cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Techniques for detecting densely wavelength-multiplexed solitons

Long distance data transmission using solitons multiplexed on different wavelengths makes more efficient use of fiber bandwidth than transmission on a single wavelength channel. However, perturbations and nonlinear distortions limit the number of wavelengths which can be multiplexed and detected at the end of the fiber. Perturbations, such as loss, cause permanent frequency shifts if a collision occurs between solitons widely separated in frequency. Densely packing the solitons spectrally, though, results in distortions in spectral intensity which limit the use of standard wavelength demultiplexing techniques. We examine methods by which solitons, densely multiplexed in wavelength, may still be detected even during collisions. The theoretical feasibility of encoding the data on the eigenvalues of the linear evolution equations associated with soliton propagation by the inverse scattering transform is discussed, as are more practical techniques using only the spectral intensity of the waveform.
Business as Usual? A Review of Continuing Professional Education and Adult Learning:

The commodification of education in all forms has created a lucrative trade, particularly within the realm of continuing professional education. Mandated across a wide spectrum of industries, and particularly salient in healthcare due to rapid advances in medicine and technology, professional education is said to be the vehicle that keeps practitioners informed of the latest developments in their respective fields. While outwardly noble in intent, the lack of application of sound adult educational paradigms and the stranglehold on quality and content criteria held by programme accrediting bodies has largely fostered an environment ripe with top-down passive material transmission. Proprietors of professional education have used its compulsory nature primarily as a means of increasing revenues and have missed the opportunity to overhaul a broken system characterised as valuing quantity over quality. A review of research in the healthcare continuing educational system in the United States as viewed through t...
IMPLANTABLE CARDIOVERTER DEFIBRILLATOR OUTCOMES IN PEDIATRIC AND CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE: IT'S COMPLICATED

ICDs are intended to prevent sudden cardiac death. They also impose a risk of increased morbidity. We describe the outcomes of ICDs in a pediatric and congenital heart disease (CHD) population from a single center. Retrospective cohort study of all patients (pts) with an ICD followed at the
Statistical performance evaluation of electrostatic microactuators for a deformable mirror

This paper describes a study to characterize the performance of surface micromachined electrostatic actuators, with a brief introduction to some MEMS (microelectromechanical systems) mirrors developed at BU incorporating these actuators. Fixed-fixed actuators were extensively tested to determine suitability for optical applications, and specifically for an adaptive optics imagining system. The critical issues relating to device performance, namely yield (indicating robustness and process reliability), position repeatability, precision and frequency response, were quantified in the research effort described here. The study demonstrated 95% device yield, 10 nm position repeatability (99% confidence levels), and greater than 66 kHz frequency bandwidth.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Secondary Flow, Turbulent Diffusion, and Mixing in Axial-Flow Compressors

The relative importance of convection by secondary flows and diffusion by turbulence as mechanisms responsible for mixing in multistage, axial-flow compressors has been investigated by using the ethylene tracer-gas technique and hot-wire anemometry. The tests were conducted at two loading levels in a large, low-speed, four-stage compressor. The experimental results show that considerable cross-passage and spanwise fluid motion can occur and that both secondary flow and turbulent diffusion can play important roles in the mixing process, depending upon location in the compressor and loading level. In the so-called freestream region, turbulent diffusion appeared to be the dominant mixing mechanism. However, near the endwalls and along airfoil surfaces at both loading levels, the convective effects from secondary flow were of the same order of magnitude as, and in some cases greater than, the diffusive effects from turbulence. Calculations of the secondary flowfield and mixing coefficients support the experimental findings.
Neutron energy determinations

Abstract Neutron energies in the range 3–8 MeV were measured to 0.1 % accuracy. The effects of energy losses in targets and gas cell entrance windows were investigated. Narrow resonances in the interaction of fast neutrons with light nuclei were located with neutrons from the 3 + 1(p, n), 7Li(p, n) and 2H(d, n) reactions.
Cyclotron effective mass of holes in strained Si1−xGex/Si quantum well structures

Abstract A far-infrared magneto-optical study of cyclotron effective mass of quasi-two-dimensional holes in strained Si 1− x Ge x /Si quantum wells has been carried out on a series of samples with different Ge compositions at low temperatures and high magnetic fields up to 23 T. The in-plane effective mass determined from cyclotron resonance energies decreases systematically from 0.40 m 0 to 0.29 m 0 as the Ge composition increases from x = 0.13 to x = 0.37. The reduced in-plane mass and its variation with Ge composition are in good qualitative agreement with the strain effects on the valence band structure.
Fluorescence assay of glucosylceramide glucosidase using NBD-cerebroside.

