cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Morality of Autonomous Robots

Abstract While there are many issues to be raised in using lethal autonomous robotic weapons (beyond those of remotely operated drones), we argue that the most important question is: should the decision to take a human life be relinquished to a machine? This question is often overlooked in favor of technical questions of sensor capability, operational questions of chain of command, or legal questions of sovereign borders. We further argue that the answer must be ‘no’ and offer several reasons for banning autonomous robots. (1) Such a robot treats a human as an object, instead of as a person with inherent dignity. (2) A machine can only mimic moral actions, it cannot be moral. (3) A machine run by a program has no human emotions, no feelings about the seriousness of killing a human. (4) Using such a robot would be a violation of military honor. We therefore conclude that the use of an autonomous robot in lethal operations should be banned.
Testing and Grading Practices and Opinions of Secondary Teachers of Academic Subjects: Implications for Instruction in Measurement

What are secondary school teachers' views on testing and grading practices? What clusters of opinions can be categorized as ‘flexible,”“opposed to difficult testing,” or “hard-nosed?” How should the use of test results for grading be treated in teacher in-service training programs?
Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines — implications for community antibiotic prescribing

Infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the pediatric population worldwide. Development of increasing resistance to multiple classes of antibiotics is making treatment of infections caused by this organism much more difficult. In order to prevent disease, a 23-valent pneumococal polysaccharide vaccine is available. However, this vaccine is poorly immunogenic in infants and young children. The development and licensing of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines that are safe and effective in the pediatric population is an important step in our ability to decrease the prevalence of pneumococcal disease seen.
Using an online stock market simulation as a cross‐disciplinary learning enhancer: simulation as an example of grey literature

This article demonstrates how some nontraditional learning styles and use of software create a more successful learning environment. An online stock market simulation emphasizes the integration of the computer into academic curricula and can be used with different audiences to begin teaching about how the stock market functions with students as young as elementary school, effectively with secondary school students and definitely with undergraduate business students. The stock market simulation involves teams of students investing US$100,000 in “play” money into a portfolio of stocks that the students research and track and from which they make discretionary buy and sell decisions. Teachers have experienced many learning benefits by utilizing a stock market simulation. By working in small groups, team‐building skills are introduced. Through the research and tracking stage of stock selection, critical thinking and deductive reasoning skills are developed and a new curriculum is born that mirrors the reality of the stock market.
Ultrastructural relationships between terminals immunoreactive for enkephalin, GABA, or both transmitters in the rat ventral tegmental area

The ventral tegmental area (VTA) receives extensive afferent input from neurons containing the opioid peptide enkephalin (Enk) and/or GABA. We examined the ultrastructural basis for known functional interactions between these inhibitory neuromodulators using a combined immunoperoxidase and immunogold-silver technique. As visualized with either marker in single sections, Enk-immunolabeled terminals contained numerous small clear vesicles and one or more intensely immunoreactive dense-cored vesicles. Enk-labeled terminals formed either symmetric or asymmetric synapses on small or large unlabeled dendrites. The immunoreactive dense-cored vesicles were usually detected away from these sites of synaptic contact. Terminals singly immunoreactive for GABA, or dually labeled for Enk and GABA, showed similar morphological features but formed primarily symmetric axo-dendritic synapses. In many instances, GABA- and/or Enk-immunolabeled terminals were in direct apposition to each other and formed synapses on immediately adjacent parts of a common dendrite. Close appositions were also noted between GABA- and Enk-immunoreactive axons and varicosities that did not form synapses with either common or divergent dendrites in single sections. Immunoreactive dense-cored vesicles were frequently detected at the apposed plasmalemmal surfaces between these axon terminals. The findings suggest that Enk and GABA are released from the same or convergent terminals and co-regulate the activity of common target neurons within the rat VTA. The results are also consistent with potential presynaptic interactions between these transmitters.
How Activists Are Both Born and Made: An Analysis of Users on Change.org

E-petitioning has become one of the most important and popular forms of online activism. Although e-petition success is driven by user behavior, users have received relatively little study by HCI and social computing researchers. Drawing from theoretical and empirical work in analogous social computing systems, we identify two potentially competing theories about the trajectories of users in e-petition platforms: (1) "power" users in social computing systems are born, not made; and (2) users mature into "power" users. In a quantitative analysis of data from Change.org, one of the largest online e-petition platforms, we test and find support for both theories. A follow-up qualitative analysis shows that not only do users learn from their experience, systems also "learn" from users to make better recommendations. In this sense, we find that although power users are "born," they are also "made" through both processes of personal growth and improved support from the system.
Wavenumbers, strengths, and self-broadened widths of CO2 at 3 μm

