses. The treated soils were then air-dried and changes in solid-phase metal distribution were evaluated using sequential extractions and electron-based microanalysis techniques. Hydroxyapatite was effective at reducing the solubility of U and, to a lesser degree, Ni. Hydroxyapatite was also effective in reducing the solubility of Al, Ba, Cd, Co, Mn, and Pb. Sequential extractions indicate that HA transfers such metals from more chemically labile forms, such as the water-soluble and exchangeable fractions, by altering solid-phase speciation in favor of secondary phosphate precipitates. Hydroxyapatite effectiveness was somewhat reduced in the presence of soluble organics that likely increased contaminant metal solubility through complexation. Arsenic and Cr solubility increased with HA addition, suggesting that the increase in pH and competition from PO4 reduced sorption of oxyanion contaminants. Energy dispersive x-ray (EDXA) analysis conducted in the transmission electron microscope (TEM) confirmed that HA amendment sequesters U, Ni, Pb, and possibly other contaminant metals in association with secondary Al-phosphates.
Minimal document set retrieval

This paper presents a novel formulation and approach to the minimal document set retrieval problem. Minimal Document Set Retrieval (MDSR) is a promising information retrieval task in which each query topic is assumed to have different subtopics; the task is to retrieve and rank relevant document sets with maximum coverage but minimum redundancy of subtopics in each set. For this task, we propose three document set retrieval and ranking algorithms: Novelty Based method, Cluster Based method and Subtopic Extraction Based method. In order to evaluate the system performance, we design a new evaluation framework for document set ranking which evaluates both relevance between set and query topic, and redundancy within each set. Finally, we compare the performance of the three algorithms using the TREC interactive track dataset. Experimental results show the effectiveness of our algorithms.
Blood volume and water content of the male American cockroach, Periplaneta americana L.—Methods and the influence of age and starvation

Abstract The water per cent changes little, if at all, with the age of the adult insect. The blood volume per cent decreases markedly during the first 4 days and only slightly thereafter. There was no correlation between the daily fluctuations of blood volume per cent and those of total water per cent. Whereas the total water per cent remained relatively stable in the fed insect after the first week, it increased to a significant degree in the starved insect, especially after the sixth day of starvation in both the insects examined whole and eviscerated. The blood volume per cent decreased as a result of starvation. The blood volume per cent of 36·3 ± 0·68 (for 2- to 3-week-old males) is much higher than previously reported. Within fourfold limits (15,000–62,000 cpm) the dose of C14 inulin injected had no significant effect on the blood volume. Heating the insect at 50 or 55°C did not alter the blood volume, but heating at 60°C for 15 sec caused an increase. Heating at 60°C for 1 min coagulated the outer tissues of the insect and made bleeding difficult. Chilling, which retarded coagulation, failed to change the blood volume. Starvation reduced coagulation. It also reduced the blood volume which nevertheless stayed at a high level. Age and starvation are discussed with respect to their influence on water balance. The findings are also discussed with respect to the techniques employed by ourselves and other investigators.
Hormonal and ionic influences on the membrane activity of uterine smooth muscle cells.

Membrane resting and action potentials were recorded from strips of uterine muscles selected from rats and rabbits at known stages of pregnancy. The measurements were made with the “sucrose gap” methods which permits continuous recording of membrane activity for several hours. Strips of muscle from a parturient, i.e. estrogen-dominated, uterus exhibited the following; (a) Cyclic periods of quiescence and activity, which were characterized by alternate depolarization and repolarization of the membrane. Action potentials were discharged during the depolarization phase, (b) Oxytocin, applied during a quiescent period, immediately depolarized the membrane and potentiated the action potential discharge, (c) Pcrfusion with Cafree Krebs solution depolarized the membrane to a level where all action potentials were abolished and oxytocin was ineffective, (d) Addition of 0.25 mM Ca (10% of normal concentration) to the Ca-free solution repolarizcd the membrane somewhat and under these conditions oxytocin further inc...
Heparan Sulfate Chains of Syndecan-1 Regulate Ectodomain Shedding

