cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Integrating an expert system into an advanced simulation environment

The difficulty and complexity of the problems and systems that are the subject of today's simulations and simulation systems continue to increase. Simulations are required to model larger 'systems of systems' to address complicated issues. Combined with the more complicated systems, simulations must also address very specific technical issues that require significant subject matter expertise. One method of addressing these additional requirements is with automated support provided by an expert system. Intelligent Systems are more flexible than conventional system. They can respond in ways that are more complex and can deliver highly tailored recommendations. The systems can provide multiple answers with different degrees of certainty and thereby manage the process or provide the simulation environment, however, is not necessarily a straightforward task. This paper discusses two approaches to integrate the C Language Integrated Production Systems as an Expert System Server. For each of the approaches, we provide the rationale, structure, features, benefits, and limitations.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A structural model for multi-layered ceramic cylinders and its application to silicon carbide cladding of light water reactor fuel

Abstract A thermo-mechanical model for stress distribution and Weibull statistical fracture of a multi-layered SiC cladding for LWR fuel is developed. The model is validated by comparing its results to those of the Finite Element Analysis (FEA) code ANSYS. In steady-state operation, the temperature sensitive swelling may lead to undesirable tensile stresses which is anticipated to challenge the structural integrity of the fission-gas retaining inner layer of CVD-SiC monolith in a triple layer design with the composite being the middle layer. The stress distribution is sensitive to potential differences in the swelling of the monolith from that of the composite layer. The sensitivity is discussed in this work. A double-layered SiC cladding that employs the inner SiC f /SiC composite layer, and the outer CVD-SiC layer has also been analyzed. This SiC cladding design significantly reduces failure probability as it appropriately allocates peak tensile stresses in the inner composite while significantly reducing tensile stress levels of the CVD-SiC monolith.
The performance of KSC Fixation Tubes with RNALater for orbital experiments: A case study in ISS operations for molecular biology

Abstract Molecular biology experiments on the International Space Station (ISS) continue to face challenges of sample harvesting and sample return to earth for post flight analysis; however, the use of Kennedy Space Center Fixation Tubes filled with RNALater has proven to be a robust solution to many of these challenges. While it is clear that one direction of future spaceflight experimentation may be towards enhanced on-orbit analytical capabilities, the rapid progress of earth-bound analytical capacity dictates that facile return of molecular biology samples from the ISS will continue to be a mainstay of space life sciences research and flight operations. In this paper we present a case study of the successful performance of KFTs and RNALater over a broad set of operational conditions of ascent configuration, on-orbit experiment use, on-orbit storage and sample return configurations that are unique to ISS current operations and constraints. We also provide observations on performance limits and discuss deployment opportunities and scenarios that are consistent with continued successful ISS molecular biology experimentation.
Effects of pre-harvest desiccants on rice yield and quality

Field studies were conducted from 2000 to 2003 to determine the effect of paraquat and sodium chlorate applied as pre-harvest desiccants on rice yield and quality. In these trials, paraquat and sodium chlorate were applied 7 and 3 d prior to main-crop rice harvest (pre-harvest). In the first study, the rice cultivars Cocodrie, Cypress, and Wells responded differently to desiccants. Paraquat could be an effective desiccant for rice, but dose, application timing, and cultivar must be taken into account prior to its use. In the second study, both doses of sodium chlorate applied 7 d pre-harvest reduced head rice yield, but only the dose of 6.7 kg/ha reduced head rice yield when applied 3 d pre-harvest. Sodium chlorate should be applied to rice as a desiccant at 4.5 kg/ha no earlier than 3 d pre-harvest to avoid losses in grain yield and quality.
Effects of Triboelectrostatic Charging Between Polymer Surfaces in Manufacturing and Test of Integrated Circuit Packages

Integrated circuit (IC) package assembly and test processes include several industrial steps involving physical contact and/or friction between polymer surfaces of handlers and packages. The trend toward smaller and sleeker gadgets has resulted in a dramatic reduction in the package weight due to thickness and size miniaturization. In this paper, we show that the forces created through triboelectrostatic charging between surfaces of handlers and packages are comparable with the weight of thin and small IC packages. Furthermore, the voltages generated in such triboelectric interactions are rather small—typically below the concern levels set in the IC industry. The results show that for IC packages with a subgram weight, the impact of the triboelectrostatic force on the assembly processes is significant and occurs at low static voltages $({ . The data presented in this paper provides valuable insights into the selection of materials for handler designs in contact with IC packages during assembly and test processes.
When "Minimal Risk" Research Yields Clinically-Significant Data, Maybe the Risks Aren't So Minimal

