cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optimal power, power limit, and damping of vibration piezoelectric power harvesters

Power harvesting describes the process of acquiring the ambient energy surrounding a system and converting it into usable electrical energy. Much of the work over the past two decades has focused on the conversion of ambient vibration energy sources using piezoelectric, electromagnetic and electrostatic transduction. Attempts were made to obtain a general model that could be applied to any transduction mechanism. Of the most interest is an electromagnetic generator model that was used by many researchers to model piezoelectric power harvesters. Two major results from the model are the power limit expression and the equal relationship between the electrically induced damping and the mechanical damping to reach the power limit. However, piezoelectric power harvesters cannot be accurately modeled by this electromagnetic model due to the essential difference in physics. There have also been attempts to obtain the power limit expression based on piezoelectric relationships, but they either neglect the piezoelectric backward coupling to the structure, or assume the power limit occurs at the resonance of the system. This paper obtains the power limit expression based on the piezoelectric coupled equations without those assumptions. In addition, the relationship between the electrically induced damping and mechanical damping at the power limit is studied. Furthermore, a closed-form criterion is derived and proposed to define strongly and weakly coupling power harvesters, whose differences in power characteristics are explained through analytical and numerical analysis. While most of the discussion is focused on linear power harvesters connected to a resistive circuit, the aim of this paper is to provide a comprehensive and deep understanding of this simple configuration, answers to important questions, and a starting point to develop a more general theory on power harvesters because similar system characteristics are observed in power harvesters with more complexities.
Causality between government spending and income: the case of Saudi Arabia

The paper investigates the Granger-causal relationship between government spending (G) and income (Y) for Saudi Arabia for which G is the main driver of economic growth. Previous studies investigat...
Plasmonically Enhanced Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

The unique absorption and scattering properties of metallic (typically silver or gold) nanoscale structures are dominated by their localized surface plasmon resonances, leading to strongly confined electromagnetic fields and unprecedented control over light at the nanoscale. The scattering properties of metal nanoparticles have recently been used to trap light within thin film inorganic solar cell devices to increase the effective optical density of the absorbing layer. Enhanced local fields have been utilized to enhance the photo-absorption cross-section of dye molecules in dye-sensitized solar cells. Here we will review the current state of the art in plasmon-enhanced dye-sensitized solar cells and comment on the challenges that must be addressed for the realization of next generation devices.
Hydrodynamics and water quality modeling of a wet detention pond

Abstract A vertically averaged two-dimensional hydrodynamic model was developed to simulate the flow and pollutant transport in small scale basins and to assess the pollutant removal performance of an urban wet detention pond located in Charlottesville. The differential equations were numerically solved on a space staggered grid using a two-level time ADI integration scheme.
Nicotine Actions in Models of Learning/Memory and Reward

Nicotine appears to be the primary substance responsible for maintaining the use by humans of tobacco products. Although it is readily demonstrated that nicotine is capable of inducing psychologic, physiologic, and pharmacologic changes in both animals and humans, these effects may not necessarily relate directly to the phenomenon of tobacco use in humans. Although many past experiments in both animals and humans have given rise to many isolated hypotheses as to why people use tobacco, there has been little integration of the results of these many, isolated experiments. This laboratory has been using the methods of strong inference and of multiple working hypotheses to address the question, “Why do people smoke?” This report will integrate the results from two aspects of the effects of nicotine: those effects of nicotine on learning and memory, and those effects of nicotine on the subjective state. We will use this integration to formulate a new hypothesis based upon the commonalities shared by learning/memory and reinforcement of behavior. This approach using multiple hypotheses will lead to a better understanding of the phenomenon of tobacco use in humans.
Policy and Governance Perspectives for Regulation of Genome Edited Crops in the United States

Genome editing for crop improvement lies at the leading edge of disruptive bioengineering technologies that will challenge existing regulatory paradigms for products of biotechnology and which will elicit widespread public interest. Regulation of products of biotechnology through the US Coordinated Framework for Biotechnology is predicated on requiring burden of proof that regulation is warranted. Although driven by considerations of newly emerging processes for product development, regulation has, for the most part, focused on characteristics of the biotechnology product itself and not the process used for its development per se. This standard of evidence and product focus has been maintained to date in regulatory considerations of genome edited crops. Those genome edited crops lacking recombinant DNA (rDNA) in the product intended for environmental release, lacking plant pest or pesticidal activity, or showing no food safety attributes different from those of traditionally bred crops are not deemed subject to regulatory evaluation. Regardless, societal uncertainties regarding genome editing are leading regulators to seek ways whereby these uncertainties may be addressed through redefinition of those products of biotechnology that may be subject to regulatory assessments. Within US law prior statutory history, language and regulatory action have significant influence on decision making; therefore, the administrative law and jurisprudence underlying the current Coordinated Framework strongly inform policy and governance when considering new plant breeding technologies such as genome editing.
Performance of Yam Marketing in Yewa Division of OgunState, Nigeria

Nigeria’s socio-economic history and development has been very closely tied to its agricultural sector Egbuna, [1]. Agriculture holds the key to rural development, poverty alleviation and overall economic development Oluwafemi
Thermoplastic Elastomer Phase Changing Materials for Stiffness Modulation