Abstract Measurements of the line strengths of the 13 1 0-00 0 0 and 14 2 0−01 1 0 bands of CO 2 have been made with high resolution. The line strengths in both bands are strongly perturbed by Coriolis interactions resulting in the R -branch strengths being, on the average, greater than the P -branch strengths for comparable values of J ″. Measurements of the Q -branch strength of the 13 1 0-00 0 0 band were also made. The strength data were analyzed to determine the vibrational-band strengths and the coefficient, ξ, of the F factor. Line-center frequencies of the 14 2 0−01 1 0 band were measured and used to determine the band-center frequency and the rotational constants. From these data, the following constants were determined for the 14 2 0 state in cm −1 : ν 0 =3340.521±0.007 , B c =0.391433±0.000004 , B d =0.391450±0.000004 , D c =D d 14.8±0.2 × 10 −s . The direct method was applied to determine the self-broadened line widths in the 13 1 0-00 0 0 band. There is good agreement between this work and the linewidth values given by Yamamoto, Tanaka, and Aoki.
HIGHWAY MAINTENANCE MARGINAL COSTS: WHAT IF THE FOURTH POWER ASSUMPTION IS NOT VALID? *

Highway maintenance marginal costs have been estimated in the literature using the perpetual overlay indirect approach. This approach uses the equivalent single axle load (ESAL) as the unit for traffic loading, which implies that pavement deterioration caused by an axle is proportional to the fourth power of the axle weight. This paper answers the following question: how inaccurate are maintenance marginal cost estimates when a highway agency uses ESAL? We find that the inappropriate use of ESAL does not affect the sum of maintenance marginal cost prices paid by all vehicles (at current equilibrium); however, it impacts distribution among vehicles, which reduces equity and efficiency.
Investigating validity and effectiveness of cognitive interviewing as a pretesting method for non-English questionnaires: Findings from Korean cognitive interviews

This study aims to empirically investigate whether cognitive interviewing is effective as a pretesting method for detecting problems in translated survey questionnaires as in the English language source questionnaire. The validity of non-English cognitive interviews is of concern among researchers because the cognitive interviewing technique was developed based on the communicative norms of Western cultures where directness and openness in expressing one’s opinion is encouraged. However, different communicative norms are present in Asian languages and cultures. To date, little research has been conducted on this topic. Using qualitative and quantitative analysis, we compared survey question problems identified through the cognitive interviews conducted in English and in Korean and found that Korean cognitive interviewing was indeed effective for detecting problematic survey questions.
Adjoint sensitivity analysis for a three-dimensional photochemical model: application to Southern California.

An adjoint method was used to investigate the sensitivity of peak ozone at selected sites in Southern California to nearly 900 model inputs including surface emissions, reaction rate coefficients, dry deposition velocities, boundary conditions, and initial conditions. Simulations showed large changes in ozone and ozone sensitivities at three sites investigated between summers 1987 and 1997 due to emission reductions. However, only small changes in ozone and ozone sensitivities were predicted between 1997 and 2010. Sensitivities of the differences in ozone between simulations with different emission scenarios were calculated and compared to sensitivities of ozone in each simulation. In some cases, the sensitivities of ozone differences were smaller than those of ozone itself, but in other cases, such as when the sensitivity to NOx emissions changed sign, sensitivities of differences were larger. The adjoint method was most useful for determining when and where model inputs affect, or have the potential to ...
EFFECT OF NEURAMINIDASE ANTIBODY ON HONG KONG INFLUENZA

Abstract The relation between antineuraminidase antibody (A.N.) and natural influenza infection in 1968 was investigated in the community of Tecumseh, Michigan. The outbreak was caused by Hong Kong influenza virus, which contained a new haemagglutinin antigen (H 3 ), while the neuraminidase antigen (N 2 ) was more closely related to that of Asian viruses circulating since 1957. In the study group of two hundred and seventy-four randomly selected adults (aged 20-45), titres of N 2 neuraminidase antibody were detected in a hundred and fifteen (42%) serum samples collected before the outbreak. Influenza infection during the course of the outbreak was identified serologically. The frequency of infection decreased significantly at increasing levels of pre-existing A.N. antibody. In those subjects who were not protected from infection, A.N. antibody significantly suppressed the clinical expression of infection. It is concluded that antibody against the neuraminidase of the influenza virus prevented or modified infection in a situation in which haemagglutinin antibody had no effect.
A New Bioimplant for the Endoscopic Treatment of Vesicoureteral Reflux: Experimental and Short-term Clinical Results

AbstractWe investigated the safety and clinical effects of a new biocompatible, biodegradable treatment, the Deflux* *Qvestor AB, Uppsala, Sweden. system (dextranomer microspheres in sodium hyaluronan solution), for the endoscopic treatment of grades III and IV vesicoureteral reflux. In preclinical safety studies in pigs histopathological examination demonstrated excellent tolerance. Two weeks after submucous implantation in the pig bladder early ingrowth of fibroblasts and recently generated collagen were noted at the implantation sites. At 14 weeks of followup this ingrowth had slightly increased. Long-term followup in rats showed that the volume of subcutaneous implants was slightly reduced (23 percent) 1 year after implantation. In a clinical study we investigated the implantation technique and the short (3 months) and long-term (1 year) effects of Deflux implantation in 75 children (101 ureters) with grades III and IV vesicoureteral reflux.We report data from up to 3 months of followup. Implant volum...
Detection of subclinical and carrier states in Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Three methods of study, consisting of determinations of serum creatine phosphokinase and aldolase, electromyography, and muscle biopsy, were utilized to study clinically uninvolved members of nine families containing one or more known cases of muscular dystrophy. The combined use of these methods of study allowed detection not only of advanced myopathic changes, but also of minimal abnormalities considered characteristic of the heterozygous state. The graded findings formed a useful basis for a rational classification of abnormalities to denote “preclinical”, “carrier” and “presumptive carrier” states. In addition, results provided further indirect evidence that X-chromosome mosaicism may be operative in the inheritance of the Duchenne type of muscular dystrophy.
Free-radical copolymerisation of acrylamides, acrylates, and α-olefins

