cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sodium regulation in a freshwater prawn—II. Sodium fluxes

Abstract 1. 1. Rates of unidirectional sodium fluxes in the prawn Palaemonetes kadiakensis were determined in a range of external salinities and in sucrose solution, using Na22. Overall efflux was only about 2 mmol Na/kg wet wt × hr. Influx was equal to efflux, thus maintaining sodium balance. 2. 2. The flow of urine, nearly isoosmotic with hemolymph, was found to be 7.3 ± 1.0 ml/kg body wt × hr. Urinary sodium loss accounted for most of the sodium efflux. 3. 3. Differences between sodium efflux in saline solution and that in sucrose solution are ascribed to stress. There was no evidence for exchange diffusion. 4. 4. There was evidence for efficient uptake of sodium at the body surface. It is suggested that the primary site of uptake is at the gills.
A Multi-disciplinary approach to Diabetes Management: Empowerment by learning how to use the Tools.

Abstract LEARNING OUTCOME: To evaluate the impact of group cluster intervention in achieving increased self-efficacy in using diabetes management tools, e.g., blood glucose monitoring, food, stress triggers, and exercise logs. Purpose: In one northern California region health medical organization diabetes registry, there are 90,000 members with diabetes accounting for 13% of all outpatient visits and 13% of all inpatient admissions. A multi-disciplinary interactive program may prove to decrease additional utilization of health care resources. Preliminary data indicate high patient satisfaction, increased self-efficacy, and improved glycosylated hemoglobin A 1C (HgbAlC) lab values with the Diabetes Cooperative Care Clinic program. Setting/Characteristics: A model of delivery of care is developed for adult members with diabetes who are taking insulin and/or oral agents. The criterion for inclusion is a HgbAlC of 8.5% or greater within the last two months. The team is composed of an internist, podiatrist, diabetes nurse educator, registered dietitian diabetes educator, psychologist, research assistant-certified medical assistant, exercise physiologist, and pharmacist The delivery of care is provided by six monthly group sessions with telephone and individual follow-up. The two hour group sessions, consisting of 15 -20 members, incorporates division of the group to clusters for specified interests and needs, e.g., foot exams, food log/blood sugar/medication review, and blood pressure monitoring. The database programmed for this type of setting includes labs, weight, medication, and action plan. In establishing topics during the first clinic, nutrition information has been in high demand. Dining out, exercise, shopping, label reading, and meal planning are popular topics. Dietary changes have included the following: adding just a one fruit or vegetable, less refined flour products, and less fat and fast food intake. The psychologist provides tips on assertiveness and goal setting strategies. The nurse reviews blood sugar and medication interaction and recommends changes. Concerns of the members are addressed and participants are empowered to improve their individual glycemic control. Evaluation: Previous to the first clinic and repeated before the final clinic, patients completed a health questionnaire (Diabetes 2.1 form, self-efficacy, diabetes health care practices assessment, modified Gladys Block food frequency questionnaire), HgbAlC, fructosamine, utilization data (emergency visits, urgent care visit and hospitalization), and patient and provider satisfaction.
Reliability studies of Eureka modules

Abstract Leakage current from glass/photovoltaic (PV) thin film/ethylene vinyl acetate/glass photovoltaic modules can be reduced to acceptable levels by removing the PV thin films at the border of the module. Sandblasting is a workable method to accomplish this. However, the resulting increase in the surface conductivity of the glass in the sandblasted region increases the width of the border required.
An Exploratory Examination of the Factors Influencing the Origination, Continuation, and Cessation of Identification with Sports Teams:

While previous work had focused on the manner in which identification with a sports team influences the reactions of spectators, research had yet to identify those factors with the greatest amount of influence on identification. This article reports on an exploratory study designed to fill this void by identifying the factors involved in the origination, continuation, and cessation of sports-team identification. Responses indicated that a wide variety of factors were perceived by fans to be important in their identification. Specifically, the success of the team, geographical reasons, the players, and affiliative reasons were all quite important in the fans' identification.
A Theoretical Study of the Structure and Thermochemistry of 1,3-Butadiene on the Ge/Si(100)-2 × 1 Surface

We present an ab initio investigation of the structure and thermochemistry of the products of the chemisorption of 1,3-butadiene on the Ge/Si(100)-2 × 1 surface. The surface was modeled using a Si cluster with one dimer and Ge substitution for surface Si to study the effects of Ge on the cycloaddition. Calculations were performed using the Becke3LYP hybrid density functional theory method. Both the [4 + 2] Diels−Alder and the [2 + 2] cycloaddition products are energetically stable on all the Ge/Si(100)-2 × 1 surfaces investigated. The [4 + 2] Diels−Alder products on the Si−Si, Si−Ge, and Ge−Ge dimers are more stable than the corresponding [2 + 2] cycloaddition product due to ring strain. The binding energies of all cycloaddition reaction products decrease with increasing Ge composition on dimers, which can be explained by differences in bond strength. The structures and energetics will be explained and discussed.
Ozone and aerosol measurements in the springtime Antarctic stratosphere in 1985

