cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Contact Dynamics Using Controlled Impact Excitations

In the current work, the contact dynamics during impact is analyzed using a repeatable impact excitation system. In general, accurate description of force-deformation relationship during a dynamic impact event necessitates using semi-empirical or empirical models. The validity of these models under different conditions (the shape, material, surface condition, and impact velocity of the impacting bodies) depends on accurate experimental calibration of model parameters. As such, an effective and reproducible calibration approach is critical to obtaining effective contact dynamics models. The prevailing calibration approaches for impact dynamics focus on identifying only one of those parameters, the coefficient of restitution (CoR), and only for limited range of impact conditions. Estimating the contact stiffness and the power law exponent requires direct, precise and simultaneous measurement of force and sub-micron level deformation (indentation). Furthermore, calibration and modeling uncertainty must be well understood to determine the applicability of the contact-dynamics models. To address these challenges, the objective of the current work is to use a repeatable impact excitation system (IES) and interferometry to enable calibration of contact dynamics models. The IES enables precise control of impact velocities, and high-resolution interferometric (Laser Doppler Vibrometer, LDV) measurement of impacted surface and impact tip provides accurate determination of the associated deformations. After describing the approach in detail, we present demonstrative case studies on stainless steel and aluminum surfaces, and obtain the calibration parameters for different models presented in the literature. During the calibration, the force and deformations levels are varied by controlling the velocity of the impact. Furthermore, an uncertainty quantification is conducted to determine uncertainties of determined parameters to better identify the validity of the calibrated model, as well as the capability of the approach. It is concluded that the presented approach is an effective means of calibrating and validating various contact dynamics models at different impact velocities.
Association of KRAS mutations detected via liquid biopsy in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer patients with high levels of FDG-PET SUV.

e20594Background: We had previously evaluated the relationship between FDG-PET SUV with TP53 and KRAS mutations in formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissue (FFPE) in non-small cell lung cancers (NSC...
A Whitening-Based Tracking Algorithm for Autonomous Underwater Vehicles

This paper presents a tracking algorithm for Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) using a whitening approach. Localization of underwater vehicles faces challenges that span from the spatiotemporal aspects of the properties of the water to unavailability of GPS signal. To overcome some of these problems, bathymetric information has been used to estimate the state trajectory of AUVs but it has limitations in regions of little to no vertical relief. To address this issue, we developed a new method for localizing the state trajectory of an AUV by considering not only the bathymetric information but also sensor data e.g., dissolved oxygen concentration, temperature, and turbidity. Nonetheless, the correlation of these parameters masks the true distances between data points. Therefore, we decorrelate the sensed data using a zero-phase components analysis, also known as Mahalanobis whitening; thus, revealing the true distances between data-points and finally being able to localize with higher precision. Results are shown for deployments carried out on two consecutive days in Big Fisherman's Cove on Santa Catalina Island, CA, USA. Tests were performed for each day where a new list of sensor data observations (without GPS information) is localized based on the depth, turbidity and dissolved oxygen values of the historical data. Using GPS information as a measurement of the errors in localization, a median of 4.79 meters was obtained when tracking was performed on correlated data and a median of 1.16 meters was obtained when tracking was performed on the whitened data. Results indicated that ZCA Mahalanobis whitening is a promising methodology to aid navigation of AUVs in GPS-denied environments.
Cease and Desist: Copyright Takedown Notices on Google Search

Since the passage of the DMCA, which provides the legal blueprint for copyright enforcement on the web, the strategies undertaken by entertainment companies to combat digital piracy have evolved. The effectiveness of their approaches, as well as potential chilling effects, have been widely examined. However, few studies explore enforcement strategies on Google Search. This paper aims to contribute to this discussion by examining copyright-related takedown notice requests issued to Google from March 2011 to March 2015. First, I frame the discussion against a larger historical overview of the evolution of copyright enforcement online. Second, I present the findings, which reveal a substantial growth in both takedown requests and a decrease in Google's noncompliance with them. These practices have become increasingly normative and hyper-concentrated among a small minority of entities, predominantly entertainment and porn companies. However, the takedown notices ultimately do little to curb online piracy. Moreover, an examination of the takedown process suggests they may have potential chilling effects for online competition and the openness of the Internet, particularly since the burden of proof of notice validity falls on the accused, for whom Google often lacks the means to effectively notify of the complaint. Finally, I address potential explanations for the fluctuations in takedown requests. I discuss the implications of the findings for the effectiveness of this copyright enforcement strategy.
“It Only Tells Me How I Slept, Not How to Fix It”: Exploring Sleep Behaviors and Opportunities for Sleep Technology

We present an online survey study examining people’s sleep behaviors as well as their strategies and tools to improve sleep health. Findings show that certain demographic features and sleep behaviors may impact sleep quality, and that current sleep technology is not as effective in promoting sleep health as expected. We discuss the importance of understanding sleep behaviors, design insights for future sleep technology, and the value of a holistic approach to sleep technology design.
Chemotactic Signal Transduction in Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium

Bacterial chemotaxis is an important model for two-component regulatory systems. The flow of information through the chemotactic signal transduction pathway and the proteins responsible for it have been characterized in great detail. The most detailed knowledge of the chemotactic signal transduction pathway comes from studies of the closely related enteric bacteria Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium. The information pathway in these species serves as the model to which all other species are usually compared. Consequently, the chapter focuses exclusively on chemotaxis in E. coli and S. typhimurium. The components of the signal pathway in these two species are virtually interchangeable. The transmembrane receptors discussed in the chapter detect compounds in the periplasm and transmit this information to the cytoplasm, but separate transport proteins are required for uptake. The chapter provides an overview of the function of components and the pathway as a whole while calling attention to some recent advances. Although chemotaxis is probably the most thoroughly understood of all signal transduction pathways, significant gaps remain in our understanding of it. Computer-based quantitative assays of chemotactic behavior are becoming available and will facilitate quantitative analysis of chemotaxis in whole free-swimming cells.
Status report for the field of social work: a content analysis of its racial/ethnic/cultural-focused research

This study analyzes scholarly articles in four broad-audience social work journals, examining racial/ethnic/cultural-focused studies published in the discipline. Growth in quality and quantity of r...
Radical SAM Enzymes Involved in Modifications of RiPP Natural Products

Abstract Ribosomally encoded and post-translationally modified polypeptide (RiPP) natural products are emerging as a large family of peptides produced by a wide array of organisms. The biological function of most is not known, but many have the potential for therapeutic use. These natural products can contain complex post-translational modifications, which are installed by enzymes encoded within their biosynthetic gene clusters. A subset of these modifications are installed by enzymatic transformations that employ S-adenosyl- l -methionine (SAM) in radical-mediated chemistry. While the functions of many remain to be determined, there are already significant findings that show radical SAM (RS) enzymes share the ability to activate an unactivated C H bond to promote epimerization, C C, C S, and C O bond formation in RiPPs. This chapter will focus on the currently known radical SAM RiPP maturases.
The Normal and Abnormal Right Heart: Introduction to a Clinical Classification

Often misunderstood, the right heart has been generally underappreciated in phenotypic expression of cardiopulmonary disorders. Success with left heart failure has led to a more vivid illumination of the importance of right heart dysfunction in determining clinical outcomes. Isolated right heart failure can be seen in pathology such as right ventricular infarction, but it typically occurs in the setting of an anatomico-physiological dislocation from its principal structures (the right ventricle) and adjoining circuits (systemic venous system, pulmonary circulation and the left heart). In this introductory chapter, we shall review the normal structure of the right ventricle, define the distinction between right ventricular and right heart failure, discuss an international definition for this unique clinical syndrome and propose a clinically relevant classification to facilitate a universal conversation.
Sticky when dry.

Is a nanoscale hydrophobic bowl wet or dry when dissolved in water? It turns out that the answer depends on the architecture of its rim. A molecular host decorated with four methyl groups around its rim pointing inward, rather than up, has now been shown to expel water from the bowl, making it dry and sticky.
Attachment and Wellness Among Latinx Immigrants: Meaning in Life, Belonging, and Hope as Mediators:

This study examined a conceptual model depicting the direct and indirect relationships between attachment insecurity, state hope, belongingness, meaning in life (MIL), and three wellness indicators...
Submission of Professor Joshua D. Sarnoff on the 'Call for Submission, Special Rapporteur on Toxics and Human Rights;Upcoming Thematic Report on the Right to Benefit from Scientific Progress and its Applications' (preprint)

This submission focuses on the Article 15(1) International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (“ICESCR”) “recognition of the right of everyone … (a) To take part in cultural life; (b) To enjoy the benefits of scientific progress and its application; [and] (c) To benefit from the protection of the moral and material interests resulting from any scientific, literary or artistic production of which he is the author.” It expands the focus of the Report by noting the many ways that the public may be deprived of such rights and progress by intellectual property rights, in regard to: the current COVID-19 pandemic (and likely future pandemics absent significant change to our worldwide health systems and to our continued reliance on market mechanisms to provide for the rights to life and health); climate change (regardless of whether or not one view greenhouse gases – “GHGs” – as “hazardous substances” and regulates them as such under laws like the U.S. Clean Air Act); and other critical social concerns. The submission notes as follows: (1) the need to address in the context of COVID-19 and likely future pandemics nationalist controls over information and scientific health-related products, and the need to alter reliance on market mechanisms and intellectual property rights, so as to assure that all publics – particularly those in developing countries – can benefit from the rights to enjoy the benefits of scientific progress and its applications so as to effectuate the rights to life and to health; (2) the similar need to address intellectual property rights in regard to climate change mitigation and adaptation (including carbon dioxide removal and solar radiation management technologies); (3) the need to address rights to genetic sequencing information and data ownership so as to better effectuate rights to life and health, and more broadly the need to mandate open science and open data to effectuate rights to life, health and (particularly) education, as well as to foster scientific progress; (4) the need to assure access to medicines and to address other health care and pricing concerns of reliance on intellectual property rights and private markets, including resurrecting efforts to adopt an international research and development (“RD and (5) the need to better assure benefits sharing with scientists and to address the structure of scientists’ compensation and non-competition restrictions so as to better incentivize innovation and to better effectuate the right to the moral and material interests of the scientists on whom we rely for needed technological developments.
Visually mediated trace conditioning in young rats: Evidence for cholinergic involvement in the development of associative memory

