cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Embedded Fiber Bragg Grating Sensors in Polymer Structures Fabricated by Layered Manufacturing

Abstract Layered manufacturing allows full access to any point of interest during the production of a 3-D part, making feasible the embedding of sensors and components inside the functional part. Shape deposition manufacturing was used to integrate fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors during the production of polymer components. Sensors can be placed close to points of interest prior to enclosure. For strain measurements, the sensors embedded in polyurethane yielded high sensitivity, accuracy, and linearity. The sensitivity of the embedded FBGs was in good agreement with that of bare FBGs. The embedded sensors were used to measure the strain field in layered materials. Pressure sensors based on embedded strain gauges and FBGs were also developed and tested, showing good accuracy and linearity.
Defending the Principle of Alternate Possibilities: Blameworthiness and Moral Responsibility

According to the principle of alternate possibilities, "a person is morally responsible for what he has done only if he could have done otherwise." 1 Almost thirty years ago, in a highly influential article, Harry Frankfurt used a number of cleverly constructed examples to argue against this principle, which has come to be called "PAP .2 As I will show, there are at least three different interpretations of PAP. I will defend it on one of these interpretations. I will argue that Frankfurt's examples do not show what he thinks they show and what they have commonly been taken to show. There are at least two reasons why PAP is philosophically important, and why Frankfurt' s argument against it is worth close examination. First, PAP appears to explain the intuitive force of the excuse, "But I could not have done otherwise". This excuse may be invoked, for example, in cases where a person was coerced to do something. When we accept a person's claim that she could not have done otherwise, we are inclined to absolve her of blame for what she did. Frankfurt' s argument is puzzling and problematic because it confronts our intuitions about excuses, in light of which PAP seems plausible, with our intuitions about his examples. Because his argument appears to refute PAP, it has led to a rethinking of the conditions of moral responsibility and of the force of familiar excuses. The second reason PAP is important is that it is a premise in a familiar incompatibilist argument. It has seemed to many that if all of our actions were causally determined by antecedent events together with the laws of nature, and if all events in general were causally determined by events antecedent to them together with the laws of nature, then we would not be morally responsible for our actions. For in that case, all of our actions, beliefs, desires, and intentions would have been causally determined prior to our births. We could not have done otherwise than
Likability as a function of age, sex, and personality description

Previous research has indicated that college students make more polarized likability ratings of college-age stimulus persons of the opposite sex than of those of the same sex, that is, opposite-sex stimulus persons described positively yield higher ratings, and those described negatively yield lower ratings, than same-sex stimulus persons. The two further experiments described here provide additional information about this effect, which is designated the polarization effect. In Experiment 1, subjects asked to make ratings from the point of view of the opposite sex were successful in producing the appropriate polarization effect, demonstrating that the point of view enters into the rating for the subject. In Experiment 2, age of the stimulus person was introduced as an additional variable. The polarization effect occurred only when the stimulus person was similar in age to the subject, and older stimulus persons of both sexes produced less polarized ratings than those nearer the subjects’ ages.
The effect of cyclic AMP on morphogenesis and enzyme accumulation in Dictyostelium discoideum

Abstract When 3′,5′-cyclic AMP is applied externally to migrating slugs and to cell aggregates during particular stages of morphogenesis, it disturbs the normal polarity and dominance relationships among the cells in a specific manner. It also interferes with the developmental programs of at least two enzymes that are needed for fruit construction.
CONSUMER CONTROL OF GRASSLAND PLANT PRODUCTION

The effect of herbivory on grassland whole-plant production is poorly un- derstood. Herbivores can increase grassland aboveground productivity, and laboratory ex- periments suggest that herbivory should reduce grass root growth. However, few field studies have directly measured the response of grassland root production to herbivores. We ex- amined the effect of native migratory ungulates on grassland primary production by com- paring aboveground (NAP) and belowground (NBP) production in grazed vs. ungrazed (fenced) grassland at nine variable sites in Yellowstone National Park. NBP was determined with minirhizotrons to account for root turnover. Grazers stimulated aboveground, below- ground, and whole-grassland productivity by 21%, 35%, and 32%, respectively. Root pro- duction was stimulated seven times more (217 g/m2) than shoot production (30 g/m2), indicating that the major effect of herbivores in this system was a positive feedback on root growth. Results refute the prevailing notion that grassland herbivory leads to a reduction in root productivity, and a concomitant decline in soil carbon content, and provide a potential explanation for how organic-rich soil developed in grassland that was grazed throughout millennia.
Operating Experiences with the Relaying of the Duquesne Ring

