cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bistable reflection at the nonlinear interface with linear magnetic properties

The bistable reflection effects of an incident homogeneous plane wave upon an interface between a linear and nonlinear magnetic media are studied. At a nonlinear interface, a plane wave is incident from a linear medium with permittivity e1 and magnetic permeability m1 upon the boundary of a negatively nonlinear medium whose permittivity , varies nonlinearly with the input field intensity. The magnetic permeability 2 of the nonlinear medium is constant. It is shown that as the angle of incidence or the intensity of the incident field is varied, hysteresis jumps of the reflection coefficient can be observed as the interface jumps from the transmission or partial reflection regime to the total internal reflection (TIR) regime, and back. No assumption is made about the smallness of the amount of nonlinearity or the incident angle. The derivations of the nonlinear equations associated with such a nonlinear interface are shown in detail. The effects upon the equations when magnetic permeabilities and large nonlinearities are considered can be seen by comparison with previous works. The reflection characteristics are found to be no longer independent of the input wave polarization.
Evolution of small putative group I introns in the SSU rRNA gene locus of Phialophora species

Group I introns (specifically subgroup IC1) are common in the nuclear ribosomal RNA genes of fungi. While most range in length from more than 200 to nearly 1800 nucleotides (nt) in length, several small putative (or degenerate) group I introns have been described that are between 56 and 81 nt. Although small, previously we demonstrated that the Pa SSU intron in the rRNA small subunit gene of Phialophora americana isolate Wang 1046 is capable of in vitro splicing using a standard group I intron pathway, thus qualifying it as a functional ribozyme. Here, we describe eight short putative group I introns, ranging in length from 63 to 75 nt, in the rRNA small subunit genes of Phialophora isolates, a fungal genus that ranges from saprobic to pathogenic on plants and animals. All contain putative pairing regions P1, P7, and P10, as well as a pairing region formed between the middle of the intron and part of the 3' exon. The other pairing regions common in the core of standard group I introns are absent. However, parts of the 3' exon may aid in the stabilization of these small introns. Although the eight putative group I introns were from at least three species of Phialophora, phylogenetic analysis indicated that the eight are monophyletic. They are also monophyletic with the small introns of two lichen-forming fungi, Porpidia crustulata and Arthonia lapidicola. The small putative group I introns in Phialophora have common features that may represent group I introns at their minima. They appear to have a single origin as indicated by their monophyly in phylogenetic analyses.
Early petroleum chemists and the beginnings of chromatography

The activities of D. T. Day (1859–1915, J. E. Gilpin (1866–1924) and C. Engler (1842–1925) connected with the adsorptive filtration of petroleum oil samples are discussed. As indicated, their methodology can be considered as precursor of the chromatographic technique; however, it should not be envisaged as the beginnings of chromatography.
A technique for large area deposition of diamond via combustion flame synthesis

Abstract A modified oxy-acetylene combustion flame technique capable of depositing high quality diamond coatings over large areas on low thermally conductive materials possessing complex geometries has been developed. This technique employs rotation of the substrate throughout deposition under an argon shielded combustion flame tilted at an angle of 45° to the substrate surface. As an example of this technique, diamond coatings were deposited on the rake faces of triangular silicon nitride (Si 3 N 4 ) based cutting tools with a 1 cm 2 surface area. These coatings were characterized via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Experimental results identified five distinct regions of growth, between 0.8 and 2.8 μm/h, across the substrate surface. These regions are projected to result from variations in residence time, mass transport, and temperature gradients existing on the substrate surface. The absence of secondary growth and suppression of morphological instabilities are the result of cyclic etch-growth processes active during substrate rotation. This work illustrates the possibility of depositing high quality diamond coatings on a wide range of substrate materials and geometries and over larger areas than otherwise thought possible with conventional combustion flame apparatus.
Efficiency Mapping for a Linear Hydraulic-Actuator

This research is aimed at generating an efficiency map for a linear hydraulic-actuator that is controlled using an open-centered 4-way valve. Using the basic configuration of a double rod, double-acting linear actuator, equations for describing the input and output power of the actuator are written and nondimensionalized to produce a nondimensional map for the efficiency of the actuator itself. In conclusion, the actuator is shown to operate below a wide open valve (WOV) line with efficiencies that are typically less than 50%. Note that the WOV line describes the maximum actuator-force that may be achieved at a given actuator-velocity. While the actuator chosen for this paper is common, extensions of the methods used in this study may be applied to double-acting, single-rod designs or single-acting, single-rod designs. Furthermore, it is anticipated that this type of analysis may also be used to study the effects of power regenerating valves and for predicting the efficiency improvements that may be gained for linear hydraulic-actuators that use this type of valve design.
Diffusive motion and recurrence on an idealized Galton board.