Four natural rubber-based phase changing materials (PCMs) were synthesized and evaluated with the goal of achieving controlled stiffness modulation at elevated temperatures (∼100-120 °C). The phase...
μPET/CT imaging of experimental autoimmune nephritis using 64Cu-αCD11b

412 Objectives: The purpose of this study was to develop PET tracer targeting myeloid cells and to noninvasively assess experimental autoimmune nephritis by tracking infiltration of CD11b+ inflammatory cells. Methods: Mice (129x1/svJ, female) were challenged with rabbit IgG and complete Freund9s adjuvant (250 µL) through i.p. injection at day 0, followed by i.v. injection of anti-glomerular basement membrane (GBM) serum (160 µL/20 g) at day 5. Anti-mouse CD11b antibody (αCD11b) was conjugated with DOTA and then labeled with 64Cu. μPET/CT images with 64Cu-DOTA-αCD11b (64Cu-αCD11b) were acquired at day 14. Normal mice were used as a control. Urine and blood samples were collected for biochemical test. Major organs were collected, weighted, and counted for radioactivity. Kidneys were also collected for autoradiography and immunohistochemical (IHC) examinations. Results: 64Cu-αCD11b bound specifically to CD11b+ myeloid cells, which had been confirmed by bone marrow cell binding assay in vitro and μPET imaging of CD11b-knockout mice in vivo. μPET-CT images showed that in normal mice, high 64Cu-αCD11b uptake was seen in bone marrow in the spinal cord, femur, tibia, scapula and humerus. Significant activity was also found in the spleen. 64Cu-αCD11b showed significantly higher uptake in the kidney of mice with autoimmune nephritis (19.5 ± 2.9 %ID/g) than the kidneys of normal mice (5.9 ± 0.5 %ID/g) (p < 0.001). In addition, autoradiography showed that 64Cu-αCD11b was primarily retained in the renal cortex in the mice with nephritis. Moreover, IHC staining confirmed that the kidney of mice with nephritis had greater numbers of infiltrating CD11b+F4/80+ macrophages in the glomerular regions of renal cortex than the normal mice did. Whole body μPET-CT imaging of mice with 64Cu-αCD11b showed that the uptake of 64Cu-αCD11b in the bone marrow significantly increased in nephritic mice (21.5 ± 7.88 %ID/g) compared to normal mice (9.3 ± 1.84 %ID/g) (p <0.05), suggesting a systemic immune response in mice with autoimmune nephritis. Conclusions: 64Cu-αCD11b is a promising radiotracer for non-invasive monitoring of experimental autoimmune nephritis at both the local and systemic levels.
The design and development of an automatic transmission solenoid tester for wheeled vehicles

Solenoids are the most critical components in automatic transmissions. They are used to control the shift points, clutch locking, or pressure regulation of automatic transmissions. Since the number...
An Inter Planetary Network Enabled by SmallSats

This paper describes the implementation of an unparalleled large sensor and communications platform along the solar system that we call the inter planetary network (IPN). The proposed IPN consists of thousands of small spacecraft (e.g. CubeSats) strategically deployed around planetary bodies in the solar system where each spacecraft is furnished with fast communications and sensor systems. The IPN concept is being proposed as an avant-garde science and communications platform that could allow for continuous fast communications and remarkable science returns. The IPN spacecraft, furnished with suitable miniaturized sensors, could form an amazing deep space platform for unique observation of the solar system, stars, galaxies and universe. A key feature of the IPN architecture is the use of swarms of spacecraft as network units. Super-high-speed intra-swarm communications could be achieved via omnidirectional optical links. The swarms act as autonomous network nodes and are capable of forming large synthetic apertures that enable high data rate communications among the IPN nodes. Depending on the sensors they carry, these swarms may also be capable of forming large synthetic sensors by rapidly combining data among the spacecraft. We envision distances between spacecraft forming a swarm to be in the range of 102–104 kilometers, whereas distances of 106–108 kilometers among swarms (IPN nodes) are expected. We provide an example of an initial IPN implementation in the inner solar system where swarms of spacecraft are deployed around the Earth, Moon, Mars, Venus and Mercury. Placing swarms around 3 Lagrange points per planet yield a total of 12 possible IPN network nodes. We present communications link calculations among IPN nodes that allow high data rate communications between Earth and Mars while Mars is in solar conjunction (behind the Sun). A second example of an IPN platforms includes a giant spaceborne radio telescope behind the moon.
Recurrent audiovestibular dysfunction and associated neurological immune-related adverse events in a melanoma patient treated with nivolumab and ipilimumab

Background Recurrent immunotherapy-induced audiovestibular toxicity despite cessation of therapy has not been reported. Methods We report the first case of recurrent audiovestibular toxicity following immune-checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy. The patient was seen with sudden bilateral hearing loss and disequilibrium. After ruling out other etiologies, he was diagnosed with audiovestibular and neurological immune-related adverse events (irAEs). He received systemic steroids, with significant hearing and balance recovery. Over the following 4 months, he experienced two other episodes of sudden bilateral hearing loss despite ICIs cessation. The second episode was treated with oral steroids, and hearing improved. On the third episode, he received oral and intratympanic steroids, and he was started on infliximab. Results Audiogram 8 months following the last recurrence showed hearing improvement and stability. Conclusion Immunotherapy-induced ototoxicity may recur despite therapy cessation. High dose steroids remain the mainstay of treatment. If audiovestibular irAEs recur despite multiple courses of steroids, immunosuppressive agents may be considered.
Need for anticoagulation and use of direct oral anticoagulants in lung transplant recipients.

