cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Feedback-controlled oscillatory motor using ionic polymer materials

A small oscillatory motor is developed using ionic polymer materials as both the actuator and sensor for feedback control. The motor consists of a small metal ring with multiple ionic polymer actuators as drive elements. The actuation signal produces in-phase motion of the cantilevers. A separate cantilever is attached as an AC displacement or velocity sensor for the motor rotation. A laser vibrometer is utilized to measure the actual rotational displacement of the motor. Experiments are performed to demonstrate the ability of feedback to control the waveform of the motor output. The open-loop bandwidth of the motor is approximately 15 Hz with four cantilevers mounted in the motor. DC actuation of the motor is not possible with the ionic polymer sensor due to the lack of a DC displacement signal from the ionic polymer sensor. Open-loop and closed-loop experiments on the motor illustrate some of the advantages and disadvantages of ionic polymer materials. The advantages are low-voltage operation and the relative simplicity of the feedback control algorithms. Although DC actuation is not possible, waveform control is possible using a highly-resonant bandpass filter as the feedback compensator. Experimental results demonstrate that bandpass compensation enables waveform control in the 3 to 5 Hz frequency range when using four cantilever actuators. The disadvantage of ionic polymer materials are that hydration is required to maximize actuation and that distortion in the sensing output reduces the effectiveness of feedback control. The conclusion of the study is that ionic polymer materials are a viable candidate for low weight motion control although hydration and output distortion limit the motor performance.
Face, Accounts, and Schemes in the Context of Relationship Breakups

This article investigates account strategies that individuals employ to neutralize identity threats caused by breakups from romantic relationships. I distinguish three narrative frames for such accounts: dumper, dumpee, and consensus narratives. Individuals who employ a consensus narrative frame provide accounts by default: they deny that any harm was done to anyone. Dumpers dismissed the breakup's conflictuality, used externalization strategies, and depicted themselves as empathetic. Dumpees used externalization strategies and denials of injury, emphasized their agency, and pointed out valuable changes of self. I then analyze the results from a phenomenological perspective to identify connections between accounting practices and the structure of the self. I argue that accounting for traumatic breakups is important for the development of schemes that guide perception, action, and the interpretation of biography.
Pathophysiology of antiphospholipid antibodies: Absence of prostaglandin-mediated effects on cultured endothelium

Antiphospholipid antibodies are associated with recurrent pregnancy loss and thrombosis. Studies suggest that antiphospholipid antibodies may inhibit the production of prostacyclin by vascular tissues. We incubated sera from women with moderate to high levels of antiphospholipid antibodies with primary human umbilical vein endothelial cell cultures. Intact confluent, subconfluent, hydrogen peroxide-damaged, and mechanically damaged endothelial cell monolayers were evaluated for the production of the prostacyclin metabolite 6-keto-prostaglandin F(1α) in the presence of sera that were positive and negative for antiphospholipid antibodies. All sera were assayed for baseline concentrations of 6-keto-prostaglandin F(1α) before incubation with endothelial monolayers. Additionally, the extent of binding of antiphospholipid antibodies to intact and damaged endothelium was studied by immunofluorescent techniques and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Our results indicate that prostacyclin production is not impaired by sera containing antiphospholipid antibodies, regardless of the condition of the endothelium. Further, we were unable to demonstrate binding of immunoglobulin from sera containing antiphospholipid antibodies to intact or damaged endothelium. However, the baseline concentration of 6-keto-prostaglandin F(1α) was nearly fourfold higher in sera containing antiphospholipid antibodies. The finding of elevated baseline serum concentrations of prostacyclin metabolite in patients with antiphospholipid antibodies suggests a condition of long-term stimulation or altered metabolism of prostacyclin.
DNA fragmentation in a clonal line of rat pituitary tumor (GH1 strain).

Abstract It was observed that as much as 80% of the 3 H-thymidine labeled DNA of GH 1 clonal rat pituitary tumor cells disrupted and that small fragments of the DNA were released into the medium. The majority of the released fragments were not acid soluble. Newly replicated DNA was found to degrade at the same rate as long term labeled DNA. An active repair process must be functioning in these cells since they remain metabolically normal for indefinite periods of time.
Moving toward a new definition of acute myocardial infarction for the 21st century: Status of the ESC/ACC Consensus Conference

The European Society of Cardiology and American College of Cardiology established their initial Joint Consensus Conference in July 1999 to develop a new definition of Acute Myocardial Infarction. This action was deemed necessary because of the development of new sensitive biochemical markers of myocardial necroses: Troponins T and I. There were 5 working groups, including one in Electrocardiography. The Conference adopted a definition that required only a history of "ischemic symptoms" and "a typical rise and fall" of at least one of the biochemical markers. The ECG Working Group strongly advised that a term distinctive from "myocardial infarction" such as "myocardial necrosette" be adopted as the diagnosis for an acute coronary event during which the peak biochemical marker level is below that which occurs when serial evolutionary ECG changes are observed. A pilot substudy from the GUSTO IIa Clinical Trial has identified the low end of the "ECG Change Range" to be: >2x the upper limit of normal for CK-MB, > 11 x for Troponin T, and >6 x for Troponin I.
Going Post-Normal: A Response to Baehr, Albert, Gross, and Townsley

