cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of High-Rate Cycling on the Bulk Internal Pressure Rise and Capacity Degradation of Commercial LiCoO2 Cells

Commercial lithium-ion cells with the same LiCoO2/graphite electrodes were cycled at high-rate discharge, high-rate charge, and both high-rate charge and discharge until the capacity reached 60%. Periodic baseline characterization tests were performed including internal pressure, discharge capacity, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). A paralinear behavior with an early parabolic dependence on the square root of the cycle number, followed by a transition into a linear dependence on cycle number was seen in both the pressure rise and capacity fade in all three conditions. A direct correlation indicating a very strong, statistically significant relationship between the two variables was identified in all the cells tested. CO, CO2 ,C H4 ,C 2H6 ,a nd C3H8 were identified with post cycling gas-chromatography analysis indicating reactions with trace impurities and a reduction of the electrolyte. SEM analysis identified an excessive passivation layer on the surface of the anode presumably due to the reduction of electrolyte at the anode surface, while the cathode demonstrated no significant change with cycling. EIS analysis indicated an minimal change in RCT in the early stages, however the low frequency semicircle underwent considerable change due to a stronger contribution of the
The role of tall and medium Spartina alterniflora Zones in the processing of nutrients in tidal water

Abstract A nitrogen and phosphorus nutrient exchange study was conducted on a vegetated mesohaline marsh in the Carters Creek area, Virginia. The low marsh, dominated by tall Spartina alterniflora removed NH 4 + , NO 3 − , PO 4 3− , dissolved organic nitrogen, dissolved organic phosphorus, particulate nitrogen, and particulate phosphorus from the tidal water as it traversed this zone on an annual basis, while all the nitrogen and phosphorus species were removed from the tidal water inundating the high marsh (medium S. alterniflora). Nitrite was the only nutrient which was released into the tidal water on an annual basis, this occurring in the low marsh during the fall. The low marsh functioned differently from the high marsh in that (1) most of the nitrogen and phosphorus was removed from the tidal water as it resided on the low marsh (areal basis), and (2) seasonal changes in flux direction for NH 4 + , DON, DOP, and PN were observed. The nutrients removed from the tidal water can potentially supply all of the nitrogen and phosphorus required for plant production in the low marsh and between 30 and 105 percent of the nitrogen and 60–70 percent of the phosphorous needed by the high marsh.
Coexisting densities and vapor pressures of refrigerants R-22, R-134a, and R-124 at 300–395 K

Abstract The results of the investigation are presented in two parts. Part I, given in this paper, presents the experimentally measured coexisting densities and vapor pressures for the refrigerants R-22 (chlorodifluoromethane), R-134a (1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane), and R-124 (1-chloro-1,2,2,2-tetrafluoroethane) from 300 K to near their respective critical points. In addition, compressed liquid and supercritical densities were measured for R-22 and compared to literature values. The compressed R-22 densities agreed within experimental error with those of Kohlen et al. (Kohlen R., Kratzke, H. and Muller, S., 1985. Thermodynamic properties of saturated and compressed liquid difluorochloromethane. J. Chem. Thermodyn., 17: 1141-1151). Considerable discrepancies were found in the literature for R-134a and R-124 coexisting densities and vapor pressures. For both R-134a and the R-124, at least one set of data from the literature agreed with our results. The analysis of the measurements to determine critical densities which are internally consistent with our experimental measurements is presented as Part II (Van Poolen, L.J., Niesen, V.G., Holcomb, C.D. and Outcalt, S.L., 1994. Critical densities from coexisting density data: application to refrigerants R-22, R-134a, and R-124. Fluid Phase Equilibria, in press) in a separate paper.
Digital Processing Of Images In Speckle Noise

Abstract Digital filtering techniques for speckle reduction are studied using several conventional filters and homomorphic filters. It is shown that homomorphic filtering has higher resolu­ tion than straightforward linear filtering. Among the several filters considered, the homo­ morphic Wiener filter is found to yield the best results. Examples and possible extensions of these results are discussed.IntroductionIn an earlier study, a digital model of fully developed speckle was implemented and verified by comparing optical and digital speckle images. The model was also used to obtain detection probabilities of targets imaged in the presence of speckle . 3'4 For an object with intensity u(x,y), its image in the presence of speckle is given byv(x,y) = u(x,y) s(x,y) (1)where s(x,y) represents the speckle intensity. For each x,y, the speckle noise s(x,y) is a random variable with a single sided (s > 0) exponential probability density. For sampled images, if the sampling distance is equal to the correlation distance of the speckle, then x and y can be assumed to take integer values on a rectangular grid and s(x,y) is a spatially uncorrelated random field on this grid. Often, several "independent looks" of the object can be obtained and we havevR(x,y) = u(x,y) sR(x,y), K = 1,..., N (2)re s^(x,y) is the Kindependent exponen that the N-look averagewhere K sample function of the speckle random field. Since {s«.;K = lf. .., N} are exponentially distributed random variables, it is a simple matter to showi l~i N= - I
Access control of bursty voice traffic in ATM networks

Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) Broadband Networks are expected to provide a large number of services and applications. A predominant service will be the support of multimedia traffic applications that integrate different types of traffic (e.g., video, voice and data) over the same connection. The heterogeneous traffic-types differ, widely, not only in their individual bit-rates but also in their corresponding correlations and burstiness parameters. Access flow control algorithms are required to enforce and maintain a specific QOS for each type of traffic. In this paper, we present an effective access flow control algorithm that can be applied at the user to network interface (UNI). The scheme is based upon a preventive control principle and uses a control signal, that is function of the buffer occupancy level, to control the source coder sampling rate. The scheme avoids congestion and enhances the statistical multiplexing gain, consequently providing a higher bandwidth utilization for each QOS. We provide a performance analysis study, supported by simulations, of the access node multiplexer. We studied the resulting Quasi Birth Death queueing process, with state dependant arrivals, using matrix-geometric techniques, and found that both MMPP/Er/1/K and the Poisson Process approximations provided very close results for an ATM multiplexer with small buffer size and access control.
Linac scalpel radiosurgery at the university of florida

Abstract Optimal implementation of stereotactic radiosurgery requires multidisciplinary input from neurosurgeons, radiation oncologists, and physicists. Clinical processes of most importance to the physics staff include stereotactic imaging, treatment planning, and radiation delivery. Careful attention to each of these details helps to ensure the quality of the overall process. Here we provide a practical review of the clinical processes involved in linac scalpel radiosurgery. The linac scalpel system is a linear-accelerator-based radiosurgery system that was developed at the University of Florida. It has been used at the University of Florida to treat more than 1000 patients since 1988. The aim of the linac scalpel system is to minimize all possible uncertainties in imaging and treatment delivery. Once these errors are minimized, truly conformal treatment plans can be generated and delivered with confidence, allowing clinicians to focus solely on the patient’s problem. By following practical examples of this well established system, many pitfalls in the clinical process can be avoided.
Analysis of growth and yield of inbred and crossbred maize

SUMMARY In experiments with young widely spaced plants grown in sand culture, net assimilation rate (E) of two single-cross hybrids, N x S and W x M, was respectively > 20% and 13–19% greater than that of their parental inbreds, N and S, and W and M. Relative growth rate (R) of W x M exceeded that of W or M, and R of N x S exceeded that of S, but not that of N because leaf area ratio (F) of this inbred was greater than that of N x S. E of N x S was about 10% greater than that of an open-pollinated variety, OP. When the size of plants of N x S was varied by sowing seeds of different sizes, E was little affected but R increased as plant size decreased, because F increased with decrease in plant size. In a field experiment total dry weights at final harvest of N, S and OP were respectively 66, 46 and 98% of that of N x S; their respective grain weights were 47, 20 and 70% of that of N x S. N, S and OP flowered later than N x S and accumulated respectively 56, 26 and 89% as much dry matter after flowering as N x S. Grain formed 71, 65, 83 and 65% of the dry matter accumulated after flowering in N, S, N x S and OP, respectively. Up to about the time of flowering, E and R of the relatively small N and S plants were greater than those of N x S plants, but later E of N and S was smaller than that of N x S. Before flowering, when leaf area of OP was less than that of N x S, E was greater in OP than in N x S. After flowering leaf area was greater, and E smaller, in OP than in N x S.
Multiple Metabolic Hits Converge on CD36 as Novel Mediator of Tubular Epithelial Apoptosis in Diabetic Nephropathy

Background Diabetic nephropathy (DNP) is a common complication of type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus and the most common cause of kidney failure. While DNP manifests with albuminuria and diabetic glomerulopathy, its progression correlates best with tubular epithelial degeneration (TED) and interstitial fibrosis. However, mechanisms leading to TED in DNP remain poorly understood. Methods and Findings We found that expression of scavenger receptor CD36 coincided with proximal tubular epithelial cell (PTEC) apoptosis and TED specifically in human DNP. High glucose stimulated cell surface expression of CD36 in PTECs. CD36 expression was necessary and sufficient to mediate PTEC apoptosis induced by glycated albumins (AGE-BSA and CML-BSA) and free fatty acid palmitate through sequential activation of src kinase, and proapoptotic p38 MAPK and caspase 3. In contrast, paucity of expression of CD36 in PTECs in diabetic mice with diabetic glomerulopathy was associated with normal tubular epithelium and the absence of tubular apoptosis. Mouse PTECs lacked CD36 and were resistant to AGE-BSA-induced apoptosis. Recombinant expression of CD36 in mouse PTECs conferred susceptibility to AGE-BSA-induced apoptosis. Conclusion Our findings suggest a novel role for CD36 as an essential mediator of proximal tubular apoptosis in human DNP. Because CD36 expression was induced by glucose in PTECs, and because increased CD36 mediated AGE-BSA-, CML-BSA-, and palmitate-induced PTEC apoptosis, we propose a two-step metabolic hit model for TED, a hallmark of progression in DNP.
Extraretinal photoreception during the gonadal photorefractory period in the golden-crowned sparrow

