cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Inorganic ion-exchange membranes and their application to electrodialysis

Abstract Inorganic ion-exchange membranes were prepared by using the phosphates of tin, titanium, and zirconium and the mixed hydroxides of thorium with Mg2+, Ca2+ UO2+2, Al3+, Cr3+ Zr4+, Ce4+, and Sn4+. Polyvinylidene fluoride was used as the binder. The membranes thus obtained had transference numbers of 0.88 to 0.98 (in 0.05 to 0.10 M KCl) and resistances of 2 to 10 ohms-cm2. For the first time, inorganic cation- and anion-exchangers were used in the multicompartment electrodialysis of brackish water. Polarization studies were made on NaCl and KCl brines containing 3000 ppm total dissolved solids. Salt removals achieved were 57.5 and 48.6% for NaCl and KCl brines, respectively. The effect of HCO-3, S02-4, Mg2+ and Ca2+ ions in NaCl feed solutions on the desalting performance of inorganic electrodialysis stacks was investigated. The performances of inorganic and commercial organic membrane units were compared under different conditions of temperature and fouling and in long-term tests.
Quantification of changes in myofascial trigger point sensitivity with the pressure algometer following passive stretch

In order to determine the relationship between trigger point sensitivity and the referred symptoms of myofascial pain, VAS ratings of referred pain intensity and pressure algometer measures of myofascial trigger point sensitivity were taken pre and post treatment of the muscle containing the trigger point with passive stretch. The results in 20 subjects, experiencing unilateral or bilateral myofascial head and neck pain, showed that myofascial trigger point sensitivity decreases in response to passive stretch as assessed by the pressure algometer, and that trigger point sensitivity and intensity of referred pain are related.
Capillary zone electrophoresis for the determination of atovaquone in serum.

A rapid and simple capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) method has been developed for the determination of atovaquone in serum. The drug was extracted from equine serum–chloroform (1:3, v/v) at greater than 80% recovery and assayed in buffer containing 25 mM sodium borate (pH 9.1) and 25% acetonitrile. A 100 μm I.D. fused-silica capillary was used and the detection was by UV-diode array at 254 nm; the migration time was approximately 8 min. Intra- and inter-assay variabilities were less than 7.8% and 5.8%, respectively, and the accuracy of the assay (expressed as % bias) ranged from 4.5 to −5.2%. The working assay range was from 2 to 100 μg/ml. This sensitivity could be increased by concentrating during the extraction procedure. Replacement of acetonitrile with 75 mM surfactant 3-(dimethyldodecylammonio)propanesulfonate gave similar sensitivity and provided an additional option to facilitate the separation of atovaquone on multiple-drug samples.
SU-GG-T-341: Energy Distributions of Particles Generated for Proton Interactions in Water: A Simulation with GEANT4 Monte Carlo Code

Purpose: To simulate using GEANT4 (version 4.8.3), interaction of proton in water with energies of 60, 100, 150, 200, and 250 MeV for accurate determination of energy distributions of particles generated such as protons and neutrons.Method and Materials: A cylindrical water phantom (thickness = 1 cm, diameter = 2 cm, density = 1 g/cm3) was placed in front of a sensitive detector having the same dimension as the phantom. A pencil beam proton directed perpendicularly towards the water slab was used with the detector on the other side recording the energy distributions of particles generated. The simulations were carried out by 4 million incident protons for each of the proton beam energy. Electromagnetic energy loss processes for hadrons,electrons and positrons are categorized in GEANT4 as either “standard” or “low energy”. To extend down particle energies below the standard process, the low energy process was used in the simulation to cover protons with 1 keV; and electrons and photons with 250 eV. Range cut is lowered from the default value of 1mm to 15μm to improve the accuracy of simulation. The Hadronic process includes low energy elastic and inelastic scattering that consists of a pre‐compound nuclear interaction below 170 MeV, and a Bertini cascade model for energies above 150 MeV. The energy distributions of protons and neutrons are then normalized per incident proton.Results: The normalized proton and neutronenergy spectrum show that the statistical uncertainties are mostly lower than 10% for most of the points in the protonenergy distribution curves and that 20% for neutron curves. Conclusion: We have demonstrated that the GEANT4 toolkit has the ability for the radiation therapy proton beam simulation. This code will primarily be used as a standard code for our proton facility design and planning in our institution.
Diversity and distribution of white-tailed deer mtDNA lineages in chronic wasting disease (CWD) outbreak areas in southern Wisconsin, USA

