cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Observations of grain boundary sliding during superplastic deformation

Flat test specimens of a 10-micron grain size Al-33 pct Cu alloy were deformed in air over a range of strains at 450 °C (723 K) and at 10-5 strain per second, and examined by SEM. Direct observations and measurements were also made in a SEM during superplastic deformation of a 5-micron Pb-Sn eutectic alloy at room temperature at a strain rate of about 10-5 s-1. Extensive grain boundary sliding was noted. Microcreep curves were obtained between initially adjacent grains and showed that deformation is cyclical in nature and varies by several orders of magnitude locally from point to point. Many surface grains are observed to change neighbors many times, to undergo some rotation and tilt, to show little change in size or shape, and yet to avoid intergranular cracking. Superplastic deformation is a highly heterogeneous process, not unlike that observed in the creep of conventional types of alloys at elevated temperatures, but differing in the extent of plastic deformation free of intergranular cracking, combined with extensive recovery in the form of boundary migration.
U.S. DOE's Efforts to Promote Knowledge Sharing Opportunities from R&D Efforts: Development of the U.S. Carbon Utilization and Storage Atlas and Best Practices Manuals

Abstract Knowledge sharing among various stakeholders is essential to promote the commercialization of carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies. The United States Department of Energy (DOE) promotes information and knowledge sharing through various avenues, including the development and distribution of Best Practices Manuals (BPMs), the development of online tools and resources, involvement in working groups on CCUS, and other public outreach and education efforts. One of NETL's main initiatives to promote information and knowledge sharing is the development of a series of BPMs that outline uniform approaches to address a variety of CCUS-related issues and challenges. A major online resource developed by DOE is the National Carbon Sequestration Database and Geographic Information System (NATCARB), which is a geographic information system (GIS)-based tool developed to provide an interactive visual representation of CCUS potential. The series of past and future carbon storage Atlases featuring the Regional Carbon Sequestration Partnerships (RCSPs), such as the to be released United States Carbon Utilization and Storage Atlas , complements NATCARB, and contains additional information regarding commercialization opportunities for CCUS technologies from each of DOE's RCSPs. Building on past successes, NETL is expanding the NATCARB effort through the North American Carbon Atlas Partnership (NACAP) to better assess CCUS potential throughout all of North America. NETL has been actively disseminating knowledge and developing the future required workforce through training centers that are focused on training personnel for future implementation of CCUS technology.
On Root Invariants of Periodic Classes in Exta(Z/2,Z/2)

We prove that if a class in the cohomology of the mod 2 Steenrod algebra is v,-periodic in the sense of [10], then its root invariant must be v,+1-periodic, where vi denotes the nth generator of -r.(BP).
Electrokinetic properties of functional layers in absorbent incontinence nonwoven products

Incontinence control through the use of well designed nonwoven materials is a rapidly growing area of interest. Analysis of the streaming zeta potential, absorbance capacity and moisture content me...
Visual Predictions in the Orbitofrontal Cortex Rely on Associative Content

Predicting upcoming events from incomplete information is an essential brain function. The orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) plays a critical role in this process by facilitating recognition of sensory inputs via predictive feedback to sensory cortices. In the visual domain, the OFC is engaged by low spatial frequency (LSF) and magnocellularbiased inputs, but beyond this, we know little about the information content required to activate it. Is the OFC automatically engaged to analyze any LSF information for meaning? Or is it engaged only when LSF information matches preexisting memory associations? We tested these hypotheses and show that only LSF information that could be linked to memory associations engages the OFC. Specifically, LSF stimuli activated the OFC in 2 distinct medial and lateral regions only if they resembled known visual objects. More identifiable objects increased activity in the medial OFC, known for its function in affective responses. Furthermore, these objects also increased the connectivity of the lateral OFC with the ventral visual cortex, a crucial region for object identification. At the interface between sensory, memory, and affective processing, the OFC thus appears to be attuned to the associative content of visual information and to play a central role in visuo-affective prediction.
On Disjoint Sets of Natural Classes

Abstract An M-natural class is any subclass of σ[M] which is closed under (1) submodules,(2) isomorphic copies,(3) direct sums and (4) M-injective envelopes. Let &#x1d49e; be any set of pairwise disjoint M-natural classes. We define the &#x1d49e;-dimension of an R-module and examine how finite &#x1d49e;-dimension is related to certain injectivity conditions in σ[M]. We also define a &#x1d49e;-chain and relate ACC on &#x1d49e;-chains again to certain injectivity conditions.
A taxonomy and evaluation of dense two-frame stereo correspondence algorithms

Stereo matching is one of the most active research areas in computer vision. While a large number of algorithms for stereo correspondence have been developed, relatively little work has been done on characterizing their performance. In this paper, we present a taxonomy of dense, two-frame stereo methods designed to assess the different components and design decisions made in individual stereo algorithms. Using this taxonomy, we compare existing stereo methods and present experiments evaluating the performance of many different variants. In order to establish a common software platform and a collection of data sets for easy evaluation, we have designed a stand-alone, flexible C++ implementation that enables the evaluation of individual components and that can be easily extended to include new algorithms. We have also produced several new multiframe stereo data sets with ground truth, and are making both the code and data sets available on the Web.
Identification of functional regions on the tail of Acanthamoeba myosin-II using recombinant fusion proteins. I. High resolution epitope mapping and characterization of monoclonal antibody binding sites.