Surveys and routine clinical procedures applied in research protocols are typically considered only minimally risky to participants. The apparent benign nature of "minimal risk" tasks increases the chance that investigators and Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) will overlook the probability that clinical tools will identify signs, symptoms, or definitive test results that are clinically-relevant to subjects' welfare. "Minimal risk" procedures may also pose a particular hazard to participants in clinical research by increasing the therapeutic misconception because the tasks mimic clinical care and are often conducted in clinical settings. Investigators should anticipate which measures could yield clinically-important findings and should describe explicit plans for data monitoring, disclosure, and follow-up. Protocols that include reliable and valid clinical measures should prompt a more detailed risk assessment by the IRB, even when the tasks meet the regulatory criteria for minimal physical, psychologica...
Mean growth of the derivative of a Blaschke product

If $B$ is a Blaschke product with zeros $\{a_n\}$ and if $\sum_n(1-|a_n|)^{\alpha}$ is finite for some $\alpha \in (1/2,1]$, then limits are found on the rate of growth of $\int_0^{2\pi} |B'(re^{it}|^p\, dt$ in agreement with a known result for $\alpha \in (0,1/2)$. Also, a converse is established in the case of an interpolating Blaschke product, whenever $0<\alpha<1$.
Metabolic effects of 2-deoxy-D-glucose in isolated fat cells

The uptake and phosphorylation of 2-deoxy-D-glucose by isolated adipocytes of the rat was determined by a method of rapid flotation through oil coupled with separation of sugar from sugar phosphate by chromatography on Dowex-1-formate. Uptake of the sugar is rapid and linear over 5 min, with a gradual decline thereafter; by 1 h, no further uptake is observed. Initially only 2-deoxy-glucose phosphate is observed within the cells; by 1 h, however, free 2-deoxy-glucose accumulates to levels approximately those in the medium. Phosphorylation ceases when intracellular levels of 2-deoxyglucose phosphate are about 50 mM regardless of the medium concentration of 2-deoxyglucose; this does not represent feedback inhibition of hexokinase, since the enzyme in fat cell homogenates is not inhibited by 50 mM 2-deoxyglucose 6-phosphate. Accumulation of deoxyglucose 6-phosphate is associated with a marked decline in intracellular ATP levels. Fat cell respiration is also depressed by approximately 50 per cent after a 1 h preincubation with 10 or 20 mM 2-deoxyglucose. Intracellular ATP levels and O2 uptake are only partially corrected by the addition of pyruvate to the incubation medium. Since no glucose was present in the medium, and intracellular concentrations of glycogen are known to be small in adipose tissue, it is proposed that accumulation of 2-deoxyglucose 6-phosphate within fat cells has a direct inhibitory effect on cell respiration unrelated to inhibition of glycolysis. No increase in intracellular free fatty acids was observed to explain this, and under the conditions of the incubations it is unlikely that Pi availability was rate limiting. The exact locus of inhibition is unknown.
Connecting with the “Other” in Technical Communication: World Englishes and Ethos Transformation of U.S. Native English-Speaking Students

This article reports my classroom-based qualitative research, conducted at a midwestern university, on the role of World Englishes in the ethos transformation of U.S. native English-speaking students. The 30 participants completed assignments that enhanced their understanding of how the English language affects discursive tasks in international audience adaptation. Efforts at internationalizing technical communication can benefit immensely from the inclusion of the World Englishes paradigm in training programs to account for students' language attitudes.
Metropolitan Vision, Stakeholder Action and Community Involvement in Regeneration of Seaside Cities: Innovative Strategies from New York City for the Gulf of Naples

This paper suggests to reflect on the waterfront in a nontraditional way, referring to theoretical and methodological assumptions, developed in recent years about “Cities from the Sea” by our research group in the National Research Council of Italy. So the first step is to move from cognitive analysis to proposals and projects. We can refer to the positive experience of New York that is a best practice in approach, strategies and results. The key of this success is a synthesis of the metropolitan vision favored by the public government, the activation of stakeholders to get results of common interest, the involvement of local communities. People was informed and motivated to put a position, they were encouraged to participate and to give a significant contribute to the achievement of results.
The incorporation of p-fluorophenylalanine into some rabbit enzymes and other proteins.

Abstract p -Fluorophenyl-[3- 14 C]alanine, when fed to rabbits, is incorporated into proteins of muscle, blood, and liver. The incorporation is extensive and takes place to approximately the same extent among proteins fractionated in a variety of ways. The p -fluorophenylalanine does not substitute for tyrosine to any measurable extent and is presumed to replace phenylalanine. Aldolase with a replacement of 25% and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase with a replacement of approx. 16% of the phenylalanine residues were crystallized in good yields under the same conditions used for the normal enzymes. Enzymic activities of the crystallized p -fluorophenylalanine-containing enzymes were the same as those of normal enzymes. The aldolase was chromatographically homogeneous with respect to p -fluorophenylalanine content and specific activity. Heat denaturation of glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase showed that there was no detectable difference between the stabilities of the normal enzyme and the p -fluorophenylalanine-containing enzyme.
Variant callers for next-generation sequencing data: a comparison study.