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy affecting North American cervids. Because it is uniformly fatal, the disease is a major concern in the management of white-tailed deer populations. Management programs to control CWD require improved knowledge of deer interaction, movement, and population connectivity that could influence disease transmission and spread. Genetic methods were employed to evaluate connectivity among populations in the CWD management zone of southern Wisconsin. A 576-base-pair region of the mitochondrial DNA of 359 white-tailed deer from 12 sample populations was analyzed. Fifty-eight variable sites were detected within the sequence, defining 43 haplotypes. While most sample populations displayed similar levels of haplotype diversity, individual haplotypes were clustered on the landscape. Spatial clusters of different haplotypes were apparent in distinct ecoregions surrounding CWD outbreak areas. The spatial distribution of mtDNA haplotypes suggests that clustering of the deer matrilineal groups and population connectivity are associated with broad-scale geographic landscape features. These landscape characteristics may also influence the contact rates between groups and therefore the potential spread of CWD; this may be especially true of local disease spread between female social groups. Our results suggest that optimal CWD management needs to be tailored to fit gender-specific dispersal behaviors and regional differences in deer population connectivity. This information will help wildlife managers design surveillance and monitoring efforts based on population interactions and potential deer movement among CWD-affected and unaffected areas.
Characteristics in medicare beneficiaries associated with reoperation after lumbar spine surgery

STUDY DESIGN A cohort study was undertaken using medical claims of Medicare beneficiaries. OBJECTIVES Factors associated with reoperation after lumbar spine surgery were identified. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Repeat spine surgery is one outcome measure of surgical success, but little is known about clinical or demographic factors associated with repeat surgery. METHODS Medicare beneficiaries who had surgery in 1985 were included in follow-up through 1989. Time between the first operation and a lumbar spine reoperation, death, or end of follow-up period was recorded. Survival analysis (time-to-event) techniques were used to test the association of baseline characteristics with reoperation. RESULTS Higher reoperation rates were associated (P < 0.05) with previous back surgery, younger age, recent hospitalization, white race, and diagnosis of herniated disc (compared with other diagnoses). Fusion alone or combined with other procedures did not lower the reoperation rate. CONCLUSION Reoperation rates are affected not only by technical factors, but also by demographic and clinical characteristics that are often omitted from reports of surgical case series.
p-Doping limit and donor compensation in CdTe polycrystalline thin film solar cells

Abstract Experimental evidence shows that non-shallow acceptor states defect complex V C d − C l T e | 0 / − and Cu substitution of Cd C u C d | 0 / − play critical roles in p-doping of CdTe in CdS/CdTe thin film solar cells. In this work, two equations are presented by using graphic method, one to determine the limit of p-doping or hole density for such non-shallow acceptor levels, and another to show the quantitative relationship of n-type donor compensation of p-type acceptors in such a material.
Experimentally determined uranium isotope fractionation during reduction of hexavalent U by bacteria and zero valent iron

Variations in stable isotope ratios of redox sensitive elements are often used to understand redox processes occurring near the Earth's surface. Presented here are measurements of mass-dependent U isotope fractionation induced by U(VI) reduction by zerovalent iron (Fe0) and bacteria under controlled pH and HCO3- conditions. In abiotic experiments, Fe0 reduced U(VI), but the reaction failed to induce an analytically significant isotopic fractionation. Bacterial reduction experiments using Geobacter sulfurreducens and Anaeromyxobacter dehalogenans reduced dissolved U(VI) and caused enrichment of 238U relative to 235U in the remaining U(VI). Enrichmentfactors (epsilon) calculated using a Rayleigh distillation model are -0.31% per hundred and -0.34% per hundred for G. sulfurreducens and A. dehalogenans, respectively, under identical experimental conditions. Further studies are required to determine the range of possible values for 238U/235U fractionation factors under a variety of experimental conditions before broad application of these results is possible. However, the measurable variations in delta(5238)U show promise as indicators of reduction for future studies of groundwater contamination, geochronology, U ore deposit formation, and U biogeochemical cycling.
Does Weeding Promote Regeneration of an Indigenous Tree Community in Felled Pine Plantations in Uganda

The use of plantations to manage extensive tracks of deforested lands in the tropics is a conservation strategy that has recently received considerable attention. Plantation trees can promote seed dispersal by attracting dispersers and creating favorable site conditions, leading to increased germination and establishment of indigenous trees. Subsequently, plantation trees can be harvested for profit or left to senesce, leaving a native tree community. We evaluated the effect of vine, grass, and shrub cutting (weeding) over a 3-year period on regeneration of indigenous trees subsequent to the removal of plantation softwoods in Kibale National Park, Uganda. Counter to what would be expected if weeding released trees from competition, we found no difference in the total number of stems or in the stems greater than 10 cm diameter at breast height between control and weeded plots; there were more stems greater than 1 cm diameter at breast height in the control plots. For species found in both control and weeded plots, the maximum size of individuals did not differ. At the end of the study, 61 species were found in the control plots and 43 species were found in the weeded plots, and in both types of plots the three most abundant species were the same. The number of species and stems classified as early or middle successional species did not differ between weeded and control plots. The fact that weeding did not promote regeneration of indigenous trees after the removal of plantation trees illustrates the importance of evaluating and field-testing potential management options.
Preprotostellar Core Properties from Far-Infrared Observations*