Balloonborne measurements of ozone and aerosol concentrations at McMurdo Station in Antarctica in November 1985, indicated large variations, apparently associated with movement of the polar vortex. Extremely low ozone concentrations were observed, on one occasion to altitudes in excess of 30 km. Low ozone was accompanied by the absence of optically active aerosol and an enhancement of condensation nuclei while the opposite was the case with normal ozone. The ozone measurements are consistent with a springtime Antarctic vortex ozone minimum (popularly called the “ozone hole”) and variations in the aerosol size distribution appear to be associated with the thermal history of the relevant air parcel.
Potential energy surface for H2Si2 isomer explored with complete basis set ab initio method

Abstract Singlet and triplet potential energy surfaces for Si2H2 isomers were explored with the complete basis set ab initio method. Several minima on both potential energy surfaces were located and their relative stabilities and activation barriers for interconversion were calculated. It was demonstrated that the most stable structures are those that include a bridged hydrogen. The existence of Si–Si multiple bonds were discussed in light of the relative stability of Si2H2 isomers, their activation barriers, and their bond dissociation energies.
EPR parameters for spin 32 iron in a strong crystal field with axial and rhombic symmetry components

Calculations are presented for the eigenfunctions, energy eigenvalues, and EPR g values, expected for mid-spin (S = 2/3) iron in a strong crystalline field with axial (D) and rhombic (E) symmetry components. For E/D=1/3, a polycrystalline sample is expected to exhibit identical EPR resonances from the two Kramers doublets; consequently, the temperature dependence of the overall EPR intensity is independent of the zero-field splitting.
Effect of Calcaneal Osteotomy and Lateral Column Lengthening on the Plantar Fascia: A Biomechanical Investigation:

Medial calcaneal displacement osteotomy or lateral column lengthening fusion has been advocated to augment tendon transfer in planovalgus foot deformity associated with chronic posterior tibial tendon insufficiency. It is hypothesized that plantar fascia tightening occurs with these procedures, helping to restore a more normal longitudinal arch. To investigate this further, nine fresh-frozen cadaver below-knee specimens were used. A flatfoot model was created by sectioning of the posterior tibial tendon, spring ligament, talonavicular capsule, and deltoid ligament. A liquid-metal strain gauge, calibrated to measure fractional changes in length, was sutured proximally to the origin and distally into the thickest portion of the medial band of the plantar fascia. Specimens were axially loaded to 400 N and plantar fascia strain was measured. Fractional length changes in the plantar fascia were then measured after a medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy and after a lateral column lengthening through the calcaneocuboid joint. Tightening of the plantar fascia did not occur with either medial calcaneal displacement or lateral column lengthening. The plantar fascia became significantly less taut with both medial displacement and lateral column lengthening. We found that lateral column lengthening produced significantly looser plantar fascia than did medial displacement of the calcaneal tuberosity.
An image enhanced, knowledge based expert system for maintenance trouble shooting

Abstract This paper describes the results of a successful effort to develop a vehicle trouble-shooting expert system which has imaging capability integrated into its knowledge base. The system is used to diagnose maintenance problems in the electrical/hydraulic subsystem of a D-900 Derrick. Video information required to effectively execute this diagnostic task is obtained through the use of a TARGA image capture board in a standard PC platform. This paper contains a discussion of the general use of imaging in this context along with a description of the expert system incorporating this capability. A summary of several design and implementation issues that emerged during the research is also included.
Syngeneic bone marrow transplantation eliminates Vβ8.2 T lymphocytes from the spinal cord of Lewis rats with experimental allergic encephalomyelitis

Experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model for multiple sclerosis (MS), is a paralytic disease of the central nervous system (CNS) mediated by T-lymphocytes reactive to myelin basic protein (MBP). Lewis rats actively immunized with fragment 68 to 82 of guinea pig MBP develop a monophasic disease with spontaneous recovery. Lymphocyte recognition of the primary encephalitogenic sequence of MBP (fragment 68 to 82) is V beta 8.2 T cell receptor (TCR) skewed [1-3]. Lewis rats in clinical remission at 1 month and 3 months after spontaneous resolution of EAE retain V beta 8.2 T-lymphocytes in the CNS when analyzed by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction or in situ hybridization. In contrast, 1 and 3 months after clinical remission from syngeneic bone marrow transplantation, V beta 8.2 T lymphocytes are absent from the CNS. During clinically active EAE and inflammatory breakdown of the blood-brain barrier, immune ablation and reconstitution with syngeneic bone marrow results in clinical tolerance of the new immune system to myelin.
Do Consumer's Forgive? A Study of Animosity in the MENA Region

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study is to extend the animosity model by examining the internal motivations of consumer animosity and their effects on willingness to buy. In particular, this research focuses on studying the model of consumer animosity in a new context. The Iraqi war that started in 2003 and the Israeli-Lebanese war in 2006 created tension in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA region) toward the United States. It is within this context that we examined whether individuals’ animosity affects willingness to buy American products in two countries of that region (Lebanon and Tunisia). Specifically, are consumers’ internal motivations behind refusing to buy American products just to express anger, or to “punish” the United States and its companies, or to enhance self-image by rejecting American goods? To examine these issues, a structural equation model was developed and tested cross-nationally in both Tunisia (N = 164) and Lebanon (N = 300). Results suggest that consumers’ internal motivatio...
Circulating CD11b expression correlates with the neutrophil response and airway mCD14 expression is enhanced following ozone exposure in humans

