cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reaction of thin metal films with SiO2 substrates

Abstract Thin films of Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hf, Mn, Nb, Ni, Pd, Pt, Ti, V and Zr vacuum-deposited on SiO 2 substrates of thermally oxidized Si wafers and/or fused quartz were annealed under vacuum at about 800°C for 3 hr and then analyzed by backscattering spectrometry and scanning electron microscopy. It is found that Hf, Nb, Ti, V and Zr react with SiO 2 . The result is a thin layer of metal silicide sandwiched between the substrate and a top layer of metal oxide. The other investigated metals apparently do not react. A table of the standard heats of formation for metal silicides has been compiled. These values were used to calculate the free energy change during reaction. The thermodynamic predictions are consistent with experimental observation. The results can also be correlated with the mean electronegativity of the metal, which offers a convenient empirical method to predict whether a metal will react with SiO 2 . It is found that metals with an average electronegativity (average of Allred-Rochow, relative compactness and Pauling electronegativities) of less than 1.5 on the Pauling scale react with the SiO 2 substrate.
Design Considerations for an Aeroelastic Micro-Power Generator

In two recent studies [1; 2], the authors have presented the concept and the analytical modeling framework for a scalable wind micro-power generator. The device transforms wind energy into electricity via the self-excited oscillations of a piezoelectric reed embedded within a cavity. Based on the model developed in [2], this effort utilizes the Routh-Hurwitz criterion and numerical algorithms to understand the influence of the design parameters on the device’s response with the goal of minimizing the cut-on wind speed and maximizing the output power. Results indicate that, for a beam of certain design parameters, there exists an optimal chamber volume that minimizes the cut-on wind speed of the device. This optimal volume is inversely proportional to the beam’s first modal frequency. Results also indicate that the cut-on wind speed can be decreased significantly as the aperture’s width is decreased. However, due to the reduced strain rate in the piezoelectric layer, it is observed that minimizing the cut-on wind speed does not always correspond to an increase in the output power. As such, in an attempt to study the influence of the design parameters on the output power, design charts were constructed to select the optimal design parameters for a known average wind speed. Experimental results are also presented to qualitatively verify the theoretical trends.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Hydroxyl Radical Reactivity with Diethylhydroxylamine

Diethylhydroxylamine (DEHA) reacts with gas-phase hydroxyl radicals on every third collision, whereas the corresponding reaction in aqueous solution is considerably slower. The high gas-phase reactivity explains the predicted inhibitory effect of DEHA in atmospheric smog processes. Results from the studies in the aqueous phase are helpful in predicting the mechanism of the reaction of DEHA with hydroxyl radicals.
The effects of dilution by thorium on mixed valent CePd3, CeSn3 and “tetravalent” CeRh3

Abstract Specific heat, susceptibility and resistivity of thorium diluted CePd 3 , CeSn 3 and CeRh 3 have been measured. Ce in mixed valent CePd 3 and CeSn 3 is driven towards 3 + by thorium substitution Ce in CeRh 3 , a “well saturated” or “tetravalent” material, remains at saturated valence.
Generalization study with some narcotic and nonnarcotic drugs in rats trained for morphine-saline discrimination.

Rats were trained to lever-press on an FR-10 schedule for food reinforcement, and to respond differentially on two levers while discriminating the effects of morphine (10 mg/kg) injection from those of saline (1 ml/kg). Following discrimination training, the morphine stimulus was generalized to propoxyphene, methadone, fentanyl, and sulfentanyl in a dose-dependent manner, and saline was generalized to alcohol, pentobarbital, azaperone, clonidine, naloxone, and pchloroamphetamine. p-Chloroamphetamine failed to block the morphine stimulus.
Formal expression of theS-matrix for scattering from repulsive singular potentials

For potentials which are repulsive and more singular thanr−3 at the origin, a formal expression for theS-matrix for any angular momentum is derived. The expression is in terms of an integral over the wave function for the problem which is finite at the origin. Expressions for Jost functions are also given which are unique up to a specified multiplicative function ofk.
PbO2(s, plattnerite) reductive dissolution by natural organic matter: reductant and inhibitory subfractions.

Natural organic matter (NOM) is a diverse collection of molecules, each possessing its own reductant, complexant, and adsorption properties. Here, we are interested in the ability of NOM to bring about the reductive dissolution of PbIVO2(s). Adding the coagulants FeCl3 or Al2(SO4)3 followed by membrane filtration is one way to remove a subset of NOM molecules from surface water samples. Another is to pass water samples through a granular activated carbon (GAC) column. Results from applying these treatments to Great Dismal Swamp water (DSW) and Nequasset Bog Water (NBW) can best be explained as follows: (i) GAC column treatment is more efficient at removing the NOM fraction most responsible for reductive dissolution. (ii) Coagulation/filtration, with either coagulant, is most efficient at removing a second, inhibitory fraction. Inhibition may arise from (i) adsorption at the mineral/water interface, which blocks approach of reductant molecules and (ii) a micelle-like aggregate nature, which provides hydrop...
Flux monitoring and control in epitaxy by chemical vapor deposition

