cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Magnetic Head-Media Interface Temperatures—Part 3: Application to Rigid Disks

A thermal analysis has been used to predict transient temperature rises at a typical head-particulate-disk interface and a head-thin-film-disk interface. Thermal properties of the various thin-films used in the construction of magnetic rigid disks are measured. Average and maximum transient temperature rises for the assumed head-particulate-disk interface over the contact area are 34 and 44 o C, respectively for an Al 2 O 3 -TiC slider
Total Intravenous Anesthesia in Horses

Total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) is the mainstay of short-term (up to 60 minutes) and field anesthesia in horses. This article discusses the pros and cons of TIVA, commonly used TIVA protocols, and their use, monitoring during, and recovery from, TIVA.
Village Banking and Maternal and Child Health: Evidence from Ecuador and Honduras

Abstract Many microcredit institutions bundle credit with health, education, or other programs. This paper reviews arguments on such “tie-ins” and concludes that net benefits are possible but requires empirical testing. Quasi-experimental data from Project HOPE's “health banks” and credit-only village banks are then examined. The paper presents evidence that health practices do not improve automatically with greater wealth. In Honduras, results show that health bank participation is robustly associated with reduced subsequent conditional child diarrhea probability, but in no specification does credit-only bank participation have this effect. In Ecuador, results suggest a larger effect of credit-only banks. In both countries, health bank participation significantly raises subsequent healthcare over credit-only participation, and at least reduces the tendency to switch from breast-feeding to bottle-feeding as income rises. Effects on expenditures are ambiguous. There is no clear link between tie-ins and bank performance.
The Ising model on a fluctuating disk

The partition function, average area, and magnetization for the Ising model on a random surface with the topology of a disk are computed. Both high-temperature and low-temperature phases are considered. Although there is no unique way to take the thermodynamic limit, all large-area limits exhibit a spontaneous magnetization in the bulk
Production of methane and carbon dioxode from methane thiol and dimethyl sulphide by anaerobic lake sediments

METHANE THIOL (methyl mercaptan, MeSH), its oxidation product, dimethyl disulphide (DMDS), and dimethyl sulphide (DMS) are naturally occurring metabolites. They are also produced by paper mills using the kraft pulp process1 and cause an industrial odour problem because of their low odour threshold. Although the biological production of these compounds is fairly well understood2, little is known about their biological decomposition. We report here that microbial populations present in anaerobic freshwater sediments and in anaerobic sewage digestor sludge are capable of metabolising the carbon in these volatile organic sulphur compounds to methane and carbon dioxide. Therefore, anaerobic habitats may serve as sinks in the biogeochemical cycling of these compounds.
Chemie und Biochemie der Pflanzenstoffe, XXIX. Darstellung von Cinnamoyl‐chalkonen und Diflavonolen

Die Cinnamoyl-chalkone 1–6 werden durch Kondensation von 4.6-Diacetyl-resorcin mit verschiedenen aromatischen Aldehyden in stark alkalischem Medium dargestellt. Mit Piperonal erhalt man nur die Mono-cinnamoyl-Verbindung 7. Die Umsetzung von 1–3 mit alkalischem Wasserstoffperoxid fuhrt zu den Benzodipyranonolen (Diflavonolen) 8–10. Chemistry and Biochemistry of Plant Constituents, XXIX1). Preparation of Cinnamoylchalcones and Diflavonoles The cinnamoylchalcones 1–6 are obtained by condensation of 4,6-diacetylresorcinol with various aromatic aldehydes in strong alkaline media. Condensation with piperonal leads only to the monocinnamoyl compound 7. Reaction of 1–3 with alkaline hydrogen peroxide yields the benzodipyranonoles (diflavonoles) 8–10.
Decoupling of thermal effects to image nanometric optical pressure deformation by digital holography

It is evident that thermal effects should not be dismissed when pursuing optical radiation pressure experiments even for transparent media. We have developed a unified model and simulated and tested methods of decoupling the two effects.
Modification of NASA Langley 8 Foot High Temperature Tunnel to provide a unique national research facility for hypersonic air-breathing propulsion systems

A planned modification of the NASA Langley 8-Foot High Temperature Tunnel to make it a unique national research facility for hypersonic air-breathing propulsion systems is described, and some of the ongoing supporting research for that modification is discussed. The modification involves: (1) the addition of an oxygen-enrichment system which will allow the methane-air combustion-heated test stream to simulate air for propulsion testing; and (2) supplemental nozzles to expand the test simulation capability from the current nominal Mach number to 7.0 include Mach numbers 3.0, 4.5, and 5.0. Detailed design of the modifications is currently underway and the modified facility is scheduled to be available for tests of large scale propulsion systems by mid 1988.
A Convenient Synthesis of 2,5-Thienylene Oligomers; Some of Their Spectroscopic and Electrochemical Properties