We study a mechanical model known as a Galton board---a particle rolling on a tilted plane under gravitation and bouncing off a periodic array of rigid pegs. Incidentally, this model is identical to a periodic Lorentz gas where an electron is driven by a uniform electric field. Previous heuristic and experimental studies have suggested that the particle's speed $v(t)$ should grow as ${t}^{1/3}$ and its coordinate $x(t)$ as ${t}^{2/3}$. We find exact limit distributions for the rescaled velocity ${t}^{\ensuremath{-}1/3}v(t)$ and position ${t}^{\ensuremath{-}2/3}x(t)$. In addition, we determine that the particle's motion is recurrent; i.e., the particle comes back to the top of the board with a probability of one.
Dynamics and structure of aromatic molecular van der Waals complexes

Abstract The effect of intermolecular forces on energy transfer processes, and subtle changes in molecular energy levels can profoundly influence molecular photochemical and photobiological properties. Molecular aggregates isolated under supersonic jet conditions offer opportunities to examine molcular interactions in a way not possible in condensed media, because small, organized arrangements of molecules can be prepared at very low internal temperatures. Many contemporary spectroscopic experiments seek to understand the detailed structures of small aggregates and the potential energy barriers that restrict internal motion. Internal relaxation processes involving conformational rearrangement and microscopic photochemistry in clusters have successfully been time resolved in several cases. At higher energies, vibrational predissoeiation studies convey useful information about the strengths of intermolecular forces. Experiments of this type are constantly being compared with, and offer new opportunities to ...
Limits to the Stability of the Amorphous Nature of Polymer-Derived HfSiCNO Compounds

Substituting silicon by transition metals in polymer-derived ceramics (PDCs) holds the potential for a new class of polymer-derived ceramics for ultrahigh-temperature structural applications. We present experiments that show that the solid solubility of HfO2 extends to Hf/Si ratio of <0.22. The materials are synthesized from (miscible) organic precursors. Similar to silicon-based materials they remain amorphous after pyrolysis at 1000°C. Small-angle X-ray scattering and Raman spectra remain essentially unaltered. It is postulated that Hf, like Si, forms mixed-bond tetrahedra with C, O, and N. The difference in the enthalpy of Hf-based, and Si-centered tetrahedra is calculated using single-bond energies, reinforcing the feasibility of substituting Si with Hf or with Zr atoms. Such polymer-based HfSiCNO compounds made directly from liquid organics, by a simple manufacturing process, may also be relevant to nanoscale dielectrics with low leakage electric charge in microelectronics applications.
Photonic Integration in State-of-the-Art Silicon Electronics Processes

Photonic integration within state-of-the-art CMOS and DRAM processes leverages the existing electronic manufacturing infrastructure to minimize cost. Suitable design techniques combined with in-foundry optimization or post-processing have enabled integration within several advanced technologies.
The elastic displacement and stress in a material to promote reflection and transmission of an incoming wave

The conditions on elastic displacement and stress in a material that will promote reflection and transmission of an incoming wave are calculated. It is found, for example, that to optimize reflection and transmission, scalar potentials of the displacement in the wave and in the material will be related to rotations in planes perpendicular and parallel to the direction of propagation to the wave. When a pulse is constructed and its path analyzed through short distances, it is shown that abrupt transitions in tension and compression in a material will maximize reflection of the pulse. When strain energy is minimized where reflection and refraction are to occur, differences in tension and compression become prominent again. Finally, an approximate volume of material is calculated for an electron to harness the restoring forces in a material to balance the energy lost in inelastic scattering.
Integration of 3D Seismic Data in Reservoir Modeling and Assessing Uncertainty in Lithology Distributions in The Nuayyim Field of Central Saudi Arabia

This paper presents a newly developed technique to integrate the seismic attributes that represent interval average reservoir property as a 'soft constraint' with well log data into a full 3D reservoir property model. This geostatistical technique is called '3D Gaussian Sequential Simulation with block kriging (3D GSS with Block Kriging)'. The technique is applied to the Nuayyim Field in central Saudi Arabia where the main reservoir in the Unayzah zone-A sand. The average interval seismic impedance map is extracted from the inverted 3-D seismic data and is related to lithology and reservoir porosity. Using the correlation coefficient between seismic impedance and Vshale and porosity, two 'soft constraint' maps for the Unayzah zone-A reservoir are produced to build the lithology and porosity 3D reservoir models from the impedance maps. Average interval seismic impedance is found to correlate very well with average porosity and Vshale of the reservoir. Given the sparse well control and dense seismic data of the Nuayyim Field, it is critical to incorporate the 'soft' porosity and lithology estimates from seismic data with the hard well data into a consistent reservoir model. Geostatistical simulation of the reservoir yields estimates of the probability of encountering reservoir quality sand to build reservoir quality model by generating ten equiprobable realizations of the lithology model. Using the probability cube as a multiplier, a probabilistic net sand map is produced. The uncertainty assessment of the multiple 3D lithology realizations was evaluated by predicting the reservoir quality of some recently drilled wells. The results indicate that the method is robust for this field.
Preimplantation genetic diagnosis increases the implantation rate in human in vitro fertilization by avoiding the transfer of chromosomally abnormal embryos

