cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Epigenetic Influences on Brain Development and Plasticity

A fine interplay exists between sensory experience and innate genetic programs leading to the sculpting of neuronal circuits during early brain development. Recent evidence suggests that the dynamic regulation of gene expression through epigenetic mechanisms is at the interface between environmental stimuli and long lasting molecular, cellular and complex behavioral phenotypes acquired during periods of developmental plasticity. Understanding these mechanisms may give insight into the formation of critical periods and provide new strategies for increasing plasticity and adaptive change in adulthood.
Current topic: placental surgery: a new frontier.

Antenatal ultrasound scanning permits the in utero identification of pathologic pregnancies previously diagnosed after miscarriage or stillbirth by pathologists in laboratories or pediatricians in nurseries. Ultrasound also facilitates the obstetrician's role in the diagnosis of abnormalities at the genetic/molecular level through direct sampling of placental tissue and umbilical cord blood. However, the number of potentially fatal or highly incapacitating fetal conditions which can be successfully treated in utero after diagnosis remains limited. Once the fetus is determined to be abnormal, three alternatives are available: termination of pregnancy, immediate postpartum intervention, or management by some form of in utero fetal therapy. This latter course is undertaken only on the basis of biological need, feasibility, and bioethical acceptability (Micheja and Pringle, 1986). The simplest example fulfilling these criteria is the treatment of hydrops fetalis from Rh incompatibility with fetal transfusions. On the other hand, surgical techniques have been proposed that require incision into the uterus and exteriorization of the fetus, thus breaching the fetus' sterile environment, exposing the mother to the rigors of anesthesia and general surgery, and hysterotomy which may risk the mother's future reproductive capability. Examples of the latter include repair of congenital diaphragmatic hernia and various obstructive uropathies (Harrison, 1990; Harrison and Filly, 1990). Three abnormalities of pregnancy which lend themselves to in utero diagnosis have their pathogenesis in the placenta rather than the fetus per se. These are variations of twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) in monochorionic (MC) twins, heart failure of the normal 'pump' twin in an acardius twin pregnanc2r and chorioangiomas large enough to cause hydramnios and fetal hydrops. The first two conditions can be traced to chorionic blood vessels connecting the circulations of the twins (chorioangiopagous), whereas the latter is a primary tumor of the placenta. These placental abnormalities are associated with high perinatal morbidity and mortality rates, secondary to premature birth or in utero death, especially when they occur in previable pregnancies where delivery is not an option. With the exeption of the acardius, the associated fetuses are anatomically normal.
Transcriptional activation of the MDR1 gene by UV irradiation. Role of NF-Y and Sp1.

The MDR1 promoter is subject to control by various internal and external stimuli. We have previously shown that the CCAAT box-binding protein, NF-Y, mediates MDR1 activation by the histone deacetylase inhibitors, trichostatin A and sodium butyrate, through the recruitment of the co-activator, P/CAF. We have now extended our investigation to the activation of MDR1 by genotoxic stress. We show that activation of the MDR1 promoter by UV irradiation is also dependent on the CCAAT box (−82 to −73) as well as on a proximal GC element (−56 to −42). Gel shift and supershift analyses with nuclear extracts prepared from human KB-3-1 cells identified NF-Y as the transcription factor interacting with the CCAAT box, while Sp1 was the predominant factor binding to the GC element. Mutations that abrogated binding of either of these factors reduced or abolished activation by ultraviolet irradiation; moreover, co-expression of a dominant-negative NF-Y protein (NF-YA29) reduced UV-activated transcription. Interestingly, YB-1, a transcription factor that also recognizes the CCAAT motif and had been reported to mediate induction of the MDR1 promoter by ultraviolet light, was incapable of interacting with the double-stranded MDR1 CCAAT box oligonucleotide in nuclear extracts, although it did interact with a single-stranded oligonucleotide. Furthermore, a mutation that abolished activation of MDR1 by UV-irradiation had no effect on YB-1 binding and co-transfection of a YB-1 expression plasmid had arepressive effect on UV-inducible transcription. Taken together, these results indicate a role for both NF-Y and Sp1 in the transcriptional activation of the MDR1 gene by genotoxic stress, and indicate that YB-1, if involved, is not sufficient to mediate this activation.
Calculations of seabird population recovery from potential oilspills in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States