Atomic fluorescence spectroscopy is a promising technique to detect individual chemical species at typical growth pressures in chemical beam and metal-organic epitaxy. We report results of initial experiments to measure triethyl gallium and dimethylethylamine-alane. We have successfully detected both species, but further development is needed to adapt this measurement to the needs of real-time sensing and control in chemical beam epitaxy.
Isotopic exchange of bromine in aqueous system: cis-dibromodiammineplatinum(II), tetrabromoplatinate(II), bromide

Abstract The aquation equilibria for cis-dibromodiammineplatinum(II) have been measured. For the first and second aquations at 25°C: K1 = 1.13 mM. ΔH° = 3.9 ± .7 kcal/mol, K2 = 0.042 mM, ΔH° = 10 ± 3 kcal/mol. Some isotopic exchange of 82Br between c-Pt(NH3)2Br2 and PtBr42− occurs without the formation of a free bromide ion and with a rate expression: Rate Exchange = (kac′ + kac″/[Br−])[Pt(NH3)2Br2] [PtBr42−]. It has been shown that the presence of c-Pt(NH3)2Br(H2O)+ serves to catalyze the aquation of PtBr42−, but that the catalysis step does not account for all the bromide dependent exchange.
Mechanical Behavior and Strengthening Mechanisms in Ultrafine Grain Precipitation-Strengthened Aluminum Alloy

To provide insight into the relationships between precipitation phenomena, grain size and mechanical behavior in a complex precipitation-strengthened alloy system, Al 7075 alloy, a commonly used aluminum alloy, was selected as a model system in the present study. Ultrafine-grained (UFG) bulk materials were fabricated through cryomilling, degassing, hot isostatic pressing and extrusion, followed by a subsequent heat treatment. The mechanical behavior and microstructure of the materials were analyzed and compared directly to the coarse-grained (CG) counterpart. Three-dimensional atom-probe tomography was utilized to investigate the intermetallic precipitates and oxide dispersoids formed in the as-extruded UFG material. UFG 7075 exhibits higher strength than the CG 7075 alloy for each equivalent condition. After a T6 temper, the yield strength (YS) and ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of UFG 7075 achieved 734 and 774 MPa, respectively, which are ∼120 MPa higher than those of the CG equivalent. The strength of as-extruded UFG 7075 (YS: 583 MPa, UTS: 631 MPa) is even higher than that of commercial 7075-T6. More importantly, the strengthening mechanisms in each material were established quantitatively for the first time for this complex precipitation-strengthened system, accounting for grain-boundary, dislocation, solid-solution, precipitation and oxide dispersoid strengthening contributions. Grain-boundary strengthening was the predominant mechanism in as-extruded UFG 7075, contributing a strength increment estimated to be 242 MPa, whereas Orowan precipitation strengthening was predominant in the as-extruded CG 7075 (∼102 MPa) and in the T6-tempered materials, and was estimated to contribute 472 and 414 MPa for CG-T6 and UFG-T6, respectively.
Direct Microsurgery of Dural Arteriovenous Malformation Type Carotid-Cavernous Sinus Fistulas: Indications, Technique, and Results

Objective There is a subgroup of patients with Barrow Type D carotid-cavernous sinus fistulas (CCFs) who have progressive neurological deficits despite endovascular attempts at obliteration. To effectively arrest the progression of neurological deficits, especially visual loss, these patients require direct operative intervention. We have used a direct approach to such lesions, which comprehensively occludes all fistulous connections of the CCF. Methods We present a series of nine patients with Type D CCFs for which attempts at endovascular embolization failed and that, because of persistent symptoms, required surgical intervention. These lesions characteristically had extensive multiple external carotid artery feeders, often bilateral, in addition to the internal carotid artery feeders. The operative approach used was a combined extra- and intradural full exposure of the cavernous sinus and its contents, with identification and direct obliteration of all arterial input and selective ablation of the venous outflow from the cavernous sinus. Results All nine patients experienced resolution of their symptoms, and complete ablation of the lesions, as demonstrated by postoperative angiography, was achieved. Transient diplopia and trigeminal hypesthesia was observed in all nine patients, which resolved by 6 months postoperatively. One patient suffered from a temporary hemiparesis and another from permanent hemiparesis. There were no deaths related to surgery in this series. Conclusions Patients with Type D CCFs who have persistent, progressive neurological deficits after failed endovascular attempts at obliteration may be treated by a direct surgical approach to ablate the fistulas. The pertinent anatomic concepts, indications for surgery, and operative techniques that are different from previously described methods are discussed.
Nineteenth century English and Welsh geographic labor mobility: Some further evidence