Between 21 and 25 days of age, rats show considerable improvement in their ability to associate temporally separated events in a Pavlovian trace fear conditioning situation (Moye & Rudy, in press). In the present study, it was shown that an appropriate dose of the cholinergic agonist physostigmine facilitated the otherwise poor, visually mediated trace conditioning performance of 21-day-old rats. In 25-day-old rats, the cholinergic antagonist scopolamine was shown to disrupt the otherwise strong trace conditioning performance exhibited by rats of this age. It is suggested that the development of associative memory processes that allow rats to integrate events separated in time may reflect the maturation of central cholinergic mechanisms.
Evaluation of Elastic-Plastic Rebound Properties of Coal Fly Ash Particles for Use in a Universal Turbine Deposition Model

Three particle impact models have been evaluated to determine their ability to predict particle material properties and restitution coefficients using experimental data for the coefficient of restitution of particles impacting a 410 stainless steel plate. The particles consisted of PMMA and three coal fly ashes: JBPS, Bituminous, and Lignite. Particle speeds ranged from approximately 20 to 120 meters per second, and the nominal impact angle was approximately 85 degrees. Flow temperatures for the ash particulate experiments were set at 295 K and 395 K. The impact models were applied to the experimental data via curve fitting to evaluate the yield stress of the particulate, which was known for the PMMA. For the ash particulate, a linear law of mixtures was used to approximate the modulus of elasticity and Poisson’s ratio for use in the yield stress determination. A Hertzian mechanics model was shown to over-predict the yield stress of the PMMA particulate, indicating that, for known material properties, they would under-predict the coefficient of restitution. A Plastic-JKR model and a finite element based model by Wu et al. showed good agreement between the calculated yield stress and known range of yield stress values for the PMMA particulate, indicating that the model would accurately predict restitution coefficients for particulate with known material properties (or could be used to accurately determine the material properties from experimental coefficient of restitution data). However, some questions remain as to the ability of these models to be used for non-spherical, conglomerate type particulate. A thorough overview of the impact process is provided, and the application of the results of the study to the development of a physics-based universal impact and deposition model is presented.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Form, Transformation and Climax in Ruth Crawford Seeger’s String Quartet, Mvmt. 3

The paper reckons the progression of permuted registral states in Ruth Crawford Seeger’s String Quartet as a walk through a Cayley graph of the symmetric group, S4. The graph privileges the 2-cycles that exchange adjacent voices in the four-voice quartet texture, imposing a metric upon the group elements that allows one to distinguish permutations that are contextually close or ‘smooth’ from those are distant or ‘agitated.’
Retinal axon divergence in the optic chiasm: dynamics of growth cone behavior at the midline

To study how retinal ganglion cell axons diverge in the optic chiasm, the behavior of dye-labeled fibers was monitored in real time with video microscopy in an isolated preparation of embryonic mouse brain, with a focus on embryonic day 15-16. These real-time studies have revealed the dynamics of the growth of individual retinal axons, especially the tempo of extension and growth cone behaviors during divergence in the chiasm, a model for "decision" regions in developing pathways. Within the chiasm, retinal growth cones extend by saltatory growth, consisting of bursts of rapid advance alternating with pauses in extension. During pauses, growth cone appendages remain motile, and develop asymmetries prior to a change in the axis of growth. In a zone straddling the midline, retinal fibers, irrespective of destination, display long pauses for up to several hours, making small advances and retractions with no net extension. While crossed fibers ultimately progress through the midline, uncrossed fibers from inferior temporal retina develop wide-ranging branched growth cones, and then turn back to the ipsilateral side. Turns are effected by the selective retraction or micropruning of asymmetric foci of motile activity, and by the transformation of a backward-directed filopodium into a new growth cone. The behavior of retinal axons at the midline supports the hypothesis that this locus contains cues important for retinal axon divergence. Moreover, the observations of growth cone kinetics in the chiasm elucidate which growth cone forms seen in static preparations mediate growth cone turning, and suggest a model of axon navigation in decision regions in the intact nervous system.
Going over the Top: Online Television Distribution as Sociotechnical System

This article examines emerging tensions surrounding the way television content is distributed online, introduces several of the increasingly diverse players in this field, and attempts to cultivate theoretical contributions from outside the standard communication literature as a means of capturing additional nuances of evolving television distribution practices. Specifically, I have chosen to chronicle the period between 2007 and 2009 in the development of two successful television startups whose visions for online distribution were frequently at odds. The first of these is the popular online television portal, Hulu, owned by a number of the United States' largest media companies. The second is Boxee, a startup producing software that today runs a variety of Internet-connected set-top boxes for televisions.
Dense cells in sickle cell anemia: the effects of gene interaction.