Abstract Calculations were made of herring gull and common tern population recovery from potential oilspill damage in the U.S. mid-Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) oil leasing area. Population recovery was examined using a density-dependent age-specific life history table for each species. Both a deterministic and a stochastic approach were used in the calculations. In the deterministic approach, it was assumed that an oilspill contact to a seabird colony had occurred. Using the density-dependent model, population recovery was calculated for several different mortality scenarios. Assuming that all age classes suffer 95% mortality from an oilspill contact, a worst case scenario, it was estimated that the herring gull and common tern populations could recover to their pre-spill levels in approximately 45 years and more than 100 years, respectively. In the stochastic approach, the probabilities of oilspill contacts to these seabird colonies were calculated using an oilspill trajectory analysis model. Oilspill contacts to these colonies were simulated during the expected 30 year active life of the lease area. For each lease lifetime, the number of oilspill contacts to a seabird colony was sampled from a Poisson distribution and assigned randomly on a seasonal basis. This analysis indicated that the oilspill risks from the development of proposed lease tracts in the mid-Atlantic region pose minimal risk (3–5%) of severe population reduction for both herring gulls and common terns. If the oilspill risks from tanker transportation of crude oil imports are included along with the proposed lease tracts, then the risks of severe population reduction are increased to approximately 10% for herring gulls and 18% for common terns.
Effect of surface coatings on aluminum fuel particles toward nanocomposite combustion

Abstract Flame front velocity (FFV) of three energetic material composites was measured in order to understand the effects of surface functionalization on aluminum reactivity. Composites were prepared using molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) and aluminum (Al) fuel particles with and without surface functionalization. The surface functionalization consisted of a 5-nm-thick layer (35% by weight) of perfluorotetradecanoic acid (PFTD) bonded to the Al2O3 surface of the Al particles. The first composite consisted of Al functionalized with PFTD and MoO3, the second consisted of Al with MoO3 and added PFTD particles to the same weight percentage as in the Al functionalized PFTD, and the third composite consisted of Al with MoO3. The results showed a dramatic increase in FFV from 100 to 500 m/s resulting from the surface functionalization. The results of the experiments show that the surface functionalized Al composite (Al-PFTD/MoO3) has a reaction rate 2 × than that of the simple Al/MoO3 and 3.5 × than that of the Al/MoO3/PFTD composite.
Expression of a Novel Insulin-Activated Amino Acid Transporter Gene During Differentiation of 3T3-L1 Preadipocytes into Adipocytes

A cDNA encoding a novel insulin-activated adipocyte amino acid transporter (designated AAAT) was cloned from a mouse 3T3-L1 adipocyte library. The deduced amino acid sequence of the cDNA corresponds to a protein of 553 amino acids that possesses 56% amino acid sequence identity to the human neutral amino acid transporter and 42% identity to the rat brain glutamate transporter. Transient transfection of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes with an AAAT expression vector led to insulin-dependent uptake of L-serine and to a lesser extent, uptake of L-alanine and L-glutamate. Expression of the AAAT message is tissue-specific, with the highest level occurring in mouse adipose tissue and a lower level in lung. Unlike other sodium-dependent amino acid transporter mRNAs, the AAAT message is not expressed in brain, kidney, liver or heart and only traces are detected in spleen, thymus and skeletal muscle. Consistent with its high level in adipose tissue, expression of the AAAT message is markedly increased when 3T3-L1 preadipocytes are induced to differentiate into adipocytes.
Predictors of adherence to a behavioral therapy sleep intervention during breast cancer chemotherapy

This study’s purpose was twofold: (1) to establish adherence rates to a behavioral therapy (BT) sleep intervention and (2) to identify psychological and physical symptom predictors of adherence to the intervention in women undergoing breast cancer chemotherapy. A randomized controlled trial began 48 h before the first of four chemotherapy treatments. Women with stages I–IIIA breast cancer (n = 113) received a BT sleep intervention composed of stimulus control, modified sleep restriction (MSR), relaxation therapy (RT), and sleep hygiene counseling components. A BT plan was developed by a research nurse and each participant, reinforced on day 8, and repeated for chemotherapy cycles 2, 3, and 4. Adherence to the BT plan was measured daily; total adherence score was computed at each chemotherapy cycle by combining adherence estimates of all BT plan components. Psychological and physical symptoms over the past 7 days were measured 2 days prior to and 7 days after each chemotherapy treatment. Total adherence rates to the BT plan were 51–52% at all four treatments but adherence varied by component. Sleep disturbance, pain, and anxiety significantly decreased whereas depression significantly increased across chemotherapy. Structural equation modeling revealed a good model fit with decreasing sleep disturbances (0.409) and increasing depression (−0.711) contributing to lower total adherence rates. Increasing depression predicted lower MSR adherence (−0.203) and decreasing sleep disturbances predicted lower RT adherence (1.220). Sleep disturbance and depression significantly impacted adherence rates during chemotherapy. Results warrant attention when promoting adherence to BT sleep interventions during chemotherapy treatment.
What Is a Linguist