Next generation sequencing (NGS) has been leading the genetic study of human disease into an era of unprecedented productivity. Many bioinformatics pipelines have been developed to call variants from NGS data. The performance of these pipelines depends crucially on the variant caller used and on the calling strategies implemented. We studied the performance of four prevailing callers, SAMtools, GATK, glftools and Atlas2, using single-sample and multiple-sample variant-calling strategies. Using the same aligner, BWA, we built four single-sample and three multiple-sample calling pipelines and applied the pipelines to whole exome sequencing data taken from 20 individuals. We obtained genotypes generated by Illumina Infinium HumanExome v1.1 Beadchip for validation analysis and then used Sanger sequencing as a “gold-standard” method to resolve discrepancies for selected regions of high discordance. Finally, we compared the sensitivity of three of the single-sample calling pipelines using known simulated whole genome sequence data as a gold standard. Overall, for single-sample calling, the called variants were highly consistent across callers and the pairwise overlapping rate was about 0.9. Compared with other callers, GATK had the highest rediscovery rate (0.9969) and specificity (0.99996), and the Ti/Tv ratio out of GATK was closest to the expected value of 3.02. Multiple-sample calling increased the sensitivity. Results from the simulated data suggested that GATK outperformed SAMtools and glfSingle in sensitivity, especially for low coverage data. Further, for the selected discrepant regions evaluated by Sanger sequencing, variant genotypes called by exome sequencing versus the exome array were more accurate, although the average variant sensitivity and overall genotype consistency rate were as high as 95.87% and 99.82%, respectively. In conclusion, GATK showed several advantages over other variant callers for general purpose NGS analyses. The GATK pipelines we developed perform very well.
Risk/Return Analysis of Double-Cropping and Alternative Crop Rotations with and Without Government Programs

If growing season length and other factors necessary for crop production are adequate, double-cropping could enhance and stabilize net farm returns. Use of double-cropping could spread fixed costs over a larger volume of output. Lower average fixed costs and revenues from the second crop could enhance net income. Double-cropping also could improve profitability and cash flow by providing an additional source of cash. The benefits of enhanced income and diversification from double-cropping could provide more stable net income in a one-year period than single-cropping. These potential advantages of doublecropping could be outweighed by disadvantages. Climatic and weather factors may result in inadequate soil moisture and limited time available for harvesting and planting. Such factors may have greater impacts on yields from double-cropping than on yields from singlecropping. Thus, average net income with double-cropping will not necessarily be greater than that of single-cropping. Even if average net income is greater with double-cropping, income variability might also be greater, because yields are more variable.
A model-free determination of the nuclear charge density

Abstract A model-free expansion of the charge density is given in which a separation is obtained between the different parts of the density according to the accuracy with which they are determined from the experimental data. In the case of 3 He and 4 He the experimental data and the assumption of a finite range determine the density up to r = 3.3 fm. It can be shown with a weak assumption about the trend of the data that any future data will not affect the density determined beyond the error given.
Patterns of psychophysiological change in the treatment of agoraphobia.

Abstract Patterns of change and synchrony were studied in a group of 26 agoraphobics under-going a 12-week treatment program. Clinical, behavioral, physiological and subjective measures were taken at pre-, 4, 8 and 12 weeks of treatment and at 1-month follow-up. Clinically and statistically significant changes were found in all response systems and our results tentatively suggest that the order of change starts with behavioral and clinical measures followed by psychophysiological measures of which psysiological responsivity has the longest lag. Although the group as a whole changed synchronously, there was evidence of individual desynchrony between physiological and subjective measures of anxiety. The most common form this look was for SUDS to decline while heart rate increased. A closer look at desynchrony in the various time sequences revealed that both the form and occurrence of desynchrony vary according to phase of treatment and that time interval between assessment points might-be of crucial importance in the determination of synchrony-desynchrony.
Parameter-Correlation and Computational Considerations in Multiple-Angle Ellipsometry*

An absence of correlation between parameters, indicated by invariance of the normalized ratio of the first derivatives of Δ, makes it possible to make optimal use of the overdetermined set of equations, which are available from multiple-angle measurements. Accurate estimates of the parameters are not needed for the correlation test so that experimental conditions can be chosen to minimize correlation. Also, the second derivatives of the least-squares residuals are useful in deciding on the best method of searching for a solution, in error analysis and in illustrating the critical importance of initial estimates of the unknown parameters in obtaining accurate least-squares solutions.
Preliminary Mechanical Characterization of Reinforced Rigid Polyurethane Foams