We used a series of COOH-terminally deleted recombinant myosin molecules to map precisely the binding sites of 22 monoclonal antibodies along the tail of Acanthamoeba myosin-II. These antibodies bind to 14 distinguishable epitopes, some separated by less than 10 amino acids. The positions of the binding sites visualized by electron microscopy agree only approximately with the physical positions of these sites on the alpha-helical coiled-coil tail. On the other hand, the epitope map agrees precisely with competitive binding studies: all antibodies that share an epitope compete with each other for binding to myosin. Antibodies with adjacent epitopes can compete with each other at linear distances up to 5 or 6 nm, and many antibodies that bind 3-7-nm apart can enhance the binding of each other to myosin. Most of the antibodies that bind to the distal 37 nm of the tail disrupt assembly of octameric minifilaments and, depending upon the exact location of the binding site, stop assembly at specific steps yielding, for example, monomers, antiparallel dimers, parallel dimers or antiparallel tetramers. The effects of these antibodies on assembly identify sites on the tail that are required for individual steps in minifilament assembly. Experiments on the assembly of truncated myosin-II tails have revealed a complementary group of sites that participate in the assembly reactions (Sinard, J.H., D.L. Rimm, and T.D. Pollard. 1990. J. Cell Biol. 111:2417-2426). Antibodies that bind to the distal tail but do not affect assembly appear to have a low affinity for myosin-II. Antibodies that bind to the proximal 50 nm of the tail do not inhibit the assembly of minifilaments. Many antibodies that bind to the tail of myosin-II, even some that have no obvious effect on minifilament assembly, can inhibit the actomyosin ATPase activity and the contraction of an actin gel formed in crude extracts. An antibody that binds between amino acids 1447 and 1467 inhibits the phosphorylation of serine residues distal to residue 1483.
Alone or together? How institutions affect party entry in presidential elections in Europe and South America

Prior research has shown that institutions affect parties’ incentives to coordinate within elections or compete on their own. However, no study to date has examined with institutional effects when parties coordinate in the most important of electoral contests: the presidential race. In this article, we explain which institutions encourage parties to run as part of pre-electoral coalitions (PECs) or shun them and run on their own in the race for the presidency. Using an original dataset of over 1400 parties that sponsored a candidate on their own or ran as part of an alliance in presidential elections across 23 democracies in Europe and South America from 1975 to 2009, we find that the powers of the presidential office, electoral rules and multi-level governance determine when parties decide to enter the race on their own or form an alliance. Our findings have important implications for understanding party competition in semi-presidential and presidential systems.
Development of Matrix Controlled Release Beads by Extrusion-Spheronization Technology Using a Statistical Screening Design

AbstractThe objective of this study was to develop beads with inherent modified release characteristics requiring no subsequent controlled release coating. Extrusion-spheronization was chosen to accomplish this goal. The model drug was a zwitterion (isoelectric point ∼pH 5.2) with poor solubility and low bulk density. Preliminary studies indicated that matrix beads with modified micro-environmental pH would result in sustained release of the drug. A Nica extruder and spheronizer were used to manufacture the beads. A Plackett-Burman screening design was employed to isolate critical variables influencing the bead characteristics and drug release. Variables studied included the type of polymeric dispersion, polymer concentration, acid type, acid concentration, plasticizer content, drug concentration and spheronizing time. Responses evaluated included capsule fill weight, drug release rate, micro-environmental pH, yield and friability. Beads were successfully manufactured according to the screening design and...
Novel homojunction interfacial workfunction internal photoemission (HIWIP) tunable far-infrared detectors for astronomy

A novel homojunction interfacial workfunction internal photoemission (HIWIP) far-infrared (FIR) detector based on the interfacial workfunction (IWF) between a heavily doped absorber/emitter layer and a lightly doped (or intrinsic) layer is reported. The detector structures are classified according to their emitter layer doping concentrations (Nd). The threshold wavelength ((lambda) t) is tunable in the IR wavelength range by changing Nd and bias voltage. This detector concept has been successfully demonstrated using forward biased commercial Si and Ge p-i-n diodes at 4.2 K. Threshold wavelengths ((lambda) t) from around 40 - 220 micrometers for Si and up to 240 micrometers for Ge were experimentally obtained. A theoretical investigation including an estimation of workfunction dependence on Nd, quantum efficiency calculations, and dark current analysis is reported. Based on these results, the detector noise equivalent power (NEP) limited by thermal noise and background noise is calculated.
From social projection to social behaviour