A sensitive fluorometric assay for glucocerebroside beta-glucosidase [Dinur, T., Grabowski, G.A., Desnick, R.J., and Gatt, S. (1984) Anal. Biochem. 136, 223-234] has been reexamined. It was found that the lipids containing the NBD moiety (12-[N-methyl-N-(7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl)] used for standardization of the assay are light-sensitive and that the yield of fluorescent light is very sensitive to the composition of the solvent used in the fluorometric measurement. Some protection against fading could be obtained by adding a free-radical trapping agent, SlowFade. The fading of the free NBD-acid, when used for standardization, could be prevented by adding ethanol to the solvent, but this reduced the fluorescence yield. It is recommended that some of the fluorescent substrate be enzymatically hydrolyzed completely to NBD-ceramide, which can be utilized as the standard without the need to add ethanol. A warning about enzyme reaction rate stability with time is given, with a suggestion for ensuring constancy of activity.
Increased 2',5'-oligoadenylate synthetase activity in blood mononuclear leukocytes from patients with advanced cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.

The activity of the interferon-induced enzyme 2',5'-oligoadenylate synthetase (2',5' An synthetase) was found to be increased in the lysates of peripheral blood mononuclear leukocytes obtained from 10 of 25 (40%) patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (mycosis fungoides and Sezary syndrome). A positive association was found between the level of mean total synthetase activity and extent of involvement (stage) of disease. However, the leukocytes from two patients with relatively high proportions of neoplastic T-cells in the blood (Sezary syndrome) had negligible enzyme activity. It is speculated that increased interferon production in vivo may account for the observed enzyme changes in normal blood leukocytes from these patients, and that the neoplastic T-cell population is the most likely source of the presumed interferon production. Possible mechanisms and biologic consequences of high levels of endogenous interferon in patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma are discussed.
Leptomeningeal Carcinomatosis in Esophageal Cancer: Case Report and Review of Literature

Leptomeningeal carcinomatosis (LCM), also known as carcinomatous meningitis or neoplastic meningitis, is the infiltration and multifocal seeding of leptomeninges by malignant cells originating from a solid tumor or lymphomatous or leukemic meningitis [1]. It occurs in approximately 5% of all cancer patients, but the incidence is on the rise due to availability of newer diagnostic modalities and improved systemic treatment [2]. The incidence of LCM is 1–5% in patients with solid tumors and 5–15% in patients with leukemia [3]. The most common solid tumor as a cause of LCM is the breast cancer (41%) followed by lung cancers (24%), gastrointestinal tract malignancies (13%), and melanoma (12%) [4]. In this report, we present two cases of LCM arising from esophageal adenocarcinoma located at gastroesophageal (GE) junction followed by review of the current medical literature.
Frequency Selectivity and Comodulation Masking Release in Adults and in 6-Year-Old Children

Frequency selectivity and comodulation masking release (CMR) for a 1000-Hz signal frequency were examined in 6-year-old children and adults. An abbreviated measure of frequency selectivity was also...
The two (institutional) cultures: a consideration of structural barriers to interdisciplinarity.

C. P. Snow’s famous Two Cultures essay has become a foil for decades of discussions over the relation between science and the humanities. The problem of the “two cultures” is often framed in terms of how the particular epistemological claims or general intellectual orientations of particular individuals on either side of this purported divide obstruct interdisciplinary dialogue or cooperation. This formulation, however, fails to consider the institutional frameworks within which such debates occur. This article examines the broader structural constraints that provide incentives, erect barriers, or otherwise shape the potential for interdisciplinary research and practice, with particular attention to work involving the life sciences. It argues that in order to understand the nature and scope of the problems facing interdisciplinary work, we must focus on the institutional constraints that shape how individuals frame questions, pursue investigations, develop careers, and collaborate.
An Engagement with Rorty

I do not know how to argue the question of whether it is better to see human beings in [the] biologistic way [advocated above] or to see them in a way more like Plato’s or Kant’s. So I do not know how to give anything like a conclusive argument for the view which my critics call ‘relativism’ and which I prefer to call ‘antifoundationalism’ or ‘antidualism.’ It is certainly not enough for my side to appeal to Darwin and ask our opponents how they can avoid an appeal to the supernatural. That way of stating the issue begs many questions. It is certainly not enough for my opponents to say that a biologistic view strips human beings of their dignity and their self-respect. That too begs most of the questions at issue. I suspect that all that either side can do is to restate its case over and over again, in context after context. The controversy between those who see both our species and our society as a lucky accident, and those who find an immanent teleology in both, is too radical to permit of being judged from some neutral standpoint. (xxxii)
Tuning Band Gap Energies in Pb3(C6X6) Extended Solid-State Structures

