cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Critical factors in technological innovation and their policy implications

Abstract This paper explores the critical factors which affect the innovation proccess. Some ways in which some of these factors can be influenced by appropriate policy measures are discussed. In particular, the role of the federal government in promoting innovation is discussed. The role of the government in stimulating and nurturing the innovation process is a controversial one. Proponents of the free enterprise system, many of whom are spokespersons for various industries, have persistently pointed out the deleterious effects of regulation and control on the innovation process. By contrast, advocates of an activist government role are often able to cite the protection of the common welfare as a primary need for government intervention. In truth, the “government” is a patchwork of many governments, operating through many agencies and affecting firms and individuals at several levels and leverage points. The same regulation that has deleterious effects on Industry A may be a stimulus for innovation in Industry B. Even in Industry A, the regulation may act as a force in directing efforts toward certain types of R&D programs that would not otherwise be undertaken. In this paper we examine the specific instances where innovation projects, both product or process types, were affected by government regulation. We also briefly review the critical factors which affect the innovation process and how various governments in industrialized countries have taken actions to influence these factors. Finally, we examine some general guidelines for policymaking purposes.
Relationship among Measures of Impulsivity for Preschoolers

Although impulsivity has come to play a major role in defining childhood behavior problems, there is little agreement as to the definition, validity, and measurement of the construct. The purpose of this study was to investigate the inter-relationships among five measures of impulsivity appropriate for use with preschool children. Participants in the study were 39 children ranging in age from 46 to 62 months. Measures included the Kansas Reflection-Impulsivity Scale for Preschoolers, the Mazes Subtest of the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence, the Goodman Lock Box, the Preschool Rating Scale, and the Temperament Assessment Battery for Children. The two teacher rating scales were highly correlated, but few significant relationships were obtained among the performance measures or between teacher ratings and performance measures.
Mixed sneutrinos, dark matter, and the CERN LHC

We study the phenomenology of supersymmetric models in which gauge-singlet scalars mix with the minimal supersymmetric standard model (MSSM) sneutrinos through weak-scale A terms. After reviewing the constraints on mixed-sneutrino dark matter from measurements of {omega}{sub CDM} and from direct-detection experiments, we explore mixed-sneutrino signatures relevant to the LHC. For a mixed-sneutrino lightest supersymmetric particle (LSP) and a right-handed slepton next-to-lightest supersymmetric particle (NLSP), decays of the lightest neturalino can produce opposite-sign, same-flavor (OSSF) dileptons with an invariant-mass distribution shifted away from the kinematic end point. This signature is possible for parameters that lead to a cosmologically viable mixed-sneutrino LSP. We also consider signatures that require larger mixing angles than preferred for mixed-sneutrino dark matter, but which are possible regardless of whether a mixed-sneutrino is the LSP. In some parameter regions, the charginos and neutralinos produced in cascades all decay dominantly to the lighter sneutrinos, leading to a kinematic edge in the jet-lepton invariant-mass distribution from the decay chain q-tilde{yields}{chi}{sup -}q{yields}{nu}-tilde*lq, without an OSSF dilepton signature. We explore the possibility of using mass-estimation methods to distinguish this mixed-sneutrino jet-lepton signature from an MSSM one. Finally, we consider signatures associated with Higgs-lepton or Z-lepton production in cascades involving the heavier sneutrinos.
The impact of personal characteristics on engagement in nursing home residents with dementia.

Objective To examine the impact of personal attributes on engagement in persons with dementia. Methods Participants were 193 residents of seven Maryland nursing homes. All participants had a diagnosis of dementia. Cognitive functioning was assessed via the Mini-Mental State Examination, and engagement was assessed via the Observational Measure of Engagement. Data pertaining to activities of daily living were obtained from the Minimum Data Set. Results Women had longer mean engagement duration than men, and significant results were not seen with the other demographic variables. Significant, positive correlations were found between higher cognitive functioning and longer engagement duration, more attention, a more positive attitude, and a higher refusal rate. There was a positive and significant correlation between the comorbidity index and engagement duration, and between the number of medications and attention. All functional status variables yielded significance in a positive direction. Participants with poor hearing had a higher refusal rate. Cognitive status was the most consistent and potent predictor of engagement in this population. Conclusion Despite a higher refusal rate among those with higher cognitive levels, their overall engagement with stimuli is higher. Caregivers should anticipate higher refusal rates in those with poor hearing, and therefore compensatory methods should be used in presenting stimuli in this population. The potent role of cognitive and functional status on engagement of persons with dementia underscores the importance of tailoring activities to nursing home residents' needs, interests, and limitations. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Meta-Analysis of the Impact of Positive Psychological Capital on Employee Attitudes, Behaviors, and Performance.