Extraretinal photoreception is involved in the perception of light used to measure photoperiodic time during the initiation of gonadal growth in a number of birds. Evidence is presented which demonstrates that extraretinal photoreceptors are also involved in measuring photoperiodic time during the gonadal photorefractory period in the goldencrowned sparrow (Fig. 3). Untreated sparrows were able to terminate the refractory condition while being exposed to long dim days (16DL:8D; DL=0.2 lux). However, birds which had their head feathers clipped to allow more light to penetrate through to the brain were maintained in the refractory state under the same lighting conditions. These results demonstrate that extraretinal photoreception is involved in the maintenance of photorefractoriness in birds.
General Radial Diffusion Model for Heterogeneous Sorbents

Sorption kinetics modeling can be improved by accounting for sorbent heterogeneity. This paper demonstrates how heterogeneity can be accommodated with a composite sorbent particle whose shape is described by a general radial geometry. Batch experiments involving sorption and desorption of anthracene from paraffin spheres are used to test the model. The performance of the model is also demonstrated with simulations based on Borden soil. Experiments and modeling demonstrated that sorption by a heterogeneous mix of sorbent particle sizes can be predicted better using a general composite radial geometry than as an equivalent sphere geometry. However, predicting the composite geometry (shape factor and radius) from sorption rate data is difficult due to the nonuniqueness of sorption rate curves that evolve from higher shape factor geometries. Use of models such as ours that better describe sorption sites at long diffusion path lengths may improve predictions when slow, long-term desorption is an important factor.
In vitro/in vivo comparison of yolk-sac function and embryo development

The yolk-sac function and development of rat embryos grown in vitro for 24 hr, starting on day 10.5, were compared with those of embryos grown in utero. The embryos grown in vitro had significantly fewer somites, shorter crown-rump length and smaller yolk-sac diameter when compared with the embryos grown in vivo but all values were within the normal range for this stage of gestation. Head length was not significantly different between the two groups. The cellular and nuclear volumes (Coulter counter) of nucleated yolk-sac red blood cells did not differ significantly between the two groups. RBC cell-cycle analyses by flow cytometry did not reveal any difference between in vitro and in vivo embryos. The clinical chemistries of embryo-yolk-sac homogenates were compared. Protein, triglyceride, lactate dehydrogenase, cholesterol, urea nitrogen and glutamic-oxalacetic transaminase concentrations did not differ significantly between the two groups. The in vitro embryos had significantly lower gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and sorbitol dehydrogenase activities. GGT activity is almost entirely in the yolk sac in the day 10.5 conceptus. alpha-Foetoprotein is synthesized by the yolk sac at this stage of development and was significantly lower in the in vitro embryos. Transferrin is transported across the yolk sac to the embryo and was significantly higher in the in vitro embryos. These data indicate that impaired yolk-sac function could, in part, be responsible for the developmental delays and the short survival times of cultured embryos.
“Gāndhārī Hybrid Sanskrit”: New Sources for the Study of the Sanskritization of Buddhist Literature

L'A. examine le phenomene de sanskritisation conduisant a la formation du sanskrit hybride bouddhique dans les regions ou la langue orale la plus repandue etait le prakrit gāndhārī (plutot qu'un dialecte de l'indo-aryen moyen) et ou la langue ecrite la plus repandue etait le kharosthī (plutot que le brāhmī). Le degre de sanskritisation est tres important par exemple dans certains fragments kharosthī schoyen
Theory of polycrystalline silicon solar cells - Effect of reduction in grain boundary recombination states

Abstract The theory of polycrystalline solar cells is extended by introducing effects due to the reduction in grain boundary states. The calculations show that a large improvement in efficiency can be attained either by increasing the grain size or by passivating the grain boundary states to reduce the number of recombination centers.
On the 4-H study of positive youth development

The research reported in this issue advances our understanding of the multiple interactive influences on young people’s development. The study invokes Relational Developmental Systems Theory to show, among other findings, how the impact of out-of-school time depends on the number and range of different types of activities young people engage in. The study also demonstrates that developmental assets (the 5 Cs) can co-exist with problem behavior, an important contribution to the positive youth development perspective. Readers will also find in these articles diverse strategies of data analysis and exemplars of research that informs practice as well as theory.
A Theory−Experiment Conundrum for Proton Transfer

For the past 60 years, the framework for understanding the kinetic behavior of proton transfer has been transition state theory. Found throughout textbooks, this theory, along with the Bell tunneling correction, serves as the standard model for the analysis of proton/hydrogen atom/hydride transfer. In comparison, a different theoretical model has recently emerged, one which proposes that the transition state occurs within the solvent coordinate, not the proton transfer coordinate, and proton transfer proceeds either adiabatically or nonadiabatically toward product formation. This Account discusses the central tenets of the new theoretical model of proton transfer, contrasts these with the standard transition state model, and presents a discrepancy that has arisen between our experimental studies on a nonadiabatic system and the current understanding of proton transfer. Transition state theory posits that in the proton transfer coordinate, the proton must surmount an electronic barrier prior to the formati...
Observer performance detecting signals in globally non-stationary oriented noise