Social projection is a judgemental heuristic that allows people to make quick and reasonably accurate predictions about others. The first part of this paper presents a review of the status of projection as a highly (though not fully) automatic process, its separateness from superficially similar processes of self-stereotyping, and its implications for intergroup perception. The second part places social projection within the context of the theory of evidential decision making, which highlights the benefits and the liabilities of projection in social dilemma situations. The main benefit is that projection can enhance cooperation within a group by leading individuals to believe that their own behavioural choices will be reciprocated. However, when interpersonal social dilemmas are nested within intergroup dilemmas, differential projection (i.e., strong ingroup projection paired with weak outgroup projection) yields collectively undesirable outcomes.
A systematic study of age‐dependent changes in prostatic morphology and prolactin binding of ACI rats

Histologic specimens of ventral and dorsolateral prostate from ACI male rats of varying ages (3, 6, 12, 18, 24, and 29–32 months) were examined to identify changes associated with the development of adenocarcinoma. The same specimens were examined immunohistochemically for their distribution of prolactin binding sites. At 3 months of age ventral lobes of these ACI rats exhibited normal histology and prolactin binding patterns. At 6 and 12 months of age most ventral prostate alveoli showed epithelial cell atrophy, along with occasional acini containing normal-looking epithelial cells. Prolactin binding activity was present in most epithelial cells at 6 months of age but disappeared from atrophied cells at 12 months of age. At 18 months of age epithelial atrophy was more advanced and devoid of prolactin binding activity while zones of epithelial cell proliferation were expanded containing populations of normal-looking cells, and cells that were either hyperplastic or dysplastic (abnormal looking), all of which were capable of binding prolactin. Older rats, 24–32 months of age, also showed prostatic adenocarcinoma in ventral prostate and these cancerous cells bound prolactin. A continuum was frequently seen between areas of normal epithelial cells, hyperplasia, dysplasia, and adenocarcinoma of ventral prostate. Morphology and prolactin binding patterns in dorsal and lateral prostates of old ACI rats were similar to young adult rats and did not contain adenocarcinoma. In conclusion, age-dependent atrophy of the ventral prostate gland of ACI rats occurs early in life and precedes adenocarcinoma. Precancerous dysplastic changes appear to arise from normal and hyperplastic epithelial cells that are capable of binding prolactin rather than those that undergo precocious atrophy and lose their prolactin binding activity. Although atrophic epithelial cells do not appear to be progenitors of prostatic cancer, the possible relationship between precocious senescence (atrophy) and adenocarcinoma in ventral prostates of ACI rats is discussed.
Unsteady analyses of thermal glass fibre drawing processes

Fibre drawing is an important industrial process for synthetic polymers and optical communications. In the manufacture of optical fibres, precise diameter control is critical to waveguide performance, with tolerances in the submicron range that are met through feedback controls on processing conditions. Fluctuations arise from material non-uniformity plague synthetic polymers but not optical silicate fibres which are drawn from a pristine source. The steady drawing process for glass fibres is well-understood (e.g. [11, 12, 20]). The linearized stability of steady solutions, which characterize limits on draw speed versus processing and material properties, is well-understood (e.g. [9, 10, 11]). Feedback is inherently transient, whereby one adjusts processing conditions in real time based on observations of diameter variations. Our goal in this paper is to delineate the degree of sensitivity to transient fluctuations in processing boundary conditions, for thermal glass fibre steady states that are linearly stable. This is the relevant information for identifying potential sources of observed diameter fluctuation, and for designing the boundary controls necessary to alter existing diameter variations. To evaluate the time-dependent final diameter response to boundary fluctuations, we numerically solve the model nonlinear partial differential equations of thermal glass fibre processing. Our model simulations indicate a relative insensitivity to mechanical effects (such as take-up rates, feed-in rates), but strong sensitivity to thermal fluctuations, which typically form a basis for feedback control.
VEGF inhibition, hypertension, and renal toxicity

The use of anti-angiogenic agents as part of the therapeutic armamentarium for advanced stage solid tumors has become the standard of care in several instances, particularly for renal cell carcinoma, non-small cell lung carcinoma, colorectal carcinoma, and gastrointestinal stromal tumors. These agents primarily target vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and/or its receptors, and include bevacizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody against VEGF, as well as tyrosine kinase inhibitors that target several receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK), including VEGF receptors. These therapies, as a general class of anti-angiogenic medications, have been shown to have common adverse vascular effects attributable directly or indirectly to their anti-VEGF effects, including hypertension, renal vascular injury, often manifested by proteinuria and thrombotic microangiopathy, and congestive heart failure. Knowledge of these common side effects and their underlying mechanisms may allow for more accurate and prompt diagnoses, timely clinical interventions, and the development of rational and standard treatments. These measures may minimize patient morbidity and mortality, not only by the treatment of side effects, but also by minimizing the disruption of treatment of the underlying malignancy, as well as improving patient quality of life.
Integrative genome-wide chromatin signature analysis using finite mixture models