Abstract A convenient synthesis of a number of oligomeric thiophcnes and oligomeric methyl-, and ethyl-substituted thiophenes as building blocks for novel conducting polymers is reported. The synthesis is based on a NiCl2(dppp) (dppp = Ph2PCH2CH2CH2;PPh2) catalyzed coupling reaction between appropriately substituted bromothiophenes and Grignard compounds derived of them. The λmax of the UV spectra of the unsubstituted oligomeric thiophenes increases, as expected, with the number of thiophene units in the oligomers. Also, as expected, the oxidation potential Emax of these compounds decreases with increasing the number of thiophene units. In the series of the methyl- or ethyl-substituted oligomeric thiophenes such a clear cut relationship is not observed. This behavior is discussed on the basis of diminishing coplanarity due to steric hindrances by the alkyl groups in the 3,3′-positions, which results in a blue shift of the λmax of the UV spectra and a decreased stability of the radical cation formed upon e...
Just democracy: Ethical considerations in teaching

The author offers examples from his teaching about race and gender and discusses the ethical challenges faced and strategies employed to confront these challenges.
The human-robot interaction operating system

In order for humans and robots to work effectively together, they need to be able to converse about abilities, goals and achievements. Thus, we are developing an interaction infrastructure called the ``Human-Robot Interaction Operating System'' (HRI/OS). The HRI/OS provides a structured software framework for building human-robot teams, supports a variety of user interfaces, enables humans and robots to engage in task-oriented dialogue, and facilitates integration of robots through an extensible API.
Prediction of the onset of nucleate boiling in microchannel flow

The onset of nucleate boiling in the flow of water through a microchannel heat sink was investigated. The microchannels considered were 275 lm wide by 636 lm deep. Onset of nucleate boiling was identified with a high-speed imaging system and the heat flux at incipience was measured under various flow conditions. An analytical model was developed to predict the incipient heat flux as well as the bubble size at the onset of boiling. The closed-form solution obtained sheds light on the impact of the important system parameters on the incipient heat flux. The model predictions yield good agreement with the experimental data. � 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Yoga as a complementary treatment for smoking cessation: rationale, study design and participant characteristics of the Quitting-in-Balance study.

Tobacco smoking remains the leading preventable cause of death among American women. Exercise has shown promise as an aid to smoking cessation because it reduces weight gain and weight concerns, improves affect, and reduces nicotine withdrawal symptoms and cigarette craving. Studies have shown that the practice of yoga improves weight control, and reduces perceived stress and negative affect. Yoga practice also includes regulation of breathing and focused attention, both of which may enhance stress reduction and improve mood and well-being and may improve cessation outcomes. This pilot efficacy study is designed to examine the rates of cessation among women randomized to either a novel, 8-week Yoga plus Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) smoking cessation intervention versus a Wellness program plus the same CBT smoking cessation intervention. Outcome measures include 7-day point prevalence abstinence at end of treatment, 3 and 6 months follow up and potential mediating variables (e.g., confidence in quitting smoking, self-efficacy). Other assessments include measures of mindfulness, spirituality, depressive symptoms, anxiety and perceived health (SF-36). Innovative treatments are needed that address barriers to successful smoking cessation among men and women. The design chosen for this study will allow us to explore potential mediators of intervention efficacy so that we may better understand the mechanism(s) by which yoga may act as an effective complementary treatment for smoking cessation. If shown to be effective, yoga can offer an alternative to traditional exercise for reducing negative symptoms that often accompany smoking cessation and predict relapse to smoking among recent quitters. ClinicalTrials NCT00492310
Pulsed Laser-Induced Thermal Desorption of Xenon

A 28 nm thick copper film with a temperature of 20 K, covered with approximately 100 monolayers of xenon is excited with a pulse from a XeCl laser. Time-of-flight signals of laser-induced desorbed xenon are recorded with a quadrupole mass spectrometer. Simultaneously surface temperatures of the.copper film are measured with a pyroelectric calorimeter which serves as substrate for the copper film. The calorimetric temperatures are compared with translational temperatures derived from time-of-flight data. In the absence of any rotational or vibrational deexcitation channel, the maximum surface temperatures of the copper film are higher than the translational temperatures of desorbed xenon. In addition, non-equilibrium desorption is reflected by a non-Maxwellian line shape of the velocity distribution of desorbing xenon.
Alcohol and drug dependence symptom items as brief screeners for substance use disorders: Results from the Clinical Trials Network

Aim To address an urgent need for screening of substance use problems in medical settings, we examined substance-specific dependence criteria as potential brief screeners for the detection of patients with a substance use disorder (SUD).
Vertebrobasilar Thrombosis and Involuntary Movements