THE WAR brought a sudden need for young Americans with a speaking knowledge of various Oriental languages. We had in the country some totally inadequate facilities for teaching them Chinese or Japanese, but for most other Oriental languages we had neither schools nor teachers nor usable textbooks. Thanks to a small group of linguists, the generosity of the Rockefeller Foundation, and the efficient management of the American Council of Learned Societies, a limited supply of teachers has been provided, and they have already made many American soldiers effective speakers of Japanese, Chinese, Annamese, Thai, Malay, Burmese, Hindustani Turkish, Arabic, or some other Oriental language. For European languages the situation was less desperate; experienced teachers of German, French, and Spanish are numerous, and not a few of the soldiers already knew something of one of these or of some other European language. Nevertheless it was evidently necessary for many young men, who at the moment knew only English, to speak German, Italian, French or Russian fluently--and to acquire this fluency in the shortest possible time. The task has been undertaken with enthusiasm in a number of colleges and universities, and the results are very gratifying. No responsible person claims that any "royal road to learning" has been discovered, or that any miracles are being performed, although startling rumors have been circulated. Most unfortunate, because of their definiteness, are some reports "that students who have had only eight weeks instruction are to be judged successful speakers" and that a certain language can "be mastered in six weeks."l What cart be claimed is that in several universities the teaching of foreign languages to soldiers has been much more efficient than our peacetime record had led anyone to expect. After several months of study of Malay, soldiers are welcome and enthusiastic guests at dances given by the Malayspeaking colony in New York. Several soldiers who had been studying Russian for six months or so met some Russians who were on a mission to the United States, and had trouble convincing the guests that they had never lived in Russia. Many similar incidents are reported by soldier students of other languages, both European and Oriental. Certainly that has not hitherto been the usual experience of Americans who have studied foreign languages in our schools. As a result of all this many laymen, including administrative officers of schools, colleges, and universities, are convinced that a considerable educa-
A Proposed Nomenclature and Convention for Recording the Ballistocardiogram

When this paper was submitted to the editors of CIRCULATION it called to their attention the desirability of enlarging the work that Dr. Braunstein has begun in the following paper. Accordingly, Dr. Howard Sprague, President of the American Heart Association appointed a committee to study the field and to make recommendations leading toward both a uniform terminology and uniform methods of presenting data secured by ballistocardiographs, and Dr. Braunstein kindly consented to withhold the publication of his paper until the committee was ready to report. This committee has now approved the terminology suggested by Dr. Braunstein and, in a first report, which immediately follows Dr. Braunstein's paper, makes other recommendations pertaining to terminology and conventions for parts of the field not covered by Dr. Braunstein's paper.
Nitrogen supply, tissue composition and frond growth rates for Macrocystis pyrifera off the coast of southern California

Seasonal changes in ambient NO 3 − and NH 4 + , tissue composition (N, C, and C/N ratio), and frond growth rates for Macrocystis pyrifera (L.) Agardh were examined. Ambient NO 3 − showed distinct seasonal variations. Frond growth rates were variable, but showed no clear correlation to ambient NO 3 − . The average N content of plant tissue did, however, show the same seasonal variations as ambient NO 3 − . The longitudinal distribution of total tissue N and various components of tissue N along fronds were also analyzed. Several distinct patterns were found: high levels of protein N at growing tips and elevated levels of soluble N in lower parts of the frond. Free amino acids accounted for a major portion of the soluble N, but neither NO 3 − nor NH 4 + accumulated in the plant tissue. The longitudinal distribution of N along the fronds is compared to reported variations in C metabolism, and it is concluded that C and N sourcesink relations do not always coincide and bidirectional translocation may occur.
High-power visible laser effect on a Boston Micromachines' MEMS deformable mirror

Continuous-facesheet and segmented Boston Micromachines Corporations' (BMC) Micro-Electrical Mechanical Systems (MEMS) Deformable Mirrors (DM) have been tested for their response to high-power visible-wavelength laser light. The deformable mirrors, coated with either protected silver or bare aluminum, were subjected to a maximum of 2 Watt laser-light at a wavelength of 532 nanometers. The laser light was incident on a ~ 3.5×3.5 cm area for time periods from minutes to 7 continuous hours. Spot heating from the laser-light is measured to induce a local bulge in the surface of each DM. For the aluminum-coated continuous facesheet DM, the induced spot heating changes the surface figure by 16 nm rms. The silver-coated continuous-facesheet and segmented (spatial light modulator) DMs experience a 6 and 8 nm surface rms change in surface quality with the laser at 2 Watts. For spatial frequencies less than the actuator spacing (300 mm), the laser induced surface bulge is shown to be removable, as the DMs continued to be fully functional during and after their exposure. Over the full 10 mm aperture one could expect the same results with a 15 Watt laser guide star (LGS). These results are very promising for use of the MEMS DM to pre-correct the outgoing laser light in the Laboratory for Adaptive Optics' (LAO) laser uplink application.
The effect of an initial cooperative or competitive treatment upon a subject's response to conditional cooperation

Subjects, 112 male and 112 female college students, participated in four experiments with mixed-motive games, using a Prisoner's Dilemma and a Chicken matrix. A prearranged program simulating the “other player” made 30 consecutive cooperative or competitive choices during a “pretreatment” and then, for 200 trials, reciprocated the S's choices with a one-trial lag (the tit-for-tat treatment). A highly significant increase in cooperative behavior was observed in all four experiments. The data suggest that either type of pretreatment may facilitate the development of a cooperative strategy, if followed by a tit-for-tat treatment, while in the absence of pretreatment, no increase in cooperative behavior was found. The sex of S and the effect of the first move of tit-for-tat treatinent interacted with other experimental conditions. Cooperative pretreatment, followed by a cooperative first move, produced one of the highest levels of cooperation observed in these experiments.
Navigation planning for mobile robotic devices in modular warehouses