In a recent issue of this journal, Greenwood and Thomas (G-T) estimated determinants of intercounty migration in England and Wales for 1861, using regression analysis. Coincidently, we performed a similar analysis using 1851 data. As with G-T, we conclude that migrants were sensitive to economic considerations in making their locational choice. Both sets of results are remarkably similar with respect to the pronounced sensitivity of migrants to movement costs, as measured by distance. Unlike G-T, however, we generally observe significantly positive relationships between migration and wage levels in the destination county. Also, our results suggest that migrants were less responsive to job opportunity considerations than those of G-T. Furthermore, we conclude that migrants,ceteris paribus, tended to move to sunnier counties and to be somewhat responsive to public assistance payment levels in making their locational choice. Finally, our results suggest that migrants improved their economic status and contributed to British economic growth by their behavioral patterns.
RELATIONSHIP OF DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME TO ACQUISITION OF TERM MILESTONES AND TO IVH IN VLBW INFANTS

RELATIONSHIP OF DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME TO ACQUISITION OF TERM MILESTONES AND TO IVH IN VLBW INFANTS
Instanton superfield calculations for SU( N) SQCD in the Higgs phase

Abstract We present a superfield formalism for instanton calculations in SQCD with arbitrary numbers N, M of colors and flavors and with non-vanishing classical scalar expectation values. Various correlators can be computed economically. In the limit of large expectation values the results are in full agreement wih clustering and other general arguments. For M = N − 1 a superpotential is shown to be generated at the one-instanton level; this fixes the values of the scalars without use of the Konishi anomaly.
Isostatic constraints on the assembly, stabilization, and preservation of cratonic lithosphere

Cratonic uplift or subsidence, as recorded geologically by erosion or deposition, indicates the net change in lithospheric buoyancy. Density change is primarily controlled by temperature change, such that the geologic record reveals the net lithospheric heating or cooling. Our modeling shows that thermal stabilization of lithosphere can occur in <100 m.y., largely determined by the time for crustal radioactivity to warm the entire lithosphere. Longer-term thermal evolution (350–400 m.y.) is controlled by the feedback between isostatic and thermal responses. Crustal heat production is the dominant factor for evolution of crustal geo therms, whereas the detailed initial thermal structure is less important. The fact that many cratons are eroded to only modest depths indicates that they have a history of warming slightly since their formation, implying a rather cool 700–1000 °C for initial lithospheric mantle. This is consistent with the growth of cratonic lithosphere by progressive thickening during continental assembly and/or subduction stacking of oceanic lithosphere. Relatively warm early lithosphere due to elevated crustal heat production or higher initial lithospheric mantle temperatures may have had a lower preservation potential due to preferential deformation and destruction. Study of the Proterozoic orogen of the southwestern United States indicates that the distinct thermal and isostatic records of adjacent crustal blocks are compatible with observed differences in crustal heat production, but also with similar initial lithospheric mantle temperatures.
Occurrence of Cyathocephalus truncatus (Cestoda) in Fishes of the Great Lakes with Emphasis on its Occurrence in Round Gobies (Neogobius melanostomus) from Lake Huron

Cyathocephalus truncatus is a pathogenic cestode that is common in many Laurentian Great Lakes fish species, but the depth distribution of this cestode has not been studied. Cyathocephalus truncatus has been reported from 21 fish species and one hybrid representing seven orders and nine families in Lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, and Ontario. We examined the intestinal contents of six species of fish collected in Michigan waters of Lake Huron, from DeTour to Harbor Beach, in 2001 to 2003 for the presence of this cestode species. Cyathocephalus truncatus was found in five native fish species and the exotic round goby. Prevalence (52%) and mean intensity (4.6 cestodes per infected fish) were highest in bloaters. This is the first reported occurrence of this cestode in round gobies from the Great Lakes. None of the gobies trawled from Lake Huron at depths of 27 to 46 m were infected, but prevalence and intensity of infection in round gobies increased significantly with depth from 55 to 73 m. Our diet study of round gobies indicated that they preyed heavily on amphipods (Diporeia hoyi) at depths of 55 to 73 m. Cyathocephalus truncatus was found in eight of 605 D. hoyi obtained by Ponar grab sampling. This suggests that C. truncatus eggs may be released from infected gobies and sink to deep basins with silt bottoms where D. hoyi occur.
New Durable Sealant of Telechelic Polyacrylate

In this paper, we discuss the application possibilities of a novel telechelic acrylic polymer (NTP) which we have been developing as a versatile base polymer for sealants and adhesives. Due to its unique features, our NTP is expected to offer a variety of applications, including the one for sealants applied in contact with self-cleaning glass (SCG). Our discussion here focuses on the possibilities of this particular application. SCG possesses a photocatalyst layer which enables two reactions, i.e., lessening the contact angle of the glass surface and decomposing organic compounds on the glass surface, by reacting with sunlight. The reactions help wash off dust from the glass surface, mainly by rainwater, to maintain the clearness and beauty of the glass used for building windows in particular. Conventional sealants for this application often lack sufficient weatherability or risk, or a combination thereof contaminating the glass surface causing hydrophobicity. The NTP sealants, on the other hand, has no surface-polluting substances such as a low-molecular-weight silicone often contained in silicone sealants, while maintaining high weatherability. We have conducted our research to study the weatherability of the NTP sealants on SCG and the possible contamination of the SCG surface by the sealants. Our studies have found that the NTP sealants retain good adhesiveness after more than 10 000 h of exposure to UV irradiation (in a Super Xenon Weather Meter) at the interface between the sealant and the glass. We also have found almost no contamination on the SCG surface by the NTP sealants, demonstrated by the results of our tests conducted to measure the contact angles of sealant samples to the glass, through outdoor exposure for about two months.
Dental Composite Resins Containing Silica-fused Ceramic Single-crystalline Whiskers with Various Filler Levels

