cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Approach to Monitoring and Guiding Manual Assembly Processes

With the dawn of Industry 4.0, companies are constantly looking for ways to digitize their work flows in order to quantify, monitor, and improve work in industrial settings. While some processes, such as those using computer numerical control machinery, are either easy to embed sensors into or already have sensors embedded that are providing information, there still are core processes taking place in industrial settings that do not have easy ways to retrieve data from. One such process is the manual assembly process. In addition to the difficulty in retrieving data from assembly processes, the assemblies that rely on human operation with simple tools rather than machining centers are more difficult to immerse in Industry 4.0 practices due to its primarily offline nature. To better address this issue, we propose an approach and describe implementation of the corresponding system that is capable of providing information to assemblers based on data received during an active process. Specifically, the system informs the assembler of the next steps in the assembly process based on what the platform determines has already been done. In order to accomplish this, a convolutional neural network is used to analyze images on a camera that will be overseeing the physical assembly process. In this way, there will be a live digital record of the assembly process taking place as well as some, albeit basic, interaction between the assembler and the overarching system monitoring the process.
Tonic Regulation of GABAergic Synaptic Activity on Vasopressin Neurones by Cannabinoids

Synaptic activity in magnocellular neurosecretory neurones is influenced by the retrograde (i.e. somatodendritic) release of vasopressin, oxytocin and cannabinoids (CBs). For oxytocin neurones, oxytocin exerts constitutive effects on pre-synaptic activity through its ability to release CBs post-synaptically. In the present study, we examined evoked inhibitory post-synaptic currents (eIPSCs) and spontaneous inhibitory post-synaptic currents (sIPSCs) in identified vasopressin (VP) neurones in coronal slices from virgin rats to determine: (i) the extent to which CBs may also tonically modulate VP synaptic activity; and (ii) to determine whether depolarisation-induced suppression of inhibition was present in VP neurones, and if so, whether it was mediated by VP or CBs. The CB1 antagonists AM251 (1 μm) and SR14171 (1 μm) consistently increased the frequency of sIPSCs in VP neurones without affecting their amplitude, suggesting a tonic CB presence. This effect on frequency was independent of action potential activity, and blocked by chelating intracellular calcium with 10 mm ethylene glycol tetraacetic acid (EGTA). AM251 also increased the amplitude of eIPSCs and decreased the paired-pulse ratio (PPR) in VP neurones-effects that were completely blocked with even low (1 mm EGTA) internal calcium chelation. Bouts of evoked firing of VP neurones consistently suppressed sIPSCs but had no effect on eIPSCs or the PPR. This depolarisation-induced suppression of IPSCs was reduced by AM251, and was totally blocked by 10 μm of the mixed vasopressin/oxytocin antagonist, Manning compound. We then tested the effect of vasopressin on IPSCs at the same time as blocking CB1 receptors. Vasopressin (10-100 nm) inhibited sIPSC frequency but had no effect on sIPSC or eIPSC amplitudes, or on the PPR, in the presence of AM251. Taken together, these results suggest a tonic, pre-synaptic inhibitory modulation of IPSCs in VP neurones by CBs that is largely dependent on post-synaptic calcium, and an inhibitory effect of VP on IPSCs that is independent of CB release.
Has Family Leave Legislation Increased Leave-Taking?

In 1993, the federal government passed the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), which gives eligible employees twelve weeks of job-protected unpaid leave from work per year to address family issues. Employees are eligible for family leave under the FMLA if they have worked for their employer for at least a year, accumulating at least 1,250 work hours. Employers are covered if they employ at least fifty workers. Prior to the FMLA’s passage, twelve states and the District of Columbia had passed their own family leave legislation mandating similar benefits. One potential use of family leave legislation is to give mothers leave from work after giving birth. One potential use of this legislation is to allow mothers leave from work after giving birth. In this Article, I estimate the effects of family leave legislation on mothers’ leave-taking after giving birth. I examine the effects of family leave legislation as a natural * Assistant Professor of Economics, Department of Economics and Finance, Middle Tennessee State University. 1. 29 U.S.C. § 2612(a)(1) (2000); see also Suzanne M. Crampton & Jitendra M. Mishra, Family and Medical Leave Legislation: Organizational Policies and Strategies, 24 PUB. PERSONNEL MGMT. 271, 272 (1995). 2. 29 U.S.C. § 2611(2)(A)(ii) (2000). 3. Id. § 2611(4)(A)(i) (2000). 4. See BUREAU OF NAT’L AFFAIRS, PREGNANCY AND EMPLOYMENT: THE COMPLETE HANDBOOK ON DISCRIMINATION, MATERNITY LEAVE, AND HEALTH AND SAFETY (1987); WOMEN’S LEGAL DEFENSE FUND, STATE LAWS AND REGULATIONS GUARANTEEING EMPLOYEES THEIR JOBS AFTER FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE (1994); Jacob A. Klerman & Arleen Leibowitz, Labor Supply Effects of State Maternity Leave Legislation, in GENDER AND FAMILY ISSUES IN THE WORKPLACE 65–85 (Francine D. Blau & Ronald G. Ehrenberg eds., 1997). Washington University Open Scholarship p115 Baum book pages.doc 4/23/2004 94 Journal of Law & Policy [Vol. 15:93 experiment because state family leave laws (passed prior to the FMLA) vary both in scope and in dates of enforcement. I also identify the mothers who have the employment history to be eligible for the mandated leave benefits and who work for employers of sufficient size to be covered by their state’s legislation. My results suggest that family leave legislation has had little effect on leavetaking.
Domicile and Inequality by Design: The Case of Destination Weddings