The positive core construct of psychological capital (or simply PsyCap), consisting of the psychological resources of hope, efficacy, resilience, and optimism, has recently been demonstrated to be open to human resource development (HRD) and performance management. The research stream on PsyCap has now grown to the point that a quantitative summary analysis of its impact on employee attitudes, behaviors, and especially performance is needed. The present meta-analysis included 51 independent samples (representing a total of N � 12,567 employees) that met the inclusion criteria. The results indicated the expected significant positive relationships between PsyCap and desirable employee attitudes (job satisfaction, organizational commitment, psychological well-being), desirable employee behaviors (citizenship), and multiple measures of performance (self, supervisor evaluations, and objective). There was also a significant negative relationship between PsyCap and undesirable employee attitudes (cynicism, turnover intentions, job stress, and anxiety) and undesirable employee behaviors (deviance). A sub-analysis found no major differences between the types of performance measures used (i.e., between self, subjective, and objective). Finally, the analysis of moderators revealed the relationship between PsyCap and employee outcomes were strongest in studies conducted in the United States and in the service sector. These results provide a strong evidence-based recommendation for the use of PsyCap in HRD and performance programs. Theoretical contributions, future research directions, and practical guidelines for HRD conclude the article.
Octachlorinated dioxin in pulps and effluents: Where does it come from?

Studies on the formation/destruction of dioxins associated with the pulping of wood artificially impregnated with an industrial grade of pentachlorophenol lend support to an earlier observation that ambient dioxins deposition may not necessarily be a unique source of the higher chlorinated dioxins occasionally found in pulps and final effluent discharges. These dioxins, which seemingly occur in products from a wide range of pulping technologies including recycle operations, may also originate from pentachlorophenol-based fungicides.
Insulin resistance concepts.

Perspectives on the News commentaries are now part of a new, free monthly CME activity. The Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York, is designating this activity for 2.0 AMA PRA Category 1 credits. If you wish to participate, review this article and visit www.diabetes.procampus.net to complete a posttest and receive a certificate. The Mount Sinai School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians. This is the first in a series of four articles on presentations given at the World Congress on the insulin resistance syndrome (IRS), reviewing concepts pertaining to insulin resistance. Yehuda Handelsman (Tarzana, CA) discussed the clinical implications of insulin resistance. He reminded listeners that Gerald Reaven introduced the concept of Syndrome X with his 1988 Banting Lecture, leading to increasing recognition of the importance of the IRS by the World Health Organization (WHO), the American College of Endocrinology, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), and the American Heart Association. With new definitions, there have been new approaches to treatment, and areas of controversy as well, with the IDF and American Heart Association suggesting that the syndrome exists and is clinically important, while the American Diabetes Association and European Association for the Study of Diabetes have suggested this not to be the case. Handelsman offered a synthesis of the apparently opposing positions. “The syndrome,” he said, “is not a disease. It is distinguished from type 2 diabetes and CVD [cardiovascular disease]. The concept [of an IRS] is designed to predict and prevent [the development of illness].” In this context, it may be particularly important to redefine the “metabolic syndrome” as the “insulin resistance syndrome,” allowing one to group together the multitude of seemingly diverse conditions, affecting skin, the reproductive system, liver, cancer, the …
Meta-analysis of coinfection and coexposure with Borrelia burgdorferi and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in humans, domestic animals, wildlife, and Ixodes ricinus-complex ticks.

Anaplasma phagocytophilum, which causes granulocytic anaplasmosis, and Borrelia burgdorferi, the agent of Lyme borreliosis, are transmitted in multiple Holarctic regions by the same Ixodes sp. tick...
Low interface state density AlN/GaN MISFETs

III-V nitride-based MISFETs have been fabricated on AlN/GaN heterostructures grown by MOVPE. C-V characterisation of these MIS structures revealed a minimum value of the interface state density D/sub it//spl sime/10/sup 11/ cm/sup -2/ eV/sup -1/. AlN/GaN MISFETs with 2 /spl mu/m long gates demonstrated a high peak transconductance of g/sub m//spl sime/135 mS/mm, which exceeded previously reported results.
Team building patterns of academic groups

Abstract Development patterns of learning teams in an academic setting were investigated. Some support was found for three patterns of team development for groups of freshmen enrolled in a study skills improvement course.
The IFN-γ Pathway

The interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) signal transduction pathway closely resembles the canonical Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) pathway. The IFN-γ Pathway is thus a paradigm for most other JAK-STAT pathways that result in dimerization of STAT transcription factors in response to phosphorylation, including the mammalian STAT4, STAT5A, STAT5B, and STAT6, as well as orthologous systems in various organisms. IFN-γ is a crucial component of innate and adaptive immunity. The Connections Map shows activation of STAT1 by JAK1 and JAK2 and includes several negative regulators of the pathway. Science Viewpoint D. S. Aaronson, C. M. Horvath, A road map for those who don9t know JAK-STAT. Science 296 , 1653-1655 (2002). [Abstract] [Full Text]
Median of the p Value Under the Alternative Hypothesis

