cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Biosensor prediction of aggression in youth with autism using kernel-based methods

Aggression to others by youth with autism is a significant problem since their difficulties self-reporting distress can lead to behaviors that appear to occur without warning. To address this issue, we recently demonstrated that biosensor data combined with linear classification algorithms (i.e., ridge-regularized logistic regression) can be used to predict aggression up to 1 minute before it occurs using 3 minutes of data from the past with an average area under the curve (AUC) of 0.71-0.84 depending on whether population versus individual models are used. In the present study, we both extend and enhance these prior results through the use of principal component analysis and a nonlinear kernel-based classifier (Support Vector Machines). Our results illustrate that these newly applied methods yield significant improvements, predicting aggression up to 3 minutes before it occurs with an average AUC of 0.98 in both population and individual models. Furthermore, we extend our prior work by evaluating aggression prediction performance across varying observed aggression intensities and find that moderate and high intensity aggression episodes are detectable with 2 to 5% higher average AUC than low-intensity aggression episodes.
The Impact of Compulsivity and Impulsivity in Cerebellar Ataxia: A Case Series.

Background: The cerebellum has recently been identified to have a key role in reward processing, and individuals with ataxia have been found to be more impulsive and compulsive as part of cerebellum-related cognitive and behavioral disturbances. Case Report: We reported five individuals with cerebellar ataxia who demonstrate impulsive and compulsive behaviors, including hobbyism, gambling, and compulsive medication use, to illustrate that these symptoms can be highly disabling. Discussion: These five cases provide examples of behavioral symptoms in cerebellar ataxia. Further investigations of the pathomechanism of these symptoms will advance our understanding of the cerebellum in cognition and behavior.
The use of tranexamic acid in open elbow release surgery

BackgroundTranexamic acid (TXA) has been effective in reducing perioperative blood loss in hip, knee, and shoulder arthroplasty. Our purpose was to assess the effect of TXA on perioperative blood l...
Outcome, prognostic factors and histological characterization of canine gastrointestinal sarcomas.

Canine gastrointestinal sarcomas, a group of tumors that includes leiomyosarcomas (LMSAs), gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), and other rarer sarcomas, comprise about 10-30% of all gastrointestinal tumors. This study aims to characterize the histologic characteristics and clinical behavior in order to identify prognostic factors predictive of outcome. A single institution database search for surgically-treated gastrointestinal sarcomas yielded 47 cases with adequate tissue remaining for histologic analysis and 42 cases available for analysis of clinical outcome. Tumors were then prospectively evaluated for mitotic count, necrosis, hemorrhage, and inflammation, as well as categorized via immunohistochemical (IHC) staining for smooth muscle actin, c-KIT, and DOG-1. IHC analysis defined 32 tumors as GISTs, 14 as LMSAs, and one as a sarcoma not otherwise specified. For both GISTs and LMSAs, the overall median survival time (MST) is 1024 days (range 31-1456), which did not differ statistically between tumor types (p=0.92). The overall metastatic rate of GISTs in this study was 32.1% (n=9) which was not significantly different to that of LMSAs at 15.3% (n=2, p=0.45). In multivariate analysis, mitotic count under 9 in GIST patients and complete surgical excision in all tumor types correlated with improved MST. For patients with GISTs, the intensity of c-KIT staining also correlated positively with survival, with an MST of 250 days in cases with weak staining and an MST of 1418 days in cases with moderate or strong c-KIT staining (p=0.005). This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
GHZ, As Seen Through the Looking Glass

It is shown how Mermin’s proof of the Kochen-Specker theorem, based on the GHZ observables, can be transmuted into the proof of Kernaghan and Peres, based on the eigenstates of those observables, by shifting one’s gaze in the right way. Both proofs are “parity proofs” that rely on an even-odd contradiction, but they bring it about in rather different ways. After explaining how Mermin’s proof can be “morphed” into that of Kernaghan and Peres, we point out some of the echoes and other consequences of this connection that have been discovered over the years.
Multi-timescale biological learning algorithms train spiking neuronal network motor control