In an attempt to uncover potential genetic sources of the clinical diversity of sickle cell anemia, we have characterized homozygous SS patients in the following ways: percentage of dense red blood cells (% F4) as determined from Percoll-Stractan continuous density gradients, alpha gene deletion, average percentage of hemoglobin F (% HbF), hemoglobin in g/dL, age, and sex. We find that alpha 4 individuals have a higher % F4 (mean 24% +/- 15%) than alpha 3 individuals (mean 12% +/- 8%) (P less than .005). Multivariate analysis demonstrated a significant correlation among % F4 levels and alpha-gene number and % HbF, and an interaction between the last two variables. The other variables considered did not significantly alter this model. As reported before, with fewer samples, we find that in the first ten years of life of SS individuals, the frequency of alpha gene deletion is 17%, which is comparable to that in the general black population, while in the group over 20 years of age, the frequency rises to 49%, implying that alpha thalassemia is associated with longer survival. These results indicate that it is necessary to consider sickle cell anemia not only as a single gene defect, but also as a disease whose clinical expression is the result of a group of genes capable of interacting at the phenotypic level.
Gum arabic (GA) modifies paracellular water and electrolyte transport in the small intestine.

Previous experiments have shown that a soluble fiber, gum arabic (GA), enhances water, electrolyte, and glucose absorption in animal models of diarrhea. The mechanisms implicated in this effect have not been fully elucidated. This study examined the possibility that paracellular transport is modulated by luminal GA, resulting in an enhanced rate of absorption in the small intestine. This hypothesis was tested by 3-hr jejunal perfusions on anesthetized rats with solutions containing 140 mM NaCl, 5 mM KCl, and 2 μCi/liter (74 kBq) 3H2O, with either 2.5 g/liter GA [+GA] or in its absence [CTL], and one of the following agents, capable of altering paracellular transport: chenodeoxycholic acid at 0.5 mM (CDC), 2,4,6-triaminopyrimidine (TAP) at 20 mM, and protamine at 100 mg/liter (PTM). Sodium, potassium, net water, and unidirectional water movement were measured. The addition of GA increased sodium absorption in perfusions with CDC, TAP, or PTM only. Similar effects by GA on net water absorption rates were obtained in tissues permeabilized with CDC and PTM; however, GA added to TAP did not normalize the reduction caused by TAP. Although PTM did not alter net water absorption, addition of GA to perfusates with PTM enhanced absorption values above those of CTL. GA reversed the strong negative effects of CDC on potassium absorption but was ineffective in this regard with TAP and PTM. The data obtained with those reagents that affect paracellular transport and the histological evidence support the view that GA promotes net absorption by this route in the small intestine of normal rats.
Writing and reading in the electronic health record: an entirely new world.

Background: Electronic health records (EHRs) are structured, distributed documentation systems that differ from paper charts. These systems require skills not traditionally used to navigate a paper chart and to produce a written clinic note. Despite these differences, little attention has been given to physicians’ electronic health record (EHR)-writing and -reading competence. Purposes: This study aims to investigate physicians’ self-assessed competence to document and to read EHR notes; writing and reading preferences in an EHR; and demographic characteristics associated with their perceived EHR ability and preference. Methods: Fourteen 5-point Likert scale items, based on EHR system characteristics and a literature review, were developed to measure EHR-writing and -reading competence and preference. Physicians in the midwest region of the United States were invited via e-mail to complete the survey online from February to April 2011. Factor analysis and reliability testing were conducted to provide validity and reliability of the instrument. Correlation and regression analysis were conducted to pursue answers to the research questions. Results: Ninety-one physicians (12.5%), from general and specialty fields, working in inpatient and outpatient settings, participated in the survey. Despite over 3 years of EHR experience, respondents perceived themselves to be incompetent in EHR writing and reading (Mean = 2.74, SD = 0.76). They preferred to read succinct, narrative notes in EHR systems. However, physicians with higher perceived EHR-writing and -reading competence had less preference toward reading succinct ( r = − 0.33, p <0.001) and narrative ( r = − 0.36, p <0.001) EHR notes than physicians with lower perceived EHR competence. Physicians’ perceived EHR-writing and -reading competence was strongly related to their EHR navigation skills ( r =0.55, p <0.0001). Conclusions: Writing and reading EHR documentation is different for physicians. Maximizing navigation skills can optimize non-linear EHR writing and reading. Pedagogical questions remain related to how physicians and medical students are able to retrieve correct information effectively and to understand thought patterns in collectively lengthier and sometimes fragmented EHR chart notes. Keywords: electronic health record (EHR); electronic medical record (EMR); reading; documentation; navigation (Published: 5 February 2013) Citation: Med Educ Online 2013, 18 : 18634 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/meo.v18i0.18634
Molecular Neurobiology of Dopaminergic Receptors