Regulation of gene expression has been shown to involve not only the binding of transcription factor at target gene promoters but also the characterization of histone around which DNA is wrapped around. Some histone modification, for example di-methylated histone H3 at lysine 4 (H3K4me2), has been shown to bind to promoters and activate target genes. However, no clear pattern has been shown to predict human promoters. This paper proposed a novel quantitative approach to characterize patterns of promoter regions and predict novel and alternative promoters. We utilized high-throughput data generated using chromatin immunoprecipitation methods followed by massively parallel sequencing (ChIP-seq) technology on RNA Polymerase II (Pol-II) and H3K4me2. Common patterns of promoter regions are modeled using a mixture model involving double-exponential and uniform distributions. The fitted model obtained were then used to search for regions displaying similar patterns over the entire genome to find novel and alternative promoters. Regions with high correlations with the common patterns are identified as putative novel promoters. We used this proposed algorithm, RNA-seq data and several transcripts databases to find alternative promoters in MCF7 (normal breast cancer) cell line. We found 7,235 high-confidence regions that display the identified promoter patterns. Of these, 4,167 regions (58%) can be mapped to RefSeq regions. 2,444 regions are in a gene body or overlap with transcripts (non-coding RNAs, ESTs, and transcripts that are predicted by RNA-seq data). Some of these maybe potential alternative promoters. We also found 193 regions that map to enhancer regions (represented by androgen and estrogen receptor binding sites) and other regulatory regions such as CTCF (CCCTC binding factor) and CpG island. Around 5% (431 regions) of these correlated regions do not overlap with any transcripts or regulatory regions suggesting that these might be potential new promoters or markers for other annotation which are currently undiscovered.
Assessment of Arterial Compliance by Carotid Midwall Strain-Stress Relation in Hypertension

Abstract —To elucidate the relations between arterial hypertrophy and compliance in hypertension, we studied 205 unmedicated hypertensive patients (129 men and 76 women) and 82 normotensive adults (56 men and 26 women) from an employed population by carotid ultrasound, noninvasive applanation tonometry, and echocardiography. Carotid midwall strain and circumferential stress were calculated at end diastole and peak systole. The relations of luminal and midwall strain to the increment in circumferential stress from end diastole to peak systole (Δcarotid stress in normal subjects) were used to calculate ratios of observed/predicted carotid luminal and midwall strain. Mean stress-corrected luminal strain (82±26%) and midwall strain (78±23%) were lower (both P P P =0.002) and higher brachial pulse pressures (71±25 versus 63±17 mm Hg, P P =0.05), whereas no difference was observed in stress-corrected luminal strain ( P =0.40). Stress-corrected midwall strain tended to be lower in patients with discrete atherosclerotic plaques than in those without (74±20% versus 79±24%, P =0.15). Compared with patients with normal left ventricular geometry, those with concentric hypertrophy had larger carotid diameters (6.6±0.7 versus 5.8±0.9 mm, P P P
Multi-dimensional pulse propagation in non-resonant χ(2) materials

Abstract The asymptotic equations governing the envelope of a quasi-monochromatic optical pulse in a non-resonant χ (2) material are derived. Under rather general assumptions, equations of nonlinear Schrodinger (NLS) type with coupling to mean fields result. In relevant physical situations either scalar or vector systems are obtained. Special reductions include the usual scalar and vector NLS equations. Based on results of similar systems a brief discussion of some of the properties of the equation is included.
HF Radio Data Transmission

An exposition of some of the past, present and future activity of the U. S. Army Signal Research and Development Laboratory in the field of HF radio data transmission is treated in broad terms. A limited base for use in comparison with HF channel attributes is set up by relating the data-handling characteristics of switched long-distance telephone lines. Generalized criteria of performance for digital data and TTY transmission is reviewed, together with a discussion of what we presently know about the behavior of the HF ionospheric channel with regard to data transmission. A broad and detailed coverage is given to the determination of the required channel characteristics and to the methodology associated with obtaining this information. A description of the USASRDL field test program and some of its results and implications are discussed. Curves of performance of multichannel digitallymodulated FSK and PSK systems are presented. Data-collection and -reduction techniques are described. The over-all program is reviewed in terms of applications of the medium's statistics in a manner which points the way toward future activity in the field of transmission of digital data by HF ionospheric channels. In this regard both channel matching and coding receive their proper recognition and are discussed in terms of providing the promise of significant improvements in the HF radio transmission of digital data.
Design and development of soft nanomaterials from biobased amphiphiles

Design and development of different forms of soft matter from renewable (biomass) feedstocks is gaining attention in current research. This highlight summarizes our continuing efforts towards the effective utilization of renewable resources for new chemicals, fuels and soft materials, and selected successful stories in that direction. Cashew nut shell liquid, an industrial by-product, was used as a raw material to synthesize aryl glycolipids which upon self-assembly generated an array of soft materials such as lipid nanotubes, twisted/helical nanofibers, low-molecular-weight hydro/organogels and liquid crystals. These soft architectures were fully characterized by using different techniques. In another example, amygdalin, a by-product of the apricot industry, was used to develop novel amphiphiles, which showed unprecedented gelation properties in a wide range of solvents. To take these soft nanomaterials to a second level, we successfully demonstrated the utility of these hydrogels as drug delivery vehicles. Intriguingly, enzyme catalysis was used as a tool to make and break the hydrogels, which apparently triggered controlled drug delivery. We believe these results and this highlight will motivate us and others in the field of biobased materials research, green chemistry and soft material development through self-assembly processes, to design and develop new functional materials from plant/crop-based renewable resources, otherwise underutilized.
Genetic Algorithm Reveals Energy-Efficient Waveforms for Neural Stimulation