Peter Baehr, Katelin Albert, Eleanore Townsley and Neil Gross raise a variety of issues in relation to American Sociology: From Pre-Disciplinary to Post-Normal (2014a). In response, I defend the claim that the revival of sociology enrollments after the 1980s owes something to the concentration on gender issues and the feminization of sociology. I defend the claim that the response to the enrollment crisis was a rational strategy which succeeded. I also consider challenges to my depiction of the caste system in American sociology against the idea that there is a continuous distribution of merit. I argue that the changes in American sociology during this period need to be understood against the larger backdrop of the transformation to post-normal science and the acceptance of openly partisan academic fields. Although I attempted to record rather than evaluate these developments, I respond to Baehr and Townsley’s attempt to discern an evaluative stance, and provide a context for this response in relation to the problem of expertise.
Effect of Host-plant Genotype and Neighboring Plants on Strawberry Aphid Movement in the Greenhouse and Field

Abstract Herbivore movement behavior is a key mediator of how host-plant populations affect herbivore populations. We examined the effects of host-plant genotype and variance among host-plant genotypes on movement rates of apterous strawberry aphids, Chaetosiphon fragaefolii (Cockerell) (Homoptera: Aphididae), on Fragaria chiloensis (L.) P. Mill. In the field we estimated aphid movement rates over several years on experimental populations of five different plant genotypes. In the greenhouse, we followed the movement of individual aphids in plant arrays of a single genotype or three different genotypes. In both cases, aphid apterae movement differed among host plant genotypes, with more movement on higher quality genotypes. Movement rate in the field was also influenced by aphid population size. In the greenhouse, aphids showed no taxis toward particular plant genotypes but left different plant genotypes at different rates. Aphids also tended to move more often among plants in three genotype arrays (with a...
Biosynthesis of cholesterol in the yeast mutant erg6.

Summary A mutant (erg6) of Saccharomyces cerevisiae defective in S-adenosylmethionine: Δ24-sterol-C-methyl transferase (EC2.1.1.41) which normally produces cholesta-5,7,24-trienol and cholesta-5,7,22,24-tetraenol as the major sterols (total 4,4-desmethyl sterol content-8.3fg/cell) was shown to synthesize trace levels of cholesterol (0.08fg/cell). The identity of cholesterol was established by co-chromatography in TLC, GLC and HPLC with an authentic sample, mass spectroscopy and after an incubation with [1-14C]acetate by isotopic dilution and recrystallization of the radiochemically purified material to constant specific activity.
Crown ether solid electrolytes with mobile halide ions

Abstract Complexes were formed between dibenzo-18-crown-6 and lithium halides. These complexes exhibited high anionic conductivity in the solid state at 25°C. The conductivity increased in the order Cl−>Br−>I−.
Synthesis and Cationic Photopolymerization of Novel Cycloaliphatic Epoxy Monomers Based on 5,6-Epoxy-1,3-oxepane

A novel series of mono-, di-, and trifunctional monomers containing 5,6-epoxy-1,3-dioxepane groups were prepared along with a similar series of epoxycyclohexane monomers. The reactivities of the monomers were compared using both differential scanning photocalorimetry and Fourier transform real-time infrared spectroscopy. The novel monomers containing 5,6-epoxy-1,3-dioxepane groups were highly reactive in photoinitiated cationic polymerization but slightly less reactive than their counterparts based on epoxycyclohexane.
Transversus abdominis plane block as the primary anesthetic for laparotomy

Elderly patients undergoing emergency intra-abdominal surgery are at high risk for morbidity and mortality. The risks and side-effects associated with intubation and mechanical ventilation or neuraxial anesthesia must be balanced against the need to maintain hemodynamic stability while maximizing pain control. Providing anesthesia and analgesia without either of these techniques can be a difficult prospect. We present three cases of ultrasound guided transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block as the primary anesthetic for laparotomy in elderly patients with multiple comorbidities. We have demonstrated the efficacy of and recommend the use of TAP blocks as the primary surgical anesthetic in a selected group of patients undergoing laparotomy.
The role of energy storage in accessing remote wind resources in the Midwest

