cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Distributed measurement of the complex modulation of a photoinduced Bragg grating in an optical fiber

A method of measuring the complex modulation of a Bragg grating is derived from a one-dimensional model of light propagating in an optical fiber. Interference fringes between the Bragg grating and a reference air-gap reflector are measured, and a Fourier transform of the interference fringes generated as a laser is swept through the wavelength is used to compute the complex modulation function of the Bragg grating over a restricted domain. Supporting data, taken by temperature tuning a distributed feedback diode laser, are shown.
Comparing two measures of flake alignment

Alignment of particles in structural composites is desirable to increase the strength and stiffness of the panel in one direction. The magnitude of resulting orthotropic panel properties are influenced by the degree of alignment. Quantification of the degree of alignment in the literature has primarily been attained by a parameter known as percent alignment. Measures of flake alignment in probability distribution form have received some, though more limited attention. However, use of statistical distributions to describes particle orientation, such as that provided by the von Mises distribution are needed for simulations of composite panel properties. It is shown that percent flake alignment is a linear transformation of the first moment (arithmetic mean) of the absolute value of angles in the range ±90 degrees. Assuming the von Mises distributional form accurately measures flake alignment, this implies that percent flake alignment is a measure of both the variability in flake direction and the mean flake angle. The numerical relationship of percent alignment with mean angle and variability is presented with a look-up table provided for converting between the two systems of measure. The relation will permit verification of models which employ the von Mises distribution to describe flake alignment using information in the literature based on percent flake alignment. A computer program is available from the author which will calculate percent alignment and distribution parameters for an experimentally obtained samples of angles.
Pulsatile Sternal Tumor: Report of Three Cases and a Review of the Literature

Abstract At our institution, 3 patients with pulsatile sternal tumor have been seen. Although ascending aortic aneurysm frequently is high on the list of differential diagnoses, the likelihood that this tumor is metastatic from either a primary renal or thyroid neoplasm is overwhelming. Of the 15 patients reported, 11 had metastases from a primary renal cell carcinoma, including all 3 of our patients. There were 2 patients with primary myeloma, the only histologically proved primary pulsatile sternal tumor. From the surgical standpoint, only the patient with metastatic renal cell carcinoma has a chance of cure. With the recent report of 2 5-year survivors and our own experience of 1 patient with a long asymptomatic interval following resection of the primary kidney tumor and the secondary sternal metastasis, the attitude of hopelessness for these patients should be challenged and an aggressive approach considered.
Regional variation in the terminal Pleistocene and early Holocene radiocarbon record of eastern North America

In this paper we use radiocarbon dates to evaluate the signature of the Younger Dryas Chronozone (YDC) in eastern North America. Using an approach that examines radiocarbon dates by region, we argue that the northeastern United States shows a better overall representation of radiocarbon dates when compared to the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast. These data result in a peak in summed probability distributions during the YDC, which is often interpreted as evidence of population growth. Further examination of these distributions, however, illustrates that differential standard deviations, varying sample size, and the effect of taphonomic and research biases likely overwhelm any demographic signatures in our study sample. Consequently, the frequency of radiocarbon dates by itself is insufficient for understanding the relationship between climate, culture and demography in eastern North America.
Triazolam discrimination in squirrel monkeys distinguishes high-efficacy agonists from other benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepine drugs

Rationale: Triazolam is a high-efficacy benzodiazepine (BZ) agonist, which might be hypothesized to engender highly pharmacologically specific discriminative stimulus (DS) effects and distinguish among BZ agonists with different intrinsic efficacy. Objectives: The pharmacological specificity of the triazolam stimulus was determined by examining the effects of conventional and atypical BZ agonists, and other ligands active at the γ-aminobutyric acidA (GABAA) receptor complex. Receptor mechanisms underlying the DS effects of triazolam were examined further using the BZ receptor antagonist flumazenil. Methods and results: Squirrel monkeys were trained to discriminate triazolam (0.03 mg/kg, i.v.) from vehicle under a fixed-ratio 10 (FR 10) schedule of food reinforcement. While the BZ agonists midazolam, diazepam, and lorazepam substituted fully for triazolam, chlordiazepoxide, oxazepam and nordiazepam produced only partial substitution, suggesting these latter compounds may have reduced intrinsic efficacy. The BZ/α1-preferring agonist zolpidem substituted fully for triazolam, and potencies for triazolam-like effects of BZ agonists were significantly correlated with potencies for their zolpidem-like effects (Rowlett et al. 1999). Flumazenil antagonized the DS effects of triazolam, but the slope of the Schild plot was significantly different from unity, suggesting multiple receptors may be involved in the DS effects of triazolam. Conclusions: BZ agonists can be distinguished on the basis of substitution for triazolam and, thus, the triazolam discrimination may be a useful tool for identifying compounds of different efficacy at BZ receptors. BZ/α1 receptors appear to play a prominent role in the DS effects of triazolam, but the contribution of other subtypes of BZ receptors cannot be ruled out.
Attribute abstraction, feature-dimensionality, and the scaling of product similarities