Due to absence of an universally acceptable magnitude of the Type I error in various fields, p values are used as a well-recognized tool in decision making in all areas of statistical practice. The distribution of p values under the null hypothesis is uniform. However, under the alternative hypothesis the distribution of the p values is skewed. The expected p value (EPV) has been proposed by authors to be used as a measure of the performance of the test. This article proposes the median of the p values (MPV) which is more appropriate for this purpose. We work out many examples to calculate the MPV's directly and also compare the MPV with the EPV. We consider testing equality of distributions against stochastic ordering in the multinomial case and compare the EPV's and MPV's by simulation. A second simulation study for general continuous data is also considered for two samples with different test statistics for the same hypotheses. In both cases MPV performs better than EPV.
Interannual Variability of the Australian Summer Monsoon Onset: Possible Influence of Indian Summer Monsoon and El Niño

Abstract The date of Australian summer monsoon onset (ASMO) is found to be well correlated with the monsoon rainfall of India during the preceding June to September. Years of below (above) normal Indian summer monsoon rainfall (ISMR) are followed by delayed (early) ASMO. Sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies during the September to November season over the tropical Indian Ocean, the equatorial eastern Pacific Ocean, and the ocean north of Australia also correlate significantly with the date of the following ASMO. Delays in ASMO are associated with cold SST north of Australia and warm SST in the tropical Indian and equatorial cast Pacific oceans. Previous studies have shown that a warm SST is created over the tropical Indian Ocean in years of poor ISMR. We hypothesize that a warm SST anomaly over the Indian Ocean delays the seasonal southward and eastward migration of the cloudiness maximum. A delay in the southeastward movement of cloudiness results in a delayed ASMO. A similar hypothesis already has be...
In search of career satisfaction: African-American public relations practitioners, pigeonholing, and the workplace

Abstract The goals of the research were to explore African-American practitioners’ satisfaction with public relations as a career and to examine their perceptions of tokenism and pigeonholing in the workplace. Three key themes emerged from the research: career entry and social support in public relations; encounters with everyday racism; and pigeonholing in public relations. For the majority of 12 African-American practitioners interviewed, they have experienced discrimination in their careers and in public relations, yet the practitioners did not see themselves as pigeonholed in their roles or positions. The complete study can be requested from the author.
Relative homolytic strengths of N ? H bonds in cyclic and acyclic diacylhydrazides, imides and hydrazoic acid

With the aid of a thermochemical cycle consisting of acidity and new redox data in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) solution, homolytic NH bond dissociation energies (ΔBDE values) relative to acetamide (1) (where the NH BDE for 1 is defined as 0 kcal mol−1) were determined for diacetamide (0), biuret (+ 1), 3,3-dimethylglutarimide (−3), diacetylhydrazine (−16), 4,4-dimethylpyrazolidine-3,5-dione (− 25), 4-dimethylurazole (−29), hydrazoic acid (−15), succinimide (−15) and 1,2-dimethylurazole (−13) (all values in kcal mol−1). These ΔBDE data provide (a) additional evidence for the minimal NH bond weakening effects of adjacent carbonyl groups, (b) evidence for relatively large NH bond weakening effects of adjacent —NHC(O)R moieties in both cyclic and acyclic hydrazides and (c) evidence suggesting that urazolyl radicals are more stable than pyrazolidinedionyl radicals, relative to their hydrogenated precursors. Inserting the appropriate acidity and redox data for hydrazoic acid into a thermochemical cycle that includes a constant that permits comparison of DMSO solution BDEs with gas-phase BDEs yields estimates of 93 kcal mol−1 for the homolytic strengths of the NH bonds present in succinimide and HN3. The DMSO NH BDE determined in this way for H—N3 is in remarkable agreement with a determination of its gas-phase value, whereas the DMSO NH BDE for succinimide places it intermediate between three published estimates of its gas-phase value.
Tax shares and government spending in a median voter model

pear as a part of political platforms, and the manipulation of tax shares through changes in progressivity, loopholes, writeoffs, and deductions is common. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the effects of including tax shares as a part of a candidate's platform within a median voter model. In Downs' depiction of the median voter model, two candidates with platforms on opposite sides of the median compete for the median voter's vote by moving their platforms toward the median. If tax shares can be included in the platforms, another method of competition would be to offer the me
Exploiting Optical Forces to Characterize Electromagnetic Fields

We demonstrate the simultaneous measurement of different components of an optical field using a single near field scanning optical microscope (NSOM) probe. This opens the door to tomographic reconstruction of near field data.
The paradox of electronic fetal monitoring : more data may not enable us to predict or prevent infant neurologic morbidity

Electronic fetal heart rate monitoring has been used to identify periods of fetal risk, with the hope that clinical intervention would avoid the potential for perinatal death or neurologic damage. A literature review of 10 infant studies failed to document fetal heart rate patterns associated with neurologic injury or protocols for intervention to avoid neurologic injury. A separate analysis of fetal heart rate patterns from 55 brain-damaged infants failed to find consistent patterns that foreshadowed the observed brain injury. These findings should not be surprising, because the majority of infant brain damage occurs outside the intrapartum period and because electronic monitoring may identify times of fetal risk but was never expected to identify brain damage.
Self-assembled fibers of a discotic phthalocyanine derivative : Internal structure, tailoring of geometry, and alignment by a direct current electric field