We report the results of a joint theoretical and experimental investigation into the copolymerisation of acrylamides and acrylates with α-olefins in free-radical processes. The transition-state structures of models for free-radical homo- and copolymerisation involving acrylamide, methylacrylamide, methacrylate, methyl methacrylate, and ethylene have been determined using density functional theory. The reaction energies and barrier heights comport with the experimentally observed properties, including the prevalence of monomer alternation, the realised stereospecificity, and the reaction yield. Continuum solvation models have been applied to determine the sensitivity of the relative energies to the bulk solvent properties. Experimentally, a Lewis acid catalyst is demonstrated to increase the incorporation of nonpolar 1-alkenes in copolymerisations with polar acrylamides and acrylates. In the presence of the Lewis acid, scandium (III) trifluoromethanesulfonate, the copolymerisation of 1-hexene and acrylamid...
Mechanisms of cellular senescence

Aging is a near universal process, yet the molecular mechanisms that underlie cellular senescence have remained elusive. Recent progress in determining the roles of various genetic influences in controlling the rate of cellular aging has made this an exciting time in aging research. Genetic screens designed to isolate long-lived mutants in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Caenorhabditis elegans have implicated factors involved in transcriptional silencing and the dauer pathway in the control of aging. The gene responsible for Werner's syndrome, a disease with symptoms of premature aging, was isolated and found to be a member of the RecQ subfamily of DNA helicases. The regulation of telomere length and its role in senescence and cellular immortalization has been found to be more complex than expected. In C. elegans, mutations have been isolated in maternal-effect genes that presumably control its biological clocks and can dramatically extend its lifespan. Indeed, aging research within the past year has implicated a variety of mechanisms ranging from the control of gene expression, stress resistance, and DNA metabolism to the overall 'rate of living'.
Correcting for non-compliance in randomized trials using rank preserving structural failure time models

We propose correcting for non-compliance in randomized trials by estimating the parameters of a class of semi-parametric failure time models, the rank preserving structural failure time models, using a class of rank estimators. These models are the structural or strong version of the “accelerated failure time model with time-dependent covariates” of Cox and Oakes (1984). In this paper we develop a large sample theory for these estimators, derive the optimal estimator within this class, and briefly consider the construction of “partially adaptive” estimators whose efficiency may approach that of the optimal estimator. We show that in the absence of censoring the optimal estimator attains the semiparametric efficiency bound for the model.
A note on the homotopy method for linear algebraic eigenvalue problems

Abstract Recently the homotopy method has been applied to solve linear algebraic eigenvalue problems. On the basis of theoretical advantages and practical experiments, the method has been suggested as a serious alternative to EISPACK for finding all isolated eigenpairs of large, sparse linear algebraic eigenvalue problems on SIMD machines. This note offers a simpler proof than Li and Sauer's of the existence of homotopy curves for eigenvalue problems of general matrices.
Effects of target temperature on analytical sensitivities of cold-neutron capture prompt gamma-ray activation analysis.

Cold-neutron prompt γ-ray activation analysis sensitivities are often decreased because of an increase in the average neutron energy on scattering within room temperature targets. Experiments were performed to determine whether target cooling would alleviate these effects. Cooling the targets to 77 K increased hydrogen sensitivity by as much as 25%. Target cooling decreases those effects of neutron scattering on CNPGAA sensitivities that are the result of an increased average neutron energy. However, cold-neutron scattering may also change the average path length traveled, and this effect on sensitivity is not alleviated by controlling temperature.
Time- and Wavelength-Resolved Delayed-Fluorescence Emission from Acridine Yellow in an Inhomogeneous Saccharide Glass

Multiwavelength time-resolved spectroscopy is employed to study the triplet-state photophysics of acridine yellow dissolved in a rigid saccharide glass. Activated reverse intersystem crossing from photoexcited triplet states to the fluorescent singlet state provides a temperature-dependent decay pathway of the triplet population. While a unimolecular relaxation of a homogeneous excited triplet population would result in single-exponential decay of the delayed-fluorescence intensity, nonexponential decay was observed at all temperatures. Multidimensional regression analysis of time- and wavelength-resolved fluorescence and phosphorescence emission is found to be a powerful method to investigate triplet-state photophysics in an inhomogeneous matrix, where two discrete populations of acridine yellow excited states are found. From the temperature dependence of their decay rates, the energy barriers to activated decay of the triplet state are determined and compared to the triplet−singlet energy gaps determine...
Reference Point Effects in Riskless Choice Without Loss Aversion