Rigid polyurethane foams are very widely used in a variety of structural and non-structural applications. For example, it may be used as an insulator, in sandwich layered composite panels, and as filler for improving the stiffness of lightweight components, such as thin metal tubes. Rigid foams do not show any recovery after impact and typically are crushed or crumble. They also tend to degrade over a period of time. Thus in this investigation, reinforced rigid polyurethane foams have been developed and characterized for their quasi-static mechanical properties. Rigid polyurethane foam was reinforced with short, 0.47 mm length, milled E-glass fibers. It has been observed that short glass fiber reinforcement helps in improving the mechanical properties, such as tensile modulus, breaking strength, and compression modulus, of the reinforced foam as compared to monolithic foam.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Simulation Debriefing Practices in Traditional Baccalaureate Nursing Programs: National Survey Results

Abstract Background Actual simulation debriefing practices in nursing education are not widely known. Method This article reports the survey data from a mixed-methods study to obtain a rich description of simulation debriefing practices from faculty who teach in accredited, traditional, bachelor of science in nursing degree programs in the United States. Results Many debriefers are full-time faculty who are facilitating a large number of debriefings with limited support and resources. Gaps were found in training, confidentiality, student engagement, prebriefing, and evaluation of debriefing. Conclusions Steps should be taken to lessen gaps between practice and the best practice standard for debriefing.
Epitope tagging of endogenous proteins for genome-wide ChIP-chip studies

We developed a strategy to introduce epitope tag–encoding DNA into endogenous loci by homologous recombination–mediated ‘knock-in’. The tagging method is straightforward, can be applied to many loci and several human somatic cell lines, and can facilitate many functional analyses including western blot, immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence and chromatin immunoprecipitation–microarray (ChIP-chip). The knock-in approach provides a general solution for the study of proteins to which antibodies are substandard or not available.
A Vocal Hygiene Program for High-School Cheerleaders

A vocal hygiene program for high-school cheerleaders and their advisors was developed and examined for its effectiveness in communicating information regarding voice and vocal abuse. Thirty-six che...
Design, Fabrication, and Testing of Lumped Element Kinetic inductance Detectors for 3 mm CMB Observations

Kinetic inductance detectors (KIDs) are a promising technology for low-noise, highly-multiplexible mm- and submm-wave detection. KIDs have a number of advantages over other detector technologies, which make them an appealing option in the cosmic microwave background B-mode anisotropy search, including passive frequency domain multiplexing and relatively simple fabrication, but have suffered from challenges associated with noise control. Here we describe design and fabrication of a 20-pixel prototype array of lumped element molybdenum KIDs. We show Q, frequency and temperature measurements from the array under dark conditions. We also present evidence for a double superconducting gap in molybdenum.
Non-Intrusive Unilateral Measurements of Void Incidence Within a Microchannel

Void fraction measurements are used to characterize two-phase flow within a microchannel. Limitations of typical void fraction measurement systems include disruption of the flow (intrusive optical probe) and non-continuous data acquisition. Using the principles of total internal reflection, a Non-Intrusive Void Incidence Sensor (NIVIS) has been developed to determine the void incidence (frequency of a vapor bubble passing a known position in the channel). Continuous data can be recorded with a typical computer. A light beam is introduced through a fiber optic to the outside of a transparent channel wall at a critical angle. This critical angle is designed such that when a vapor bubble is present at the specified location, total internal reflection will occur. An output fiber is fixed in a determined position to receive light in the case of total internal reflection. Without the presence of a vapor bubble, the light beam will be reflected past the output fiber. A substantial increase in output signal is noticed when total internal reflection occurs. Characteristics of the NIVIS, proven during non-intrusive testing, include: continuous data acquisition of bubble incidences, measurements within a 100 micron wide channel, and bubble boundary differentiation.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Sensitized Polymerization of an Acrylate/Maleimide System

It is shown that addition of benzophenone to a system containing a polymerizable diacrylate monomer and an N-substituted maleimide results in a very rapid polymerization rate. Laser flash photolysis results show thar benzophenone sensitizes the triplet state of N-methylmaleimide. Additionally, a very large rate constant for quenching the excited triplet state of N-methylmaleimide by an amine synergist suggest that an electron transfer process is operative
The total synthesis of desferrioxamines E and G

Abstract The total syntheses of the hexacoordinate amino acid, 32-amino-5,16,27-trihydroxy-4,12,15, 23, 26-pentaoxo-5,11,16,22,27-pentaazadotriacontanoic acid (desferrioxamine G) and the corresponding macrocyclic lactam 1,12,23-trihydroxy-1,6,12,17,23,28-hexaazacyclotritriacontane-2, 5,13,16,24,27-hexone (desferrioxamine E, nocardamine) are reported. The synthetic route utilized here is predicated on the efficient formation and selective transformations of O-benzyl-N-(tert-butoxy- carbonyl)-N-(4-cyanobutyl)hydroxylamine 4 , a key reagent in our previous syntheses of bisucaberin and desferrioxamine B. The O-benzyl protected trihydroxamate nitrile acid 9 , which is constructed from 4 by a series of selective deprotections and regiospecific acylations, is hydrogenated under mild conditions (Pd, dilute HCl) to give desferrioxamine G directly. Reduction of the nitrile group of 9 leads to amino acid 10 , which is cyclized to generate the 33 membered ring, 1,12,23-tribenzylnocardamine 11 . Unmasking the hydroxamates in the final step affords the natural product, nocardamine. Synthetic methodology is now in place for accessing all of the natural product hydroxamate siderophores isolated from Streptomyces pilosis.
Superconductivity theories narrow down