Biological learning operates at multiple interlocking timescales, from long evolutionary stretches down to the relatively short time span of an individual9s life. While each process has been simulated individually as a basic learning algorithm in the context of spiking neuronal networks (SNNs), the integration of the two has remained limited. In this study, we first train SNNs separately using individual model learning using spike-timing dependent reinforcement learning (STDP-RL) and evolutionary (EVOL) learning algorithms to solve the CartPole reinforcement learning (RL) control problem. We then develop an interleaved algorithm inspired by biological evolution that combines the EVOL and STDP-RL learning in sequence. We use the NEURON simulator with NetPyNE to create an SNN interfaced with the CartPole environment from OpenAI9s Gym. In CartPole, the goal is to balance a vertical pole by moving left/right on a 1-D plane. Our SNN contains multiple populations of neurons organized in three layers: sensory layer, association/hidden layer, and motor layer, where neurons are connected by excitatory (AMPA/NMDA) and inhibitory (GABA) synapses. Association and motor layers contain one excitatory (E) population and two inhibitory (I) populations with different synaptic time constants. Each neuron is an event-based integrate-and-fire model with plastic connections between excitatory neurons. In our SNN, the environment activates sensory neurons tuned to specific features of the game state. We split the motor population into subsets representing each movement choice. The subset with more spiking over an interval determines the action. During STDP-RL, we supply intermediary evaluations (reward/punishment) of each action by judging the effectiveness of a move (e.g., moving the CartPole to a balanced position). During EVOL, updates consist of adding together many random perturbations of the connection weights. Each set of random perturbations is weighted by the total episodic reward it achieves when applied independently. We evaluate the performance of each algorithm after training and through the creation of sensory/motor action maps that delineate the network9s transformation of sensory inputs into higher-order representations and eventual motor decisions. Both EVOL and STDP-RL training produce SNNs capable of moving the cart left and right and keeping the pole vertical. Compared to the STDP-RL and EVOL algorithms operating on their own, our interleaved training paradigm produced enhanced robustness in performance, with different strategies revealed through analysis of the sensory/motor mappings. Analysis of synaptic weight matrices also shows distributed vs clustered representations after the EVOL and STDP-RL algorithms, respectively. These weight differences also manifest as diffuse vs synchronized firing patterns. Our modeling opens up new capabilities for SNNs in RL and could serve as a testbed for neurobiologists aiming to understand multi-timescale learning mechanisms and dynamics in neuronal circuits.
Autothermal reactors for hydrogen production: Dynamics and model reduction

Abstract In the present work, we propose a generic dynamic analysis and model reduction framework for autothermal reactors. We document the existence of a two time scale dynamic behavior, and identify the variables that are associated with each time scale. We derive reduced-order, nonlinear models for the dynamics in each time scale. We show that the derived slow model corresponds to generally accepted empirically derived simplified models for the class of reactors considered. Subsequently, we present illustrative simulation results on a hydrogen production reactor.
Measurement of the g-factor anomaly of the muon

A measurement of (g−2) for the free, positive muon has been carried out, yielding (g/2−1)=0.001060±0.000067, in substantial agreement with theory and independent experiments. The method may be useful in future work.
Teaching International Law as a Partially Online Course: The Hybrid/Blended Approach to Pedagogy

This article recounts the author’s experience of teaching International Law as a “blended” or “hybrid” course. In hybrid teaching, a significant portion of the learning activities is moved online, and time traditionally spent in the classroom is reduced but not eliminated. The article first briefly reviews the literature on international law pedagogy. Next, it describes the particular context within which the author redesigned the author’s traditional course. It thereafter highlights the key aspects of the author’s redesigned course. Finally, it shares some practical lessons that the author has learned and more general conclusions that the author has reached in hybrid teaching.
Influence of ball weight on shot accuracy and efficacy among 9-11-year-old male basketball players

The goal of the study was to analyse with which ball the 9-11-year-old participants achieved higher shot accuracy and efficacy during real basketball games. The participants were 54 children from six basketball teams. Three situations were established in which the participants played four games with each of the following balls: (a) a regulation ball (485 g, 69-71 cm), (b) a lighter ball (440 g, 69-71 cm), and (c) a heavier ball (540 g, 69-71 cm). A group of six experts delimited and defined the variables: (a) accuracy: the score obtained according to whether the ball hit the backboard and the rim at each shot; and (b) efficacy: the number of points that the participants achieved at each shot. Four observers were trained, and the reliability obtained was higher than .95. The properties of the ball that were controlled were: (a) weight, (b) circumference, and (c) bounce height. Two collaborators recorded the games and the four observers recorded the data. Accuracy and efficacy were higher with the 440-g ball in comparison to the regulation ball (accuracy: U=215448.5, p=.000, and efficacy: U=212377, p=.001), and to the 540-g ball (accuracy: U=198869, p=.000, and efficacy: U=223932, p=.002).
Trema and parasponia hemoglobins reveal convergent evolution of oxygen transport in plants.

All plants contain hemoglobins that fall into distinct phylogenetic classes. The subset of plants that carry out symbiotic nitrogen fixation expresses hemoglobins that scavenge and transport oxygen to bacterial symbiotes within root nodules. These “symbiotic” oxygen transport hemoglobins are distinct in structure and function from the nonoxygen transport (“nonsymbiotic”) Hbs found in all plants. Hemoglobins found in two closely related plants present a paradox concerning hemoglobin structure and function. Parasponia andersonii is a nitrogen-fixing plant that expresses a symbiotic hemoglobin (ParaHb) characteristic of oxygen transport hemoglobins in having a pentacoordinate ferrous heme iron, moderate oxygen affinity, and a relatively rapid oxygen dissociation rate constant. A close relative that does not fix nitrogen, Trema tomentosa, expresses hemoglobin (TremaHb) sharing 93% amino acid identity to ParaHb, but its phylogeny predicts a typical nonsymbiotic hemoglobin with a hexacoordinate heme iron, high ...
Simultaneous confidence intervals for multinomial proportions