A paper was presented by the writer at the A. I. E. E. Spring Convention, held at Pittsburgh, April 24 to 26, 1923, and was published in the July 1923 issue of the Institute Journal, on the subject: ``Selective Relay System of the 66,000 Volt Ring of the Duquesne Light Company.'' That paper described in detail the systems of relaying which are used to protect the Duquesne Ring for both short circuit and ground faults. That paper also described the service tests which were made on the ring to test the relay protection. Nearly a year has passed since the ring was put into operation with the protection described, and ample opportunity has been given to study the protective schemes under actual service conditions and to prove their practicability. This period of service has included one of the worst, if not the very worst, lightning seasons that has ever been experienced in the history of the Duquesne Light Company. Electrical storms in the Pittsburgh District, are unusually severe, both as to intensity and duration, due probably to the geographical location of the district, situated as it is at the junction of two rivers. Storms in this vicinity almost invariably seek the Ohio River Valley and follow it up to the point of junction of the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers, after which they will continue up one of these streams. Storms of several hours duration are not at all uncommon during the height of the lightning season.
L'actionnaire, nouvel acteur des relations professionnelles au niveau de l'entreprise ?

Le role de l’actionnaire dans les decisions de restructurations reinterroge les frontieres entre systeme de relations professionnelles et systeme de gouvernement d’entreprise. Cet article prend le parti de demontrer qu’il convient desormais de concevoir l’actionnaire comme un des acteurs centraux des relations professionnelles. Les etudes empiriques temoignent d’une influence differenciee des differents actionnaires sur la gestion sociale des entreprises en fonction de leur degre d’activisme. Un retour theorique sur le concept meme d’acteur et sur les espaces institutionnalises de rencontre, dans l’entreprise, entre salaries et actionnaires tels qu’ils existent dans les differents pays europeens permet d’asseoir la reconnaissance des apporteurs de capitaux comme nouvelle categorie d’acteurs des relations professionnelles. Ce faisant, l’auteur lance une invitation aux chercheurs en relations professionnelles a integrer plus systematiquement le jeu de cette nouvelle categorie d’acteur dans leurs analyses de la regulation du travail et de l’emploi au niveau de l’entreprise.
Particle Interaction Model of Permittivity Enhancement in Metal-Insulator Composites

A simple effective spherical cluster model of generalized susceptibility enhancements in disordered monodisperse suspensions of conducting spheres is compared with experimental measurements of reduced permittivity and conductance. Good agreement with experiment is obtained by treating the suspension in the Clausius-Mossotti approximation as a mixture of isolated spheres and compact spherical metallized clusters.
Chronic fungal vaginitis: The value of cultures

Abstract OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to examine the importance of fungal cultures in evaluating patients with symptoms of chronic vaginitis by assessing the relative contribution of various yeast species and by comparing infections caused by Candida albicans with those caused by other species. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective observational study of patients referred with chronic vaginal symptoms was undertaken. In addition to a standard evaluation of symptoms, cultures for yeast were performed on modified Sabouraud agar plates. RESULTS: Seventy-seven isolates were obtained from 74 patients. A total of 68% were Candida albicans; 32% were other species. The clinical syndromes caused by non- Candida albicans isolates were indistinguishable from Candida albicans infections. Fluconazole gave a short-term mycologic cure in all Candida albicans but only 25% of non- Candida albicans cases ( p Candida albicans infections, boric acid suppositories achieved the best mycologic cure rate (85%). CONCLUSION: Because non- Candida albicans species are responsible for a significant number of chronic fungal vaginal infections and are more resistant to therapy with fluconazole, fungal cultures are a valuable aid in confirming the diagnosis and selecting appropriate therapy.
SEASONAL VARIATION IN LARVAL CONDITION AND POSTSETTLEMENT PERFORMANCE OF THE BARNACLE SEMIBALANUS BALANOIDES

Planktonic larvae of marine organisms may vary greatly in individual condition. Larval quality, metamorphosis, juvenile growth, and mortality of the barnacle Semibalanus balanoides were monitored in the field and laboratory for 4 mo to determine whether propagule quality varied among daily cohorts and influenced juvenile performance. I measured the organic content of individual planktonic cyprids sampled on 15 days during the recruitment season. Settlers were monitored daily on natural substrata in the field and on settlement plates deployed daily and transferred to the laboratory. Cyprid organic content declined as the recruitment season progressed. Metamorphic success and growth differed among cohorts in both the field and laboratory. Mortality differed among cohorts in the field, but no mortality occurred in the laboratory. Metamorphic success and growth increased with increasing cyprid organic content in the laboratory. Growth in the laboratory was high for the first 7 of 10 daily cohorts monitored. In the field, the first and last three cohorts of the season grew poorly even though cyprid organic content was greater for the first three cohorts. These findings indicate that larval quality can vary among cohorts and impact juvenile performance. Studies of population and community structure may benefit from consideration of propagule quality. Corresponding Editor: S. G. Morgan.
Catechol Siderophores Control Tungsten Uptake and Toxicity in the Nitrogen-Fixing Bacterium Azotobacter vinelandii