The self-assembly of discotic molecules of a metal-free alkoxy-substituted phthalocyanine derivative, 2,3,9,10,16,17,23,24-octakis(octyloxy)-29H,31H-phthalocyanine, in organic solvents was studied by optical microscopy, UV−vis spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. These molecules self-assemble into fibers with well-defined internal structure and controlled external geometry on submicron length scales in dodecane solution. Spectroscopic evidence suggests a tilted molecular arrangement at low temperatures and a cofacial arrangement upon heating, which is consistent with the orthorhombic and ordered columnar hexagonal lattices for the solid or liquid crystalline mesophases of the neat material, respectively. At temperatures above the phase transition, molten side chains of the alkoxy-substituted phthalocyanine in a solvent with similar chemical structure facilitates the splitting of the fibers along their long axis into molecular fibers with characteristic diameters at the nanoscale. Strong interac...
Differential chemokine expression profiles in human peripheral blood T lymphocytes: dependence on T-cell coreceptor and calcineurin signaling.

The chemokine superfamily consists of small (8-10 kDa) molecules that function to attract, selectively, different subsets of leukocytes. Binding of chemokines to their appropriate G-protein–coupled receptors is necessary for primary immune responses and for homing of leukocytes to lymphoid tissues. Here, we have characterized the signaling pathways in primary T lymphocytes that regulate chemokine gene induction using an RNase protection assay. Dependence on stimulation through the coreceptor CD28 and sensitivity to the calcineurin inhibitors cyclosporine and tacrolimus were studied using purified human peripheral blood lymphocytes. Lymphotactin (Ltn), macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)–1α, and MIP-1β were all rapidly induced and sensitive to cyclosporine treatment. At later time points, the expression of MIP-1α and MIP-1β, but not of Ltn, was restored despite the inhibition of calcineurin activity. By contrast, the induction of interleukin-8 was delayed and was found to be cyclosporine insensitive. Calcineurin activity of IP-10 mRNA induction was contingent on the specific T-cell stimulation conditions, suggesting that IP-10 expression is modulated by calcineurin-dependent and -independent signaling pathways. Differential chemokine expression profiles result from the engagement of T-cell coreceptors and the requirement for, and the dependence on, calcineurin phosphatase activity.
The contribution of labile crosslinks to the tensile behavior of tendons.

(1989). The Contribution of Labile Crosslinks to the Tensile behavior of Tendons. Connective Tissue Research: Vol. 18, No. 4, pp. 293-305.
From screening to confinement in a gauge-invariant formalism

Features of screening and confinement are reviewed in two-dimensional quantum electrodynamics. Our discussion is carried out using the gauge-invariant but path-dependent variables formalism. This alternative and useful approach exploits the rich structure of the electromagnetic cloud or dressing around static fermions in a straightforward and simple way.
Development of replication-competent adenovirus based vaccine vectors

Background Replication-incompetent adenovirus vectors have shown promise as vaccine candidates. We are developing replication-competent adenovirus vectors to increase antigen expression and duration and to facilitate mucosal routes of vaccine delivery. We have developed replication-competent Ad5 (rcAd5) and Ad26 (rcAd26) based vectors, tested their growth in human and simian cell lines, and determined the dynamics of virus shedding after inoculation of rhesus monkeys.
Effect of dowel lubrication on resistance to dislodgment of dowels cemented with a 4-META resinous cement

Dentatus stainless steel dowels were cemented 5 mm into prepared canals of extracted human teeth with C&B Metabond cement. One half the dowels were lubricated before cementation to ensure easy subsequent retrieval. Significantly less tensile force was required to dislodge the lubricated dowels (p = 0.0209). Retrievable lubricated dowels could provide dentists the option of nonsurgical endodontic retreatment in lieu of endodontic surgery. However, lubrication cannot be recommended for clinical use at this time because of the potential for the dowel to unscrew during normal oral function. Further studies are required to determine the effects of rotational forces on the lubricated dowel, surface design of the dowel on retention, and chemical interaction of the lubricant on the resinous cement. Long-term effects of the lubricant on the cement are unknown.
Parallel shrinking algorithms using 2-subfields approaches

Abstract A class of parallel shrinking algorithms is introduced which uses two subfields arranged in a checkerboard pattern. For this class of algorithms sufficient conditions are derived for maintaining image connectivity and guaranteeing algorithm convergence and correct shrinking to single pixel residues. In comparisons with other parallel shrinking algorithms instances of the 2-subfields class are shown to exhibit substantially higher parallel speed for specific artificial and real test images.
ESTIMATING SUPPORT FOR PROTEIN-PROTEIN INTERACTION DATA WITH APPLICATIONS TO FUNCTION PREDICTION