Family law has traditionally been state law, specifically the law of the state of domicile. The emphasis on the state of domicile reflects not only a key aspect of our federalism but also family law’s focus on the home. This approach expressly contemplates different legal regimes for families in different states – an inequality by design that challenges the aspiration of the symposium for which this essay was written: In Search of Equality in Family Law.Domicile’s longstanding importance in family law, however, has been diminishing, as vividly illustrated by cases that constitutionally require a domicile to recognize same-sex destination weddings, notwithstanding clearly articulated public-policy opposition to such marriages. The first of these new marriage-recognition cases, decided by a federal judge in Ohio immediately after the Supreme Court’s ruling in United States v. Windsor, provides the opportunity for detailed analysis of the interplay between Windsor’s twin emphases, federalism and equality, as well as the implications for the traditional place of domicile in family law.The erosion of domicile’s authority, seen in the new marriage-recognition cases, converges with other developments that reflect weakening in domicile’s familiar position. Such recent developments include reforms permitting same-sex couples to divorce where they married, if their domicile would not recognize the union (thus precluding a local dissolution), and the increasing use of the place of celebration to determine marital status for purposes of federal law. The essay concludes with reflections about what these inroads might mean for the future of domicile and for equality in family law, the symposium’s theme. Shifting from a state to a federal reference, while evening out inequalities, might stunt local experimentation, achieving uniformity with the lowest common denominator applied to all and enhancing no one’s freedom. Thus, under one seemingly paradoxical vision, advancing the goal of equality in family law could entail retaining key features of inequality by design and then developing new ways to open access to the possibilities offered by state-by-state variation – with its promise that at least some jurisdictions will continue to enact ever more innovative, liberating, and pluralistic family laws. Under this vision, inequality by design should persist, but domicile would not determine the applicable family law. This vision, in turn, might gesture toward a more fundamental rethinking of family law and its traditional connection to home.
Identification of a Novel Truncated αIIb Integrin

Integrin alphaIIb beta3 requires its cytoplasmic tails to participate in tumor cell adhesion, spreading, and migration. Using 3' rapid amplification of cDNA ends, we have amplified two alphaIIb cDNAs from human leukemia, prostate adenocarcinoma, and melanoma cells. One of these is the predicted wild-type alphaIIb cDNA, and the other is a novel truncated alphaIIb variant. This variant is unique in that it lacks the transmembrane and cytoplasmic portions of the alphaIIb light chain. The truncated alphaIIb integrin protein is expressed by human leukemia, prostate adenocarcinoma, and melanoma cells but not by platelets or normal prostate epithelial or normal breast epithelial cells. Tumor cells secrete this protein and deposit it on the extracellular matrix. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a naturally occurring variant of an alpha integrin that lacks the transmembrane and cytoplasmic tail.
The Relation between Liquidity Risk and Default Risk in Equity Returns

This paper demonstrates the relative importance of default and liquidity risks in equity returns. While previous studies have shown that both default and liquidity risks affect equity returns, none, to our knowledge, has examined their interrelation and relative importance for equity returns. We consider three alternative liquidity measures: the Pastor-Stambaugh measure, the turnover measure, and the illiquidity ratio measure. The default measure of choice is the one based on Merton's (1974) contingent claims approach. The alternative liquidity measures are very different from each other, but they are all related to our default measure. While we know from past research that low liquidity stocks earn higher returns than high liquidity stocks, we demonstrate here that this is the case only when these stocks also have high default risk, and in no other case. In contrast, high default risk stocks always earn higher returns than low default risk stocks, independently of their liquidity level. Vector autoregressive tests reveal the existence of a two-way causal relation between default risk and stock market returns, which is not present in the case of liquidity. Liquidity risk does not affect the future path of stock market returns. The robustness of these relations remains unaltered when we take into account the correlation of the default and liquidity measures with aggregate stock market volatility. Consistent with previous evidence, the inclusion of default and liquidity variables in popular asset pricing specifications improves a model's performance. However, the improvement is much larger when the included variable is default, rather than liquidity. In the presence of the default variable, the inclusion of a liquidity proxy in an asset pricing specification results in only a marginal improvement of the model's performance. The opposite is not true.
The Tradeoff between Energy Efficiency and User State Estimation Accuracy in Mobile Sensing

People-centric sensing and user state recognition can provide rich contextual information for various mobile applications and services. However, continuously capturing this contextual information on mobile devices drains device battery very quickly. In this paper, we study the tradeoff between device energy consumption and user state recognition accuracy from a novel perspective. We assume the user state evolves as a hidden discrete time Markov chain (DTMC) and an embedded sensor on mobile device discovers user state by performing a sensing observation. We investigate a stationary deterministic sensor sampling policy which assigns different sensor duty cycles based on different user states, and propose two state estimation mechanisms providing the best “guess” of user state sequence when observations are missing. We analyze the effect of varying sensor duty cycles on (a) device energy consumption and (b) user state estimation error, and visualize the tradeoff between the two numerically for a two-state setting.
Photonic architectures for distributed shared memory multiprocessors