We recently reported that baseline expression of circulating CD11b is associated with the magnitude of the neutrophil response following inhaled endotoxin. In this study, we examined whether circulating CD11b plays a similar role in the inflammatory response following inhaled ozone exposure. Twenty-two volunteers underwent controlled exposure to ozone (0.4 ppm, 2 h) and to clean air on two separate occasions. Induced sputum and peripheral blood were collected before and after exposure. Induced sputum collected from subjects exposed to ozone revealed marked neutrophilia and increased expression of mCD14 on airway macrophages and monocytes. Baseline CD11b expression on blood phagocytes correlated positively with ozone-induced neutrophil influx into the airways. In conclusion, in human volunteers, circulating CD11b predicts the magnitude of the airway neutrophil response following inhaled ozone exposure. Consequently, CD11b may be a useful biomarker for predicting susceptibility to airway neutrophilic inflammation caused by pollutants.
Relationship between exercise systolic blood pressure and left ventricular geometry in overweight, mildly hypertensive patients.

OBJECTIVE To examine the association between the graded exercise systolic blood pressure (SBP) response and left ventricular (LV) geometric structure in patients with untreated mild hypertension. PARTICIPANTS The study included 80 sedentary, overweight patients (43 female and 37 male) with unmedicated high normal blood pressure or stage 1-2 hypertension. METHODS An echocardiogram was used to determine LV mass and the relative wall thickness (RWT) in relation to the chamber dimension. Participants performed a maximal graded exercise test, and the SBP was recorded at workloads of 2, 4 and 6 metabolic equivalents and at peak exercise. Separate statistical models were used to determine the influence of LV mass indexed for height(2.7) (LVMIh) and RWT on submaximal exercise SBP and peak exercise SBP, controlling for resting SBP, age, gender, ethnicity and body mass index. RESULTS A greater RWT was associated with a higher submaximal SBP level (P = 0.038). Neither LVMIh (P = 0.989) nor the interaction of RWT and LVMIh (P = 0.787) were related to the submaximal SBP. None of the main or interaction effects of RWT and LVMIh were associated with the peak exercise SBP level. CONCLUSION Increases in RWT were associated with higher submaximal exercise SBP responses in a sample of overweight, unmedicated hypertensives. These results suggest that RWT is an important determinant of the association between cardiac mass and exercise SBP response.
Enhancing throughput of the Hadoop Distributed File System for interaction-intensive tasks

Abstract The Hadoop Distributed File System (HDFS) is designed to run on commodity hardware and can be used as a stand-alone general purpose distributed file system (Hdfs user guide, 2008). It provides the ability to access bulk data with high I/O throughput. As a result, this system is suitable for applications that have large I/O data sets. However, the performance of HDFS decreases dramatically when handling the operations of interaction-intensive files , i.e., files that have relatively small size but are frequently accessed. The paper analyzes the cause of throughput degradation issue when accessing interaction-intensive files and presents an enhanced HDFS architecture along with an associated storage allocation algorithm that overcomes the performance degradation problem. Experiments have shown that with the proposed architecture together with the associated storage allocation algorithm, the HDFS throughput for interaction-intensive files increases 300% on average with only a negligible performance decrease for large data set tasks.
MalagasySikidy:A Case in Ethnomathematics☆

Abstract Sikidy is a system of divination that plays a significant role in the lives of the people of Madagascar. Here we focus on the mathematical ideas which it embodies. Formal algebraic algorithms are applied to initial random data, and knowledge of the internal logic of the resulting array enables the diviner to check for and detect errors. Sikidy and the mathematical ideas within it are placed in their cultural and historical contexts. Copyright 1997 Academic Press. Sikidy est un systeme de divination qui joue un role important dans la vie des Malgaches. Notre article porte sur les idees mathematiques que ce systeme renferme. Des algorithmes algebriques formels sont appliques a des donnees initiales recueillies au hasard et la connaissance de la logique interne du tableau qui en resulte permet au devin de chercher et de detecter les erreurs. Sikidy et les idees mathematiques qu'il contient sont places dans leurs contextes culturel et historique. Copyright 1997 Academic Press. Sikidy ist ein Weissagungssystem, das eine bedeutende Rolle im Leben der Einwohner von Madagaskar spielt. Hier untersuchen wir die mathematischen Ideen, die es enthalt. Formale algebraische Algorithmen werden auf zunachst wahllose Daten angewandt. Die Kenntnis der inneren Logik der daraus entstehenden Muster ermoglicht es dem Weissager, Fehler zu suchen und zu finden. Sikidy und die mathematischen Ideen, die darin enthalten sind, werden in ihrem kulturellen und historischen Kontext behandelt.
Smallest Graded Betti Numbers

It is known that given a Hilbert function H, there need not exist a module which has uniquely the smallest graded Betti numbers among all modules attaining H. In this paper we extend the previous example of this behavior to an infinite family and demonstrate with a second infinite family that even when the given Hilbert function is that of a complete intersection, a module with uniquely smallest graded Betti numbers need not exist. Finally we prove a conjecture of Geramita, Harima, and Shin concerning the non-existence of uniquely smallest graded Betti numbers among all Gorenstein rings attaining a given Hilbert function.
Thermal stability and temporal variations of the Io torus