There are a number of causes of thrombosis in the vertebro-basilar system, and among these are trauma and abnormal movements. This is particularly likely to occur if there are anomalies or abnormalities of the spine or arteries. A case is reported which suggests that involuntary movements should be included in the possible aetiologies.
Temporal variation in river nutrient and dissolved lignin phenol concentrations and the impact of storm events on nutrient loading to Hood Canal, Washington, USA

Rapid rainfall events can be responsible for a large proportion of annual nutrient and carbon loading from a watershed. The bioavailability of organic matter during these rapid loading events increases, suggesting that storms play a relevant role in the mobilization of potentially labile terrestrial carbon. A high correlation between river discharge rates and dissolved and particulate nutrient and carbon concentrations during autumn and winter storms was observed in several temperate Pacific Northwest rivers. Dissolved and particulate lignin concentrations also increased with river discharge; for example, in October 2009 dissolved lignin concentrations increased roughly 240% with a 200% increase in river discharge. During these storms a unique phenolic composition was observed for dissolved lignin that was rapidly mobilized from surface soils relative to the base flow of dissolved lignin. The observed increase in Ad/Al ratios with discharge indicates that rapidly mobilized dissolved lignin is more degraded than the base flow of dissolved lignin. Similarly, a marked increase in C/V ratios and decrease in the S/V ratio of dissolved lignin phenols with increasing river discharge was observed. These results may indicate a difference in source between mobilized and base flow pools, or, more likely, preferential degradation and mobilization/retention of specific lignin phenols. The cumulative results from this year-long data set indicate that a shallow nutrient-rich pool of particulate and dissolved organic matter accumulates in watersheds during periods of soil-saturation deficiency (summer). Autumn and winter storms mobilize this pool of accumulated nutrients from surface soils, which is exhausted with successive winter storms.
Query Selection Techniques for Efficient Crawling of Structured Web Sources

The high quality, structured data from Web structured sources is invaluable for many applications. Hidden Web databases are not directly crawlable by Web search engines and are only accessible through Web query forms or via Web service interfaces. Recent research efforts have been focusing on understanding these Web query forms. A critical but still largely unresolved question is: how to efficiently acquire the structured information inside Web databases through iteratively issuing meaningful queries? In this paper we focus on the central issue of enabling efficient Web database crawling through query selection, i.e. how to select good queries to rapidly harvest data records from Web databases. We model each structured Web database as a distinct attribute-value graph. Under this theoretical framework, the database crawling problem is transformed into a graph traversal one that follows "relational" links. We show that finding an optimal query selection plan is equivalent to finding a Minimum Weighted Dominating Set of the corresponding database graph, a well-known NP-Complete problem. We propose a suite of query selection techniques aiming at optimizing the query harvest rate. Extensive experimental evaluations over real Web sources and simulations over controlled database servers validate the effectiveness of our techniques and provide insights for future efforts in this
The Electrochemistry of θ (Al2Cu), S (Al2CuMg) and T1 (Al2CuLi) and Localized Corrosion and Environment Assisted Cracking in High Strength Al Alloys

The θ (Al 2 Cu), S (Al 2 CuMg), and T 1 (Al 2 CuLi) intermetallic constituents and precipitates found in age-hardenable aluminum alloys play important roles in the localized corrosion behavior of Al-Cu-(Mg,Li) alloys. Most of the common understanding of the behavior of these phases is based on knowledge or assumptions of their open circuit potentials (OCP). Electrochemical measurements made on these compounds synthesized in bulk form, and detailed investigations of their dissolution from alloys reveal interesting complexities not suggested by OCP measurements. Studies show that both anodic and cathodic reaction kinetics are very fast on these intermetallics. These compounds invariably corrode by dealloying in which the more active Al, Mg, or Li components dissolve to leave behind a Cu-enriched particle remnant. The dealloyed particle remnants are themselves physically unstable and have been observed to coarsen and emit 10 to 100 nm metallic Cu clusters into corrosion product layers and surface films. Overall, a more complete and quantitative understanding of the dissolution characteristics of these intermetallic compounds has helped in understanding localized corrosion and environment assisted cracking behavior of Al alloys.
Cross-Layer Design Based Rate Control for Mobile Multicast in Cellular Networks

We investigate cross-layer design based rate control for mobile multicast over broadcast fading channels in cellular networks. Specifically, subject to a statistical loss-rate quality- of-service (QoS) constraint required by upper protocol layers, we aim at maximizing the physical-layer throughput by taking advantage of transmission-rate adaptation based on the channel state information (CSI). Using the concept of convex hull and instantaneous sum goodput - throughput gain (IGTG), we derive the optimal rate adaptation policy for the above maximization problem. Simulation results are also provided to show the significant performance gain achieved by our derived policy over the existing fixed dominating-position (FDP) policy.
A comparison of select trigger algorithms for automated global seismic phase and event detection