Numerous studies have demonstrated that preferences among options in riskless choice are often influenced by reference points. That is, an existing reference level or status quo can bias preferences toward new alternatives. Reference-dependent effects have typically been attributed to loss aversion (Tversky & Kahneman, 1991). The key idea is that when an option is being considered, an individual assesses the advantages and disadvantages of that option along each attribute with respect to the reference point. Disadvantages (losses) are weighted more than advantages (gains) in the decision process. This research provides new experimental evidence that 3 standard referencedependent effects arise in a low-level perceptual decision task with nonhedonic stimuli. This casts doubt on explanations such as loss aversion, which are limited to high-level decisions with hedonic stimuli, and indicates that reference-dependent effects may be amenable to a general explanation at the level of the basic decision process.
Bile salt micellar electrokinetic chromatography of bilirubin and related compounds

The interaction of bilirubin, biliverdin, bilirubin dimethyl ester, biliverdin dimethyl ester, xanthobilirubic acid, and xanthobilirubin methyl ester with trihydroxy and dihydroxy bile salt solutions is investigated by micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC). The capacity factor of each compound is measured in solutions of the different bile salts over the pH range of 6.5-9.0. The capacity factor of bilirubin increases with pH below 7 in all bile salt solutions. Biliverdin and xanthobilirubin show essentially identical capacity factors for all bile salts. Biliverdin dimethyl ester and xanthobilirubin methyl ester also have very similar capacity factors, which are greater than those of the carboxy analogs, in trihydroxy bile salts. The capacity factors of these esters are higher in the dihydroxy bile salts, with the capacity factor of biliverdin dimethyl ester being twice that of xanthobilirubin methyl ester. Factors involved in the MEKC analysis of these compounds are discussed.
Biventricular Conversion After Single-Ventricle Palliation in Unbalanced Atrioventricular Canal Defects

Background Management of unbalanced common atrioventricular canal (UCAVC) defect by a single-ventricle (SV) approach frequently results in poor outcomes, especially in trisomy 21 patients. In this report we describe our results with conversion to biventricular circulation in UCAVC patients with SV palliation. Methods Retrospective review of patients with UCAVC undergoing biventricular conversion from prior SV palliation between 2003 and 2011 was conducted. Mortality and freedom from reinterventions were analyzed using nonparametric methods. Results Sixteen children with UCAVC (8 patients [50%] were left dominant) and prior SV palliation underwent conversion to biventricular circulation between 2003 and 2011. Median follow-up was 18 months (range, 3 to 94 months). Surgical indications included worsening cyanosis, severe atrioventricular valve regurgitation, or failing bidirectional Glenn or Fontan physiology. All patients had either unequal distribution of the common atrioventricular valve of greater than 60% or one hypoplastic ventricle. By magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography, 8 patients with right dominant atrioventricular canal had a median left ventricular end-diastolic volume of 32 mL/m 2 (range, 22 to 35 mL/m 2 ). Eight patients with a left dominant atrioventricular canal had a median right ventricular end-diastolic volume of 42 mL/m 2 (range, 26 to 64 mL/m 2 ). Eleven patients (69%) had trisomy 21, and 3 patients (19%) had heterotaxy. Stages of palliation included stage I in 2 patients, bidirectional Glenn in 10 patients, hemi-Fontan in 2 patients, and Fontan in 2 patients. There was 1 (6%) operative (right ventricle dominant) and 1 (6%) late death (left ventricle dominant). Eight patients required reinterventions, 3 (19%) surgical and 6 (38%) catheter-based. On follow-up, all had improvement in cyanosis and symptoms. Conclusions Biventricular conversion from failing SV palliation in UCAVC can be accomplished with an acceptable early and late morbidity and mortality, although need for reintervention was not uncommon.
Store-Load-Branch (SLB) predictor: A compiler assisted branch prediction for data dependent branches

Data-dependent branches constitute single biggest source of remaining branch mispredictions. Typically, data-dependent branches are associated with program data structures, and follow store-load-branch execution sequence. A set of memory locations is written at an earlier point in a program. Later, these locations are read, and used for evaluating branch condition. Branch outcome depends on data values stored in data structure, which, typically do not have repeatable pattern. Therefore, in addition to history-based dynamic predictor, we need a different kind of predictor for handling such branches. This paper presents Store-Load-Branch (SLB) predictor; a compiler-assisted dynamic branch prediction scheme for data-dependent direct and indirect branches. For every data-dependent branch, compiler identifies store instructions that modify the data structure associated with the branch. Marked store instructions are dynamically tracked, and stored values are used for computing branch flags ahead of time. Branch flags are buffered, and later used for making predictions. On average, compared to standalone TAGE predictor, combined TAGE+SLB predictor reduces branch MPKI by 21% and 51% for SPECINT and EEMBC benchmark suites respectively.
Simulation of gasoline vapor recovery by pressure swing adsorption