Table I summarizes the properties of all of the dopamine receptors that have been cloned to date. Thus far, five different genes encoding pharmacologically distinct receptors have been identified and isolated. Based on their structural, pharmacological, and functional similarities, two of these, D1A and D1B (or D1 and D5), comprise the D1 subfamily. D2, D3, and D4 receptors represent a D2 subfamily whose members are also structurally and pharmacologically similar. In fact, given these considerations, it has been suggested that the D2, D3, and D4 receptors be termed the D2A, D2B, and D2C receptors, respectively, in recognition of their D2-like properties. Given the unexpected heterogeneity of the dopaminergic receptor system, it is logical to ask if there are other dopamine receptor subtypes remaining be identified. This seems probable, as the characteristics of the cloned subtypes do not match all of the properties of some dopamine receptors which have been previously investigated. For instance, there is extensive evidence that "D1-like" dopamine receptors exist which are linked to the activation of phospholipase C, phosphatidylinositol turnover, and Ca2+ mobilization. Dopamine, as well as several "D1-selective" agonists, has been shown to stimulate phosphatidylinositol turnover in both brain slices and kidney membranes (Felder et al., 1989; Undie and Friedman, 1990; Vyas et al., 1992), and injection of striatal mRNA into Xenopus oocytes leads to dopamine-stimulated phosphatidylinositol turnover and Ca2+ mobilization (Mahan et al., 1990). These dopamine receptors might be analogous to the alpha 1-adrenergic receptors which stimulate phospholipase C activity and might define a third distinct subfamily of dopamine receptors. There is also evidence for additional members of the D2 subfamily of receptors. Using gene transfer methods, a receptor with D2-like pharmacology has been identified and expressed but not yet sequenced (Todd et al., 1989). Also, a D2-related receptor has been characterized in kidney inner medulla membranes (Huo et al., 1991). It thus appears that there may be more dopamine receptor subtypes yet to be discovered.
Algebra made mechanical

The notion that computers are mere number crunchers is fast being exorcised by one small group of people --- the computer algebraists. In the past twenty years, several classes of problems which require analytical and not numerical solutions have been tackled successfully. Now, for example, there are computer programs that can yield analytic expressions for indefinite integrals a good deal more reliably than the "random undergraduate", as one practitioner puts it.
Applications of clustering theory to cancer mortality data

A clustering problem is one which requires the partitioning of a finite set of objects into subsets so as to optimize a given objective function. The present paper applies such techniques to a well-known set of data on U.S. cancer mortality over the years 1950 to 1967. Two varieties of clustering solutions are obtained: first, states of the United States are clustered according to similarities in their patterns of cancer mortality; then, tumor types are clustered according to mortality similarities over the set of all states. In both, a number of clustering experiments are conducted and these involve the application of a variety of metrics to the raw data, as well as both heuristic and exact solutions of the mathematical problems. The results are displayed graphically, discussed, and in the case of cancer clusters, compared to observed clinical associations.
Structures of a hemoglobin-based blood substitute: insights into the function of allosteric proteins.

Abstract Background: Potential blood substitutes can be based on hemoglobin. Two problems must be overcome with acellular hemoglobin-based blood substitutes, however: the oxygen affinity of purified human hemoglobin is too high for it to deliver oxygen to tissues, and hemoglobin tetramers dissociate into α β dimers that can cause kidney damage. A modified form of hemoglobin, rHb 1.1, has reduced oxygen affinity as the result of an Asn β 108→Lys mutation, and dimerization is prevented by the insertion of a glycine residue between the sequences of the normal α chains to produce one covalently continuous di- α -chain. Determination of the structure of rHb 1.1 would provide structure-based explanations for the altered properties of rHb 1.1. Results: We determined the structures of the deoxy form of rHb 1.1 at 2.0 A resolution and of cyanomet-rHb 1.1 at 2.6 A resolution. Deoxy-rHb 1.1 adopts the classic ‘T state' quaternary structure, but cyanomet-rHb 1.1 adopts a novel quanternary structure, the B state. The most striking feature of the tertiary structures is a charged hydrogen bond involving Lys β 108 that is broken in the T→B state transition. The glycine bridge within the di- α -chain is well defined in both structures and appears to cause adoption of the B state instead of the previously observed ligand-bound quaternary structures R or Y/R2. Conclusions: A charged hydrogen bond between Lys β 108 and Tyr β 35 is broken in the transition between the deoxy and ligand-bound forms of rHb 1.1. This structural change reduces the oxygen affinity of rHb 1.1 by changing the relative stability of deoxy and ligand-bound states. Furthermore, our observations highlight the importance of small conformational changes in allosteric proteins, even in their most rigid domains. Three ligand-bound quaternary structures of hemoglobin (R, Y/R2 and B) have now been described. In contrast, only one quaternary structure has been observed for deoxyhemoglobin (T). The structural degeneracy of the high oxygen affinity form of hemoglobin is an important reminder that allosteric proteins may have multiple quaternary structures that are functionally very similar. This degeneracy of quaternary structures has important implications for the regulation of allosteric proteins, because different quaternary structures may be stabilized by different allosteric effectors.
Anelasticity and dispersion in dry unconsolidated sands