Molybdenum (Mo) and tungsten (W), which have similar chemistry, are present at roughly the same concentration in the earth’s continental crust, and both are present in oxic systems as oxoanions, molybdate and tungstate. Molybdenum is a cofactor in the molybdenum−nitrogenase enzyme and is thus an important micronutrient for N2-fixing bacteria such as Azotobacter vinelandii (A. vinelandii). Tungsten is known to be toxic to N2-fixing bacteria, partly by substituting for Mo in nitrogenase. We show that the catechol siderophores produced by A. vinelandii, in addition to being essential for iron acquisition, modulate the relative uptake of Mo and W. These catechol siderophores (particularly protochelin), whose concentrations in the growth medium increase sharply at high W, complex all the tungstate along with molybdate and some of the iron. The molybdenum−catechol complex is taken up much more rapidly than the W complex, allowing A. vinelandii to satisfy its Mo requirement and avoid W toxicity. Mutants deficien...
A method to recapitulate early embryonic spatial patterning in human embryonic stem cells

Embryos allocate cells to the three germ layers in a spatially ordered sequence. Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) can generate the three germ layers in culture; however, differentiation is typically heterogeneous and spatially disordered. We show that geometric confinement is sufficient to trigger self-organized patterning in hESCs. In response to BMP4, colonies reproducibly differentiated to an outer trophectoderm-like ring, an inner ectodermal circle and a ring of mesendoderm expressing primitive-streak markers in between. Fates were defined relative to the boundary with a fixed length scale: small colonies corresponded to the outer layers of larger ones. Inhibitory signals limited the range of BMP4 signaling to the colony edge and induced a gradient of Activin-Nodal signaling that patterned mesendodermal fates. These results demonstrate that the intrinsic tendency of stem cells to make patterns can be harnessed by controlling colony geometries and provide a quantitative assay for studying paracrine signaling in early development.
The Vulnerability of Auctions to Bidder Collusion

Previous work has addressed the relative vulnerability of different auction schemes to collusive bidding. The common wisdom is that ascending-bid and second-price auctions are highly susceptible to collusion. We show that the details of ascending-bid and second-price auctions, including bidder registration procedures and procedures for information revelation during the auction, can be designed to completely inhibit, or unintentionally facilitate, certain types of collusion. If auctions are designed without acknowledging the possibility of collusion then the design will ignore key features that impact the potential success of colluding bidders.
Irradiation-induced formation of a spinel phase at the FeCr/MgO interface

Oxide dispersion strengthened ferritic/martensitic alloys have attracted significant attention for their potential uses in future nuclear reactors and storage vessels, as the metal/oxide interfaces act as stable high-strength sinks for point defects while also dispersing helium. Here, in order to unravel the evolution and interplay of interface structure and chemistry upon irradiation in these types of materials, an atomically sharp FeCr/MgO interface was synthesized at 500 °C and separately annealed and irradiated with Ni3+ ions at 500 °C. After annealing, a slight enrichment of Cr atoms was observed at the interface, but no other structural changes were found. However, under irradiation, sufficient Cr diffuses across the interface into the MgO to form a Cr-enriched transition layer that contains spinel precipitates. First-principles calculations indicate that it is energetically favorable to incorporate Cr, but not Fe, substitutionally into MgO. Furthermore, our results indicate that irradiation can be used to form new phases and complexions at interfaces, which may have different radiation tolerance than the pristine structures.
Digital Imaging and PACS: An Update

The instant and simultaneous availability of radiologic examinations has long been of interest to referring clinicians, and certainly to radiologists, within and outside of the hospital. In daily clinical routine, the term “film management problem” has been used to describe a lack of access to this essential part of clinical information. Comprehensive picture archiving and communication systems (PACSs) have been proposed and implemented only within few institutions. This article discusses some of the most important standards, and technical and practical aspects of digital imaging and PACS.
Equity and extramarital sexuality

Equity theory has recently been found to be a useful framework for understanding the effects of imbalances in intimate "contractual" relationships such as marriage. Equitable couples seem to be happier, more satisfied with their relationship, and more confident that it will last than are their more mismatched, i.e., inequitable, counterparts. Furthermore, inequitable couples predictably act to "set things right" in their marriage. They either restore actual equity to the relationship or psychologically set their relationship in balance. If neither works, they may "leave the field." Extramarital sex may be viewed as an equity restoration mechanism in that (1) it may be used by the deprived partner to achieve actual equity, (2) it may indicate a partner's readiness to leave the relationship because he feels he can "do better," or (3) it may represent a desire to achieve equity in an alternative relationship(s) when inequity pervades the primary one. The hypothesis that the inequitable/underbenefited group should be more likely than the equitable group or the inequitable/overbenefited group to have engaged in extramarital sex was tested using data from a large-scale Psychology Today questionnaire. The results indicated that men and women in inequitable/underbenefited relationships had more extramarital affairs and began their extramarital activities earlier than did men and women in equitable and inequitable/overbenefited relationships. Alternative explanations of this finding, sex-role demands and length of the relationship, are explored and discarded as untenable.
Antimony-Induced Oxidative Stress and Toxicity in Cultured Cardiac Myocytes