This paper deals with the problem of navigation and planning of an automated warehouse equipped with mobile robotic devices. A generalised layout of the warehouse is considered here, which is a modular construction type. The path planning algorithm (optimises the path for the shortest distance to the goal) and the collision avoidance strategy for a multiple robot environment are developed based on velocity and distance bounds. The landmarks are assumed to supply all pertiment information regarding the module identification and the movement directions, while the sensors are assumed to be capable of maintaining the robot in its correct track and understand the knowledge contained in the landmarks. The path planning and collision avoidance algorithms are programmed and simulated for a multiple robot environment in a construction site warehouse.
Optical implementation of a novel accurate-location radar and sonar signal processor

An optical implementation is considered for a novel system, recently invented by the author, for accurately locating objects, relatively close to an array, from distributed backscatter. Processing is partitioned into handling scatterers in annuli rather than in pie-shaped regions as in conventional systems that use beamforming followed by matched filtering. The advantages of the new design are discussed. Precomputing a matrix containing geometric and transmission pulse information leaves only matrix-vector computations to be performed in real time. An optical processor is proposed because a large number of these computations must be performed in real time and because optics is well suited to matrix-vector computation. Experimental results are shown for 100 by 100 matrix-vector multiplication with a new device, a spatial light rebroadcaster (SLR). A method of constructing an optical sonar is proposed using the new concept and an optical matrix-vector multiplier. Much faster devices would be required for the method to be practical for a radar processor because of the much higher sampling rates.
Baby's Gone A-Hunting: The Hunger Games, Bully, and Struggling to Grow Up

Movies that treat the imagined future and that deal with issues of adolescence coming to adulthood are represented by The Hunger Games. The role of movies that present a dystopic view of the future in our actual attempts to deal with contemporary adolescence is discussed in this article. The use of images of the future as representations of the present is examined.
Isotopic analysis of archaeobotanicals to reconstruct past climates: Effects of activities associated with food preparation on carbon, hydrogen and oxygen isotope ratios of plant cellulose

Abstract The cellulose fraction of botanicals recovered from archaeologically defined strata may be suitable for stable isotope-based palaeoclimatology in much the same manner as cellulose from tree rings has been utilized. However, manipulation by humans is a distinct possibility with such specimens and constitutes a potential source of isotopic alteration early in the post-mortem history of the samples. We studied the susceptibility of plant cellulose to isotopic alteration caused by manipulations related to food processing to determine if discarded plant foods recovered from archaeological contexts are suitable substrates for isotopic palaeoclimatic studies. The carbon and hydrogen isotope ratios of cellulose nitrate and the oxygen isotope ratios of cellulose were determined for Zea mays cobs, Helianthus annus seeds, Agave americana leaves, Pachyrrhizus erosus tubers and a cellulose standard before and after a variety of treatments, including boiling, roasting, fermentation, liming, molding and carbonization. The oxygen and hydrogen isotope ratios (which are climatically sensitive in all plants) and the carbon isotope ratios (which reflect climate only in certain plants) of all samples, except for Agave , were conserved during various food-processing steps. Thus, it appears that the isotope ratios of cellulose and cellulose nitrate prepared from many archaeological food plants, whether processed or uncooked, will reflect in vivo values and can be used to reconstruct aspects of palaeoclimate. Such isotopic palaeoclimatic studies will extend the utility and value of existing collections of ecofacts by opening a unique window for the study of the relationships among climate, plants and man.
Some extensions of Bairstow's method

u xx +u yy =u t Bairstow's method for improving an approximate real quadratic factor (x 2?px?q) of a polynomial with real coefficients which leaves a remainderr(x), is to determine ?p and ?q to satisfy $$0 = r\left( x \right) + \frac{{\partial r\left( x \right)}}{{\partial P}}\delta P + \frac{{\partial r\left( x \right)}}{{\partial q}}\delta q$$ . One extension is to determine ?p and ?q when the three second-order terms $$\frac{1}{2}\left[ {\frac{{\partial ^2 r\left( x \right)}}{{\partial P^2 }}\left( {\delta P} \right)^2 + 2\frac{{\partial ^2 r\left( x \right)}}{{\partial P \partial q}}\left( {\delta P} \right)\left( {\delta q} \right) + \frac{{\partial ^2 r\left( x \right)}}{{\partial q^2 }}\left( {\delta q} \right)^2 } \right]$$ are added to the right member. By taking advantage of polynomial congruences and the linearity inx of every $$\frac{{\partial ^{i + k} r\left( x \right)}}{{\partial P^i \partial q^k }}$$ , only one extra division is needed besides the two required divisions ofBairstow's method. Another extension improves an approximate real quartic factor (x 4?px3?qx2?rx?s), considering only terms of the first order in ?p, ?q, ?r and ?s. This latter method may be immediately generalized for approximate real factors of any degree. By employing polynomial congruences, no more than two divisions are necessary in any case.
A study of dietary restriction and lifespan in the rotifer Asplanchna brightwelli monitored by chronic neutral red exposure