A detailed plane-wave density functional theory investigation of the solid-state properties of the extended organometallic system Pb{sub 3}C{sub 6}X{sub 6} for X = O, S, Se, and Te has been performed. Initial geometry parameters for the Pb-X and C-X bond distances were obtained from optimized calculations on molecular fragment models. The Pb{sub 3}C{sub 6}X{sub 6} extended solid molecular structures were constructed in the space group P6/mmm on the basis of the known structure for X = S. Ground-state geometries, band gap energies, densities of states, and charge densities were calculated with the PBE-generalized gradient exchange-correlation functional and the HSE06 hybrid exchange-correlation functional. The PBE band gap energies were found to be lower than the HSE06 values by >0.7 eV. The band energies at points of high symmetry along the first Brillouin zone in the crystal were larger than the overall band gap of the system. Pb{sub 3}C{sub 6}O{sub 6} was predicted to be a direct semiconductor ({Lambda} point) with a PBE band gap of 0.28 eV and an HSE06 band gap of 1.06 eV. Pb{sub 3}C{sub 6}S{sub 6} and Pb{sub 3}C{sub 6}Se{sub 6} were predicted to have indirect band gaps. The PBE band gap for Pb{sub 3}C{sub 6}S{sub 6} wasmore » 0.98 eV, and the HSE06 band gap was 1.91 eV. The HSE06 value is in good agreement with the experimentally observed band gap of 1.7 eV. Pb{sub 3}C{sub 6}Se{sub 6} has a PBE band gap of 0.56 eV and a HSE06 band gap of 1.41 eV. Pb{sub 3}C{sub 6}Te{sub 6} was predicted to be metallic with both of the PBE and HSE06 functionals. A detailed analysis of the PBE band structure and partial density of states at two points before and after the metallic behavior reveals a change in orbital character indicative of band crossing in Pb{sub 3}C{sub 6}Te{sub 6}. These results show that the band gap energies can be fine-tuned by changing the substituent X atom.« less
Using commercial game technology for the visualization and control of constructive simulations

The adaptation of commercial game technology to the military domain has increased significantly in the past several years [Macedonia 2002]. The visualization of traditional military simulations using this game technology has garnered some of the most interest. However, a majority of the approaches for interfacing the two entail rendering a one-way visualization connection between the simulation and the game using an intermediary format such as Distributed Interactive Simulation (DIS) or High-Level Architecture (HLA). The approach described here presents the use of a simulation's native protocol to support a two-way interface that not only renders the simulation scenario in real-time, but also control of simulation entities through a 3D game-based interface. This effort seeks to address several existing challenges associated with using commercial game technology as a baseline visualization system, including scenario and terrain synchronization, validation, and authorability.
Comparison of Various Cryoprotective Agents on Washed Chicken Spermatozoa. 5. Effect of Glucose, Sucrose and Polyvinylpyrrolidone

A study was conducted to determine the effect of glucose, sucrose and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) on the viability of chicken spermatozoa. Levels of 4, 8 and 12% glucose, sucrose or 12% PVP significantly reduced the motility and fertilizing capacity of spermatozoa. Adding the compounds in bulk or fractions eliminated the drastic effect of 4% sucrose on motility and fertility but proved ineffective with 4% glucose or 12% PVP. A complete loss of motility with no effect on fertility was observed with 6% PVP was combined with either ethylene glycol or DMSO.
Deployable space telescopes for planetary and astronomical missions

A telescope folded into minimum volume for launching can be a powerful technique for maximizing the aperture size that can be accommodated in a given launch vehicle shroud. As an example we show our concept for a Folded Astronomical Space Telescope where a 2.4-m Hubble Space Telescope class of telescope can be packaged in a 1.5-m diameter cylinder. The enabling rationale, general configuration, and optical system technologies for such a telescope will be presented.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The decomposition of H2S on Ni(110)

Abstract Adsorbed H 2 S decomposes on Ni(110) to form primarily surface S and H for coverages of less than 0.5 ML. The hydrogen evolves in two separate TPD peaks, characteristic of hydrogen recombination and desorption from the clean surface and from regions perturbed by chemisorbed sulfur. XPS and HREELS indicate the presence of SH and possibly H 2 S groups on the surface at 110 K. The XPS data indicates that for coverages less than about 0.5 ML, the concentration of molecular H 2 S is small, but it is difficult to asess the coverage of SH groups. However, all of the molecular species decompose prior to hydrogen desorption (for high coverage, 180 K). Physisorbed H 2 S is observed on the surface for coverages greater than about 0.5 ML. The sulfur Auger lineshape was observed to be a function of both coverage and temperature. The changes in the lineshape were attributed to perturbations in local bonding interactions between the S and the Ni surface, perhaps involving some change in either bonding sites or distances but not involving SH bond scission. The decomposition reaction was modeled using a bond order conservation method which successfully reproduced the experimental results.
Presacral hibernoma: Radiologic-pathologic correlation

Hibernoma is a rare benign tumor of brown fat origin. It is found in locations where brown adipose tissue is present in the fetus. These locations include the neck, axilla, thorax, and extremities. Retroperitoneal hibernoma is an extremely rare site of presentation. We present a rare case of presacral hibernoma. Preoperative embolization of this highly vascular tumor was performed. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a presacral hibernoma in the English literature.
Effect of thrombin and ADP on a membrane bound cyclic AMP dependent kinase of human platelets. Studies on normal platelets and those from patients with Von Willebrand's disease.