Digital algorithms for robust detection of phase arrivals in the presence of stationary and nonstationary noise have a long history in seismology and have been exploited primarily to reduce the amount of data recorded by data logging systems to manageable levels. In the present era of inexpensive digital storage, however, such algorithms are increasingly being used to flag signal segments in continuously recorded digital data streams for subsequent processing by automatic and/or expert interpretation systems. In the course of our development of an automated, near-real-time, waveform correlation event-detection and location system (WCEDS), we have surveyed the abilities of such algorithms to enhance seismic phase arrivals in teleseismic data streams. Specifically, we have considered envelopes generated by energy transient (STA/LTA), Z -statistic, frequency transient, and polarization algorithms. The WCEDS system requires a set of input data streams that have a smooth, low-amplitude response to background noise and seismic coda and that contain peaks at times corresponding to phase arrivals. The algorithm used to generate these input streams from raw seismograms must perform well under a wide range of source, path, receiver, and noise scenarios. Present computational capabilities allow the application of considerably more robust algorithms than have been historically used in real time. However, highly complex calculations can still be computationally prohibitive for current workstations when the number of data streams become large. While no algorithm was clearly optimal under all source, receiver, path, and noise conditions tested, an STA/LTA algorithm incorporating adaptive window lengths controlled by nonstationary seismogram spectral characteristics was found to provide an output that best met the requirements of a global correlation-based event-detection and location system.
A Simple Density-Based Empirical Likelihood Ratio Test for Independence

We develop a novel nonparametric likelihood ratio test for independence between two random variables using a technique that is free of the common constraints of defining a given set of specific dependence structures. Our methodology revolves around an exact density-based empirical likelihood ratio test statistic that approximates in a distribution-free fashion the corresponding most powerful parametric likelihood ratio test. We demonstrate that the proposed test is very powerful in detecting general structures of dependence between two random variables, including nonlinear and/or random-effect dependence structures. An extensive Monte Carlo study confirms that the proposed test is superior to the classical nonparametric procedures across a variety of settings. The real-world applicability of the proposed test is illustrated using data from a study of biomarkers associated with myocardial infarction. Supplementary materials for this article are available online.
Glomerular complement regulation is overwhelmed in passive Heymann nephritis.

Glomerular complement regulation is overwhelmed in passive Heymann nephritis. Background An injection of anti-Fx1A antibodies in rats leads to passive Heymann nephritis (PHN), a model of membranous nephropathy. Fx1A is a crude extract of renal cortex that contains megalin as a principal component. However, when rats are given anti-megalin antibodies, abnormal proteinuria does not occur. Because of the established complement dependence of PHN, we hypothesized that antibodies neutralizing complement regulatory proteins in the rat glomerulus also were required to induce PHN. Two likely targets are Crry and CD59, proteins abundant on the rat podocyte and contained within Fx1A that inhibit the C3 convertase and C5b-9 assembly, respectively. Methods Rats were injected with anti-megalin monoclonal antibodies, followed by anti-Crry and/or anti-CD59 F(ab′) 2 antibodies five days later. In a second group of experiments, rats were injected with anti-Fx1A or anti-Fx1A immunodepleted of reactivity against Crry and/or CD59. Results In the setting of podocyte-associated anti-megalin monoclonal antibodies, simultaneous neutralization of Crry and CD59 function led to the development of significant proteinuria (11.0 ± 2.1 mg/day, P Conclusion Crry and CD59 play an important role in restraining complement-mediated injury following subepithelial immune complex deposition; however, in PHN, their regulatory capacity is overwhelmed.
Nonequilibrium Flow Characterization in a Mach 5 Wind Tunnel 1

