cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Probing Silicate/Sapphire Interfaces with AFM and Nanoindentation

A nanoindentation study of a calcium-aluminosilicate/α-alumina system is described. Thinfilms of CaAl 2 Si 2 O 8 glass were deposited on α-alumina single crystals of {1120} and {1102} orientations by pulsed-laser deposition. These samples were then subjected to a heat treatment causing the glass to crystallize and to dewet the sapphire surface. A nanoindentation device retrofitted on an atomic force microscope was employed to probe the mechanical properties of the samples. It uniquely enables the characterization of sub-micron features such as the dewet crystallites which necessitate small displacements and exact positioning of the indenter. Strong dependencies on the crystallographic anisotropy were observed in the morphology, but less so on the mechanical properties. In addition, displacement-excursions were observed and are explained in terms of yielding in the substrate.
Relocation of hosts by the sheep ked (Diptera: Hippoboscidae).

Data from laboratory and field experiments demonstrated that Melophagus ovinus (L.) can relocate hosts from the ground. In a laboratory experiment, M. ovinus demonstrated a tendency to move upward on an exposed surface, but lost this tendency when in fibrous material such as wool. Upward movement was also inhibited by increased temperature. In the field, over 10% of 86 marked keds placed on the ground were able to mount two lambs confined in a pen. The tendency to climb to the tops of exposed objects probably helps M. ovinus relocate hosts. The decrease in this behavior at warm temperatures may contribute to declines in M. ovinus populations on sheep during spring and summer.
Rise in Serum Immunoreactive Glucagon After Intrajejunal Glucose in Pancreatectomized Dogs.

SummaryImmunoreactive glucagon was detected in the pancreas and the small and large intestines of 4 different animals. Immunological differences existed between pancreatic and jejunal glucagon in t...
Sunset Provisions in the Tax Code: A Critical Evaluation and Prescriptions for the Future

In this Note, the author argues that sunset provisions associated with tax legislation are, in their current form, the product of political maneuvering designed to bypass budgetary constraints and are exploited as a means of enacting what is, in reality, permanent legislation. The use of sunsets in this manner has lead to considerable uncertainty regarding the future of their associated tax provisions. This uncertainty, in turn, has created opportunities for legislators to extract rents from lobbyists, generated inefficiencies for both taxpayers and the government, and increased overall tax code complexity. These problems can be minimized, however, if sunsets are used in a more principled manner. This Note argues that sunset clauses in tax legislation can be made more efficient by limiting both the occasions in which sunsets are employed as well as the procedures used to implement them. First, sunsets should only be used in conjunction with certain kinds of tax incentives: The incentives should be simple, of limited duration, and provide diffuse rather than concentrated benefits. Second, sunsets should only be implemented through a limited set of congressional budgetary procedures: They should only be included as part of the reconciliation process for enacting fiscal legislation if the underlying bill increases rather than decreases revenue, and if Congress enacts and adheres to a revenue-neutral, pay-as-you-go set of budgetary rules. These changes, both substantive and procedural, will increase overall efficiency in the use of sunset provisions in tax legislation.
The Common Core Standards

In the first five chapters of this book, I have tried to make some sense of what might be meant by a “better adult” and how our schools might promote the development of that adult. On the basis of that exploration, I have made some general suggestions and a few definite recommendations. First, in our search for a “better adult,” we do not seek one, carefully detailed, ideal toward which we will educate every child. The production of better adults gives us a unity of purpose, but it does not imply uniformity of curriculum, pedagogy, or outcomes. In trying to develop better adults, we are directed to consider every important facet or aspect of human life and to renew our respect for the full range of human talents across those aspects and within them. With this understanding, I have recommended the following for our high schools. • Vocational education should be expanded and enriched. That expansion should be accompanied by the establishment of a four-year social studies program that includes students from all of the school's programs and socio-economic groups. • Deeply meaningful material on homemaking and parenting should be included in the curriculum. • Teachers from each discipline should work together in interdisciplinary teams to select themes that connect the disciplines to each other and to life itself. The great existential themes associated with the traditional liberal arts should be among the themes included in both academic and vocational programs. • A first-year preparation period should be provided for students who are not academically ready to move from middle school to high school. Teachers selected for this year's work should model the best parenting practices and provide not just remedial work but a rich, stimulating environment that will – in a sense – make up for the previous years of possible deprivation. • Good schools, like good parents, should give far more attention to the social and moral development of students and, in general, to the sort of society they are promoting – one that will help its citizens to develop and retain an intact morality.
The nuclear environment

This chapter contains introductory discussions of the following topics: • Natural and anthropogenic sources of ionizing radiation in the environment
Alterations of the Host Microbiome Affect Behavioral Responses to Cocaine