We present the results of far-infrared ISOPHOT observations of the preprotostellar cores L1498, B133, and B68. Comparison of the 100 and 200 μm data suggest the presence of two dust temperatures along the line of sight. Using a two-temperature model that assumes a cold central core surrounded by a slightly warmer envelope, we have isolated the 200 μm emission from the cold core. We use 160 and 1300 μm observations where available together with the isolated 200 μm data to derive a dust temperature for the core. The radial mass and density distributions were determined in each core, and the stability of the cores was considered by comparing the mass estimates from the 200 μm data with the virial masses. The cores can be divided into three regions with different radial density dependences, each of which can be described by a power law ρ ∝ r-α: a relatively flat inner region with α ~ 1.2, a steeper region with α ~ 1.8, and a very sharp outer edge with α 4. These power-law results are in agreement with other derivations of preprotostellar core density profiles. The results presented here are also consistent with several different models of core evolution. In addition, we find that the inner regions of the core are less bound than the outer ones, suggesting that the outer layers are confining the central regions.
Pharmacodynamics of basic fibroblast growth factor: route of administration determines myocardial and systemic distribution.

Objective: We have shown that basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF/FGF-2) enhances myocardial collateral development in a canine model of progressive coronary occlusion when delivered via the left atrial or intracoronary routes; however, we have found intravenous bFGF ineffective in the same model. Data on the fate and efficacy of intravenous bFGF are limited. We hypothesized that first pass lung uptake might limit myocardial bFGF availability after intravenous injection. We postulated that delivery of bFGF through the distal port of a wedged Swan Ganz catheter might circumvent this problem by restricting exposure of bFGF to a limited number of pulmonary binding sites. This study evaluated differential regional uptake of 125I labeled bFGF following bolus intravenous, Swan Ganz, left atrial, intracoronary, and pericardial delivery. Methods: Mongrel dogs were used. Human recombinant bFGF, monoiodinated with 125I, was mixed with cold bFGF to a specific activity of 0.03 μCi/μg. Approximately 100 μg/kg was injected per animal by the intravenous, left atrial, Swan Ganz, intracoronary, or pericardial route. Dogs were killed 15 min or 150 min later. The heart, lungs, liver, spleen, and kidneys were harvested and 125I activity was assessed. Immunohistochemical and pharmacokinetic studies were also performed. Results: Serum half life of bFGF was comparable after intracoronary, intravenous and left atrial delivery (50 min); however, there were significant differences with regard to pharmacodynamics. After intracoronary administration, 3–5% of the total bFGF dose was recovered from the heart, with the peptide immunolocalized to the extracellular matrix and vascular endothelium. In contrast, only 1.3% of the injected bFGF was localized to the heart after left atrial administration, and 0.5% was recovered after intravenous or Swan Ganz delivery. Pericardial administration resulted in substantial cardiac bFGF delivery; 19% was present at 150 min. Myocardial uptake was similar with Swan Ganz and intravenous delivery, suggesting that the administered dose did not saturate available pulmonary binding sites. Conclusions: These data predict efficacy of intracoronary, left atrial, and pericardial bFGF for myocardial angiogenesis, and a lack of efficacy after bolus intravenous and Swan Ganz administration.
Unilateral chronic pulmonary edema and pleural effusion after systemic-pulmonary artery shunts for cyanotic congenital heart disease.

Abstract 1. 1. Unilateral pulmonary edema and pleural effusions have been observed in 3 patients following the creation of a systemic-pulmonary artery shunt. The pulmonary changes were on the same side as the shunt in each case. The pulmonary artery contralateral to the shunt was proved to be occluded or hypoplastic in each patient. 2. 2. The pathogenesis of this complication is thought to be a combination of increased pulmonary venous pressure, caused by an excessive shunt flow, and local pulmonary vascular damage, caused by direction of all or of a large part of the shunt flow to one lung or a segment of one lung. Analogous experimental data are discussed. 3. 3. We conclude that, when possible, situations should be avoided in which all or a large part of the flow through systemic-pulmonary anastomoses may be directed to one lung or a segment of one lung. If these situations cannot be avoided, the anastomosis should be made as small as possible to avoid the complication reported here.
Neutrino Decay as an Explanation of Atmospheric Neutrino Observations

We show that the observed zenith angle dependence of the atmospheric neutrinos can be accounted for by neutrino decay. Furthermore, it is possible to account for all neutrino anomalies with just three flavors. A decay model for Majorana neutrinos appears consistent with big-bang nucleosynthesis and supernova constraints. The decay model is testable in the near future.
Harmonic wavelet analysis of modulated tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy signals.