Abstract Laboratory measurements reveal frame modulus dispersion and creeping behavior in room-dry samples of unconsolidated, quartzo-feldspathic Upper Miocene turbidites from the Wilmington Field, CA. A single standard linear solid model predicts both the dispersion and the creep response. Similar behavior is observed in Ottawa sand samples when mixed with wetted Montmorillonite. In this case the magnitude of dispersion and creep increase with increasing clay content. We suggest that the anelastic behavior of the Wilmington sands is due to the presence of micas and a small amount of clay. The transition frequency of 2×10−4Hz (i.e., between high and low frequency behavior) suggests that seismic, sonic, and ultrasonic measurements of rock moduli are quite similar in the absence of fluids. The static frame modulus should be used to model tectonic processes and long term production-related changes in oil-field environments.
Enhancing the Seebeck effect in carbon fiber-reinforced cement by using intercalated carbon fibers

Abstract The absolute thermoelectric power of carbon fiber-reinforced cement paste was rendered as negative as −17 μV/°C by using bromine-intercalated carbon fibers, which had a high concentration of holes. The corresponding paste with pristine carbon fibers exhibited absolute thermoelectric power as negative as −0.8 μV/°C only.
Addressing uncertainty in fecal indicator bacteria dark inactivation rates

Assessing the potential threat of fecal contamination in surface water often depends on model forecasts which assume that fecal indicator bacteria (FIB, a proxy for the concentration of pathogens found in fecal contamination from warm-blooded animals) are lost or removed from the water column at a certain rate (often referred to as an "inactivation" rate). In efforts to reduce human health risks in these water bodies, regulators enforce limits on easily-measured FIB concentrations, commonly reported as most probable number (MPN) and colony forming unit (CFU) values. Accurate assessment of the potential threat of fecal contamination, therefore, depends on propagating uncertainty surrounding "true" FIB concentrations into MPN and CFU values, inactivation rates, model forecasts, and management decisions. Here, we explore how empirical relationships between FIB inactivation rates and extrinsic factors might vary depending on how uncertainty in MPN values is expressed. Using water samples collected from the Neuse River Estuary (NRE) in eastern North Carolina, we compare Escherichia coli (EC) and Enterococcus (ENT) dark inactivation rates derived from two statistical models of first-order loss; a conventional model employing ordinary least-squares (OLS) regression with MPN values, and a novel Bayesian model utilizing the pattern of positive wells in an IDEXX Quanti-Tray®/2000 test. While our results suggest that EC dark inactivation rates tend to decrease as initial EC concentrations decrease and that ENT dark inactivation rates are relatively consistent across different ENT concentrations, we find these relationships depend upon model selection and model calibration procedures. We also find that our proposed Bayesian model provides a more defensible approach to quantifying uncertainty in microbiological assessments of water quality than the conventional MPN-based model, and that our proposed model represents a new strategy for developing robust relationships between environmental factors and FIB inactivation rates, and for reducing uncertainty in water resource management decisions.
Intramolecular and Surface Vibratory Modes of Butane Adsorbed on Graphite Observed by Inelastic Neutron Scattering

Inelastic and elastic neutron scattering have been used to study the dynamics and structure of butane (${\mathrm{C}}_{4}$${\mathrm{H}}_{10}$) adsorbed on a graphitized carbon powder at 77 K. In addition to the intramolecular vibrations found in the bulk solid, new surface vibratory modes are observed. A simple model which fits the principal features of the monolayer excitation spectrum suggests an orientation of the adsorbed butane molecule and the location and strength of the bonds to the substrate.
What are the Factors Predictive of Hysterosalpingogram Compliance After Female Sterilization by the Essure Procedure in a Publicly Insured Population