Abstract Objective: To verify the percentage of chromosomally abnormal preimplantation embryos in patients with a poor prognosis and possibly to increase the chance of implantation by selecting chromosomally normal embryos. Design: A prospective, randomized, controlled study. Setting: In vitro fertilization program at the Reproductive Medicine Unit of the Societa Italiana Studi Medicina della Riproduzione, Bologna, Italy. Patient(s): In a total of 28 stimulated cycles, the maternal age was ≥38 years and/or the patient had ≥3 previous IVF failures, factors that indicated a poor prognosis. After consent, 11 patients underwent preimplantation genetic diagnosis for aneuploidy, whereas 17 controls underwent assisted zona hatching. Intervention(s): Simultaneous analysis of chromosomes X, Y, 13, 18, and 21 in a blastomere biopsied from day-3 embryos. Chromosomal analysis was performed with fluorescence in situ hybridization. Assisted zona hatching was performed on day-3 embryos from the control-group patients. Main Outcome Measure(s): Embryo morphology, results of fluorescence in situ hybridization, clinical pregnancies, and implantation. Result(s): In the study group, a total of 61 embryos were analyzed by fluorescence in situ hybridization, and 55% were chromosomally abnormal. Embryo transfer with at least one normal embryo was performed in 10 cycles. Four clinical pregnancies resulted, with a 28.0% implantation rate. In the control group, 41 embryos were transferred in 17 cycles after the assisted zona hatching procedure, yielding four clinical pregnancies and an 11.9% implantation rate. Conclusion(s): Infertile patients classified as having a poor prognosis have a high percentage of chromosomally abnormal embryos. The advantage of selecting and transferring embryos with normal fluorescence in situ hybridization results has an immediate impact on implantation.
Pilot study: living flowcharts in an introduction to programming course

Previous Computer Science Education research incorporating Common Learning Experiences (CLEs) into freshman level breadth-first Computer Science course inspired the author to undertake similar work for a depth-first course. This paper presents a set of CLEs developed for this purpose, namely the 'Living Flowcharts CLEs', along with a discussion of the pilot study and the preliminary results.
Influence of orchard fungicides on Apple Maggot Fly egglaying attempts

Residues of apple orchard rate applications of several commonly used commercially-formulated organic fungicides did not have repellent effects on R. pomonella egg laying attempts. Bordeaux mixture, an inorganic fungicide which is no longer used in commercial apple orchards, significantly deterred egg laying under both choice and no choice situations, as did the oviposition deterring pheromone of R. pomonella. Implications of these findings for apple IPM are discussed. Zusammenfassung Einflusse von Fungiziden auf die Eiablageversuche der Apfelfruchtfliege Ruckstande von Apfelplantagen-Behandlungen mit verschiedenen gebrauchlichen und handelsublich formulierten organischen Fungiziden zeigten keine Repellentwirkungen auf die Eiablageversuche von Rhagoletis pomonella Walsh (Dipt., Tephritidae). Bordeaux-Mischbruhe, ein anorganisches Fungizid, das heute in Apfelplantagen nicht mehr verwendet wird, wirkte signifikant abschreckend auf die Eiablage sowohl unter Auswahl- als Nichtauswahlbedingungen. Es glich somit dem Eiablage-Abwehrpheromon von R. pomonella. Die aus den Resultaten sich ergebenden Konsequenzen fur die Praxis werden erortert.
Knowing and Unknowing as Cardinal Virtues of the Creative Attitude

Maslow (1963, 1993) characterized the “creative attitude' in a wide variety of ways that seemed centered to him on” being lost in the present” and “fusion of person and world.” Perhaps his long list of circumventing attributes was intended to be more suggestive than definitive; thus, “Maslow's puzzle” (Germana, 2007). If so, the puzzle ought not to be approached as something to be completely solved, but rather as something to be played with in heuristic ways true to the creative attitude, itself. One case of such play might suggest that there are subsets of attributes common to the creative attitude, for example, the dynamic interplay of “knowing” and “unknowing,” and would, by way of that relaxed exegesis, not so much explain the creative attitude as exemplify it.
Effect of Short-Term Therapy with Cortisol on the Urinary Excretion of Free Amino Acids

The effect of short-term cortisol therapy on the urinary excretion of free amino acids was studied in 11 normal humans. Each subject received 100 mg of cortisol daily for a period of 5 days. The quantities of free amino acids in the urine were determined by means of an automatic amino acid analyzer, before, during and after cortisol therapy. The concentration of free amino acids in the plasma was determined parallel with the urine measurements in 4 of the 11 subjects. Of the 25 amino acids which were found and measured in the urine, 10 were not influenced to a significant degree by the administration of cortisol. Fifteen were increased significantly (P <0.01) beyond the pretreatment range. They were threonine, serine, asparagine/glutamine, alanine, histidine, glycine, cystine, phenylalanine, lysine, cystathionine, valine, α-amino-n-butyric acid, leucine and ornithine. The elevated levels of 10 of the amino acids returned to pretreatment levels one day after cessation of cortisol administration. The other ...
Some analogs of Tyr-MIF-1 affect passive avoidance behavior but not motor activity in rats