A multicomponent pressure swing adsorption (PSA)-gasoline vapor recovery (GVR) process simulator was used to carry out full-scale simulations of the recovery of butane, benzene and/or heptane vapors from nitrogen using BAX activated carbon. This mixture of vapors simulates the recovery of gasoline vapors from tank filling operations. PSA-GVR processes utilizing both feed and carrier gas pressurization were investigated, with different feed mixtures varying from two to four components, including nitrogen. A long tail in the butane vapor concentration wave was always present when feed pressurization was used, and it led to butane vapor breakthrough, whereas the process having the same conditions but pressurized with carrier gas produced pure light product (nitrogen). Thus, carrier gas pressurization in lieu of feed pressurization should be used in PSA-GVR processes. The presence of the heavier vapor components in the feed resulted in a creeping wave phenomenon, which pushed the butane concentration wave toward the light product end of the column. They also produced higher temperatures in the column, which effectively lowered the adsorbent capacity. These effects have significant implications with regard to environmental regulations and must be accounted for in the design of PSA-GVR processes.
EFFECT OF STATINS ON ERECTILE FUNCTION

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is common in older men, especially those with comorbidities such as diabetes and atherosclerotic disease, where statins are frequently prescribed. We performed a meta-analysis of all trials of the effect of statin therapy on ED as evaluated by the International Inventory
Location based mobile apps development on Android platform

This paper describes a TriTHEApp Android application, designed to serve as a location based time saving and safety ensuring application. In other words TriTHEApp is a location based service, with three features, 1) Tool to announce arrival, 2) Handset theft monitoring and 3) Emergency call feature integrated in it. Tool to announce arrival service is designed to make client's uncertain waiting time known, handset theft monitoring is designed to track user's android device, and emergency call feature is designed to ensure personal safety of the android device user. Development of this application led us to identify few usability concerns and to propose solutions to solve these concerns.
Updating the USGS seismic hazard maps for Alaska

Abstract The U.S. Geological Survey makes probabilistic seismic hazard maps and engineering design maps for building codes, emergency planning, risk management, and many other applications. The methodology considers all known earthquake sources with their associated magnitude and rate distributions. Specific faults can be modeled if slip-rate or recurrence information is available. Otherwise, areal sources are developed from earthquake catalogs or GPS data. Sources are combined with ground-motion estimates to compute the hazard. The current maps for Alaska were developed in 2007, and included modeled sources for the Alaska-Aleutian megathrust, a few crustal faults, and areal seismicity sources. The megathrust was modeled as a segmented dipping plane with segmentation largely derived from the slip patches of past earthquakes. Some megathrust deformation is aseismic, so recurrence was estimated from seismic history rather than plate rates. Crustal faults included the Fairweather-Queen Charlotte system, the Denali–Totschunda system, the Castle Mountain fault, two faults on Kodiak Island, and the Transition fault, with recurrence estimated from geologic data. Areal seismicity sources were developed for Benioff-zone earthquakes and for crustal earthquakes not associated with modeled faults. We review the current state of knowledge in Alaska from a seismic-hazard perspective, in anticipation of future updates of the maps. Updated source models will consider revised seismicity catalogs, new information on crustal faults, new GPS data, and new thinking on megathrust recurrence, segmentation, and geometry. Revised ground-motion models will provide up-to-date shaking estimates for crustal earthquakes and subduction earthquakes in Alaska.
The effect of a magnetic field on transport phenomena in a Bridgman-Stockbarger crystal growth

Abstract A mathematical formulation and computed results are presented to describe the temperature, velocity and tracer distribution in a Bridgman-Stockbarger crystal growing system, as affected by an externally imposed magnetic field. The computed results have shown that while the temperature profiles will not be significantly affected by the magnetic field, both the concentration fields and the velocity fields may be markedly influenced, especially at high values of the magnetic interaction parameter. In essence the imposition of a magnetic field will tend to both slow down the melt velocities and also modify the nature of the circulation pattern. Additional important effects of the magnetic field include its influence on the local and mean values of the heat and mass transfer rates at the melt solid interface. It was found that intermediate values of the magnetic interaction parameter (i.e. magnetic fields) would tend to provide the most uniform local heat transfer rates. While the velocities and mass transfer rates are damped by the magnetic field, the local value of mass transfer coefficient were the most uniform in the absence of an external magnetic field.
Spectra and structure of silicon containing compounds. XXXII. Raman and infrared spectra, conformational stability, vibrational assignment and ab initio calculations of n-propylsilane-d0 and Si-d3.