This paper studies the interaction between the access protocol used to provide arbitration for a wavelength-division multiple access photonic network and the cache coherence protocol required to support a distributed shared memory environment. The architecture is based on wavelength division multiplexing which enables multiple multi-access channels to be realized on a single optical fiber. Larger blocks are supported to reduce the per bit overhead and increase the exploitation of spatial locality, while false sharing is reduced through a mechanism to provide a finer granularity of invalidation. Two main approaches have been considered to harness the enormous available bandwidth of WDMA optical networks: reservation (control-channel based) or pre-allocation media access protocols. This paper extends the function of a control channel to include broadcast support of cache-level control information, in addition to its primary role of data channel reservation, thereby enabling a snooping based coherence protocol to be considered. Larger snooping-based multiprocessors may be possible with this approach. Two major scenarios are considered through trace-based discrete-event simulation in this paper: a system with a directory based cache coherence protocol and a pre-allocation based WDMA access protocol is compared to a system with a snooping based cache coherence protocol and a reservation based WDMA access protocol. >
Falciform ligament flap for the protection of the gastroduodenal artery stump after pancreaticoduodenectomy: A single center experience.

Summary Aim of the study Delayed hemorrhage, though rare, remains a significant source of morbidity and mortality after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). An important cause of this delayed hemorrhage is erosion or pseudoaneurysm formation of the gastroduodenal artery (GDA) by pancreatic enzymes and adjacent intra-abdominal sepsis. So protection of the GDA stump may avoid this devastating complication. Patients and methods This is a retrospective observational study. All patients, who underwent a PD between August 2007 and December 2014, were included in the study. We used pedicled falciform ligament flap to protect the GDA stump. After PD, pedicled falciform ligament flap was spread widely over the skeletonized hepatic artery including the GDA stump and was fixed to the surrounding retroperitoneal connective tissue. This procedure allowed complete separation of the GDA stump from the pancreatic stump. Results We performed 182 cases of PD during the study period. Although, 27 (15%) patients developed pancreatic fistula and six patients developed intra-abdominal abscess, no one experienced hemorrhage due to erosion or pseudoaneurysm formation of the GDA. Conclusion The present surgical option seems to be an effective measure for the prevention of erosion and pseudoaneurysm formation of the GDA after PD.
GaAs/AlGaAs electrooptic modulator with novel electrodes and bandwidth in excess of 40 GHz

This abstract reports the latest results of our ongoing effort on GaAs/AlGaAs traveling wave Mach-Zehnder electrooptic modulators. Previously we reported >40 GHz electrical bandwidths but with rather large on/off voltage V/sub /spl pi//. By introducing a completely different electrode design we have reduced the V/sub /spl pi// from 28 V to 10 V while keeping the measured bandwidth >40 GHz. Furthermore the new design reduces the microwave loss, which determines the bandwidth, from 4.6 to 3.2 dB/cm at 35 GHz. Additionally, this new electrode geometry has the potential for further V/sub /spl pi// reduction while maintaining low loss.
Non-random base sequence of S-RNA and an hypothesis for S-RNA biosynthesis

S-RNA has been hydrolysed by takadiastase T1 ribonuclease, which specifically cleaves the polynucleotide chain between 3′-guanylic acid and the adjacent nucleotide. The number of μmoles of …pGp(Gp)n…, …pGpApGp…, …pGpCpGp… and …pGpCpCpGp… per μmole of S-RNA chain has been determined by separation of the products of hydrolysis. It has been found that these experimental values considerably exceed the theoretical values which would be expected if the bases were arranged in a random sequence. Moreover, it has been concluded that non-randomness prevails throughout the base sequence of the average S-RNA molecule. The two implications of this finding are (1) that the average S-RNA molecule, and hence each individual amino acid specific S-RNA chain, has a completely denned base sequence, and (2) that S-RNA is replicated during synthesis by some very exact process which preserves this highly non-random structure. The hypothesis is proposed that S-RNA is synthesized by a template mechanism independent of DNA and that S-RNA itself provides its own template for biosynthesis.
The relationship between therapy intensity and rehabilitative outcomes after traumatic brain injury: a multicenter analysis