The effects of three analogs of the brain peptide Tyr-MIF-1 (Tyr-Pro-Leu-Gly-NH2) were tested in several behavioral tests after peripheral injection in rats. In the passive avoidance test, rats injected SC with 1 mg/kg Ala-MIF-1 or Phe-MIF-1 entered the second compartment of two-chamber shuttle box significantly faster than did rats receiving diluent. Leu-MIF-1 failed to produce significantly faster entry compared to diluent. None of the peptides significantly affected ambulation, rearing, or defecation. Flinch and escape thresholds were not affected by Ala-MIF-1, the only analog tested for this behavior. The results demonstrate that some analogs of Tyr-MIF-1 can exert behavioral effects similar to those exerted by the parent compound whereas other analogs resemble MIF-1 in being inactive under these experimental conditions.
A model of nitric oxide in the lower thermosphere

[1] A model of NO abundance in the lower thermosphere is described. The model includes time dependence, an energetic electron flux calculation that includes transport, neutral and ion photochemistry, and vertical diffusion. We show that a steady state calculation is inadequate for calculating NO abundance. We examine the relationship between observed NO abundance and the integrated energy input to the lower thermosphere over the previous day. It is shown that the relationship between the energy input and the NO abundance varies with the local time of the NO measurement and with the length of daylight. These dependencies arise due to the role of photodissociation as a loss mechanism for NO. This model is designed for analysis of NO observations and will be used in the analysis of observations by the SNOE spacecraft [Barth et al., 1999].
Acceleration based indirect force measurement in metal cutting processes

Abstract A milling cutter instrumented with a three-component accelerometer is investigated as a sensor of dynamic cutting forces. Two major causes of measurement errors are considered. These causes are: (1) the flexible mode vibrations, and (2) inertial and viscous forces associated with the “rigid body” motion of the spindle. A self-tuning filter consisting of two subsystems is applied to attenuate these errors. The first subsystem converts accelerations from the rotating spindle into stationary coordinates. It also analyses the corrupted signal and calculates an optimal filter structure and the settings for the actual operating conditions. This information is utilized by the second subsystem, a digitally programmable filter, which performs signals correction in real time. Two examples are presented to illustrate performance of the proposed “natural” sensor. In the first example, a periodical force applied from an exciter is reconstructed from the accelerations measured during spindle rotation. The second example deals with estimation of a force impulse generated by means of an impact hammer.
Histology of the Reproductive Tracts and Transmission of Sperm in the Corn Earworni, Heliothis zea

The histology of the reproductive tracts and their secretions are described. The functioning of various tracts in the elaboration and formation of the spermatophore is given, and the movement of sperm is traced through the male tract during spermatophore formation and through the female tract after copulation. The functions of the various reproductive secretions and the reproductive state of the moths during different reproductive periods are discussed.
A LAMENESS SCORING SYSTEM THAT USES POSTURE AND GAIT TO PREDICT DAIRY CATTLE REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE

Lameness has contributed to reproductive inefficiency and increased the risk of culling in dairy cows. We developed a 5-point lameness scoring system that assessed gait and placed a novel emphasis on back posture. Our objective was to determine if this system predicted future reproductive performance and the risk of culling. The study was conducted at a commercial dairy farm with a history of declining reproductive efficiency and an increasing prevalence of lameness. A total of 66 primipara and pluripara calved, received an initial lameness score, and completed their 60-d voluntary waiting period. The overall prevalence of lameness (mean lameness score ‘2) was 65.2%. Scoring continued at 4-wk intervals and ceased with conception or culling. The percentage of cows confirmed pregnant and culled was 77.3 and 22.7, respectively. For each reproductive endpoint, a 2 x 2 table was constructed with lameness score >2 as the positive risk factor and either performance greater than the endpoint mean or being culled as the positive disease or condition. Positive and negative predictive values, relative risk, Chisquare statistic and regression analysis were used to evaluate the data. The positive predictive values for days to first service, days open, breeding herd days, services per pregnancy and being culled were 58, 68, 65, 39 and 35%, respectively. Similarly, the negative predictive values were 79, 96, 100, 96 and lOO%, respectively. Except for one reproductive endpoint, the total number of services, all linear regressions were significant at P 2 predicted that a cow would have extended intervals from calving to first service and to conception, spend or be assigned to (explained herein) more total days in the breeding herd, require more services per pregnancy and be 8.4 times more likely to be culled. We believe that this lameness scoring system effectively identifies lame cows. Observation of the arched-back posture in a standing cow (>LS 3) should trigger corrective interventions. 0 1997 by Elsevier Science Inc
Association between nurse-physician collaboration and patient outcomes in three intensive care units.