Addiction to cocaine and other psychostimulants represents a major public health crisis. The development and persistence of addictive behaviors comes from a complex interaction of genes and environment - the precise mechanisms of which remain elusive. In recent years a surge of evidence has suggested that the gut microbiome can have tremendous impact on behavioral via the microbiota-gut-brain axis. In this study we characterized the influence of the gut microbiota on cocaine-mediated behaviors. Groups of mice were treated with a prolonged course of non-absorbable antibiotics via the drinking water, which resulted in a substantial reduction of gut bacteria. Animals with reduced gut bacteria showed an enhanced sensitivity to cocaine reward and enhanced sensitivity to the locomotor-sensitizing effects of repeated cocaine administration. These behavioral changes were correlated with adaptations in multiple transcripts encoding important synaptic proteins in the brain’s reward circuitry. This study represents the first evidence that alterations in the gut microbiota affect behavioral response to drugs of abuse.
In vitro evolution of enzymes

In the past decade, in vitro evolution techniques have been used to improve the performance or alter the activity of a number of different enzymes and have generated enzymes de novo. In this review, we provide an overview of the available in vitro methods, their application, and some general considerations for enzyme engineering in vitro. We discuss the advantages of in vitro over in vivo approaches and focus on ribosome display, mRNA display, DNA display technologies, and in vitro compartmentalization (IVC) methods. This review aims to help researchers determine which approach is best suited for their own experimental needs and to highlight that in vitro methods offer a promising route for enzyme engineering.
Acute and chronic exercises: Effect on lipid metabolisms in obese individuals

Summary Objectives The objective of this review article is to provide insight into the effects of acute and chronic exercises on lipid metabolisms in obese individuals. News Generally, most authors suggest that physical training is the most valuable method to optimize fat loss by improving lipid metabolism processes in obese individuals, especially in adults. However, there is a lack of data specific to children due to ethical constraints associated with invasive techniques. Very often in adults, results indicate that endurance training, often consisting of moderate exercise, is one of the best strategies for obesity management. Recently, the impact of intense training intervals has been studied and has shown promising results in obesity management. Indeed, this training model improved lipid metabolism in obese individuals, and this by a shorter time than conventional training. Nevertheless, the impact of a long-term interval training on treatment of obesity remains to be determined. Prospects and projects For children, some data provided from indirect calorimetry showed improvement of lipid oxidation use after a training period. However, more investigations are needed to improve our understanding of lipid metabolism in skeletal muscle during exercise for the benefits of healthy training children or those with diseases. Conclusion Higher-intensity exercise (HIE) has been proposed as a viable alternative to improve lipid mobilization in overweight/obese sedentary men within a few weeks. However, there is still much debate to define the optimal form of HIE needed for the most favorable impact on lipid mobilization improvement.
Social causation and neighborhood selection underlie associations of neighborhood factors with illicit drug-using social networks and illicit drug use among adults relocated from public housing

Theories of social causation and social influence, which posit that neighborhood and social network characteristics are distal causes of substance use, are frequently used to interpret associations among neighborhood characteristics, social network characteristics and substance use. These associations are also hypothesized to result from selection processes, in which substance use determines where people live and who they interact with. The potential for these competing selection mechanisms to co-occur has been underexplored among adults. This study utilizes path analysis to determine the paths that relate census tract characteristics (e.g., economic deprivation), social network characteristics (i.e., having ≥ 1 illicit drug-using network member) and illicit drug use, among 172 African American adults relocated from public housing in Atlanta, Georgia and followed from 2009 to 2014 (7 waves). Individual and network-level characteristics were captured using surveys. Census tract characteristics were created using administrative data. Waves 1 (pre-relocation), 2 (1st wave post-relocation), and 7 were analyzed. When controlling for individual-level sociodemographic factors, residing in census tracts with prior economic disadvantage was significantly associated with illicit drug use at wave 1; illicit drug use at wave 1 was significantly associated with living in economically-disadvantaged census tracts at wave 2; and violent crime at wave 2 was associated with illicit drug-using social network members at wave 7. Findings from this study support theories that describe social causation and neighborhood selection processes as explaining relationships of neighborhood characteristics with illicit drug use and illicit drug-using social networks. Policies that improve local economic and social conditions of neighborhoods may discourage substance use. Future studies should further identify the barriers that prevent substance users from obtaining housing in less disadvantaged neighborhoods.
Structural and electrical properties of some monoclinic ternary sulfides

Abstract Four monoclinic compounds of the type NiV 2 X 4 were prepared where B is V +3 or Cr +3 and X is S or Se. Their crystallographic parameters and electrical properties were determined, including electrical resistivity as a function of temperature and Seebeck voltages. A possible mechanism for conduction, and a model that explains the electrical properties is discussed. A comparison is made between these materials and AB 2 X 4 compounds that adopt the cubic spinel structure. The dependence of the structure adopted and the properties observed for particular metal ions present is discussed as a function of site preference of the cations and polarizability of the anion.
Intensifying rotations increases soil carbon, fungi, and aggregation in semi-arid agroecosystems