Matrix metalloproteinases release intact syndecan-1 ectodomains from the cell surface giving rise to a soluble, shed form of the proteoglycan. Although it is known that shed syndecan-1 controls diverse pathophysiological responses in cancer, wound healing, inflammation, infection, and immunity, the mechanisms regulating shedding remain unclear. We have discovered that the heparan sulfate chains present on syndecan core proteins suppress shedding of the proteoglycan. Syndecan shedding is dramatically enhanced when the heparan sulfate chains are enzymatically degraded or absent from the core protein. Exogenous heparan sulfate or heparin does not inhibit shedding, indicating that heparan sulfate must be attached to the core protein to suppress shedding. Regulation of shedding by heparan sulfate occurs in multiple cell types, for both syndecan-1 and syndecan-4 and in murine and human syndecans. Mechanistically, the loss of heparan sulfate enhances the susceptibility of the core protein to proteolytic cleavage by matrix metalloproteinases. Enhanced shedding of syndecan-1 following loss of heparan sulfate is accompanied by a dramatic increase in core protein synthesis. This suggests that in response to an increase in the rate of shedding, cells attempt to maintain a significant level of syndecan-1 on the cell surface. Together these data indicate that the amount of heparan sulfate present on syndecan core proteins regulates both the rate of syndecan shedding and core protein synthesis. These findings assign new functions to heparan sulfate chains, thereby broadening our understanding of their physiological importance and implying that therapeutic inhibition of heparan sulfate degradation could impact the progression of some diseases.
Robust vector quantisation by transmission energy allocation

The authors propose to combat the effects of channel errors on vector-quantised data by optimising the energy allocation for the transmission of codeword symbols. In particular, they demonstrate that the application of transmission energy allocation to the natural binary code obtained from vector quantiser design by the splitting method outperforms established robust techniques such as index assignment, and explicit error control coding of most sensitive bits.
Improvement in electrochemical properties of nano-tin-polyaniline lithium-ion composite anodes by control of electrode microstructure

Four different types of nano-tin-polyaniline (nano-Sn-PAni) lithium-ion composite anode microstructures have been examined to investigate the relationship between this parameter and anode characteristics. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) show that the electrochemical properties of nano-tin composite electrodes can be significantly affected by microstructure variation. To simultaneously obtain high capacity and long cycle life, the active materials should be encased in a polymer matrix to accommodate volume changes during cycling, and porosity is required to offer low interfacial lithium insertion/extraction impedance. The polymer matrix should have a high binding strength to prevent the anode cracking.
Composing With Genetic Algorithms

Presented is an application of genetic algorithms to the problem of composing music, in which GAs are used to produce a set of data filters that identify acceptable material from the output of a stochastic music generator. The algorithmic composition system variations is described and musical examples of its out- put are given. Also discussed briefly is the system' s application to microtonal music.
A neural network based identification of environments models for compliant control of space robots

Many space robotic systems would be required to operate in uncertain or even unknown environments. The problem of identifying such environment for compliance control is considered. In particular, neural networks are used for identifying environments that a robot establishes contact with. Both function approximation and parameter identification (with fixed nonlinear structure and unknown parameters) results are presented. The environment model structure considered is relevant to two space applications: cooperative execution of tasks by robots and astronauts, and sample acquisition during planetary exploration. Compliant motion experiments have been performed with a robotic arm, placed in contact with a single-degree-of-freedom electromechanical environment. In the experiments, desired contact forces are computed using a neural network, given a desired motion trajectory. Results of the control experiments performed on robot hardware are described and discussed. >
Design and analysis of a low-power energy-recovery adder

In this paper, an 8-bit energy-recovery adder design is evaluated through SPICE simulation for energy dissipation and delay time, and is compared against a supply-voltage-scaled adder. The experimental results indicate that the energy-recovery adder outperforms the supply-scaled version for a wide range of frequencies.
Efficient Communication Between the Embedded Processor and the Reconfigurable Logic on an FPGA

Increasing device densities have prompted FPGA manufacturers, such as Xilinx and Altera, to incorporate larger embedded components, including multipliers, DSP blocks and even embedded processors. One of the recent architectural enhancements in the Xilinx Virtex family architecture is the introduction of the PowerPC405 hard-core embedded processor. In this paper we present a software defined radio application that serves as a vehicle for investigating effective communication between the PowerPC405 processor and the surrounding FPGA fabric.
Gestational nicotine exposure modifies myelin gene expression in the brains of adolescent rats with sex differences.