Abstract This paper examines the attributes that consumers use when making product similarity judgments and their effect on similarity scaling. Previous research suggests that concrete brands are judged using dichotomous features while more abstract product categories are judged using continuous dimensions. This, in turn, suggests that the appropriateness of spatial scaling increases relative to tree scaling as one moves from brands to product categories. The results of two studies support an increase in the fit of spaces relative to trees from brands to categories. However, the abstractness of the judgments appears to be driving the effect, not the use of features or dimensions.
Stone Cobras: Adult Bilateral Single System Ureteroceles Presenting With Multiple Calculi

25-year-old previously healthy male presented with dysuria and bilateral flank pain. Abdominal radiography and computed tomography revealed bilateral orthotopic ureteroceles with significant calculi. Bilateral endoscopic ureterocele incision and ureteroscopy were used for complete stone clearance. Symptoms resolved after treatment, and follow-up voiding cystourethrogram performed at 3 months revealed no evidence of vesicoureteral reflux. Adult orthotopic bilateral ureteroceles with calculi is a rare clinical entity amenable to endoscopic management.
Confinement effects in supported vs. isolated quantum structures: A study of Si(001) films

Abstract A conventional quantum well is a supported quantum structure whereas a free-standing film is an isolated quantum structure. The application of the effective mass particle-in-a-well approach (EMA) to quantum wells leads to the well-known quantization rule whereby the lowest, j = 0 quantum state is forbidden. The EMA identifies these forbidden states with the bottom of the potential wells at the band energy minima and maxima for each band n . Direct pseudopotential band structure calculations for free standing silicon films are compared here with such EMA solutions. While near the band energy minima the EMA wavefunctions agree with the results of the direct approach, they disagree completely near the band energy maxima . The standard EMA forbidden states Γ 1v , Γ 25′v , Γ 25′v , I' 25′v , and Δ min for n =1,2,3,4, and 5, respectively, are all potential well minimum states , whereas the forbidden states found in the direct calculation, Γ 1v , X 1v , X 4v , X 4v , Δ min and X 1c for bands n =1,2,3,4,5 and 6, respectively, are all band minimum energy states . At the valence band maximum Γ 25′v , direct calculations reveal a novel quantum state of constant envelope functions, whose energy does not vary with film's size . Such a "zero confinement state" is absent in the EMA quantum well problem.
The lipids of Pythium ultimum

Abstract The lipids of the oomycete, Pythium ultimum Trow, grown under controlled environmental conditions, were identified and quantitatively determined. Lipid composition data are presented on the fungus grown at both 20° and 30° for a period of 14 days. The fungus contained from 3 to 48% total lipid depending upon its stage of growth. The triglycerides were most abundant, with lesser amounts of free fatty acids, phosphatides and monoglycerides. The major phosphatides were phosphatidyl choline, phosphatidyl ethanolamine, lysophosphatidyl ethanolamine and phosphatidyl glycerol. There were smaller amounts of diphosphatidyl glycerol, phosphatidyl inositol, phosphatidic acid and lysophosphatidyl choline. The major fatty acids were palmitic, oleic, linoleic, docosenoic, and docosadienoic acid. The fatty acid composition of the individual lipid classes was also examined.
A note on solutions of orientor fields for periodic systems

It is shown that the orientor field problem can be solved for control problems governed by ordinary differential equations where periodic controls give periodic trajectories.
Contributions to the classification of North American Microctonus (Braconidae, Euphorinae).

The 31 species of Microctonus Wesmael that occur in North America are taxonomically treated. Six are described as new: M. cappilicrus , M. gouleti , M. passi , M. portalensis , M. rotundatus , and M. sharkeyi . Microctonus zimmermanni Loan is considered a junior synonym of M. brevipetiolatus (Thomson) and M. barri Loan is considered a junior synonym of M. muesebecki Loan. The European Perilitus alticae Haeselbarth is given the new name M. haeselbarthi . Microctonus nigritus (Provancher) is considered a nomen dubium. A key to the species, a list of hosts, and images are provided.
Low-dose ethanol suppresses 17β-estradiol activity in GH4C1 pituitary tumor cells

The interaction of chronic alcohol consumption with estrogen has been recognized in various tissues; however, the potential mechanism has not been clearly defined. In this study, we made the following observations: (a) 0.01% (v/v) ethanol (corresponding to 1.7 mM) significantly elevated estrogen receptor α (ERα) protein content, stimulated activator protein-1 (AP-1)-dependent ERα transcriptional activities, and ultimately enhanced GH4C1 cells growth in vitro and (b) the same concentration of ethanol suppressed the stimulatory effects of 17β-estradiol (E2; 10 nM) on both cell growth and cellular PRL accumulate through attenuation of ERα actions at both the estrogen response element and the AP-1 site. These observations raise the question as to what extent ethanol influences signal transduction pathways controlled by E2 in experimental medicine and biology.
Structural and Kinetic Study of an Internal Substrate Binding Site in Dehaloperoxidase-Hemoglobin A from Amphitrite ornata