Energy consumption is an important consideration for battery-powered implantable stimulators. We used a genetic algorithm (GA) that mimics biological evolution to determine the energy-optimal waveform shape for neural stimulation. The GA was coupled to NEURON using a model of extracellular stimulation of a mammalian myelinated axon. Stimulation waveforms represented the organisms of a population, and each waveform's shape was encoded into genes. The fitness of each waveform was based on its energy efficiency and ability to elicit an action potential. After each generation of the GA, waveforms mated to produce offspring waveforms, and a new population was formed consisting of the offspring and the fittest waveforms of the previous generation. Over the course of the GA, waveforms became increasingly energy-efficient and converged upon a highly energy-efficient shape. The resulting waveforms resembled truncated normal curves or sinusoids and were 3–74% more energy-efficient than several waveform shapes commonly used in neural stimulation. If implemented in implantable neural stimulators, the GA optimized waveforms could prolong battery life, thereby reducing the costs and risks of battery-replacement surgery.
Use of the Woodcock-Johnson Psycho-Educational Battery, Part II: Tests of Achievement with a College Population:

Freshmen at The Pennsylvania State University were stratified on the basis of Scholastic Aptitude Test(SAT) scores and major(science versus nonscience) and a stratified random sample of 100 was selected and individually tested with the Woodcock-Johnson Psycho-Educational Battery, Part II, Tests of Achievement (WJ). Freshman performances were analyzed by subtests and cluster scores. For each of the four cluster scores, means, standard deviations, and internal consistencies were computed. The mean, standard deviation, and internal consistency, Kendall Tau (between-item order based on the WJ standardization sample and item order based on the sample's performance), and the number of subjects reaching ceiling were computed for each subtest. Results indicated minor inversions in item orders and pronounced ceiling effects on all subtests that resulted in lowered subtest and cluster reliability estimates.
Painful rib hump: A new clinical sign for detecting intraspinal rib displacement in scoliosis due to neurofibromatosis

Spinal cord compression and associate neurological impairment is rare in patients with scoliosis and neurofibromatosis. Common reasons are vertebral subluxation, dislocation, angulation and tumorous lesions around the spinal canal. Only twelve cases of intraspinal rib dislocation have been reported in the literature. The aim of this report is to present a case of rib penetration through neural foramen at the apex of a scoliotic curve in neurofibromatosis and to introduce a new clinical sign for its detection. A 13-year-old girl was evaluated for progressive left thoracic kyphoscoliotic curve due to a type I neurofibromatosis. Clinical examination revealed multiple large thoracic and abdominal "cafe-au-lait" spots, neurological impairment of the lower limbs and the presence of a thoracic gibbous that was painful to pressure at the level of the left eighth rib (Painful Rib Hump). CT-scan showed detachment and translocation of the cephalic end of the left eighth rib into the adjacent enlarged neural foramen. The M.R.I. examination of the spine showed neither cord abnormality nor neurogenic tumor. The patient underwent resection of the intraspinal mobile eighth rib head and posterior spinal instrumentation and was neurologically fully recovered six months postoperatively. Spine surgeons should be aware of intraspinal rib displacement in scoliotic curves in neurofibromatosis. Painful rib hump is a valuable diagnostic tool for this rare clinical entity.
CONSISTENCY AND THE THEORY OF TRUTH

What is the logical strength of theories of truth? That is: If you take a theory is finitely axiomatized theory, theories of truth act more or less as a kind of abstract consistency statement. To prove this result, however, we have to formulate truth-theories somewhat differently from how they have been and instead follow Tarski in ‘disentangling’ syntactic theories from object theories.
Multi-step Ka/Ka dichroic plate with rounded corners for NASA's 34m Beam Waveguide antenna

A multi-step Ka/Ka dichroic plate (Frequency Selective Surface (FSS)) is designed, manufactured and tested for use in NASA's Deep Space Network (DSN) 34m Beam Waveguide (BWG) antennas. The proposed design allows ease of manufacturing and ability to handle the increased transmit power (reflected off the FSS) of the DSN BWG antennas from 20kW to 100 kW. The dichroic is designed using HFSS and results agree well with measured data considering the manufacturing tolerances that could be achieved on the dichroic.
Effects of Dissolved Organic Matter Surrogates on the Partitioning of 17β-Estradiol and p-Nonylphenol between Synthetic Membrane Vesicles and Water