Limited information is available about use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in lung transplant recipients (LTRs). The purpose of this study is to describe the indications and use of long-term anticoagulation, including the safety and tolerability of DOACs, in LTRs. This was a single-center retrospective study. LTRs who received therapeutic anticoagulation were identified. Patient characteristics, indications for treatment, and complications of therapy were obtained. A total of 203 patients underwent lung transplantation of which 118 patients (58.1%) had an indication for anticoagulation. Patients with an indication for anticoagulation were older than those without (59 ± 14 years versus 48 ± 17 years, p < 0.001) and were more likely to be male (72.0% versus 50.6%, p = 0.002). Of the patients with indication for anticoagulation, 74 (62.7%) received it. Fifty-one (68.9%) of patients receiving anticoagulation were treated with DOACs. In the patients receiving anticoagulation, there were 14 major bleeding events in 13 patients, of which 3 were receiving DOACs and the remainder were receiving heparin or warfarin. The need for anticoagulation is common in LTRs for both atrial arrhythmias and venous thromboembolism. However, many patients with atrial arrhythmias do not receive anticoagulation. The use of DOACs is well tolerated and safe in LTRs.
Climate resources at United States National Parks: a tourism climate index approach

Nature-based tourism is beholden to weather, extreme weather, and climate change (i.e. climate resources), though researchers have yet to longitudinally explore the influence of climate resources o...
An Artificial Intelligence-Assisted Method for Dementia Detection Using Images from the Clock Drawing Test

Background: Widespread dementia detection could increase clinical trial candidates and enable appropriate interventions. Since the Clock Drawing Test (CDT) can be potentially used for diagnosing dementia-related disorders, it can be leveraged to develop a computer-aided screening tool. Objective: To evaluate if a machine learning model that uses images from the CDT can predict mild cognitive impairment or dementia. Methods: Images of an analog clock drawn by 3,263 cognitively intact and 160 impaired subjects were collected during in-person dementia evaluations by the Framingham Heart Study. We processed the CDT images, participant’s age, and education level using a deep learning algorithm to predict dementia status. Results: When only the CDT images were used, the deep learning model predicted dementia status with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 81.3% ± 4.3%. A composite logistic regression model using age, level of education, and the predictions from the CDT-only model, yielded an average AUC and average F1 score of 91.9% ±1.1% and 94.6% ±0.4%, respectively. Conclusion: Our modeling framework establishes a proof-of-principle that deep learning can be applied on images derived from the CDT to predict dementia status. When fully validated, this approach can offer a cost-effective and easily deployable mechanism for detecting cognitive impairment.
Novel Design of Integrated Motor-Compressor Using Flux Reversal Permanent Magnet Machine Topology

The objective of this paper is to design a new integrated motor-compressor based on the flux reversal permanent magnet (FRPM) machine topology. FRPM machine is a type of doubly salient machine with permanent magnets located on the stator teeth surface. The rotor poles of the proposed integrated machine are shaped into airfoils, which function both as a rotor for the electric machine and as a rotor for an axial-flow compressor. The thermodynamic performance of the integrated motor-compressor is evaluated using analytical calculation and 3-D computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. The electromagnetic performance of the integrated motor-compressor is verified by 3-D finite element analysis (FEA).
Dissipative dynamics of chirped-pulse Kerr resonators

Here we investigate the unique dissipative properties of chirped-pulse solitons in normal dispersion Kerr resonators. Chirped pulses are stable despite >90% round-trip loss and the required drive power has a beneficial insensitivity to cavity losses.
Inhibition of human HL-60 cell responses to chemotactic factors by antisense messenger RNA depletion of G proteins.

Chemotactic factors bound to receptors of the seven-transmembrane domain family signal leukocytes through associated guanine nucleotide-binding (G) proteins. Human leukocytes of the HL-60 line, which express G protein-coupled receptors for leukotriene B4 (LTB4) and N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP) after differentiation with vitamin D3 and transforming growth factor-beta, were transfected with expression plasmids containing antisense-oriented cDNAs encoding the alpha-chains of Go, Gi1, Gi2, and Gi3. Antisense mRNA for Go and Gi2 alpha-chains suppressed by over 80% the level of the respective G protein. Go-deficient HL-60 cells had depressed functional and intracellular calcium responses to LTB4 and fMLP, but no alterations in the responses of cyclic adenosine 3‘,5‘-monophosphate (cAMP). In contrast, HL-60 cells deficient in Gi2 lost only responses of the intracellular concentration of cAMP. Antisense mRNA suppression of distinct G proteins thus may delineate some transductional requirements for cellular responses.
Gas Turbine Performance Test