Currently available direct-filling composite resins are susceptible to fracture and hence are not recommended for use in large stress-bearing posterior restorations involving cusps. The glass fillers in composites provide only limited reinforcement because of the brittleness and low strength of glass. The aim of the present study was to use ceramic single-crystalline whiskers as fillers to reinforce composites, and to investigate the effect of whisker filler level on composite properties. Silica particles were fused onto the whiskers to facilitate silanization and to roughen the whiskers, thereby improving retention in the matrix. The composite flexural strength, elastic modulus, hardness, and degree of polymerization conversion were measured as a function of whisker filler mass fraction, which ranged from 0% to 70%. Selected composites were polished simulating clinical procedures, and the surface roughness was measured with profilometry. The whisker composite with a filler mass fraction of 55% had a flex...
Life at High Temperatures: Evolutionary, ecological, and biochemical significance of organisms living in hot springs is discussed

The time is now ripe for a concerted attack on the evolutionary, ecological, and molecular aspects of life at high temperatures. Hot springs provide nearly ideal ecosystems for such study, since they are natural environments of great antiquity and relative constancy, where organisms have evolved to meet the environmental challenges of high temperatures. Even from our present limited knowledge, we can draw a number of conclusions.
Attitude Estimation Algorithms for Spinning Satellites Using Global Positioning System Phase Data

Several Global Positioning System (GPS) based attitude determination algorithms for spinning satellites are presented. Spin rate and nutation frequencies are identi ed by fast Fourier transform and autoregressive model methods. Attitude angles are estimated using a simple cross-product method and a batch processing algorithm. These techniques alluse theGPS antennadisplacement vector as thebasic observable.Performance of the proposed methods is presented using both computer simulations and ground-based experimental data. Accuracies of better than 0.25 deg in attitude and 0.01 rpm in frequency are demonstrated.
Apparent violation of the conductivity sum rule in certain superconductors

Abstract It is pointed out that the Ferrell-Glover-Tinkham sum rule relating the “missing area” in the low frequency conductivity to the penetration depth can be violated in certain superconductors. Its breakdown indicates that the effective mass of the carriers changes in entering the superconducting state, and implies a change in the conductivity at frequencies much higher than the superconducting gap, possibly near infrared or visible. The model of hole superconductivity predicts the occurrence of this phenomenon.
REPRODUCIBILITY AND VALIDITY OF SELF-REPORTED MENOPAUSAL STATUS IN A PROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY

The reproducibility and validity of self-reported menopausal status were evaluated among the 121,700 female US registered nurses aged 30-55 years in 1976 who are participants in the Nurses' Health Study, a prospective cohort study of diseases in women. When questioned in 1978, 6,591 of the women who were premenopausal in 1976 reported that their menses had ceased and provided their age at menopause. Two years later, in 1980, 98.8 per cent of the 6,591 women again reported that they were postmenopausal and again gave the reasons for menopause (natural or surgical). Among those women who reported surgical menopause during the 1976-1978 follow-up interval, age at menopause was reported to within one year on both the 1978 and 1980 questionnaires by 95 per cent of women. Among those reporting natural menopause during the 1976-1978 period, 82 per cent of women reported their age at menopause to within one year on the two follow-up questionnaires. A random sample of 255 women reporting surgical menopause between 1982 and 1984 was identified and medical records were obtained for 200. For all but two women, there was complete agreement between self-report and medical record for details of hysterectomy and extent of ovarian surgery. The reproducibility of self-reported age at menopause was assessed among 31,405 women who were menopausal in 1976. Reported age at menopause on consecutive questionnaires showed increasing within-person variance with increasing duration since menopause.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Magnetic field tolerances for insertion devices on third generation synchrotron light sources

The magnetic field quality or tolerance for actual insertion devices (IDs) is determined by the storage ring requirements and the acceptable spectral performance. A summary of these tolerance requirements for typical planar permanent magnet undulator IDs on the new third generation synchrotron facility storage rings is presented. In addition, some results for APS prototype undulators are discussed. The major emphasis is to identify the sources of magnetic field errors in real IDs and to describe the effects of these errors on the spectral performance of the device and on the storage rings. >
Economic Geographies of the Global South: Missed Opportunities and Promising Intersections with Development Studies