While the explanation of ceramic superconductivity remains elusive, new data serve to eliminate conventional strong coupling between electron pairs andphonons.
Flexible temporary obturators for patients with severely limited jaw opening

0 ne of the sequelae often seen after surgery and/or radiation to the head and neck is the limitation of jaw opening. For the patient who has also had a maxillectomy, the problem becomes compounded since the restoration of deglutition and speech requires the use of a maxillary obturator prosthesis. Because the prosthesis attempts to obturate the palatal defect, insertion and removal may pose great difficulty for the patient due to the large palatal extensions. The patient who is experiencing severe trismus may not be able to use a conventional maxillary obturator due to the limitation of opening. The purpose of this article is to describe the fabrication of a temporary collapsible obturator prosthesis that may be used for patients who are experiencing extremely limited jaw opening.
A study of the release of selected antibiotics from cation-saturated bentonites*

The release of neomycin sulfate, oxytetracycline hydrochloride, and tetracycline hydro-chloride from various prepared cation-saturated bentonites was determined by an agar cap plate method against the test organism Micrococcus pyogenes var. aureus (ATCC6538).
The Diffraction of Radio Ranges by Hills

The scattering of electromagnetic waves by hemispherical obstacles on a conducting plane has been investigated. The results have been applied to the problem of the splitting of radio range beacons when the range passes over hilly country. The calculations refer particularly to long wavelengths (about 1000 meters) such as used in the Oakland range. It is found that even hills of moderate size can cause wide spatial fluctuations in the received signal strength. The results of numerical calculation for one simple model of the terrain are reported. The beam is found to split into several parallel courses, giving a pattern of the same type as is observed in the field. It is concluded that this phenomenon is a typical diffraction effect.
Technical and economic assessment of ammonia-based post-combustion CO2 capture

Abstract The performance and cost of two ammonia-based post-combustion CO 2 capture systems operating at a new supercritical coal-fired power plant were modeled and compared to an amine-based CO 2 capture system operating at a similar plant. This assessment showed that for a fixed coal input, the plant derating of a CO 2 capture system operating with high ammonia concentrations (HighNH 3 ) was found to be 2 percentage points lower than a plant with the amine-based system. The plant derating of a CO 2 capture system operating with low ammonia concentrations (LowNH 3 ) was substantially higher. Preliminary estimates of the revenue requirement of the plants with HighNH 3 and LowNH 3 systems are $US 117/MWh and $US 148/MWh respectively, compared to $US 119/MWh for a plant with an amine-based system. The results from this performance assessment and preliminary cost analysis suggest that the LowNH 3 system will not be competitive and that the HighNH 3 system may have a slight energy and cost advantage over the amine system. Furthermore, a preliminary uncertainty analysis explores the critical factors that may affect the performance and cost estimates of these systems, including the potential for slow reaction kinetics to increase absorber costs, and these results are presented.
Solar tracking and photosynthesis in cotton leaves

Abstract Leaf solar tracking movements (ability of leaf to orient perpendicularly to the sun's direct rays) and photosynthetic responses to photon flux level were examined in three cultivars of Upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) and one cultivar of Pima cotton (Gossypium barbadense). Exposed canopy leaves of upland cotton exhibited strong solar tracking abilities diurnally, whereas leaves of Pima cotton remained in a fixed position throughout the day. Diurnal photosynthetic rates measured on an individual exposed leaf of Upland cotton (Delta Pine 62) that was allowed to solar track or fixed in a horizontal position did not differ except at the low irradiances occurring in the early morning and again in late afternoon. Upon further examination, it appeared that the photosynthetic dependence on photon flux was saturated by approximately 60% of midday irradiance levels and that these photosynthetic-irradiance relationships did not differ among the cotton cultivars examined. These data suggest that, in contrast to the responses observed in several native annual plant species, leaf solar tracking in cotton does not enhance photosynthetic rates of fully exposed sun-lit leaves.
A new hierarchical method for multi-level segmentation of bone in pelvic CT scans

Pelvic bone segmentation is a vital step in analyzing pelvic CT images and assisting physicians with diagnostic decisions in traumatic pelvic injuries. A new hierarchical segmentation algorithm is proposed using a template-based best shape matching method and Registered Active Shape Model (RASM) to automatically extract pelvic bone tissues from multi-level pelvic CT images. A novel hierarchical initialization process for RASM is proposed. 449 CT images across seven patients are used to test and validate the reliability and robustness of the proposed method. The segmentation results show that the proposed method performs better with higher accuracy than standard ASM method.
Non-parametric habitat models with automatic interactions