Abstract Cardiac myocytes were exposed to concentrations of potassium antimonyl tartrate (PAT) ranging from 1 to 1000 μM for 1 to 24 hr. Toxicity was assessed by measuring lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and by monitoring chronotropic depression. Lipid peroxidation was assessed by measuring the release of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). PAT produced a concentration- and time-dependent depression in chronotropy and an increase in the release of LDH and TBARS. A 4-hr exposure to 100 μM PAT stopped beating and induced significant increases in TBARS and LDH release in the myocyte cultures. The lipid peroxidation and LDH release induced by 100-200 μM PAT at 4 hr could be prevented by pretreatment of the cardiac myocytes with vitamin E or by the simultaneous addition of other antioxidants. Vitamin E continued to protect against lipid peroxidation up to 18 hr after the addition of 100 μM PAT, but failed to provide significant protection against LDH release at this timepoint. Both 50 and 100 μM PAT decreased cardiac myocyte glutathione (GSH) levels after a 4-hr exposure. A series of thiol-containing compounds was evaluated for their effects on PAT toxicity. The addition of dithiothreitol, GSH, and 2-mercaptoethanol afforded some degree of protection against lipid peroxidation and LDH release up to 18 hr after the addition of 100 μM PAT. These results suggest that PAT induces lipid peroxidation in cultured cardiac myocytes but that other mechanisms may contribute to cell death with long-term exposures to PAT. Our results also suggest that PAT interacts with thiol-containing compounds.
Determination of Relative N−HN, N−C‘, Cα−C‘, and Cα−Hα Effective Bond Lengths in a Protein by NMR in a Dilute Liquid Crystalline Phase

Weak alignment of solute macromolecules with the magnetic field can be achieved in a dilute, aqueous liquid crystalline phase of planar phospholipid micelles, consisting of mixtures of dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) and dihexanoylphosphatidylcholine (DHPC). Alignment of proteins in such a medium is sufficiently weak to retain the simplicity of the isotropic solution NMR spectrum but strong enough to permit accurate measurement of residual one-bond dipolar couplings. Highly accurate one-bond N−HN, Cα−Hα, Cα−C‘, and C‘−N and two-bond C‘−HN dipolar couplings were measured in 13C/15N-enriched ubiquitin. Together with knowledge of the protein's three-dimensional structure, the dipolar couplings permit calculation of the relative, vibrationally corrected average bond lengths for these interactions. Assuming a C‘−N bond length of 1.329 A (Engh, R. A.; Huber, R. Acta Crystallogr. 1992, A47, 392−400), the relative Cα−C‘ distance of 1.526 A is found to be in excellent agreement with results from Engh and Hub...
Static properties of a particle coupled to a fermionic environment.

We study the ground-state properties of a particle moving in a tight-binding band and coupled to a Fermi sea of metal electrons. Using an effective Hamiltonian and a variational ground state, we find a band narrowing of ${W}_{\mathrm{e}\mathrm{f}\mathrm{f}/{W}_{0}\ensuremath{\simeq}}$ (${W}_{0}$/${\ensuremath{\varepsilon}}_{F}$${)}^{\ensuremath{\alpha}/1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{\alpha}}$, where \ensuremath{\alpha} measures the coupling strength between particle and environment. A renormalization-group analysis gives the same result for \ensuremath{\alpha}l1 and an effective bandwidth ${W}_{\mathrm{eff}=0}$ for \ensuremath{\alpha}g1, indicating a (zero temperature) localization transition.
Ultrafast spin crossover in 4-thiothymidine in an ionic liquid.

The excited-state dynamics of 4-thiothymidine in the ionic liquid, 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl) imide, is revealed. Branching of the initial excited-state population results in efficient intersystem crossing to the triplet manifold with a rate constant of 1.6 × 1012 s−1 and close to unity triplet yield after UVA excitation at 340 or 360 nm.
Virtual Power Management simulation framework for computer systems

We developed a Virtual Power Management (VPM) simulation methodology for pre-silicon design and validation of power management hardware and firmware. VPM integrates a realistic hardware interface with high-level workload and power models to achieve fast and effective system-wide simulation. VPM models are used independently for algorithmic and architectural exploration, and in conjunction with the Simics simulation environment to execute real firmware for verification. In this paper, we present an overview of the VPM architecture and results from two studies using the simulation framework.
Clinical features of late-onset pseudotumor cerebri fulfilling the modified dandy criteria.