This article examines economic geography's bias toward research in advanced industrial and emerging economies (e.g. China, Eastern Europe) and proposes ideas about how scholars in the field might more significantly engage with the Global South (i.e. developing regions). ‘Southern’ research matters for theory development and policy relevance and there are interesting and important opportunities for economic geographers to learn from, and contribute to, ongoing work in development studies and development geography. Three avenues of research are proposed that can improve the links between these academic communities: research on industrial location, infrastructure development, and communication flows; cultural or relational studies of development's meanings, processes, and practices; and network perspectives on South–North and South–South relationships. Given the dramatic and rapid pace of global market integration today, it is crucial for more economic geographers to find new, interesting, and substantive ways to engage with the developing regions in order to more fully understand and conceptualize the complex practices and processes constituting the world economy and its uneven consequences.
Scalable and reliable data delivery in mobile ad hoc sensor networks

This paper studies scalable data delivery algorithms in mobile ad hoc sensor networks with node and link failures. Many algorithms have been developed for data delivery and fusion in static microsensor networks, but most of them are not appropriate for mobile sensor networks due to their heavy traffic and long latency. In this paper we propose an efficient and robust data delivery algorithm for distributed data fusion in mobile ad hoc sensor networks, where each node controls its data flows and learns routing decisions solely based on their local knowledge. We analyze the localized algorithm in a formal model and validate our model using simulations. The experiments indicate that controlled data delivery processes significantly increase the probability of relevant data being fused in the network even with limited local knowledge of each node and relatively small hops of data delivery.
Introduction to a Special Issue

Boston Harbor Islands national park area includes 34 discrete islands and peninsulas, ranging in size from small rock outcrops (e.g., The Graves, Little Calf Island) to Worlds End, a complex of woodland, grassland, freshwater and coastal wetlands, and intertidal habitats (Fig. 1). Given a large mean tidal range of 2.9 m (9.5 ft) within Boston Harbor, many of the islands have extensive intertidal areas of sandflats and mudflats, cobble and coarse sand beaches, salt marshes, and rocky shores. Intertidal areas are almost equal to the terrestrial area of the islands (Table 1). A geographic grouping of the islands would include the outer islands or Brewster Islands, the inner islands or Dorchester Bay Islands, the Quincy Bay Islands, and the Hingham Bay Islands. Aside from the few outcrops of exposed bedrock, most of the islands are geologically classified as drumlins, elongate landforms of unconsolidated glacial tills (Rosen and Leach 1987). As these drumlin islands erode, the sediment is reworked to form sand and gravel spits, beaches, and tombolos (beaches or bars connecting islands to each other or the mainland). The park includes approximately 55 km (34 mi) of shoreline, most of which is relatively undeveloped. All of the islands have a rich history of human use; many islands have structures, and some islands (e.g., Deer, Little Brewster, and Thompson) are still occupied with institutional uses. These various landforms, the interface of marine and terrestrial environments, and past land use within an urban region all contribute to a diversity of habitats found throughout the islands. Visitors to the national park area are likely to be drawn to the different habitats that are represented, the historical and cultural attractions, and the beaches and recreational facilities.
Use of the Progressive Aphasia Severity Scale (PASS) in monitoring speech and language status in PPA

Background: Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) is a devastating neurodegenerative syndrome involving the gradual development of aphasia, slowly impairing the patient’s ability to communicate. Pharmaceutical treatments do not currently exist and intervention often focuses on speech and language behavioural therapies, although further investigation is warranted to determine how best to harness functional benefits. Efforts to develop pharmaceutical and behavioural treatments have been hindered by a lack of standardised methods to monitor disease progression and treatment efficacy.Aims: Here, we describe our current approach to monitoring progression of PPA, including the development and applications of a novel clinical instrument for this purpose, the Progressive Aphasia Severity Scale (PASS). We also outline some of the issues related to initial evaluation and longitudinal monitoring of PPA.Methods & Procedures: In our clinical and research practice, we perform initial and follow-up assessments of PPA patien...
Power-efficient wakeup tag broadcast

The dynamic instruction scheduling logic is one of the most critical components of modern superscalar microprocessors, both from the delay and power dissipation standpoints. The delay and energy requirement of driving the wakeup tags across the associatively-addressed issue queue accounts for a significant percentage of the scheduler's overhead and also limits the design scalability. We propose tag memoization and tagline folding - two schemes to reduce the power of wakeup tag broadcasts by reducing the number of tag-bits that are driven in each broadcast. Our results show that the combination of these mechanisms provides 223% average reduction of the wakeup tag broadcast power with no impact on the IPC.
Probabilistic models and inference algorithms for neuronal decoding of UP and DOWN states

In the neuroscience literature, periods during which pop-ulations of neurons are either simultaneously depolarizedor hyperpolarized are often classified as "UP" and"DOWN" states, respectively [1]. No particular attentionhas been devoted to accurately characterize the transitionbetween these two states within a statistical framework[2]. We propose two (semi-) Markov probabilistic models,in both discrete- and continuous-time domains, aiming toinfer a discrete two-state (UP vs. DOWN) latent processbased on multi-unit spike train observations. The simulta-neously recorded spike trains, treated as stochastic pointprocesses, are modulated by the discrete hidden state andthe firing history of ensemble neurons. To jointly estimatethe hidden state and the unknown parameters of theprobabilistic models, we develop statistical inferencealgorithms within the maximum likelihood estimationframework.
Efficient MAP approximation for dense energy functions