In this article approximate parametric bootstrap confidence intervals for functions of multinomial proportions are discussed. The interesting feature of these confidence intervals is that they are obtained via an Edgeworth expansion approximation for the rectangular multinomial probabilities rather than the resampling approach. In the first part of the article simultaneous confidence intervals for multinomial proportions are considered. The parametric bootstrap confidence interval appears to be the most accurate procedure. The use of this parametric bootstrap confidence region in the sample size determination problem is also discussed. In the second part of the article approximate parametric bootstrap equal-tailed confidence intervals for the minimum and maximum multinomial cell probabilities are derived. Numerical results based on a simulation study are presented to evaluate the performance of these confidence intervals. We also indicate several problems for possible future research in this area.
Physicochemical factors influencing the preferential transport of Escherichia coli in soils

Laboratory and numerical studies were conducted to investigate the transport and release of Escherichia coli D21g in preferential flow systems with artificial macropores under different ionic strength (IS) conditions. Macropores were created by embedding coarse sand lenses in a fine sand matrix and altering the length, continuity, and vertical position of the lens. The length of an artificial macropore proved to have a great impact on the preferential transport of E. coli D21g, especially under high-IS conditions. A discontinuous macropore (interrupted by fine sand) was found to have less preferential transport of E. coli D21g than a continuous macropore of the same length that was open to either the top or bottom boundary. At low IS, more extensive transport in the preferential path and earlier arrival time were observed for E. coli D21g than Br- as a result of size exclusion. Two release pulses (one from the preferential path and the other from the matrix) were observed following a reduction of the solution IS for flow systems with macropores that were open to either the top or bottom boundary, whereas three pulses (two from the preferential path and another from the matrix) were observed for systems with discontinuous macropores. Numerical simulations of E. coli D21g under both constant and transient solution chemistry conditions had very high agreement with the experiment data, except for their capability to predict some subtle differences in transport between the various lens configurations. © Soil Science Society of America 5585 Guilford Rd., Madison, WI 53711 USA.
SPECTRAL SEQUENCES AND ADIABATIC LIMITS

A Taylor series analysis of the Laplacian as the underlying manifold is demormed leads to a Hodge theoretic derivation of the Leray spectral sequence.
Self-Diffusion of Asymmetric Diblock Copolymers with a Spherical Domain Structure

The temperature and molecular weight dependence of the self-diffusion coefficient of asymmetric diblock copolymers (polystyrene-b-2-vinylpyridine) (PS−PVP) with a spherical PVP domain structure has been measured by forward recoil spectrometry. The self-diffusion coefficient D is decreased by up to a factor of 10-4 by the existence of the ordered spherical microstructure. The normalized diffusion coefficient D/D0, where D0 is the diffusion coefficient of homopolystyrene with same molecular weight, depends strongly on the product of the interaction parameter χ between PS and PVP and NPVP, the number of segments in the shorter PVP block, scaling approximately as exp(−1.2χNPVP). Our results suggest that the diffusion process is governed by the thermodynamic barrier for moving PVP blocks from one spherical domain to another in contrast to the normal reptation mechanism seen for homopolymer self-diffusion.
Some Rules for Effective and Ineffective Teaching: Generating Lists as an Educational Exercise:

Two contrasting sets of 10 rules that describe important considerations for effective and ineffective teaching are outlined in this article. The rules serve us convenient summaries of the many factors that teachers must consider when they assume the educator role. The rules also underscore the assumptions that often silently guide effective teaching. The process of generating such lists must be a useful educational exercise.
Genotype and hormonal phenotype in nonclassical 21-hydroxylase deficiency

In nonclassical steroid 21-hydroxylase deficiency, the genotype may be represented as a homozygous mild (nonclassicai) form of the 21-hydroxylase defect or as a compound heterozygote, with one severe (classical) and one mild (nonclassical) 21-hydroxylase deficiency allele. We examined hormone levels in patients with nonclassical 21-hydroxylase deficiency in whom pedigree analysis and/or HLA linkage disequilibrium allowed unequivocal identification of the respective haplotypes as either classical or nonclassical. The results indicated that compound heterozygotes (21-OH defsevere/21-OH defmild) have an ACTH-stimulated 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) response significantly greater than that of mild homozy-gotes (21-OH dermild/21-OH defmild): at 60 min, 8,131 ± 4,205 (± SD) (n = 17) vs. 4,468 ± 2,123 ng/dl (n = 31) for the respective groups (P < 0.01); at 360 min, 11,067 ± 5,582 (n = 17) vs. 5746 ± 1565 (n = 8, P < 0.01). Since serum cortisol levels were the same in both groups, the ratio of 17-OHP to cortiso...
Recommendations of transgender students, staff, and faculty in the USA for improving college campuses

Research indicates that transgender individuals frequently experience marginalisation and interpersonal victimisation within college and university settings. Missing from the literature is a discussion of what can be done to address such patterns in higher education, based upon empirical data gathered from transgender and gender non-conforming students, staff, and faculty. The present study aimed to fill this gap by reporting on solutions offered by a sample of 30 individuals in one US state while integrating a lens of intersectionality. Five resulting themes include (a) offer education, campus programming, and support for trans individuals; (b) improve university systems and procedures for recording one's name and gender; (c) encourage greater inclusivity and recruitment of diverse groups; (d) make physical changes to facilities; and (e) hold people accountable. These findings suggest institutional actions and policy changes for higher education administrators and others committed to improving campuses f...
Endovascular Management of Head and Neck Vascular Malformations