Wavelet analyses of tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy signals were performed. The absorption spectroscopy data were obtained by repeatedly scanning the beams from a tunable diode laser operating in the near infrared across absorption lines of gaseous NH3 contained within a windowed glass tube. The laser was modulated and wavelet analyses of the absorption data were performed. It was observed that harmonic wavelets could simultaneously extract the 1f and 2f harmonics as well as higher-order harmonics from the direct absorption data.
Sex differences in the recovery of brain acetylcholinesterase activity following a single exposure to DFP

Abstract Male and female C57BL, DBA, and C3H mice were injected intraperitoneally with a single 6.33 mg/kg dose of diisopropyl- phosphofluoridate (DFP). The time course of recovery of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity as well as effects on choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) activity and brain muscarinic and nicotinic receptors were measured. DFP treatment did not affect ChAT activity or the muscarinic and nicotinic receptors. Near control levels of AChE activity were regained in female mice within the first 20 days. However, levels of whole brain AChE activity remained depressed for as long as 40 days following a single dose of DFP in male mice. An analysis of the recovery of AChE activity in several brain regions indicated that control activity was regained in striatum, hindbrain, and hippocampus, but not in cortex, midbrain, and hypothalamus. These data are discussed in terms of potential neurotoxicity induced by a single dose of DFP.
Horizons in dental research.

Abstract Dental research, during the past two decades, has had rapid growth both in development and in financial support. Also, during the last ten years, the number of interested and qualified researchers has increased greatly. These are trends which, I am confident, will continue at a high level, and progress will be even greater in the years ahead. It is apparent that the direction of dental research has changed and that the importance of the clinical aspects of research is being recognized and is not separate and apart but, in reality, a part of the whole effort. Dental research has earned its place as part of the biomedical scene, committed to excellence in education and determined to continue into a bright and productive future.
Teacher, parent, and peer reports of early aggression as screening measures for long-term maladaptive outcomes: who provides the most useful information?

OBJECTIVE: This study compared the ability of teacher, parent, and peer reports of aggressive behavior in early childhood to accurately classify cases of maladaptive outcomes in late adolescence and early adulthood. METHOD: Weighted kappa analyses determined optimal cut points and relative classification accuracy among teacher, parent, and peer reports of aggression assessed for 691 students (54% male; 84% African American and 13% White) in the fall of first grade. Outcomes included antisocial personality, substance use, incarceration history, risky sexual behavior, and failure to graduate from high school on time. RESULTS: Peer reports were the most accurate classifier of all outcomes in the full sample. For most outcomes, the addition of teacher or parent reports did not improve overall classification accuracy once peer reports were accounted for. Additional gender-specific and adjusted kappa analyses supported the superior classification utility of the peer report measure. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that peer reports provided the most useful classification information of the 3 aggression measures. Implications for targeted intervention efforts in which screening measures are used to identify at-risk children are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2014 APA, all rights reserved). Language: en
Microprocessor guided vehicles for manufacturing applications

Automated guided vehicles (AGV) are driverless vehicles typically used in a manufacturing environment for material handling and transport. In this paper, an intelligent AGV is designed and implemented to transport parts to different locations. The AGV is controlled by a microcontroller and a sonar system which make the proposed AGV reliable, robust, and adaptable to different environments. >
Collaborative multi-modality target classification in distributed sensor networks

A new computing paradigm which utilizes mobile agents to carry out collaborative target classification in distributed sensor networks is presented in this paper. Instead of each sensor sending local classification results to a processing center where the fusion process is taken place, a mobile agent is dispatched from the processing center and the fusion process is executed at each sensor node. The advantage of using mobile agent is that it achieves progressive accuracy and is task-adaptive. To improve the accuracy of classification, we implement Behavior Knowledge Space method for multi-modality fusion. We also modified the classical k-nearest-neighbor method to be adaptive to collaborative classification in a distributed network of sensor nodes. Experimental results based on a field demo are presented at the end of the paper.
The efficacy of intramuscular ketorolac in combination with intravenous PCA morphine for postoperative pain relief

Abstract Study Objective: To examine the efficacy of intramuscular (IM) ketorolac used in combination with intravenous (IV) patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) morphine for postoperative pain relief following intra-abdominal gynecologic surgery. Design: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Setting: Patient care unit at a university medical center. Patients: Thirty-five healthy women undergoing intra-abdominal gynecologic surgery who requested postoperative PCA. Interventions: Postoperatively, all patients received IV PCA morphine, with the PCA device programmed to deliver a maximum of 1 mg every 6 minutes (maximum of 30 mg over 4 hours). In addition, patients received one of three regimens: (1) IM saline every 6 hours; (2) IM ketorolac 30 mg while in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU), followed by 15 mg every 6 hours; or (3) IM ketorolac 60 mg while in the PACU, followed by 30 mg every 6 hours. Measurements and Main Results: Patients were assessed al regular intervals. Visual analog scale (VAS) scores were used to assess analgesia and patient satisfaction with therapy. Data on morphine usage were obtained from the PCA device, and the frequency and severity of adverse effects were assessed for the presence or absence of side effects. Cumulative morphine dosages were lower ( p Conclusions: IM ketorolac significantly decreased PCA morphine requirements. The analgesic effects of the two drugs appear to be additive.
Influence of tooth profile modification on helical gear durability