Replacing current generation with wind energy would help reduce the emissions associated with fossil fuel electricity generation. However, integrating wind into the electricity grid is not without cost. Wind power output is highly variable and average capacity factors from wind farms are often much lower than conventional generators. Further, the best wind resources with highest capacity factors are often located far away from load centers and accessing them therefore requires transmission investments. Energy storage capacity could be an alternative to some of the required transmission investment, thereby reducing capital costs for accessing remote wind farms. This work focuses on the trade-offs between energy storage and transmission. In a case study of a 200 MW wind farm in North Dakota to deliver power to Illinois, we estimate the size of transmission and energy storage capacity that yields the lowest average cost of generating and delivering electricity ($/MW h) from this farm. We find that transmission costs must be at least $600/MW-km and energy storage must cost at most $100/kW h in order for this application of energy storage to be economical.
Oxygen reduction and transport characteristics at a platinum and alternative proton conducting membrane interface

Kinetic and mass-transport properties were investigated for the oxygen reduction reaction for Nafion 117 and sulfonated poly(arylene ether sulfone) membranes, both pre- and post-sulfonated analogs (SPES-40 & SPES-PS) under 100% relative humidity and as a function of pressure (1–4 atm total pressure, 323 K) and temperature (303–353 K, 3 atm) using a solid-state electrochemical cell. Kinetic parameters were obtained using slow-sweep voltammetry while mass-transport parameters, the diffusion coefficient (D) and solubility (C), were obtained using chronoamperometry at a Pt (microelectrode)jproton exchange membrane (PEM) interface. The oxygen reduction kinetics were found to be similar for all the membranes at the Pt microelectrode interface. The temperature dependence of O2 permeation parameters showed identical trends for the membranes studied while the pressure dependence of O2 permeation parameters displayed some differences. Despite higher ion exchange capacities and hence higher water uptake, the two SPES membranes exhibited relatively lower values of D as compared to Nafion 117. The results are discussed in the context of their different microstructures. 2004 Published by Elsevier B.V.
Wave-based sound propagation in large open scenes using an equivalent source formulation

We present a novel approach for wave-based sound propagation suitable for large, open spaces spanning hundreds of meters, with a small memory footprint. The scene is decomposed into disjoint rigid objects. The free-field acoustic behavior of each object is captured by a compact per-object transfer function relating the amplitudes of a set of incoming equivalent sources to outgoing equivalent sources. Pairwise acoustic interactions between objects are computed analytically to yield compact inter-object transfer functions. The global sound field accounting for all orders of interaction is computed using these transfer functions. The runtime system uses fast summation over the outgoing equivalent source amplitudes for all objects to auralize the sound field for a moving listener in real time. We demonstrate realistic acoustic effects such as diffraction, low-passed sound behind obstructions, focusing, scattering, high-order reflections, and echoes on a variety of scenes.
An automated approach for bearing damage detection

Bearings are an essential component in all types of rotary equipment. Erosion in the bearing is unavoidable due to radial and axial forces permanently acting on the bearing during the course of rotation. In order to avoid catastrophic breakdown of the equipment, it is a fundamental requirement to monitor the bearings. The scope of the existing bearing fault diagnosis techniques in the literature is limited to only pre-known bearing and machinery. On the contrary, this research develops a generalized protocol for detecting ‘inner’ and ‘outer’ race bearing faults for any unknown rolling element bearing. This automated bearing failure detection model tunes itself adaptively to any type of rotary equipment and the bearing. Automated bearing failure detection is based upon using wavelet transform to scan the spectral contents and applies envelop detection. The raised asynchronous energy in the envelop spectrum is a potential indication for the bearing faults.
Multifaceted modeling methodology: Grappling with the irreducible complexity of systems

The multifaceted modeling methodology discussed in this article is an approach to simulation modeling that realizes that reality is complex, and that, although this complexity is not reducible, partial models can be constructed to aid decision making. This methodology recognizes the need to integrate partial knowledge and solutions obtained under the constraints imposed by disciplinary or problem-oriented perspectives. Various concepts that facilitate this integration are reviewed.
Insulin sensitivity is related to glycemic control in type 2 diabetes and diabetes remission after Roux-en Y gastric bypass.

Background After initial onset, adequate glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) presents a continuing challenge even with aggressive pharmacologic treatment, and longer disease duration is associated with poorer resolution in response to Roux-en Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity is an important determinant of glycemic control. We investigated whether skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity is predictive of T2DM resolution with RYGB and is in general lower in patients with longer-duration T2DM. Methods Insulin sensitivity (SI) and the acute response to glucose (AIRg) were calculated by MINMOD analysis from glucose and insulin obtained during a modified frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test. Results Pre-RYGB SI and duration but not AIRg were predictive of T2DM resolution by RYGB. In addition, HbA1c was greater and SI and AIRg lower in long- (8+ years) compared with short-duration (1- to 7-year) T2DM. Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that SI explained 32% and AIRg 21% of the variance in HbA1c, respectively. Conclusion The current results suggest that pre-RYGB SI is predictive of T2DM resolution after RYGB, skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity and β-cell function worsen after the onset of T2DM, and low skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity as well as low β cell function contribute to poor glycemic control in T2DM.
Particulate Matter–Induced Airway Hyperresponsiveness Is Lymphocyte Dependent