Abstract The effects of thrombin and ADP on the endogenous phosphorylation of platelet membrane fractions by a membrane bound cAMP dependent kinase in normal platelet membranes and those from patients with Von Willebrand's disease have been studied. In normal platelets ADP produced a significant depression in kinase activity in all three main absorbance peaks, while thrombin produced significant depressions in only one. In three Von Willebrand's patients a decrease in phosphate transfer similar to that in normals was observed in most peaks but some individual variation occurred which, in some cases, was quite different from normals. These findings are discussed.
A genetic network model of cellular responses to lithium treatment and cocaine abuse in bipolar disorder.

Background: Lithium is an effective treatment for Bipolar Disorder (BD) and significantly reduces suicide risk, though the molecular basis of lithium’s effectiveness is not well understood. We seek to improve our understanding of this effectiveness by posing hypotheses based on new experimental data as well as published data, testing these hypotheses in silico, and posing new hypotheses for validation in future studies. We initially hypothesized a gene-by-environment interaction where lithium, acting as an environmental influence, impacts signal transduction pathways leading to differential expression of genes important in the etiology of BD mania. Results: Using microarray and rt-QPCR assays, we identified candidate genes that are differentially expressed with lithium treatment. We used a systems biology approach to identify interactions among these candidate genes and develop a network of genes that interact with the differentially expressed candidates. Notably, we also identified cocaine as having a potential influence on the network, consistent with the observed high rate of comorbidity for BD and cocaine abuse. The resulting network represents a novel hypothesis on how multiple genetic influences on bipolar disorder are impacted by both lithium treatment and cocaine use. Testing this network for association with BD and related phenotypes, we find that it is significantly over-represented for genes that participate in signal transduction, consistent with our hypothesized-gene-by environment interaction. In addition, it models related pharmacogenomic, psychiatric, and chemical dependence phenotypes. Conclusions: We offer a network model of gene-by-environment interaction associated with lithium’s effectiveness in treating BD mania, as well as the observed high rate of comorbidity of BD and cocaine abuse. We identified drug targets within this network that represent immediate candidates for therapeutic drug testing. Posing novel hypotheses for validation in future work, we prioritized SNPs near genes in the network based on functional annotation. We also developed a “concept signature” for the genes in the network and identified additional candidate genes that may influence the system because they are significantly associated with the signature.
The prebiotic molecules observed in the interstellar gas

Over 130 molecules have been identified in the interstellar gas and circumstellar shells, the largest among them is a carbon chain with 13 atoms and molecular weight of 147 (twice that of the simplest amino acid glycine). The high reliability of astronomical identifications, as well as the fairly accurate quantitative analysis which can often be achieved, is emphasized. Glycine itself has been claimed, but a recent analysis indicates that few, if any, of the astronomical radio lines attributed to glycine are actually from that molecule. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have long been proposed as the source of the unidentified infrared bands between 3 and 16 μm, but no single PAH has been identified in space, partly because PAHs generally have weak or non-existent radio spectra. A remarkable exception is the non-planar corannulene molecule (C20H10) that has a strong radio spectrum; in the rich molecular cloud TMC-1, it is found that less than 10−5 of the carbon is contained in this molecule, suggesting that PAHs are not the dominant large molecules in the interstellar gas, as has been claimed. Owing to inherent spectroscopic limitations, determining the structures of the large molecules in space may require capture of the dust grains, which are continually entering the outer Solar System.
Novel heterostructure device for electronic pulse-mode neural circuits

A new approach to the hardware implementation of artificial, electronic pulse-mode neural circuits is proposed and demonstrated based on the use of a novel heterostructure device that exhibits an S-type current-voltage characteristic. The new device consists of a multi-period quantum well structure with heavily doped n+ GaAs quantum wells and undoped AlGaAs barriers between an n+ GaAs cathode and p+ GaAs anode. When operated with an RC load, the device switches periodically between a low-conductance off state and a high-conductance on state generating a pulse-mode output. The operation is analogous to that of the axon hillock or trigger zone of the neuron, exhibiting a threshold behavior and a nonlinear dependence of the pulse frequency on the input voltage (mean membrane potential). Low-voltage and room-temperature operation are shown to be feasible. >
Comparison of electron and electronic temperatures in recombining nozzle flow of ionized nitrogen--hydrogen mixture. Part 1. Theory