Abstract Increasing soil organic carbon (SOC) is a critical but daunting challenge in semi-arid agroecosystems. For dryland farmers, low levels of SOC and aggregation exacerbate the risks of farming in a water-limited environment − risks that will compound with climate change. Many dryland farmers in semi-arid climates use year long periods called summer fallow, where no crops are grown and weeds are controlled, to store rainwater and increase the yield of the following crop. In semi-arid climates around the world, dryland farmers are increasingly replacing summer fallow with a crop, a form of cropping system intensification. Cropping system intensification has the potential to increase SOC, but the drivers of this effect are unclear, and may change based on environmental conditions and management strategy. We quantified SOC, water-stable aggregates, and fungal and microbial biomass on 96 dryland, no-till fields in the semi-arid Great Plains, USA, representing three levels of cropping system intensity from wheat-fallow to continuous (no summer fallow) rotations along a potential evapotranspiration gradient. Cropping system intensity was positively associated with SOC, aggregation, and fungal biomass, and these effects were robust amidst variability in environmental and management factors. Continuous rotations averaged 1.28% SOC at 0–10 cm and had 17% and 12% higher SOC concentrations than wheat-fallow in 0–10 cm and 0–20 cm depths, respectively. Aggregate stability in continuous rotations was about twice that in wheat-fallow rotations. Fungal biomass was three times greater in continuous rotations than wheat-fallow, but was not significantly different from mid-intensity rotations. Using structural equation modeling, we observed that continuous cropping, potential evapotranspiration, % clay content, and fungal biomass together explained 50% of the variability in SOC, and that SOC appears to enhance aggregation directly and as mediated through increases in fungal biomass. Overall, the model suggests that cropping system intensity increases SOC both directly, through greater C inputs to soil, and indirectly, by increasing fungal biomass and aggregation. Our findings suggest that continuous cropping has the potential to provide gains in SOC and soil structure that will help offset C emissions and enhance the resilience of dryland agroecosystems.
A View of the Colonels from the US Congress: Supporters and Opponents of the Greek Regime

One of the key problems facing both US administrations was the public outcry in opposition to the 1967 coup and the succeeding dictatorship. Throughout the seven years of dictatorial rule, both administrations were faced with the ongoing challenge of maintaining an essentially supportive attitude toward Greece for strategic reasons in the face of often strident criticism coming from members of Congress, the media, academics, and human rights organizations. This chapter focuses on the emergence of opposition to the regime from members of the US Congress, who repeatedly pointed out the symbolic incongruity of dictatorship in the “birthplace of democracy” and demanded greater pressure on the colonels’ regime to democratize. These opponents were, however, countered by certain supporters of the Greek colonels, who in turn were encouraged by a number of Greek–American organizations. However, the congressional threat to US support for Greece—particularly to the military aid program—was one both the Johnson and Nixon administrations worked to contain.
Middle ear irrigation using a hydrodebrider decreases biofilm surface area in an animal model of otitis media.

Objective To compare the safety and efficacy of manual and powered irrigation of the middle ear using saline or 1% baby shampoo to treat biofilm-forming bacterial middle ear infections. Background Biofilms play a major role in recalcitrant otitis media and are challenging to treat. Many therapeutic strategies have been attempted and the role of topical therapies is still being investigated. Topical irrigation using saline or 1% baby shampoo and the use of a hydrodebrider have been investigated in biofilms involved in chronic rhinosinusitis and their role within the middle ear is yet to be determined. Methods Twenty-two adult chinchillas underwent bilateral trans-bullar inoculation of non-typable biofilm forming Haemophilus influenza followed by unilateral middle ear irrigation 5 days later using saline administered via a powered hydrodebrider or manual irrigation of saline or 1% baby shampoo. Contralateral inoculated ears served as control and were not irrigated. Two days following irrigation, the bullae were harvested and processed for scanning electron microscopy to assess biofilm surface area. Auditory brainstem responses were performed before bacterial inoculation and prior to euthanasia. Results Manual and powered irrigation were effective in reducing the surface area of biofilm when compared to the control group. The hydrodebrider demonstrated to be more effective at eradicating biofilm than manual irrigation, especially in areas of difficult access, such as the ventral portion of the chinchillas' bullae. There was no difference in manual irrigation of saline when compared to 1% baby shampoo. Irrigations either manually or using the hydrodebrider did not affect hearing, the vestibular system or facial function. Conclusion Middle ear biofilms can be treated safely and effectively with rinses using either normal saline or 1% baby shampoo administered manually or with a powered hydrodebrider. Level of evidence NA.
Strictly Cyclic Algebras with Arbitrary Prescribed Gelfand Spectrum