The paper reports recent progress in experiments on supersonic flow characterization in a small scale, Mach 5 nonequilibrium flow wind tunnel. The wind tunnel generates nonequilibrium Mach 5 flows at steady state. Transverse repetitively pulsed nanosecond discharge, fully overlapped with transverse DC discharge, is used to load internal energy modes of nitrogen in the nozzle plenum, at P0~0.5 atm and at low translational/rotational temperatures. NO PLIF images on two single-line NO(X,v´=0→A,v˝=0) transitions are used to infer twodimensional rotational temperature distributions in NO-seeded nitrogen flows in the supersonic test section. These measurements are conducted in a cold flow (i.e. without the discharge in plenum) and in a flow vibrationally excited by the pulsed / DC discharge. The results do not indicate detectable temperature difference between these two cases, outside the experimental uncertainty. Single-line NO PLIF images on a NO(X,v´=1→A,v˝=1) Q1+P21 (J=3.5) transition are used to infer the NO vibrational temperature in a nitrogen Mach 5 flow excited by the discharge in plenum and seeded with NO, TV(NO)=1050 ± 170 K. The N2 vibrational temperature, inferred from this results, is Tv(N2)=850 K. Emission from NO γ bands and NO2 chemiluminescence are detected in a Mach 5 flow of nitrogen excited by the pulsed discharge in plenum over a cylinder model, with counterflow injection of NO-N2 mixture through the model. NO electronic emission most likely occurs due to energy transfer from N2(A 3 Σ) state generated in the discharge to the NO(A 2 Σ) state. Schlieren visualization is used to examine the effect of N2 vibrational relaxation on a Mach 5 bow shock stand-off distance in the supersonic section, by seeding the nonequilibrium nitrogen flow downstream of the discharge with water vapor and hydrogen. The results suggest that shock stand-off distance change detected in these experiments is affected by water vapor condensation, and is unlikely to be related to accelerated N2 vibrational relaxation. Feasibility of Mach 5 flow control over a cylinder model by a surface dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) powered by repetitive nanosecond duration voltage pulses has been tested. Preliminary results demonstrate that the nanosecond pulse discharge initiated on the surface of the model generates shock waves upstream of the baseline Mach 5 bow shock, on a microsecond time scale. The shocks generated by the discharge pulses perturb the baseline shock and gradually merge with it. The results show that strong supersonic flow perturbations by using this approach can be generated at a repetition rate of up to 100 kHz.
A meta-analysis of the role of environmentbased voluntariness in information technology acceptance

The technology acceptance model (TAM) asserts that ease of use and usefulness are two primary determinants of behavioral intention and usage. A parallel research stream emphasizes voluntariness, a key social influence and contextual variable, as a critical factor in information technology (IT) adoption, but pays little attention to its role in TAM. This paper addresses this particular absence by investigating the impact of environment-based voluntariness on the relationships among the four primary TAM constructs. A meta-analysis of 71 empirical studies provides strong support for the hypotheses that environment-based voluntariness moderates the effects of ease of use and usefulness on behavioral intention, but not the effect of ease of use on usefulness. Moreover, inconsistent with our expectations, environment-based voluntariness does not moderate the effects of ease of use and usefulness on usage. By further analyzing the data set, we suggest this may be because of the relatively small sample size, the presence of other factors, or the inappropriate measurement of usage in previous studies. The current study contributes not only to the distinction between user-based and environment-based voluntariness but also to a more complete understanding of user acceptance of IT across system-use environments.
Synovial Sarcoma: A Multivariate Analysis of Prognostic Factors in 112 Patients With Primary Localized Tumors of the Extremity

PURPOSE: Synovial sarcoma is a high-grade tumor that is associated with poor prognosis. Previous studies analyzing prognostic factors are limited because of inclusion of heterogeneous cohorts of patients with nonextremity and recurrent tumors. The objective of this study was to determine independent prognostic factors of primary synovial sarcoma localized to the extremity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between July 1, 1982, and June 30, 1996, 112 patients underwent surgical resection for cure at our institution and then were followed-up prospectively. Clinical and pathologic factors examined for prognostic value included age, sex, tumor site and location, depth, size, microscopic status of surgical margins, invasion of bone or neurovascular structures, and monophasic or biphasic histology. The end points analyzed were the time to first local recurrence that was not preceded by a distant recurrence, time to any distant recurrence, and time to disease-related mortality. These end points were modeled using the metho...
Comparison of Piezoelectric Materials for Vibration Energy Conversion Devices

Piezoelectric materials have been investigated as vibration energy converters to power wireless devices or MEMS devices due to recent low power requirement of such devices and the development of miniaturization technology. It has shown the potential that piezoelectric power generator can be an alternative to the traditional power source-battery because of facile vibration sources in our environment and the potential elimination of maintenance required for large volume batteries. To date, PZT (Lead Zirconium Titanate) has been commonly exploited as a piezoelectric material for energy conversion since it can generate higher power density even at low-g (< 1 g) vibration environment. Its high fragility, however, can limit its applicability at high-g conditions. Therefore, other types of piezoelectric materials such as polymer and composite are necessary to investigate the applicability at severe vibration conditions. In this study, piezoelectric power generators based on cantilever beam structure were designed, optimized, and fabricated by considering matching the resonant frequency with environmental vibration, achieving maximum output power, and reaching maximum g-value without device failure. As piezoelectric materials, ceramic PZT, polymer PVDF (Polyvinylidene fluoride) and composite MFC (Macro Fiber Composite) were utilized. The energy conversion of all three types of generator devices was systematically evaluated. All three devices were measured to generate enough power density for providing electric energy to wireless sensor or MEMS device. The PZT device shows the highest output energy density and PVDF device has the highest durability to operate at high-g vibration condition.
Evaluation of iridium (n,xn) reactions