We present an efficient method for maximizing energy functions with first and second order potentials, suitable for MAP labeling estimation problems that arise in undirected graphical models. Our approach is to relax the integer constraints on the solution in two steps. First we efficiently obtain the relaxed global optimum following a procedure similar to the iterative power method for finding the largest eigenvector of a matrix. Next, we map the relaxed optimum on a simplex and show that the new energy obtained has a certain optimal bound. Starting from this energy we follow an efficient coordinate ascent procedure that is guaranteed to increase the energy at every step and converge to a solution that obeys the initial integral constraints. We also present a sufficient condition for ascent procedures that guarantees the increase in energy at every step.
Silane Coupling Agents

Silane coupling agents are often used to improve the properties of composite materials by modifying interfaces. The coupling agents typically contain trichloro, trimethoxy, or triethoxy groups attached to silicon at one end. These inorganic groups hydrolyze, condense, and adsorb at oxide interfaces to form a bond with the coupling agents. The other end of the molecule typically contains organofunctional groups that are chosen to react or to be compatible with an organic polymer resin. The coupling agents are particularly effective for improving the mechanical properties of composites when water is present. The appropriate selection of the coupling agent is of importance for optimal improvement of the mechanical properties of the composite materials. Factors to be considered are the type of chemical bonding desired, compatibility between the coupling agent layer and resin, and the mechanical properties of the interphase. Keywords: silane coupling agents; adhesion promoters; compatibilizers; reinforcement; composite materials; oxides; fillers; interfaces; nanomaterials
5′ Hox Genes and Meis 1, a Hox-DNA Binding Cofactor, Are Expressed in the Adult Mouse Epididymis

Abstract Hox genes determine the formation of segmented structures during development. The epididymis shows a segmented organization in its structure and function beyond embryogenesis. This study examined the adult mouse epididymis and vas deferens for expression of 5′ hox genes and a hox-DNA binding cofactor. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) showed the expression of hoxa-9, hoxa-10, hoxa-11, hoxd-9, and hoxd-10 in all regions including the vas deferens. Semiquantitative RT-PCR revealed highest mRNA levels for hoxa-11 in the distal part of the epididymis and vas deferens, and this was confirmed by Northern blot analysis. To determine protein presence an antibody raised against a peptide N-terminal to the homeodomain of hoxa-11 was produced in rabbits. The antibody recognized a band of approximately 37–39 kDa in Western blot analysis. Immunohistochemistry indicated the presence of hoxa-11 in the nuclei of the epithelial cells with some staining in the cytoplasm. Staining was also de...
Postpositivistic Assumptions and Educational Research: Another View

This analysis attempts to look again at the major concepts of the “new philosophy of science” in terms of their relevance for educational research. The argument is made that such concepts as underdetermination and incommensurability have limited applicability to many areas of educational research. This is due to the fact that such terms are based on the existence of genuine theories as found in the natural sciences, and the requirements for such theories cannot be (presently) met in the human sciences. There is also the related problem of ambiguity on how these terms are to be applied exactly to the field of educational research. The analysis further contends that writers in this area have not dealt with the critical concept of indeterminacy. It is argued that of all the concepts of the new philosophy of science, this term has most promise for defining the direction of educational research. From one view, indeterminacy may suggest even a greater degree of relativism; looked at from another angle, it is se...
A market protocol for decentralized task allocation

We present a decentralized market protocol for allocating tasks among agents that contend for scarce resources. Agents trade tasks and resources at prices determined by an auction protocol. We specify a simple set of bidding policies that, along with the auction mechanism, exhibits desirable convergence properties. The system always reaches quiescence. If the system reaches quiescence below the consumer's reserve price for the high level task, it will be in a solution state. If the system finds a solution it will reach quiescence in a solution state. Experimental evidence supports our conjecture that the system will converge to a solution when one exists and the consumer bids sufficiently high. We describe the system's application to and implementation in an agent-based digital library.
Purification and immunolocalization of ovine placental retinol-binding protein.

A retinol-binding protein (RBP), synthesized and secreted by ovine allantois in vitro, was purified from culture medium. The protein consisted of three isoelectric variants (p1 5.3-6.1) of identical molecular masses of about 23 000 Da as determined by two-dimensional PAGE under reducing conditions. Thirty-one of the fIrst 34 N-terminal amino acids of the purified protein were sequenced and shown to have complete homology with bovine placental and bovine plasma REP. The ultraviolet absorption spectrum and fluorescence excitation and emission spectra of the purified ovine placental REP indicated the presence of bound retinol. Metabolic labeling studies demonstrated that the protein was synthesized by placental membranes. Using antiserum to bovine placental RBP, ovine placental RBP was immunolocalized in trophectoderm of 13-day-old blastocysts and trophectodermal cells of the chorion, endodermal cells lining the allantois, and ectodermal cells lining the amnion of 23-, 45-, and 53-day-old conceptuses. Results from this study suggest that ovine placental membrane epithelia synthesize and secrete REP. Transport, storage, and metabolism of retinol mediated by placental REP may be essential for normal embryonic development during pregnancy,
Suppression of B-cell mediated immunity in juvenile chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) after exposure to either a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon or to polychlorinated biphenyls.