Objective:To investigate the association of collaboration between intensive care unit (ICU) physicians and nurses and patient outcome.Design:Prospective, descriptive, correlational study using self-report instruments.Settings:A community teaching hospital medical ICU, a university teaching hospital
Use of species richness estimators improves evaluation of understory plant response to logging: a study of redwood forests

The recovery of native understory plant communities after timber harvest has received a great amount of attention worldwide. However, most of these studies have ignored the potentially significant effects that differences in habitat across forest development may have on the species–area relationship, even though sampling efficacy among forest developmental stages may differ markedly as a result of equal sampling within stages. We examined vascular plant community structure in coastal redwood forests of northern California (USA) in forest patches in each of four forest stages that develop with forest age: Initiation, Closure, Mature, and Old-growth. We also used a set of traditional and novel approaches to assess sampling efficacy and guide our sampling design. We initially sampled 75 circular plots (0.04 ha) in stands within each forest stage across a 1,347 km2 area. The species–area relationship suggested we had adequately sampled all stages after the first season of data collection, but non-parametric richness estimators (Incidence-based Coverage Estimator or ICE) and Michaelis–Menten means (MMMeans) rarefaction curves, indicated inadequate sampling of the older stages. Thus, we added four more samples within the Old-growth forest stage, establishing a more equitable sample of all stages. Our full data set demonstrated significant differences between plant communities in previously harvested forests (‘managed’ = Initiation, Closure, and Mature) and ‘unmanaged’ forests (Old-growth). Though several understory species were present in all stages, a suite of Old-growth indicator and restricted species suggest that recovery of some species may take long periods in managed forests. Interestingly, a separate suite of common understory species were lacking in Old-growth, and species richness in this stage was lower than in the mature managed forests. We discuss how this departure from the prediction of peak richness in Old-growth may relate to fire suppression in Old-growth forests. Lastly, analysis of our initial, smaller sampling of plots suggested that Old-growth plots were the least species rich. However, additional sampling of the Old-growth stage demonstrated that Old-growth plots were as rich as Closure plots. This has important implications for all studies concerned with measuring recovery after forest disturbances; stage-dependent habitat-mediated differences that affect sampling efficacy may not be captured by traditional sampling methods.
Effective integration of soil chemistry and plant molecular biology in phytoremediation of metals: An overview

Phytoremediation of metals is being developed as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution for heavy-metal–contaminated sites. In recent years, major scientific strides have been taken in understanding the soil chemical and plant molecular-genetic mechanisms that drive metal hyperaccumulation in plants. Because hyperaccumulators are mostly low biomass and slow-growing plants, current research is focused mainly on designing transgenic plants that can overcome this deficiency. Added to the complexity of plant-metal interactions are influences of the environment, specific matrix factors that controls the chemical speciation of the metal, and interactions of other toxicants that may be present at the site. Extensive progress has been made in characterizing and modifying the soil chemistry of the contaminated sites to promote/accelerate metal phytoremediation. However, extensive field deployment of this technique on a large scale is still being hampered by a lack of specific understanding of the complex interactions between metal, soil, and plant systems that are instrumental in metal uptake, translocation, and storage in plants. A multidisciplinary research effort that integrates the work of plant biologists, soil chemists, microbiologists, and environmental engineers is essential for the success of phytoremediation as a viable soil cleanup technique in metal-contaminated sites. Rupali Datta is a research assistant professor at the University of Texas at San Antonio. Datta received her Ph.D. in life sciences from the University of Hyderabad in India and did her postdoctoral training in Niigata University, Japan, University of Florida, Gainesville, and University of Texas, San Antonio. Her research interest is in application of plant genetics and molecular biology to solve environmental remediation problems.Dibyendu Sarkar is an assistant professor and the director of the Environmental Geochemistry Laboratory at the University of Texas at San Antonio. Sarkar received his Ph.D. from the University of Tennessee and did his postdoc toral training at the University of Florida. His areas of expertise include soil chemistry, environmental quality and remediation, and risk assessment. Sarkar is also an associate editor of Environmental Geosciences .
A Comparative Study of How Experts and Novices Use a Decision Aid to Solve Problems in Complex Knowledge Domains

This paper reports the results of a study that examined the way that professionals used a particular decision aid, spreadsheet software, to address a business-oriented task. The professionals were divided into four groups, depending on whether they were experts or novices in the functional area of business represented by the task and on whether they were experts or novices in the use of spreadsheet software. The physical interactions as well as the thought processes underlying these interactions were captured. Results of the study indicated that a lack of expertise in spreadsheet software usage inhibited the application of functional area knowledge. The behavior and outcomes of the functional area expert/spreadsheet novice group did not match those of the functional area expert/spreadsheet expert group. In fact, they paralleled more closely those of the other two groups that did not possess functional area knowledge. Results of the study also indicated that individuals need to obtain a level of expertise in using a decision aid before they are able to apply their functional area knowledge to the problem at hand.
Shanghai Alleys, Theatrical Practice, and Cinematic Spectatorship: From Street Angel (1937) to Fifth Generation Film