Recent experimental data, including detailed studies of the 191 Ir and 193 Ir metastable states have significantly improved our understanding of the nuclear structure for many iridium isotopes. Combining experimental γ production cross sections with the results of the reaction theory code GNASH, improved evaluations of neutron induced cross sections on several iridium isotopes have been completed. With a focus on improved descriptions of nuclear structure and pre-equilibrium modeling, 191 Ir(n, xn) cross sections are presented.
Heads or Tails: A Simple Reliability Check for Multiple Sequence Alignments

The question of multiple sequence alignment quality has received much attention from developers of alignment methods. Less forthcoming, however, are practical measures for addressing alignment quality issues in real life settings. Here, we present a simple methodology to help identify and quantify the uncertainties in multiple sequence alignments and their effects on subsequent analyses. The proposed methodology is based upon the a priori expectation that sequence alignment results should be independent of the orientation of the input sequences. Thus, for totally unambiguous cases, reversing residue order prior to alignment should yield an exact reversed alignment of that obtained by using the unreversed sequences. Such "ideal" alignments, however, are the exception in real life settings, and the two alignments, which we term the heads and tails alignments, are usually different to a greater or lesser degree. The degree of agreement or discrepancy between these two alignments may be used to assess the reliability of the sequence alignment. Furthermore, any alignment dependent sequence analysis protocol can be carried out separately for each of the two alignments, and the two sets of results may be compared with each other, providing us with valuable information regarding the robustness of the whole analytical process. The heads-or-tails (HoT) methodology can be easily implemented for any choice of alignment method and for any subsequent analytical protocol. We demonstrate the utility of HoT for phylogenetic reconstruction for the case of 130 sequences belonging to the chemoreceptor superfamily in Drosophila melanogaster, and by analysis of the BaliBASE alignment database. Surprisingly, Neighbor-Joining methods of phylogenetic reconstruction turned out to be less affected by alignment errors than maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods.
Towards a Method for Printing a Network of Chick Forebrain Neurons for Biosensor Applications

The primary goal of this work is to establish a robust, repeatable method for printing arrays of neurons. This work has two endpoints. One is to use a neural array as an experimental testbed for investigating neuronal cell growth hypotheses. The other endpoint is to enable the next generation of cell-based sensors. Herein we compare microcontact printing results previously published by our group with a new method of dip-pen printing. We present preliminary results for neurons growing on these microprinted arrays, assessing contact frequencies and growth characteristics.
Stochastic particle filtering: A fast SRP-PHAT single source localization algorithm

Computational cost has been an issue for the proven robust source localization algorithm, steered response power (SRP) using the phase transform (SRP-PHAT). Some proposed computation reduction algorithms degrade under high noise and reverberant conditions. Some require at least 10% the cost of a full SRP-PHAT gridsearch. In ICASSP 2007, we introduced a robust, low-cost global optimization technique, stochastic region contraction (SRC). In this paper, we present another algorithm, stochastic particle filtering (SPF), which uses SRC's initialization and is a kind of Importance Sampling technique. In this paper, the SRP is computed using a modification to the conventional PHAT, namely β-PHAT. Extensive experiments using real data and simulated data are shown. The results indicate that, while maintaining the desirable accuracy of the full search, this method reduces the cost to about half the cost of SRC (0.03% the cost of full search), thus making SRP-PHAT more practical for real-time applications.
Muskrat Predation of Native Freshwater Mussels in Shoal Creek, Alabama

Abstract Widespread decline of native freshwater mussels has increased their susceptibility to extinction from environmental factors such as competition, disease, and predation. Mammals, in particular Ondatra zibethicus (Common Muskrat), are well documented as major predators of freshwater mussels. We assessed the impact of Common Muskrats on the native freshwater-mussel community in Shoal Creek, AL. We surveyed 12.7 km of Shoal Creek for signs of mussel predation by Common Muskrats. Based on the species composition of observed shell middens, Common Muskrats foraged on all 6 native mussel species in Shoal Creek, including federally listed threatened and endangered species (Hamiota altilis [Finelined Pocketbook] and Pleurobema georgianum [Southern Pigtoe], respectively). Common Muskrats appeared to feed on native mussels based on their natural availability rather than exhibiting strong size-selective predation.
Students’ perspectives on online and face-to-face components of a blended course design in Health and Kinesiology at a South Western Public University in the USA