A nonlinear finite element contact mechanics model of a helical gear pair was used to study the effect of intentional tooth profile modifications on durability of helical gear pairs. Both two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) modifications were considered. A detailed parametric study was performed to quantify the changes in the contact and bending stresses as a function of tooth profile modification parameters as compared to an unmodified gear pair baseline. The combined influence of modification parameters and torque transmitted on the maximum stresses is described. Results indicate that both bending and contact stresses of a helical gear pair are increased significantly when 2D modifications are applied, potentially causing an underestimation of the actual stress values when the modifications are not included in stress calculations. When properly selected, 3D modifications cause significantly, less stress increases.
Stress, Motivation, and Drug Addiction

A growing clinical literature indicates that there is a link between substance abuse and stress. One explanation for the high co-occurrence of stress-related disorders and drug addiction is the self-medication hypothesis, which suggests that a dually diagnosed person often uses the abused substance to cope with tension associated with life stressors or to relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression resulting from a traumatic event. However, another characteristic of self-administration is that drug delivery and its subsequent effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis are under the direct control of the individual. This controlled activation of the HPA axis may produce an internal state of arousal or stimulation that is actually sought by the individual. During abstinence, exposure to stressors or drug-associated cues can stimulate the HPA axis and thereby remind the individual about the effects of the abused substance, thus producing craving and promoting relapse. Stress reduction, either al...
Deficiencies in the single particle picture of valence band photoemission

Abstract The applicability of the single particle theoretical model of photoemission from solids and solid surfaces will be evaluated by comparison of data and theory for simple two- and three-dimensional systems. For nearly free electron metals like Mg, Al and Be the agreement between band theory and measured dispersion for both the occupied and unoccupied bulk bands is fairly good. Yet quantitative discrepancies do exist, arising from finite hole and electron lifetimes, electron-plas-mon coupling and inadequacies of local density theory. Many of these effects can qualitatively be explained with an interactive electron gas theory. The two-dimensional dispersion of intrinsic and extrinsic surface states (or resonances) is reproduced fairly well by single particle calculations. At this stage of our development most of the discrepancies between theory and experiment for surface states can not be blamed on deficiencies of either the single particle approach or the local density approximation. Several clear experimental examples do exist where single particle theory can not be applied. These include multielectron satellite lines in adsorbate spectra, intensity variations due to spatially varying electromagnetic fields and k dependent adsorbate line widths.
An apparatus for P2P classification in Netflow traces

Application classification from Netflow traces is a challenging process due to the lack of payload information. It is even becoming more challenging when the applications running in the network tend to hide under well known ports, encrypt packets and are distributed. In this paper, we propose an in-the-box apparatus for Netflow classification of Bit Torrent applications. The apparatus includes several device optimizations and requires low processing power. It was developed by reverse engineering the Bit Torrent protocol and by identifying connection patterns. The accuracy of the algorithm reaches high values specifically for Bit Torrent peers that use the DHT protocol.
Bubnoff Unit: An Objection

The Bubnoff (B) was defined as a geological time-distance unit of 1 micron per year (Fischer, 1969). Consistent use of a uniform system of fundamental units is vital to scientific communication, but the naming of such units is unnecessary and obfuscatory.
Husbands' And Wives' Adjustment to Pregnancy And First Parenthood

There are conflicting reports regarding type and extent of the change in couples' lives due to the arrival of a first baby. The present short-term longitudinal study of 39 volunteer couples had two major objectives: (1) to examine changes in couples' division of labor during the transition to parenthood, and (2) to investigate husband-wife differences in the associations between indices of marital and parental adjustment during the early postpartum months. Individual questionnaires and interviews were administered in couples' homes on three occasions: early pregnancy, late pregnancy, and 3-4 months postpartum. Repeated measure analyses of changes in feminine and masculine household tasks did not confirm a linear shift toward more sex-typed arrangement but rather demonstrated a curvilinear pattern with the least sex-typed arrangements occurring in late pregnancy. These results indicate that the pregnancy period needs to be viewed as a time of changes in instrumental roles. There were several wife-husband d...
Regularly annotated set constraints

A general class of program analyses area combination of context-free and regular language reachability. We define regularly annotated set constraints, a constraint formalism that captures this class. Our results extend the class of reachability problems expressible naturally in a single constraint formalism, including such diverse applications as interprocedural dataflow analysis, precise type-based flow analysis, and pushdown model checking.
The Impact of Ranker Quality on Rank Aggregation Algorithms: Information vs. Robustness