Almost every cellular process requires the interactions of pairs or larger complexes of proteins. High throughput protein-protein interaction (PPI) data have been generated using techniques such as the yeast two-hybrid systems, mass spectrometry method, and many more. Such data provide us with a new perspective to predict protein functions and to generate protein-protein interaction networks, and many recent algorithms have been developed for this purpose. However, PPI data generated using high throughput techniques contain a large number of false positives. In this paper, we have proposed a novel method to evaluate the support for PPI data based on gene ontology information. If the semantic similarity between genes is computed using gene ontology information and using Resnik's formula, then our results show that we can model the PPI data as a mixture model predicated on the assumption that true protein-protein interactions will have higher support than the false positives in the data. Thus semantic similarity between genes serves as a metric of support for PPI data. Taking it one step further, new function prediction approaches are also being proposed with the help of the proposed metric of the support for the PPI data. These new function prediction approaches outperform their conventional counterparts. New evaluation methods are also proposed.
Characterizing sensor datasets with multi-granular spatio-temporal intervals

Data from sensors and sensor networks are being collected at astronomical rates. This results in a massive dataset that is increasingly difficult to navigate to find interesting time periods where the spatial pattern of a process changes. The ability to navigate to such areas can lead to new knowledge about the factors that contribute to a spatio-temporal process. This paper proposes a method to automatically characterize sensor datasets based on a measure of spatial change over time resulting in a set of multi-granular spatio-temporal intervals. The resulting intervals can be used to focus knowledge discovery tasks at multiple temporal granularities within the dataset. Furthermore, the intervals enable a drill-down-style analysis where events of varying magnitudes can be identified within each granularity. Experiments were performed on a real-world dataset measuring NEXRAD precipitation accumulation. The results show that the multi-granular spatio-temporal intervals identify interesting time periods in the dataset as evidenced by naturally occurring events.
The relation between seismic P- and S-wave velocity dispersion in saturated rocks

Seismic velocity dispersion in fluid-saturated rocks appears to be dominated by two mechanisms: the large scale mechanism modeled by Biot, and the local flow or squirt mechanism. The two mechanisms can be distinguished by the ratio of P- to S-wave dispersions, or more conveniently, by the ratio of dynamic bulk to shear compliance dispersions derived from the wave velocities. Our formulation suggests that when local flow dominates, the dispersion of the shear compliance will be approximately 4/15 the dispersion of the compressibility. When the Biot mechanism dominates, the constant of proportionality is much smaller. Our examination of ultrasonic velocities from 40 sandstones and granites shows that most, but not all, of the samples were dominated by local flow dispersion, particularly at effective pressures below 40 MPa.
New methods for functionalizing biologically important molecules using triosmium metal clusters.

This perspective report summarizes recent work on the interactions of the triosmium clusters of general formula Os3(CO)9(μ3-η2-L-H)(μ-H) (L = bicyclic benzoheterocycle) with DNA and proteins. The early work focused on how the structure of the benzoheterocycle influenced the binding of the cluster to plasmid DNA, albumin and the inhibition of telomerase. Later, selective binding of the triosmium clusters to guanine was targeted using a range of alkylating functionalities. In connection with these efforts some very recent unpublished work will be presented. Suggestions for future directions in this area and a summary of the problems and difficulties encountered will be discussed.
The numerical approximation of analytic functions in the complex domain

In this paper we are concerned with the numerical approximation of analytic functions in the complex domain. This approach leads to an efficient technique for deriving an interpolation polynomial as well as a useful error analysis.
kNN estimation of the unilateral dependency measure between random variables

The informational energy (IE) can be interpreted as a measure of average certainty. In previous work, we have introduced a non-parametric asymptotically unbiased and consistent estimator of the IE. Our method was based on the kth nearest neighbor (kNN) method, and it can be applied to both continuous and discrete spaces, meaning that we can use it both in classification and regression algorithms. Based on the IE, we have introduced a unilateral dependency measure between random variables. In the present paper, we show how to estimate this unilateral dependency measure from an available sample set of discrete or continuous variables, using the kNN and the naive histogram estimators. We experimentally compare the two estimators. Then, in a real-world application, we apply the kNN and the histogram estimators to approximate the unilateral dependency between random variables which describe the temperatures of sensors placed in a refrigerating room.
Hydrogen donors in SnO 2 studied by infrared spectroscopy and first-principles calculations