Questions: Can a statistical model be designed to represent more directly the nature of organismal response to multiple interacting factors? Can multiplicative kernel smoothers be used for this purpose? What advantages does this approach have over more traditional habitat modelling methods? Methods: Non-parametric multiplicative regression (NPMR) was developed from the premises that: the response variable has a minimum of zero and a physiologically-determined maximum, species respond simultaneously to multiple ecological factors, the response to any one factor is conditioned by the values of other factors, and that if any of the factors is intolerable then the response is zero. Key features of NPMR are interactive effects of predictors, no need to specify an overall model form in advance, and built-in controls on overfitting. The effectiveness of the method is demonstrated with simulated and real data sets. Results: Empirical and theoretical relationships of species response to multiple interacting predictors can be represented effectively by multiplicative kernel smoothers. NPMR allows us to abandon simplistic assumptions about overall model form, while embracing the ecological truism that habitat factors interact.
Taking educational games seriously: using the RETAIN model to design endogenous fantasy into standalone educational games

We are witnessing a mad rush to pour educational content into games in an ad hoc manner in hopes that player/learners are motivated simply because the content is housed inside a game. A failure to base educational game design on well-established learning and instructional theories increases the risk of the game failing to meet its intended educational goals, and yielding students who are entertained but who have not acquired any academic skills or knowledge. Our review of standalone educational games has shown that they are not always based on sound educational principles and theories. We contend that, if academic learning is to take place, a new design paradigm must be developed. This article discusses the RETAIN design and evaluation model for educational games that was developed to aide in the evaluation of how well academic content is endogenously immersed and embedded within the game’s fantasy and story context, promoters transfer of knowledge, and encourages repetitive usage to that content becomes available for use in an automatic way.
Update on High-Impact Papers Presented at the IEEE Nuclear and Space Radiation Effects Conference: The View in 2013

This paper identifies a selection of papers presented at the NSREC and published in the IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON NUCLEAR SCIENCE that have had measurable impact on radiation effects research and the radiation effects community. Criteria include papers selected for the Outstanding Paper Award at the NSREC or papers from the NSREC that have been highly cited by authors of other journal publications. Additionally, several papers are identified that, even though they are not selected by the above criteria, have impacted the technical areas served by the NSREC. Some observations are made on the methodology used here for selecting high-impact papers.
A Graph Reduction Method for 2D Snake Problems

Energy-minimizing active contour models (snakes) have been proposed for solving many computer vision problems such as object segmentation, surface reconstruction, and object tracking. Dynamic programming which allows natural enforcement of constraints is an effective method for computing the global minima of energy functions. However, this method is only limited to snake problems with one dimensional (ID) topology (i.e., a contour) and cannot handle problems with two-dimensional (2D) topology. In this paper, we have extended the dynamic programming method to address the snake problems with 2D topology using a novel graph reduction algorithm. Given a 2D snake with first order energy terms, a set of reduction operations are defined and used to simplify the graph of the 2D snake into one single vertex while retaining the minimal energy of the snake. The proposed algorithm has a polynomial-time complexity bound and the optimality of the solution for a reducible 2D snake is guaranteed. However, not all types of 2D snakes can be reduced into one single vertex using the proposed algorithm. The reduction of general planar snakes is an NP-complete problem. The proposed method has been applied to optimize 2D building topology extracted from airborne LIDAR data to examine the effectiveness of the algorithm. The results demonstrate that the proposed approach successfully found the global optima for over 98% of building topology in a polynomial time.
Poly(ethylene glycol) cryogels as potential cell scaffolds: effect of polymerization conditions on cryogel microstructure and properties

We report the synthesis and characterization of interconnected macroporous network structures of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) using cryogelation techniques. Novel monolithic networks containing a gradient of pore size in a layered fashion were created from a single precursor by manipulating their polymerization kinetics. Maintaining conditions that promote the rate of gelation compared to that of the nucleation of ice crystals leads to formation of either conventional hydrogel-like network structures or continuous heterogeneous networks containing layers of hydrogel-like and cryogel-like microstructures. In contrast, conditions promoting a faster rate of the nucleation of ice crystals compared to rate of gelation result in cryogels with a nearly homogeneous interconnected macroporous network. The rates of polymerization and nucleation of ice crystals were altered using a number of different parameters such as concentration of initiator, freezing temperature, and degree of supercooling. Compared to conventional hydrogels, the cryogels exhibit higher stress and strain at break; their mechanical and equilibrium swelling properties show a strong correlation with the network microstructure. Cell viability studies suggest no detrimental effect of these scaffolds on cell attachment and their distribution. Furthermore, a time dependent increase in chondrocyte proliferation was observed in cryogels over a long period of culture.
A novel voter-based Markov model for reliability assessment of multi-port power electronic interface (MPEI)