The rank aggregation problem has been studied extensively in recent years with a focus on how to combine several different rankers to obtain a consensus aggregate ranker. We study the rank aggregation problem from a different perspective: how the individual input rankers impact the performance of the aggregate ranker. We develop a general statistical framework based on a model of how the individual rankers depend on the ground truth ranker. Within this framework, one can study the performance of different aggregation methods. The individual rankers, which are the inputs to the rank aggregation algorithm, are statistical perturbations of the ground truth ranker. With rigorous experimental evaluation, we study how noise level and the misinformation of the rankers affect the performance of the aggregate ranker. We introduce and study a novel Kendalltau rank aggregator and a simple aggregator called PrOpt, which we compare to some other well known rank aggregation algorithms such as average, median and Markov chain aggregators. Our results show that the relative performance of aggregators varies considerably depending on how the input rankers relate to the ground truth.
A singular perturbation analysis and control of a new nanomanipulator

Recently, we proposed a new probe suitable for fabrication and manipulation at the nanoscale. The proposed design possesses three axis actuation and sensing capabilities. In addition, it can be incorporated into atomic force microscopes to turn them into reliable nanomanipulators. In the present paper, we use singular perturbation analysis techniques to develop a suitable control strategy of the probe motion. A fast control is used to eliminate undesired oscillations of the tip-holder whereas slow control is employed to reduce tip positioning errors. Path tracking simulations are conducted to validate the proposed control strategy. In addition, effects of stick-slip disturbances on the probe performance are investigated.
A heuristic approach for power system measurement placement design

Measurement placement design of electric power system is formulated as an optimization problem, whose objective is to minimize the installation cost under the constraint that the system remains observable for pre-selected single branch outage or any single measurement loss. The contribution of this paper is as follows: we consider both costs on remote terminal units (RTUs) and measurement devices. Furthermore, a two-step heuristic approach based on topological analysis is proposed to solve the problem. In the first step a measurement configuration with minimum number of measurements that satisfies the observability constraints is determined. In the second step the measurement configuration is further optimized to reduce the number of RTUs. Tests on the IEEE 30-Bus system are used to demonstrate the validity and efficiency of the proposed approach.
Efficient Simulating Interactive Deformation of Virtual Plant

3D plant models would be physically deformable. This paper proposes a simulation framework, which integrated tetrahedral mesh with skin triangular mesh to physically simulate interactive deformation of 3D the plant models. This approach firstly creates a tetrahedral mesh representation around the initial triangular plant model. The tetrahedral mesh is then used for dynamic response calculation of collision or interaction, the original triangular mesh is deformed along with the tetrahedral mesh. We use two phase policies for efficient and accurate collision detection: capsule-based and spatial hashing based detection respectively. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed approach can handle efficiently collisions and deformations inside the canopy and between plants or organs, with real-time and smooth effects.
A polarizable electrostatic model of the N-methylacetamide dimer

Our previously developed polarizable electrostatic model is applied to isolated N-methylacetamide (NMA) and to three hydrogen-bonded configurations of the NMA dimer. Two versions of the model are studied. In the first one (POL1), polarizability along the valence bonds is described by induced bond charge increments, and polarizability perpendicular to the bonds is described by cylindrically isotropic induced atomic dipoles. In the other version (POL2), the induced bond charge increments are replaced by induced atomic dipoles along the bonds. The parameterization is done by fitting to ab initio MP2/6-31++G(d,p) electric potentials. The polarizability parameters are determined by subjecting the NMA molecule to various external electric fields. POL1 turns out to be easier to optimize than POL2. Both models reproduce well the ab initio electric potentials, molecular dipole moments, and molecular polarizability tensors of the monomer and the dimers. Nonpolarizable models are also investigated. The results show that polarization is very important for reproducing the electric potentials of the studied dimers, indicating that this is also the case in hydrogen bonding between peptide groups in proteins. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Comput Chem 22: 1933–1943, 2001
SPATIAL STRUCTURE OF THE ECONOMY: I

(1960). SPATIAL STRUCTURE OF THE ECONOMY: III. Annals of the Association of American Geographers: Vol. 50, No. 3, pp. 357-373.
Teaching and learning of compliance using neural nets: representation and generation of nonlinear compliance

A new approach to the representation and learning of compliance control laws using neural networks is presented. Compliance is treated as a nonlinear mapping from a measured force to a corrected motion. The nonlinear mapping is represented by a multilayered neural network, which makes it possible to deal with complex strategies of force feedback. This network representation provides not only linear compliance, as represented by stiffness and damping matrices, but also nonlinear compliance, which has never been explored extensively. This network approach also makes it possible to teach a desired compliance from teaching data by using an iterative learning algorithm. Conventional methods of compliant motion control are reviewed, linear compliance and its limits are discussed, and nonlinear compliance based on the network representation is introduced. An analysis is made of the nonlinearity of compliance that arises in performing assembly tasks, and the network structure that meets the requirements for representing a group of nonlinear compliances necessary for performing the assembly tasks is obtained. >
A study of reliability issues in clock distribution networks