This article argues that a certain type of Shanghai film of the Republican period, exemplified by 1937’s Street Angel (馬路天使, Malu tianshi), makes use of a specific mode of spatial organization, modelled on the theatre, to represent the urban environment. In the case of Street Angel, and later on in 1964’s Stage Sisters (舞台姐妹, Wutai jiemei), the interaction between performers and audiences characteristic of the Shanghai theatre experience serves as a crucial ground on which to base calls to political action. For a variety of related reasons, both the city of Shanghai and this mode of spatial organization so closely associated with it vanish from the big screen in the 1980s and 1990s, and begin to make a return only at the turn of the new century.
Load model parameter derivation using an automated algorithm and measured data

This paper summaries some of the key results achieved in the second phase of a multi-year collaborative load modeling research project. After having identified suitable types of load monitoring devices, actual field data for load model development and validation were collected at appropriate locations for several months to more than a year in three different utilities. This data was post-processed using an automated methodology to filter out events suitable for load model parameter estimation. Two load model structures were then used with an automated parameter estimation algorithm to fit model parameters using the field data collected. The models thus developed were then validated using Siemens PTI PSS/ETM dynamic simulation program. This whole process resulted in some key insights and valuable conclusions for future load modeling research efforts.
Seasonal refugia, shoreward thermal amplification, and metapopulation dynamics of the ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi in Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island

The lobate ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi occurs throughout Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island, during warm summer months but is often undetectable in the central portion of the bay during winter months. During 2 yr of weekly sampling, we found that M. leidyi populations in a shallow embayment, Greenwich Cove, either overwintered or were only briefly absent during winter. The Greenwich Cove population reproduced weeks earlier and reached higher average and peak population concentrations than open-bay populations. Shallow embayment populations such as that in Greenwich Cove probably serve as source populations that inoculate the main region of the bay by advective transport in the spring months. We propose that earlier occurrences of M. leidyi during recent years are due to amplification of pulsed spring warming events that permit early reproduction in the shallow embayments that serve as source regions for M. leidyi in Narragansett Bay. We further suggest that the source-sink perspective we describe is relevant not only to Narragansett Bay but other temperate regions of the world persistently occupied by M. leidyi.
Quality of alignment comparison by COMPASS improves with inclusion of diverse confident homologs

Motivation: Adding more distant homologs to a multiple alignment and thus increasing its diversity may eventually deteriorate the numerical profile constructed from this alignment. Here, we addressed the question whether such a diversity limit can be reached in the alignments of confident homologs found by PSI-BLAST, and we analyzed the dependence of the quality of the profile--profile comparison made by COMPASS on the sequence diversity within these alignments. Results: Protein families that have a greater number of diverse confident homologs in the current sequence databases provide an increased quality of similarity detection in profile databases, but produce on average less accurate profile--profile alignments with their remote relatives. This lower alignment accuracy cannot be improved when the most distant members of these families are excluded from their profiles. On the contrary, the presence of more diverse members results in more accurate alignments. For families with a high diversity of confident homologs, the lower quality of profile alignments with their remote relatives seems to be an attribute of these families or their alignments, rather than to be caused by the large number of diverse sequences itself. Our results suggest that at any level of profile diversity, one should include in the multiple alignment as many confident sequence homologs as possible in order to produce the most accurate results.
Comparative Toxicokinetics of Inhaled Methanol in the Female CD-1 Mouse and Sprague-Dawley Rat

Female CD-1 mice were exposed for 8 hr, both individually and in groups of eight to nine, to 2500, 5000, and 10,000 ppm methanol vapor in a flowthrough exposure chamber. The ventilation of individually exposed mice and the absorption of methanol from the chamber airstream were measured. The extraction of methanol from the airstream and the blood methanol concentration at various time points during and following exposure were determined for the group-exposed mice. The similarity of systemic kinetic parameters (volume of distribution; Michaelis-Menten elimination parameters, Vmax and KM) between inhalation exposure and iv and po routes of administration was verified. Total 8-hr ventilation decreased slightly with increasing exposure concentration. The fraction of inhaled methanol absorbed (0.85 +/- 0.14) did not vary statistically with exposure concentration. Measured ventilation, fractional absorption, and systemic kinetic parameters were combined in a semiphysiologic pharmacokinetic model that yielded accurate predictions of blood methanol concentrations during and after an 8-hr exposure. Model predictions for the mouse were compared to a previously developed inhalation toxicokinetic model for the rat. The comparison demonstrated that at similar methanol vapor concentrations, mice evidenced a two- to threefold higher blood methanol concentration than rats, despite the fact that the apparent Vmax for methanol elimination in the mouse is twofold larger than that in the rat. These data may have significant implications in understanding species differences in methanol-induced teratogenic effects.
Rough surface effects in parallel plate waveguide at gigahertz frequencies