Myelination defects in the central nervous system (CNS) are associated with various psychiatric disorders, including drug addiction. As these disorders are often observed in individuals prenatally exposed to cigarette smoking, we tested the hypothesis that such exposure impairs central myelination in adolescence, an important period of brain development and the peak age of onset of psychiatric disorders. Pregnant Sprague Dawley rats were treated with nicotine (3 mg kg−1 per day; gestational nicotine (GN)) or gestational saline via osmotic mini pumps from gestational days 4–18. Both male and female offsprings were killed on postnatal day 35 or 36, and three limbic brain regions, the prefrontal cortex (PFC), caudate putamen and nucleus accumbens, were removed for measurement of gene expression and determination of morphological changes using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) array, western blotting and immunohistochemical staining. GN altered myelin gene expression at both the mRNA and protein levels, with striking sex differences. Aberrant expression of myelin-related transcription and trophic factors was seen in GN animals, which correlated highly with the alterations in the myelin gene expression. These correlations suggest that these factors contribute to GN-induced alterations in myelin gene expression and also indicate abnormal function of oligodendrocytes (OLGs), the myelin-producing cells in the CNS. It is unlikely that these changes are attributable solely to an alteration in the number of OLGs, as the cell number was changed only in the PFC of GN males. Together, our findings suggest that abnormal brain myelination underlies various psychiatric disorders and drug abuse associated with prenatal exposure to cigarette smoke.
Interaction of Radiation and Conduction in Glass

The interaction of radiation and conduction was rigorously treated for one-dimensional heat transfer, both transient and steady-state. In this paper only some steady-state results are discussed. They show that the interaction of radiation and conduction affects temperature distributions and heat fluxes in a variety of ways, depending on physical properties and boundary conditions. The illustrations include a computer simulation of experiments to measure the thermal conductivity of glass and an attempt to predict the vertical temperature profile in a glassmelting tank.
A TRIGGERING MECHANISM OF ECONOMYWIDE BANK RUNS

Bank failures differ from other business failures in that failures of some banks can result in systemwide bank runs that can paralyze the entire economy. This unique feature of the banking business has attracted considerable attention in the 1980s when banking problems re-emerged. Although the financial structure of banks improved in the early 1990s, the possibility of banking instability remains as an important concern in formulating banking policies.
Mycorrhizal Colonization and Nutrition of Wheat and Sweet Corn Grown in Manure- Treated and Untreated Topsoil and Subsoil

Dry bean yields (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) were raised to similar levels as the topsoil by manure application to eroded or leveled Portneuf silt loam soil (coarse-silty mixed mesic Durixerollic Calciorthid). Only soil organic matter and zinc (Zn) content of leaf tissue were correlated with improved yields. Manure application increased mycorrhizal colonization and Zn uptake in pot experiments with dry bean which would explain the increased yields in the field. A field study was conducted to see if similar effects of manure and mycorrhizal colonization could be observed in field grown spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and sweet corn (Zea mays L.). This study was conducted on existing experiments established in the spring of 1991 at the USDA-ARS farm in Kimberly, Idaho, to study crop rotation/organic matter amendment treatments on exposed subsoils and focused on mycorrhizal colonization as related to topsoils and subsoils treated with conventional fertilizer (untreated) or dairy
An improved DSC glass sample container technique

Abstract A simple method has been developed for the use of glass capillaries in DSC. The metal block holder used by previous workers was found to be unnecessary. It was found that different positions of the glass capillary in the cell or long term use of the same baseline do not affect the DSC curves for the same samples. The experimental results for NH 4 NO 3 and an organic dye show significant differences between a standard aluminum pan and the glass capillary due to the interference of volatilization from the aluminum pan.
SOME ASPECTS OF THE EFFECT OF THE SOLVENT ON THE TOXICITY OF SOLUTIONS OF INSECTICIDE

The effect of varying the solvent upon the contact toxicities of solutions of insecticides to mosquitoes and flies has been investigated using DDT, prolan, dieldrin, endrin and malathion. The insects were allowed to walk for a limited time on filterpapers impregnated with the solutions. Chemical structure of the solvents had a general influence upon the biological activity of the solutions. Providing that the physical properties of the solvents were similar, insecticides were more effective in paraffinic hydrocarbons than in aliphatic long-chain esters and related compounds, and were least effective in aromatic esters. Physical properties of the solvents were of importance in determining the effectiveness of insecticides dissolved in a group of solvents of similar chemical structure. Viscosity was an especially reliable guide as it presumably controlled the rate at which the solution could pass from the paper and be absorbed by the insects during the exposure period. The order in which the solvents could be arranged with regard to their ability to influence biological action was the same for all the insecticides used, but the ratios of the median lethal concentrations in different solvents varied greatly from one insecticide to another. Consequently, the relative toxicities of the insecticides depended upon the solvent in which they were dissolved. When some of the solutions used in filter-paper tests were applied topically to the insects the differences in effectiveness were greatly reduced, showing that an important influence of the solvents had been upon pick-up of insecticide from the papers. However, even with topical applications there were still some differences in median lethal concentrations and especially in rates of action between the solvents, thus providing further evidence that the solvent is also concerned with passage of insecticides through the insect cuticle. The relative toxicities of the solutions bore no relationship to the solubilities of the insecticides in the solvents, and it was concluded that in these experiments chemical potential was not likely to be a controlling factor.
Effect of Booster Seat Laws on Appropriate Restraint Use by Children 4 to 7 Years Old Involved in Crashes