X-ray crystal structures of dehaloperoxidase-hemoglobin A (DHP A) from Amphitrite ornata soaked with substrate, 2,4,6-tribromophenol (2,4,6-TBP), in buffer solvent with added methanol (MeOH), 2-propanol (2-PrOH), and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) reveal an internal substrate binding site deep in the distal pocket above the α-edge of the heme that is distinct from the previously determined internal inhibitor binding site. The peroxidase function of DHP A has most often been studied using 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (2,4,6-TCP) as a substrate analogue because of the low solubility of 2,4,6-TBP in an aqueous buffer solution. Previous studies at low substrate concentrations pointed to the binding of substrate 2,4,6-TCP at an external site near the exterior heme β- or δ-edge as observed in the class of heme peroxidases. Here we report that the turnover frequencies of both substrates 2,4,6-TCP and 2,4,6-TBP deviate from Michaelis–Menten kinetics at high concentrations. The turnover frequency reaches a maximum in the rang...
A Generic Analytical Model of Packet Combining in Wireless Sensor Networks

Simple packet combining (SPaC) is a recently proposed novel error-correction scheme for wireless sensor networks, whose excellent performance in noisy wireless transmissions was illustrated mainly through the empirical results in previous study. In this paper, we attempt to develop a generic analytical model to theoretically investigate the reliability and performance of SPaC over the entire spectrum of wireless channel conditions. In this context, we provide insights into the SPaC and show under what conditions the original simplified model in the previous work would be applicable. The new analytical modeling of SPaC is also demonstrated via the quantitative comparison of the performance of SPaC with that of the commonly used ARQ scheme. Our theoretical analysis is helpful in fundamental understanding of the performance of SPaC under various wireless channel conditions.
Tracking Down Atrial Fibrillation in the Stroke Unit

See related article, p 2689. Optimal treatment after stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) requires identification of atrial fibrillation (AF) if it is present. Standard antithrombotic therapy for patients not known to have AF consists of antiplatelet agents such as aspirin or clopidogrel.1 However, antiplatelet therapy is inferior to anticoagulant therapy for secondary stroke prevention in patients with AF.2,3 Therefore, failure to detect underlying AF as a cause of stroke or TIA results in inadequate antithrombotic therapy and an unnecessarily heightened risk of recurrent stroke. Despite the high stakes, diagnosing AF in patients with stroke or TIA can be difficult. A routine 12-lead electrocardiogram will readily identify persistent AF, but AF often takes an asymptomatic and paroxysmal form that eludes detection. In a study of patients with pacemakers or implanted defibrillators, those with new device-detected AF after stroke or TIA manifested this arrhythmia a median of 5 minutes per day, and most had no AF at all on >90% of days.4 Unfortunately, intermittent AF seems to pose the same risk of stroke as sustained AF.5 Recent data indicate that a single period of AF lasting only 6 minutes independently confers a heightened risk of stroke.6 To ensure appropriate antithrombotic therapy for secondary stroke prevention, these elusive forms of AF must be reliably ruled out. In line with …
Co-operative versus independent transport of different cargoes by Kinesin-1.

Kinesin motors drive the intracellular transport of multiple cargoes along microtubule tracks; yet, how kinesins discriminate among their many potential cargoes is unknown. We tested whether Kinesin-1 cargoes compete, co-operate or are transported independently of each other. We focused on Kinesin-1 cargoes that bind directly to the kinesin light chain (KLC) subunit, namely the c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase-interacting proteins (JIPs) 1 and 3, Kidins220/ARMS and PAT1. Overexpression of individual cargo proteins in differentiated CAD cells resulted in mislocalization of the endogenous protein but had no effect on localization of other cargo proteins to neurite tips. Thus, while transport of distinct cargoes is saturable, they do not compete with each other. Interestingly, we found that low expression of JIP1 or JIP3 enhanced the transport of the other JIP to neurite tips. Moreover, JIP1 and JIP3 require each other for transport. Co-operative transport is due to an interaction between JIP1 and JIP3 as well as distinct binding sites on the KLC tetratricopeptide repeat (TPR) bundle: the TPR groove binds to C-terminal residues of JIP1, whereas the TPR surface binds to internal residues in JIP3. Formation of a JIP1/JIP3/KLC complex is necessary for efficient JIP1 or JIP3 transport in neuronal cells. Thus, JIP scaffolding proteins are transported in a co-operative manner, despite the independent transport of other Kinesin-1 cargoes.
Fractography of Fiberglass

This paper discusses the applications and the limitations of the fractography technique as applied to the fiberglass industry. The main limitation of fractography originates from the fact that fibers of strength greater than about 2000 MPa shatter into multiple small fragments upon fracture rendering it impossible to capture the true fracture surfaces. Several illustrations are presented of the fracture surfaces of low strength E-glass fibers. Fractography using SEM/EDS has led to the identification of two new types of inclusions in the fibers; platinum-rhodium single crystal inclusions and thread shaped nickel sulfide inclusions.
Compensation of Lygus hesperus induced preflower fruit loss in cotton.