Hydrogen is a potentially important source of $n$-type conductivity in oxide materials. We have investigated hydrogen in tin oxide $({\text{SnO}}_{2})$, a wide-band-gap semiconductor with applications as a transparent conductor and in gas sensors. Infrared (IR) spectroscopy and electrical measurements indicate that hydrogen binds to a host oxygen atom and increases the conductivity. First-principles calculations confirm that interstitial hydrogen acts as a shallow donor $({\text{H}}_{i}^{+})$. Our calculations also indicate that ${\text{H}}_{i}^{+}$ diffuses easily and combines with Sn vacancies into stable ${({V}_{\text{Sn}}\text{-H})}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$ complexes, with the calculated O-H frequencies in agreement with the experimental values. These results suggest that interstitial hydrogen acts as a shallow, mobile donor in a range of oxide materials.
Station Keeping Adaptive Control of a Boat With Twin Gasoline Outboard Motors: Synthesis, Simulation and Sea-Trials

There are increasingly more areas in which automatic station keeping technology can be of great benefit for small boat operators. This trend stems from technological advances that allow for smaller and more portable instrumentation and gear, bringing down the necessary size of vessels, which ultimately reduces cost. However, smaller vessels find themselves more adversely affected by sea conditions and have limited thrusting capabilities. Currently a skilled captain is needed on these small vessels to hold position over the area of interest in the presence of wind, wave, and current disturbances. Implementation of an automatic station keeping controller would free the captain from constantly monitoring the navigational instruments, to more closely supervise onboard operations and keep watch for other vessels in the area. Station keeping technology is currently being perused by Florida Atlantic University to enhance the ability of its 33ft boat to make oceanographic measurements in the Gulf Stream pertinent to its ocean energy projects. Such ocean energy projects require water velocity and temperature measurements at specific locations as part of the efforts for assessment of the hydrokinetic and ocean thermal resource. This technology is also a pivotal part of the sea basing goal currently being pursued by the Navy, which would allow vessels to stay in close but acceptable proximity to one another. The ability to hold position over a desired location can also have many additional uses such as for fishing, conducting surveys, deploying instruments, and transferring cargo or personnel. This text presents a novel approach for doing station keeping, as thus far a system for station keeping on small vessels using only tied twin outboard motors has not been developed and applied to an ocean going vessel by industry or academia. These controllers have been developed using multiple fixed-gain and adaptive control algorithms. Using a custom sensor and control system mounted onboard the test vessel; navigational measurements are used to adjust the throttles and engine angle using these developed algorithms. The performance of each of these controllers has been quantified using both numerical simulations and at sea testing. Using the results from these tests, initial comparisons have been made that show the advantages gained by using adaptive control algorithms instead of fixed-gain control.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Preparing New Teachers for Urban Teaching: Creating a Community Dedicated to Social Justice

Focusing on community as a key element in teacher education, this paper highlights the importance of new teachers embarking on their careers with a vision for social justice. Paying specific attention to the need for effective teachers in America's urban schools, the author stresses purposeful development of this vision for social justice alongside practical skills for classroom instruction in teacher education. The Teacher Education for the Advancement of a Multicultural Society (TEAMS) Program at the University of San Francisco is described to show possibilities for offering new teachers this combination. Professional development, networking, and service-learning are highlighted as foundations of TEAMS designed to help new teachers begin their careers with vision and a sense of community.
UTRome.org: a platform for 3′UTR biology in C. elegans

Three-prime untranslated regions (3′UTRs) are widely recognized as important post-transcriptional regulatory regions of mRNAs. RNA-binding proteins and small non-coding RNAs such as microRNAs (miRNAs) bind to functional elements within 3′UTRs to influence mRNA stability, translation and localization. These interactions play many important roles in development, metabolism and disease. However, even in the most well-annotated metazoan genomes, 3′UTRs and their functional elements are not well defined. Comprehensive and accurate genome-wide annotation of 3′UTRs and their functional elements is thus critical. We have developed an open-access database, available at http://www.UTRome.org, to provide a rich and comprehensive resource for 3′UTR biology in the well-characterized, experimentally tractable model system Caenorhabditis elegans. UTRome.org combines data from public repositories and a large-scale effort we are undertaking to characterize 3′UTRs and their functional elements in C. elegans, including 3′UTR sequences, graphical displays, predicted and validated functional elements, secondary structure predictions and detailed data from our cloning pipeline. UTRome.org will grow substantially over time to encompass individual 3′UTR isoforms for the majority of genes, new and revised functional elements, and in vivo data on 3′UTR function as they become available. The UTRome database thus represents a powerful tool to better understand the biology of 3′UTRs.
The effects of categorical relatedness on judgements of learning (JOLs)

On-line monitoring during study can be influenced by the relatedness shared between the cue and target of a paired associate. We examined the effects on people's judgements of learning (JOLs) of a different kind of relatedness, which occurs in a list organised into sets of categorically related words and unrelated words. In two experiments, participants studied a list of words organised into a series of sets of four categorically related words or four unrelated words. In Experiment 1, JOLs were made immediately after each word had been studied, and JOL magnitude was greater for related than unrelated words. In Experiment 2, JOLs were delayed after study and, as expected, they were substantially greater for related sets of words. Serial position effects (an increase in JOL magnitude across the words of a related set) were evident with immediate JOLs but not with delayed JOLs. The relatedness effect was not present early in the list for immediate JOLs but was present throughout the list for delayed JOLs. We conclude by discussing some preliminary explanations for these new phenomena.
Tornadogenesis in a High-Resolution Simulation of the 8 May 2003 Oklahoma City Supercell