Abstract Thermally stable torus models exist for various types of plasma radial transport, including nonlinear centrifugal interchanges and linear atmospheric wind-driven interchanges. Significant temporal variability of the torus may be driven by variations in Io's atmosphere. Electron cooling at high densities occurs in linear transport models. A very low torus density at the time of the Pioneer encounters may be reconciled with stability of the sodium cloud.
The Effect of Adrenergic Receptor Blockade on the Exercise-Induced Rise in Pancreatic Polypeptide in Man*

The effect of adrenergic receptor-blocking agents upon plasma levels of human pancreatic polypeptide (hPP), human GH (hGH), immunoreactive insulin, and glucose during graded submaximal exercise was ascertained in six healthy nonobese males. Subjects exercised from 0–27 min on a motor-driven treadmill and received infusions from −10 to 40 min of either 1) saline, 2) saline plus phentolamine (0.5 mg/min; α-adrenergic blockade), or 3) propranolol (3 mg) from −10 to −5 min, followed by saline plus propranolol (0.08 mg/min; β-adrenergic blockade). During saline-exercise, mean plasma hPP rose from a mean (±SE) basal level of 45 ± 11 to 149 ± 51 pg/ml at 27 min, whereas with phentolamine-exercise, the maximal level reached by mean plasma hPP (305 ± 28 pg/ml) was significantly greater than that with saline (P < 0.05). During propranolol-exercise, mean plasma hPP did not rise significantly above the basal level. The incremental area under the hPP curve for phentolamine-exercise also was significantly greater than ...
Mitochondrial DNA based phylogeny of the woodpecker genera Colaptes and Piculus, and implications for the history of woodpecker diversification in South America.

Abstract The woodpecker genus Colaptes (flickers) has its highest diversity in South America and the closely related genus Piculus is restricted to South and Central America. Two species of flickers occur in North America, and one species is endemic to Cuba. We conducted a Bayesian phylogenetic analysis of three mitochondrial encoded genes (cyt b, COI, 12S rRNA) and confirmed that the two genera are paraphyletic. Three species historically classified as Piculus are actually flickers. We found that the Cuban endemic C. fernandinae is the most basal species within the flickers and that the Northern Flicker is the next most basal species within the Colaptes lineage. The South American clade is most derived. The age of the South American diversification is estimated to be 3.6 MY, which is synchronous with the emergence of the Isthmus of Panama. The pattern of diversification of South American flickers is common among South American woodpeckers. Although woodpeckers have their greatest diversity in South America, we hypothesize that woodpeckers (Family Picidae) originated in Eurasia, dispersed to North America via the Bering land bridge, and multiple lineages entered South America as the Isthmus approached its final closing.
TELESCOPE IMAGE MODELLING (TIM)

The Telescope Image Modelling (TIM) software has been designed to simulate a polychromatic image of a large number of point sources with known colors, as recorded on a pixellated detector after reimaging through an optical system of known characteristics. Though developed primarily for images produced by the Hubble Space Telescope and its scientific instruments, it is general enough for wider application. The software is modular and produces monochromatic point spread functions and modulation transfer functions at intermediate stages. Details of known optical aberrations of the system, microroughness scatter from the telescope mirrors, telescope pupil aberrations, pointing jitter, photon noise and detector defects can all be included.
A rational approach to testing MPEG-2

Any complex electronic communication system presents a variety of challenges during design, installation, and operation. In MPEG-2 systems, problems usually show up in two areas: testing and interoperability. Test procedures put together without adequate understanding of the hierarchical nature of the MPEG-2 transport stream may allot too much time to the scrutiny of less important parameters, while possibly allowing more important ones to escape notice. Interoperability problems may arise not only from obvious physical incompatibilities, like mismatched connectors, but also from more subtle discrepancies, like inconsistent uses of reserved packet-identification values. The paper provides a feel for the sorts of problems routinely encountered in MPEG-2 transmission systems and supply some practical guidelines on test methodology. Because transport operation-but not physical interconnection-is specified by MPEG-2 for decoders, issues relating to the connection of systems and testing devices must be explored. Some typical problems in a sample application, satellite news gathering, are examined as well.
The Social Production of Metropolitan Expertise in Tropical Diseases: The Imperial State, Colonial Service and the Tropical Diseases Research Fund

The hegemonic authority of Western science over disease in the tropical world is not a prod uct of its inherent truth value, but rather refers to the underdevelopment of science resources under European rule. As this study will show, the emphasis on the delivery of medical care in the dependent British Empire in the second half of the nineteenth century created conditions for the domestication of tropical disease research in the twentieth cen tury. A large pool of underemployed medical practitioners in Britain enabled the Colonial Office to satisfy the personnel needs of its far-flung empire. Colonial governments, in turn, maximised the labour of imperial doctors as primary care providers through a wide range of administrative tools. This emphasis simultaneously retarded the development of labora tory research into disease in the periphery while creating an opportunity for its metropolitan appropriation. Eventually the Tropical Disease Research Fund was created to promote the understanding of disease in t...
NFD: A practical scheme to detect non-technical loss fraud in smart grid