Partition coefficients of two estrogenic compounds, 17β-estradiol (E2) and p-nonylphenol (NP), between synthetic membrane vesicles (K‘lipw values) and water were determined using equilibrium dialysis to evaluate the potential biological uptake of these compounds with and without the presence of dissolved natural organic matter (DOM) surrogates, Suwannee River fulvic acid, dialyzed Aldrich humic acid, and polyphenolic tannic acid. Overall, K‘lipw values for E2 and NP reduced by 20−30% with the increase of DOM concentration from 0 to approximately 4 mg of C/L, a typical DOM concentration in the aquatic environment. This trend for E2 and NP is similar to that obtained by other researchers for moderately hydrophobic compounds including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with three or four rings. A three-phase compartment model with three independent interactions, the sorption of E2 or NP by DOM surrogate (Koc), the sorption of DOM surrogates by membrane vesicles (KlipDOM), and the partition of E2 or NP by membr...
THE SOCIAL ORGANIZATION AND MATING SYSTEM OF THE STRIATED GRASSWREN

Abstract This paper summarizes the breeding biology, social organization, and mating system of the Striated Grasswren (Amytornis striatus), a member of one of the least-known genera of Australian passerines, the grasswrens. I studied 18 color-banded groups and 14 nests in South Australia for one breeding season in 1996. Mean territory size was 3.0 ha, and territories consisted of sandy dunes dominated by spinifex (Triodea irritans). This apparent dependency on mature spinifex, coupled with poor dispersal ability, suggests that the Striated Grasswren is particularly susceptible to habitat destruction. Most groups consisted of socially monogamous pairs, mean group size was 2.1 adults, and the adult sex ratio was 0.95 (males:females). The average clutch size was 2.2 ± 0.4 eggs and an average of 1.1 ± 1.1 young fledged per nesting effort. A male and a female provided similar amounts of parental care at a single nest. Cloacal protuberance size and amount of sperm collected did not suggest intense sperm competi...
Lipid-based fat substitutes

Fats and oils account for 38% of the total calories in the diet of Western populations, especially in the U.S. They provide the most concentrated source of energy, 9 kcal/g of a triacylglycerol molecule compared with 4 kcal/g provided by carbohydrate and protein. In response to consumer demands for low-calorie or calorie-free fats and their reluctance to give up the taste of fat, current research efforts have been directed toward the development of lipid-like fat substitutes. These fat substitutes contain the fatty acids found in conventional fats and oils, with all the physical and organoleptic properties of fats, but provide few or no calories in the diet. Some of the fat substitutes are modified triacylglycerols (glycerol backbone) with reduced digestion and absorption; others are digestible and nondigestible carbohydrate fatty acid esters and polyesters, respectively. Sucrose polyester (Olestra), a sucrose molecule esterified with six to either fatty acids, is the most studied of the lipid-based fat substitutes containing a carbohydrate backbone. If approved by the FDA, sucrose polyester will find application in almost all fat-containing foods. Specialty fats or fat substitutes targeted to certain individuals with special needs are being developed. Among these are the medium-chain triacylglycerols and structured lipids (glycerol backbone), or ?nutraceuticals? with reduced absorption and medical applications. Enzyme biotechnology is another tool available to lipid chemists to selectively modify, esterify, transform, transesterify, and interesterify fats and oils or synthesize new lipids such as structured lipids of food, nutritional, and medical importance. These designer fats may be the trend in the future to produce medical lipids that do not occur normally in nature. The different types of lipid-based fat substitutes are reviewed with respect to their synthesis, analysis, metabolism, potential applications/uses, and the future of fat substitutes.
Learning classification models with soft-label information

Objective Learning of classification models in medicine often relies on data labeled by a human expert. Since labeling of clinical data may be time-consuming, finding ways of alleviating the labeling costs is critical for our ability to automatically learn such models. In this paper we propose a new machine learning approach that is able to learn improved binary classification models more efficiently by refining the binary class information in the training phase with soft labels that reflect how strongly the human expert feels about the original class labels. Materials and methods Two types of methods that can learn improved binary classification models from soft labels are proposed. The first relies on probabilistic/numeric labels, the other on ordinal categorical labels. We study and demonstrate the benefits of these methods for learning an alerting model for heparin induced thrombocytopenia. The experiments are conducted on the data of 377 patient instances labeled by three different human experts. The methods are compared using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) score. Results Our AUC results show that the new approach is capable of learning classification models more efficiently compared to traditional learning methods. The improvement in AUC is most remarkable when the number of examples we learn from is small. Conclusions A new classification learning framework that lets us learn from auxiliary soft-label information provided by a human expert is a promising new direction for learning classification models from expert labels, reducing the time and cost needed to label data.
'Common...and Global:' Choosing Standard Artifacts and Processes for ERP Systems