Relaxation of the population distribution of electronic states is studied theoretically for a highly ionized nitrogen-hydrogen mixture expanding through a nozzle wherein the hydrogen content is less than 0.1%. The analysis incorporates quantum-mechanical rate coefficients, and considers the effects of wall cooling and absorption of radiation. Calculations are carried out for a condition produced experimentally. Visible and infrared line radiations from nitrogen and hydrogen were measured with a spectrograph. The geometry and stagnation conditions were those calculated theoretically. The experiment confirms quantitatively the predictions that the electronic excitation temperatures of hydrogen and (3P) core states of nitrogen are higher than the electron temperature, and that (3P) excitation temperatures exhibit maxima within the nozzle.
Coping With Negative Symptoms of Schizophrenia: Patient and Family Perspectives

An exploratory study was conducted of the strategies that schizophrenia patients and their relatives employ to cope with negative symptoms. Coping strategies and their perceived efficacy were elicited in semistructured interviews conducted separately with patients and relatives. Coping responses were coded according to the following dimensions: behavioral-cognitive, social-nonsocial, and problem focused-emotion focused. Overall, the number of coping strategies was related to perceived coping efficacy for both patients and relatives, regardless of the type of strategy. Perceived coping efficacy tended to be highest for apathy; intermediate for alogia, anhedonia, and inattention; and lowest for blunting. Relatives with more knowledge about schizophrenia used more coping strategies and reported higher levels of coping efficacy. Patient rejection by relatives and distress (either patient or relative) tended to not be related to coping strategies. The findings suggest that patients and relatives use a wide variety of strategies to cope with negative symptoms of schizophrenia. Future clinical work and research need to evaluate whether families may benefit from psychoeducational approaches to teaching them how to better manage negative symptoms.
Thromboprophylaxis in medical inpatients reduces pulmonary embolism, increases the risk of major haemorrhage and does not reduce total mortality, producing questionable net clinical benefit

Commentary on: Lederle FA, Zylla D, MacDonald R, et al. Venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in hospitalized medical patients and those with stroke: a background review for an American College of Physicians Clinical Practice Guideline. Ann Intern Med 2011;155:602–15.[OpenUrl][1][CrossRef][2][PubMed][3][Web of Science][4] Effective pharmacological prophylaxis reduces venous thromboembolism (VTE) in high-risk medically-ill patients.1 But the net benefit of VTE prevention strategies in unselected medical patients is not established. Lederle et al conducted a comprehensive meta-analysis of available clinical trials. Articles were identified by searching MEDLINE from 1950 through April 2011 and the Cochrane Library. A comprehensive search strategy was provided including details of searches for unpublished material, with good attention to study quality and a data extraction protocol. Studies providing separate data for medical patients or stroke patients in acute or intermediate care, healthcare facilities were included. The analysis included data from randomised trials that provided clinical outcomes and evaluated therapy with heparins or mechanical devices. Studies were included … [1]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DAnnals%2Bof%2BInternal%2BMedicine%26rft.stitle%253DANN%2BINTERN%2BMED%26rft.issn%253D0003-4819%26rft.aulast%253DLederle%26rft.auinit1%253DF.%2BA.%26rft.volume%253D155%26rft.issue%253D9%26rft.spage%253D602%26rft.epage%253D615%26rft.atitle%253DVenous%2Bthromboembolism%2Bprophylaxis%2Bin%2Bhospitalized%2Bmedical%2Bpatients%2Band%2Bthose%2Bwith%2Bstroke%253A%2Ba%2Bbackground%2Breview%2Bfor%2Ban%2BAmerican%2BCollege%2Bof%2BPhysicians%2BClinical%2BPractice%2BGuideline.%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Adoi%252F10.7326%252F0003-4819-155-9-201111010-00008%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F22041949%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [2]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=10.7326/0003-4819-155-9-201111010-00008&link_type=DOI [3]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=22041949&link_type=MED&atom=%2Febmed%2F17%2F5%2F154.atom [4]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=000296612400005&link_type=ISI
Surface dynamics of ordered Cu3Au(001) studied by elastic and inelastic helium atom scattering