BackgroundExposure to airborne particulate matter (PM), a major component of air pollution, has been associated with increases in both exacerbations of and hospitalizations for asthma. We have prev...
Modeling of Undersaturated Coal Seam Gas Reservoirs

Earlier numerical models for coal seam gas reservoirs assume that at initial reservoir conditions coal is either on or above the sorption isotherm, i.e., either equilibrium or saturated conditions prevail. Therefore, when undersaturated conditions exist, implementation of these models does not capture the physics of the problem accurately. In this paper, simple algorithmic procedures are proposed which allow the model to cross the isotherm between saturated and undersaturated regions during computations. Several examples which demonstrate the successful application of the proposed algorithms are presented. Implementation of the switching mechanisms to existing coalbed simulators is straightforward and should significantly enhance their applications.
Video grammar for locating named people

Finding a named person in broadcast news video is important to video retrieval. Relying on the text information such as video tran-script and OCR text, this task suffers from the temporal mismatch between a person's visual appearance and his/her name occurred in text. By exploring video grammar on the concurrence pattern between faces and names, we propose an extended text-based IR method to overcome this problem and yield superior performance.
Tuning photophysical properties and improving nonlinear absorption of Pt(II) diimine complexes with extended π-conjugation in the acetylide ligands.

Two new Pt(II) 4,4′-di(5,9-diethyltridecan-7-yl)-2,2′-bipyridine complexes (1 and 2) bearing 9,9-diethyl-2-ethynyl-7-(2-(4-nitrophenyl)ethynyl)-9H-fluorene ligand and N-(4-(2-(9,9-diethyl-7-ethynyl-9H-fluoren-2-yl)ethynyl)phenyl)-N-phenylbenzeneamine ligand, respectively, were synthesized and characterized. Their photophysical properties were investigated systematically by UV–vis absorption, emission, and transient absorption (TA) spectroscopy, and the nonlinear absorption was studied by nonlinear transmission technique. Theoretical TD-DFT calculations using the CAM-B3LYP functional were carried out to determine the nature of the singlet excited electronic states and to assist in the assignment of significant transitions observed in experiments. Complex 1 exhibits an intense, structureless absorption band at ca. 397 nm in CH2Cl2 solution, which is attributed to mixed metal-to-ligand charge transfer (1MLCT)/ligand-to-ligand charge transfer (1LLCT)/intraligand charge transfer (1ILCT)/1π,π* transitions, and ...
The Bet: Paul Ehrlich, Julian Simon, and Our Gamble over the Earth's Future

“The Bet” in question is the wager made by ecologist Paul Erhlich and economist Julian Simon in 1980 as to no less than human sustainability on earth. Since then, “The Bet” has become something of ...
Relativistic treatment of the spin difference functions in inelastic proton nucleus scattering.

Spin observables for inelastic proton nucleus scattering are calculated in plane-wave impulse approximation both nonrelativistically and using the Dirac equation. The relativistic treatment yields nonzero spin difference functions that vanish in the nonrelativistic case. We identify the origin of this important contribution of the relativistic treatment, and stress its universal character. We treat 500 MeV proton scattering from $^{12}\mathrm{C}$ as an example.
Spatially autocorrelated sampling falsely inflates measures of accuracy for presence-only niche models

Aim Environmental niche models that utilize presence-only data have been increasingly employed to model species distributions and test ecological and evolutionary predictions. The ideal method for evaluating the accuracy of a niche model is to train a model with one dataset and then test model predictions against an independent dataset. However, a truly independent dataset is often not available, and instead random subsets of the total data are used for ‘training’ and ‘testing’ purposes. The goal of this study was to determine how spatially autocorrelated sampling affects measures of niche model accuracy when using subsets of a larger dataset for accuracy evaluation.
Cholelithiasis following Escherichia coli O157:H7-associated hemolytic uremic syndrome.

Sequelae of Escherichia coli O157 : H7-associated hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) 2 – 3 years following an outbreak in Washington State have been prospectively studied to identify predictors of adverse sequelae. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine associations between findings in the acute course and long-term renal and gastrointestinal outcomes. Twenty-one percent of patients had gastrointestinal sequelae, which included cholelithiasis resulting in cholecystectomy (3/29), persistent pancreatitis (2/29), late colon stricture (1/29), and/or glucose intolerance (1/29). Logistic regression analysis found long-term gastrointestinal sequelae were higher in patients who, during HUS, had hypertension [odds ratio (OR) = 21.2, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.9 – 164.4, P = 0.01] or gastrointestinal complications (OR = 21.2, 95% CI = 1.9 – 164.4, P = 0.01). Renal sequelae were seen in 35% of patients. One patient (4%) had persistent hypertension and 9 (31%) had minor urinary findings (hematuria or proteinuria). Thrombocytopenia lasting longer than 10 days during the acute illness was associated with a risk for subsequent renal sequelae (OR = 15.0, 95% CI = 1.98 – 1,703.0, P = 0.009). We conclude a high incidence of gastrointestinal sequelae, especially cholelithiasis presenting long after the acute illness, may be seen with HUS. The short follow-up period may underestimate the extent and severity of eventual renal sequelae.
Cholinergic deficits in aged rat spinal cord: restoration by GM1 ganglioside