Most of the studies on signal detection task for medical images have used backgrounds that are or assumed to be statistically stationary. However, medical images usually present statistically non-stationary properties. Fewer studies have addressed how humans detect signals in non-stationary backgrounds. In particular, it is unknown whether humans can adapt their strategy to different local statistical properties in non-stationary backgrounds. In this paper, we measured human performance detecting a signal embedded in statistically non-stationary noise and in statistically stationary noise. Test images were designed so that performance of model observers that assumed statistically stationary and made no use of differences in local statistics would be constant across both conditions. In contrast, performance of an ideal model observer that uses local statistics is about 140% higher with the non-stationary backgrounds than the stationary ones. Human performance was 30% higher in the non-stationary backgrounds. We conclude that humans can adapt their strategy to the local statistical properties of non-stationary backgrounds (although suboptimally compared to the ideal observer) and that model observers that derive their templates based on stationary assumptions might be inadequate to predict human performance in some non-stationary backgrounds.
Use of continuous retropleural bupivacaine in postoperative pain management for pediatric thoracotomy

Abstract Background/Purpose : The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of a continuous bupivacaine infusion into the retropleural space as an adjunct for postoperative pain management in pediatric thoracotomy. Methods : A retrospective chart review was performed on 13 pediatric patients undergoing thoracotomy over a 3-year period (April 1995 through July 1997). In seven patients, insertion of a retropleural catheter was accomplished before closure of the thoracotomy by placing an epidural catheter posterior to the parietal pleura. This potential space was entered two intercostal levels below the incision and advanced superiorly four intercostal spaces. Bupivacaine (0.125% or 0.25%) was infused at 0.5 mL/kg/h. Postoperative intravenous narcotic requirement was compared between the study population (n = 7) and the control population (n = 6). Statistical analysis was conducted using the "separate" Student's t test. Results: Thirteen pediatric patients (age range, 7 to 18 years) were evaluated for total morphine use after thoracotomy. Seven patients had anterior spinal release and fusion, whereas five had mediastinal operations, and one patient had a lobectomy. The two groups were comparable in age, weight, and type of operation. Infusion through the retropleural catheter continued for an average of 3.8 days (range, 3 to 6 days). The total mean postoperative morphine requirement was 2.32 mg/kg (0.544 mg/kg/day) in the control population and 0.88 mg/kg (0.204 mg/kg/day) for the patients with a retropleural catheter ( P Conclusion : A continuous infusion of bupivacaine through a unique retropleural technique decreases the postoperative need for morphine in postoperative pediatric thoracotomy patients.
An Optimal Control Theory for Discrete Event Systems

In certain discrete event applications it may be desirable to find a particular controller, within the set of acceptable controllers, which optimizes some quantitative performance measure. In this paper we propose a theory of optimal control to meet such design requirements for deterministic systems. The discrete event system (DES) is modeled by a formal language. Event and cost functions are defined which induce costs on controlled system behavior. The event costs associated with the system behavior can be reduced, in general, only by increasing the control costs. Thus it is nontrivial to find the optimal amount of control to use, and the formulation captures the fundamental tradeoff motivating classical optimal control. Results on the existence of minimally restrictive optimal solutions are presented. Communication protocols are analyzed to motivate the formulation and demonstrate optimal controller synthesis. Algorithms for the computation of optimal controllers are developed for the special case of DES modeled by regular languages. It is shown that this framework generalizes some of the existing literature.
A Similarity Model of Subfilter-Scale Energy for Large-Eddy Simulations of the Atmospheric Boundary Layer

A scale-similarity model to estimate the subfilter-scale energy using the trace of the Leonard stress tensor is proposed and evaluated for large-eddy simulations of the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL). The model is derived from a stability-dependent model of the energy spectrum in the ABL, which accounts for the effects of buoyancy and mean shear as a function of z/L, the Monin–Obukhov stability variable. An a priori test using ABL turbulence data demonstrates that the model has accurate performance for dimensionless filter widths of Δ/z = 2, 1, and 0.5 for stabilities of −1 ≤ z/L ≤ 0.5, and improves considerably upon a similar model that is derived using an infinite κ −5/3 spectrum. This improvement is especially significant in the first several grid points near the surface in large-eddy simulations of the ABL, where Δ/z is necessarily large. The modelling procedure is then extended to develop a similarity model for the subfilter-scale scalar variance; it is shown to have robust performance for temperature.
IDENTIFICATION OF GENERATIVE STRUCTURES IN EMPIRICAL DATA