Abstract Cifu DX, Kreutzer JS, Kolakowsky-Hayner SA, Marwitz JH, Englander J. The relationship between therapy intensity and rehabilitative outcomes after traumatic brain injury: a multicenter analysis. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2003;84:1441–8. Objectives To identify factors relating to the intensity of rehabilitation services received and to ascertain the relation between injury outcomes, demographics, types of therapy, and the intensity of rehabilitation services provided. Design A multicenter, prospective, nonrandomized study with inpatient rehabilitation data collected between 1989 and 1996. Setting Three medical centers in the federally sponsored Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems. In each setting, the continuum of care includes emergency medical services, intensive and acute medical care, and inpatient rehabilitation. Participants A total of 491 consecutively enrolled patients with a mean age ± standard deviation of 34.3±15.88 years recruited from 3 medical centers. To be included in the study, patients must have been at least 16 years of age, have presented to the emergency department within 24 hours of injury, and have received acute care and inpatient rehabilitation. Interventions Patients received comprehensive medical care along with a combination of rehabilitative therapies, including physical, occupational, psychologic, and speech therapy. Main outcome measures Therapy intensity; levels of functional independence, cognitive function, functional gain, and treatment efficiency, as indicated by the FIM™ instrument; rehabilitation length of stay (LOS); and charges. Results Age predicted the intensity of both psychologic ( P P P P P P Conclusions This study is among the first multicenter efforts to examine the potential benefits of individual therapy services. Findings support assertions that increased therapy intensity, particularly physical and psychologic therapies, enhances functional outcomes.
The Ozark earthquake of October 8, 1946

On October 8, 1946 an earthquake was felt throughout an area of about 25,000 square miles in eastern Missouri, western Illinois, and northwestern Kentucky. The data obtained from 691 questionnaires returned show that: (1) The shock was felt over a wide area but was not of destructive intensity; (2) the felt area as a whole was almost circular in shape; (3) the region of stronger intensities was eccentric to the total felt area, being toward the south; (4) near the epicenter the earthquake noises were described as sharp and of short duration while at greater distances the noises were described as rumbling and of long duration. The epicenter determined from seismographic data is in southeastern Iron County about midway between the towns of Chloride and French Mills, Missouri (37°28′N, 90°34′W; H = 01h12m02.5S U.T.). This point is roughly 50 miles northwest of the New Madrid seismic district. The epicenter is in the vicinity of the Hogan fault which is postulated as delineating the southwest side of the structural block of the St. Francois Mountains (the major structural and physiographic unit of the northeastern Ozark Highlands).
Substance Use during Pregnancy and Peripartum Complications in a Triethnic Population

To study the effects of illicit drug use during pregnancy on maternal health, we reviewed the records of women who delivered at the University of Texas Medical Branch between June 1, 1989, and February 28, 1990, for peripartum history and results from drug urinaly-sis screens. After controlling for age at delivery, gravidity, race/ ethnicity, and use of alcohol or tobacco, elevated relative risk estimates were observed among women who had positive urinaly sis for syphilis, gonorrhea, pregnancy-induced hypertension, chorioamnio-nitis, asthma, and postpartum hemorrhage. These findings confirm that pregnant women who use illicit drugs are at increased risk for serious health complications.
Induction of metamorphosis in Hermissenda crassicornis larvae (Molluscs: Nudibranchia) by GABA, choline and serotonin

Summary The nudibranch mollusc Hermissenda crassicornis is currently used as a biomedical model in neurobiological studies. It possesses planktotrophic larvae which metamorphose in the laboratory in the presence of the hydroid Tubularia crocea in yields of about 2–5% (Tamse et al., 1990). This study presents evidence that artificial metamorphic inducers such as GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid), choline, and serotonin (alone or combined with the natural inducer T. crocea), can be used to improve the metamorphic success in H. crassicornis larvae. GABA at 10−5M and 10−4M, choline at 10−3M and 10−4M, and serotonin at 10−5 M and 10−4M, were most effective, while serotonin at 10−3 M was toxic. Larvae 47 and 63 days old metamorphosed at different rates when exposed to the same concentrations of chemicals, but these had no positive effect on young larvae, i.e., 28 and 39 days old. On the other hand, when young larvae were exposed to the natural inducer, an habituation phenomenon was observed, i.e., the larvae did not m...
Destripeptide insulin-like growth factor-I in milk from bovine somatotropin-treated cows.

ABSTRACT: Total somatomedins from milk of bovine somatotropin-treated cows were isolated and characterized to determine the relative amount of the three amino acid N-terminally truncated form of IGF-I (destripeptide IGF-I). The somatomedin fraction was isolated using organic solvent and solid-phase extractions followed by preparative reverse phase HPLC and affinity chromatography. The overall yield of IGF-I was 28%, and destripeptide IGF-I was recovered with similar efficiency. The isolated somatomedins were resolved by capillary zonal electrophoresis and identified using recombinant somatomedin standards. The concentration of destripeptide IGF-I relative to full length IGF-I was determined by amino terminal sequencing and by bioassay. Results from these experiments indicated that the level of destripeptide IGF-I in milk from somatotropin-treated cows was less than 3% of the IGF-I concentration. Destripeptide IGF-I is therefore a minor component of the somatomedins present in milk from treated cows and does not contribute significantly to the proliferative activity of this milk.
Acoustic emission and nondestructive evaluation of biomaterials and tissues

Acoustic emission (AE) is an acoustic wave generated by the release of energy from localized sources in a material subjected to an externally applied stimulus. This technique may be used nondestructively to analyze tissues, materials, and biomaterial/tissue interfaces. Applications of AE include use as an early warning tool for detecting tissue and material defects and incipient failure, monitoring damage progression, predicting failure, characterizing failure mechanisms, and serving as a tool to aid in understanding material properties and structure-function relations. All these applications may be performed in real time. This review discusses general principles of AE monitoring and the use of the technique in 3 areas of importance to biomedical engineering: (1) analysis of biomaterials, (2) analysis of tissues, and (3) analysis of tissue/biomaterial interfaces. Focus in these areas is on detection sensitivity, methods of signal analysis in both the time and frequency domains, the relationship between acoustic signals and microstructural phenomena, and the uses of the technique in establishing a relationship between signals and failure mechanisms.
Oral ganciclovir versus valganciclovir for cytomegalovirus prophylaxis in high-risk liver transplant recipients.