Implementation of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems has led to the motto, “Common ... and Global.” As a result, employing standard ERP systems has led to firms adopting common artifacts (e.g., vendor numbering systems) and processes (e.g., sales management) for global implementation. Although there are a number of important reasons for adoption of standards in an ERP system, unfortunately, adoption of a standard may have differential costs for divisions. What is optimal for one division or corporate is not optimal for each of the divisions.As a result, there is concern about how standard artifacts and processes are chosen for ERP systems. Is it possible to find standard artifacts and processes that are optimal for the corporation and each of the divisions? What choice process for ERP standards are rational? How can choice processes for selection of ERP standards be manipulated? This paper addresses these issues using analytic methods and information gathered from a number of ERP implementations.
A Parallel Offline CFD and Closed-Form Approximation Strategy for Computationally Efficient Analysis of Complex Fluid Flows

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) solution approximations for complex fluid flow problems have become a common and powerful engineering analysis technique. These tools, though qualitatively useful, remain limited in practice by their underlying inverse relationship between simulation accuracy and overall computational expense. While a great volume of research has focused on remedying these issues inherent to CFD, one traditionally overlooked area of resource reduction for engineering analysis concerns the basic definition and determination of functional relationships for the studied fluid flow variables. This artificial relationship-building technique, called meta-modeling or surrogate/offline approximation, uses design of experiments (DOE) theory to efficiently approximate non-physical coupling between the variables of interest in a fluid flow analysis problem. By mathematically approximating these variables, DOE methods can effectively reduce the required quantity of CFD simulations, freeing computational resources for other analytical focuses. An idealized interpretation of a fluid flow problem can also be employed to create suitably accurate approximations of fluid flow variables for the purposes of engineering analysis. When used in parallel with a meta-modeling approximation, a closed-form approximation can provide useful feedback concerning proper construction, suitability, or even necessity of an offline approximation tool. It also provides a short-circuit pathway for further reducing the overall computational demands of a fluid flow analysis, again freeing resources for otherwise unsuitable resource expenditures. To validate these inferences, a design optimization problem was presented requiring the inexpensive estimation of aerodynamic forces applied to a valve operating on a simulated piston-cylinder heat engine. The determination of these forces was to be found using parallel surrogate and exact approximation methods, thus evidencing the comparative benefits of this technique. For the offline approximation, latin hypercube sampling (LHS) was used for design space filling across four independent design variable degrees of freedom (DOF). Flow solutions at the mapped test sites were converged using STAR-CCM+ with aerodynamic forces from the CFD models then functionally approximated using Kriging interpolation. For the closed-form approximation, the problem was interpreted as an ideal 2-D converging-diverging (C-D) nozzle, where aerodynamic forces were directly mapped by application of the Euler equation solutions for isentropic compression/expansion. A cost-weighting procedure was finally established for creating model-selective discretionary logic, with a synthesized parallel simulation resource summary provided.© 2014 ASME
Intrarenal DA2 dopamine receptor stimulation in the conscious dog.

DA2 dopamine receptors are present in renal blood vessels and glomeruli. Stimulation of DA1 dopamine receptors leads to renal vasodilation, diuresis, and natriuresis, but a functional role for renal DA2 receptors is largely unknown. We investigated the possible role of DA2 receptors in the control of renal function by intrarenal infusion of a highly specific DA2 agonist, LY 171555 (LY), in conscious uninephrectomized dogs (n = 5) in metabolic balance at sodium intake of 40 meq/day. The infusion of LY at 0.5 pmol.kg-1.min-1 did not change the urinary sodium excretion or renal hemodynamic function. A significant dose-dependent antidiuresis (F = 8.1, P less than 0.0001) and antinatriuresis (F = 93.3, P less than 0.0001) and a decrease in filtration fraction (F = 2.3, P less than 0.02) occurred as the LY dose was increased from 1.0 to 10.0 pmol.kg-1.min-1. There were no changes in systemic plasma renin activity, plasma aldosterone concentration, or mean arterial pressure during intrarenal LY administration. These data suggest that intrarenal DA2 receptor stimulation with LY decreases renal sodium excretion in part by hemodynamic mechanisms. Renal dopamine may act at vascular and/or glomerular DA2 receptors to modulate renal function.
Règles et codes de construction applicables aux réacteurs nucléaires

La presente contribution comporte un rappel historique de l'etablissement des codes RCC applicables aux reacteurs nucleaires, dans le contexte de la construction du parc nucleaire francais. Il aborde ensuite l'evolution de ces regles compte tenu des progres industriels et normatifs. Il presente enfin les consequences des evolutions reglementaires resultant de l'adaptation aux equipements nucleaires de la directive europeenne sur les equipements sous pression et comporte une reflexion sur l'ouverture a des pratiques industrielles equivalentes rendue necessaire pour l'adaptation au marche et aux possibilites industrielles.
Effect of Additive Constraint on the Morphological and Mechanical Properties of Triblock Copolymer Blends

While numerous studies have addressed the morphological characteristics of diblock copolymer blends either with a second copolymer or a parent homopolymer, relatively few have examined comparable blends containing a triblock copolymer. In this study, we investigate the role of mid-block bridging on the morphological and physical characteristics of blends composed of a poly(styrene-b-isoprene-b-styrene) (SIS) triblock copolymer with either an unconstrained homo-polyisoprene (hI) or an end-grafted SI diblock copolymer. Blend compositions and molecular weights of the hi, as well as the I-block of the copolymer, have all been systematically varied to elucidate the effect of additive constraint on the extent of nonideal intramicrodomain mixing. Blend morphologies are characterized using transmission electron microscopy, while blend properties have been measured by dynamic mechanical analysis.
Measuring emission rates of pheromones from their formulations.

