cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Scattering of 9.8-MeV Neutrons from Silicon and Sulfur

Elastic and inelastic differential cross sections for neutron scattering from Si and S have been measured at an incident neutron energy of 9.8 MeV, using the high-energy neutron group from the $^{9}\mathrm{Be}(\ensuremath{\alpha},n)^{12}\mathrm{C}$ source reaction. Due to the presence of the 4.439-MeV first-excited-state group from the $^{9}\mathrm{Be}(\ensuremath{\alpha},n)^{12}\mathrm{C}^{*}$ reaction only the scattering from the ground and first excited states in Si and S could be observed. Measurements were made on both elements by the time-of-flight technique in the angular region ${20}^{\ensuremath{\circ}}\ensuremath{\le}{\ensuremath{\theta}}_{\mathrm{lab}}\ensuremath{\le}{150}^{\ensuremath{\circ}}$ with an average neutron energy spread of 600 keV. The measured yields were corrected for flux attenuation, angular resolution, and multiple scattering. The cross sections were fitted by incoherently adding a compound-nuclear contribution to a direct-reaction contribution calculated by the optical-model-plus-distorted-wave-Born-approximation method and also by the coupled-channel method. Collective-model fits to S using oblate and prolate deformed rotational-model and vibrational-model form factors were all reasonably good. The fits to Si are not as good, possibly for reasons related to the large fluctuations in the neutron total and differential cross sections for Si in this energy region. The values of $\ensuremath{\beta}$ obtained from these fits are, for the most part, consistent with those obtained from other measurements.
Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura: A Case Presenting with Acute Ischemic Colitis

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) consists of the pentad of thrombocytopenia, hemolytic anemia, fever, neurologic abnormalities, and renal disease. We present a case report of acute TTP following a bout of ischemic colitis. This report reminds the clinician that ischemic colitis can be an atypical presentation of TTP. The prompt recognition and treatment of this disease process resulted in a good prognosis for our patient.
Hopping mobility for charge carriers in disordered media with permanent and induced charge-dipole interactions

Recent attempts to explain the observed field dependence of photoexcited carrier mobilities in molecularly-doped polymers have focused on the role played by local correlations in the energetic landscape characterizing the transport site manifold. Site energy correlations that fall off algebraically with distance have been shown to arise when the primary source of energetic disorder in the material is the interaction of carriers with random electric dipoles of the dopant and host molecules of the medium. In one dimension, such correlations lead to a Poole-Frenkel field dependence that is in qualitative agreement with experiment. We have recently investigated the stability of this one dimensional Poole-Frenkel prediction in the presence of other sources of disorder (e.g., charge-induced dipole interactions) that might lead to strong local energy fluctuations that fall off rapidly with distance. Our analysis suggests that local fluctuations of this type need not change the predicted field-dependence provided that they are themselves uncorrelated with the permanent dipole component of disorder.
Concerning the Stability of the Negative Ions H − and Li −

The unrestricted Hartree-Fock (UHF) wave functions for H- and for Li- have the Z+1th electron at infinity, and thus have the same energy as the neutral atoms. That is, the stability of these negative ions is not accounted for by Slater determinant wave functions, not even if the orbitals are allowed to split. We show that the difficulty here is that the UHF wave functions do not have the proper spin symmetry. If the Slater determinant is spin-projected and the orbitals optimized after projection (to obtain what is called the GF wave function), these negative ions are predicted correctly to be stable. Since the GF wave function leads to an independent particle interpretation, we see that instantaneous polarization of the neutralatom orbitals by the Z+1th electron is not crucial to the stability of these negative ions. From an analysis of the differences between the UHF and GF wave functions, we find that the key term leading to stability of the negative ions is an exchange term (particularly the nuclear attraction part of this term), just like the exchange term important in the valence-bond wave function of H2.
Oxidation of Methionine Residues in Recombinant Human Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist: Implications of Conformational Stability on Protein Oxidation Kinetics†

Oxidation of methionine residues is involved in several biochemical processes and in degradation of therapeutic proteins. The relationship between conformational stability and methionine oxidation in recombinant human interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (rhIL-1ra) was investigated to document how thermodynamics of unfolding affect methionine oxidation in proteins. Conformational stability of rhIL-1ra was monitored by equilibrium urea denaturation, and thermodynamic parameters of unfolding (ΔGH2O, m, and Cm) were estimated at different temperatures. Methionine oxidation induced by hydrogen peroxide at varying temperatures was monitored during “coincubation” of rhIL-1ra with peptides mimicking specific regions of the reactive methionine residues in the protein. The coincubation study allowed estimation of oxidation rates in protein and peptide at each temperature from which normalized oxidation rate constants and activation energies were calculated. The rate constants for buried Met-11 in the protein were low...
The administration of a congressionally mandated study at federal, state, and local levels of government