Abstract Cholinergic neurons of spinal cord are central for the processing of motor, autonomic, and sensory modalities. Aging is associated with a variety of motor and autonomic symptoms that might be attributed, in part, to impaired spinal cord function. We found that cholinergic neurochemistry is diminished in the spinal cord of 22–24-month-old rats compared with 3-month-old rats. Choline acetyltransferase, high-affinity choline transport and hemicholinium-3 binding to the choline carrier were reduced in the aged spinal cord. The activity of the choline transporter and the hemicholinium-3 binding were decreased in all spinal segments, cervical, thoracic, lumbar and sacral. Hemicholinium-3 binding was reduced in ventral and dorsal horns along all spinal segments. The activity of choline acetyltransferase was decreased only in cervical and lumbar cord. Treatment of aged animals with GM1 induced the recovery of the presynaptic cholinergic markers in the aged spinal cord.
A three-dimensional and volume determination of tumors of the cerebellopontine angle

We propose a new technique to accurately determine the volume of cerebellopontine angle (CPA) tumors. It has been determined that the measurement of the long axis in a slice plane of the CPA tumor does not adequately measure the total growth of the tumor. Volume measurements are more accurate indicators of the mass of the tumor.
Experimental demonstration of quantum logic operations using linear optical elements

Probabilistic quantum logic operations can be implemented using linear optical elements, additional photons (ancilla), and post-selection based on the results of measurements made on the ancilla photons. Here we describe the experimental demonstration of several quantum logic devices of that kind, including a quantum parity check and a destructive controlled-NOT (CNOT) gate. An experimental demonstration of feed-forward control for use in quantum logic operations is also reported. The implementation of a conventional CNOT gate using polarizing beam splitters is described, along with a new “high-fidelity” approach in which the logic gates always produce an output.
Experimental and Theoretical Correlation of Helicopter Rotor Blade-Droop Stop Impacts

The transient response of a nonrotating articulated rotor blade undergoing a droop stop impact is examined. The rotor blade is modeled using the finite element method, and the droop stop is simulated using a conditional rotational spring. No aerodynamic effects are modeled. Three methods of time integrating the equations of motion were studied: 1) a direct integration of the full finite element space equations of motion; 2) a modal space integration using only hinged modes; and 3) a modal space integration using either hinged or cantilevered modes, depending on blade/droop stop contact. Given a range of initial flap hinge angles, drop tests of a one-eighth Fronde-scaled articulated model rotor blade were conducted at zero rotational speed. The transient tip deflection, flap hinge angle, and strain were measured, and they displayed good correlation with all three analytic methods. Modal parameter identification tests were performed on the model blade to determine its natural frequencies and damping ratios for both hinged and cantilevered conditions. The measured structural damping was shown to significantly improve correlation between the experimental and analytic results. Computational efficiency for the problem under consideration was not of serious concern. However, in a comprehensive aeroelastic analysis, it was found that a modal space integration using either hinged or cantilevered modes, depending on blade/droop stop contact, reduced computational time by two orders of magnitude.
Nicotinic modulation of innate immune pathways via α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor.

The major addictive component of tobacco, nicotine, exerts anti-inflammatory effects in multiple cell types and may benefit neurons in various degenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, in which an inflammation-related mechanism is implicated. Among the various nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, α7, which has been identified in both neurons and immune cells and has high permeability to calcium, is believed to contribute significantly to nicotinic anti-inflammatory and neuron-protective effects. Although nicotine has been used in clinical trials for the treatment of some inflammatory diseases such as ulcerative colitis, the molecular mechanisms of its actions are largely unknown. In this review, we provide current evidence for nicotine’s modulation of multiple immune pathways via α7 nAChRs in both neurons and immune cells. Understanding the mechanism of the nicotinic anti-inflammatory effect and neuron-protective function may guide the development of novel medicines for infectious and neuron-degenerative diseases.
The pyrolysis of p‐xylene

A quantitative study of the pyrolysis of p-xylene at temperatures from 795° to 920° at low pressures has been made using a flow system at low contact times. A mechanism is postulated to account for the principal products. The primary rate controlling reactions are the dissociation of either a CH bond in the methyl side chain or a CC bond from the ring to the methyl group, the activation energies of which are 79 and 82 kcal., respectively. Evidence is presented for the existence of the intermediate p-xylylene molecule, and for its formation by disproportionation from the initially formed p-methylbenzyl radicals. The copolymerization of p-xylylene with maleic anhydride or chloroprene is described.
Profitability of winter wheat production influenced by liming and fertilization