Vascular malformations are congenital lesions caused by errors in endothelial development. Mulliken’s classification of vascular malformations subdivides lesions into high-flow (such as arteriovenous malformations) and low-flow lesions (such as venous and lymphatic malformations). Although they can occur virtually anywhere in the body, the majority occur in the head and neck. The therapeutic management of vascular malformations is challenging even for highly experienced practitioners; they are often complex lesions that require a specialized multidisciplinary team approach for optimal treatment. Currently, endovascular therapeutic techniques, such as sclerotherapy, with or without adjunctive surgical resection, are among the first-line treatment options for vascular malformations. There are a wide variety of embolosclerotherapy agents which have been used effectively to treat vascular malformations. This article presents a brief overview of the endovascular management of craniofacial vascular malformations.
5'-Heterogeneity of the mineralocorticoid receptor messenger ribonucleic acid: differential expression and regulation of splice variants within the rat hippocampus.

The mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) cDNA we previously isolated from the rat hippocampus differs from the clone isolated from the kidney at the 5'-untranslated (5'UT) region. The kidney clone (alpha MR mRNA) and the hippocampal clone (beta MR mRNA) possess unique 5'UT sequences of 220 and 300 nucleotides, respectively, but share an invariant peptide-coding domain and appear to encode an identical MR protein. The two mRNA variants may represent tissue-specific forms of the MR or may be coexpressed in the rat hippocampus along with other 5'UT variants. Here, we report that three mRNA subtypes were found in the hippocampus; their relative abundance was as follows: alpha = beta >> gamma. The three mRNA variants were differentially distributed within the hippocampal subfields, with the alpha form being highly enriched in CA2, dentate, the fasciculum cinereum, and the indusium griseum, whereas beta and gamma forms were evenly distributed through CA1-4. Adrenalectomy selectively increased alpha MR mRNA content, ...
Role of Glucose Metabolism and ATP in Maintaining PINK1 Levels during Parkin-mediated Mitochondrial Damage Responses

Mutations in several genes, including PINK1 and Parkin, are known to cause autosomal recessive cases of Parkinson disease in humans. These genes operate in the same pathway and play a crucial role in mitochondrial dynamics and maintenance. PINK1 is required to recruit Parkin to mitochondria and initiate mitophagy upon mitochondrial depolarization. In this study, we show that PINK1-dependent Parkin mitochondrial recruitment in response to global mitochondrial damage by carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazine (CCCP) requires active glucose metabolism. Parkin accumulation on mitochondria and subsequent Parkin-dependent mitophagy is abrogated in glucose-free medium or in the presence of 2-deoxy-D-glucose upon CCCP treatment. The defects in Parkin recruitment correlate with intracellular ATP levels and can be attributed to suppression of PINK1 up-regulation in response to mitochondria depolarization. Low levels of ATP appear to prevent PINK1 translation instead of affecting PINK1 mRNA expression or reducing its stability. Consistent with a requirement of ATP for elevated PINK1 levels and Parkin mitochondrial recruitment, local or individual mitochondrial damage via photoirradiation does not affect Parkin recruitment to damaged mitochondria as long as a pool of functional mitochondria is present in the photoirradiated cells even in glucose-free or 2-deoxy-D-glucose-treated conditions. Thus, our data identify ATP as a key regulator for Parkin mitochondrial translocation and sustaining elevated PINK1 levels during mitophagy. PINK1 functions as an AND gate and a metabolic sensor coupling biogenetics of cells and stress signals to mitochondria dynamics.
Chirality-dependent interactions between molecular propeller structures in solution. Chiral recognition and discrimination processes modulated by temperature and incremental changes in structural chirality.

Abstract Time-resolved chiroptical luminescence (TR-CL) measurements are used to study chirality-dependent intermolecular interactions in dynamic excited-state quenching processes. The measurements are carried out on solution samples that contain a racemic mixture of chiral luminophore molecules (with enantiomeric structures denoted by Λ L and Δ L ) and a small, optically resolved concentration of chiral quencher (CQ) molecules. The luminophores are excited with a pulse of linearly polarized laser radiation to produce an initially racemic excited-state population of Λ L * and Δ L * enantiomers, and TR-CL measurements are then used to monitor the differential decay kinetics of the Λ L * and Δ L * subpopulations. Observed differences between the Λ L * and Δ L * decay kinetics reflect differential rate processes and efficiencies for Λ L *–CQ vs. Δ L *–CQ quenching actions, and they are diagnostic of chiral discriminatory interactions between the luminophore and quencher molecules. Twelve different luminophore–quencher systems are examined, in both H 2 O and D 2 O solutions, and in each case the quenching kinetics are measured over the 273–308 K temperature range. In all of the systems examined here, quenching occurs via electronic energy-transfer processes in transient (Λ L *–CQ) and (Δ L *–CQ) encounter complexes, and the chiral discriminatory rate parameters reflect the relative stabilities and lifetimes of these complexes as well as their structures and internal (electronic and nuclear) dynamics. All of the luminophore and quencher molecules examined in this study have three-bladed propeller-like structures that are very similar in overall shape and size. However, they exhibit small differences in the structural details of their propeller blades, and it is found that these small differences in structure can produce both qualitative and very substantial quantitative differences in their chiral recognition and discrimination properties.
An improved algorithm for computing topological entropy