Given any compact subset C of the plane, G. Kalisch shows that there is an operator whose spectrum consists entirely of point spectrum and equalsC. We use Banach algebra techniques and the theory of strictly cyclic algebras to give a new proof of this result. In the process, we construct many new examples of strictly cyclic algebras. In particular, we construct a semisimple commutative strictly cyclic algebra whose Gelfand spectrum is homeomorphic to an arbitrary compact subset of Euclidean space.
Nuances of Otoplasty

Otoplasty for the prominent ear is a procedure that has undergone a number of modifications since its first description in 1881. This chapter will summarize a number of techniques that have been described over the last 100 years as well as potential postoperative complications and how to avoid them. Long-term results and general philosophies that have lead to reliable results will also be explored. A thorough understanding of the general concepts of otoplasty as well as differences between these techniques can help one to counsel patients appropriately and achieve excellent, symmetric results.
Exploring the Effects of Encouraging Student Performance With Text Assignment Reminders

We explore the use of text message reminders to improve student performance. The effectiveness of text messaging reminders is examined by comparing two large sections of a course where students foc...
Cost-Effective Respiratory Virus Testing

The timely and accurate diagnosis of respiratory virus infections has the potential to optimize downstream (posttesting) use of limited health care resources, including antibiotics, antivirals, ancillary testing, and inpatient and emergency department beds. Cost-effective algorithms for respiratory virus testing must take into consideration numerous factors, including which patients should be tested, what testing should be performed (for example, antigen testing versus reverse transcription-PCR testing or influenza A/B testing versus testing with a comprehensive respiratory virus panel), and the turnaround time necessary to achieve the desired posttesting outcomes. Despite the clinical impact of respiratory virus infections, the cost-effectiveness of respiratory virus testing is incompletely understood. In this article, we review the literature pertaining to the cost-effectiveness of respiratory virus testing in pediatric and adult patient populations, in emergency department, outpatient, and inpatient clinical settings. Furthermore, we consider the cost-effectiveness of a variety of testing methods, including rapid antigen tests, direct fluorescent antibody assays, and nucleic acid amplification tests.
The association between elevated serum oestradiol levels and clinically significant erectile dysfunction in men presenting for andrological evaluation.

The goal of this study was to investigate the association between serum oestradiol levels and clinically significant erectile dysfunction in a cohort of men presenting for andrological evaluation. Retrospective review was conducted of patients that presented to a urologist with practice in andrology over an 18-month period. Patients completed the Male Sexual Health Questionnaire and had serum total testosterone and oestradiol measurements prior to 10:30 a.m. via immunoassay. t Tests, chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression were used to compare clinical characteristics between those with adequate erectile function (erection scale score > 2) vs. clinically significant erectile dysfunction (erection scale score ≤ 2). Among 256 patients, average age was 49 years (SD 15), average serum oestradiol was 22.3 pg/ml (SD 10.6), and average serum total testosterone was 465.9 pg/ml (SD 206.3). On multivariate logistic regression, serum oestradiol was associated with clinically significant erectile dysfunction (OR 1.52 per SD increase, 95% CI 1.11-2.09, p = 0.009) when controlling for serum total testosterone, age, body mass index and smoking status. These results warrant future studies on the utility of measuring serum oestradiol in patients with erectile dysfunction and the use of aromatase inhibitors in patients with erectile dysfunction and elevated serum oestradiol.
I’m Going to Be OK

“It’s about time you got in here.” I was just a few minutes late getting started for Kathleen’s appointment, so it seemed apparent she was in a hurry. Kathleen sat in a chair next to our examination table. She was restless and her excess body weight poured around the arm rests. I politely explained that I had spent the last few moments reading over her records.
Consideration of Sex Differences in the Measurement and Interpretation of Alzheimer Disease-Related Biofluid-Based Biomarkers.