This retrospective review compared oral valganciclovir (VGCV) 450 mg daily for 6 months versus oral ganciclovir (GCV) 1000 mg 3 times daily for 3 months in preventing cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease in high-risk liver transplant recipients.We evaluated all CMV donor positive-recipient negative liver transplant recipients managed at University Health System in San Antonio,Texas from August 1996 to September 2006. CMV disease was confirmed by polymerase chain-reaction or antigenemia assay, and CMV invasive disease by tissue biopsy. Patient demographics, laboratory results, complications, and therapies were collected via retrospective chart review. Patients < 18 years of age or those who died during transplant admission were excluded. Primary endpoints included incidence, onset, and severity of CMV disease up to 1 year post transplant. Data collection also included patient demographics, immunosuppression, CMV treatment regimens, and relevant lab results. A total of 64 patients (43 VGCV and 21 GCV) were identified. Four patients developed CMV disease:VGCV (3/43,7%) versus GCV (1/21, 5%) (P=1.0), with 1 VGCV patient experiencing tissue-invasive CMV. In all cases, onset of CMV disease occurred after prophylaxis was discontinued. Onset occurred at 24, 27, and 45 weeks post transplant in the VGCVgroup, and at 26 weeks in the 1 patient on GCV. Four patients received rabbit antithymocyte globulin (rATG) induction; 1 patient received rATG and developed CMV disease, with no statistical difference compared with the 3 remaining patients who received rATG but did not develop CMV disease (P=0.09). No difference was found in incidence of CMV disease between patients who received GCV and those who received VGCV at our institution.
Age-specific complications among lung transplant recipients 60 years and older.

Background An age limit of 65 years has been suggested for lung transplantation (LTx). Methods We conducted a retrospective study of LTx recipients at our institution and compared survival rates among patients aged 65 years. We identified common complications and risk factors for death among patients aged ≥ 60 years. Results Between January 2006 and May 2008, 126 of 268 (47%) of LTx recipients were aged >60 years, among whom 36% were 60 to 65 and 64% were >65 years. There were no differences in survival among patients aged 65 years. Among older patients, the major complications were infections (78%), rejection (36%), thromboembolism (21%), bone fractures (12%), malignancies (10%), and drug toxicity (10%). Rejection was more common among patients who were aged 60 to 65, and malignancies and drug toxicity were more common among patients >65 years. Other complications did not differ by age group. Infections accounted for 69% of deaths within 12 months, and infection-related deaths did not differ among the groups. Major infections were the strongest independent risk factors for death (hazard ratio, 4.37), followed by cytomegalovirus mismatch (hazard ratio, 3.69) and pre-transplant coronary artery disease (hazard ratio, 2.43). Conclusions Survival rates among LTx recipients were similar regardless of age, but specific complications among older patients differed by age. Selection for LTx should not be based strictly on an age cutoff, but rather individualized according to general health status and other risk factors. Further research on risk factors affecting outcomes, pharmacokinetics and dynamics, quality of life, and mechanisms of untoward events is needed among older LTx recipients.
The MAGIC gamma-ray observatory

Abstract I will review the current status of the MAGIC Observatory for ground-based gamma-ray astronomy, and present the results of recent measurements of three sources: the Crab nebula, Mkn421 ( z = 0.03 ), and 1ES1959+650 ( z = 0.047 ). I will also outline the construction of the second MAGIC Telescope, to start with data taking in 2007.
Plasma assisted cavity flame ignition in supersonic flows

Abstract A nanosecond pulsed plasma discharge located within a wall cavity is used to ignite jet flames (hydrogen and ethylene) in supersonic crossflows. The nonequilibrium plasma is produced by repetitive pulses of 15 kV peak voltage, 20 ns pulse width and 50 kHz repetition rate. Sonic fuel jets are injected into free stream air of Mach numbers Ma = 1.7 to Ma = 3.0. The flow pattern and shockwaves induced by the fuel jets and cavity are characterized by Schlieren imaging and planar laser induced fluorescence is used to image the distribution of OH radicals. Combustion is found to be enhanced by the plasma discharge, with the time evolution of the flame suggesting that enhancement is caused by the reduction in ignition delay time. Similar trends are observed with both hydrogen and ethylene fuel injection. The experimental results for hydrogen combustion are interpreted using a simple model in which the pulsed plasma serves as a repetitive source of reactive radicals. The reaction kinetics following radical production is evolved numerically, confirming a reduction in ignition delay comparable to that seen in the experiments. The model description allows us to predict how a broader range of plasma operation conditions will affect combustion.
Diffusion tensor imaging of ex vivo cervical spinal cord specimens: the immediate and long-term effects of fixation on diffusivity.