Non-Technical Loss (NTL) fraud is a consistent problem harassing utility companies all over the world. Most of the previous researches on NTL depend fully on user behaviour monitoring, analysis, and feature extraction. In this paper, we propose a practical scheme, named NTL Fraud Detection (NFD), to detect NTL without knowing any extra information about customers. The proposed scheme differentiates tampered meters from normal meters using the approximated difference between the billing electricity and the actually consumed electricity.
Clinical and pathophysiologic correlates of ST-T-wave abnormalities in coronary artery disease

Abstract Clinical, hemodynamic and coronary angiographic data from 9,801 patients were evaluated to determine the correlates of ST-segment depression, with or without T-wave inversion, on the resting routine electrocardiogram. The relative risk (RR) of having a measured clinical or angiographic variable was computed whether or not ST-T-wave abnormalities were observed. ST-segment depression was seen significantly more often in subjects >55 years of age (RR = 1.4) who were women (RR = 1.3) or nonwhite (RR = 1.5), were hypertensive (RR = 1.8), had diabetes mellitus (RR = 1.6) or who smoked cigarettes (RR = 1.5). Angiographic findings related to presence of ST-T-wave abnormalities included severe coronary obstruction (
Representation And Retrieval Of Symbolic Pictures Using Generalized 2D Strings

We present a methodology for pictorial database design, based upon a new spatial knowledge structure. This spatial knowledge structure consists of an image database, symbolic projections representing the spatial relations among objects or sub-objects in an image, and rules to derive complex spatial relations from the generalized 2D string representation of the symbolic projections. The most innovative aspect of this spatial knowledge structure is the use of symbolic projections to represent pictorial knowledge as generalized 2D strings. Since spatial knowledge is encoded into strings, inference rules can be applied for spatial reasoning.
Synthesis of Organosilane‐Modified Carbon Nanofibers and Influence of Silane Coating Thickness on the Performance of Polyethylene Nanocomposites

Silane coatings with different thicknesses were synthesized on CNFs for reinforcement of polyethylene composites. The thickness of the silane coating was adjusted by using a basic catalyst to increase the overall reactivity of the silane groups, resulting in a thick coating of ≈46 nm (ca. 90% increase in fiber diameter). DMA performed on the polyethylene composites showed a substantial increase in storage modulus from 1.68 to 2.34 GPa (40%) at low temperatures in the composite with the thick silane coating (≈46 nm) at a low loading of 0.4 wt.-%. We believe that the silane-treated nanofillers with thick coatings are very promising for high-performance nanocomposites with non-polar polymer matrices.
Improving on SUVA254 using fluorescence-PARAFAC analysis and asymmetric flow-field flow fractionation for assessing disinfection byproduct formation and control

Several challenges with disinfection byproduct (DBP) control stem from the complexity and diversity of dissolved organic matter (DOM), which is ubiquitous in natural waters and reacts with disinfectants to form DBPs. Fluorescence parallel factor (PARAFAC) analysis and asymmetric flow-field flow fractionation (AF4) were used in combination with free chlorine DBP formation potential (DBPFP) tests to study the physicochemical DOM properties and DBP formation in raw- and alum-coagulated waters. Enhanced coagulation with alum became more effective at removing DBP-precursors as the pH decreased from 8 to 6. AF4-UV(254) fractograms indicated enhanced coagulation at pH 6 preferentially removed larger DOM, whereas no preferential size removal occurred at pH 8. Fluorescence-PARAFAC analysis revealed the presence of one protein-like and three humic-like fluorophore groups; stronger linear correlations were found between chloroform and the maximum intensity (F(MAX)) of a humic-like fluorophore (r(2) = 0.84) than with SUVA(254) (r(2) = 0.51). This result indicated that the fluorescence-PARAFAC approach used here was an improvement on SUVA(254), i.e., fluorescence-based measurements were stronger predictors of chloroform formation.
Reactions of polystyryllithiums and model lithium carbanions with 9,10‐bis(halomethyl)anthracenes

The direct and nearly quantitative incorporation of 9,10-anthracenylidene (AN) chromophores into polystyrene occurred via the reaction of polystyryllithium (PSLi) with 9,10-bis(chloromethyl)anthracene (BCMA) at −78 °C in tetrahydrofuran (THF)/ hexane containing between 30 and 40 vol % hexane. Although the reaction of PSLi and BCMA or 9,10-bis(bromomethyl)anthracene (BBMA) in THF at −78 °C gave nearly quantitative coupling, typically only 30–50% AN incorporation was observed, as determined by ultraviolet–visible spectrometry. Model coupling reactions of 3,3-dimethyl-1,1-diphenyl-1-lithiobutane, (1,1,2,2-tetramethyl)propylcyclopentadienyllithium, 9-methylfluorenyllithium, and triphenylmethyllithium with BCMA or BBMA at −78 °C in THF in nearly all cases gave several AN-containing coupling products. This was consistent with lithium–halogen exchange leading to the linking of multiple AN groups. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 39: 3121–3129, 2001
Design, simulation, fabrication, and characterization of a PMMA tunneling sensor based on hot embossing technique

Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) was chosen to fabricate highly sensitive tunneling sensors due to its extremely low cost and quick machining by hot embossing. The structure of an all-PMMA-based membrane vertical tunneling sensor platform was synthesized by ANSYS. The system characteristics and feedback system were evaluated with MatLab SimuLink. The first all-PMMA-based membrane tunneling transducers were produced by hot embossing replication with silicon masters. The fabricated tunneling sensors have presented a tunneling barrier height of 0.17 eV, a sensitivity of 26 V/g, and a dynamic range of 1.5 mg, which demonstrated competitive performances with lower cost, lighter weight, and easier fabrication processing.
Self-aligned assembly of microlens arrays with micromirrors

Lenslet integrated Micro-Electro-Mechanical Deformable Micromirrors (LMEM-DMs) are electrostatic micromirror arrays fabricated through a commercial surface micromachining process and integrated with polymer or glass microlenses. The electronics resins (Photo-BCB) which are photo-sensitive polymers were used to fabricate polymer microlens arrays. A 4 X 4 element photo-BCB Cyclotene microlens array was fabricated on a thin quartz substrate. Self-aligned soldering flip-chip assembly is applied to integrate microlens arrays directly over the micromirrors. The lens/mirror gap is controlled using the final height of solder balls, and the lateral alignment is achieved by the solder self-aligning mechanism. The LMEM-DM is attractive due to its low cost and the low drive voltages. The use of a lenslet to focus the incoming laser beam onto the reflective surface of a micromirror substantially increases overall optical fill factor of the micromirror array. The LMEM-DM provides superior aberration correction with low residual diffraction effects. For mirror deflections much smaller than the lenslet focal length, the LMEM-DM behaves as a phase-only modulating optical element. The LMEM-DM thus serves as a rugged, compact optical element for beam steering, beam shaping, and aberration correction applications.
A study on shifting towards multiculture-based manufacturing to promote society — Observations and strategies for solving problems

Dynamic allocation of manufacturing activity on a global scale is a trend in today's manufacturing business. The paper describes the philosophical approach necessary to succeed in global scale manufacturing. The importance of the manufacturing business in conjunction with the promotion of society is emphasised from the historical and effects points of view. Today's problems caused by concentrated off-market manufacturing are pointed out and shift to in-market manufacturing, including the dynamic allocation of production technologies and human resources in the market, is explained as a solution. Two types of objective approach for implementing in-market manufacturing in a multi-culture environment on a global basis are proposed and the advantages and disadvantages are discussed.
Biogeochemical effects of seawater restoration to diked salt marshes

We conducted greenhouse microcosm experiments to examine the biogeochemical effects of restoring seawater to historically diked Cape Cod salt marshes. Peat cores from both seasonally flooded and drained diked marshes were waterlogged with seawater, and porewater chemistry was subsequently monitored for 21 mo. The addition of seawater to highly organic, seasonally flooded peat caused the death of freshwater wetland plants, 6–8 cm of sediment subsidence, and increased N and P mineralization. Also, sulfides and alkalinity increased 10-fold, suggesting accelerated decomposition by sulfate reduction. Addition of seawater to the low-organic-content acidic peat from the drained marsh increased porewater pH, alkalinity, PO4-P, and Fe(II), which we attribute to the reestablishment of SO4 and Fe(III) mineral reduction. Increased cation exchange contributed to 6-fold increases in dissolved Fe(II) and Al and 60-fold increases in NH4-N within 6 mo of salination. Seawater reintroductions to seasonally flooded diked marshes will cause porewater sulfides to increase, likely reducing the success of revegetation efforts. Sulfide toxicity is of less concern in resalinated drained peats because of the abundance of Fe(II) to precipitate sulfides, and of NH4-N to offset sulfide inhibition of N uptake. Restoration of either seasonally flooded or drained diked marshes could stimulate potentially large nutrient and Fe(II) releases, which could in turn increase primary production and lower oxygen in receiving waters. These findings suggest that tidal restoration be gradual and carefully monitored.
Demonstration of sensory neurones in the ectopic cuticle of spineless-aristapedia, a homoeotic mutant of Drosophila

MANY mutations in Drosophila melanogaster cause the development of body parts in inappropriate places. Several of these homoeotic mutations (reviewed in ref. 1) result in the appearance of leg bristles and other leg cuticular structures in place of their antennal counterparts. In the mutant spineless-aristapedia (ssa, 3–58.5) the antennal arista is replaced by tarsal segments2; the mutations Antennapedia (Antp, 3–48) and Nasobemia (Ns, 3–48) produce a more extreme transformation: most of the antennal cuticular structures are transformed into leg cuticle, and, in the latter, part of the head cuticle is replaced by sternopleural cuticle3,4. In insects the sensory neurones are derived from epidermal cells5. When sensory epidermis is surgically transplanted to ectopic sites, neurones develop from it and form connections with the central nervous system6. These neurones act according to the type of epidermis from which they are derived rather than according to the position in which they develop6. In homoeotic mutants cuticular structures develop at ectopic sites as a result of genetic modification. In this report I examine whether in homoeotic mutants sensory neurones are formed, and, if so, whether they behave according to the homoeotic structures that develop, or according to their general position in the body.
Anorectal disease in HIV-infected patients.