AbstractJuvenile Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) were injected intraperitoneally with either the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)1 or with the commercial polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) mixture, Aroclor 1254, to assess effects on the B-cell mediated immune response. B-cell mediated immunity was assessed by examination of the primary and secondary plaque-forming cell (PFC) responses of anterior kidney and splenic leukocytes to a T-independent antigen, trinitrophenyl-lipopolysaccharide (TNP-LPS) and to a T-dependent antigen, TNP-keyhole limpet hemocyanin (TNP-KLH). Salmon exposed to DMBA at dosages of 20% or 1% of the 96 hr LD50 (12.7 mg and 0.6 mg/kg of salmon, respectively) or to PCBs at a dosage of 20% of the 96 hr LD50 (54.0 mg/kg of salmon) exhibited a suppressed PFC response. The secondary PFC response of anterior kidney and splenic leukocytes to both antigens and the primary splenic PFC response to TNP-LPS were suppressed in salmon exposed to either DMBA...
Mononuclear phagocytes (Kupffer cells) and endothelial cells. Identification of two functional cell types in rat liver sinusoids by endogenous peroxidase activity.

The fine structural characteristics and phagocytic properties of peroxidase-positive and peroxidase-negative cells in rat hepatic sinusoids were investigated. Cells with a positive peroxidase reaction in the endoplasmic reticulum and the nuclear envelope make up approximately 40% of cells in rat hepatic sinusoids and have abundant cytoplasm containing numerous granules and vacuoles, and occasional tubular, vermiform invaginations. After intravenous injection of colloidal carbon, the luminal plasma membrane of these cells shows continuous sticking of carbon, and there is evidence of avid phagocytosis of colloidal carbon particles. Peroxidase-positive cells are the only cells in hepatic sinusoids which phagocytize large (0.8 µ in diameter) latex particles. In contrast, the peroxidase-negative endothelial cells, which make up 48% of cells, have scanty perinuclear cytoplasm and organelles, and their long cytoplasmic extensions that form the lining of the hepatic sinusoids have fenestrations; these cells ingest small amounts of colloidal carbon, principally by micropinocytosis, exhibit no sticking of carbon particles to their plasma membranes, and do not ingest the larger (latex) particles. The so-called fat-storing cells are peroxidase negative and totally nonphagocytic. The peroxidase reaction thus distinguishes the typical mononuclear phagocytes or Kupffer cells of rat liver from the endothelial-lining cells.
Generic radiation safety design for SSRL synchrotron radiation beamlines

To allow for a conservative, simple, uniform, consistent, efficient radiation safety design for all SSRL beamlines, a generic approach has been developed, considering both synchrotron radiation (SR) and gas bremsstrahlung (GB) hazards. To develop the methodology and rules needed for generic beamline design, analytic models, the STAC8 code, and the FLUKA Monte Carlo code were used to pre-calculate sets of curves and tables that can be looked up for each beamline safety design. Conservative beam parameters and standard targets and geometries were used in the calculations. This paper presents the SPEAR3 beamline parameters that were considered in the design, the safety design considerations, and the main pre-calculated results that are needed for generic shielding design. In the end, the rules and practices for generic SSRL beamline design are summarized.
Re-centering variable friction device for vibration control of structures subjected to near-field earthquakes

Abstract This paper proposes a re-centering variable friction device (RVFD) for control of civil structures subjected to near-field earthquakes. The proposed hybrid device has two sub-components. The first sub-component of this hybrid device consists of shape memory alloy (SMA) wires that exhibit a unique hysteretic behavior and full recovery following post-transformation deformations. The second sub-component of the hybrid device consists of variable friction damper (VFD) that can be intelligently controlled for adaptive semi-active behavior via modulation of its voltage level. In general, installed SMA devices have the ability to re-center structures at the end of the motion and VFDs can increase the energy dissipation capacity of structures. The full realization of these devices into a singular, hybrid form which complements the performance of each device is investigated in this study. A neuro-fuzzy model is used to capture rate- and temperature-dependent nonlinear behavior of the SMA components of the hybrid device. An optimal fuzzy logic controller (FLC) is developed to modulate voltage level of VFDs for favorable performance in a RVFD hybrid application. To obtain optimal controllers for concurrent mitigation of displacement and acceleration responses, tuning of governing fuzzy rules is conducted by a multi-objective heuristic optimization. Then, numerical simulation of a multi-story building is conducted to evaluate the performance of the hybrid device. Results show that a re-centering variable friction device modulated with a fuzzy logic control strategy can effectively reduce structural deformations without increasing acceleration response during near-field earthquakes.
Responses of Blood Lipids and Lipoproteins to Extended-Release Niacin and Exercise in Sedentary Postmenopausal Women