We consider a parallel plate waveguide model excited by a line source to address the rough surface effect in an environment more directly applicable to package substrates and PCBs. The problem is solved by the finite element method (FEM). The FEM is applied to the region between the metal plates of the waveguide. The excitation line source is outside the numerical modeling region. Modal basis functions are used in the input plane and the numerical modeling area is discretized by the finite element method. Each modal basis function acts as the excitation source for the FEM model and yields linear algebraic equations that are solved by direct sparse symmetric matrix inversion. Convergence of the model is demonstrated by varying the realization number. The numerical model accuracy is validated by comparing the numerical simulation result and analytical result of smooth parallel plate waveguide structure. Numerical results are illustrated to show the power loss due to the rough surface as a function of the surface parameters RMS height and correlation length. Comparisons are made between the absorption enhancement factor obtained from the numerical FEM model and SPM result of the previous plane wave model and the waveguide model.
Impact of controlled plug-in EVs on microgrids: A military microgrid example

Increasing concerns about energy security and reliability are intensifying the interest in microgrid and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technologies. Although the role of V2G technology within the context of optimal scheduling for larger grids has received much attention in the literature, its role within the regulation of microgrids has not yet been studied extensively. In this paper, we focus on the voltage and frequency regulation problem. We develop a microgrid model that is representative of the microgrid architecture considered in the SPIDERS (Smart Power Infrastructure Demonstration for Energy Reliability and Security) project of the Department of Defense. The model is parameterized to reflect the characteristics of Camp Smith, HI, the targeted installation of the SPIDERS project, and the long term Army goals regarding renewable energy penetration and reduction in fuel consumption. The model is augmented by power, frequency, and voltage control algorithms for the inverters that connect microsources to the microgrid. It also incorporates charging/discharging control algorithms for plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) to take advantage of their capacity as both controllable loads and sources. Using this model, we study the impact of PEVs on the microgrid at different penetration levels and for different control parameters, with the aim of identifying the conditions needed for the vehicle-to-grid technology to have a positive impact on microgrid performance.
THE EFFECTS OF A JH MIMIC AND CAUTERIZATION OF THE CORPUS ALLATUM COMPLEX ON THE MALE ACCESSORY GLANDS OF AEDES AEGYPTI (DIPTERA: CULICIDAE)

Juvenile hormone, the secretion of the corpus allatum, apparently controls the secretory process of the male accessory glands of the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti. Topical application of a juvenile hormone mimic induces precocious and enhanced secretion. The treatment with the JH mimic not only increases the potency of males to inseminate more numbers of females, but also stimulates secretion in fully depleted glands of A. aegypti which under normal conditions do not renew the secretory process. Males whose accessory glands are depleted due to multiple matings and later treated with the mimic also inseminate. Cauterization of the corpus allatum complex has prevented the secretory function in the glands.
Complications of pyloromyotomy for infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis.

Background Few references exist regarding contemporary complications of pyloromyotomy (PM) for infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IMPS). Therefore, we reviewed the frequency and outcome of patients with IMPS who developed complications from PM. Method A 25-year retrospective review was performed in two populations. The first group included all infants who had a PM for IHPS at two pediatric surgery centers. The second group included all infants referred from other institutions who developed complications following PM for IHPS. Results Between 1969 and 1994, 901 PMs were performed. Intraoperative complications occurred in 40 patients (4%), including 39 duodenal perforations and 1 difficult intubation requiring prolonged ventilation. No unrecognized duodenal perforations or incomplete PMs were found. Postoperative complications developed in 52 patients (6%). The wound infection rate was less than 1%. Postoperative vomiting occurred in 31 infants (3%). The mortality rate was 0.1%, with 1 death due to sepsis from delayed diagnosis of Hirschsprung's disease. During the same study period, 11 patients were referred from other hospitals for postoperative complications. Five had persistent vomiting treated successfully with expectant management. Six infants needed reoperation: 3 for persistent IHPS, 1 for gastric outlet obstruction, and 1 for small bowel obstruction secondary to adhesions; 1 required wound abscess drainage. Conclusion Pyloromyotomy is not without complications. Duodenal perforation should be infrequent, but when it occurs, it can usually be readily recognized and treated with minimal morbidity. Postoperative vomiting can be managed nonoperatively, but if it persists longer than 5 days, radiologic evaluation should be performed. Incomplete PM is uncommon and should not occur. A second myotomy is needed when the diagnosis of incomplete myotomy is established. A single standard of care should be expected of all surgeons who perform PM for IHPS.
Nascent Leadership Behaviors.