PURPOSE: Anorectal diseases are common in human immunodeficiency virus-infected individuals. The aim of this prospective study was to assess the cause and clinical presentation of anorectal disease in this human immunodeficiency virus-infected population. METHODS: A registry of all human immunodeficiency virus-seropositive patients with anorectal complaints who were referred to and followed up in the colorectal surgery clinic at a county hospital was maintained, with all data collected prospectively. All patients underwent examination under anesthesia with random cultures and biopsies, along with specific sampling of any suspicious lesions. RESULTS: Data from 180 consecutive human immunodeficiency virus-seropositive patients with anorectal symptoms were analyzed. Mean age of the population was 34 years, with a male-to-female ration of 14:1. This group comprised homosexual and bisexual males (55 percent), injection-drug users (15 percent), heterosexuals (12 percent), and others (18 percent). The average lag time from diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus to anorectal symptoms was 48 months. The average CD4 lymphocyte count was 160 cells/mm3. The most common symptom was anorectal pain (57 percent), followed by lumps or warts (28 percent), rectal bleeding (12 percent), discharge (11 percent), and pruritus (6 percent), with 24 percent of patients having multiple complaints. Anal condyloma was the most prevalent pathology observed (43 percent), of which 10 percent was associated with anal intraepithelial neoplasia. Wide-based anal ulcers were the most frequent noncondylomatous lesions, occurring in 32 percent of patients, with the majority (91 percent) presenting with the chief complaint of anorectal pain. Some of these ulcers were associated with viral infections: herpes simplex virus (12 percent) and cytomegalovirus (7 percent). However, most ulcers were idiopathic, with negative cultures and biopsies. Other lesions encountered included fistulas (14 percent), abscesses (12 percent), hemorrhoids (6 percent), and malignancy, with two cases of Kaposi's sarcoma, one case of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and one case of squamous-cell carcinoma. More than one anorectal condition was identified in 16 percent of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: Human immunodeficiency virus infection is associated with a wide spectrum of anorectal disease, of which the most common lesions are anal condylomata and painful ulcers. The majority of these anal ulcers gave negative culture and biopsy results. In addition, there seems to be a high incidence of anorectal neoplasia in this patient population.
A rare case of transient inferior ST segment elevation

The investigators review the electrocardiographic manifestations of hiatal hernia and describe the case of an 86-year-old male who presented with a large distended hiatal hernia causing electrocardiographic findings of new onset ST segment elevation of the inferior leads without reciprocal changes. After decompression, the patient's electrocardiogram demonstrated resolution of the ST segment elevation.
Perceived orientation in physical and virtual environments: changes in perceived orientation as a function of idiothetic information available

Two experiments examined perceived spatial orientation in a small environment as a function of experiencing that environment under three conditions: real-world, desktop-display (DD), and head-mounted display (HMD). Across the three conditions, participants acquired two targets located on a perimeter surrounding them, and attempted to remember the relative locations of the targets. Subsequently, participants were tested on how accurately and consistently they could point in the remembered direction of a previously seen target. Results showed that participants were significantly more consistent in the real-world and HMD conditions than in the DD condition. Further, it is shown that the advantages observed in the HMD and real-world conditions were not simply due to nonspatial response strategies. These results suggest that the additional idiothetic information afforded in the real-world and HMD conditions is useful for orientation purposes in our presented task domain. Our results are relevant to interface design issues concerning tasks that require spatial search, navigation, and visualization.
Applicability of Kinematic, Noninertia, and Quasi-Steady Dynamic Wave Models to Unsteady Flow Routing

Propagation of flood waves in an open channel can be mathematically approximated by the Saint-Venant equations (dynamic wave) or by their simplifications including the kinematic wave, noninertia wave, gravity wave, and quasi-steady dynamic wave models. All of these wave approximations differ not only in the physical propagation mechanism, but also in the degree of complexity involved in computation. In order to efficiently implement the approximate wave models for flood routing, their criteria of applicability should be developed. The applicability of the kinematic wave, noninertia wave, and quasi-steady dynamic wave approximations to the full dynamic wave equations for unsteady flow routing is examined by comparing the propagation characteristics of a sinusoidal perturbation to the steady gradually varying flow for different simplified wave models. Development of the applicability criteria provides a guideline for selecting an appropriate wave model for unsteady flow modeling, thus enabling an assessment of the capabilities and limitations of different simplified wave models. By using the linear stability analysis, the derived criteria can be expressed in terms of dimensionless physical parameters that represent the unsteadiness of the wave disturbance, characteristics of the downstream boundary condition (backwater effect), and the location along the channel. The developed criteria are for a specific point and time, thereby providing a more refined indication than the integrated criteria based on the testing for a hydrograph found commonly in the literature. In this study, we have justified whether the simplified wave models such as the kinematic, noninertia, or gravity wave models would be appropriate and reliable approximations to the full Saint-Venant equations with a comparable accuracy for a given flow condition. The downstream backwater effect has been taken into consideration in the developed criteria for broader engineering applications. One hypothetical example is presented for illustration.
Collisional cooling of ultracold-atom ensembles using Feshbach resonances