ABSTRACT A 3-yr field study quantified the compensatory ability of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) to preflower fruit damage by Lygus hesperus Knight in the Texas High Plains under limited irrigation. Experiments were designed to achieve varying levels of preflower fruit loss by augmenting Lygus bug populations using nymphal bugs reared in a laboratory colony. Treatments included 1) three bugs per plant (3PP), 2) one bug per plant (1PP), 3) naturally occurring background bug density or untreated control (NC), and 4) 0 bugs achieved through insecticide spray applications (SC). Lygus release treatments (3PP and 1PP) were initiated at early fruiting (squaring) and repeated weekly for a total of three consecutive weeks. Two levels of Lygus bug infestations, one insect per plant (1PP) and three insects per plant (3PP), inflicted fruit loss percentages of 24–38 during the maximum fruit set period. Observations on the number of fruit lost at the crop preharvest stage indicate that plants receiving the 3PP and 1PP...
Switched-capacitor neuromorphs with wide-range variable dynamics

The use of switched capacitors as wide-range, programmable resistive elements in spatially extensive artificial dendritic trees (ADT's) is described. We show that silicon neuro-morphs with ADT's can produce impulse responses that last millions of times longer than the initiating impulse and that dynamical responses are tunable in both shape and duration over a wide range. The switched-capacitor resistors forming a dendritic tree are shown indirectly to have a useful programmable resistance range between 500 K/spl Omega/ and 1000 G/spl Omega/. Experimental results are presented that show variable impulse response functions, tunable frequency selectivity, and rate-invariance of spatiotemporal pattern responses. >
Musculoskeletal Infections in Children

“Most bacterial infections of childhood are easily diagnosed, readily treated, and have good outcomes. By contrast suppurative infections of the skeletal system still present challenges, since these illnesses are often difficult to recognize and localize early in the course of illness and many are difficult to manage medically and surgically. In spite of our best efforts, a substantial portion of those treated are left with disabling sequelae.”1 Sepsis accounts for 200,000 deaths each year in the United States2. One in 5000 children under the age of thirteen years will have osteomyelitis, and about twice as many will have septic arthritis (Fig. 1). The outcome is poor in 27% of patients with septic arthritis and in nearly 40% of those with involvement of the hip1. Fig. 1 Frequency of osteomyelitis and septic arthritis according to age (years)1. Unique to the infectious process is the fact that the disease actually changes over time. The incidence of infections, especially gram-positive infections, is rising. Fortunately, physicians are getting better at diagnosis and treatment. Prior to antibiotic treatment, the mortality rate associated with infection was close to 50%; now it is <1%. The Haemophilus influenzae Type-B vaccination has essentially eliminated septic arthritis due to this organism in immunized patients. New techniques for diagnosis, such as the use of polymerase chain reaction for the detection of bacterial pathogens or ultrasonography, may help us to make the diagnosis more quickly. The purpose of this article is to update orthopaedic surgeons about the treatment principles and recent advancements in the management of musculoskeletal infections in children. It is divided into three sections: infections of bone, joints, and soft tissue. Each section reviews the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment. Acute hematogenous osteomyelitis in children is an inflammation of bone caused by bacteria that reach the …
Screening Virginia-Type Farmers' Stock Peanuts Before Storage1

Abstract A 750-kg sample considered to be representative of Virginia-type peanuts marketed in North Carolina during the fall of 1979, was separated into 7 size categories by passing it over counter-rotating, parallel rollers spaced 12.70, 11.11, 9.52, 7.94, 6.35 and 4.76 mm apart. The material in each size category was then separated into pods, shelled kernels (LSK) and 6 different types of foreign material (FM). The LSK and peanuts shelled from the pods were graded according to U.S. Grade Standards. The data indicate that the 9.52-mm (3/8-inch) roller spacing effectively separated the pods from most of the LSK and troublesome FM such as small stones, dirt clods, pieces of glass, corn kernels and soybeans. However, the benefits and costs of separately storing and processing the mixture of LSK and FM will have to be evaluated by the individual sheller.
Sloughing of the scrotal skin and impotence subsequent to bilateral hypogastric artery embolization for endovascular aortoiliac aneurysm repair.

Sloughing of the scrotal skin is an extremely rare event due to pelvic ischemia. We report herein one case of scrotal skin sloughing and impotence after bilateral hypogastric artery embolization for endoluminal aortoiliac aneurysm repair. Postoperative penile plethysmography demonstrated a 75% reduction in the penile brachial index, suggesting that pelvic ischemia is the main culprit for this complication. The devastating morbidity in our patient underscores the importance of maintaining pelvic collateral circulation when planning for endovascular aortoiliac aneurysm repair. (J Vasc Surg 2001;34:748-50.)
An adaptive approach to wavelet filters design

We present a general framework for the design of a mother wavelet best adapted to a specific signal or to a class of signals. The filter's coefficients are obtained via optimization of a smooth objective function. We develop an unconstrained gradient-based optimization algorithm for a discrete wavelet transform. The algorithm is extended to the joint optimization of the mother wavelet and of the wavelet packets basis.
Intestinal perforations in very low birth weight infants: timing may be more important than you think.