Abstract A hierarchy of epistemological levels of systems is introduced. It consists of source systems, data systems, generative systems, structure systems, and various levels of metasystems. The problem of structure identification is described as follows: Given a neutral data system, identify the best representation of this system by a directed structure system whose elements are associated with subsets of variables of the data system, A procedure for solving the problem is described. It consists of generating meaningful structure candidates for a given data system, analyzing each of them on the basis of the given data and within the framework of an overall sampling mask, and comparing the results with the data. A partial ordering is introduced for the structure candidates. For each particular number of variables in the data system, the structure candidates together with the partial ordering form a lattice. The ordering in the lattice makes it possible to reach the best structure system by analyzing only...
Anomaly detection in a mobile communication network

Mobile communication networks produce massive amounts of data which may be useful in identifying the location of an emergency situation and the area it affects. We propose a one pass clustering algorithm for quickly identifying anomalous data points. We evaluate this algorithm's ability to detect outliers in a data set and describe how such an algorithm may be used as a component of an emergency response management system.
Evidence for a Paleoaquifer from Early Diagenetic Siderite of the Cardium Formation, Alberta, Canada

ABSTRACT The sedimentology and stratigraphy of the Cretaceous Cardium Formation are generally interpreted as indicating an offshore, shallow-marine shelf environment of deposition; however, geochemical and isotopic data suggest that porewater salinity varied widely during early diagenesis for much of the Cardium. In cases with little or no evidence of subaerial exposure of the sediments, this apparent conflict can be resolved by postulating infiltration of early meteoric water into these nearshore sediments behind a mobile mixing zone. Infiltration of meteoric water and movement of the interface may have been possible during any phase of basin formation, whether transgression, regression, or stillstand. Evidence for the presence of this paleoaquifer is found in data from the early-diagenetic s derite cements of the Raven River Allomember and Carrot Creek Member of the Cardium Formation.
A formula for incorporating weights into scoring rules

Abstract A “scoring rule” is an assignment of a value to every tuple (of varying sizes). This paper is concerned with the issue of how to modify a scoring rule to apply to the case where weights are assigned to the importance of each argument. We give an explicit formula for incorporating weights that can be applied no matter what the underlying scoring rule is. The formula is surprisingly simple, in that it involves far fewer terms than one might have guessed. It has three further desirable properties. The first desirable property is that when all of the weights are equal, then the result is obtained by simply using the underlying scoring rule. Intuitively, this says that when all of the weights are equal, then this is the same as considering the unweighted case. The second desirable property is that if a particular argument has zero weight, then that argument can be dropped without affecting the value of the result. The third desirable property is that the value of the result is a continuous function of the weights. We show that if these three desirable properties hold, then under one additional assumption (a type of local linearity), our formula gives the unique possible answer.
Loracarbef (LY163892) in the treatment of acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis: results of U.S. and European comparative clinical trials.

Two controlled clinical trials compared loracarbef (LY163892 with amoxicillin/clavulanate or amoxicillin in the treatment of acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis. Collectively, of 1,057 patients enrolled, 390 qualified for analysis: group 1 comprised 200 patients treated with loracarbef (400 mg twice daily); group 2, 120 patients treated with amoxicillin/clavulanate (500 mg three times daily); and group 3, 70 patients treated with amoxicillin (500 mg three times daily). Symptomatic and bacteriologic outcomes were assessed at post-therapy (within 72 hours of therapy completion), and at late-posttherapy (10-14 days after therapy completion). These evaluations were combined to provide an "overall" evaluation that accounted for all unfavorable outcomes occurring at either the posttherapy or late-posttherapy visit. At the posttherapy evaluation, 93.0% of group 1 patients, 95.0% of group 2 patients, and 88.6% of group 3 patients demonstrated favorable clinical outcomes (cure or improvement). "Overall" favorable clinical outcomes were achieved in 88.0% of group 1 patients, 90.0% of group 2 patients, and 81.4% of group 3 patients. Bacteriologic results from the two studies could not be merged due to marked differences in how posttherapy bacteriologic results were assessed. The clinical significance of positive posttherapy sputum cultures was doubtful: 90% of patients with a positive sputum culture at the posttherapy visit who returned for the late-posttherapy visit had successful clinical outcomes documented at the late-posttherapy evaluation. Loracarbef was associated with a lower incidence of diarrhea and a higher incidence of headache as compared with amoxicillin/clavulanate. These results suggest that 400 mg loracarbef twice daily for 7 days is effective and safe in the treatment of acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis.
The Politics of Memory: Remembering the Baltic Way 20 Years after 1989

Abstract On 23 August 1989, two million Balts joined hands in a human chain that stretched through Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. How has this phenomenon of solidarity against the Soviet regime and historical remembrance of the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact been narrated and commemorated in the 20 years that followed? This article highlights the memory and commemoration of the Baltic Way in Latvia and identifies agents and contesting narratives in memory politics. It introduces the concept of commemoration spectacle, a collective ritual untethered from the burdens of the past or ‘grand narratives’ of history, which subsumes struggles over memory beneath show and spectacle.
Studies of Hg ( 1-x ) Cd x Te Formation by Electrochemical Atomic Layer Deposition and Investigations into Bandgap Engineering