The infrared (3100-40 cm(-1)) and Raman (3100-20 cm(-1)) spectra of gaseous and solid n-propylsilane, CH(3)CH(2)CH(2)SiH(3) and the Si-d(3) isotopomer, CH(3)CH(2)CH(2)SiD(3), have been recorded. Additionally, the Raman spectra of the liquids have been recorded and qualitative depolarization values obtained. Both the anti and gauche conformers have been identified in the fluid phases but only the anti conformer remains in the solid. Variable temperature (-105 to -150 degrees C) studies of the infrared spectra of n-propylsilane dissolved in liquid krypton have been recorded and the enthalpy difference has been determined to be 220+/-22 cm(-1) (2.63+/-0.26 kJ mol(-1)) with the anti conformer the more stable form. A similar value of 234+/-23 cm(-1) (2.80+/-0.28 kJ mol(-1)) was obtained for deltaH for the Si-d(3) isotopomer. At ambient temperature it is estimated that there is 30+/-2% of the gauche conformer present. The potential function governing the conformation interchange has been estimated from the far infrared spectral data, the enthalpy difference, and the dihedral angle of the gauche conformer, which is compared to the one predicted from ab initio MP2/6-31G(d) calculations. The barriers to conformational interchange are: 942, 970 and 716 cm(-1) for the anti to gauche, gauche to gauche, and gauche to anti conformers, respectively. Relatively complete vibrational assignments are proposed for both the n-propylsilane-d(0) and Si-d(3) molecules based on the relative infrared and Raman spectral intensities, infrared band contours, depolarization ratios, and normal coordinate calculations. The geometrical parameters, harmonic force constants, vibrational frequencies, infrared intensities, Raman activities and depolarization ratios, and energy differences have been obtained for the anti and gauche conformers from ab initio MP2/6-31G(d) calculations. Structural parameters and energy differences have also been obtained utilizing the larger 6-311 + G(d,p) and 6-311 + G(2d,2p) basis sets. From the isolated Si-H stretching frequency from the Si-d(2) isotopomer the r(0) distances of 1.484 and 1.485 A have been determined for the SiH(s) and SiH(a) bonds, respectively, for the anti conformer, and 1.486 A for the SiH bond for the gauche conformer. Utilizing previously reported microwave rotational constants for the anti conformer and the determined SiH distances along with ab initio predicted parameters 'adjusted r(0)' parameters have been obtained for the anti conformer. The results are discussed and compared to those obtained for some similar molecules.
Reaction of aliphatic tertiary amines with hydroperoxides

Trioctylamine acts as an antioxidant in fats at 70C but not at lower temperatures. A reactive antioxidant intermediate was sought. Dioctylhydroxylamine was obtained from the reaction of trioctylamine and t-butyl peroxide at 70C. The recrystallized product had antioxidant properties. About 0.1% existed as stable free radical by electron-spin resonance. Didecyl- and didodecylhydroxylamines were also synthesized from the corresponding tertiary amines. These and a sample of commercial diethylhydroxylamine also contained free radicals and possessed antioxidant activity.
The NIST Chemistry WebBook: A Chemical Data Resource on the Internet†

The NIST Chemistry WebBook (http://webbook.nist.gov) is an Internet site that provides access to chemical and physical property data both from NIST and other sources. The site was established in 1996 and has grown to encompass a wide variety of thermochemical, ion energetics, solubility, and spectroscopic data. The thermochemical data available include enthalpies of formation, enthalpies of phase transitions, and heat capacities. Thermochemical properties of many reactions that support enthalpy of formation values are provided. Automated tools are used to check data prior to its inclusion in the web site. Most of the collections in the site provide extensive coverage of the literature in their field and include relevant metadata such as the experiment type or important auxiliary data. These features make the site an excellent tool for data evaluation. A major goal of the project was to provide convenient access to all types of chemical data. Several challenges were encountered in the development of system...
Rapid determination of atenolol in human plasma and urine by high-pressure liquid chromatography.

A rapid, specific, high-pressure liquid chromatographic determination of atenolol in plasma and urine was developed. This method employs the high sensitivity of fluorescence detection together with selective extraction and reversed-phase chromatography to measure concentrations as low as 20 ng of drug/ml of plasma with a coefficient of variation of 3.91%. The assay is specific enough to be valid in the presence of plasma and urine substances. The detection limit (i.e., three times baseline noise) is 3 ng/ml.
Growth of Narrowly Dispersed Porphyrin Nanowires and Their Hierarchical Assembly into Macroscopic Columns

The self-assembly of amphiphilic (porphyrin)Sn 1 in an aqueous Pluronic F127 media results in the formation of narrowly dispersed nanowires. Variation of aqueous Pluronic concentrations allows for a systematic variation of porphyrin nanowire lengths while keeping their widths constant. These nanowires can be further assembled into secondary macroscopic columns.
Semiotic foundation for multisensor-multilook fusion

This paper explores the concept of an application of semiotic principles to the design of a multisensor-multilook fusion system. Semiotics is an approach to analysis that attempts to process media in a united way using qualitative methods as opposed to quantitative. The term semiotic refers to signs, or signatory data that encapsulates information. Semiotic analysis involves the extraction of signs from information sources and the subsequent processing of the signs into meaningful interpretations of the information content of the source. The multisensor fusion problem predicated on a semiotic system structure and incorporating semiotic analysis techniques is explored and the design for a multisensor system as an information fusion system is explored. Semiotic analysis opens the possibility of using non-traditional sensor sources and modalities in the fusion process, such as verbal and textual intelligence derived from human observers. Examples of how multisensor/multimodality data might be analyzed semiotically is shown and discussion on how a semiotic system for multisensor fusion could be realized is outlined. The architecture of a semiotic multisensor fusion processor that can accept situational awareness data is described, although an implementation has not as yet been constructed.
Dictionary approaches for identifying periodicities in data