Diffusion Tensor imaging (DTI) is an emerging noninvasive method for evaluating tissue microstructure, but is highly susceptible to in vivo motion artifact. Ex vivo experiments on fixed tissues are needed to improve DTI techniques, which require fixed tissue specimens. Several efforts have been made to study the effect of fixation on both human and mouse tissue, with varying results. Four human cervical cords and three segments of pig vivo cervical spinal cord specimens were imaged both before and after tissue fixation using 3D multi-shot diffusion weighted imaging (ms-DWEPI). Fixation caused a significant decrease in the longitudinal diffusivity while the relative anisotropy (RA), and radial diffusivity remained unaffected. Additionally, once adequately preserved the diffusivity parameters of fixed tissue remain constant over time. Fixation has important effects on the diffusivity of tissue specimens. These findings have important implications for the determination of tissue microstructure and function using DTI technologies.
Poetry and the Abused Child: The Forest and Tinted Plexiglass.

This paper explores poetry as a phenomenological access point to the world of the abused child. In so doing, poetry serves a threefold function: (1) a window into the child's world, (b) a way to track the abused child's progress along the recovery process, and (c) a tool for transforming abused children's world, by allowing them to find their own unique voice. These functions are illustrated through case vignettes.
Yields of zirconium isotopes from spontaneous and 14·7-MeV neutron-induced fission of uranium-238

Abstract Measurements of the 95Zr/238U equilibrium ratios in non-irradiated uranium salts gave the following results: (3·7 ± 0·8) × 10−4 and (4·9 ± 1·0) × 10−4 disintegrations per second of 95Zr per gramme of 238U in depleted and natural uranium, respectively. If it is assumed that the 95Zr activity in depleted uranium is produced solely by spontaneous fission of 238U, and if Segre's value of 8·0 × 1015 years for the spontaneous fission half-life of 238U is taken to be correct, the 238U spontaneous fission yield for 95Zr is calculated to be (5·3 ± 1·1) per cent. Yields of 95Zr, 97Zr and 99Mo from 14·7 MeV neutron-induced fission of 238U were found to be 6·1 ± 0·6, 4·7 ± 0·5 and 5·7 ± 0·5 per cent, respectively.
Beaver pond biogeochemistry: Acid neutralizing capacity generation in a headwater wetland

A beaver pond and its associated inlet and outlet waters in the Adirondack Mountains of New York were monitored for major chemical solutes for 26 months in an effort to quantify underlying chemical controls on the production and consumption of acid neutralizing capacity (ANC). The pond was a net annual sink for inlet Al, SO4 2−, NO3 −; and H4SiO4. The pond was a net annual source of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), NH4 +, and Fe2−. Losses of ANC resulting from Al and basic cation retention, as well as organic anion release (RCOO−) associated with DOC, were more than offset by SO4 2−, and NO3 − retention and Fe2− and NH4 + release, resulting in a net production of ANC. Rates of ANC generation were 120 meq m−2 yr−1 and 310 meq m−2 yr−1, respectively (based on pond surface area), for the non-summer (October-June) and summer (July–September) periods. Seasonal variations in ANC in the outlet stream were largely associated with Fe2+ and DOC release, while ANC in the upland inlet stream was associated with Al, NO3 −, and basic cations, with much less seasonal variation. Controls on stream chemistry were temporally and longitudinally different, for the inlet and outlet streams. The shift to seasonal control of outlet stream ANC by processes associated with organic matter decomposition reactions and anaerobic zone nutrient transformations may be characteristic of headwater wetlands, in temperate zones with seasonal temperature extremes. Beaver impoundments and wetlands may also be important in the upstream mobilization or retention of geologically bound solutes like Al, Fe, and H4SiO4. Headwater wetlands, as sinks for solutes associated with acidic deposition and watershed acidification (i.e., SO4 2−, NO3 −, and Al), may play a role in the amelioration of the effects of these solutes on downstream receiving waters and associated biota. Depending on their location in relation to drainage patterns, these ponded systems may influence the nutrient dynamics of receiving waters through nitrogen transformations and organic carbon cycling.
6.3.1 COSYSMO Calibration Steps and Results

This paper provides insight into calibrating a systems engineering cost model (COSYSMO) by providing a process that organizations can follow to improve their estimation accuracy. A specific example is provided from Raytheon Missile Systems to illustrate how data are collected and how they influence the cost estimating relationship. The results from this specific case are generalized to other organizations who wish to improve their cost estimation capabilities in systems engineering.
Assessment of microwave power flow for reflectometry measurements in tokamak plasmas

Microwave diagnostics, such as reflectometry and electron cyclotron emission, are widely employed in tokamak fusion plasmas, and are also particularly well suited to the burning plasma environment expected in the upcoming ITER device. In existing fusion plasmas, reflectometry has been used to measure electron density profile, density fluctuations, turbulent flow and internal magnetic field strength. The measurement of electron density profile via reflectometry is a particularly high priority in ITER, and so an assessment of electromagnetic wave propagation is important in estimating measurement capability. In ITER, the ratio of plasma size to the required microwave signal wavelength is significantly larger than in current fusion experiments ensuring a more realistic analysis of reflectometry via ray-tracing techniques. The analytical and numerical studies presented in this paper highlight the fact that the group velocity (or power flow) is strongly dependent on the direction of wave propagation relative to the magnetic field. It is shown that this dependence strongly modifies power flow near the cut-off layer in a manner that embeds the local magnetic field direction in the 'footprint' of the returned power at the launch antenna. It will be shown that this can potentially be utilized to determine the magnetic field pitch angle at the cut-off location. The resultant beam drift and distortion due to the magnetic field also have consequences on the design of reflectometry systems for large, high-field fusion experiments such as ITER.
Dynamic patterns of skylight polarization as clock and compass