OBJECTIVE: To quantify the independent contribution of recently enacted booster seat laws on appropriate restraint use by child passengers in motor vehicles. DESIGN: Longitudinal study of children involved in crashes with data collected via insurance claims records and a validated telephone survey. SETTING: Sixteen states and Washington, DC, from December 1, 1998, through December 31, 2004. PARTICIPANTS: Probability sample of 5198 vehicles in crashes involving 6102 children aged 4 to 7 years, representing 78 159 vehicles and 91 752 children. MAIN EXPOSURES: Booster seat law provisions, child age, state, and secular trends. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Reported appropriate restraint use for this age group, including forward-facing child safety seats, belt-positioning booster seats, and combination seats. RESULTS: Children aged 4 to 7 years in states with booster seat laws were 39% more likely to be reported as appropriately restrained than were children in other states (prevalence ratio [PR], 1.39; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.14-1.70). Children aged 4 to 5 years were 23% more likely (PR,1.23; 95% CI, 0.80-1.42) and children 6 to 7 years twice as likely (PR, 2.09; 95% CI, 1.46-2.99) to be reported as appropriately restrained. For children aged 6 to 7 years, when compared with no law, laws through age 7 years were most effective (PR, 3.71; 95% CI, 2.49-5.42), followed by laws through age 4 or 5 years (PR, 1.43; 95% CI, 0.89-2.24). CONCLUSION: Given the higher current use of age-appropriate restraints among children 4 to 5 years compared with older children, future upgrades to child restraint laws should include children through at least age 7 years to maximize the number of children properly restrained for their age. Language: en
A cokriging method for estimating population density in urban areas

Population information is typically available for analysis in aggregate socioeconomic reporting zones, such as census blocks in the United States and enumeration districts in the United Kingdom. However, such data mask underlying individual population distributions and may be incompatible with other information sources (e.g. school districts, transportation analysis zones, metropolitan statistical areas, etc.). Moreover, it is well known that there are potential significance issues associated with scale and reporting units, the modifiable areal unit problem (MAUP), when such data are used in analysis. This may lead to biased results in spatial modeling approaches. In this study, impervious surface fraction derived from Thematic Mapper (TM) imagery was applied to derive the underlying population of an urban region. A cokriging method was developed to interpolate population density by modeling the spatial correlation and cross-correlation of population and impervious surface fraction. Results suggest that population density can be accurately estimated using cokriging applied to impervious surface fraction. In particular, the relative population estimation error is � 0.3% for the entire study area and 10–15% at block group and tract levels. Moreover, unlike other interpolation methods, cokriging gives estimation variance at the TM pixel level. 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Lurasidone: An Atypical Antipsychotic for Schizophrenia

OBJECTIVE:To provide a clinical overview of the antipsychotic lurasidone.DATA SOURCES:Articles were identified by searching the MEDLINE, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and EBSCO databases (through February 2012) using the key word lurasidone. The manufacturer provided information on unpublished Phase 2 and 3 trials. The Clinicaltrials.gov database was reviewed for the status of ongoing and upcoming trials.STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION:All clinical trials lasting longer than 3 weeks and published in the English language were selected for review. Additional documentation, including the product dossier, package insert, and poster presentations supplied by the publisher, was also evaluated.DATA SYNTHESIS:Lurasidone hydrochloride is an atypical antipsychotic that is approved for the treatment of schizophrenia. It is under investigation for treatment of bipolar I disorder. It should be administered with food, is pregnancy category B, is contraindicated for coadministration with strong CYP3A4 inducers and inhib...
Modelling road surface sediment production using a vector geographic information system