Intestinal Perforations in Very Low Birth Weight Infants: Timing May Be More Important Than You Think
The Impact of Juvenile Court Judge Ethical Orientation on Decision Making

This exploratory study examines the ethical ideologies of a sample of 76 juvenile court judges attending a conference using an Ethical Position Questionnaire. Potential effects of ethical orientation on judicial decision making are identified and discussed. The findings indicate a relatively even distribution of judges across ethical ideologies. The connection between ethical ideology and the prevailing juvenile justice philosophy across jurisdictions, and the importance and complexity of judicial education and training in juvenile justice, are discussed.
How should users convey their location to an interactive voice response system

In this paper, we evaluate various ways in which users can indicate their location while using an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) service. Using an IVR survey, 71 low-income users of a live IVR service in India conveyed their location in three different ways: a postal code, a fixed line area code, and a free response. In each configuration, users spoke their location and a human transcribed the result, thereby eliminating any dependence on DTMF input proficiency or speech recognition accuracy. The analysis of survey responses suggests that people are aware and capable of representing their location with a postal code and fixed line area code. However, using the free response data as ground truth, there was higher accuracy using fixed-line area codes (72% answered correctly) versus postal codes (55% answered correctly). Since area codes are more coarse grained than postal codes in India, this result implies a tradeoff between granularity and success rate in collecting location data over IVR.
Synergistic routes to liquid fuel for a petroleum‐deprived future

When compared with biomass gasification/Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, hydropyrolysis/hydrodeoxygenation (HDO)-based processes have a potential to achieve high biomass carbon conversion to liquid fuel with much lower amounts of supplementary H{sub 2}. On the basis of this observation, we suggest a Hydrogen Bio-oil (H{sub 2}Bioil) process using fast hydropyrolysis/HDO that has a potential to produce nearly double the amount of liquid fuel when compared with the existing biofuel processes while requiring only modest quantities of supplementary H{sub 2}. The optimal operating mode for the H{sub 2}Bioil process is suggested to be in an entrained bed mode in presence of H{sub 2} with gas phase HDO of hydropyrolyzed vapors. A remarkable result due to reduced need for the supplementary H{sub 2} is that it provides synergistic integration of the H(2)Bioil process with a coal gasification power plant or a small scale steam natural gas (NG) reformer leading to a dramatic increase in the liquid fuel production from biomass and coal or NG. Here, hot synthesis gas (T>500{sup o}C) from a coal gasifier or methane reformer supplies H{sub 2}/CO for hydropyrolysis and deoxygenation as well as heat for the process. This result is exciting, because it presents us with an option to build integrated H{submore » 2}Bioil processes sooner rather than later when the cost effective H{sub 2}, becomes available from a carbon-free energy source such as solar or nuclear. The H{sub 2}Bioil process and its integrated version with a small scale NG reformer have strong potential to be attractive on a small scale while being more efficient than any current biomass to liquid fuel process in operation.« less
The Explanatory Value of Milgram's Obedience Experiments: A Contemporary Appraisal

A contemporary appraisal of the explanatory value of the obedience experiments is presented, focusing upon a sample of recent generalizations linked to Milgram's theoretical interpretation. Processes emphasized include justification, the agentic shift, dehumanization, and resistance. These constructs have helped explain diverse phenomena in business ethics and corporate corruption, harmful obedience in legal practice, and whistleblowing, in addition to genocide. The major legacy continues to be the situational thesis that serious harm may be perpetrated upon protesting victims by ordinary, good people under the influence of authority. However, this thesis is still limiting and problematic in the view of many scholars, particularly with respect to the Holocaust. Unanswered questions are discussed. Individual differences in obedience (or disobedience) were noteworthy in Milgram's research, and convincing explanations for these differences remain unaddressed. An empirically validated theory, accounting for Milgram's entire set of observations, is needed, which would facilitate generalizations to relevant contexts.
The Sociotechnical Nature of Mobile Computing Work: Evidence from a Study of Policing in the United State

In this paper we discuss the sociotechnical nature of mobile computing as used by three policing agencies within the United States. Mobile devices, access and service was provided via a third generation wireless network to a focal application, Pennsylvania’s Justice NETwork (JNET), a secure web-based portal connecting authorized users to a set of 23 federated criminal justice and law enforcement databases via a query-based interface. In this study we conceptualize mobility and policing as a sociotechnical ensemble that builds on the social-shaping of technology perspective and the tradition of sociotechncial theorizing focusing on the co-design of work practices and technologies to support work. Drawing from the social informatics tradition, we turn a critical, empirical, and contextual lens on the practices of mobility and work. Our analysis of the data leads us to find that the social and the technical are still separate in this mobile work context. This simple view of social and technical as related, but distinct, often leads to problems with collecting and interpreting evidence of ICT-based system’s design and use. We further note this over-simplification of sociotechnical action is likely to continue unless more viable analytic approaches are developed and the assumptions of the current techno-determinist approaches challenged more explicitly.
Using Diffusion Monte Carlo to Evaluate the Initial Conditions for Classical Studies of the Photodissociation Dynamics of HCl Dimer