Laboratory methodology is described for measuring relative emission rates of behavior-controlling chemicals (e.g., pheromones), particularly from slow-release formulations intended for such uses as permeation of air with pheromone to disorient insects seeking mates or attraction of insects to traps for detection or suppression. An apparatus was constructed to age formulations for long periods of time by passing air at a fixed temperature over planchets containing microencapsulated pheromone. Another apparatus was devised to measure the relative emission rates of pheromone from samples after suitable intervals of aging while air at 100 ml/min passed over the samples. These procedures, used in combination with field testing, may expedite the acquisition of data needed to develop suitable formulations of pheromone for control of pest insects.
TREATMENT OF CHILDREN'S BRONCHIAL ASTHMA USING SILVER SPIKE POINT ELECTRODE

Acupuncture has been clinically tried as one of the treatment of bronchial asthma.SSP, silver spike point electrode, is characterized by the low frequent electric current, and has been used for the relief of pain.We applied SSP for the treatment of the children's bronchial asthma and its effectiveness is checked by respiratory function test as well as acetylcholine inhalation test.The mesults are as follows:1) No change of %VC was observed after SSP treatment, but FEV10% soon after and 20 minutes after SSP treatment was significantly improved.2) In 7 of 10 patients, the threshold of acetylcholine was incresed after SSP treatment.Our results suggest that airway obstruction and bronchial hypersensitivity were improved by SSP treatment.
HIV-1 Capsid Stabilization Assay

The stability of the HIV-1 core in the cytoplasm is crucial for productive HIV-1 infection. Mutations that stabilize or destabilize the core showed defects in HIV-1 reverse transcription and infection. We developed a novel and simple assay to measure stability of in vitro-assembled HIV-1 CA-NC complexes. This assay allowed us to demonstrate that cytosolic extracts strongly stabilize the HIV-1 core (Fricke et al., J Virol 87:10587-10597, 2013). By using our novel assay, one can measure the ability of different drugs to modulate the stability of in vitro-assembled HIV-1 CA-NC complexes, such as PF74, CAP-1, IXN-053, cyclosporine A, Bi2, and the peptide CAI. We also found that purified CPSF6 (1-321) protein stabilizes in vitro-assembled HIV-1 CA-NC complexes (Fricke et al., J Virol 87:10587-10597, 2013). Here we describe in detail the use of this capsid stability assay. We believe that our assay can be a powerful tool to assess HIV-1 capsid stability in vitro.
Neural Net Computing for Image Processing

Publisher Summary Artificial neural networks are an attempt to emulate the processing capabilities of biological neural systems. The basic idea is to realize systems capable of performing complex processing tasks by interconnecting a high number of very simple processing elements that might even work in parallel. They solve cumbersome and intractable problems by learning directly from data. An artificially neural network usually consists of a large amount of simple processing units, namely neurons, via mutual interconnection. It learns to solve problems by adequately adjusting the strength of the interconnections according to input data. It is easily adapted to new environments by learning. These features motivate extensive researches and developments in artificial neural networks. The main features of artificial neural networks are their massive parallel processing architectures and the capabilities of learning from the presented inputs. They can be utilized to perform a specific task only by means of adequately adjusting the connection weights, that is, by training them with the presented data. Learning is done in accordance with the direct comparison of the actual output of the network with known correct answers. It is also referred to as learning with a teacher. Neural networks have been successfully employed to solve a variety of computer vision problems. They are systems of interconnected simple processing elements. There exist many types of neural networks that solve a wide range of problems in the area of image processing.
On-chip hybrid regulator topology for portable SoCs with near-threshold operation

A novel hybrid regulator topology is proposed to alleviate the weaknesses of existing hybrid topologies. Contrary to the dominant existing practice, a switched-capacitor converter and a resistorless LDO operate in a parallel fashion to supply current and regulate the output voltage. The proposed design targets a fully integrated regulator without using any inductors and resistors. The primary emphasis is on maximizing power efficiency while maintaining sufficient regulation capability (with ripple voltage less than 5% of the output voltage) and power density. Simulation results in 45 nm technology demonstrate a power efficiency of approximately 85% at 100 mA load current with an input and output voltage of, respectively, 1.15 V and 0.5 V. The worst case transient response time is under 20 ns when the load current varies from 65 mA to 130 mA. The worst case ripple is 22 mV while achieving a power density of 0.5 W/mm2. These results outperform existing studies and demonstrate the applicability of the proposed regulator to portable SoCs.