To determine what factors are predictive of post-Essure hysterosalpingogram (HSG) compliance. We conducted a retrospective chart review of all patients who underwent the Essure procedure at the two campuses of the Truman Medical Center, Kansas City, Missouri, from January 1, 2005 through December 31, 2010. Our study population consisted primarily of women who were publicly insured (89.0 %) and unmarried (76.7 %). Of 132 patients referred for HSG, 70 (53.0 %) complied. In adjusted analyses women 35 years and older had an almost fourfold higher odds of HSG compliance (OR = 3.72, 95 % CI 1.35–10.23) and women with 3 or more living children had a 64 % lower odds of HSG compliance (OR = 0.36, 95 % CI 0.16−0.82). Women younger than 35 who had 3 or more children had the lowest compliance rate (36.4 %) suggesting an interaction between age and parity. Women undergoing the Essure procedure at the campus with a dedicated protocol to ensure compliance had an almost fourfold higher odds of HSG compliance (OR = 3.67, 95 % CI 1.01–13.40). In a population consisting largely of publicly insured, unmarried women, several factors are predictive of post-Essure HSG compliance. These include age, parity and the presence or absence of an institutional protocol to keep track of patients after their Essure procedure.
Conversion from signed-digit to radix complement representation

A technique for converting a redundant signed-digit number into conventional radix complement form is presented. The converter hardware consists of borrow-look-back and decrementer units which can easily be implemented as combinational circuits. The conversion scheme also offers an easy solution for determining the sign of the signed-digit number.
Components of recruitment in populations of the acorn barnacle Semibalanus balanoides (Linnaeus)

Abstract Recruitment in marine species with pelagic larvae is sensitive to variation in larval supply, settlement rates, and early settler mortality, but the relative contribution of these processes to variation in recruitment is rarely known. We examined these components of recruitment success in two populations of the acorn barnacle Semibalanus balanoides (Linneaus). Water column larval supplies differed by four-fold between populations. In the high larval supply population, benthic settlement sites were rapidly saturated with settlers. As a consequence of the saturation of settlement sites, daily settlement to remaining free space was intessified to 15 times higher than in the population with lower larval abundances. In sharp contrast to this augmentation of settlement rates, however, the saturation of settlement sites reduced differences between sites in the cumulative recruitment of calcified juveniles. Within-population patterns in settlement were also conspicucous but of lower magnitude than between-population differences. Settlement decreased with increasing tidal height but increased both with wave exposure and proximity to conspecifics. This local variation in settlement diminished over time at the high-settlement site as available settlement space was preempted. Larvae settle less selectively once preferred locations are saturated with settlers. Our results demonstrate that population differences in larval supply can lead to dramatic differences in recruitment within as well as among populations. Further elucidation of recruitment variation in marine species with planktonic larvae will require paying more attention to processes that dictate larval supply rates.
An evaluation of the contributions of skin, pinch and heating effects to the electroplastic effect in titatnium

Abstract The stress drops expected from skin and pinch effects occurring during the application of direct current pulses of the order of 103 - 104 A mm−2 for periods of 55 μs during the tensile straining of titanium at 77 and 300 K were calculated and found to be small compared with the total stress drops observed experimentally. The temperature rise ΔT which occurs during the current pulses was determined by two methods: (a) from the stress drop in the initial elastic region of the stress-strain curve; (b) from the Joule heating derived from the current-time profile and a reasonable heat transfer coefficient. ΔT was found to increase from 2 to 96 K as the current density was increased from 2000 to 10 000 A mm−2 during straining at 77 K. The stress drops associated with these temperature rises were calculated and found to be about 50–70% of the total stress drops. It is concluded that the remaining portion of the stress drop is due to an electron-dislocation interaction. Similar results were obtained for the tests at 300 K.
Electrodeposition of Iron Group-Rare Earth Alloys from Aqueous Media

Binary iron group (IG)-rare earth (RE) and ternary IG-RE-B alloys were codeposited from aqueous chloride and sulfamate solutions containing glycine as the complexing agent. The effects of solution composition and deposition conditions on deposit composition, coercivity, and morphology were investigated using dc and pulse current electrodeposition, resulting in nanocrystalline deposits approaching amorphism (grain size, ∼5 nm). Continuing research indicates substantially increased RE deposit contents have been achieved with modifications in solution composition and ratios of IG and RE to glycine with applied current density ≥ 300 mA cm -2 and vigorous agitation; e.g., CoSm deposits containing 15-18 atom % Sm have been obtained. A mechanism for the codeposition of the alloys is proposed. It involves hetero-nuclear glycinato coordination complexes as a result of the zwitterionic characteristics of glycine. The complexes adsorbed on the cathode provide step-wise reduction of the depositing metals with surface adsorbed H atoms and/or direct electron transfer, resulting in alloy deposits.
Community case management of childhood illness in sub-Saharan Africa - findings from a cross-sectional survey on policy and implementation.