Performance evaluation of the turbine is one of the most important parameters in the operation of a plant. Total performance monitoring on- or off-line is important for the plant engineers to achieve their goals of maintaining high availability of their machinery; minimizing degradation and maintaining operation near design efficiencies; and diagnosing problems, and avoiding operating in regions that could lead to serious malfunctions. This chapter presents a detailed technique with all the major equations governing a gas turbine power plant, based on the various ASME Test Codes. The three ASME Test Codes that govern the test of a gas turbine power plant are ASME, Performance Test Code on Overall Plant Performance, ASME PTC 46 1996, American Society of Mechanical Engineers 1996; ASME, Performance Test Code on Test Uncertainty: Instruments and Apparatus PTC 19.1, 1988; and ASME, Performance Test Code on Gas Turbines, ASME PTC 22 1997, American Society of Mechanical Engineers 1997. The ASME, Performance Test Code on Overall Plant Performance, ASME PTC 46 was designed to determine the performance of the entire heat cycle as an integrated system. This code provides explicit procedures for the determination of power plant thermal performance and electrical output. The ASME, Performance Test Code on Test Uncertainty: Instruments and Apparatus PTC 19.1 specifies procedures for evaluation of uncertainties in individual test measurements, arising from both random errors and systematic errors, and for the propagation of random and systematic uncertainties into the uncertainty of test results. The PTC 22 establishes a limit of uncertainty of each measurement required.
Abstract 12307: Atrial Fibrillation is a Strong Risk Factor for Adverse Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients With Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators

Purpose: The use of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) continues to increase. Our knowledge of predictors of adverse cardiovascular (CV) outcomes in patients with ICDs is mostly derived from clinical trials. This hospital-based retrospective cohort study aims to identify predictors of adverse CV outcomes in patients with ICD in a real-world setting. Methods: We identified consecutive patients who had ICD implantation at the University of Minnesota Medical Center between Jan 1, 2008 and Dec 31, 2009. Baseline data on demographics, CV risk factors and diagnoses, and medications were collected from charts. The follow-up was through Dec 31, 2012. Our primary outcome is a composite CV outcome (table). We used multivariable Cox proportional hazards model and a stepwise selection method to fit the most parsimonious model to predict the composite outcome. Results: We included 166 patients [mean age (SD), 60 (15) years; 74% male]; 64 (38.8%) patients had diabetes (DM) and 140 (84.3%) were on beta-blockers (BB) at baseline. The ICD was placed in 119 (71.7%) patients for primary prevention and 47 (28.3%) for secondary prevention of sudden cardiac death. There were 98 patients (59.0%) with the composite outcome and 25 (15.1%) with incident or recurrent atrial fibrillation (AF). The median follow-up was 633 days. The full model included age, sex, coronary artery disease, DM, hypertension, LV ejection fraction, use of BB, anticoagulants, estimated GFR, and incident or recurrent AF. The table shows the most parsimonious model for prediction of the composite outcome. Conclusions: In patients with ICDs, the presence of AF is significantly associated with a 5-fold increased risk of adverse CV outcomes while the use of BB is associated with lower risk. Our study suggests that AF is a strong risk factor for adverse CV outcomes in patients with ICDs. Further research is warranted to determine whether maintaining sinus rhythm in patients with AF and ICD would lead to improved outcomes. ![][1] [1]: /embed/graphic-1.gif
Reasons For and Reservations About Research Participation in Acutely Injured Adults

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore the reasons adult patients seeking emergency department care for minor injuries agree to participate in clinical research and to identify their reservations about participating in a research study. DESIGN AND METHODS: This is a secondary analysis of data from a longitudinal cohort study of 275 adults who sought emergency department care for physical injury and were followed over 12 months. At the final interview, participants were asked open-ended short-answer questions about their perception of participating in the study. Free text responses were analyzed using conventional content analysis. FINDINGS: The final sample of 214 participants was composed equally of males and females, predominantly Black (54%) and White (42%), with a mean age of 41 years. Six themes about reasons for participation emerged from free text responses: being asked, altruism, potential for personal benefit, financial gain, curiosity, and valuing or knowledge of research. Most did not report reservations. Those reservations identified included time constraints, confidentiality, and whether patients felt well suited to fulfill the study requirements. CONCLUSIONS: Although injured patients are identified by the research community as vulnerable, they are willing to participate in research studies for diverse reasons, and their participation is commonly associated with positive experiences. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Understanding perceptions of participants' experiences of being in a research study after acute injury can guide researchers to improve future study protocols and recruitment strategies in order to optimize participants' experiences. Recruitment and retention into clinical research studies is essential to build nursing science to enhance the recovery of injured individuals. Language: en
Polluters’ Profits and Political Response: Direct Control versus Taxes: Comment