Background: The development of cerebrospinal fluid and blood-based biomarkers for Alzheimer disease (AD) and related disorders is rapidly progressing. Such biomarkers may be used clinically to screen the population, to enhance diagnosis, or to help determine prognosis. Although the use of precision medicine methods has contributed to enhanced understanding of the AD pathophysiological changes and development of assays, one aspect not commonly considered is sex differences. Content: There are several ways in which sex can affect the concentration or interpretation of biofluid biomarkers. For some markers, concentrations will vary by sex. For others, the concentrations might not vary by sex, but the impact or interpretation may vary by sex depending on the context of use (e.g., diagnostic vs prognostic). Finally, for others, there will be no sex differences in concentrations or their interpretation. This review will first provide a basis for sex differences, including differences in brain structure and function, and the means by which these differences could contribute to sex differences in biomarker concentrations. Next, the current state of sex differences in AD-related biofluid markers (i.e., amyloid-β, phosphorylated τ, total τ, neurofilament light chain, and neurogranin) will be reviewed. Lastly, factors that can lead to the misinterpretation of observed sex differences in biomarkers (either providing evidence for or against) will be considered. Summary: This review is intended to provide an impetus to consider sex differences in the measurement and interpretation of AD-related biofluid-based biomarkers.
“Chicago Mercantile Exchange Bitcoin Futures: Volatility, Liquidity and Margin”

This paper explores empirically the behavior of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) bitcoin futures contract. The analysis focuses on the time period between the launch of the CME bitcoin futures contract on December 18, 2017, and September 17, 2018. The behavior of the bitcoin spot market and CME futures market is compared and analyzed along several dimensions: price, volatility and liquidity. By comparing the Garman-Klass volatilities of bitcoin spot and futures prices with those of different assets, we find that both the bitcoin spot and futures markets exhibit relatively high volatility compared to other assets. When the ratio of trading volume over open interest is used to measure liquidity, the bitcoin futures market shows a mid-level liquidity. We also find while the exchange margin is set to meet the normal price volatility that can cover the daily price movements within one standard deviation, the brokerage margin for bitcoin futures is set at beyond two standard deviations. Some brokerage firms impose non-margin requirements such as high net account balance and open position limits in addition to regular margins. We conclude that the brokerage firms’ relatively high margin and non-margin requirements impede trading activity such as short-sales and thus, liquidity and efficiency in the bitcoin futures market has been slow to develop. JEL Classification: G1
The Expanding Frontiers of Tip-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy:

Fundamental understanding of chemistry and physical properties at the nanoscale enables the rational design of interface-based systems. Surface interactions underlie numerous technologies ranging from catalysis to organic thin films to biological systems. Since surface environments are especially prone to heterogeneity, it becomes crucial to characterize these systems with spatial resolution sufficient to localize individual active sites or defects. Spectroscopy presents as a powerful means to understand these interactions, but typical light-based techniques lack sufficient spatial resolution. This review describes the growing number of applications for the nanoscale spectroscopic technique, tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS), with a focus on developments in areas that involve measurements in new environmental conditions, such as liquid, electrochemical, and ultrahigh vacuum. The expansion into unique environments enables the ability to spectroscopically define chemistry at the spatial limit. Through the confinement and enhancement of light at the apex of a plasmonic scanning probe microscopy tip, TERS is able to yield vibrational fingerprint information of molecules and materials with nanoscale resolution, providing insight into highly localized chemical effects.
Low-Price Effect: Evidence from the Chinese IPO Market

We document a strong low-price effect for Chinese initial public offerings (IPOs). Namely, IPOs with low offer prices have higher initial returns, followed by even stronger after-market performance. This low-price effect cannot be fully explained by risks and IPO undervaluation. A long-only secondary market trading strategy investing in low-price IPOs can beat the buy-and-hold market benchmark using several performance measures and under a wide range of parameter settings. Our findings suggest investor preference for low-priced stocks can be quite profitable in the Chinese IPO market as low-priced IPOs outperform initially and in after-market trading.
Manufacturing scalability implications of materials choice in inorganic solid-state batteries

Summary The pursuit of scalable and manufacturable all-solid-state batteries continues to intensify, motivated by the rapidly increasing demand for safe, dense electrical energy storage. In this perspective, we describe the numerous, often conflicting implications of materials choices that have been made in the search for effective mitigations to the interfacial instabilities plaguing solid-state batteries. Specifically, we show that the manufacturing scalability of solid-state batteries can be governed by at least three principal consequences of materials selection: (1) the availability, scaling capacity, and price volatility of the chosen materials’ constituents, (2) the manufacturing processes needed to integrate the chosen materials into full cells, and (3) the cell performance that may be practically achieved with the chosen materials and processes. While each of these factors is, in isolation, a pivotal determinant of manufacturing scalability, we show that consideration and optimization of their collective effects and trade-offs is necessary to more completely chart a scalable pathway to manufacturing.
Kinetic Modeling of Enzymatic Reactions in Analyzing Hyperpolarized NMR Data