Films of Hg (1-x) Cd x Te (MCT) were grown using electrochemical atomic layer deposition, the electrochemical analog of atomic layer epitaxy, and atomic layer deposition (ALD). The present study describes the growth of MCT via electrochemical ALD, using an automated electrochemical flow cell deposition system. The system allows potential control and solution exchange as desired. Deposits were characterized using X-ray diffraction, electron probe microanalysis, and reflection absorption Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The as-deposited films showed strong (111) preferred orientation. No postdeposition annealing was required. Changes in deposit composition showed the expected trend in bandgaps: the more Hg the lower the bandgap, but with some significant deviations. Deposit composition was controlled using a superlattice deposition program. Hg 0.5 Cd 0.5 Te and Hg 0.8 Cd 0.2 Te deposits resulted in bandgaps of 0.70 and 0.36 eV, respectively. Electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance studies, using an automated flow cell, indicated that some deposited Cd was stripping at potentials used to deposit Hg. In addition, redox replacement of Cd for Hg was evident, a function of the greater stability of Hg than Cd.
A converse to the Oka principle over certain complex Banach manifolds

Abstract First Kajiwara then Leiterer gave geometric or cohomological criteria in the spirit of the Grauert–Oka principle for an open subset D of a Stein manifold M to be itself Stein. We give here criteria analogous to Leiterer's, e.g., for a relatively open subset D of a closed complex Hilbert submanifold M of separable Hilbert space to be itself biholomorphic to a closed complex Hilbert submanifold of separable Hilbert space.
The visual display of temporal information

The detection of temporal relationships among time-ordered patient data is an important, but difficult, clinical task. Large volumes of computer-stored clinical data offer the possibility of aiding in the early detection of subtle trends and states, but the presence of irrelevant data can obscure relevant findings and relationships. We present a formal system for representing complex temporal data as events on an abstract entity called a time line. We define five time line operations, SLICE, FILTER, OVERLAY, NEW, and ADD. For each operation, we precisely define the operator's effect on a time line, including exceptions and boundary conditions. In addition to our time line formalism, we describe an interactive environment designed specifically to help humans visualize temporal data. We have developed a database kernel and a graphical user interface that used our time line formalism and operations to support temporal manipulations. Using our formal system and our visualization environment, we describe two issues in the display and manipulation of temporal data: 1.1. the temporal granularity problem, and 2.2. the calendar mapping problem.
Phytotoxic concentrations of ozone on Nantucket Island: Long range transport from the middle Atlantic states over the open ocean confirmed by bioassay with ozone-sensitive tobacco plants

Abstract Significant photochemical air pollution occurring on Nantucket Island, Massachusetts, is associated only with the west-southwest wind trajectories, over the open ocean, from the New York through Washington, DC are. The generation of photochemical pollution appears to be influenced by cloud coverage between the primary emission source and Nantucket. This study utilised ozone-sensitive indicator plants of Bel-W3 tobacco, in conjuction with calibrated Mast oxidant meters, to demonstrate the long range transport of oxidant pollution (the oxidant probably being ozone).
Raman-active phonons in the high-temperature superconductors and results in Bi2Sr2CuO6.

We report Raman results from single crystals of the 10-K superconductor ${\mathrm{Bi}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Sr}}_{2}$Cu${\mathrm{O}}_{6}$, which has one Cu-O plane per primitive unit cell. All $4{A}_{1g}$ phonons are observed, and the spectrum is very similar to that of the two Cu-O plane phase ${\mathrm{Bi}}_{2}$Ca${\mathrm{Sr}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Cu}}_{2}$${\mathrm{O}}_{8}$. This similarity is correlated with the structures of these two materials. A general comparison of the Raman-active modes in all the high-${T}_{c}$ cuprate superconductors is given. This comparison highlights the similarities of the phonon spectra.
A quadtree multimicroprocessor architecture for robot vision systems

Abstract This paper presents an efficient hierarchical Qquadtree Architecture of Microprocessors (QAM), that could be used as a main part of a real-time robot vision system. The QAM architecture is a complete quad tree of microprocessors which accept in Z-adjacent parallel manner the parts of picture information. The QAM microprocessors integrate the accepted parts of picture information, and feed the abstracted results upwards in a progressively summarizing through to QAM hierarchy. Picture zooming and focusing operations could be implemented in the QAM architecture by performing partial picture sweeps over portions of the QAM hierarchy.
21-aminosteroid and 2-(aminomethyl)chromans inhibition of arachidonic acid-induced lipid peroxidation and permeability enhancement in bovine brain microvessel endothelial cell monolayers