AbstractA 50-m-grid-spacing Advanced Regional Prediction System (ARPS) simulation of the 8 May 2003 Oklahoma City tornadic supercell is examined. A 40-min forecast run on the 50-m grid produces two F3-intensity tornadoes that track within 10 km of the location of the observed long-track F4-intensity tornado.The development of both simulated tornadoes is analyzed to determine the processes responsible for tornadogenesis. Trajectory-based analyses of vorticity components and their time evolution reveal that tilting of low-level frictionally generated horizontal vorticity plays a dominant role in the development of vertical vorticity near the ground. This result represents the first time that such a mechanism has been shown to be important for generating near-surface vertical vorticity leading to tornadogenesis.A sensitivity simulation run with surface drag turned off was found to be considerably different from the simulation with drag included. A tornado still developed in the no-drag simulation, but it was...
Effects of Irrigation and Fertilization on Soil Microbial Biomass and Functional Diversity

Abstract Optimal water and nutrient treatment effects on soil mi-crobial characteristics, including microbial functional diversity and mi-crobial biomass carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) were assessed at a loblolly pine plantation on a Sandhills site after 6 years of continuous fertilization and irrigation. Fertilization significantly increased soil C and N and microbial C and N. Irrigation significantly increased soil C and N, and microbial C. Fertilization, irrigation, and their interaction changed soil microbial selection of carbon compounds, but did not influence the numbers of carbon compounds utilized by soil microbes, as measured by the BIOLOG method suggesting that soil microbial species may have changed. The increases in soil microbial biomass and soil C and N indicate that the fertilization and irrigation treatments have had a positive effect on soil productivity on this very sandy site.
Wistfully Waiting No More: An Open Source, Exhibition Building Case Study

The promise of virtual exhibitions has been attractive to faculty and staff at the University of Virginia (UVa1) for well over a decade.The use of Virtual Exhibitions is threefold: (i) ‘Exhibitions’ is a useful metaphor for publishing; (ii) ‘Exhibitions’ suggests curated collections and mixed media; and (iii) ‘Virtual’ suggests that this new form of publication is accomplished online. This case explores the current ways faculty and graduate students at UVa are meeting their needs as well as an earlier development effort of the Virtual Exhibition Tool (VET). Development on the VET continued for more than a year as part of UVa’s response to the appeal of virtual exhibitions. At UVa, a large part of this need is now met using Omeka VisualEyes and WordPress.Several other solutions are also in use currently at UVa. All these solutions are being recommended by SHANTI (Sciences, Humanities and Arts Network of Technological Initiatives), a faculty-led center at UVa. Omeka is an open source tool for building online exhibitions. At UVa, Omeka is chosen to meet this need for online virtual exhibitions rather than to continue development of the VET. There are at least two other solutions being used for online exhibitions building at UVa that are also briefly analysed here. This paper explores these current solutions in use at UVa and outlines the lessons learned from them and from the earlier development effort on the VET. http://dx.doi.org/10.14429/djlit.33.4605
Dopamine enhances glutamate-induced excitation of rat striatal neurons by cooperative activation of D1 and D2 class receptors

Abstract Although dopamine (DA) usually inhibits firing of rat striatal neurons in vivo, iontophoresis of DA with low ejection currents can also potentiate glutamate-evoked activity. We used extracellular single cell recording to examine the DA receptor subtypes involved in such potentiation. At low iontophoretic currents (1–8 nA), both the DA D1 class receptor agonist SKF 38393 and the DA D2 class receptor agonist quinpirole mimicked the ability of DA to facilitate glutamate-induced activity. Acute depletion of DA abolished the excitatory modulation produced by either D1 or D2 agonists but not by DA. Co-administration of SKF 38393 and quinpirole restored the facilitation of glutamate effects in DA-depleted rats. Stimulation of both D1 and D2 class receptors appears to be required for DA to enhance glutamate-induced firing of striatal neurons.
Electrochemical Studies of Intramolecular Electron Transfer in Laccase from Trametes versicolor

This paper describes electrochemical behavior of laccase from the fungus Trametes versicolor. The issues related to discrimination of the redox potentials corresponding to copper centers T1 and T2/T3 in the active site and possible mechanism of intramolecular electron transfer have been discussed. The electron-transfer rate constant for laccase immobilized on carbon electrode is 3.4 s � 1 . The bioelectrocatalytic activity of the enzyme was studied in the presence of 1,4-hydroquinone (HQ). The kinetics of HQ oxidation is very fast (KM ¼ 3.8 mM). However, the catalytic activity of laccase in the presence of high concentration of HQ decreases drastically. It is suggested that the T2/T3 copper center is able to accept electrons from HQ molecules directly via intramolecular channel.
Indirect adaptive control for stochastic multivariable systems