Hyperpolarized (HP) 13C magnetic resonance is an emerging modality that provides a dramatically enhanced signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) over conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). By injecting a biologically active hyperpolarized substrate and then imaging both the injected substrate and its metabolic products, this technology permits, for the first time, real-time in vivo imaging of dynamic metabolic processes in the body. Among the polarizable substrates, observing key aspects of glucose metabolism with HP 13C-labeled pyruvate (Pyr) has generated considerable clinical excitement with an initial focus on cancer and cardiac applications. However, reliably quantifying in vivo HP 13C studies, particularly in terms of biomarkers closely tied to underlying metabolic processes remains a challenge. Among the complicating factors are supraphysiological bolus injections, MRI relaxation effects, underlying enzyme kinetics, and chemical exchange processes. In this chapter, we review these effects and discuss approaches currently used to quantify in vivo data. Quantitation is of particular importance for comparing results across sites and informing on the underlying pathologies.
Social work & religion: “problems and possibilities” in 2021

The social work profession has long grappled with the “problems and possibilities” caused by the intersection of religion and professional values (Knitter, 2010, p. 256). There is simultaneously a ...
Construction of Equivalent Forms of an Attitude Scale

Abstract The criteria generally accepted for constructing attitude scales were followed in the construction of each of these two scales of attitude toward physical education. Standards of equivalence were also set up and followed in “equating” the two forms. The forms are proposed for use in appraising attitude changes resulting from brief experiences such as listening to a talk on physical education, watching a demonstration, viewing a film, or taking part in some activity. The two thirty-statement forms are given at the end of the article.
CHAPTER 5 – Resistive Circuits

This chapter describes how to determine voltages and current in series, parallel, and series‑parallel resistive circuits when an alternating current (AC) voltage is applied. The instantaneous voltage is equal to the peak voltage times the sine theta. The Ohm's law can be used to calculate instantaneous current from the instantaneous voltage value. Because the current is also sinusoidal, it has peak, peak-to-peak, and RMS amplitudes. The chapter provides the equations to calculate these values for a waveform. If the voltage waveform and the current waveform are examined together, it can be seen that when the voltage is at a maximum or peak, the current is also at a maximum or a peak. The current flow is less as the value of the instantaneous voltage decreases. When the voltage is at zero, the current is at zero. Thus, there is a direct relation between voltage and current. To determine the voltages and the currents in a resistive circuit with an AC voltage source, one can calculate the voltages and the currents in the circuit in the same manner as in a direct current (DC) series circuit. The circuit voltages and currents are specified the same as the AC applied voltage: peak, peak-to-peak, or RMS. Once all voltages and currents in a circuit are calculated using one amplitude specification, the other two types of amplitude values of these same circuit currents and voltages can be determined readily by directly converting each value using appropriate conversion equation.
Incomplete AFM interface moment flipping in AFM/FM bilayers

Summary form only given. In antiferromagnet/ferromagnet (AFM/FM) bilayer systems, the induced unidirectional anisotropy of the ferromagnetic layer comes from the net moment of the AFM at the interface. It is commonly assumed that the net AFM interface moment from all AFM grains is aligned parallel to the annealing field direction. However, our model shows that this may not be the case for PtMn/CoFe bilayers. At an annealing temperature T/sub anneal/, the AFM grains that have energy barriers larger than the threshold value of k/sub B/T/sub anneal//spl times/ln(f/sub 0//spl times/t/sub anneal/) cannot flip their interface moment to reach the global energy minimum during the annealing process and therefore still have random interface moment f/sub 0/(=10/sup 9/ Hz) is the attempt rate and t/sub anneal/ is the annealing time.
Dynamic appearance-based recognition

We describe a hierarchical appearance-based method for learning, recognizing, and predicting arbitrary spatiotemporal sequences of images. The method, which implements a robust hierarchical form of the Kalman filter derived from the Minimum Description Length (MDL) principle, includes as a special case several well-known object encoding techniques including eigenspace methods for static recognition. Successive levels of the hierarchical filter implement dynamic models operating over successively larger spatial and temporal scales. Each hierarchical level predicts the recognition state at a lower level and modifies its own recognition state using the residual error between the prediction and the actual lower-level state. Simultaneously, on a longer time scale, the filter learns an internal model of input dynamics by adapting its generative and state transition matrices at each level to minimize prediction errors. The resulting prediction/learning scheme thereby implements an on-line form of the well-known Expectation-Maximization (EM) algorithm from statistics. We present experimental results demonstrating the method's efficacy in mediating robust spatiotemporal recognition in a variety of scenarios containing varying degrees of occlusions and clutter.
Identity in Economics, and in Context

Unique identification today is as much about money as was the wide adoption of last names centuries ago. Governments around the world adopted identity schemes to enable census and taxation. Today businesses are creating and using new identity systems in order to enable commerce. Identity allows for the creation and pricing of risky contracts. Victims of identity theft often wonder, “how can person I never knew in a state I have never visited create a debt with a bank with whom I have never done business, and which now I am expected to pay?” The creativity of such identity thieves knows no bounds. They can use identity to steal money, goods, or services. They can also use an identity to commit other forms of fraud against unrelated individuals, firms, or governments. Sometimes the schemes are simple—like using a stolen credit card to buy a laptop or an insurance number to steal healthcare. Other schemes are far more complex, involving an ecosystem of intermediaries. The factors that created this situation and the resulting challenges that must be addressed to extricate us are the focus of this book.
The Morphologies and Lifetimes of Transitional Protoplanetary Disks