Conducted experiments confirmed that fertilization and liming effected yield and production profitability regardless to considering impact of liming and fertilization as single or aggregate effect. The aggregate impact of liming and fertilization increased yield from 2,7 (control) to 6,7 t ha−1 in 2004 year and single effect of liming or fertilization increased yield from 4,7 to 5,5 or from 2,0 to 6,8 t ha−1, respectively in 2005 year. Cost analysis showes that share of fertilizer in total production costs were from 7% (liming) up to 55% (doubled liming and phosphorus fertilization). Moreover, costs calculation based on computer model for optimal fertilization implicates lower costs and higher profitability of wheat production. The aggregate profit analysis for all three experiments verified significantly lowest profit on control treatments, while any fertilization or liming treatment would increase profit. Optimal fertilization on all three sites would result in doubled profit.
Control of Potential Over Insulator surfaces

To reduce radio interference caused by corona from pin insulators, adherent conducting coatings or films usually are applied to the central portions of the heads of the insulators, and metal thimbles or conducting coatings in the pin holes. By extending the coating to cover the entire head and by using a coating of the proper resistivity, the voltage at which corona occurs can be raised considerably without materially lowering the flashover voltage. This paper calls attention to the principle of controlling the potential distribution over surfaces of insulators by utilizing the resistance drop in potential resulting from the flow of charging current in high resistance films.
Decreased Cholesterol Uptake and Increased Liver X Receptor-Mediated Cholesterol Efflux Pathways During Prostaglandin F2 Alpha-Induced and Spontaneous Luteolysis in Sheep

In nonprimate species, it has been well established that prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2alpha) initiates luteolysis. Changes in intracellular cholesterol concentrations caused by modulation of cholesterol uptake and efflux may mediate PGF2alpha-induced luteolysis. These changes in cholesterol efflux and uptake are controlled, in part, by the liver x receptors (LXR) alpha (NR1H3) and beta (NR1H2), nuclear receptors that increase expression of genes necessary for cholesterol efflux or limiting cholesterol uptake. Therefore, we hypothesized that PGF2alpha reduces expression of cholesterol uptake and increases expression of cholesterol efflux genes, mediated in part by enhanced LXR activity. To test this hypothesis, an induced luteolysis model was used whereby ewes were treated during their midluteal phase with saline or PGF2alpha and corpora lutea (CL) collected 12, 24, or 48 h later for determination of mRNA and protein concentrations by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot analysis, respectively. As a complementary approach, CL undergoing spontaneous luteolysis were compared to midluteal phase CL. The lipoprotein receptors responsible for cholesterol uptake were significantly decreased in both luteolysis models. Expression of the LXR target gene ATP binding cassette subfamily A1 (ABCA1), an important mediator of cholesterol efflux, was significantly increased in both experimental models. Chromatin immunoprecipitation confirmed that PGF2alpha treatment resulted in enhanced NR1H3 and NR1H2 binding to the ABCA1 promoter. Qualitative changes in lipid droplet distribution were also observed following PGF2alpha treatment. These data support the hypothesis that reduced cholesterol uptake and increased efflux mediate luteolysis in sheep, which is partially controlled by PGF2alpha stimulation of LXR activity.
Renormalization group solution of self-consistent-field approximations for interacting electrons

Abstract A numerical renormalization group approach to the solution of self-consistent-field equations for correlated lattice electrons is illustrated for the two-dimensional Hubbard model. This approach leads to reductions in calculational time and storage of several orders of magnitude at temperature scales relevant to electronic phase transitions.
VEGF remains an interesting target in advanced pancreas cancer (APCA): results of a multi-institutional phase II study of bevacizumab, gemcitabine, and infusional 5-fluorouracil in patients with APCA

ABSTRACT Background We investigated the safety and efficacy of bevacizumab combined with gemcitabine followed by infusional 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in patients with advanced pancreas cancer (APCA). Design Patients with untreated APCA received bevacizumab 10 mg/kg, gemcitabine 1000 mg/m2 over 100 min, and 5-FU 2400 mg/m2 over 48 h on days 1 and 15 of each 28-day cycle. The primary end point was the proportion of patients with progression-free survival (PFS) at 6 months from initiation of therapy. If PFS at 6 months was ≥41%, the regimen would be considered promising. Results Forty-two patients were enrolled in the study; of which, 39 were evaluable for primary end point. PFS at 6 months was 49% (95% CI 34% to 64%). Median PFS was 5.9 months (95% CI 3.5 to 8.1) and median overall survival (OS) was 7.4 months (95% CI 4.7 to 11.2). Partial response and stable disease occurred in 30% and 45% of patients, respectively. Treatment-related hypertension and normal baseline albumin correlated with an improved response rate, PFS and OS. Grade 3 to 4 toxicities included fatigue (14%), hypertension (5%), and venous thrombosis (5%). Conclusions The study met its primary end point. Further investigation of anti-VEGF therapy in combination with fluoropyrimidine-based therapy is warranted in APCA. Treatment-related hypertension and normal baseline albumin may predict for the efficacy of bevacizumab and should be investigated in prospective studies.
A Structured Context Model for Grammar Learning