Objectives To characterize the clinical features of patients with pseudotumor cerebri (PTC) fulfilling the Modified Dandy Criteria who were diagnosed at or after the age of 44 years. Methods We reviewed the medical records between 1987 and 1999 of 14 patients at a single institution who were diagnosed as having PTC at 44 years of age or older according to the Modified Dandy Criteria: neurologic manifestations attributable to generalized increased intracranial pressure, elevated cerebrospinal fluid pressure with normal cerebrospinal fluid composition demonstrated by lumbar puncture, and normal or small ventricles demonstrated by neuroimaging. We documented presenting symptoms and signs, significant medical conditions, and visual field follow-up. Results There were nine women and five men. Nine patients (64%) were obese. Five patients (36%) were asymptomatic. None presented with headache alone. Four patients (29%) had an identifiable cause of intracranial hypertension, including two with transverse sinus thrombosis, one with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cor pulmonale, and one with corticosteroid withdrawal after prolonged administration. During a median follow-up of 2 years of 12 patients, visual fields remained stable in 8, improved in 3, and worsened in 1. Conclusions In comparison with patients who have idiopathic intracranial hypertension, our small series of 14 patients diagnosed after the age of 44 years were more often men, were less often obese, were less symptomatic, and had identifiable causes of intracranial hypertension in a substantial minority (29%). The visual prognosis in this age group is generally good. Because the nonidiopathic causes of PTC would be overlooked by adhering to the Modified Dandy Criteria, we propose a modification that excludes patients who have dural venous sinus disease demonstrated on magnetic resonance imaging and those who may be exposed to medications or toxins or have systemic disorders that are known to increase intracranial pressure.
Human non-secretory ribonucleases. II. Structural characterization of theN-glycans of the kidney, liver and spleen enzymes by NMR spectroscopy and electrospray mass spectrometry

The N-glycans have been removed by peptide-N-glycosidase F (PNGase F) from purified human non-secretory RNases derived from kidney, liver and spleen. The spleen RNase was purified by two procedures, one of which did not include the usual acid treatment step (0.25 M H2SO4, 45 min, 4 degrees C), to determine if acid treatment alters the carbohydrate moieties. The N-glycans of the RNases were fractionated by Bio-Gel P-4 chromatography and analysed by 600 MHz 1H-NMR spectroscopy and electrospray mass spectrometry. All four non-secretory RNase preparations contained the following structures: [formula: see text] The relative amounts of the trisaccharide, pentasaccharide and hexasaccharide appeared to vary slightly in the different tissue RNases. The overall results indicate: (i) that acid treatment during purification does not alter the N-glycans of non-secretory RNases; (ii) that the N-glycans from kidney, liver and spleen non-secretory RNases are very similar, if not identical, to one another, but different from the N-glycan structures reported for secretory RNase.
The evaluation process in individualized and self-instructional language programs

One of the most important functions which a language instructor performs is the evaluation of students’ work, in terms both of ongoing progress, and of the success achieved by students at the end of the contracted learning period. The sum total of this evaluation, both the ongoing and the final, is rendered in the instructor’s judgment of the students’ achievement and is translated in most conventional institutions of higher learning into a letter grade or a final written report. Since self-instructional language programs, by definition, lack one ingredient present in regular classroom instruction the language instructor they must have alternative means and procedures for evaluating students’ work. Several existing programs of individualized and supervised self-instruction have addressed themselves to this issue and have provided alternative viable systems of evaluation. The self-instructional programs which have ignored or paid little attention to this all important aspect of a language program, have done so at the expense of the quality of their offerings, and have neglected to give their students meaningful and clear indications of their degree of mastery of new language skills. What shape the process of evaluation takes and how it is incorporated in self-instructional language programs depends on the objectives of such programs and on the basic features which determine their character. In general, evaluation procedures cannot be separate and independent of the totality of the learning experience, for they are an integral part of the instructional program. Fair and reliable measurement of students’ achievement can only be arrived at if the testing reflects the objectives and procedures which are part of the learning process. In this paper evaluation procedures in two existing programs of individualized instruction will be discussed: the Personalized System of Instruction (PSI) and the Self-Instructional Language Programs (SILP) which follow the model set by the National Association of Self-Instructional Language Programs (NASILP). PSI was developed as an alternative learning mode to classroom instruction. Developed by the psychologist Fred Keller and his associates, in this system students move through course material in small steps. They work with special self-instructional materials and at the end, when all requirements of the program are met, are considered to have successfully completed the instructional process. (1, part II, p. 5) The five defining features of PSI courses are that: (1) they are individually paced; (2) they are mastery oriented; (3) they are student proctored; (4) they use printed study guides for communication of information; and (5) they incorporate into the programs a set of
Enhancing Nutrient Cycling by Coupling Cover Crops with Manure Injection