We propose several dictionary representations for periodic signals and use them for estimating their periodicity. This includes estimating concurrent multiple periodicities. These are inspired from the recently proposed DFT based Farey dictionary, where period estimation was cast as a sparse vector recovery problem. We show that this can instead be framed as an l 2 norm based data-fitting problem with closed form solutions and much faster computations. We also generalize the complex valued Farey dictionary to simpler integer valued dictionaries. We find that dictionaries constructed using the recently proposed Ramanujan Periodicity Transforms provide the best trade-off between complexity and noise immunity.
The use of hydrothermal carbonization to recycle nutrients in algal biofuel production

The high fertilizer demand for biodiesel production from microalgae is a significant challenge facing the commercialization of this promising technology. We investigated a processing strategy called hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) to convert wet algal biomass into a lipid-rich hydrochar and aqueous phase (AP) co-product. By reacting biomass at 200°C for 15 min, about 50% of the algae biomass became a solid hydrochar and roughly 40–70% of the C, N, and P in the reactant material dissolved into the AP. For the first time, an AP co-product of this nature was analyzed by HPLC, GC-MS and FT-ICR-MS to identify and characterize the dissolved organic matter. Using a unique marine bi-culture suspected to contain a green algae (Nannochloris) and a cyanobacteria (Synechocystis), we demonstrated that this AP co-product can support biomass growth better than a medium containing only inorganic nutrients. To manage unwanted contamination and optimize AP utilization, we employed a two-stage growth process and fed-batch additions of the AP co-product. The effect of media recycling and nutrient supplementation, as well as a production model for a large-scale facility, are discussed. Our work suggests that HTC can play a critical role in making algal biorefineries more sustainable by obviating biomass drying for fuel processing and recycling nutrients. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 32: 962–975, 2013
An Improved Routing Node Selection Algorithm Based on Trust Evaluation

With further consideration of factors that affect the value of the indirect trust, and depth analysis by statistical principles, we proposed a new trust value estimation model. On basis of this model, the method of cluster nodes election has been studied to design a rout decision-making algorithm which combined trust value, density, distance between nodes and forwarding capabilities. Experimental results show that the trust value assessment model built on trust value calculation is very reliable with increasing cycle times, trust value gradually moving to 1. The improved algorithm has faster convergence than algorithms in [5] and [6]. In information transfer process, when the routing nodes are within a certain range, and the algorithm is also more stable. When the network topology changes, the algorithm can be re-routed quickly, indicating that the algorithm has a wide range of applications.
Phosphate incorporation by Daphnids and channel catfish in phosphate‐rich environments

Abstract A study of the direct incorporation of 32P‐labelled phosphate into Daphnia sp. and channel catfish revealed a rapid uptake of phosphate in the Daphnids which peaked at approximately two hours. Following a slight decline in measured radioactivity, the Daphnids maintained a steady level of radioactive phosphate (800 x 103 dpm/mg) during the remaining 48 hours of the experiment. Catfish exposed directly to 10 mCi H3 32PO4 in 20 liters of water for two weeks incorporated labelled phosphate in detectable quantitles in all tissues examined. Bioconcentration occurred only in heart, brain, liver, and bone; whereas gill, stomach, and kidney activities remained constant. In a bioaccumulation study where 32P‐labelled Daphnids were fed to fingerling catfish, 32P appeared to bioaccumulate in the bone, gill, brain, and kidney. .Questionable accumulation in the liver and no bioaccumulation in. heart, muscle, and stomach was observed.
Three- and four-coordinate gold(I) complexes of 3,6-bis(diphenylphosphino)pyridazine: monomers, polymers, and a metallocryptand cage.

The slightly yellow polymeric complexes {Au2Cl2(P2pz)3}n, 1·6CHCl3, (P2pz is 3,6-bis(diphenylphosphino)pyridazine) and {[Au2(P2pz)3](PF6)2}n, 2, are prepared by the stoichiometric reaction of AuCl(tht) (tht is tetrahydrothiophene) and P2pz in either dichloromethane or dichloromethane/methanol, respectively. Addition of 2 equiv of AuCl(tht) to a dichloromethane solution of 1 equiv of P2pz generates the simple (AuCl)2(P2pz) compound, 3. Compound 3 contains nearly linear P−Au−Cl units with intermolecular Au···Au separations of 3.570 A. Au2I2(P2pz)3, 4, is prepared by reacting excess NaI with 2 in a dichloromethane/methanol mixture. Characterization of 1, 2, and 4 by X-ray crystallography confirms the 2:3 gold/ligand ratio of all three complexes. The coordination polymer 1 maintains a high degree of solvation in the solid-state with three chloroform adducts hydrogen-bonded to the chloride ligand on each gold atom. These chloroform molecules are sandwiched between the two-dimensional polymeric sheets of 1. The...
H−C−SiH3: Direct Generation and Spectroscopic Identification of Ethylidene's Cousin