Introduction: The current higher education environment in the United States of America (USA) and worldwide is focused on providing people an opportunity to access a quality education at a competitive price and one that is flexible enough to meet the needs of a diverse student demographic. It is therefore necessary for course delivery methods to accommodate these diverse needs without sacrificing rigor necessary for accreditation due to the diverse backgrounds, occupations, and time constraints of students in today’s environment Purpose: The purpose of this study was to establish the students’ perception of the online and face-to-face components of a blended course design at a South Western Public University in the USA. Methods and material : The sample of this study consisted of 200 students drawn from four different blended courses in the Department of health and Kinesiology at a medium sized public university in South West of USA. A modified questionnaire from Sitter et al., (2009) with 19 questions was used to collect responses from students. The survey instrument employed a 5-point Likert scale ranging from strongly agree (5), to strongly disagree (1). Results : Majority of the students have a positive view of the blended learning including the online and face-to-face components. A consistent minority of the students expressed disagreement especially pertaining to technology-based communication, preferred mode of delivery, online discussion participation and grade scores. Discussion : Although the majority of students perceived blended learning and its components positively, there is need for instructors to address the communication, technology, and online learning facilitation challenges if all learners are to learn effectively. Conclusions and recommendations : It is clear that the majority of students are ready and have accepted blended learning course designs at this medium sized public university in south west of the United States of America and therefore there is room for expansion of the initiative to benefit more students.
Law, Norms, and the Breakdown of the Board: Promoting Accountability in Corporate Governance

This Article considers the dominant claim in corporate law literature that extra-legal mechanisms such as markets and social norms provide adequate safeguards against corporate mismanagement and opportunism. After noting recognized deficiencies in the arguments from market discipline, the Article draws on psychological insights to show that certain behavioral phenomena prevent social norms from appropriately constraining corporate conduct. It then argues that because neither markets nor social norms can sufficiently discipline corporate officials, a credible accountability mechanism is necessary to prevent director conduct standards from deteriorating. Unfortunately, an inveterate tradition of judicial deference in corporate law has undermined the role of fiduciary duty litigation as a mechanism for accountability. To promote greater accountability in corporate governance, the Article recommends reforms to the director liability regime. It argues that litigation and settlement practices should require negligent directors to make personal payments toward settlements and damage awards, and that such payments should be calibrated based on a director's ability to pay. This proposal addresses two main weaknesses in the current director liability regime: (1) judicial nullification and (2) legitimacy concerns regarding the scope of directors' liability risks.
Social Science/Natural Science Perspectives on Wildfire and Climate Change

In western North America, wildfire is a critical component of many ecosystems and a natural hazard that can result in catastrophic losses of human lives and property. Billions of dollars are spent suppressing wildfires each year. In the past decades, academic research has made substantial contributions to the understanding of fire and its interaction with climate and land management. Most reviews of the academic literature, however, are centered in either natural or social science. We offer an integrated cross-disciplinary guide to state-of-the art fire science and use this review to identify research gaps. We focus on the modern era and understanding fire in the context of a changing climate in western North America. We find that studies combining social and natural science perspectives remain limited and that interactions among coupled system components are poorly understood. For example, while natural science studies have identified how fuel treatments alter fire regimes, few social science studies examine how decisions are made about fuel treatments and how these decisions respond to changes in fire regimes. A key challenge is to better quantify the effects of actual fire management policies in a way that accounts for the complexity of coupled natural and natural–human system interactions.
Crystal plasticity FE study of the effect of thermo‐mechanical loading on fatigue crack nucleation in titanium alloys

In this paper, crystal plasticity simulations are conducted with a stabilized finite deformation finite element model to study the effects of microstructure as well as thermal and mechanical loading conditions on fatigue crack nucleation of Ti alloys. The crystal plasticity model includes a non-local crack nucleation model. Results of simulations are used to understand the effects of dwell loading periods and microtexture on fatigue nucleation life in polycrystalline microstructures in comparison with experiments. From the thermo-mechanical studies of these alloys, it is found that anisotropic thermal expansion under thermal loading can induce stresses normal to the basal plane, which can help opening up microcracks. Moreover, in agreement with experimental results, the simulations show diminished load shedding at elevated temperature because of weakening of plastic anisotropy.
Successive Generalizations in the Theory of Numbers

(1927). Successive Generalizations in the Theory of Numbers. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 34, No. 2, pp. 55-75.
Conventional forces in Europe: Signs of a Soviet shift

The Soviets are hinting at asymmetric reductions in their conventional forces, either as a negotiating position or as a unilateral withdrawal. They must make significant concrete moves to be taken seriously.
Design and Optimization of Encryption System Framework Based on Linux

Through research on the encryption system framework of FreeBSD and Solaris,especially the analysis and optimization on the OCF framework of FreeBSD,the paper puts forward a system model based on the asynchronous operation of the OCF framework,and implements it in the Linux platform.Experiments show that the multi-queue asynchronous encryption framework discussed in the paper provids user-level SSL VPN and core layer IPSec VPN with easy-to-use,high-performance encryption services.
Tri- and Dicoordinated Ions, Radicals, and Carbenes Bearing Two Heteroatoms (RX 2 C + , RX 2 C · , RX 2 C − , X 2 C − :)