The Holtzman Project was undertaken at Northwestern University to review educational program evaluations in the United States at the federal, state and local levels of government. It was initiated in September 1979 as a result of Public Law 95-561, the Educational Amendments of 1978, requiring that such a study be undertaken. Northwestern's final report, submitted June 1980, provided recommendations to the Congress and to the Department of Education about improving the quality of evaluations (Boruch et al., 1981). 1
Cross-Campus Collaboration to Produce Camtasia-Enhanced Lessons to Improve Distance Learning

This pilot study examines the use of Camtasia-enhanced lessons to supplement distance education provided to medical laboratory science students. More programs of study are available as distance learning opportunities, creating challenges to find better ways to present material. Librarians provided technical expertise necessary to produce a Camtasia video. This helped instructors prepare engaging lectures for phlebotomy to supplement the PowerPoint presentations and self-directed lessons provided in previous courses. Medical laboratory science faculty collaborated with library staff to produce videos that demonstrate proper phlebotomy technique using training personnel and faculty, whom the students eventually interact with in the clinical environment.
True parallel processing in artificial neural networks

The area of artificial neural networks, which dates back to the early twentieth century, could only offer positive contributions to technology after the back‐propagation algorithm was proposed in 1986. In this note an alternative algorithm to the gradient descent used in back‐propagation is proposed. This algorithm is based on the discrete central difference. This procedure, as opposed to the back‐propagation algorithm, offers the possibility of true parallel computation.
Regional variability of carbon dioxide storage potential of the Queenston Formation in New York

Initial assessments of the potential for geologic carbon sequestration rely on existing subsurface data, most of it collected for oil and gas exploration. We document the challenges of assessing the ![Formula][1] storage potential based on archived data, for the case of the Upper Ordovician Queenston Formation in New York. In central New York, the entirely subsurface Queenston Formation consists primarily of sandstones. In contrast, in western New York where the Queenston Formation crops out, it is composed of shale, siltstone, and sandstone. A foremost interpretation challenge is to obtain porosity data from the borehole logs. Intercomparisons of various measures of porosity and of the availability of those data led to the decision to use neutron porosity data for the hematite- and clay-rich sandstone. To map porosity regionally, a second challenge is to establish the physical correlation between four regionally extensive stacked petrophysical zones in central New York, each recording base-level fall trends in fluvial sandstones, and four petrophysical zones in western New York, each characterized by base-level rise deposits of marginal marine and shallow marine deposits. Two alternative correlations can be justified with differing implications for pore volumes in a transition region. This analysis estimates that the Queenston Formation of central New York can sequester up to approximately ![Formula][2] metric tons of ![Formula][3] at depths greater than 3000 ft (914 m) in sandstones with porosity exceeding 10%. The Queenston Formation is not suitable for ![Formula][4] storage in western New York. [1]: /embed/mml-math-1.gif [2]: /embed/mml-math-2.gif [3]: /embed/mml-math-3.gif [4]: /embed/mml-math-4.gif
Warranted Uncertainty and Students' Knowledge and Use of Drugs.

Abstract The ability to recognize when it is warranted to be uncertain was developed effectively in 167 elementary school students through daily 15-min lessons over a 5-week period. This initial training did not deal with drug use in any way. A 3-year follow-up evaluation measured retention of these warranted-uncertainty skills, and assessed the effects of these skills on students' use of hard and soft drugs. In comparison with the matched control subjects, there was evidence of some retention after 3 years: the trained subjects were slightly better able to recognize when it is warranted to be uncertain about the effects of drugs. There was also strong evidence that many of the controls had acquired, somehow, the ability to generate warranted uncertainty, and that warranted uncertainty functioned as a stable construct (irrespective of how it was acquired) and was related to drug use. It appeared to produce a skepticism or an analytic attitude that allowed the student to ignore peer and parental dogma about drugs.
6-Hydroxydopamine lesions enhance progesterone-facilitated lordosis of rats and hamsters, independent of effects on motor behavior