A new algorithm is presented for computing the topological entropy of a unimodal map of the interval. The accuracy of the algorithm is discussed and some graphs of the topological entropy which are obtained using the algorithm are displayed.
Ultraviolet photoelectron spectra of mass-selected copper clusters: Evolution of the 3d band.

Ultraviolet photoelectron spectra (UPS) have been measured for bare unsupported copper clusters in the 1--410 atom size range as mass selected from a supersonic, negatively charged, cluster ion beam. Using an ${\mathrm{F}}_{2}$ excimer laser at 7.9 eV, the UPS patterns display the evolution of the 3d band structure as a function of cluster size. Clusters larger than a few atoms were found to display an increasingly sharp feature at the onset of the 3d band similar to that seen for bulk copper UPS at low photon energies, suggesting that these larger clusters may already be crystalline.
Orientation of triblock copolymers in planar extension

Three commercial styrenic triblock copolymers were subjected to planar extension in a lubricated channel die, as a model for the orientation that may occur during processing operations. Materials that contain cylinders of polystyrene show a pronounced orientation of the cylinder axis in the flow direction, as revealed by small-angle X-ray scattering in the three orthogonal directions. This anisotropy produces small-strain tensile moduli that differ by a factor of 10 or more in the two in-plane directions. A material that contains lamellae of polystyrene shows pronounced orientation of the lamellae in the plane of the sample ; in particular, lamellar normals are strongly forbidden from pointing along the flow direction. For similar strains, planar extension is much more effective in orienting these materials than simple shear.
Inter-Korean Relations in the Absence of a U.S.-ROK Alliance

In exploring how inter-Korean relations would evolve in the absence of a U.S.-ROK alliance, this essay focuses on three areas: preferences of the South Korean public and elite regarding how best to deal with North Korea, whether North Korea might pull back on its hesitant moves toward economic reform and a more open diplomacy, and how Chinese foreign policy toward the Korean Peninsula might evolve.
Adiabatic dilations and essential Regge spectrum

Abstract Adiabatic perturbation theory works for non-conserved dilation operators. At each effective coupling, all renormalization group functions are dilation eigenvalues of a “tangent” field theory, which preserves scale invariance instead of translation invariance. The adiabatic expansion reconstructs the true field theory from this tangent bundle. For complex angular momentum, the short and long distance expansions mix indecomposably at certain turning points. By connecting the UV and IR limits across them, the adiabatic method determines Regge intercepts from integrals over the renormalization group. Fixed Regge cuts or accumulations of poles are insensitive to the IR region.
To Be or Not To Be in Normal Sinus Rhythm: What Do We Really Know?

Two papers in this issue raise questions about managing atrial fibrillation: Does rhythm control have any role in treating patients similar to the Atrial Fibrillation Follow-up Investigation of Rhy...
BioSig: an imaging bioinformatic system for studying phenomics

Using genomic information to understand complex organisms requires comprehensive knowledge of the dynamics of phenotype generation and maintenance. A phenotype results from selective expression of the genome, creating a history of the cell and its response to the extracellular environment. Defining cell phenomes requires tracking the kinetics and quantities of multiple constituent proteins, their cellular context, and their morphological features in large populations. The paper considers how the BioSig imaging bioinformatic system for characterizing phenomics answers these challenges. The BioSig approach to microscopy and quantitative image analysis helps to build a more detailed picture of the signaling that occurs between cells as a response to exogenous stimulus such as radiation or as a consequence of endogenous programs leading to biological functions. The system provides a data model for capturing experimental annotations and variables, computational techniques for summarizing large numbers of images, and a distributed architecture that facilitates distant collaboration.
The Ethics of Deactivating Implanted Cardioverter Defibrillators

Implantable cardioverter defibrillators are life-saving devices for many patients with cardiac disease. Recipients of these devices, nevertheless, often suffer from progressive comorbid and cardiac conditions. Therefore, physicians should anticipate situations in which the defibrillator is no longer desired by the patient or no longer medically appropriate. Near the end of life, many of these patients may decline cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The comanagement of do-not-resuscitate orders and implanted defibrillators can be confusing to patients and physicians alike since the former proscribe the use of electrical cardioversion while the latter provide this precise treatment. Although the use of implanted defibrillators has important ethical implications, few studies have examined these issues, and guidelines have not yet been developed to assist physicians in caring for patients who have received defibrillators. This paper discusses bioethical considerations in disabling implantable cardioverter defibrillators.
Microfibrous entrapment of small catalyst or sorbent particulates for high contacting-efficiency removal of trace contaminants including CO and H2S from practical reformates for PEM H2–O2 fuel cells