Abstract Selected 21-aminosteroids (U74500A, U74006F, and U74389G) and a 2-(aminomethyl)chromans (U78517F) were tested for their efficacy in preventing arachidonate-induced lipid peroxidation and permeability alterations in brain microvessel endothelial cells (BMECs). The 21-aminosteroids and 2-(aminomethyl)chromans were effective in varying degrees in inhibiting (U74500A = U78517F > U74006F = U74389G) concentration- and time-dependent arachidonate-induced thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) production by BMECs. Arachidonate produced a corresponding concentration-dependent increase in BMEC monolayer permeability to the membrane impermeant marker, sucrose. Pretreatment of BMEC monolayers with either the 21-aminosteroids or the 2-(aminomethyl)chromans completely blocked the arachidonate-induced increase in permeability to sucrose. Our results demonstrated that these membrane-associating antioxidants were particularly effective in preventing both arachidonic acid-induced lipid peroxidation and permeability changes in BMEC monolayers. However, concentrations of some antioxidants that only partially inhibited TBARS production, completely inhibited the arachidonic acid-induced enhancement in BMEC monolayer permeability. Therefore, arachidonic acid-induced effects on BMEC permeability were likely due in part to both lipid peroxidation and direct or indirect effects of the fatty acid on membrane integrity. This study provides further support for the application of primary cultures of BMECs as a useful in vitro system to evalulate mechanisms through which mediators of disease or injury states compromise blood-brain barrier integrity.
Recurrent outbreaks of childhood diseases revisited: The impact of isolation

The recurrent outbreaks of measles and other childhood diseases have previously been explained by an interaction of intrinsic epidemiologic forces generating dampened oscillations and of seasonal and/or stochastic excitation. We show that isolation (i.e., sick individuals stay at home and have a reduced infective impact) can create self-sustained oscillations provided that the number of per capita contacts is largely independent of the number of individuals present. This means that the bilinear mass action term for disease incidence is modified by dividing it by the number of nonisolated individuals.
Renin Inhibition Attenuates Insulin Resistance, Oxidative Stress, and Pancreatic Remodeling in the Transgenic Ren2 Rat

Emerging evidence indicates that pancreatic tissue expresses all components of the renin-angiotensin system. However, the functional role is not well understood. This investigation examined renin inhibition on pancreas structure/function in the transgenic Ren2 rat harboring the mouse renin gene, a model of tissue renin overexpression. Renin is the rate-limiting step in the generation of angiotensin II (Ang II), which stimulates the generation of reactive oxygen species in a variety of tissues. Overexpression of renin in Ren2 rats results in hypertension, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular and renal damage. Young (6–7 wk old) insulin-resistant male Ren2 and age-matched insulin sensitive Sprague Dawley rats were treated with the renin inhibitor, aliskiren (50 mg/kg·d by ip injection), or placebo for 21 d. At 21 d, the Ren2 demonstrated insulin resistance with increased islet insulin, Ang II, and reduced total insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-1, IRS-2, and Akt immunostaining. There was increased islet ni...
Field Competitiveness of Sterile Boll Weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) Reared on Standard Diets Versus Diets Supplemented with Carotenoids

Addition of a vitamin A precursor, beta-carotene (160 mg/liter), to the standard diet used to mass-rear boll weevils, Anthonomus grandis grandis Boheman, resulted in a 1.5-fold increase in photic responsiveness of the compound eye to a 38,000 lux whitelight stimulus. However, neither the competitiveness of irradiated insects reared on standard diet or the beta-carotene-supplemented diet (71 and 77%, respectively) nor the LT50’s of the two groups (8.5 and 9.0 d, respectively) were significantly different. Irradiated weevils competed against a laboratory-reared native strain. Irradiated insects reared on the standard diet and then fed cotton squares had a progressive increase in photic responsiveness every 24 h to a level equal (after 72 h) to that of the carotenoid-supplemented group and a field collected group. Equivalent competitiveness and longevity of the two groups indicated that, under conditions that are similar to those used in our field test, the impaired vision of the weevils reared on standard diet was not an important factor in their competitiveness.
System validation via constraint modeling

Abstract : Currently, there are two major approaches to system validation: testing and code inspection. Each of these methods indirectly checks the correctness of a system by attempting to find faults in the system. It is advantageous to apply both methods to a system because the strength and weaknesses of the methods are complementary. Testing is good at finding failures in the usual operation of the system even if these failures are created by complex interactions between modules. Code inspection is good at finding local faults in single modules even if these faults only manifest themselves as failures in unusual situations. Constraint modeling could be an important third method of system validation. The essence of constraint modeling is the creation of a model that represents key aspects of the behavior of a system, while ignoring other aspects. Given the model, constraint propagation can be used to detect inconsistencies in the operation of the system. The advantage of constraint modeling as a means of system validation is that it is complementary to both testing and code inspection. In particular, constraint modeling can locate errors even if they are caused by non-local faults and manifest themselves as failures only in unusual situations. As a result, even though the ability of constraint modeling to find errors is limited both by the simplifications which are introduced when making the model and by the power of the constraint propagator available, constraint modeling has the potential for significantly increasing overall system reliability when used in conjunction with testing and code inspection.
Tests of eight rearing media for the mountain pine beetle, Dendroctonus ponderosae (Coleoptera: Scolytidae), from lodgepole pine.