In a recent issue of this Review, James Buchanan and Gordon Tullock (B-T) presented a public choice analysis of the relative merits of direct controls and taxes in externality control. In Section IV of their paper, B-T consider the case of reciprocal external diseconomies of consumption. They ask whether "... persons in this sort of interaction, acting through the political processes of the community, will impose on themselves either a penalty tax or direct regulation" (p. 143). Their analysis is carried out within the context of a two-person model in which each person consumes the same quantity of a good (or carries out the same quantity of an activity) in the precontrol equilibrium, but in which the two transactors exhibit different price elasticities of demand for the good. B-T show that under these circumstances the imposition of equal quotas would be preferred to the imposition of an efficient tax by one transactor but not the other. Their analysis that supports that conclusion is incorrect. The situation is described in B-T's Figure 2 which is reproduced here as Figure 1. The initial equilibrium before any tax or any quota is imposed is at point E. The price of the good is P, and each transactor consumes Ql. An efficient tax equal to T is imposed, and the price increases to P'; A decreases the quantity he consumes to Qa, and B cuts back to Qb. Assume that all the revenue collected in the tax is returned in equal shares to each transactor. (This is the same as saying that each transactor values the increased government services made available to him with the proceeds of the tax at an amount equal to one-half of the total taxes collected). Each transactor gets back an amount represented by area P'MFP. Transactor A pays in an amount represented by S
Stress-Corrosion Cracking and Fatigue Crack Growth Behavior of Ti-6Al-4V Plates Consolidated from Low Cost Powders

Titanium is highly desirable for a wide range of applications because of its combination of high strength, low density and outstanding corrosion characteristics. However, the cost of titanium, produced by conventional technology, is high compared to steel and aluminum, which is a result of high extraction and processing costs. New approaches are being investigated maintaining required quality while lowering the cost of finished products. Ti alloy powder, Ti-6Al-4V, manufactured by a low cost hydride-process and consolidated into flat products (sheet, plate), were studied. The results of the study were compared with the properties obtained from plates of Armstrong Titanium consolidated powder. To remove the prior history of consolidation, the plates are beta annealed and the test results are compared with “as received” condition. The mechanism of the fatigue crack growth rate difference, fracture toughness, and stress-corrosion cracking resistance in terms of the respective Ti-6Al-4V microstructure differences will be discussed.
Alternative Litigation Finance and the Usury Challenge: A Multi-Factor Approach

Consumer Alternative Litigation Finance (ALF) is an industry comprised of for-profit companies that provide non-recourse funding to litigants to cover living expenses or medical fees while their lawsuits are pending. The financing fees charged by ALF companies to litigants are largely unregulated, giving rise to a vociferous outcry among critics who contend that high financing fees violate state usury statutes. The validity of the critique depends upon the proper classification of ALF advances; if the ALF advances are to be considered loans, they should be subject to usury restrictions, whereas if they are more accurately described as investments, they ought to fall outside of the reach of usury law.This Note questions the efficacy of the framework currently utilized by courts to assess whether ALF transactions are properly governed by usury law, and proposes that a new framework be adopted. Part I presents an overview of ALF and describes several legal challenges that have plagued the industry, focusing primarily on case law examining the usury charge. Part II argues that the utility of the current framework to determine whether transactions should be subject to usury law is diminishing, as courts chip away at the centrality of recourse as a defining characteristic of a loan. It assesses, in its stead, the usefulness of a multi-factor test borrowed from tax law, suggesting that under the multi-factor test ALF advances are better classified as investments than loans. Part III proposes that courts adopt a tailored version of tax law’s multi-factor test to engage in a more meaningful examination of the usury claim against ALF. It further suggests that, because ALF advances are more accurately characterized as investments, legislatures regulate them outside of usury law.
Development and characterization of polyethylene glycol–carbon nanotube hydrogel composite

Carbon nanotube (CNT)–hydrogel composites are attractive for a variety of neural tissue engineering and drug delivery applications as well as biosensor coatings, transducers and leads. Both materials contribute unique and beneficial properties to the composites. Hydrogels are an excellent mimic of the extracellular matrix due to their hydrophilicity, viscoelasticity and biocompatibility. CNTs, on the other hand, can impart electroconductivity to otherwise insulating materials, improve mechanical stability and guide neuronal cell behavior as well as elicit axon regeneration. Not surprisingly, there has been a surge in the development of various CNT–hydrogel composites including both natural and synthetic polymers. Here, we describe a CNT–polyethylene glycol (PEG) hydrogel composite where the CNTs are entrapped in the hydrogel phase during gelation. The hydrogel crosslinking reaction is based on Michael-type addition which is ideal for in situ cell and protein encapsulation. To adequately disperse the highly hydrophobic CNTs in the aqueous polymer solution, we used sonication and surfactants, where bovine serum albumin was found to be an effective and non-cytotoxic dispersant. We demonstrate that the inclusion of the CNTs impeded the hydrogel crosslinking leading to longer gelation times, higher swelling and porosity, and lower storage modulus above a threshold CNT concentration. As anticipated, composite hydrogel resistivity decreased with the incorporation of CNTs and was dependent on both CNT loading and dispersion. Importantly, unlike the PEG hydrogel alone, the PEG–CNT hydrogel composite was capable of supporting high neural cell viability where the CNTs provided sites for cell attachment.
Performance of Scientific Computing Platforms with MCNP4B