BACKGROUND: Community case management (CCM) involves training supporting and supplying community health workers (CHWs) to assess classify and manage sick children with limited access to care at health facilities in their communities. This paper aims to provide an overview of the status in 2013 of CCM policy and implementation in sub-Saharan African countries. METHODS: We undertook a cross-sectional descriptive quantitative survey amongst technical officers in Ministries of Health and UNICEF offices in 2013. The survey aim was to describe CCM policy and implementation in 45 countries in sub-Saharan Africa focusing on: CHW profile CHW activities and financing. RESULTS: 42 countries responded. 35 countries in sub-Saharan Africa reported implementing CCM for diarrhoea 33 for malaria 28 for pneumonia 6 for neonatal sepsis 31 for malnutrition and 28 for integrated CCM (treatment of 3 conditions: diarrhoea malaria and pneumonia) - an increase since 2010. In 27 countries volunteers were providing CCM compared to 14 countries with paid CHWs. User fees persisted for CCM in 6 countries and mark-ups on commodities in 10 countries. Most countries had a national policy memo or written guidelines for CCM implementation for diarrhoea malaria and pneumonia with 20 countries having this for neonatal sepsis. Most countries plan gradual expansion of CCM but many countries plans were dependent on development partners. A large group of countries had no plans for CCM for neonatal sepsis. CONCLUSION: 28 countries in sub-Saharan Africa now report implementing CCM for pneumonia diarrhoea and malaria or "iCCM". Most countries have developed some sort of written basis for CCM activities yet the scale of implementation varies widely so a focus on implementation is now required including monitoring and evaluation of performance quality and impact. There is also scope for expansion for newborn care. Key issues include financing and sustainability (with development partners still providing most funding) gaps in data on CCM activities and the persistence of user fees and mark-ups in several countries. National health management information systems should also incorporate CCM activities.
New shortened subcodes of binary extended QR codes

A new class of linear codes is constructed by a shortening of the binary extended quadratic residue (EQR) codes. It is shown that the error-control rate of each such code is better than the rate of the corresponding binary EQR codes. An algorithm for finding the generator matrices of this code is given, as well as a decoding scheme.
Sequential equivalence checking between system level and RTL descriptions

Sequential equivalence checking between system level descriptions of designs and their Register Transfer Level (RTL) implementations is a very challenging and important problem in the context of Systems on a Chip (SoCs). We propose a technique to alleviate the complexity of the equivalence checking problem, by efficiently decomposing it using compare points. Traditionally, equivalence checking techniques use nominal or functional mapping of latches as compare points. Since we operate at a level where design descriptions are in System Level Languages or Hardware Description Languages, we leverage the information available to us at this level in deducing sequential compare points. Sequential compare points encapsulate the sequential behavior of designs and are obtained by statically analyzing the design descriptions. We decompose the design using sequential compare points and represent the design behavior at these compare points by symbolic expressions. We use a SAT solver to check the equivalence of the symbolic expressions. In order to demonstrate our technique, we present results on a non-trivial case study. We show an equivalence check between a System C description and two different Verilog RTL implementations of a Viterbi decoder, that is a component of the DRM SoC.
A three-dimensional large-scale cloud model: testing the role of radiative heating and ice phase processes

A time-dependent, three-dimensional, large-scale cloud model has been developed for the prediction of cloud cover, cloud liquid/ice water content (LWC/IWC), precipitation, specific humidity and temperature. Partial cloudiness is allowed to form when large-scale relative.humidity is less than 100%. Both liquid and ice phases are included in the model. The liquid phase processes consist of evaporation, condensation, autoconversion and precipitation. The ice phase processes include heterogeneous nucleation to generate ice crystals, depositional growth to simulate Bergeron-Findeisen's process, sublimation to deplete ice crystals, and gravitational settling of ice crystals. The radiative transfer parameterization scheme is based on a broadband method and involves the transfer of infrared and solar radiation in clear and cloudy regions. The broadband infrared emissivity, reflectivity, and transmissivity for cirrus clouds, as well as the broadband solar absorption, reflection, and transmission values for low, middle and high clouds are computed based on the cloud LWC and IWC interactively generated by the cloud model. Large amounts of satellite data, including cloud cover climatology derived from the US Air Force three-dimensional nephanalysis (3DNEPH) and earth radiation budget (ERB), have been processed into formats appropriate for verification. The 96-h model simulations of cloud cover, outgoing long-wave radiation (OLR), and cloud LWC have been verified against data analyzed from 3DNEPH, ERB and the Nimbus-7 Scanning Multichannel Microwave Radiometer (SMMR) satellite observations, respectively. The predicted cloud IWC is compared to in situ observations as well as to results from other studies. The predicted cloud and radiation results compare well with those analyzed from satellite data. Numerical experiments are carried out with and without radiative heating and ice phase processes in the cloud formation scheme. The inclusion of radiative heating produces a significant change in temperature, cloud cover and total cloud water content, while the inclusion of ice phase processes generates a substantial change only in total cloud water content. If the cloud LWC is sufficiently large to initiate effective Bergeron-Findeisen's processes, the total cloud water content decreases, indicating that gravitational settling is an efficient mechanism in reducing the cloud IWC. DOI: 10.1034/j.1600-0870.1992.t01-1-00001.x