In this paper, we present a reliability study of clock mesh distribution networks. We analyze the electromigration (EM) phenomena and demonstrate their occurrence in clock mesh networks (CMN). Due to shrinking feature sizes in more advanced technologies, EM is becoming a more prominent reliability issue. Process variation, power supply noise, and clock gating are some of the factors that can increase electromigration in the clock mesh. We identity the potential EM branches by investigating current flows under various conditions. Our study shows that a clock mesh optimized for certain configurations of clock sinks may experience electromigration due to asymmetrical bidirectional currents flowing in some grid segments.
Neonatal Bilirubin Testing Practices

Abstract Objective.—To characterize laboratory practices for neonatal bilirubin testing and to identify opportunities for improvement. Design.—A voluntary self-assessment questionnaire was used to assess the laboratory practices of 312 laboratories subscribing to the College of American Pathologists (CAP) Excel Chemistry Proficiency Testing Program. Results.—A range of preanalytic and analytic practices were reported. The most notable problems identified were the use of overly long capillary puncture devices (17.8%), failure to protect the specimen from light prior to analysis (3.4%), failure to use a control containing >171 μmol/L bilirubin (26.1%), use of single-level control (4.2%), and lack of established linearity limits (7.0%). Conclusion.—Opportunities exist to improve specimen collection, processing, and analysis for some physician-office and small-hospital laboratories.
Tax Versus Penalty, Round Two, Fight! Interpreting the PPACA's Assessable Payment as a Tax for Federal Funding Cost Allowances

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), significant health care reform enacted in 2010, imposes an “assessable payment” on certain employers that fail to offer affordable health insurance to their employees. The ambiguity of the exaction’s title poses a planning problem for some nonprofits receiving federal grant funds with restrictions imposed by the Office of Management and Budget’s Circular A-122. Circular A-122 permits these restricted grant funds to be used for “taxes,” but not for “penalties.” On June 28, 2012, the U.S. Supreme Court, held in National Federation of Independent Business v. Sebelius that the PPACA’s individual mandate’s “shared responsibility payment” could, for constitutional purposes, be interpreted as a tax. This Note argues that the PPACA’s assessable payment should be interpreted as a tax by applying the Supreme Court’s recent tax versus penalty analysis and analyzing the exaction’s characteristics and effect on employer behavior. This interpretation will provide organizations with predictability in planning and ensure that Congress does not escape political accountability for imposing taxes by using the ambiguous term “assessable payment.”
Genetics of a Second Locus Determining Pungency in Chili Peppers (Capsicum)

Determinisme genetique et etude de linkage du gene C2 controlant le piquant du poivre du Chili
A Practical Method to Predict the Effect of Extra-Column Variance on Observed Efficiency in High Performance Liquid Chromatography

Determination des conditions operatoires et instrumentales qui sont a l'origine d'une dispersion supplementaire excessive
What does recent neuroscience tell us about criminal responsibility

A defendant is criminally responsible for his action only if he is shown to have engaged in a guilty act—actus reus (eg for larceny, voluntarily taking someone else's property without permission)—while possessing a guilty mind—mens rea (eg knowing that he had taken someone else's property without permission, intending not to return it)—and lacking affirmative defenses (eg the insanity defense or self-defense). We therefore first review neuroscientific studies that bear on the nature of voluntary action, and so could, potentially, tell us something of importance about the actus reus of crimes. Then we look at studies of intention, perception of risk, and other mental states that matter to the mens rea of crimes. And, last, we discuss studies of self-control, which might be relevant to some formulations of the insanity defense. As we show, to date, very little is known about the brain that is of significance for understanding criminal responsibility. But there is no reason to think that neuroscience cannot provide evidence that will challenge our understanding of criminal responsibility.
Role of Percolation in the Conductance of Electrolyte-Gated SrTiO 3

We study the electrolyte-gate-induced conductance at the surface of SrTiO(3)(001). We find two distinct transport regimes as a function of gate voltage. At high carrier densities, a percolative metallic state is induced in which, at low temperatures, clear signatures of a Kondo effect are observed. At lower carrier densities, the resistance diverges at low temperatures and can be well described by a 2D variable range hopping model. We postulate that this derives from nonpercolative transport due to inhomogeneous electric fields from imperfectly ordered ions at the electrolyte-oxide interface.
Why Do Some Consumers Make Unhealthy Food Choices

This research examines the impact of gender, age, and education on food choices and addresses issues of causality in these observed relationships; a logit model was used to test the mediation effects and hypotheses. The results from a self-administered online survey indicate that gender and education are two key predictors of consumers’ food choices for their children. These findings are further explained by attitudes toward obesity. Specifically, female consumers and parents with lower levels of formal education tend to select food products that are nutritionally inferior because they are not necessarily concerned about their child’s weight and do not usually restrict their child’s food and diet. This research advances a causal mechanism that explains unexpected consumers’ food choices; it essentially proposes and tests two mediators—restrictions of a child’s weight and concerns about a child’s weight—of the relationship between key demographic variables and consumers’ food choices.
The effects of inducing a follicular phase gonadotropin secretory pattern in normal women during the luteal phase.