Abstract The rotifer Asplanchna brightwelli could be exposed to concentrations of neutral red at 0.1 to 0.75 μg.ml for two consecutive generations with no adverse effect on the lifespan or fecundity of either generation. Chronic exposure to higher concentrations of neutral red caused reductions in both lifespan and fecundity of the rotifers. Because neutral red stains the Paramecium which serve as a food source for the rotifers, the extent of red coloration in each rotifer's gut gave an approximation of how much food that rotifer had consumed. The Paramecium concentration had to be reduced to 100 per ml before pale gut coloration provided clear evidence to reduced food intake or dietary restriction. The group of rotifers with reduced food intake had a significantly longer lifespan than any other group. Their lifespan was 14.2% longer than that of control rotifers.
Rinse strategy [PC board manufacture]

The rinse strategy has been conceived and tested in aqueous and gaseous environments. There are significant environmental benefits: water usage and waste stream reduction are optimized. Chemical volume is reduced. There are process uniformity and control improvements. The number of process steps is reduced, and there have been enhancements to the process rate. Yield is enhanced and costs are reduced. Smaller expenditures are required to achieve spectacular results. Current equipment can be retrofitted at a small cost. New equipment can be designed and built at a fraction of the cost of standard off-the-shelf equipment for any wet or dry process.
Synthesis of erbium-doped gallium nitride crystals by the ammonothermal route

Abstract Gallium nitride (GaN) crystals doped with erbium were grown via the ammonothermal processes on hydride vapor phase epitaxy (HVPE) GaN seeds. The crystallization conducted in alkaline solutions of supercritical ammonia and potassium azide (KN 3 ) at temperatures between 525 and 550 °C yielded growth rates of 15 and 50 μm day on the gallium and nitrogen polar faces, respectively. X-ray diffraction studies indicated single-crystalline growth on the N-polar surface while the Ga-polar surfaces resulted in polycrystalline growth. Photoluminescence spectra acquired at 15 K showed optical transitions corresponding to the inner shell transitions of erbium centers as well as a strong band edge and blue luminescence peaks centered at 3.495 and 2.90 eV, respectively. The incorporation of unintentional impurities, such as oxygen, was found by secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS) to be mitigated to ∼1×10 19 and ∼7×10 19 cm −3 on the gallium and nitrogen polar faces, respectively.
The effects of unemployment and inflation on the income distribution: A regional view

The behavior of the U.S. income distribution over the business cycle has been the subject of several previous studies. However, a facet of these inquiries which has not been viewed is the geographical effects within the U.S. The diverse economic characteristics of the country have contributed to uneven inflationary and unemployment experiences among the respective regions during the national business cycles. The purpose of this study has been to model the regional income inequality responses to the distinct macroeconomic records for the years 1968–1976.
Rapamycin prevents epilepsy in a mouse model of tuberous sclerosis complex.

Objective Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) represents one of the most common genetic causes of epilepsy. TSC gene inactivation leads to hyperactivation of the mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathway, raising the intriguing possibility that mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors might be effective in preventing or treating epilepsy in patients with TSC. Mice with conditional inactivation of the Tsc1 gene primarily in glia (Tsc1GFAPCKO mice) develop glial proliferation, progressive epilepsy, and premature death. Here, we tested whether rapamycin could prevent or reverse epilepsy, as well as other cellular and molecular brain abnormalities in Tsc1GFAPCKO mice. Methods Tsc1GFAPCKO mice and littermate control animals were treated with rapamycin or vehicle starting at postnatal day 14 (early treatment) or 6 weeks of age (late treatment), corresponding to times before and after onset of neurological abnormalities in Tsc1GFAPCKO mice. Mice were monitored for seizures by serial video-electroencephalogram and for long-term survival. Brains were examined histologically for astrogliosis and neuronal organization. Expression of phospho-S6 and other molecular markers correlating with epileptogenesis was measured by Western blotting. Results Early treatment with rapamycin prevented the development of epilepsy and premature death observed in vehicle-treated Tsc1GFAPCKO mice. Late treatment with rapamycin suppressed seizures and prolonged survival in Tsc1GFAPCKO mice that had already developed epilepsy. Correspondingly, rapamycin inhibited the abnormal activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin pathway, astrogliosis, and neuronal disorganization, and increased brain size in Tsc1GFAPCKO mice. Interpretation Rapamycin has strong efficacy for preventing seizures and prolonging survival in Tsc1GFAPCKO mice. Ann Neurol 2008
Rubbery behavior from low molecular weight polymers using high field cation endlinkers