Coupling winter small grain cover crops (CC) with liquid manure injection may increase manure nutrient capture. The objectives of this research were to quantify manure injection effects using target swine (Sus scrofa) manure N rates of 112, 224, and 336 kg N ha -1 on CC plant density, fall and spring shoot biomass, N, P, and K uptake and subsequent corn (Zea mays L.) yield. A winter rye (Secale cereale L.)-oat (Avena sativa L.) CC was established before fall manure injection. Manure injection lowered mean CC plant density 25% because ofCC mortality in the injection zone. Fall CC dry matter (DM) was 26% lower in the manure treatments than the no manure CC control, although no difference was detected for N (9.4 kg ha -1 ) or P (1.4 kg ha -1 ) uptake. No difference was detected for spring DM between CC no manure and manure treatments. Shoot DM, N, P, and K uptake increased 29, 41, 31, and 25% from the CC manure 112 to CC manure 224 with no increase above CC manure 224. Cover crop N uptake was higher in CC manure vs. no manure (60.1 1 vs. 35.6 kg ha -1 ). Cover crop P and K uptake were also higher in CC manure vs. no manure (9.2 vs. 6.6kg P ha -1 and 41.3 vs. 30.0kg K ha -1 ). Corn grain yield was unaffected by CC and responded positively to manure application (11,022 with manure vs. 9,845 kg ha -1 without manure). Coupling manure injection and cover crops can increase nutrient capture without lowering corn yield.
Alpha-1 Proteinase Inhibitors Post-Lung Transplantation: A Single Center Experience

Purpose Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (A1AD) accounts for approximately 6% of all lung transplants performed annually. The benefit of replacement with alpha-1 proteinase inhibitor therapy (A1PIT) has not been studied post-lung transplant. We postulate that there is potential benefit of re-introducing A1PIT post-transplant in selected recipients. Methods and Materials We retrospectively reviewed patients at a single center who received lung transplantation for A1AD since 2002. The rate of decline of FEV1 was compared before and after A1PIT. All patients initiated treatment between 2010 and 2012 and received once weekly A1PIT at a dose of 60 mg/kg. Results Five patients (two double lung transplants and three single lung transplants) have received A1PI therapy after transplant. Three patients exhibited the ZZ allele for A1AD, while two patients had the SZ allele. The mean age at initiation of A1PIT was 61.6 years (range: 49-68.76 years old) and the mean time after transplant for starting therapy was 4.94 years (range 0.68-9.98 years). At the time therapy was started, four patients had undetectable antitrypsin levels and one patient had a level of 91 mg/dL. One patient was excluded in the analysis due to unavailable data. All four patients showed stabilization in lung function at 60 to 90 days after initiation of therapy. Two patients had an increase in FEV1 by 5.5% and 10% respectively, while the other two patients had a marginal change in FEV1 at -0.9% and 0%. Conclusions This is the first report of use of A1PIT in the lung transplantation. Our results suggest that A1PIT post-lung transplant is safe and may lead to stabilization of lung function. While symptomatic improvement was noted in all of the patients at our center, prospective studies should be done to confirm a benefit in this population. A1PIT Impact on FEV1 Patient 1 2 3 4 FEV1 Pre-1 3.04 0.98 2.23 1.32 Pre-2 2.72 1.01 2.22 1.27 Pre-3 2.37 0.99 2.05 1.32 A1PIT Baseline 2.53 1.01 2.29 1.23 Post-1 2.64 1.01 2.4 1.22 Post-2 2.67 0.91 2.52 1.18 Post-3 1.22 2.46 1.15
Spurious results of the component mode synthesis

Abstract The natural frequencies and mode shapes of a bentbeam in flexure-torsion oscillation are examined using the modal synthesis technique. The problem involves six boundary constraint conditions and the effect of ignoring a number of these conditions are examined. The choice of generalized coordinates offer other variations in the problem. In all, 50 different cases are studied on the digital computer. These are compared with the exact solution and also with experimental results obtained in the laboratory.
A performance, semantic and service quality-enhanced distributed search engine for improving geospatial resource discovery

Geospatial resource discovery is a critical step for developing geographic science applications. With the increasing number of geospatial resources available online, many Spatial Data Infrastructure SDI components e.g. catalogues and portals have been developed to help manage and discover geospatial resources. However, efficient and accurate geospatial resource discovery is still a big challenge because of the heterogeneity and complexity of decentralized network environments and interdisciplinary semantics. In this article, we report a search engine framework for efficient geospatial resource discovery, which reduces integration costs by leveraging existing Geospatial Cyberinfrastructure GCI components. Specifically, 1 the framework provides integration capability and flexibility by adopting the brokering approach, implementing a ‘plug-in’-based framework for metadata processing and proposing a dynamically configurable search workflow; 2 the asynchronous messaging and batch processing-based metadata record retrieval mode enhances the search performance and user interactivity; 3 an embedded semantic support system improves the discovery recall level and precision by providing semantic-based search rule creation and result similarity evaluation functions and 4 the engine assists user decision-making by integrating a service quality monitoring and evaluation system, data/service visualization tools, multiple views and additional information. Experiments and a search example show that the proposed engine helps both scientists and general users search for more accurate results with enhanced performance and user experience through a user-friendly interface.
Vocabulary and language model adaptation using just one speech file