This chapter summarizes recent advances in the chemistry of heteroatom-substituted carbenes, carbenium ions, carbanions, and carbon radicals, with emphasis on compounds that bear two heteroatoms. In many cases, recent advances in chemistry have led to the ability to isolate these entities as stable species. The chemistry in this chapter is organized conceptually around chemical (synthetic) relationships among carbenes, carbenium ions, carbanions, and radicals. Protonation/deprotonation reactions relate carbenes to carbenium ions. Similarly, halide addition to a carbene produces an α-halocarbanion. These synthetic relationships are broadly extended to the general addition of electrophiles to carbenes producing carbenium ions and the general additions of nucleophiles to carbenes producing carbanions. The addition of a heteroatom to a carbenem, which already bears two heteroatoms, produces a tricoordinated carbon containing three heretoatoms. Brief descriptions of such structures are presented here for completeness and continuity. The heteroatomic substituents considered in this chapter include main-group elements 1–2 and 13–17, organized in that order followed by species bearing pendant transition elements (groups 3–12), lanthanides, and actinides.
Some topics in the history of harmonic analysis in the twentieth century

In December 2015 I gave a series of six lectures at the Indian Institute of Science in which I sketched the thematic development of some of the main techniques and results of 20th-century harmonic analysis. The subjects of the lectures were, briefly, as follows: I emphasized interconnections, both the way in which the material in the first lecture provided the roots out of which most of the developments in the other lectures grew, and the ways in which those developments interacted with each other. I included sketches of as many proofs as the time would permit: some very brief, but some fairly complete, especially those whose methodology is an important part of the subject. Much was omitted, of course, and there was a natural bias toward the areas where I have spent periods of my own mathematical life. Many developments, particularly those of the final quarter-century, received at most a brief mention. This paper is a written account of these lectures with a few more details fleshed out, a few topics reorganized, and a few items added. I hope that others may find it an interesting narrative and a useful reference, and that it may lead some of them to share my enjoyment of exploring the original sources. I have tried to provide the references to those sources wherever possible, and for the more recent developments I also provide references to various expository works as the occasion arises. For the pre-1950 results discussed here and their proofs, however, there is one canonical reference, which I give here once and for all: Antoni Zygmund’s treatise [96]. (The more fundamental ones can also be found in Folland [29].)
Utilizing Cloud Computing to address big geospatial data challenges

Abstract Big Data has emerged with new opportunities for research, development, innovation and business. It is characterized by the so-called four Vs: volume, velocity, veracity and variety and may bring significant value through the processing of Big Data. The transformation of Big Data's 4 Vs into the 5th (value) is a grand challenge for processing capacity. Cloud Computing has emerged as a new paradigm to provide computing as a utility service for addressing different processing needs with a) on demand services, b) pooled resources, c) elasticity, d) broad band access and e) measured services. The utility of delivering computing capability fosters a potential solution for the transformation of Big Data's 4 Vs into the 5th (value). This paper investigates how Cloud Computing can be utilized to address Big Data challenges to enable such transformation. We introduce and review four geospatial scientific examples, including climate studies, geospatial knowledge mining, land cover simulation, and dust storm modelling. The method is presented in a tabular framework as a guidance to leverage Cloud Computing for Big Data solutions. It is demostrated throught the four examples that the framework method supports the life cycle of Big Data processing, including management, access, mining analytics, simulation and forecasting. This tabular framework can also be referred as a guidance to develop potential solutions for other big geospatial data challenges and initiatives, such as smart cities.
An elastic element in the protocadherin-15 tip link of the inner ear

Tip link filaments convey force and gate inner-ear hair-cell transduction channels to mediate perception of sound and head movements. Cadherin-23 and protocadherin-15 form tip links through a calcium-dependent interaction of their extracellular domains made of multiple extracellular cadherin (EC) repeats. These repeats are structurally similar, but not identical in sequence, often featuring linkers with conserved calcium-binding sites that confer mechanical strength to them. Here we present the X-ray crystal structures of human protocadherin-15 EC8-EC10 and mouse EC9-EC10, which show an EC8-9 canonical-like calcium-binding linker, and an EC9-10 calcium-free linker that alters the linear arrangement of EC repeats. Molecular dynamics simulations and small-angle X-ray scattering experiments support this non-linear conformation. Simulations also suggest that unbending of EC9-10 confers some elasticity to otherwise rigid tip links. The new structure provides a first view of protocadherin-15's non-canonical EC linkers and suggests how they may function in inner-ear mechanotransduction, with implications for other cadherins.
A numerical method for an inverse problem for Helmholtz equation with separable wavenumber

This paper is concerned with inverse evaluation of the wavenumber for a Helmholtz equation. It is assumed that the wavenumber is composed of a known uniform background and an unknown separable part. This function can closely model an unhealthy abnormality in a healthy domain. The algorithm assumes an initial guess for the unknown perturbation part and obtains corrections to the guessed value. Numerical results indicate that the algorithm can recover close estimates of the unknown wavenumber based on boundary measurements.