Ground-state triplet silaethylidene, generated directly by the reaction of 3P carbon atoms with silane under matrix isolation conditions in solid Ar (10−12 K), has been thoroughly characterized by ...
Developing and demonstrating knowledge: Ability and non-ability determinants of learning and performance

Ability and non-ability traits were examined as predictors of learning, operationalized as the development of knowledge structure accuracy, and exam performance in a semester-long course. As predicted by investment theories of intellectual development, both cognitive ability and non-ability traits were important determinants of learning and exam performance. Mastery goal orientation (the focus on developing competence) was related to learning, but not exam performance. Conscientiousness was positively related to learning and exam performance. Performance-avoid orientation (a focus on avoiding normative evaluations of incompetence) was negatively related to the development of knowledge structure accuracy, but was positively related to exam performance after accounting for knowledge structure accuracy and cognitive ability — suggesting that wanting to avoid failure may be functional for exam performance, but dysfunctional for learning.
In vitro and in vivo characterization of equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) mutants devoid of the viral chemokine-binding glycoprotein G (gG).

Abstract Glycoprotein G (gG) of equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1), a structural component of virions and secreted from virus-infected cells, was shown to bind to a variety of different chemokines and as such might be involved in immune modulation. Little is known, however, about its role in the replication cycle and infection of EHV-1 in vivo. Here we report on the function of gG in context of virus infection in vitro and in vivo. A gG deletion mutant of pathogenic EHV-1 strain RacL11 (vL11ΔgG) was constructed and analyzed. Deletion of gG had virtually no effect on the growth properties of vL11ΔgG in cell culture when compared to parental virus or a rescuant virus vL11ΔgGR, respectively, and virus titers and plaque formation were unaffected in the absence of the glycoprotein. Similarly, in the murine model of EHV-1 infection, no significant differences in virulence between the gG deletion mutant and RacL11 or vL11ΔgGR were found at high doses of infection. However, infection of mice at lower doses revealed that the gG deletion mutant was able to replicate to higher titers in lungs of infected mice. Additionally, these mice lost significantly more weight than those infected with RacL11 and a more pronounced inflammatory response in lungs was observed. Therefore we concluded that deletion of gG in EHV-1 seems to lead to an exacerbation of respiratory disease in the mouse.
Evidence for temporal change at Uranus' south pole

Abstract Analysis of Hubble Space Telescope images of Uranus taken between 1994 and 2002 shows evidence for temporal changes in zonal brightness patterns in the south polar region. Between 1994 and 2002, a relatively bright ring developed near 70° S. The pole itself, which was the brightest area of the southern hemisphere in 1994, has become relatively dark. The polar collar at 45° S has also become brighter relative to the rest of the southern polar region. Comparison of images through different filters suggests that the change is occurring at pressures of 2–4 bars in the atmosphere. A change at this depth is consistent with radio measurements which indicate seasonal variability in Uranus' deep atmosphere. Disk-integrated photometry at visible wavelengths also exhibits variability on seasonal (∼ decades) timescales. The observed changes are not predicted by existing dynamical models of Uranus' atmosphere.
Aedes aegypti: Origin of a "New" Chromosome from a Double Translocation Heterozygote

An apparent enhancement of crossing-over occurs in the region common to two translocated chromosomes derived from two different reciprocal translocations in the yellow-fever mnosquito, Aedes aegypti. A "new" chromosome containing parts of all three linkage groups is created through crossing-over. In a reversible process, two haploid translocated sets in the double translocation heterozygote produce a new, normal chromosome. set and vice versa in alternating generatiots.
Rational Deterrence: Theory and Evidence

The causes and effects of the use of force raise crucial questions of substance and method. Issues are multiple and often are confused with each other. Thus, while many case-study findings contradict “second-wave” deterrence theory, they are consistent with some rational deterrence theories. Many findings, however, cannot be squared with the assumptions of rationality. Policies are suboptimal and behavior is often inconsistent. Furthermore, the actor's values, beliefs, and calculations are exogenous to rational theories and can only be supplied by empirical analysis.
Reduced-Complexity Receivers for the Downlink of a Multicell CDMA System with Multiple Antennas

In this paper, we address the use of a novel low-complexity receiver, namely, a reduced-complexity hybrid receiver (HR) for the downlink of a multicell CDMA system with a transmit delay diversity transmission scheme. This receiver is designed by combining the merits of the decorrelating receiver (DR) and the conventional receiver (CR). Unlike most multiuser receivers, the reduced-complexity HR operates with the same information as CR. For a target performance metric (e.g. bit error probability (BEP) = 10?2), the reduced-complexity HR significantly outperforms CR, DR, average minimum mean square error (MMSE) receiver, signal to noise ratio (SINR) maximizing (max-SINR) receiver, and reduced-complexity MMSE receiver with estimated channel information.