Field investigations indicate that unpaved roads are the largest sediment source on St John, US Virgin Islands. Crosssectional measurements of eroded road surfaces were used to establish an empirical relationship to predict annual road surface erosion as a function of road gradient and contributing drainage area. A model (ROADMOD) for estimating and mapping average annual sediment production from a road network was developed by combining this empirical relationship with a series of network algorithms to analyse road data stored in a vector geographic information system. ROADMOD was used to estimate road surface erosion in two St John catchments with very different road densities but similar land cover, topography and soils. Unpaved roads were found to increase sediment production in the more densely roaded catchment by a factor of three to eight, and in the less-roaded catchment by a factor of 1.3-2.0. Turbidity measurements in the receiving bays of these two catchments are consistent with model predictions and observed sediment delivery processes. Although this model was developed specifically for St John, it can easily be adapted to other locations by substituting a locally derived predictive equation for road erosion. Model assumptions, limitations and potential improvements are discussed. @ 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lutein and Zeaxanthin and Their Potential Roles in Disease Prevention

Lutein and zeaxanthin are xanthophyll carotenoids found particularly in dark-green leafy vegetables and in egg yolks. They are widely distributed in tissues and are the principal carotenoids in the eye lens and macular region of the retina. Epidemiologic studies indicating an inverse relationship between xanthophyll intake or status and both cataract and age-related macular degeneration suggest these compounds can play a protective role in the eye. Some observational studies have also shown these xanthophylls may help reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, particularly those of the breast and lung. Emerging studies suggest as well a potential contribution of lutein and zeaxanthin to the prevention of heart disease and stroke. Even as the evidence for a role of lutein and zeaxanthin in disease prevention continues to evolve, particularly from human studies directed to their bioavailability, metabolism, and dose-response relationships with intermediary biomarkers and clinical outcomes, it is worth noting that recommendations to consume foods rich in xanthophylls are consistent with current dietary guidelines.
A preliminary RCT of a mind body skills based intervention addressing mood and coping strategies in patients with acute orthopaedic trauma

Abstract Objective To test the acceptability and feasibility of a mind body skills-based intervention (RRCB) and estimate its preliminary effect in reducing disability and pain intensity as compared to standard care (SC) in patients with acute musculoskeletal trauma. Design Randomised controlled trial. Setting Level I trauma centre. Patients Adult patients with acute fractures at risk for chronic pain and disability based on scores on two coping with pain measures who presented to an orthopedic trauma center and met inclusion and exclusion criteria. Intervention Participants were randomied to either RRCB with SC or SC alone. Main outcome measurement Disability (short musculoskeletal functional assessment, SMFA) and pain (Numerical Analogue Scale). Secondary outcome measures: coping strategies (Pain Catastrophizing Scale, PCS and Pain Anxiety Scale, PAS) and mood (CESD Depression and PTSD checklist). Results Among the 50 patients consented, two did not complete the initial assessment. Of these, the first four received the intervention as part of an open pilot and the next 44 were randomised (24 RRCBT and 20 UC) and completed initial assessment. We combined the patients who received RRCB into one group, N = 28. Of the entire sample, 34 completed time two assessments (24 RRCBT and 10 SC). The RRCB proved to be feasible and accepted (86% retention, 28 out of 24 completers). Analyses of covariance ANCOVA showed a significant (p Conclusion The RRCB is feasible, acceptable and potentially efficacious. Level of evidence Level 1 prognostic.
Femtosecond Laser Doped Silicon for Photovoltaic Applications

Doping silicon to concentrations above the metal-insulator transition threshold yields a novel material that has potential for photovoltaic applications. By focusing femtosecond laser pulses on the surface of a silicon wafer in a sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) environment, silicon is doped with 1 % atomic sulfur. This material exhibits near-unity, broadband absorption from the visible to the near infrared (< 0.5 eV, deep below the silicon bandgap), and metallic-like conduction. These unusual optical and electronic properties suggest the formation of an intermediate band. We report on the femtosecond laser doping techniques and material properties. By changing the laser parameters and ambient environment we can control the dopant profiles, crystallinity, and surface morphology. In addition, we perform mid-infrared absorption measurements as well as temperature-dependent Hall measurements of femtosecond laser doped silicon. These two techniques could shed light on energy levels of dopant states or bands.
An interpretative literature analysis evaluating the effects of power plant chlorination on freshwater organisms

The extensive use and possible ecological effects of chlorine have prompted several reviews on chlorine toxicity to aquatic organisms. Although numerous data are available on the ecological effects of chlorine, an interpretative analysis and synthesis of the current data base is lacking. The first objective of this study was to collect, synthesize, and review chlorine data related to biofouling control in freshwater thermoelectric power plants. The second objective of this literature analysis was to identify deficiencies in available data in order to recommend future research which will enable better evaluation of ecological effects of power plant cooling water chlorination in freshwater systems.