Abstract We describe a simple approach to making rubbery thermoplastic materials starting with low molecular weight polymers and using a ion/dipole linkages between the chain ends. We observe thermoplastic behavior in the system Mg(ClO 4 ) 2 PPG4000 in the composition range 2–7mol.% Mg(ClO 4 ) 2 . Shear modulus measurements reveal a rubber-like shear modulus above the glass transition temperature which is characteristic of high molecular weight polymers. The temperature at which the shear viscosity relaxation time reaches 100s normally associated with the glass transition lies 120 K above the DSC T g which itself remains close to the value of the pure polymer as salt content is increased but shows a composition-dependent strength. This strength vanishes at ~9% Mg(ClO 4 ) 2 and more Mg(ClO 4 ) 2 -rich solutions are then brittle glasses at ambient temperature. Shear modulus relaxation measurements and shear viscosity data yield concordant results when related through the Maxwell equation: η s = G ∞ τ S . The values of η S can be fitted to the VTF equation but the value of the pre-exponent is more characteristic of ordinary liquids than of high molecular weight polymers, establishing this rubber as one of an unusual type. The thermoplastic behavior is attributed to the thermal rupture of Mg 2+ -to-chain end OH-links which create a network of high effective molecular weight at low temperatures. This behavior is almost unique to perchlorates presumably because of the non-competitive character of ClO 4 − relative to —OH in coordinating the cation.
Spin relaxation in the channel of a spin field-effect transistor

We examine the major spin relaxation mechanism (D'yakonov-Perel') in the channel of a spin field-effect transistor (SPINFET) and show analytically that it can be completely eliminated if the channel is a quantum wire and transport is strictly single moded (only the lowest subband is occupied). Single-moded transport also produces the largest "on" to "off" conductance ratio and the largest transconductance of the transistor.
Intelligent control in expert database systems using a heuristic approach

The authors propose a general strategy for the design and implementation of an intelligent expert database system using semantic knowledge (integrity constraint) and heuristics (domain-specific knowledge, expert knowledge, approximate knowledge) to search for the answers. The authors present a graph model for representing rules and show how to use knowledge for answering a given query. Also, they suggest some heuristics for deciding the order of subgoals, identifying the useful constraints, and choosing the preferred path. >
Templated synthesis of gold-iron alloy nanoparticles using pulsed laser deposition

A means for synthesizing paramagnetic nanoparticles composed of an Au–Fe alloy is described using pulsed laser deposition (PLD) of the alloy into a mesoporous alumina membrane template. Nanoparticles 46 ± 13 nm in diameter and composed of a 17% Fe alloy have been created by depositing a 35% Fe alloy into a template with 65 nm diameter pores. These paramagnetic nanoparticles had a saturation magnetization of 11. 5e mu g −1 at 2000 G, and their UV–visible extinction spectrum was dominated by strong absorption similar to that of Fe 3O4 nanoparticles. The surfaces of these nanoparticles were readily functionalized with a dense monolayer of DNA oligonucleotides that had a 5 � thiol group. The Au–Fe nanoparticles appear to be well suited for biotechnological applications and single molecule measurements as they can be synthesized in a specific size range, are strongly paramagnetic, and may be easily functionalized with biological macromolecules. (Some figures in this article are in colour only in the electronic version)
Capacity Estimation of Peer-to-Peer Networks based on a Flow Deviation Approach

We consider a wireless network with n peer-to-peer nodes that are randomly distributed over some service area. Given the traffic and channel gain matrix, we use the flow deviation (FD) method to find an upper bound on the achievable capacity of the network, assuming no interference. In addition, we show that the achievable capacity without interference is lower- bounded by 2/3 of the upper bound in special cases and 1/3 of the upper bound in the worst case.
Understanding Jumps in the High-Frequency VIX

I conduct a comprehensive nonparametric study of volatility jumps and leverage effect by examining high-frequency data on the VIX and S&P 500 from 1992 to 2010. I argue that the VIX data prior to 1998 are too noisy to provide a reliable inference. After 1999, the dataset is cleaner but still controversial. More specifically, the high-frequency dynamics of the VIX jumps challenges the assumptions of commonly used stochastic volatility jump-diffusion models. I explain this phenomenon by hypothesizing that most jump-like movements in the VIX are "pseudo-jumps" i.e., these jumps are large but temporary deviations from fundamental values.
Predicting natural ventilation flows in whole buildings. Part 1: The Viipuri Library

For energy efficient restoration of historical buildings, especially historic monuments of international importance such as the Viipuri Library by Alvar Aalto (1898–1976), new analytical tools are needed. Of interest to this research is the evaluation of air movement within this building due to spatial composition, which can also prove very useful in helping architects determine how best to renovate and restore historical buildings. The objective is to analyze how radiant heating and passive cooling are currently exploited in the Viipuri Library. The knowledge will be useful to restore this historical building to function efficiently while ensuring that the existing mechanical ventilation systems and natural convective flows work well together after restoration. Computational fluid dynamics will be used to model, simulate and predict multiple environmental conditions to examine spatial layout effects on the ability of natural ventilation to maintain a comfortable thermal environment and acceptable rates of ventilation. The preliminary results demonstrate that airflow and thermal effects can be predicted and validated for any set of conditions, such as specifying which windows or doors are open, and the ambient conditions exterior (e.g., wind and air temperature) and interior (e.g., radiant pipes) to the building.
Enhancement of physics-of-failure prognostic models with system level features