A simple, indirect, adaptive control algorithm is presented for stochastic multivariable systems with general delay structures. This adaptive scheme leads to a reduction in the number of parameters to be estimated. It not only has globally convergent properties but also parameter estimates are strongly consistent. >
Vitamin B5 and N -Acetylcysteine in Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis: A Preclinical Study in a Dietary Mouse Model

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the number one cause of chronic liver disease and second indication for liver transplantation in the Western world. Effective therapy is still not available. Previously we showed a critical role for caspase-2 in the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), the potentially progressive form of NAFLD. An imbalance between free coenzyme A (CoA) and acyl-CoA ratio is known to induce caspase-2 activation. We aimed to evaluate CoA metabolism and the effects of supplementation with CoA precursors, pantothenate and cysteine, in mouse models of NASH. CoA metabolism was evaluated in methionine–choline deficient (MCD) and Western diet mouse models of NASH. MCD diet-fed mice were treated with pantothenate and N-acetylcysteine or placebo to determine effects on NASH. Liver free CoA content was reduced, pantothenate kinase (PANK), the rate-limiting enzyme in the CoA biosynthesis pathway, was down-regulated, and CoA degrading enzymes were increased in mice with NASH. Decreased hepatic free CoA content was associated with increased caspase-2 activity and correlated with worse liver cell apoptosis, inflammation, and fibrosis. Treatment with pantothenate and N-acetylcysteine did not inhibit caspase-2 activation, improve NASH, normalize PANK expression, or restore free CoA levels in MCD diet-fed mice. In mice with NASH, hepatic CoA metabolism is impaired, leading to decreased free CoA content, activation of caspase-2, and increased liver cell apoptosis. Dietary supplementation with CoA precursors did not restore CoA levels or improve NASH, suggesting that alternative approaches are necessary to normalize free CoA during NASH.
A differential-mode current-sourced high-frequency-link photovoltaic inverter

A differential-mode current-fed zero-current-switching (ZCS) based voltage-doubling photovoltaic (PV) inverter is presented. This inverter has the following features: 1) it can boost a low-voltage (30–60 V) input to a 120-V/60-Hz output; 2) it does not require a 60-Hz transformer; 3) it does not require a front-end dc/dc converter; and 4) the topology has inherent voltage boost/gain property thereby reducing the reliance on the transformer turns ratio. The inverter requires a smaller high-frequency transformer because a) the inverter switches at 100-kHz, b) the transformer voltage and current are bipolar in every switching cycle, and c) only half the input current flows through the transformer at any given instant of time. To maintain the THD within the acceptable limit, a harmonic compensation control using a proportional-resonant (PR) controller is implemented. Analysis, design, and simulation results of the proposed inverter are presented.
Very thin film crystalline silicon solar cells on glass substrate fabricated at low temperature

The performances of thin-film poly-Si solar cells with a thickness of less than 5 /spl mu/m on a glass substrate have been investigated. The cell of glass/back reflector/n-i-p-type Si/ITO is well characterized by the structure of naturally surface texture and enhanced absorption with a back reflector (STAR), where the active i-type poly-Si laser was fabricated by plasma chemical vapor deposition (CVD) at low temperature. The cell with a thickness of 2.0 /spl mu/m demonstrated an intrinsic efficiency of 10.7% (aperture 10.1%), the open-circuit voltage of 0.539 V and the short current density of 25.8 mA/cm/sup 2/ as independently confirmed by Japan Quality Assurance, which shows the no clear light-induced degradation. The optical and transport properties of poly Si cells are summarized.
Sensorimotor integration in the precentral gyrus: Polysensory neurons and defensive movements

The precentral gyrus of monkeys contains a polysensory zone in which the neurons respond to tactile, visual, and sometimes auditory stimuli. The tactile receptive fields of the polysensory neurons are usually on the face, arms, or upper torso, and the visual and auditory receptive fields are usually confined to the space near the tactile receptive fields, within about 30 cm of the body. Electrical stimulation of this polysensory zone, even in anesthetized animals, evokes a specific set of movements. The movements resemble those typically used to defend the body from objects that are near, approaching, or touching the skin. In the present study, to determine whether the stimulation-evoked movements represent a normal set of defensive movements, we tested whether they include a distinctive, nonsaccadic, centering movement of the eyes that occurs during defensive reactions. We report that this centering movement of the eyes is evoked by stimulation of sites in the polysensory zone. We also recorded the activity of neurons in the polysensory zone while the monkey made defensive reactions to an air puff on the face. The neurons became active during the defensive movement, and the magnitude of this activity was correlated with the magnitude of the defensive reaction. These results support the hypothesis that the polysensory zone in the precentral gyrus contributes to the control of defensive movements. More generally, the results support the view that the precentral gyrus can control movement at the level of complex sensorimotor tasks.