Several computing platforms were evaluated with the MCNP4B Monte Carlo radiation transport code. The DEC AlphaStation 500/500 was the fastest to run MCNP4B. Compared to the HP 9000-735, the fastest platform 4 yr ago, the AlphaStation is 335% faster, the HP C180 is 133% faster, the SGI Origin 2000 is 82% faster, the Sun UltraSparc-1 200E is 54% faster, the Micron Millennia Pro personal computer is 10% faster, the Cray T94/4128 is 1% faster, the IBM RS/6000-590 is 93% as fast, the DEC 3000/600 is 81% as fast, the Sun Sparc20 is 57% as fast, the Cray YMP 8/8128 is 57% as fast, the Sun Sparc5 is 33% as fast, and the Sun Sparc2 is 13% as fast. All results presented are reproducible and allow for comparison to computer platforms not included in this study. Timing studies are seen to be very problem dependent. The performance gains resulting from advances in software were also investigated. Various compilers and operating systems were seen to have a modest impact on performance, whereas hardware improvements have resulted in a factor of 4 improvement. MCNP4B also ran approximately as fast as MCNP4A.
Drug testing and productivity

In this article I attempt to examine the justification for the mandatory drug testing of employees. The justification commonly assumes the form of the “productivity argument” which states that an employer has a proprietary right to regulate the purchased time of the employee. Since the employer may be rightfully concerned with the employee's productive output, so this argument goes, the employer retains the right to motivate production. By extension, the employee's behavior outside of the workplace which affects his or her productive capacity may also be regulated, including drug use which may affect this capacity. Thus it is claimed that the employer has the right to test employees for drug use and to impose sanctions when it is discovered.
Inner Speech and the Linguistic Sign: Toward a Quantum Semiology

A neuroquantological account of inner speech and the linguistic sign is proposed. “Inner speech,” “meaning,” and “thought,” as well as memory traces and retraces, are defined and located in the theoretical structure of dual mode quantum thermofield brain dynamics. Other-action (sensory input from the environment and the body) and self-action (self-tuning signals generated by the brain itself) are distinguished. Being (presencing) is disclosed in the “between-two” of dual thermofield modes making a match. The link between the signifier aspect and the signified aspect of the semiological sign is that of superposition. In communication the signifier is used to evoke its entangled signified in someone else. The extent to which communication is successful depends on similar self-actions and attunements within linguistic communities. The discussion supports the development of a quantum semiology.
Evaluation of the causes for racial disparity in surgical treatment of early stage lung cancer

Study objectives: Black patients undergo surgical treatment for early stage lung cancer less often than whites. We wanted to determine the causes for the racial difference in resection rates. Design: We studied a retrospective cohort of patients who presented to our institution with potentially resectable lung cancer (stage I or II) between the years 1995 and 1998, inclusive. Setting: A tertiary-referral hospital and clinic with a cancer database of all lung cancer patients seen. Patients: A total of 281 patients were included: 97 black patients (35%) and 184 white patients (65%). Measurements and results: The surgical rate was significantly lower in blacks than in whites (56 of 97 patients [58%] vs 137 of 184 patients [74%], p=0.004). We could not find evidence that the rate at which surgical treatment was offered was different between the two racial groups (68 of 97 black patients [70%] and 145 of 184 white patients [79%], p=0.11). After controlling for preoperative pulmonary function, tumor stage, history of smoking, and significant comorbidities, we were unable to show that race was a predictor of being offered surgical treatment (odds ratio, 0.46; 95% confidence interval, 0.18 to 1.14; p=0.09). The difference in surgical rates was mainly due to the fact that blacks were found to decline surgical treatment more often than their white counterparts (12 of 68 patients [18%] vs 7 of 145 patients [5%], p=0.002). Conclusions: Our analysis suggests that the lower surgical rate among black patients with early stage lung cancer is mainly due to low rates of acceptance of surgical treatment.
A comparison of the isoelectric points of mouse liver UDP-glucuronosyltransferase enzymes conjugating the twelve benzo[a]pyrene phenols.

Abstract Solubilized mouse liver microsomes were subjected to chromatofocusing using a pH 9.5 to 6.0 gradient. UDP-glucuronosyltransferase activity was assayed using 12 benzo[a]pyrene phenols as substrates. The rank of microsomal activity for the phenols was as follows: 12 > 10 > 4 > 1 > 7 > 5 > 8 > 9 > 3 > 11 > 6 > 2. Fractions separated on chromatofocusing according to isoelectric point indicated that 3-, 10-, 11-, and 12-hydroxybenzo[a]pyrene were conjugated primarily by a high pI (∼8.5) activity(s), 2-, 6-, 8-, and 9-hydroxybenzo[a]pyrene were conjugated primarily by a low pI (∼6.7) activity(s), and 1-, 4-, 5-, and 7-hydroxybenzo[a]pyrene were conjugated equally well by high and low pI forms.
Waveguide Fabrication Techniques In AlGaAs/GaAlAs