This paper is a compendium of leadership behaviors that emerging or aspirant leaders could choose to enhance their management and leadership skills. These behaviors were drawn directly from the experience of the authors, both of whom have held senior leadership and management positions in business, law, and higher education. This paper is an outgrowth of more than a decade of experience in teaching leadership in graduate MBA programs and in undergraduate business policy and strategy capstone courses. MBA programs typically have a dedicated course on leadership and undergraduate capstone courses focus on leadership, business policy and strategy. Normally course material is presented through case studies, readings and lectures on leadership and leadership theory. Most, although not all, students have limited or no management experience and they hope to advance their management and leadership skills which they believe should in turn result in their career success. During our years of teaching leadership, many students asked the authors about specific leadership actions they could utilize in their nascent business careers. The material presented in this paper is oriented towards practical and actionable steps that the aspiring leader can decide to apply with the caveat that common sense and sensitivity to the individual circumstances will vary greatly. However, sooner or later the right time to distinguish oneself will surely occur and that the behaviors presented in this paper can be of value to entry and junior level managers.
There's no such thing as gaining a pound: reconsidering the bathroom scale user interface

The weight scale is perhaps the most ubiquitous health sensor of all and is important to many health and lifestyle decisions, but its fundamental interface--a single numerical estimate of a person's current weight--has remained largely unchanged for 100 years. An opportunity exists to impact public health by re-considering this pervasive interface. Toward that end, we investigated the correspondence between consumers' perceptions of weight data and the realities of weight fluctuation. Through an analysis of online product reviews, a journaling study on weight fluctuations, expert interviews, and a large-scale survey of scale users, we found that consumers' perception of weight scale behavior is often disconnected from scales' capabilities and from clinical relevance, and that accurate understanding of weight fluctuation is associated with greater trust in the scale itself. We propose significant changes to how weight data should be presented and discuss broader implications for the design of other ubiquitous health sensing devices.
Identification and air-fuel ratio control of a spark ignition engine

Accurate control of the air-fuel ratio in a spark-ignition engine is critical to satisfying future federal and California emissions regulations. The goal of this research is to explore the use of adaptive control as a means of precisely controlling the air-fuel ratio. A control-oriented, physics-based engine model, in which the sampling rate is based on crank-angle instead of time, has been utilized to construct a feedforward/feedback control scheme to regulate air-fuel ratio. The derived control law, however, requires the values of time constants, delay times, and other model parameters that must be experimentally determined. Since these parameters can possibly change over time, a method for estimating them online is preferred. A nonlinear least squares identification technique is used to accurately determine the model parameters using normal engine operating data. These parameter values are then employed in an estimator based controller to demonstrate cycle-to-cycle air-fuel ratio regulation on a single-cylinder laboratory engine (CFR) during various throttle transients. >
A neural network model of object segmentation and feature binding in visual cortex

The authors present neural network simulations of how the visual cortex may segment objects and bind attributes based on depth-from-occlusion. They briefly discuss one particular subprocess in the occlusion-based model most relevant to segmentation and binding: determination of the direction of figure. They propose that the model allows addressing a central issue in object recognition: how the visual system defines an object. In addition, the model was tested on illusory stimuli, with the network's response indicating the existence of robust psychophysical properties in the system. >
Properties of initiator-associated transcription mediated by GAL4-VP16.

Abstract Transcription associated with a terminal deoxynucleotide transferase gene initiator element is shown to respond to the transcription factor GAL4-VP16 both in vivo and in vitro. High-level transcription requires both an intact initiator element and bound activator. Transcription from this initiator-directed promoter is synergistic in vivo in that five GAL4 DNA binding sites yield 36 times the expression of a single site. Promoters dominated by initiator and TATA elements respond similarly to several GAL4-based activators, including GAL4-Sp1, GAL4-CTF, GAL4(1-147), GAL4-p53, GAL4-C/EBP, and GAL4-ER(EF), as well as GAL4-VP16 and Sp1. These and other similarities suggest that primary activation of TATA- and initiator-dominated promoters occurs at common steps. Since the initial assembly steps do not appear to be common for the two promoter types, the results place interesting constraints on models for how activation occurs.
Optimal echo-time selection for MRSI acquisition

Long acquisition time is one of the major challenges of magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI). Patient discomfort, motion artifacts and cost will increase when the acquisition time lengthens. In order to accelerate the data collecting process, we propose to apply sequential backward selection (SBS) to optimal echo-time selection and then use these selected echo-time values in echo-planar imaging (EPI) acquisition. For multi-echo EPI, our method allows multiple echo-time values to be selected simultaneously. As a result, in each excitation, multiple k-space frames can be acquired and the acquisition time reduces further. Phantom experiments demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed method. We compare the reconstructed spatial and spectral results from this new technique, standard MRSI, equal echo-time selection and random echo-time selection. Comparisons show that the proposed method can achieve similar results to standard MRSI while greatly reducing the data quantity requirements.