This paper investigates unsupervised vocabulary and language model self-adaptation (VLA) from just one speech file using the web as a knowledge source and without prior knowledge of topic or domain beyond optional file metadata. Single-file self adaptation is regularly used for acoustic adaptation, but to date, is rarely used for VLA. The method investigated here uses a first-pass transcript or file metadata to generate web search queries for retrieving texts for adaptation. Various strategies for building queries, retrieving web texts and maximizing out-of-vocabulary (OOV) recovery while constraining vocabulary growth are examined. Significant improvements are demonstrated for transcribing and searching recorded lectures and telephone calls. The proposed method is orthogonal with acoustic adaptation and system combination and integrates well in multi-pass recognition architectures.
Schema theory and prose retention: Boundary conditions for encoding and retrieval effects

The present study was performed to determine the boundary conditions under which schemata influence the encoding and retrieval of prose. Subjects read a passage containing information important to burglars and homebuyers. Subjects were given either a burglar, homebuyer, or no perspective during reading, and either a burglar or homebuyer perspective during recall. Subjects were required to recall the passage either immediately after reading or 24 hours later. The results indicated that during immediate recall, either an encoding or retrieval perspective influenced recall. However, when recall was delayed, only the encoding perspective influenced recall. The results were interpreted in terms of schema theory and the encoding specificity principle.
What is hiding behind the pessary

Vaginal pessaries are routinely used for initial management of pelvic organ prolapse and for women who are poor surgical candidates. Serious complications of long-term use without routine follow-up include erosion into surrounding organs and the development of fistulas. It is unclear however, if long-term use and chronic irritation could potentially contribute to development or delay the diagnosis of vaginal or cervical cancers. A 72-year-old Caucasian woman with a vaginal pessary retained for 3 years, who presented with leukocytosis and coagulopathy, was discovered to have stage II vaginal adenosquamous carcinoma upon surgical pessary removal. Chronic irritation and lack of follow-up with pessary use may contribute to masking the development and delaying the diagnosis of vaginal cancer in women with risk factors. Pessary use requires frequent follow-up to prevent complications.
Hispanic College Attendance and the State of Texas GEAR UP Program

This article reports the results of an evaluation of the state of Texas GEAR UP project implemented in six school districts from 1998 to 2005. The intent of the program was to enhance preparation for post-secondary education among low-income, Hispanic students. The program was comprised of practical interventions including vertical curriculum alignment, training teachers in advanced placement techniques, encouraging students to take rigorous courses, and increasing outreach about college attendance to students and parents. The central dependent variable is reports by parents of graduating seniors about whether their children would be attending college. A multivariate analysis, controlling for household SES, student grades and attendance, household composition, and language spoken in the home indicates that increased student exposure to the GEAR UP program markedly increases the probability that parents will report that their children are going to attend college.
Influence of Avian Pneumoencephalitis on Subsequent Egg Quality

Abstract FIELD reports have recently called the attention of the authors to an abnormality of fresh-laid eggs that in each instance was stated to have followed an outbreak of avian pneumoencephalitis. Such flocks were reported to produce a moderately large percentage of eggs containing no true air cell but instead an accumulation of small free-floating air bubbles. An exceptionally large number of eggs with poor shells was also reported produced by these flocks. Other reports have been received of flocks producing eggs with unexplainably poor albumen quality. A few of these reports that could be followed up yielded a history of a respiratory disease in the flock. Avian pneumoencephalitis “is characterized by a sudden onset and extremely rapid spread through a flock” (Beach, 1942) and often almost as rapid spread from flock to flock through a region. Adult mortality is usually low but egg production declines sharply and may cease entirely . . .
Pt-Co Bimetallic Catalyst Supported on Single Walled Carbon Nanotube: XAS and Aqueous Phase Reforming Activity Studies

Abstract We have developed a simple method to create a catalyst with atomically dispersed Pt on top of Co nanoparticles on single walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) supports by sequential impregnation of Pt(II) and Co(II) solutions following by hydrogen reduction. The aqueous phase reforming activity is much higher than for Pt monometallic catalysts on SWNT supports prepared by several methods, either pre-reduced in hydrogen or in the liquid phase. The high selectivity of the monometallic catalysts is maintained for the bimetallic systems. The Extended X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (EXAFS) results at the Pt L III edge show no observable Pt–Pt bond. Only Pt–Co bonds were observed, indicating high dispersion of Pt. The enhanced activity comes from two sources: the high dispersion of Pt and the effect of the Co as co-catalyst or modifier. This contribution demonstrates the possibility to further engineer bimetallic catalysts to improve the aqueous phase reforming activity, especially to retain good selectivity at high conversion.
Source counting in MEG neuroimaging