Abstract Although many animals use the polarization of skylight for directional orientation, most investigations have been limited to consideration of the static relationships between E-vector orientation and the sun's azimuth. Much more useful information is directly available to any animal that could utilize the dynamic properties of skylight polarization, which could not be obtained by simple observation of the static pattern alone. For example the pole point, where the earth's axis intersects the celestial sphere, would provide a fixed “beacon” for an animal which could see the uniform rotation of the entire pattern of skylight polarization around this point at 15 °/h. The azimuth of the pole point provides true compass direction; its altitude is the observer's latitude; and, as Wheatstone pointed out in 1848, the E-vector orientation at the pole point provides true local sun time. Even animals without a highly developed sensitivity to polarization of light might locate the pole point approximately by observing the band of maximum polarization which rotates around this point. At the equinoxes this band passes through the pole point, and at other times within 23.5 °. Such cues may explain some recent, puzzling results of animal navigation experiments. These theoretical possibilities suggest a need for direct measurements of both the threshold rates at which animals can detect E-vector rotation, and capabilities to discriminate between slightly different E-vector orientations.
Observation of shells in Coulomb explosions of rare-gas clusters

The explosions of noble gas clusters from argon and xenon irradiated by intense 35-fs infrared laser pulses have been studied. The kinetic energy spectra of ions produced in small clusters (<700 atoms) show a two-mode shell structure that is attributed to originating from a radial charge distribution. With a simple classical particle simulation of Coulomb explosions, the energy structure was reproduced using information on the arrangement of charge in the cluster. It was found that, during the explosion, the inner atoms of the clusters were less ionized than the outer atoms.
Design of an Optimal Noninteracting Control System for a Coupled Core Nuclear Reactor

A procedure is presented here to design optimal noninteracting control system for a coupled core nuclear reactor. The optimal feedback coefficients are computed by minimizing a quadratic performance index. Nuclear reactors have inaccessible state variables corresponding to concentration of delayed neutrons. A method is given to reconstruct these inaccessible state variables which are essential for feedback to obtain noninteracting control system.
Studies on the Synthesis of Apoptolidin A. 1. Synthesis of the C(1)−C(11) Fragment

A synthesis of the C(1)−C(11) fragment of apoptolidin A has been accomplished by a convergent route involving the stereoselective glycosidation of 9 and the Suzuki cross-coupling reaction of bromodienoate 7 and the vinylborane generated via chemoselective hydroboration of diyne 6 with diisopinocampheylborane.
Morphological technique for combination of sensor readings

ABSTRACT A primary task which must be accomplished by mobile robots is that ofself-location or position determination. This task should utilize allavailable sensors which can supply useful information, and must be able tocombine that information in a way which minimizes uncertainty. One such method for combining this information is presented in this paper. It is based on using morphological operators on sets representing the environment with structuring elements representing the sensor readings. This method applies tothose situations where the environment is known and can be represented by setsof 2 dimensional geometric objects. I. INTRODUCTION Autonomous robotic vehicles need many complex systems to accomplish even thesimplest of tasks. The focus of this paper is on the sensor processing systems on board such robotic platforms. Typical sensors available on mobile robots are cameras, ultrasonic transducers (sonar), and infrared proximity detectors. In this paper, we will concentrate on the robot self-location
Autophagy-mediated turnover of Dynamin-related Protein 1

Background Drp1 is the primary protein responsible for mitochondrial fission. Perturbations of mitochondrial morphology and increased fission are seen in neurodegeneration. While Drp1 degradation induced by Parkin overexpression can be prevented by proteasome inhibition, there are numerous links between proteasomal and autophagic processes in mitochondrial protein degradation. Here we investigated the role of autophagy in Drp1 regulation.
Iron Distribution in Heated Beef and Chicken Muscles

Distribution of iron in six fractions (water-soluble, water-insoluble, diffusate, hematin, total heme, and ferritin) of beef and chicken muscles heated to 55, 70, 85, and 100 degrees C was determined. Iron content decreased in water-soluble fractions and increased in water-insoluble fractions as temperature increased from 27 degrees C to 100 degrees C. Heme iron decreased more from 55 degrees C to 85 degrees C than from 27 degrees C to 55 degrees C or 85 degrees C to 100 degrees C. The increase in diffusate iron appeared to be less than the decrease in heme iron at each heating temperature. As temperature increased from 27 degrees C to 100 degrees C, hematin iron content increased and extractable ferritin iron content decreased. These findings may help explain rapid development of oxidative rancidity in cooked meat.
Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy of CF4 plasmas in the GEC reference cell