Inelastic helium atom scattering has been used to measure the surface phonon dispersion curves for the (001) face of the ordered phase of Cu,Au along the (100) (i.e., P-M’) direction. We report the spectroscopic observation of two surface phonon modes on this fee alloy, and present a detailed description of the scattering instrument that was used for making these measurements. The lower-energy surface phonon mode, the Rayleigh wave, has an energy of 7. I + 0.5 meV at M’. The higher-lying feature is an optical mode with an energy of 12.5 k 1.0 meV, which shows little dispersion across the surface Brillouin zone. This phonon mode might be interpreted as a folded Rayleigh mode. The experimentally measured dispersion curves do not agree with those generated by a lattice dynamical slab calculation which uses a pair potential force-field that successfully models the bulk vibrations of the ordered alloy. The best fit to our experimental data indicates that the force constant between the first and second layer Cu atoms needs to be stiffened by - 20% with respect to the corresponding bulk value.
Protocols for collecting responses in multi-hop radio networks

The problem of collecting responses in multihop radio networks is considered. A given node is to collect a specified number of responses from nodes in a radio network. The problem arises in several applications of distributed systems. A deterministic protocol and a randomized protocol for the problem are presented. The two protocols are analyzed and their performances are compared. >
An extended overview of the Mothra software testing environment

The authors give a brief introduction to mutation analysis. They they discuss Mothra, emphasizing how it interacts with the tester. The authors present some major problems with using mutation analysis and discuss possible solutions. They conclude with a solution to one of these problems-a method of automatically generating mutation-adequate data. >
Fiducial marks as measures of thin film crack arrest toughness

Abstract Carbon fiducial marks are formed during thin film local delamination processes induced either by indentation, forming circular blisters, or by residual stress relief through telephone cord blister formations. Hydrocarbons are sucked into the crack tip during the delamination processes, outlining the crack tip opening angle, which can be used to back calculate thin film adhesion using elastic or plastic analyses presented in the paper.
Basic-needs to globalization: Are ICTs the missing link?

The discourse on globalization intersects with assumptions about how new information and communication technologies can generate economic growth in less developed countries. This paper is a critical review of some of these assumptions. It argues that the current processes of globalization cannot on their own foster economic development because globalization is inherently dialectical. It can create wealth for some countries while at the same time, it can impoverish others thus further accentuating the marginalization of many countries. The paper concludes by suggesting ways in which less developed countries can stay "connected" with the global economy while at the same time pursuing development strategies that will meet the basic needs of the majority of their populations.
Geometric Localization of CMEs in 3D Space Using STEREO Beacon Data: First Results

The geometric localization technique (Pizzo and Biesecker, Geophys. Res. Lett. 31, 21802, 2004) can readily be used with Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory (STEREO) Space Weather Beacon data to observe coronal mass ejection (CME) propagation within three-dimensional space in near-real time. This technique is based upon simple triangulation concepts and utilizes a series of lines of sight from two space-based observatories to determine gross characteristics of CMEs, such as location and velocity. Since this work is aimed at space weather applications, the emphasis is on use of COR2 coronagraph data, which has a field of view from 2.5R ⊙ to 15R ⊙; this spatial coverage allows us to observe the early temporal development of a CME, and hence to calculate its velocity, even for very fast CMEs. We apply this technique to highly-compressed COR2 beacon images for several CMEs at various spacecraft separation angles: 21 August 2007, when the separation angle between the two spacecraft was 26°; 31 December 2007 and 2 January 2008, when the separation angle was 44°; and 17 October 2008, when the spacecraft separation was 79°. We present results on the speed and direction of propagation for these events and discuss the error associated with this technique. We also compare our results to the two-dimensional plane-of-sky speeds calculated from STEREO and SOHO.
Electrogenic capacity and community composition of anodic biofilms in soil-based bioelectrochemical systems.

Although a number of bacteria are known to be capable of generating an electrical current, the diversity of electrogenic bacteria in soils and the commonality across soil types is relatively unknown. Simple bioelectrochemical cells were constructed to measure the electrogenic capacity and community composition of bacteria originating on cell anodes from three biogeochemically distinct soil types. All three soils supported electrogenic activity, amounting to a maximum sustained current of 1.5–2.1 mA over 55 days. Analysis of fatty acids identified differences in microbial community composition between anode biofilms and far-field soil materials. Anode communities showed greater percentages of fatty acids indicative of Gram-negative bacteria and Actinomycetes. By analysis of anode biofilm genomic DNA via terminal-restriction fragment-length polymorphisms, commonalities in community composition across the three soil types were identified, specifically, the putative presence of bacterial species belonging to the α- and s-Proteobacteria and the Firmicutes. Subsequent culture and isolation of bacteria from the anodes confirmed the presence of similar classes of bacteria. Results showed that, under saturated conditions, different soils can support electrogenic activity and that the bacterial communities that develop on the anodes share certain common inherent community traits.
Hamstring Autograft Size Can Be Predicted and Is a Potential Risk Factor for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Failure