To truly optimize the deployment of DoD assets, there exists a fundamental need for predictive tools that can reliably estimate the current and reasonably predict the future capacity of complex systems. Prognosis, as in all true predictions, has inherent uncertainty, which has been treated through probabilistic modeling approaches. The novelty in the current prognostic tool development is that predictions are made through the fusion of stochastic physics-of-failure models, relevant system or component level health monitoring data and various inspection results. Regardless of the fidelity of a prognostic model or the quantity and quality of the seeded fault or run-to-failure data, these models should be adaptable based on system health features such as vibration, temperature, and oil analysis. The inherent uncertainties and variability in material capacity and localized environmental conditions, as well as the realization that complex physics-of-failure understanding will always possess some uncertainty, all contribute to the stochastic nature of prognostic modeling. However, accuracy can be improved by creating a prognostic architecture instilled with the ability to account for unexpected damage events, fuse with diagnostic results, and statistically calibrate predictions based on inspection information and real-time system level features. In this paper, the aforementioned process is discussed and implemented first on controlled failures of single spur gear teeth and then on a helical gear contained within a drivetrain system. The stochastic, physics-of-failure models developed are validated with transitional run-to-failure data developed at Penn State ARL. Future work involves applying the advanced prognostics process to helicopter gearboxes.
Voltage fluctuations at sodium β″-alumina/mercury electrodes

Abstract Voltage fluctuations at mercury/sodium β″-alumina ceramic electrode interfaces have been investigated over frequencies ranging from 10 −3 to 3 × 10 4 Hz. Noise voltages in the absence of current can be explained by Nyquist and interfacial chemical reaction noise. The activation energy of the reaction noise rate constant is determined to be 0.29 eV, which suggests that diffusion of the sodium ions in the electrolyte dominates the reaction. In the presence of a decomposition current, the low frequency noise varies as f ∼1.5 . After current flow, the noise voltage decays and can be observed for some tens of hours. Both current and post current noise signals suggest conductivity fluctuations arising from diffusion of the mobile sodium ions. Fitting experimental data to the diffusion and decay equations yields a diffusion constant of 1.8 × 10 −6 cm 2 /s and a characteristic lenght equal to the bulk sample lenght.
CargoNet: a low-cost micropower sensor node exploiting quasi-passive wakeup for adaptive asychronous monitoring of exceptional events

This paper describes CargoNet, a system of low-cost, micropower active sensor tags that seeks to bridge the current gap between wireless sensor networks and radio-frequency identification (RFID). CargoNet was aimed at applications in environmental monitoring at the crate and case level for supply-chain management and asset security. Custom-designed circuits and sensors were utilized to minimize power consumption and cost in a practical prototype. The CargoNet nodes are capable of asynchronous multimodal wakeup on exceptional events at extremely low power (Quasi-Passive Wakeup) with adjustable thresholds that adapt to dynamic environments. Accordingly, CargoNet has been seen to monitor, log, and report conditions inside a typical shipping crate while consuming under 25 microwatts of average power. To demonstrate the feasibility of the prototype system, several tests and deployments were conducted in the laboratory and aboard various transport conveyances.
Outcome Analysis of Simple and Complex Urethrocutaneous Fistula Closure Using A De-Epithelialized Or Full Thickness Skin Advancement Flap For Coverage

Purpose: We review our experience repairing simple and complex urethrocutaneous fistulas using a de-epithelialized or full thickness skin advancement flap for 2-layer coverage over the fistula. Materials and Methods: We reviewed the records of 1,092 hypospadias repairs performed at our institution. Urethrocutaneous fistula developed in 66 of those patients and 33 additional patients with fistula were referred from elsewhere. These 99 patients underwent a total of 94 fistula repairs. For simple repairs a de-epithelialized flap or a skin advancement flap was used. For complex repairs a variety of techniques were performed, all with a de-epithelialized skin flap for coverage. Stents were not left postoperatively in simple cases and repairs were routinely performed as outpatient procedures. Results: Overall there were 6 (6.4%) failures. In 69 cases (73%) simple fistula closure was covered by a de-epithelialized flap or skin advancement flap, which failed in 3 (4.3%). Of 25 patients who required more complex repairs 18 underwent a tubularized or onlay urethroplasty incorporating the fistula, which failed in 2 (11.1%). Two patients underwent meatoplasty in conjunction with the distal fistula repair, which failed in 1. Two patients underwent urethroplasty in conjunction with separate repair of a urethrocutaneous fistula, and there were no failures. No fistula developed in 3 cases of re-do hypospadias repairs. Conclusions: Excellent results can be achieved for simple and complex urethrocutaneous fistula closure using a de-epithelialized or full thickness advancement flap. Moreover, almost all repairs can be performed in an outpatient setting. Simple closures do not require stenting postoperatively.
Gestural Cohesion for Topic Segmentation