An approach for evaluating the initial conditions for classical studies of the photodissociation dynamics of molecular clusters is described. This approach is based on an approximate separation of the momentum and coordinate space probability distributions, evaluated using a wave function that is obtained from a Diffusion Monte Carlo simulation. Using the initial conditions that are generated by this approach, the photodissociation dynamics of HCl dimer is studied. Excellent agreement between the calculated and experimental angular momentum and vibrational energy distributions for the remaining HCl molecule and the kinetic energy distribution of the dissociated hydrogen atom are obtained. The kinetic energy distribution for the chlorine atom and angular distributions of the remaining hydrogen and chlorine atoms are also obtained and dynamical information contained in these distributions is discussed.
Vaginal progesterone, but not 17α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate, has antiinflammatory effects at the murine maternal-fetal interface

Objective Progestogen (vaginal progesterone or 17-alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate [17OHP-C]) administration to patients at risk for preterm delivery is widely used for the prevention of preterm birth (PTB). The mechanisms by which these agents prevent PTB are poorly understood. Progestogens have immunomodulatory functions; therefore, we investigated the local effects of vaginal progesterone and 17OHP-C on adaptive and innate immune cells implicated in the process of parturition. Study Design Pregnant C57BL/6 mice received vaginal progesterone (1 mg per 200 μL, n = 10) or Replens (control, 200 μL, n = 10) from 13 to 17 days postcoitum (dpc) or were subcutaneously injected with 17OHP-C (2 mg per 100 μL, n = 10) or castor oil (control, 100 μL, n = 10) on 13, 15, and 17 dpc. Decidual and myometrial leukocytes were isolated prior to term delivery (18.5 dpc) for immunophenotyping by flow cytometry. Cervical tissue samples were collected to determine matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 activity by in situ zymography and visualization of collagen content by Masson's trichrome staining. Plasma concentrations of progesterone, estradiol, and cytokines (interferon [IFN]γ, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12p70, keratinocyte-activated chemokine/growth-related oncogene, and tumor necrosis factor-α) were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Pregnant mice pretreated with vaginal progesterone or Replens were injected with 10 μg of an endotoxin on 16.5 dpc (n = 10 each) and monitored via infrared camera until delivery to determine the effect of vaginal progesterone on the rate of PTB. Results The following results were found: (1) vaginal progesterone, but not 17OHP-C, increased the proportion of decidual CD4+ regulatory T cells; (2) vaginal progesterone, but not 17OHP-C, decreased the proportion of decidual CD8+CD25+Foxp3+ T cells and macrophages; (3) vaginal progesterone did not result in M1→M2 macrophage polarization but reduced the proportion of myometrial IFNγ+ neutrophils and cervical active MMP-9-positive neutrophils and monocytes; (4) 17OHP-C did not reduce the proportion of myometrial IFNγ+ neutrophils; however, it increased the abundance of cervical active MMP-9-positive neutrophils and monocytes; (5) vaginal progesterone immune effects were associated with reduced systemic concentrations of IL-1β but not with alterations in progesterone or estradiol concentrations; and (6) vaginal progesterone pretreatment protected against endotoxin-induced PTB (effect size 50%, P = 0.011). Conclusion Vaginal progesterone, but not 17OHP-C, has local antiinflammatory effects at the maternal-fetal interface and the cervix and protects against endotoxin-induced PTB.
The Ricci Calculus

We now begin our presentation of the Ricci calculus, or the calculus of congruences of curves, which will form one of the essential ingredients of the leg calculus. Our exposition closely follows the classical one given by Ricci which is recounted in the books of Levi-Civita (1925), Eisenhart (1926), and Weatherburn (1938), except for our use of language and some organizational changes. These changes are intended to ease the inclusion of the material into the leg calculus in Chapter IV. Essentially, relative to terminology, the usage in the classical literature is not uniform, and a system of orthonormal unit tangent vectors, which for us is a vectorial n-leg {λa}, was called a pyramid (an n-dimensional generalization of a trihedron in 3-dimensions) by Levi-Civita, and an orthogonal ennuple by Eisenhart and Weatherburn. We regard such terminology as being obsolete and inferior to that of an n-leg which explicitly exhibits the dimensionality of the system. Likewise, these authors, following Ricci, set out the theory in an n-dimensional Riemannian space V n , while for our purposes we need only the case n = 3. Hence, we will consider only the case of a curved Riemannian V3 and ultimately specialize it to a flat Euclidean E3.
Influence of language nutrition on children’s language and cognitive development: An integrated review