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) has been used to characterize inductively coupled CF4 plasmas in a GEC reference cell in situ. In examining these FTIR spectra, several assumptions and approximations of FTIR analysis are addressed. This includes the density dependence of cross-sections, non-linear effects in the addition of overlapping bands and the effect of spatial variations in density and temperature. This analysis demonstrates that temperatures extracted from FTIR spectra may provide a poor estimate of the true neutral plasma temperature. The FTIR spectra are dominated by unreacted CF4, accounting for 40-60% of the gas products. The amount of CF4 consumption is found to have a marked dependence on power, and is nearly independent of pressure in the range of 10-50 mTorr. Small amounts of C2F6 are observed at low power. Also observed are etching products from the quartz window - SiF4, COF2 and CO - which occur in approximately equal ratios and together account for 17-19% of the gas at 300 W and 6-9% of the gas at 100 W. The concentrations of these species are nearly independent of pressure. CFx radicals are below the detection limit of this apparatus (~1013 cm-3).
RR trianguli australis: A new analysis of a semi-detached system of unusually small dimensions

RR TrA is an Algol-type eclipsing binary with a period of 0 . d 7131. The components are believed to be of spectral types B9 V and F0 IV. The analysis presented is based on previously unreduced observations made by Somerville in 1961–63. Orbital elements are obtained using the Wood model, and these indicate that the system is semi-detached, and that the eclipses are marginally complete. The components appear to be of unusually small size for their spectral classes. The solution presented is compared with earlier ones for this system obtained by Kwee and by Giuricin and Mardirossian, and similarities and differences between these solutions are noted.
QCA design and implementation of SRAM based FPGA Configurable Logic Block

This paper presents the design and simulation of a Configurable Logic Block (CLB) using the Quantum-Dot Cellular Automata (QCA) technology. The modeling, implementation, and successful simulation of a CLB slice for a nano quantum FPGA are discussed. We have drawn comparisons with various FPGA architectures at the quantum level and optimized the proposed architecture with respect to area and latency. The design is modeled using standard QCA cells with multiple layers for reliable interconnect crossovers. The design of the CLB is implemented and simulated using the QCA Designer software tool.
Indan analogs of fenfluramine and norfenfluramine have reduced neurotoxic potential

Abstract N-Ethyl-5-trifluoromethyl-2-aminoindan (ETAI) and 5-trifluoromethyl-2-aminoindan (TAI) were synthesized to examine the effects of side-chain cyclization on the pharmacology of the anorectic drugs fenfluramine (FEN) and norfenfluramine (norFEN), respectively. ETAI and TAI inhibited synaptosomal accumulation of 5-HT but were less effective at inhibiting catecholamine uptake than FEN or norFEN, respectively. In vivo, ETAI and TAI were less neurotoxic than FEN or norFEN; decreases in the number of [3H]paroxetine-labeled 5-HT uptake sites were 50% less than the decreases produced by FEN or norFEN. Rats treated with ETAI, TAI, FEN, and norFEN lost 10–15% of their pretreatment body weight over a 4-day period, while saline-treated control animals gained 8%. In two-lever drug discrimination (DD) assays in rats, TAI fully substituted for the 5-HT releaser/uptake inhibitor, (+)-MBDB [(+)-N-methyl-1-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-2-aminobutane]. ETAI produced only partial substitution in this test. Neither TAI nor ETAI mimicked (+)-amphetamine in the DD assay. These studies demonstrate that incorporation of the side-chain of phenylisopropylamines into the five-membered ring of a 2-aminoindan changes both the molecular pharmacology and the neurotoxic profile of FEN and norFEN, but does not diminish the drugs’ ability to reduce body weight.
Horizontal saccades induced by stimulation of the central mesencephalic reticular formation.

Stimulation and lesion experiments suggest that portions of the mesencephalic reticular formation (MRF) play an important role in producing horizontal eve movements (Bender & Shanzer, 1964; Komatsuzaki et al, 1972). Stimulation of the MRF produces contralateral deviation of the eyes in both cat (Szentagothai, 1943) and monkey (Bender & Shanzer, 1964). Lesions of this area induce deficits in contralateral gaze (Bender & Shanzer, 1964; Komatsuzaki et al, 1972) and in optokinetic nystagmus (OKN) (Szentagothai, 1943; Komatsuzaki et al, 1972). Preliminary studies have shown that unit activity associated with contralateral visually-induced saccades is also found in this region (Waitzman & Cohen, 1979, 1981). As yet, however, eye movements that are elicited from this area by electrical stimulation have not been characterized. The purpose of this study was to gain insight into how oculomotor information in this region is organized.
Corrosion behavior of surface films on Boron-implanted high purity iron and stainless steels☆

Boron (dose, 2 x 10 to the 17th ions/sq cm) was implanted into high purity iron, AISI 316 austenitic stainless steel, and AISI 440C martensitic stainless steel, at 40 keV. The film structure of implanted samples was examined and characterized by contrast and diffraction analyses utilizing transmission electron microscopy. The effect of B(+) ion implantation on the corrosion behavior was studied using the potentiodynamic polarization technique. Tests were performed in deaerated 1 N H2SO4 and 0.1 M NaCl solutions. Scanning electron microscopy was used to examine the morphology of the corroded surfaces after testing.