Joint Quantum Institute, National Institute of Standards and Technology and University of Maryland, Gaithersburg, Maryland(Dated: March 14, 2009)We propose a new type of cooling mechanism for ultra-cold fermionic atom ensembles, whichcapitalizes on the energy dependence of inelastic collisions in the presence of a Feshbach resonance.We ﬁrst discuss the case of a single magnetic resonance, and ﬁnd that the ﬁnal temperature andthe cooling rate is limited by the width of the resonance. A concrete example, based on a p-waveresonance of
Two-Stage Least Squares Estimation of Spatial Autoregressive Models with Endogenous Regressors and Many Instruments

This paper considers the IV estimation of spatial autoregressive models with endogenous regressors in the presence of many instruments. To improve asymptotic efficiency, it may be desirable to use many valid instruments. However, finite sample properties of IV estimators can be sensitive to the number of instruments. For a spatial model with endogenous regressors, this paper derives the asymptotic distribution of the two-stage least squares (2SLS) estimator when the number of instruments grows with the sample size, and suggests a bias-correction procedure based on the leading-order many-instrument bias. The paper also gives the Nagar-type approximate mean square errors (MSEs) of the 2SLS estimator and the bias-corrected 2SLS estimator, which can be minimized to choose instruments as in Donald and Newey (2001). A limited Monte Carlo experiment is carried out to study the finite sample performance of the instrument selection procedure.
H2O outgassing from silica-filled polysiloxane TR55

Abstract Temperature-programmed desorption/decomposition (TPD) was employed to obtain the moisture content and outgassing kinetics of TR55, a silica-filled cross-linked polysiloxane. The total moisture content of TR55 in the as-received state and after 20–30 min of vacuum pumping in the load-lock prior to TPD was measured to be on the order of 0.35 wt%. Physisorbed H2O and chemisorbed H2O account for about 13.2 and 86.8%, respectively, of the 0.35 wt% measured moisture content. H2O outgassing models based on the kinetics measured from TPD experiments suggest that loosely bound chemisorbed water outgasses in a dry environment slowly but continuously over many decades at or a little above room temperature. However, physisorbed water can be easily pumped out in a matter of hours at around 400 K.
On utility accrual processor scheduling with wait-free synchronization for embedded real-time software

We present the first wait-free utility accrual (UA) real-time scheduling algorithms for embedded real-time systems. UA scheduling algorithms allow application activities to be subject to time/utility function (TUF) time constraints, and optimize criteria such as maximizing the sum of the activities' attained utilities. We present UA algorithms that use wait-free synchronization for mutually exclusively accessing shared data objects. We derive lower bounds on the possible accrued utility with wait-free over their lock-based counterparts, while incurring the minimum possible additional space costs. Our implementation measurements on a POSIX RTOS reveal that (during under-loads), the wait-free algorithms yield optimal utility for step TUFs and significantly higher utility (than lock-based) for non-step TUFs.
Characterization of the KNSBN: Cu crystal with two-wave coupling at visible and infrared wavelengths

We have optically characterized the newly-developed photorefractive crystal KNSBN: Cu by two-wave coupling at visible and near-infrared wavelengths. The effective electrooptic coefficientsξ(kg)r13 andξ(kg)r33, the effective charge carrier densityNeff, the dark conductivityσd, the product of mobility and electron-trap recombination timeμτR, the formation and decay rate of index grating and the absorption coefficientα of the crystal were determined from visible to near-infrared wavelengths. Their wavelength dependences were also studied. It is interesting to notice that the KNSBN: Cu crystal has a very largeNeff and large gain coefficientΓ for ordinary ray (o-ray) in the visible region, and the photorefractive properties of the crystal are very different in the visible and near-infrared spectral regions.
Steady‐state methanation kinetics over a Ni/Al2O3 catalyst

Extensive kinetic data for the methanation reaction over a Ni/Al2O3 catalyst were obtained in a specially designed gradientless reactor operating at steady state. The reactor pressure was 101.3 kPa, and three temperatures were used, namely, 503, 513 and 523 K. The following three-parameter phenomenological model based on a proposed Langmuir-Hinshelwood mechanism adequately describes the data: r = L2K3K40.5k5P0.5H2Pco/ [1 + K3 (k5 / k6)Pco + K40.5P0.5H2 ]2 With dissociative adsorption of hydrogen and hydrogen-assisted dissociation of adsorbed carbon monoxide, the postulated mari is the CH surface group, and the rds is the hydrogenation of the surface CH group. On a obtenu une grande quantite de donnees cinetiques pour la reaction de methanation sur un catalyseur Ni/Al2O3 dans un reacteur sans gradients concu pour les besoins de ľetude et fonctionnant en regime permanent. La pression du reacteur est de 101,3 kPa tandis que trois temperatures ont ete utilisees, soit 503, 513 et 523 K. Le modele phenomenologique a trois parametres suivant base sur un mecanisme de Langmuir-Hinshelwood, decrit convenablement les donnees: r = L2 K3K40.5k5P0.5H2Pco/ [1 + K3 (k5 / k6)Pco + K40.5P0.5H2 ]2 Avec ľadsorption dissociative de ľhydrogene et la dissociation de ľoxyde de carbone adsorbe assistee par ľhydrogene, le « mari » postule est le groupe de surface CH et le « rds » est ľhydrogenation du groupe de surface CH.