The four catalyst systems, Pt-Co/Al2O3, Pt/Al2O3, Au/α-Fe2O3, and CuO-CeO2, which demonstrated promising catalytic activity among more than 150 catalysts investigated for the preferential oxidation (PROX) of CO from practical reformate in our previous studies [B. Chang, L. Chen, B.J. Tatarchuk, unpublished work], were further examined in differential reactor in the absence of heat and mass transfer limitations in order to compare their specific activities. Differential reactor studies reveal that the cobalt promoted Pt/Al2O3 (Pt-Co/Al2O3) is the best candidate among those four catalyst systems for the preferential oxidation (PROX) of CO from practical reformate for PEM fuel cells. A high void and tailorable sintered microfibrous carrier consisting of 5 vol% 4 and 8 μm diameter Ni fibers was used to entrap 15 vol% 150–250 μm Al2O3 particulates. SEM images showed the microstructures of the thin microfibrous entrapped alumina support particles. The alumina support particulates were uniformly entrapped into a well sinter-locked three-dimensional network of 4 and 8 μm Ni fibers. Cobalt and platinum were then dispersed onto the microfibrous entrapped alumina support particles by impregnation method so as to prepare microfibrous entrapped Pt-Co/Al2O3 catalysts. The composite catalysts possessed 80 vol% voidage. The microfibrous entrapped Pt-Co/Al2O3 catalysts showed stable long-term activity for the preferential CO oxidation in wide temperature range. A microfibrous entrapped H2S sorbent layer was then placed upstream of a microfibrous entrapped PROX catalyst layer to remove both H2S and CO from a sulfur-contaminated practical reformate stream. Operating in this fashion, an outermost H2S sorbent layer promotes the activity maintenance of a secondary non-poison tolerant PROX CO catalyst, which ultimately serves to provide activity maintenance to CO-intolerant precious metal-based MEA assemblies in PEM fuel cells.
Direct Numerical Simulation of the Turbulent Ekman Layer: Instantaneous Flow Structures

A direct numerical simulation of the turbulent Ekman layer at a Reynolds number of 400 was performed. Twopoint velocity and pressure correlations were plotted to identify and estimate the average sizes and locations of instantaneous flow structures characteristic of turbulence. It was found that these structures are characterized by elongated eddies near the surface, which broaden away from the wall. The correlations roughly align with the mean sheardirectionnearthesurface;movingawayfromthewall,theyexhibittiltingandliftingofdownstreamsegments. The u 0 two-point correlation, in particular, showed significant tilting in the outer regions of the flow demonstrating that this is a significant deviation from typical nonrotating boundary-layer behavior.
Microscopic Theory of the Phase Transformation and Lattice Dynamics of Si

An ab initio calculation fof the solid-solid phase transformation, static structural properties, and the lattice dynamics of Si is presented. A density-functional pseudopotential scheme is used with the atomic number as the only input. The detailed properties of the diamond to ..beta..-tin transition are accurately reproduced. The phonon frequencies and mode-Grueneisen parameters at GAMMA and X, along with the lattice constant, bulk modulus, and cohesive energy, are calculated and found to be in excellent agreement with experiment.
3D viability imaging of tumor phantoms treated with single-walled carbon nanohorns and photothermal therapy.

A new image analysis method called the spatial phantom evaluation of cellular thermal response in layers (SPECTRL) is presented for assessing spatial viability response to nanoparticle enhanced photothermal therapy in tissue representative phantoms. Sodium alginate phantoms seeded with MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells and single-walled nanohorns were laser irradiated with an ytterbium fiber laser at a wavelength of 1064 nm and irradiance of 3.8 W cm−2 for 10–80 s. SPECTRL quantitatively assessed and correlated 3D viability with spatiotemporal temperature. Based on this analysis, kill and transition zones increased from 3.7 mm3 and 13 mm3 respectively to 44.5 mm3 and 44.3 mm3 as duration was increased from 10 to 80 s. SPECTRL provides a quantitative tool for measuring precise spatial treatment regions, providing information necessary to tailor therapy protocols.
Limits to northward drift of the Paleocene Cantwell Formation, central Alaska

Volcanic rocks of the Paleocene Cantwell Formation in central Alaska apparently originated at a paleolatitude of 83°N (α 95 = 9.7°), as indicated by paleomagnetic results. When compared with the Paleocene pole for the North American craton, the 95% confidence limits of the results suggest that terranes north of the Denali fault have moved no more than 550 km northward relative to the North American craton since Paleocene time.
Surgical approaches and techniques in the management of severe hyperhidrosis.

The idea that a patient suffering from severe hyperhidrosis can benefit from surgery is not new. The first endoscopic sympathetic ablation was described by Kux in the 1950s. With the evolution of modern thoracoscopic techniques over the past 20 years, surgery has now been established as playing an important role in the management of this condition. Controversy still remains, however, as to the best technique for the surgical management of palmar, axillary, and craniofacial hyperhidrosis. Details regarding optimal approach, level, and extent of sympathectomy are discussed.
Some remarks on optimal interpolation

Abstract We give in this note very simple new formula for the optimal solution of a generalized interpolation problem which arises in the weighted sensitivity H ∞ -minimization for distributed systems. This is based on our work on skew Toeplitz operators from [2].
A Monte Carlo simulation framework for electron beam dose calculations using Varian phase space files for TrueBeam Linacs.