I describe new constraints on the lifetimes and morphologies of transitional protoplanetary disks from observations of 1--10 Myr old stars with the \textit{Spitzer Space Telescope}. New Spitzer results clearly show evidence for two kinds of transitional disks and thus two main disk evolutionary pathways: disks which form an inner hole/gap and clear from the inside out and disks that deplete more homologously. Analyzing the disk populations of 1--10 Myr old clusters such as Taurus, IC 348, NGC 2362, and $\eta$ Cha show that the mean transitional disk lifetime must be an appreciable fraction of the mean protoplanetary disk lifetime: $\approx$ 1 Myr out of 3--5 Myr. The varieties of transitional disk SEDs and correlations with other disk diagnostics are consistent with multiple mechanisms responsible for clearing disks.
Weighted prediction in the H.264/MPEG AVC video coding standard

H.264/MPEG AVC is the first international video coding standard to include a weighted prediction (WP) tool, which is particularly useful for coding fades. In the H.264 WP tool, which is included in its main and extended profiles, a multiplicative weighting factor and an additive offset are applied to the motion compensated prediction. In explicit mode, a weighting factor and offset may be coded in the slice header for each allowable reference picture index. In implicit mode, the weighting factors are not coded but are derived based on the relative picture order count (POC) distances of the two reference pictures. In this paper, H.264's standardization of the WP tool is described, and a non-normative method for calculating weighting factors is proposed. Experimental results are provided which measures the coding efficiency improvement using WP. When coding fade-to-black sequences, bitrate reductions of up to 67% were achieved.
Modeling of the 2011 Japan Tsunami: Lessons for Near-Field Forecast

During the devastating 11 March 2011 Japanese tsunami, data from two tsunami detectors were used to determine the tsunami source within 1.5 h of earthquake origin time. For the first time, multiple near-field tsunami measurements of the 2011 Japanese tsunami were used to demonstrate the accuracy of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) real-time flooding forecast system in the far field. To test the accuracy of the same forecast system in the near field, a total of 11 numerical models with grids telescoped to 2 arcsec (~60 m) were developed to hindcast the propagation and coastal inundation of the 2011 Japanese tsunami along the entire east coastline of Japan. Using the NOAA tsunami source computed in near real-time, the model results of tsunami propagation are validated with tsunami time series measured at different water depths offshore and near shore along Japan’s coastline. The computed tsunami runup height and spatial distribution are highly consistent with post-tsunami survey data collected along the Japanese coastline. The computed inundation penetration also agrees well with survey data, giving a modeling accuracy of 85.5 % for the inundation areas along 800 km of coastline between Ibaraki Prefecture (north of Kashima) and Aomori Prefecture (south of Rokkasho). The inundation model results highlighted the variability of tsunami impact in response to different offshore bathymetry and flooded terrain. Comparison of tsunami sources inferred from different indirect methods shows the crucial importance of deep-ocean tsunami measurements for real-time tsunami forecasts. The agreement between model results and observations along Japan’s coastline demonstrate the ability and potential of NOAA’s methodology for real-time near-field tsunami flooding forecasts. An accurate tsunami flooding forecast within 30 min may now be possible using the NOAA forecast methodology with carefully placed tsunameters and large-scale high-resolution inundation models with powerful computing capabilities.
The adsorption of plutonium IV and V on goethite

Abstract The adsorption of Pu(IV) and Pu(V) on goethite (αFeOOH) from NaNO3 solution shows distinct differences related to the different hydrolytic character of these two oxidation states. Under similar solution conditions, the adsorption edge of the more strongly hydrolyzable Pu(IV) occurs in the pH range 3 to 5 while that for Pu(V) is at pH 5 to 7. The adsorption edge for Pu(V) shifts with time to lower pH values and this appears to be due to the reduction of Pu(V) to Pu(IV) in the presence of the goethite surface. These results suggest that redox transformations may be an important aspect of Pu adsorption chemistry and the resulting scavenging of Pu from natural waters. Increasing ionic strength (from 0.1 M to 3 M NaCl or NaNO3 and 0.03 M to 0.3 M Na2SO4) did not influence Pu(IV) or Pu(V) adsorption. In the presence of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), Pu(V) reduction to Pu(IV) occurred in solution. Pu(IV) adsorption on goethite decreased by 30% in the presence of 240 ppm natural DOC found in Soap Lake, Washington waters. Increasing concentrations of carbonate ligands decreased Pu(IV) and Pu(V) adsorption on goethite, with an alkalinity of 1000 meq/l totally inhibiting adsorption. The Pu-goethite adsorption system provides the data base for developing a thermodynamic model of Pu interaction with an oxide surface and with dissolved ligands, using the MINEQL computer program. From the model calculations we determined equilibrium constants for the adsorption of Pu(IV) hydrolysis species. The model was then applied to Pu adsorption in carbonate media to see how the presence of CO3−2 could influence the mobility of Pu. The decrease in adsorption appears to be due to formation of a Pu-CO3 complex. Model calculations were used to predict what the adsorption curves would look like if Pu-CO3 complexes formed.
Multiparticle Variables for High-Energy Reactions