We present a structured model of context that supports an integrated approach to language acquisition and use. The model extends an existing formal notation, embodied construction grammar (ECG), with representations for tracking both entities and events in discourse and situational context. The notation employs an intermediate level of granularity between low-level sensorimotor representations (such as that suitable for dynamic models of action and events for grounded language learning) and the more schematic representations needed for learning and using grammar. The resulting model allows existing systems for simulation-based language understanding and comprehension-driven grammar learning to represent, interpret and acquire a variety of contextually grounded construction.
Head motion controlled power wheelchair

Quadriplegics rely on power wheelchairs for mobility, but the hands-free controller systems currently available are obtrusive and expensive. The objective of this project was to design a power wheelchair with a novel control system for quadriplegics with head and neck mobility. The control system translates the position of the user's head into speed and directional control of the wheelchair. Head movement was measured using camera-based motion-tracking of an infrared LED array on the back of the user's head. The control system included a standby mode that was activated by pressing the head back against the headrest, which activated the braking system while deactivating the drive train, allowing for manual control of the wheelchair via a rear support system.
Evaluating the sustainability of hunting: a comparison of harvest profiles across three Huaorani communities

Yasuni National Park and Biosphere Reserve in Ecuador's Amazon basin is home to the Huaorani and an area of high conservation value. As a result of oil development in the early 1990s, a road was constructed in the northern region of the Park. Three Huaorani communities have since been established in proximity to the road, two of them when the road was built, ten years prior to this study, and the third in a previously uninhabited area. This allowed for a natural experiment comparing harvest compositions across communities of different ages at one point in time. Harvest profiles suggest that the spider monkey Ateles belzebuth is facing local depletion near the two old communities and the howler monkey Alouatta seniculus may also be depleted near one of the old communities. That the two oldest communities still harvested a relatively high number of other vulnerable species is attributed to their use of the road to increase forest access. The spider monkey appears to be the first species to become depleted in persistently hunted areas.
Escaping Capability Traps Through Problem Driven Iterative Adaptation (PDIA)

Many reform initiatives in developing countries fail to achieve sustained improvements in performance because they are merely isomorphic mimicry—that is, governments and organizations pretend to reform by changing what policies or organizations look like rather than what they actually do. The flow of development resources and legitimacy without demonstrated improvements in performance, however, undermines the impetus for effective action to build state capability or improve performance. This dynamic …/
Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose Is Associated With Problem-Solving Skills in Hyperglycemia and Hypoglycemia:

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to examine the association between self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) and problem-solving skills in response to detected hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia amo...
Congestion-Aware Rate Adaptation in Wireless Networks: A Measurement-Driven Approach

Traditional rate adaptation solutions for IEEE 802.11 wireless networks perform poorly in congested networks. Measurement studies show that congestion in a wireless network leads to the use of lower transmission data rates and thus reduces overall network throughput and capacity. The lack of techniques to reliably identify and characterize congestion in wireless networks has prevented development of rate adaptation solutions that incorporate congestion information in their decision framework. To this end, our main contributions in this paper are two-fold. First, we present a technique that identifies and measures congestion in an 802.11 network in real time. Second, we design Wireless congestion Optimized Fallback (WOOF), a measurement-driven rate adaptation scheme for 802.11 devices that uses the congestion measurement to identify congestion related packet losses. Through experimental evaluation, we show that WOOF achieves up to 300% higher throughput in congested networks, compared to other well-known adaptation algorithms.
Benefits of Topology Aware Mapping for Mesh Interconnects

The fastest supercomputers today such as Blue Gene/L, Blue Gene/P, Cray XT3 and XT4 are connected by a three-dimensional torus/mesh interconnect. Applications running on these machines can benefit from topology-awareness while mapping tasks to processors at runtime. By co-locating communicating tasks on nearby processors, the distance traveled by messages and hence the communication traffic can be minimized, thereby reducing communication latency and contention on the network. This paper describes preliminary work utilizing this technique and performance improvements resulting from it in the context of a n-dimensional k-point stencil program. It shows that even for simple benchmarks, topology-aware mapping can have a significant impact on performance. Automated topology-aware mapping by the runtime using similar ideas can relieve the application writer from this burden and result in better performance. Preliminary work towards achieving this for a molecular dynamics application, NAMD, is also presented. Results on up to 32,768 processors of IBM's Blue Gene/L, 4,096 processors of IBM's Blue Gene/P and 2,048 processors of Cray's XT3 support the ideas discussed in the paper.
Genetic algorithms-baes solution approach to combinatorial optimisation problems