Purpose: To develop a framework for accurate electron Monte Carlo dose calculation. In this study, comprehensive validations of vendor provided electron beam phase space files for Varian TrueBeam Linacs against measurement data are presented. Methods: In this framework, the Monte Carlo generated phase space files were provided by the vendor and used as input to the downstream plan-specific simulations including jaws, electron applicators, and water phantom computed in the EGSnrc environment. The phase space files were generated based on open field commissioning data. A subset of electron energies of 6, 9, 12, 16, and 20 MeV and open and collimated field sizes 3 × 3, 4 × 4, 5 × 5, 6 × 6, 10 × 10, 15 × 15, 20 × 20, and 25 × 25 cm2 were evaluated. Measurements acquired with a CC13 cylindrical ionization chamber and electron diode detector and simulations from this framework were compared for a water phantom geometry. The evaluation metrics include percent depth dose, orthogonal and diagonal profiles at depths R 100, R 50, Rp , and R p+ for standard and extended source-to-surface distances (SSD), as well as cone and cut-out output factors. Results: Agreement for the percent depth dose and orthogonal profiles between measurement and Monte Carlo was generally within 2% or 1 mm. The largest discrepancies were observed within depths of 5 mm from phantom surface. Differences in field size, penumbra, and flatness for the orthogonal profiles at depths R 100, R 50, and Rp were within 1 mm, 1 mm, and 2%, respectively. Orthogonal profiles at SSDs of 100 and 120 cm showed the same level of agreement. Cone and cut-out output factors agreed well with maximum differences within 2.5% for 6 MeV and 1% for all other energies. Cone output factors at extended SSDs of 105, 110, 115, and 120 cm exhibited similar levels of agreement. Conclusions: We have presented a Monte Carlo simulation framework for electron beam dose calculations for Varian TrueBeam Linacs. Electron beam energies of 6 to 20 MeV for open and collimated field sizes from 3 × 3 to 25 × 25 cm2 were studied and results were compared to the measurement data with excellent agreement. Application of this framework can thus be used as the platform for treatment planning of dynamic electron arc radiotherapy and other advanced dynamic techniques with electron beams.
Linking AC quantum systems using a thermal converter

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has developed two types of ac sources that rely on Josephson Junction Arrays to provide quantum-accurate voltage. The pulsed-programmable AC Josephson Voltage Standard (ACJVS) and the Programmable Josephson Voltage Standard (PJVS) used as the basis for the NIST Quantum Watt can both be used to provide quantumaccurate ac signals; however, owing to hardware limitations, the output frequencies available do not overlap. We have used a thermal transfer standard with negligible frequency coefficient to link the two AC quantum standards. We describe the experiment, present the results, and describe plans to use these systems as the basis for ac voltage and current metrology at NIST.
Parametric Catalan Numbers and Catalan Triangles

Abstract Here presented a generalization of Catalan numbers and Catalan triangles associated with two parameters based on the sequence characterization of Bell-type Riordan arrays. Among the generalized Catalan numbers, a class of large generalized Catalan numbers and a class of small generalized Catalan numbers are defined, which can be considered as an extension of large Schroder numbers and small Schroder numbers, respectively. Using the characterization sequences of Bell-type Riordan arrays, some properties and expressions including the Taylor expansions of generalized Catalan numbers are given. A few combinatorial interpretations of the generalized Catalan numbers are also provided. Finally, a generalized Motzkin numbers and Motzkin triangles are defined similarly. An interrelationship among parametrical Catalan triangle, Pascal triangle, and Motzkin triangle is presented based on the sequence characterization of Bell-type Riordan arrays.
Contact printing of colloidal nanocrystal thin films for hybrid organic/quantum dot optoelectronic devices

Novel thin film optoelectronic devices containing both inorganic colloidal semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) and organic semiconductor thin films have been widely investigated in recent years for a variety of applications. Here, we review one of the most versatile and successful methods developed to integrate these two dissimilar material classes into a functional multilayered device: contact printing of colloidal QD films. Experimental details regarding the contact printing process are outlined, and the key advantages of this QD deposition method over other commonly encountered techniques are discussed. The use of tapping mode atomic force microscopy (AFM) to effectively characterize QD film morphology both on an elastomeric stamp (before contact printing) and as-transferred to the organic semiconductor receiving film (after contact printing) is also described. Finally, we offer suggestions for future efforts directed toward the goal of rapid, continuous QD deposition over larger substrates for the advancement of hybrid optoelectronic thin film devices. Keywords: QD; monolayer; stamp; deposition; LED; organic semiconductor (Published: 9 April 2012) Citation: Nano Reviews 2012, 3 : 16144 - DOI: 10.3402/nano.v3i0.16144
Similarity-based classifier using topomers to provide a knowledge base for hERG channel inhibition.