A new approach to the analysis of detailed high-energy experiments leading to multiparticle final states is suggested. We construct several multiparticle variables, i.e., variables whose value depends in each event on all or most of the particles produced in this event. The one-dimensional distributions of such variables offer a clearer distinction between the various models and pictures for multiparticle processes and could conceivably facilitate the discovery of new patterns.
Influence of the microstructure on the mechanical properties of Ni/Sn multilayered composites

Abstract Ni/Sn multilayer composites with different layer spacings and Sn volume fractions are prepared by electrodeposition, and their mechanical properties are characterized. It is shown that the mechanical properties of these composites greatly depended on their composition (Sn vol%) and layer thickness. The ultimate tensile strength (UTS), yield strength (YS), and Young’s modulus of the composites with variable Sn content increased with decreasing Sn volume fraction. The measured UTS and YS values are generally found to be either equal to or greater than the values predicted by the rule-of-mixtures because of the strengthening effect of the multilayered microstructure. Considerable enhancement in the UTS and YS is observed in composites with smaller layer spacing. This enhancement in strength is attributed to pinning of dislocations at the interfaces of the layered structure. The dependence of the YS on the layer spacing followed the Hall–Petch relation. The Hall–Petch constants, σ 0 and K , in the multilayer composites are theoretically calculated and found to be comparable with the experimentally measured values.
An Experimental Evaluation of Oil Slick Movement Caused by Waves

Abstract The wave-induced movement of oil lenses and other floats was studied by using mechanically generated gravity waves in a water tank. The measured surface drift velocities were in all cases higher than those predicted by the Stokes theory of deep water waves. For wave conditions at which the Stokes velocity is higher than 2 cm sec−1, the measured surface velocities were 35–150% higher than the Stokes velocity. The drift velocity was insensitive to float size when the float length was larger than one wavelength. Thin, flexible, plastic floats were found to have the same drift speed as similarly sized oil lenses. A discussion of the movement of oil spills on the open ocean is included.
Species-specific calls evoke asymmetric activity in the monkey's temporal poles

It has often been proposed that the vocal calls of monkeys are precursors of human speech, in part because they provide critical information to other members of the species who rely on them for survival and social interactions1,2. Both behavioural and lesion studies suggest that monkeys, like humans, use the auditory system of the left hemisphere preferentially to process vocalizations3,4. To investigate the pattern of neural activity that might underlie this particular form of functional asymmetry in monkeys, we measured local cerebral metabolic activity while the animals listened passively to species-specific calls compared with a variety of other classes of sound. Within the superior temporal gyrus, significantly greater metabolic activity occurred on the left side than on the right, only in the region of the temporal pole and only in response to monkey calls. This functional asymmetry was absent when these regions were separated by forebrain commissurotomy, suggesting that the perception of vocalizations elicits concurrent interhemispheric interactions that focus the auditory processing within a specialized area of one hemisphere.
Motion-aided network SLAM with range

A key problem in the deployment of sensor networks is that of determining the location of each sensor such that subsequent data gathered can be registered. We would also like the network to provide localization for mobile entities, allowing them to navigate and explore the environment. In this paper, we present a thorough evaluation of our algorithm for localizing and mapping the mobile and stationary nodes in sparsely connected sensor networks using range-only measurements and odometry from the mobile node. Our approach utilizes an extended Kalman filter (EKF) in polar space allowing us to model the non-linearity within the range-only measurements using Gaussian distributions. Utilizing the motion information from a mobile node, we show additional improvements to the static network localization solution. In addition to this centralized filtering technique, an asynchronous and decentralized approach is investigated and experimentally proven. This decentralized filtering technique distributes the computation across all nodes in the network, leveraging their numbers for improved efficiency. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach using simulated and real-world experiments in challenging environments with limited network connectivity. Our results reveal that our proposed method offers good accuracy in these challenging environments even when little to no prior information is available. Additionally, it is shown that by initializing the network map with a static network solution, the network mapping with a mobile node can be further improved.