Abstract Early childhood is a critical period for language and cognitive development. Evidence suggests that children need “language nutrition”, or language-rich interactions with caregivers, for optimal language and cognitive development. This integrated review was conducted to evaluate the influence of language nutrition, through talking, interacting, or reading, in early childhood and language or cognitive development. Articles published from 1990–2014 were identified through PubMed, CINAHL, and Web of Science databases and through reference lists of identified articles. Of the 1273 articles identified, 103 articles met the search criteria. Aspects of speech, including the quantity of words, lexical diversity, linguistic and syntactical complexity, intonation, and prosody, all contribute to the comprehension and production of language through enhancing speech processing, phonemic awareness, word segmentation, and knowledge of grammatical rules. In addition to features of language, the delivery of language contributes to variance in developmental outcomes. Language delivered in the context of an adult–child interaction characterized by responsiveness and positive regard helps to scaffold a child’s learning and encourages verbal behaviors. Additionally, shared reading increases language and literacy skills by introducing new vocabulary and facilitating dialogue between children and adults. In conclusion, studies consistently demonstrate that quantity and quality of talking, interacting, and reading with a child in the first three years of life are strongly associated with language and cognitive development as well as school readiness and academic performance. As a result, interventions aimed at increasing the quality and quantity of language nutrition have the potential to leverage dramatic results for children’s developmental outcomes.
Trading Gains and Losses in Antitrust: Why Losses Should Count More than Gains — An Implication of Behavioral Economics for Antitrust Losses

In mainstream antitrust law the nature of economic efficiency has not been investigated in great depth. Such an investigation has important implications for antitrust law and economics. Among these are the following: (1) Behavioral economics shows that consumer surplus measures of losses underestimate consumer damages, often considerably, while producer surplus measures generally do not. (2) Thus an efficiency-based approach to antitrust should weigh consumer losses much more heavily than producer gains. (3) This conclusion has profound effects on many areas of antitrust, including every area that involves both market power and efficiency effects. The fact is that consumer surplus measures of losses underestimate consumer damages, often considerably, while producer surplus (profits) measures generally do not. This is because economic efficiency requires that losses be weighed more than gains. This result suggests that the optimal antitrust penalty as suggested by Landes and Posner is an underestimate. I show further that the concept of economic efficiency furnishes a justification for a focus on consumer protection as the correct role for antitrust law. This justification is related to the underestimates of consumer losses. The gain-loss disparity suggests a rationale in antitrust law for the emphasis on consumer protection rather than using a total surplus standard.This paper was published as "Implications of the Fact that Losses Count More than Gains for Antitrust."
Exploring Traditional Phones as an E-Mail Interface for Older Adults

This article explores the design and development of voice interfaces via traditional telephones as a way of supporting asynchronous online communication for older adults. E-mail is the primary form of online communication for older adults. However, e-mail communication currently requires access to and the ability to use an Internet-connected computer or device, which may be problematic due to barriers of physical access, expense, insufficient computer skill, or other accessibility issues. To address this, the present work leverages the pervasive hardware of traditional phones and familiar nonvisual models of phone-based interaction to create a new e-mail interface for older adults. We examine the potential of e-mail interaction via traditional phones through long-term field observations, prototype testing, and a four-week field-based user study. Our findings indicate that a simple voice e-mail interface accessed through traditional phones is usable for older adults and is a useful way for offline older adults to interact with an e-mail account. The ease of use and convenience of a phone-based interface are important given the “work” of keeping in touch over e-mail, and this approach has the potential to open up new avenues of online access for older adults who are still offline or who have late-life disabilities that make using traditional graphical e-mail systems difficult. This project contributes new insights regarding the ways in which voice interfaces can support asynchronous online communication for older adults and provides design guidance for the development of subsequent voice interfaces.
Richardson's Model of Arms Races: Description, Critique, and an Alternative Model

1 We are referring to the first model presented in Lewis F. Richardson, Arms and Insecurity (Chicago: Quadrangle Books, Inic., 1960), Chapter II. Richardson's "rivalry" and "submissiveness" models (Ibid., pp. 35-36 and chapter IV) are mentioned briefly in this paper on p. 69. Richardson's original work was Generalized Foreign Politics (British Journal of Psychology, Monograph Supplement No. 23, 1939). The review article referred to is Anatol Rapoport, "Lewis F. Richardson's Mathematical Theory of War," Journal of Conflict Resolution, I (1957), pp. 249-299. 2 Several authors have proposed reinterpretations and generalizations of Richardson's two nation arms race model along lines complementary to the one presented here. These include Robert P. Abelson, "A 'Derivation' of Richardson's Equations," Joutrnal of Conflict Resolution, VII (1963), pp. 13-20; Kenneth E. Boulding, Conflict and Defense: A General Theory (New York: Harper and Row, 1962); M. D. Intriligator, "Some Simple Models of Arms Races," General Systems, IX, pp. 143-147; and Paul Smoker, "The Arms Race as an Open and Closed System," Paper delivered at the Fourth North American Peace Research Conference, Peace Research Society (International), Chicago, Illinois, November 1966. Abelson, Boulding, and Intriligator have all stressed the limitations of any model restricted to two nations and a very simplified view of decision-making. Nonetheless, they have felt the work was suggestive enough to be worth some further development. The author of this paper shares these reservations and is, if anything, more pessimistic. The utility of the approach is also discussed by Rapoport, op. cit., pp. 281-282, and in his more recent work
Current issues and future trends in CMP consumables for oxide and metal polish

The recent advent of Chemical Mechanical Planarization (CMP) as a major process technology has had a significant impact on the semiconductor industry. Oxide CMP is a technology enabler for logic and DRAM devices with feature sizes less than (or equal to) 0.75 micrometer [1]. Similarly, tungsten CMP has become a technology enabler for 0.35 micron devices [2,3], and current trends indicate that it will continue to play a major role in future generations of IC technologies [4,5]. CMP can also provide a technological advantage in front-end process modules such as Shallow Trench Isolation [6].
Effects of postpuberal orchiectomy on adrenal reductase activity and corticosterone secretion in the rat.