In a proof of principle study we show that the similarity property principle can be applied to predict ADMET properties, exemplified on the case of hERG K+ channel inhibition. Early prediction of a drug candidate’s hERG channel activity is becoming increasingly important in the drug discovery process because blockade of the hERG channel may lead to life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. Using the Tripos Topomer Search technology as compound similarity measure, we query molecules with unknown hERG activity for similar molecules in a set of compounds with known hERG activity. The hERG activity of the query molecule is then predicted based on the hERG activity of its Topomer Search neighbors and their distances to the query molecule. The similarity property principle can be applied with promising performance to predict hERG inhibition as long as there is a high structural overlap between the chemical spaces of the query compounds and the reference data set. We show that this is achievable for database sizes o...
Bioinspired flight control

David Lentink Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, USA E-mail: dlentink@stanford.edu The invention and deployment of small flying robots (drones) is beginning to influence our everyday lives. Their applications are frightening to some and exciting to others. From military surveillance, to city courier services, to near-future flying camera phones, this technology is bound to end up on everyone’s doorstep. Setting privacy issues aside, the biggest challenge in successfully integrating the versatile use of drones in our society is to make them safe and reliable. Whereas we have succeeded in doing so with large passenger aircraft, it has proven remarkably difficult to adapt this technology on a smaller scale to flight in urban environments. From windy street canyons to highly cluttered alleys and parks, keeping drones in the air is actually a more difficult task than first imagined, as any hobby drone pilot can confirm. Making these flights more useful and versatile is yet another challenge. How can we adapt and innovate our technology to succeed? Flying animals have adapted remarkably well to the new aerial environments we have created. Setting wind turbines and glass windows aside, birds, bats, and insects do well under circumstances our drones do not. And, frankly, drones that can robustly detect and avoid closed windows or turbine blades have yet to be invented. Flying animals can be found everywhere in our cities; from scavenging pigeons to alcohol-sniffing fruit flies that make precision landings on our wine glasses, these animals have quickly learned how to control their flight through urban environments to exploit our resources. To enable our drones to fly equally well in wind and clutter, we need to solve several flight control challenges during all flight phases: take-off, cruising, and landing. Ideally, we would also further expand these capabilities to include novel tasks such as pick-up and delivery, photography and streaming video, all culminating in sophisticated situational awareness by fusing images with data from advanced sensors. Remarkable utility could be achieved by figuring out which principles enable animals to outperform our drones. In this special issue, fourteen distinguished research teams with biology and engineering backgrounds present their ideas to advance the capabilities of current drones, inspired by animal flight control. The contributions integrate biological studies—ranging from flying insects and bats to flying snakes—with engineered bioinspired solutions to improve the take-off, obstacle avoidance, in-flight grasping, swarming, and landing capabilities of drones.
Separation of Aliphatic and Aromatic Carboxylic Acids by Conventional and Ultra High-Performance Ion-Exclusion Chromatography

An ion exclusion chromatography (IELC) comparison between a conventional ion exchange column and an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) dynamically surfactant modified C18 column for the separation of an aliphatic carboxylic acid and two aromatic carboxylic acids is presented. Professional software is used to optimize the conventional IELC separation conditions for acetylsalicylic acid and the hydrolysis products: salicylic acid and acetic acid. Four different variables are simultaneously optimized including H2SO4 concentration, pH, flow rate, and sample injection volume. Thirty different runs are suggested by the software. The resolutions and the time of each run are calculated and feed back to the software to predict the optimum conditions. Derringer's desirability functions are used to evaluate the test conditions and those with the highest desirability value are utilized to separate acetylsalicylic acid, salicylic acid, and acetic acid. These conditions include using a 0.35 mM H2SO4 (pH 3.93) eluent at a flow rate of 1 mL min-1 and an injection volume of 72 μL. To decrease the run time and improve the performance, a UHPLC C18 column is used after dynamic modification with sodium dodecyl sulfate. Using pure water as a mobile phase, a shorter analysis time and better resolution are achieved. In addition, the elution order is different from the IELC method which indicates the contribution of the reversed-phase mode to the separation mechanism.
Dissociation of odor and taste in shock-avoidance learning.

Intact rats effectively utilized the odor cf apple juice to avoid shock but did not acquire an aversion when this odor was followed by illness. In contrast, anosmic rats did not effectively utilize the taste of apple juice to avoid shock, but did acquire an aversion when this taste was followed by illness. A weak saccharin solution was not an effective cue for shock avoidance in intact rats, but when the concentration was increased fourfold so as to produce an odor, the saccharin solution became an effective shock signal in both active and passive avoidance. Increased saccharin concentration was a less effective cue for anosmic rats, but when coupled with intense shock, learning was evidenced. Olfactory bulbectomy had a more profound effect upon performance than mere anosmia. Learning theorists should recognize: (1) That odor, unlike taste, primarily functions as an exteroceptive cue. (2) Each afferent channel has a unique behavioral function which determines the parameters for conditioning and the topography of conditioned responses. (3) These unique functions are related to the central projections of afferent channels and to evolutionary species history.