Eight rearing media were tested for suitability for rearing the mountain pine beetle, Dendrocotonus ponderosae Hopkins, from lodgepole pine, Pinus contorta Douglas. The 2 media containing cellulose rather than lodgepole phloem were not successful. Two phloem-based media produced adults from 36.7 and 21.4% of the lststage larvae applied to them. Development time of the insects, size and condition of the adults, and ability of the adults to produce viable eggs when artificially infested in lodgepole pine log sections were studied. Wild adults mated on most media. Eggs were laid on 4 phloem-containing media but only 1 proved viable.
INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES IN SENSITIVITY TO NICOTINE: IMPLICATIONS FOR GENETIC RESEARCH ON NICOTINE DEPENDENCE

Recent evidence suggests that cigarette smoking has a heritability index around 53%. While related research on underlying mechanisms also supports the idea that genetic factors contribute to nicotine dependence--as well as to cofactors such as substance use and mood disorders--the nature of the behavioral traits and biological capacity for reinforcement that constitutes vulnerability to nicotine dependence is not well understood. The present review explores the problem of why some people become highly nicotine dependent, others develop a pattern of occasional use, and still others avoid the drug entirely despite extensive exposure and widespread experimentation with tobacco in the population. Recent research--both infrahuman and human--suggests that vulnerability to nicotine dependence is related to high initial sensitivity to nicotine and that the development of tolerance is more rapid and self-administration more extensive in such individuals. Relevant findings from neuroscience and biobehavioral research are reviewed in order to identify variables and methodologies that might improve the reliability and validity of behavioral and molecular genetic studies on cigarette smoking. The integration of research in these areas may lead to new insights in the understanding of nicotine dependence as well as to improved techniques for prevention and treatment.
Social Policy Implications of the Inability to Predict Violence

Much current social policy in the areas of mental health and criminal justice is based on the supposition that psychologists and psychiatrists can accurately predict those who will be physically violent to another. A review of the empirical literature, however, reveals that violence is vastly overpredicted, regardless of who is doing the predicting or how the predictions are made. This predictive inaccuracy has several immediate social policy implications: Indeterminate prison sentencing should be abolished, civil commitment and preventive detention should be substantially curtailed, and legal safeguards should be infused into early intervention programs. Language: en
Complexity measures and hierarchies for the evaluation of integers and polynomials

Abstract The complexity of evaluating integers and polynomials is studied. A new model is proposed for studying such complexities. This model differs from previous models by requiring the construction of constant to be used in the computation. This construction is given a cost which is dependent upon the size of the constant. Previous models used a uniform cost, of either 0 or 1, for operations involving constants. Using this model, proper hierarchies are shown to exist for both integers and polynomials with respect to evaluation cost. Furthmore, it is shown that almost all integers (polynomials) are as difficult to evaluate as the hardest integer (polynomial). These results remain true even if the underlying basis of binary operations which the algorithm performs are varied.
Outcome in Cadaveric Renal Transplant Recipients Treated with Cyclosporine A and Mycophenolate Mofetil versus Cyclosporine A and Azathioprine

Abstract Background. Recent multicenter reports have demonstrated improved outcome in recipients of cadaveric renal transplants treated with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) versus azathioprine (AZA) in combination with cyclosporine A (CSA) and prednisone. We compared the outcome at our center in patients treated with MMF versus AZA, CSA, and prednisone. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed 242 adult cadaveric renal transplant recipients treated between 11/91 and 5/97. We compared 25 donor variables and 27 recipient variables and outcome parameters between patients treated with MMF versus AZA. There were 117 patients treated with CSA+AZA, 84 with CSA+MMF, and 42 who received other immunosuppressive strategies. Results. There were no significant differences in any clinically important donor variables. Patients treated with MMF versus AZA and CSA had significantly fewer rejections and readmissions. There was no significant difference in 1- or 2-year patient survival. Recipients treated with MMF had a 5% higher graft survival at 2 years, although the difference did not reach statistical significance. Conclusions. Outcome is improved in adult recipients of cadaveric renal transplants treated with MMF versus AZA in combination with CSA and prednisone.
Fostering Civic Engagement by Building a Virtual City

This article focuses on the design and use of networked technologies to create learning environments to foster the civic engagement of youth. First, we briefly describe the Zora three-dimensional multiuser environment that engages children in the design of a graphical virtual city and its social organization. Anecdotal data are then used to help define different aspects of civic engagement, namely civic actions and civic discourse. Finally, we present descriptive results from a pilot study of young people using Zora in the context of a multicultural summer camp for youth. During this experience, children developed a virtual community that became a safe space for experimenting with decisionmaking, self-organization, and civic conversations, as well as for testing democratic values, behaviors, and attitudes. Using Zora as a case study, this article shows the potential of networked technologies to facilitate different aspects of young people’s civic development.