In this paper a novel Voter Based Markov model will be presented for evaluation of the reliability in a multi-port power electronic interface. In the new Markov model, a new technique called Voter Based State Reduction (VBSR) technique will be introduced for reducing the number of states in Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA). The VBSR technique will simplify the reliability analysis of power electronic systems. It will also make the results of the reliability assessment more meaningful. In order to show the effectiveness of the proposed model, reliability of a Multi-port Power Electronics Interface (MPEI) will be evaluated using both conventional and Voter based Markov model. Comparison of FMEA and reliability evaluation results between conventional Markov model and the new Voter Based Markov model confirms the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Effect of injected monomethylhydrazine on primate performance

Nine macaque monkeys were injected intraperitoneally on two occasions with either 2.5 or 5.0 mg/kg of monomethylhydrazine (MMH). Operant task performance was measured, and clinical signs were noted. No difference in performance resulted from the two dosages, but there was a greater incidence of clinical signs in those subjects receiving 5.0 mg/kg. In over half of the cases, a performance decrement preceded clinical signs, but in no instance did clinical signs precede a performance decrement. When initial 2.5 or 5.0 mg/kg injections are made, one might predict that performance decrements will occur between 1 and 2 hours and clinical signs between 2 and 2.5 hours in about half of the subjects. A second exposure might be expected to produce performance decrements between 1 and 2 hours, and clinical signs between 2 and 3 hours in the majority of subjects. If a subject is influenced by MMH, clinical signs will likely disappear between 3 and 9 hours after injection, and performance should return to a baseline level between 3 and 30 hours.
Generalization of a nonlinear average current control method for CCM and DCM operation

The recently developed nonlinear average current control method is generalized to discontinuous conduction mode (DCM) of operation. Steady state and dynamic characteristics of the generalized control method are analyzed by sample-data as well as averaged models. Analysis and measurement results demonstrate that the resulting current loop is always stable and can achieve single-cycle transient to step changes in the reference current. Performance of the control method is also compared with conventional linear average current control, and applications of the method in dc-dc and single-phase PFC converters are demonstrated. A unified implementation of the control method for automatic detection and transition between CCM (continuous conduction mode) and DCM operation is also presented.
Experimental Constraints on Quaternary Structure in Alzheimer's β-Amyloid Fibrils†

We describe solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements on fibrils formed by the 40-residue β-amyloid peptide associated with Alzheimer's disease (Aβ1-40) that place constraints on the identity and symmetry of contacts between in-register, parallel β-sheets in the fibrils. We refer to these contacts as internal and external quaternary contacts, depending on whether they are within a single molecular layer or between molecular layers. The data include (1) two-dimensional 13C-13C NMR spectra that indicate internal quaternary contacts between side chains of L17 and F19 and side chains of I32, L34, and V36, as well as external quaternary contacts between side chains of I31 and G37; (2) two-dimensional 15N-13C NMR spectra that indicate external quaternary contacts between the side chain of M35 and the peptide backbone at G33; (3) measurements of magnetic dipole−dipole couplings between the side chain carboxylate group of D23 and the side chain amine group of K28 that indicate salt bridge interact...
A DOUBLE BLIND STUDY OF THE EFFECT OF PHENOBARBITONE ON NEONATAL HYPERBILIRUBINAEMIA AND FREQUENCY OF EXCHANGE TRANSFUSION

SUMMARY In a double blind study the effect of phenobarbitone on neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia and the frequency of exchange transfusion was investigated. Newborn infants admitted were randomly assigned to one of two groups. The treated group comprised 56 and the control group 60 infants. Either placebo solution or phenobarbitone was injected i.m. at 8 hourly intervals for a total of 10 injections. The single dose varied between 1 mg and 5 mg according to weight. One exchange transfusion had to be performed in the treated and 11 in the control group. This difference is statistically significant. Serumbilirubin concentrations from the 4th day on were significantly lower in the treated infants than in controls.
Characterization of Wet Batch Cleaning Process in Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing

Wet cleaning of silicon wafers is an essential step in the fabrication of semiconductor devices. With diminishing feature and, consequently, critical particle sizes, cleaning requirements have become even more stringent. Hence, it is imperative that an understanding of the cleaning process be obtained in order to achieve the desired cleaning efficiencies. Ultrasonic and megasonic cleaning baths are the norm in advanced fabrication lines for batch cleaning of wafers. The fluid flow in these baths is quite complex and strongly influences removal of contaminant matter from the wafer surface. To better understand the effect of fluid flow on cleaning of polymeric contaminants, chemical etch experiments have been conducted using a cleaning solution on tetra-ethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) blanket wafers. The experimental results indicate a certain degree of nonuniformity and asymmetry in an otherwise symmetric system. A qualitative analysis of the observed nonuniformity has been conducted through computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations of the flow within the tank using a commercial CFD tool, FLUENT 6.2. An analogous heat transfer model has been set up with the CFD model, to simulate mass transfer effects resulting from the etching of the TEOS film in the experiments. A comprehensive sensitivity analysis has also been conducted within the CFD model for various parameters that might be responsible for the experimental asymmetry.
A Case History of Professional Evolution: From SLP to Communication Instructor.