Niacin and exercise positively alter blood lipids and lipoproteins via different mechanisms. However, the effects of niacin combined with exercise on blood lipid and lipoprotein profiles have not been investigated in sedentary postmenopausal women. The current study examined the responses of blood lipids and lipoproteins to niacin and exercise in 18 sedentary postmenopausal women, who underwent four conditions: no-niacin rest, no-niacin exercise, niacin rest, and niacin exercise. Participants ingested 1,000 mg/day of extended-release niacin for 4 weeks during the niacin condition. As an exercise treatment, participants performed a single bout of exercise on a treadmill at 60% heart rate reserve until 400 kcal were expended. Extended-release niacin without the exercise intervention significantly (p < .001) increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein-2 cholesterol by 12.4% and 33.3%, respectively, and decreased the total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio by 14.8%. Thus, 4 weeks of 1,000 mg/day of extended-release niacin can improve the blood lipid and lipoprotein profiles in sedentary postmenopausal women.
An improvement of the Lee and Schetzen cross-correlation method

Cross-correlation techniques have been used for years to identify the kernels of Volterra and Wiener nonlinear functional series. This note proposes a modification to the standard cross-correlation method which improves the estimation of the diagonal elements of the kernels. The mathematical derivation is given and simulations are presented, which show that modification improves the kernel estimates with very little increase in computational cost.
Modeling resource allocation negotiations

Resource allocation problems occur when fixed, limited resources must be allocated among competing alternatives. Disputes arise when decision-makers disagree about relative priorities among objectives. The structure of a resource allocation problem refers to characteristics of its feasible settlement space and efficient frontier. These characteristics define the opportunities the problem affords and the constraints it imposes on negotiators. Models of resource allocation problems were constructed under different assumptions concerning negotiators' judgmental preferences. The analysis demonstrated that structure is a function of both (a) the negotiators' preferences and (b) the level of available resources. Three procedures for resolving resource allocation disputes were simulated. Results suggested that different procedures may or may not lead to the same settlement, depending on problem structure. A procedure may favor one negotiator at one level of resource availability, but a different negotiator at another level. >
Realizable reduction for RC interconnect circuits

Interconnect reduction is an important step in the design and analysis of complex interconnects found in present-day integrated circuits. This paper presents techniques for obtaining realizable and accurate reduced models for two-port and multi-port RC circuits. The proposed method is also particularly suitable for interconnect reduction for nonlinear circuit simulation and for interconnect post-processing in a parasitic extractor. The method has two limitations. First, it only considers the first few moments of the transfer function; however, that is accurate enough for RC circuits. Second, the amount of interconnect reduction is topology dependent. Although, most on-chip interconnect topologies are well suited for the method proposed. Accuracy and efficiency of the proposed method is demonstrated for various realistic examples.
Ssn6 Defines a New Level of Regulation of White-Opaque Switching in Candida albicans and Is Required For the Stochasticity of the Switch.

ABSTRACT The human commensal and opportunistic pathogen Candida albicans can switch between two distinct, heritable cell types, named “white” and “opaque,” which differ in morphology, mating abilities, and metabolic preferences and in their interactions with the host immune system. Previous studies revealed a highly interconnected group of transcriptional regulators that control switching between the two cell types. Here, we identify Ssn6, the C. albicans functional homolog of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae transcriptional corepressor Cyc8, as a new regulator of white-opaque switching. In a or α mating type strains, deletion of SSN6 results in mass switching from the white to the opaque cell type. Transcriptional profiling of ssn6 deletion mutant strains reveals that Ssn6 represses part of the opaque cell transcriptional program in white cells and the majority of the white cell transcriptional program in opaque cells. Genome-wide chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments demonstrate that Ssn6 is tightly integrated into the opaque cell regulatory circuit and that the positions to which it is bound across the genome strongly overlap those bound by Wor1 and Wor2, previously identified regulators of white-opaque switching. This work reveals the next layer in the white-opaque transcriptional circuitry by integrating a transcriptional regulator that does not bind DNA directly but instead associates with specific combinations of DNA-bound transcriptional regulators. IMPORTANCE The most common fungal pathogen of humans, C. albicans, undergoes several distinct morphological transitions during interactions with its host. One such transition, between cell types named “white” and “opaque,” is regulated in an epigenetic manner, in the sense that changes in gene expression are heritably maintained without any modification of the primary genomic DNA sequence. Prior studies revealed a highly interconnected network of sequence-specific DNA-binding proteins that control this switch. We report the identification of Ssn6, which defines an additional layer of transcriptional regulation that is critical for this heritable switch. Ssn6 is necessary to maintain the white cell type and to properly express the opaque cell transcriptional program. Ssn6 does not bind DNA directly but rather associates with specific combinations of DNA-bound transcriptional regulators to control the switch. This work is significant because it reveals a new level of regulation of an important epigenetic switch in the predominant fungal pathogen of humans.