The various techniques that have been used to fabricate waveguides in GaAs/GaAkAs are reviewed; including p-n junction, carrier-concentration-reduction, heteroepitaxial growth, and strip-loading methods. The results of this survey show that it is possible to produce waveguides in GaAs/GaAkAs with losses less than 2 dB/cm for wavelengths ranging from 1.06 to 10.6μm. In some cases losses as low as 1 dB/cm have been observed.
Analysis of Vaginal Pressure and Abdominal EMG According to Delivery Method during Pelvic Floor Muscle Contraction

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of birth history and delivery method on vaginal pressure and abdominal muscle activity during pelvic floor muscle contraction (PFMC). [Subjects] Thirty healthy female volunteers (26∼39 years of age) were selected for the research. Their delivery histories were: nulliparous 10, vaginal delivery 10 and cesarean delivery 10. None of the participants had a history of incontinence. [Methods] Abdominal muscle activities and vaginal pressure were recorded in the crook-lying position. During pelvic floor muscle contraction. [Results] Pelvic floor muscle contractions induces significantly different vaginal pressures between subjects with nulliparous and vaginal delivery histories (p<0.05), but no significant difference in vaginal pressure was induced between the vaginal delivery group and cesarean delivery group. [Conclusion] Pelvic floor muscle contraction induced no significant differences in electromyography in each group
Transmembrane Type-2-like Cu2+ Site in the P1B-3-type ATPase CopB: Implications for Metal Selectivity

Metal selectivity in P_(1B)-type ATPase transporters is determined by conserved amino acid residues in their transmembrane helices responsible for metal binding and transport across the cellular membrane. The Cu^(2+)-selective CopB from Archaeoglobus fulgidus has been investigated to explore the coordination chemistry of the transition metal binding sites in P_(1B-3)-type ATPases. Electronic absorption, electron paramagnetic resonance, and X-ray absorption spectroscopic studies indicate the presence of a high-affinity transmembrane Type-2-like Cu^(2+) center in which a single cupric ion is coordinated in a distorted square pyramidal geometry by mixed nitrogen/oxygen and sulfur ligands.
Robot limbo: Optimized planning and control for dynamically stable robots under vertical obstacles

We present successful control strategies for dynamically stable robots that avoid low ceilings and other vertical obstacles in a manner similar to limbo dances. Given the parameters of the mission, including the goal and obstacle dimensions, our method uses a sequential composition of IO-linearized controllers and applies stochastic optimization to automatically compute the best controller gains and references, as well as the times for switching between the different controllers. We demonstrate this system through numerical simulations, validation in a physics-based simulation environment, as well as on a novel two-wheeled platform. The results show that the generated control strategies are successful in mission planning for this challenging problem domain and offer significant advantages over hand-tuned alternatives.
Maternal inflammation promotes fetal microglial activation and increased cholinergic expression in the fetal basal forebrain: role of interleukin-6

Maternal inflammation promotes fetal microglial activation and increased cholinergic expression in the fetal basal forebrain: role of interleukin-6
Investigation on the catalytic reduction kinetics of hexavalent chromium by viral-templated palladium nanocatalysts

Abstract We report on examination of the dichromate reduction reaction mechanism and synthesis–structure–activity relationship of palladium (Pd) nanoparticles formed on surface-assembled viral templates. By employing Langmuir–Hinshelwood mechanism, the adsorption of formic acid on the catalytic sites is found to be substantially higher (∼300 times) than that of dichromate ions. The viral-templated Pd nanocatalysts with optimized synthesis conditions are demonstrated to have higher catalytic activity per unit Pd mass for the dichromate reduction reaction than the commercial Pd/C catalysts. The effects of catalyst synthesis conditions on the catalyst properties (i.e. Pd particle size and loading) and on the catalytic activity are also investigated via Grazing Incidence Small Angle X-ray Scattering (GI-SAXS) and reaction kinetics studies. The changes in our biotemplated nanocatalyst synthesis conditions contribute to the changes in the Pd particle size and surface loading density, leading to predictable manipulation of the catalytic activity. We expect that the new insights on the reaction kinetics and reactant adsorption behavior as well as the catalyst synthesis–structure–activity relationship reported in this work can be readily extended or applied to other catalysts and reaction systems.
A General Quantum Theory of the Wave-Length of Scattered X-rays