This paper explores the relationship between discourse segmentation and coverbal gesture. Introducing the idea of gestural cohesion, we show that coherent topic segments are characterized by homogeneous gestural forms and that changes in the distribution of gestural features predict segment boundaries. Gestural features are extracted automatically from video, and are combined with lexical features in a Bayesian generative model. The resulting multimodal system outperforms text-only segmentation on both manual and automaticallyrecognized speech transcripts.
Tools for information security assurance arguments

To design a system that can be trusted or assess security properties in a system, the related assurance arguments need to be developed and described effectively in an understandable way. To meet this pressing need, we have developed a prototype tool, VNRM (Visual Network Rating Methodology), to help users develop a map to assurance arguments and document it with related descriptions in a common environment. This map depicts the claim trees for the assurance arguments related to the enterprise security objective. VNRM supports ECM (Enterprise Certification Methodology) for deriving and organizing the related assurance arguments effectively and uses CAML (Composite Assurance Mapping Language) for describing the assurance arguments in the map. After the successful development of VNRM, we have started to develop a more robust tool, SANE (Security Assurance Navigation and Environment), providing more features, reusability of assurance arguments, and access control to CAML maps.
Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Mathematical Tools for Power Quality Applications: A Survey

Increasing interest in power quality has evolved over the past decade. This paper surveys the literature for current applications of advanced artificial intelligence techniques in power quality (PQ). Applications of some advanced mathematical tools in general, and wavelet transform in particular, in power quality are also reviewed. An extensive collection of literature covering applications of fuzzy logic, expert systems, neural networks, and genetic algorithms in power quality is included. Literature exposing the use of wavelets in power quality analysis as well as data compression is also cited.
The History and Scientific Analysis of Pre-1856 Eastern Woodlands Quillwork Dyes

Native American quillwork is well documented in art historical and anthropological literature. Methods for folding quills to create floral and abstract designs are addressed, but studies of the materials used to color the quills are conspicuously absent. This is particularly true for the pre-aniline dyes used by communities east of the Mississippi, as historical recipes tend to be more reflective of Plains and Pacific Northwest quillwork traditions. Research to derive quill dye baths from raw materials has and continues to be pursued, but no large-scale scientific analysis of existing quillwork has previously been undertaken. To address this literature gap, a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis project has been completed on early quillwork in the collections of the McCord Museum, the National Museum of the American Indian, and the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology; reflectance spectroscopy and X-ray fluorescence were also used as complementary techniques and to investigate the use of metal salts as quill stains. An extensive literature review provides a historical understanding of pre-1856 quillwork dyes; this representation will be compared with the usage patterns suggested by the collections’ analysis. A more complete understanding of Native dye technology, addressing assumptions currently made with regards to the use of mordants, mixing of multiple dyestuffs in a single bath, and incorporation of “Old World” dyes, will also be presented.
Thermal Neutron Activation: Measurement of Cross Section for Manganese-53

The product of the thermal neutron activation cross section and half-life for manganese-53 is (350 ± 100) x 106 barn-years. If a value of 2 x 106 years is assumed for the half-life of manganese-53, then the cross section is 170 barns. This large cross section affords much greater sensitivity for the determination of manganese-53.
The Individual Voice in Language

▪ Abstract This article presents arguments for supplementing linguistic work focused on abstract social systems (languages, dialects, varieties) with linguistic work focused on individual speakers. It begins by reviewing how the individual speaker has been conceived of (when at all) in linguistics and linguistic anthropology. Two areas of linguistic research, discourse processing and linguistic variation and change, serve as examples of what is to be gained by supplementing a linguistics of systems with a linguistics of speakers. Finally, interest in the individual voice is placed in the context of a larger shift toward a more phenomenological approach to language and greater particularity in methods for its study.
Understanding data sharing behaviors of STEM researchers: The roles of attitudes, norms, and data repositories

Abstract A number of factors influence STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) researchers' data sharing behaviors. Based on the theory of planned behavior, a research model focusing on beliefs, attitudes, norms, and resource factors was proposed. The research model was tested with a total of 1298 responses from a national survey in the United States (US). The data analysis results, using the partial least squares (PLS) technique, show that attitudinal beliefs (including perceived career benefit, risk, and perceived effort), disciplinary norms, and perceived availability of data repositories all have significant impacts on STEM researchers' attitudes toward data sharing, and further, both the attitude toward data sharing and the availability of data repositories have strong influences on researchers' data sharing behaviors. These results demonstrate that the theory of planned behavior is a useful theoretical framework for explaining STEM researchers' data sharing behaviors. From the practical perspective, this research suggests that information professionals can better serve STEM researchers by allocating their efforts in two ways: (1) Providing appropriate data services and tools to reduce researchers' efforts involved in data sharing, and (2) providing data repositories to facilitate researchers' data sharing behaviors.