This contribution is a case history of professional development. It traces philosophical changes that impacted service delivery to communication disordered school-age children. The evolution from "speech therapist" to "communication instructor" has been the result of adopting an educational model vs. a medical (or clinical) model, through integrating communication instruction into the students' natural learning environment, and through collaborating with other educators. Suggestions for instructional activities that are the product of a re-definition of the SLP role are provided.
Sugar content of popular sweetened beverages based on objective laboratory analysis: focus on fructose content.

The consumption of fructose, largely in the form of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), has risen over the past several decades and is thought to contribute negatively to metabolic health. However, the fructose content of foods and beverages produced with HFCS is not disclosed and estimates of fructose content are based on the common assumption that the HFCS used contains 55% fructose. The objective of this study was to conduct an objective laboratory analysis of the sugar content and composition in popular sugar-sweetened beverages with a particular focus on fructose content. Twenty-three sugar-sweetened beverages along with four standard solutions were analyzed for sugar profiles using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in an independent, certified laboratory. Total sugar content was calculated as well as percent fructose in the beverages that use HFCS as the sole source of fructose. Results showed that the total sugar content of the beverages ranged from 85 to 128% of what was listed on the food label. The mean fructose content in the HFCS used was 59% (range 47–65%) and several major brands appear to be produced with HFCS that is 65% fructose. Finally, the sugar profile analyses detected forms of sugar that were inconsistent with what was listed on the food labels. This analysis revealed significant deviations in sugar amount and composition relative to disclosures from producers. In addition, the tendency for use of HFCS that is higher in fructose could be contributing to higher fructose consumption than would otherwise be assumed.
Valproic acid induces Notch1 signaling in small cell lung cancer cells.

Background Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive malignancy. Current treatments yield dismal survival rates. We have previously demonstrated that histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors can inhibit neuroendocrine tumor growth. Activation of the Notch1 signaling pathway also impairs SCLC cell viability. In this study, we investigated the ability of the HDAC inhibitor valproic acid (VPA) to activate Notch1 signaling and inhibit proliferation in SCLC cells. Materials and methods DMS53 human SCLC cells were treated with VPA (0–10 m m ) for 2 d. Light microscopy was used to examine changes in cell morphology. Western analysis was performed using antibodies against various Notch1 pathway proteins to assess Notch1 activation. Additionally, immunoblotting was performed for two neuroendocrine tumor markers, chromogranin A and achaete-scute complex-like 1. Finally, a cell proliferation assay was used to measure the effects of VPA on SCLC growth over 8 d. Results After treatment with VPA, DMS53 cells underwent dramatic changes in morphology. VPA induced expression of the full-length and active forms of Notch1 protein. Furthermore, VPA suppressed levels of neuroendocrine tumor markers chromogranin A and ASLC-1. Importantly, VPA treatment led to dose-dependent inhibition of SCLC cell proliferation. Conclusions The HDAC inhibitor VPA activates Notch1 signaling in SCLC cells. VPA induces changes in cell morphology and suppresses neuroendocrine tumor markers, indicating a change in phenotype. Additionally, VPA profoundly inhibits SCLC cell growth. These results suggest that VPA has potential as a novel therapeutic agent for SCLC.
Generalized regional spatial patterns of larval recruitment of invasive ascidians, mussels, and other organisms along the coast of Maine

Along the coast of Maine, recruitment of most invasive marine ascidians follows a generalized regional pattern, with higher recruitment rates at western sites. Using artificial collectors we found that Botryllus schlosseri, Botrylloides violaceus, Ciona intestinalis, Ascidiella aspersa and Styela clava were more abundant in the western (southwestern) sites than in the eastern (northeastern) sites. This general pattern also applies to a number of other recruiting species including native mussels, Mytilus spp., and the invasive crab, Carcinus maenas. While recruitment of many marine organisms can appear stochastic in space, there can be some consistent regional patterns. Higher recruitment in the western sites of Maine may be the result of greater oceanographic dispersal due to the westward flow of the Maine coastal current, higher seawater temperatures in the west, and more anthropogenic
Comparative Electromigration Tests of Al-Cu Alloys

Al-Cu films, obtained from several sputter deposition processes have been subjected to accelerated electromigration life tests. The resultant median times to failure (ranging from 15-1600 h) have been compared with the microstructure and alloy distributions in the films as measured by He backscattering spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and diffraction and X-ray diffraction. We conclude that the film texture and location of copper in the films have a strong influence on their electromigration resistance.