Corpuscular quantum theory of the scattering of x-rays.---The theory previously presented gave for the change of wave-length due to scattering, assuming each quantum scattered by a single free electron, $\ensuremath{\delta}{\ensuremath{\lambda}}_{F}=(\frac{h}{\mathrm{mc}}) \mathrm{vers} \ensuremath{\phi}=.0242 \mathrm{vers} \ensuremath{\phi}$, where $\ensuremath{\phi}$ is the angle between the primary and scattered ray. This theory is now extended to scattering by bound electrons. If the scattering electron is not ejected from the atom, no energy is transferred and no change of wave-length occurs; but if the electron is removed, the change of wave-length must lie between $\ensuremath{\delta}{\ensuremath{\lambda}}_{B}={\ensuremath{\lambda}}^{2}({\ensuremath{\lambda}}_{s}\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\lambda})$ and $\ensuremath{\infty}$, where $\ensuremath{\lambda}$ is the incident wave-length and ${\ensuremath{\lambda}}_{s}$ the critical ionization wave-length for the scattering electron in its original orbit. If we restrict the theory by assuming that the final momentum possessed by the residual atom is that acquired during the absorption from the incident beam, of the energy $\frac{\mathrm{hc}}{{\ensuremath{\lambda}}_{s}}$ required to remove the electron from the atom, and that the electron, now free, receives the impulse resulting from the deflection of the quantum, the resulting change of wave-length is $\ensuremath{\delta}\ensuremath{\lambda}=\ensuremath{\delta}{\ensuremath{\lambda}}_{B}+\ensuremath{\delta}{\ensuremath{\lambda}}_{F}$. Comparison with experimental results shows that the restricted theory accounts satisfactorily for scattering by the lighter elements and also for the scattering of tungsten rays by Mo if for heavy elements $\ensuremath{\delta}{\ensuremath{\lambda}}_{F}$ is taken to be zero. Criticism of the "tertiary radiation" hypothesis, which leads to the expression $\ensuremath{\delta}\ensuremath{\lambda}={\ensuremath{\lambda}}^{2}({\ensuremath{\lambda}}_{s}\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\lambda})$, shows that it does not account for the large percentage of polarization, for the large relative intensity and for the homogeneity of the scattered x-rays.
Multi-frequency lithium niobate thin-film resonators

Summary form only given. To satisfy the ever-increasing demand for spectrum, commercial markets desire integrated multi-frequency “band”-select duplexer and diplexer filters, with fractional bandwidth (BW) ranging from 3% to 10% and steep roll-off for high stop band rejection. The achievable bandwidth of such filters is ultimately limited by the electro-mechanical coupling factor (k t 2 ) of the resonators, while the roll-off is determined by resonator quality factor (Q). Therefore, resonators with both high k t 2 and high Q are desired for large BW steep roll-off filters. In this talk I present the fabrication technology and design of thin-film lithium niobate (LN) contour-mode resonators. By carefully positioning the inter-digital transducer (IDT), we 2 achieved CMRs with k t 2 ×Q of 148 (IDT @ node) and very high k t 2 resonators with spur-attenuated response (IDT @ anti-node) [1,2] . We have demonstrated resonators with frequencies ranging from 400MHz to 1.9GHz on a single chip. Additionally, we have demonstrated high optical Q, GHz FSR photonic resonators on the same platform paving the way for high-bandwidth and efficient chip-scale microwave photonics [3].
Nonlinear dynamics in combinatorial games: renormalizing Chomp.

We develop a new approach to combinatorial games that reveals connections between such games and some of the central ideas of nonlinear dynamics: scaling behaviors, complex dynamics and chaos, universality, and aggregation processes. We take as our model system the combinatorial game Chomp, which is one of the simplest in a class of “unsolved” combinatorial games that includes Chess, Checkers, and Go. We discover that the game possesses an underlying geometric structure that “grows” (reminiscent of crystal growth), and show how this growth can be analyzed using a renormalization procedure adapted from physics. In effect, this methodology allows one to transform a combinatorial game like Chomp into a type of dynamical system. Not only does this provide powerful insights into the game of Chomp (yielding a complete probabilistic description of optimal play in Chomp and an answer to a longstanding question about the nature of the winning opening move), but more generally, it offers a mathematical framework for exploring this unexpected relationship between combinatorial games and modern dynamical systems theory.
Neuropsychological assessment of children with, without, and with questionable epileptogenic dysfunction.

Summary.-Neuropsychological assessment of children with, without, and with questionable epilepsy was reported, using the WISC, MPD, and Bender recall tests. The major finding was the presence of a continuum of neuropsychological deficit which was absent or minimal in those children without epilepsy, somewhat mote obvious in the questionable cases, and of considerable prominence in children with confirmed diagnoses of epilepsy. Interrelationships among the measures were explored. Some sex and seizure-type differences in test scores did emerge in the epilepsy group; however, handedness did not produce any significant results. The neuropsychological assessment of children with epilepsy may be approached from two points of view, namely, the definitional and the comparative. The definitional or "defined group" approach has sought to assess children on a given measure or series of measures, and, in reality has served as a normative presentation of a particular sample of epilepsy patients. Such an approach has been used in assessment of intellectual ability; review articles have been presented by Dennerll and Angers (1962) and by Keating (1960). The second or comparative approach has sought to relace neuropsychological test findings in patients with epilepsy to similar assessments of groups suffering dysfunction from other organic or functional disorders or even without obvious disorders. The comprehensive neuropsychological approach of Kl$ve and Matthews (1966) represents one example of this approach. The present study was designed primarily to reflect this comparative frame of reference. Specifically its purpose was to discover the differences, if any, on three neuropsychological tests between groups of children referred to an outpatient epilepsy center and emerging with a diagnosis of: Convulsive Disorder (CD) , Questionable Convulsive Disorder (QCD) , or Nonconvulsive (NC) . The second purpose of the investigation was to study the correlations among the assessment measures for these groups. Also, the test data were inspected with respect to seizure type in the Convulsive Disorder group and with respect to handedness and sex.