Purpose The purposes of this systematic review were (1) to determine whether there is a minimum hamstring autograft size for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction that significantly decreases the risk of failure and (2) to evaluate the methods to accurately and reliably predict the size of hamstring grafts. Methods We performed a systematic review of Level III and IV studies using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. All studies assessing failure of quadrupled-strand autograft hamstring ACL reconstruction as a function of graft diameter with at least 1 year of follow-up and those that assessed the use of imaging or anthropometric patient-specific factors to predict hamstring autograft size were included. Results We identified 4 clinical studies that directly compared graft size and failure rate. These correlated with a 6.8 times greater relative risk of failure if the graft diameter was equal to or less than 8 mm ( P = .008). All 9 anthropometric-based prediction studies were able to significantly correlate at least 1 parameter with intraoperative graft size. Height was the most common correlation, with r = 0.45 ( P r = 0.66 ( P Conclusions On the basis of the available evidence, ACL reconstruction with a quadrupled-strand hamstring autograft with a diameter equal to or larger than 8 mm decreases failure rates. In addition, grafts larger than 8 mm decrease failure rates in patients aged younger than 20 years, a group identified to be at increased risk of failure. Both patient height and magnetic resonance imaging–derived cross-sectional area of the hamstring tendons can be used preoperatively to reliably predict the hamstring autograft diameter. Level of Evidence Level IV, systematic review of Level III and IV studies.
Misrepresentation of research criteria by orthopaedic residency applicants.

Background: Previous studies have shown that applicants for postgraduate training may misrepresent research citations. We evaluated the research citations that were identified in a review of the Publications and Work and Research sections from the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) data for all applicants to our orthopaedic residency program for the 1998 to 1999 academic year. Methods: The citations were searched for on Medline. We initially used the name of the first author, then the name of the applicant, the name of the journal, the volume number, the issue number, and the page numbers. When a journal was not listed in Medline, an interlibrary search was instituted with use of the same format. When no match was made for any category, the citation was defined as misrepresented. Point estimates are reported as percentages. Results: Publications were listed on sixty-four (30.0 percent) of 213 applications. One hundred and thirty-eight publications were cited; there were fifteen citations (10.9 percent) to book chapters, twenty-six (18.8 percent) to journals not listed in Ulrich's International Periodicals Directory, and twenty-one (15.2 percent) to articles listed as in press, in print, or submitted for publication. Seventy-six articles that had been cited as appearing in journals listed in Ulrich's Directory were checked and verified. Fourteen (18 percent) of these seventy-six publications were misrepresented. Misrepresentations included citations of nonexistent articles in actual journals and nonauthorship of existing articles. Conclusions: We concluded that publications listed on postgraduate applications should be scrutinized carefully. Copies of cited publications should be required by residency programs before applications are considered complete. The importance of professionalism needs to be emphasized in the curricula of medical schools. Residency training programs should develop guidelines regarding misrepresentation.
Introduction to Molecular Spectroscopy

After a brief historical introduction, the theory of electronic spectra is discussed. The classification of electronic states and electronic selection rules is given. Energy formulae and selection rules for the vibrational structure and rotational fine structure accompanying an electronic transition are also given. The molecular orbitals for AH2, HAB and AB2 molecules are discussed with the aid of Walsh diagrams. The spectra which have been observed for these molecules are summarized together with the molecular geometries which have been derived from the analyses of the optical spectra.
Dynamic load balancing and sharing performance of integrated wireless networks

The capacity of wireless networks can be increased via dynamic load balancing/sharing by employing overlay networks on top of the existing cellular networks. One such recently proposed system is the integrated cellular and ad hoc relay (iCAR) system, where an overlay ad hoc network is employed to use the resources efficiently by dynamically balancing the load of the hot spots in the cellular network, and to provide quality-of-service to subscribers, no matter where they are located and when the request is made. It is assumed that this overlay network operates in the 2.4-GHz Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) band and, hence, the number of available ISM-band relay channels used for load balancing will be limited due to other users' interference at a given point in time. In this paper, the impact of ISM-band interference on the performance of iCAR systems, which is a representative hybrid wireless network, is studied, and it is shown that dynamic load balancing and sharing capabilities of iCAR systems are strictly dependent on the availability of the ISM-band relay channels. In addition to quantifying the impact of the number of available relay channels on the performance of iCAR systems, a simple channel assignment scheme to reduce the performance degradation due to other users' interference is also provided. Results show that this interference avoidance technique can improve the realistic performance of iCAR-like hybrid wireless networks by 12%-23% when the interferers are uniformly distributed in the ISM-band.
Assessing the colloidal properties of engineered nanoparticles in water: case studies from fullerene C60 nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes

Environmental context. The fate and bioavailability of engineered nanoparticles in natural aquatic systems are strongly influenced by their ability to remain dispersed in water. Consequently, understanding the colloidal properties of engineered nanoparticles through rigorous characterisation of physicochemical properties and measurements of particle stability will allow for a more accurate prediction of their environmental, health, and safety effects in aquatic systems. This review highlights some important techniques suitable for the assessment of the colloidal properties of engineered nanoparticles and discusses some recent findings obtained by using these techniques on two popular carbon-based nanoparticles, fullerene C60 and multi-walled carbon nanotubes. Abstract. The colloidal properties of engineered nanoparticles directly affect their use in a wide variety of applications and also control their environmental fate and mobility. The colloidal stability of engineered nanoparticles depends on their physicochemical properties within the given aqueous medium and is ultimately reflected in the particles’ aggregation and deposition behaviour. This review presents some of the key experimental methods that are currently used to probe colloidal properties and quantify engineered nanoparticle stability in water. Case studies from fullerene C60 nanoparticles and multi-walled carbon nanotubes illustrate how the characterisation and measurement methods are used to understand and predict nanoparticle fate in aquatic systems. Consideration of the comparisons between these two classes of carbon-based nanoparticles provides useful insights into some major current knowledge gaps while also revealing clues about needed future developments. Key issues to be resolved relate to the nature of near-range surface forces and the origins of surface charge, particularly for the reportedly unmodified or ‘pure’ carbon-based nanoparticles.
Relational sequential inference with reliable observations

We present a trainable sequential-inference technique for processes with large state and observation spaces and relational structure. Our method assumes "reliable observations", i.e. that each process state persists long enough to be reliably inferred from the observations it generates. We introduce the idea of a "state-inference function" (from observation sequences to underlying hidden states) for representing knowledge about a process and develop an efficient sequential-inference algorithm, utilizing this function, that is correct for processes that generate reliable observations consistent with the state-inference function. We describe a representation for state-inference functions in relational domains and give a corresponding supervised learning algorithm. Experiments, in relational video interpretation, show that our technique provides significantly improved accuracy and speed relative to a variety of recent, hand-coded, non-trainable systems.
Microfluidic delivery of small molecules into mammalian cells based on hydrodynamic focusing.

Microfluidics-based cell assays offer high levels of automation and integration, and allow multiple assays to be run in parallel, based on reduced sample volumes. These characteristics make them attractive for studies associated with drug discovery. Controlled delivery of drug molecules or other exogenous materials into cells is a critical issue that needs to be addressed before microfluidics can serve as a viable platform for drug screening and studies. In this study, we report the application of hydrodynamic focusing for controlled delivery of small molecules into cells immobilized on the substrate of a microfluidic device. We delivered calcein AM which was permeant to the cell membrane into cells, and monitored its enzymatic conversion into fluorescent calcein during and after the delivery. Different ratios of the sample flow to the side flow were tested to determine how the conditions of hydrodynamic focusing affected the delivery. A 3D numerical model was developed to help understand the fluid flow, molecular diffusion due to hydrodynamic focusing in the microfluidic channel. The results from the simulation indicated that the calcein AM concentration on the outer surface of a cell was determined by the conditions of hydrodynamic focusing. By comparing the results from the simulation with those from the experiment, we found that the calcein AM concentration on the cell outer surface correlated very well with the amount of the molecules delivered into the cell. This suggests that hydrodynamic focusing provides an effective way for potentially quantitative delivery of exogenous molecules into cells at the single cell or subcellular level. We expect that our technique will pave the way to high-throughput drug screening and delivery on a microfluidic platform. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2008;100: 150–158. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Anthrax as a Biological Weapon: An Old Disease That Poses a New Threat

posed by the organism that causes it. Further, understanding concepts related to the pathogenesis, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of anthrax can equip critical care nurses with information needed to manage patients with anthrax if the patients require intensive care and to educate the public about this disease.
Mode Coupling in Laser Produced Plasmas

The interaction of an intense electromagnetic wave from a laser with a plasma can result in a wide variety of effects, including the production of various waves in the plasma by parametric instabilities. For example, the incident em wave can couple to other plasma modes such as ion waves, electron plasma waves (epw), or scattered em waves. Stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) produces an ion wave and a reflected em wave; stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) produces an epw and a reflected em wave; and the two-plasmon decay instability (TPD) produces two plasma waves.
Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy of the Polymeric Amorphous Phase

The characterization of the crystalline phase of semicrystalline polymers in terms of chain order and morphology has made considerable progress using diffraction and microscopic techniques. Characterization of the amorphous phase in terms of chain structure and conformation has been limited. Consequently, our knowledge of the amorphous phase for many polymeric systems is lacking. This is highly undesirable since many of the processes which are of interest (crystallization, diffusion, swelling, etc. ) are initiated in the amorphous phase.