Magnetoencephalography (MEG) is a multi-channel, functional imaging technique. It measures the magnetic field produced by the primary electric currents inside the brain via a sensor array composed of a large number of superconducting quantum interference devices. The measurements are then used to estimate the locations, strengths, and orientations of these electric currents. This magnetic source imaging technique encompasses a great variety of signal processing and modeling techniques which include Inverse problem, MUltiple SIgnal Classification (MUSIC), Beamforming (BF), and Independent Component Analysis (ICA) method. A key problem with Inverse problem, MUSIC and ICA methods is that the number of sources must be detected a priori. Although BF method scans the source space on a point-to-point basis, the selection of peaks as sources, however, is finally made by subjective thresholding. In practice expert data analysts often select results based on physiological plausibility. This paper presents an eigenstructure approach for the source number detection in MEG neuroimaging. By sorting eigenvalues of the estimated covariance matrix of the acquired MEG data, the measured data space is partitioned into the signal and noise subspaces. The partition is implemented by utilizing information theoretic criteria. The order of the signal subspace gives an estimate of the number of sources. The approach does not refer to any model or hypothesis, hence, is an entirely data-led operation. It possesses clear physical interpretation and efficient computation procedure. The theoretical derivation of this method and the results obtained by using the real MEG data are included to demonstrates their agreement and the promise of the proposed approach.
Simulation of Taylor Flow in Capillaries Based on the Volume-of-Fluid Technique

Taylor flow, a flow regime characterized by Taylor bubbles separated by liquid slugs that do not contain entrained micro bubbles, is a predominant gas−liquid two-phase flow regime in capillaries and minichannels (channels with hydraulic diameters in the 0.1−1 mm range), and it occurs in monolithic catalytic converters and other multiphase reactors. Taylor flow regime is morphologically relatively simple and has been modeled in the past using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methods. However, most of the past CFD models have either assumed a fixed gas−liquid interfacial geometry or have modeled the gas−liquid interphase movement based on the method of spines, which imposes some restrictions on the free movement of the interface. In this study, we examine the feasibility of CFD modeling of the Taylor flow regime in capillaries by using the volume-of-fluid (VOF) technique for the motion of the gas−liquid interphase. It is shown that such a model predicts well the experimental data and empirical correlation...
An Examination of the Flow Induced by the Motion of Many Buoyant Bubbles

The results of direct numerical simulations of the motion of many three-dimensional buoyant bubbles in periodic domains are examined. The bubble motion is computed by solving the full Navier-Stokes equations by a parallelized finite difference/front tracking method that allows a fully deformable interface between the bubbles and the ambient fluid and the inclusion of surface tension. The governing parameters are selected such that the average rise Reynolds number is about 25. Two cases are examined. In one, the bubbles are nearly spherical; in the other, the bubbles rise with an ellipsoidal shape. The ellipsoidal bubbles show a much larger fluctuation velocity and by visualizing the flow field it is possible to show that the difference is due to larger vorticity generation and stronger interactions of the deformable bubbles. The focus here is on the early stage of the flow, when both the spherical and the deformable bubbles are nearly uniformly distributed.
Asymmetric Two-Stage Group Rent-Seeking: Comparison of Two Contest Structures

Two variations of a two-stage rent-seeking contest areconsidered. In the first stage of the Between-Groupmodel, groups compete through the expenditure of resources bytheir members. Based on group expenditures, one winning groupis probabilistically determined. On the second stage, membersof the winning group compete with one another for an exogenousprize. In the Semi-Finals model a player is chosen fromeach group and then these players compete for the prize.Groups differ in size or in their valuation of the prize.Subgame-perfect equilibrium solutions are constructed forthese two contest structures.
Large-scale metal MEMS mirror arrays with integrated electronics

Design, microfabrication, and integration of a micromachined spatial light modulator ((mu) SLM) device are described. A large array of electrostatically actuated, piston-motion MEMS mirror segments make up the optical surface of the (mu) SLM. Each mirror segment is capable of altering the phase of reflected light by up to one wavelength for infrared illumination ((lambda) equals 1.5 micrometers ), with 4-bit resolution. The device is directly integrated with complementary metal- oxide semiconductor (CMOS) electronics, for control of spatial optical wavefront. Integration with electronics is achieved through direct fabrication of MEMS actuators and mirror structures on planarized foundry-type CMOS electronics. Technical approaches to two significant challenges associated with manufacturing the (mu) SLM is discussed: integration of the MEMS array with the electronic driver array and production of optical-quality mirror elements using a metal-polymer surface micromachining process.
Analysis of a potassium lidar system for upper-atmospheric wind–temperature measurements

We report a detailed analysis of wind-temperature (W/T) lidar systems based on mesospheric potassium as the tracer. Currently, most narrow-band (W/T) systems use sodium (Na) as the tracer because of its relatively large natural abundance, large cross section, and the ability to use Doppler-free Na spectroscopy to generate accurate absolute frequency markers. We show that a potassium-based system with existing near-infrared solid-state laser technology operating at the potassium D lines has the potential to make W/T measurements that are more accurate than current Na narrow-band systems and can be far simpler technically.
QR Codes in the Library: Are They Worth the Effort?

The literature is filled with potential uses for Quick Response (QR) Codes in the library setting, but few library QR Code projects have publicized usage statistics. A pilot project carried out in the Eda Kuhn Loeb Music Library of the Harvard College Library sought to determine whether library patrons actually understand and use QR Codes. Results and analysis of the pilot project are provided, attempting to answer the question as to whether QR Codes are worth the effort for libraries.