This paper presents various methods and algorithms used in the solution of combinatorial optimisation problems. A definition of a combinatorial optimisation problem is first given. The definition is followed by a discussion on the depth first branch-and-bound algorithm and the local search algorithm; two approaches used for solving these kinds of problems. An introduction to Genetic Algorithms (GAs) coupled with an explanation of their role in solving combinatorial optimisation problems such as the travelling salesman problem is then presented. The discussion on genetic algorithms focuses on the advantages and disadvantages of using this technique as a tool or solving combinatorial optimisation problems. A sample instance of the Travelling Salesman Problem (TSP) is then solved using a GA. Finally, some conclusions are presented to emphasise the implications, benefits and drawbacks of using genetic algorithms in the solution of various combinatorial optimisation problems.
The Case for Conducting a Randomized Clinical Trial to Assess the Efficacy of a Single Dose of Prophylactic HPV Vaccines Among Adolescents

Human papillomavirus (HPV) types 16 and 18 collectively cause approximately 70% of cervical cancers worldwide (1) and are linked to an even higher percentage of HPV-associated anogenital and oropharyngeal cancers (2). Three-dose regimens of prophylactic vaccines (the bivalent vaccine Cervarix, GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals; the quadrivalent vaccine Gardasil, Merck and Co, Inc.) provide nearly complete protection against HPV16 and -18 infections and related cervical lesions among individuals uninfected with these types at the time of vaccination (3,4). The structure of the HPV virus-like particles (VLPs), the key component of HPV prophylactic vaccines, present closely spaced, repetitive epitopes to the immune system that induce highly potent, protective antibody responses (14), which may reduce or eliminate the need for booster doses. Further, the immune-stimulatory effects of a toll-like receptor agonist adjuvant in the bivalent vaccine may also contribute to the magnitude and durability of the immune response to this vaccine.
Parallel simulation of performance Petri nets: extending the domain of parallel simulation

The authors present a parallel simulation protocol for performance Petri nets (PPNs), nets in which transition firings take randomly selected amounts of time. This protocol is interesting for two reasons. First, application of standard conservative or optimistic parallel simulation to PPNs results in either unnecessarily low (possibly no) parallelism or simply fails to produce correct results. Thus, this protocol may be thought of as addressing a class of models not amenable to standard parallel simulation, with PPNs being a particular example. Second, PPNs are currently analyzed using numerical techniques that have time and space requirements exponential in the size of the net. Simulation, particularly parallel simulation, is thus a practical alternative analysis method for these models, as is shown by measurement of execution times. The authors introduce a technique called selective receive that loosens a fundamental rule of conservative parallel simulation by allowing model components to sometimes ignore certain of their input channels and thus to determine their local clock times based on only a subset of their potential inputs. >
Single-molecule nanocatalysis reveals heterogeneous reaction pathways and catalytic dynamics

Nanoparticles are important catalysts for many chemical transformations. However, owing to their structural dispersions, heterogeneous distribution of surface sites and surface restructuring dynamics, nanoparticles are intrinsically heterogeneous and challenging to characterize in ensemble measurements. Using a single-nanoparticle single-turnover approach, we study the redox catalysis of individual colloidal Au nanoparticles in solution, using single-molecule detection of fluorogenic reactions. We find that for product generation, all Au nanoparticles follow a Langmuir-Hinshelwood mechanism but with heterogeneous reactivity; and for product dissociation, three nanoparticle subpopulations are present that show heterogeneous reactivity between multiple dissociation pathways with distinct kinetics. Correlation analyses of single-turnover waiting times further reveal activity fluctuations of individual Au nanoparticles, attributable to both catalysis-induced and spontaneous dynamic surface restructuring that occurs at different timescales at the surface catalytic and product docking sites. The results exemplify the power of the single-molecule approach in revealing the interplay of catalysis, heterogeneous reactivity and surface structural dynamics in nanocatalysis.
The Optimal Level of Fear-Arousal in Advertising: An Empirical Study

Abstract In a before-after, one-way laboratory experiment, five levels of fear-arousal were manipulated and their impact on generic product intention was measured. High fear-arousing ads can be very persuasive, and data generally reflect a positive linear relationship between fear and persuasion. However, the high fear-arousing ad which utilized personalization with a “death of a loved one” theme was very ineffective. No evidence was found for a curvilinear relationship between fear and persuasion. Resistance theory was also not supported by the data.
A Class of Continuously Differentiable Filled Functions for Global Optimization

The filled function method is an approach to find global minima of multidimensional multimodal functions. This paper proposes a class of new filled functions that are continuously differentiable and do not include exponential terms. The performance of the new function in numerical experiments for a large set of testing functions up to 40 dimensions is quite satisfactory.