It has been hypothesized that the slowing of the luteinizing hormone (LH) pulse frequency in the luteal phase may be necessary for the demise of the corpus luteum, the intercycle rise in baseline follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), or ovarian follicular development in the subsequent cycle. For assessment of the physiologic role of the luteal phase LH pulse pattern, this pattern was converted to a follicular pattern in six normal women who used exogenous gonadotropin-releasing hormone administered with a portable pump (dose 50 to 100ng/kg subcutaneously every 90minutes beginning in the early luteal [n=3] and midluteal [n=3] cycle phases). There was no significant difference between the treated and the subsequent cycle for luteal progesterone production [186.3 versus 159.0 (ng/ml) day], preovulatory follicular size (23.1 versus 22.5mm), estradiol levels, luteal phase length (15.6 versus 14.3days), and daily gonadotropin concentrations including the intercycle FSH rise (160.5 versus 139.1ng/ml). A follicular phase gonadotropin pulse pattern (increased frequency, decreased amplitude) in the luteal phase had no discernible effects on the corpus luteum or on follicular development in the subsequent cycle.
Microgravity and Microgravity Analogue Studies of Cartilage and Cardiac Tissue Engineering

Space is the ultimate frontier, and the International Space Station (ISS) has been serving as a platform for creative science, developing technologies, and testing materials, instruments and processes under extreme conditions. One of the areas of greatest interest is human health, due to the important changes in human physiology during spaceflight: cardiovascular deconditioning, loss of bone and muscle, changes in immune system and vision, among many others. Studies in astronauts are revealing some of the underlying mechanisms of these changes and helping develop new modalities to prevent or treat the adverse effects of the space environment. However, controllable studies of tissue function under the conditions of microgravity remain critical for understanding the effect of spaceflight on human health, and dissecting—under controllable conditions—the factors affecting the development and function of our tissues and organs. The ability of engineered tissue constructs to recapitulate some of the critical and physiological functions opened many exciting avenues of research.
Discovering and tracking interesting web services

The World Wide Web has become the standard mechanism for information distribution and scientific collaboration on the Internet. This dissertation research explores a suite of techniques for discovering relevant dynamic sources in a specific domain of interest and for managing Web data effectively. We first explore techniques for discovery and automatic classification of dynamic Web sources. Our approach utilizes a service class model of the dynamic Web that allows the characteristics of interesting services to be specified using a service class description. To promote effective Web data management, the Page Digest Web document encoding eliminates tag redundancy and places structure, content, tags, and attributes into separate containers, each of which can be referenced in isolation or in conjunction with the other elements of the document. The Page Digest Sentinel system leverages our unique encoding to provide efficient and scalable change monitoring for arbitrary Web documents through document compartmentalization and semantic change request grouping. Finally, we present XPack, an XML document compression system that uses a containerized view of an XML document to provide both good compression and efficient querying over compressed documents. XPack's queryable XML compression format is general-purpose, does not rely on domain knowledge or particular document structural characteristics for compression, and achieves better query performance than standard query processors using text-based XML. Our research expands the capabilities of existing dynamic Web techniques, providing superior service discovery and classification services, efficient change monitoring of Web information, and compartmentalized document handling. DYNABOT is the first system to combine a service class view of the Web with a modular crawling architecture to provide automated service discovery and classification. The Page Digest Web document encoding represents Web documents efficiently by separating the individual characteristics of the document. The Page Digest Sentinel change monitoring system utilizes the Page Digest document encoding for scalable change monitoring through efficient change algorithms and intelligent request grouping. Finally, XPack is the first XML compression system that delivers compression rates similar to existing techniques while supporting better query performance than standard query processors using text-based XML.
Integration of Vertically Aligned Carbon Nano Fibers with CMOS Integrated Circuits for Sensor Applications

This paper describes the integration of vertically aligned carbon nanofibers (VACNF) with the CMOS integrated circuits fabricated with commercial CMOS processes. The growth temperature of VACNF is about 700degC (Merkulov et al., 2001) which is well above the maximum operating temperature of CMOS circuits. In order to integrate VACNF with CMOS circuits, a method is described to transfer the separately grown VACNF onto the CMOS circuit