SummaryGonadectomy of adult male rats resulted in hypertrophy of the adrenal glands. Total adrenal steroid (blue tetrazoli-um positive) production in vitro was similarly augmented. Corticosterone secretion both in vitro and in vivo was unaffected. The ratio of corticosterone to total steroid, therefore, gradually declined following removal of the testes. This effect is explained by a concomitant increase in adrenal 5a-reductase activity after orchiectomy, resulting in greater conversion of corticosterone to 5a-reduced metabolites.The authors are grateful to Mrs. Nancy Swygert and Mrs. Andrea Newsome for expert technical assistance.
Infrared Radiation Effect on Reproduction by Three Species of Stored-Product Insects

Sublethal dosages of infrared radiation were given to rice weevils, Sitophilus oryzae (L.); lesser grain borers, Rhyzopertha dominica (F.); and Angoumois grain moths, Sitotroga cerealella (Olivier), to determine if reproduction would be inhibited. Brown rice containing eggs, larvae, and pupae of each species was treated with infrared radiation at 3 intensity levels and 3 exposure times. Survivors were mated, and their progeny were observed. Statistical analyses did not reveal any inhibition of reproduction by sublethal dosages of infrared radiation.
Asymptotic Expansion of Solutions of Linear Differential Equations

This chapter discusses the asymptotic expansion of the solutions of linear differential equations. It discusses one aspect of the treatment of differential equations that have irregular singularities. It is possible to find divergent series whose partial sums numerically approximate the solution for large x . The point under consideration is infinity; therefore, the series is a Taylor series of negative powers of x . The n th partial sum approximates f ( x ) in the sense that for large x , the difference is of the order of at least x –n . Such series are called asymptotic series for f ( x ). The chapter discusses the possibility of obtaining asymptotic expansion for the solutions of second-order linear differential equations having an irregular singular point at infinity.
Steer or Brake?: Modeling Drivers’ Collision-Avoidance Behavior by Using Perceptual Cues:

Driver models have been developed to capture collision-avoidance behaviors, yet there is a lack of understanding of what perceptual processes influence drivers’ choices to brake or steer. A statistical model of these decisions was developed with cluster analysis and multinomial logistic regression with data from a simulator study of drivers’ responses to rear-end collisions. Drivers’ choices of responses were clustered on the basis of the maximum values of the magnitude of braking and steering forces, starting from the time at which the driver looked back to the road, just before initiating the avoidance maneuver, to the end of the maneuver. The clusters identified three types of responses: medium to high braking with medium to high steering, medium to high braking with mild steering, and mild braking with medium to high steering. The perceptual variables such as the optical angle, the expansion rate of the optical angle, and their ratio were used to predict the drivers’ choice of response. The results sh...
TOPSIS to optimize performance, reliability, and life cycle costs during analysis of alternatives

This paper presents a decision analysis technique for conducting Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) at the end of the Materiel Solution Analysis (MSA) phase of the United States (US) Department of Defense (DOD) acquisition process. This modified fuzzy Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) is designed to provide Decision Makers (DM) with a tool to evaluate concept alternatives against performance criteria, reliability and Life Cycle Costs (LCC).
Power management in a microgrid using Teaching Learning Based Optimization Algorithm

As renewable sources are being added to the grid to meet the electricity demand of users everywhere, there is an optimization problem floating in the mix that, without being attended to, could waste not only power, but money as well. This problem, typically involving systems with two or more renewable energy installations, is known as power management and pertains to the appropriate time for power outputs of specified renewable sources. To maximize a power systems efficiency, it is necessary to monitor and regulate the output of each renewable source based off of the demand, and if a surplus occurs, then the power management is based of which renewable is most cost efficient to use first, second, etc. In this paper the problem of power management will be introduced with 6 separate types of energy sources, each with their own set of costs and constraints. The problem will then be analyzed and solved using a new, yet reliable algorithm.
Abu-Jamal, Mumia

Mumia Abu-Jamal was arrested in 1981 for the death by shooting of Philadelphia police officer Daniel Faulkner, and subsequently sentenced to death. Mumia's trial was full of irregularities, such as contradictory witness testimony and controversial decisions by the judge. During his time on death row, Abu-Jamal wrote several books and worked as a radio correspondent, which led to an international movement for his release from prison. In 2001, his death sentence was rescinded by a federal judge, but his request for a new trial was denied. After a decade of appeals by the Philadelphia district attorney's office to reinstate the death sentence, they dropped their pursuit in 2011. Mumia is currently serving a life sentence without parole. Keywords: capital punishment; civil liberties; racism; social justice