The Ventral Tegmental Area (VTA) is an important brain area for progesterone (P(4))'s effects to facilitate female sexual behavior of rodents. We investigated the importance of dopaminergic neurons in the VTA, and two dopaminergic projection sites, the Nucleus Accumbens (NAc), and Caudate Nucleus of the Striatum (CN), in modulating P(4)-facilitated sex and motor behavior. Ovariectomized (ovx) rats and hamsters, administered estradiol benzoate (10 microg) and P(4) (0, 50, 100, 200, or 500 microg), were tested for motor behavior in a chamber that automatically records horizontal beam breaks, and for sexual behavior in response to a sexually-experienced male. Animals were tested once a week until each P(4) dosage was received; animals then had bilateral 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) or sham lesions to the VTA, NAc, or CN and were re-tested at each P(4) dosage on subsequent weeks. Fixed brains were stained with cresyl violet and processed for dopamine transporter (DAT) immunoreactivity. The number of cresyl violet stained cells was significantly lower in all 6-OHDA infusion sites compared to non-6-OHDA infusion sites of rats and hamsters. Also, in rats, the number of DAT-immunoreactive neurons was lower in all 6-OHDA infusion sites compared to non-6-OHDA infusion sites. In rats, 6-OHDA but not sham, lesions to the VTA, NAc, or CN produced P(4)-dependent increases in lordosis quotients and resulted in modest increases in motor behavior. In hamsters, 6-OHDA, but not sham, lesions to the VTA, NAc, or CN produced P(4)-dependent increases in total lordosis durations and produced modest decreases in motor behavior. This suggests that the dopaminergic output neurons of midbrain VTA may play an important role in modulation of P(4)-facilitated sexual lordosis among rodents.
The role of nano-scale heterogeneous electrostatic interactions in initial bacterial adhesion from flow: A case study with Staphylococcus aureus

Abstract This study investigated the initial adhesion of Staphylococcus aureus from flowing buffer onto modified albumin films with the objective of probing the influence of electrostatic heterogeneity on bacterial adhesion. Electrostatic heterogeneity, on the lengthscale of 10–100 nm, was incorporated into the protein film through the irreversible random deposition of small amounts of polycation coils to produce isolated positive “patches” on the otherwise negative albumin surface before exposure to bacteria, which also possess a net negative surface charge. The system was benchmarked against an appropriate analog using 1 μm silica spheres and the same cationic patches on a silica substrate. Bacterial adhesion from flow was measured with the surface oriented vertically to eliminate gravitational forces between the bacteria and collector. In both systems, a threshold in the surface density of polycation patches needed for bacterial (or silica particle) capture indicated multivalent binding: multiple polycation patches were needed to adhere the bacteria (particles). The shifting of the threshold to greater patch concentrations at lower ionic strengths confirmed that the electrostatic interaction area (zone of influence) was a key factor in modulating the interactions. The role of the contact area in this manner is important because it enables a quantitative explanation of counterintuitive bacterial adhesion onto net negative surfaces. The study further revealed a hydrodynamic crossover from a regime where flow aids bacterial adhesion to one where flow impedes adhesion. An explanation is put forth in terms of the relative hydrodynamic and surface forces.
Selenium-catalyzed oxidative halogenation

Abstract Organoselenides catalyze the oxidation of halides by H2O2. Furthermore, these selenides catalyze the transfer of oxidized halogens from N-halosuccinimides to olefins and ketones. Thus, organoselenides catalyze oxidative halogenation reactions including halolactonization, α-halogenation of ketones, and allylic halogenation. The ability of selenium to undergo reversible 2e− oxidation–reduction chemistry facilitates halogenation through selenium-bound halogen intermediates.
Pregnancy diagnosis in swine: A comparison of the technique of rectal palpation and ultrasound

The accuracy of pregnancy diagnosis in swine by rectal palpation and by ultrasound was compared using sows and gilts thirty days or more after breeding. A total of eighty-four pigs were included in this experiment and they were examined an average of thirty-nine days following breeding. Forty-nine animals were slaughtered within a few days of pregnancy examination and thirtyfive were allowed to farrow. Pregnancy status was correctly diagnosed by palpation per rectum in eighty-three of the eighty-four pigs (98.8%) and by ultrasound in eighty-one of the eighty-four pigs (96.6%) examined. The accuracy of the two methods was not significantly different.
The role and potential sites of action of thyroid hormone in timing the onset of puberty in male primates.

Puberty in primates is first delayed by a neurobiological switch that arrests pulsatile GnRH release during infancy and then triggered, after a protracted period of juvenile development, by resurgence in intermittent release of this hypothalamic peptide. The purpose of this chapter is to review recent studies conducted in our laboratories to begin to examine the role of thyroid hormone (TH) in governing this postnatal development of pulsatile GnRH release in primates and therefore the timing of puberty in these species. The male rhesus monkey was used as the experimental model and TH activity was manipulated by surgical and chemical thyroidectomy on the one hand, and by thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) replacement on the other. Our results indicate that the resurgence in pulsatile GnRH release at the termination of the juvenile phase of development is dependent on a permissive action of TH. Whether this action of TH is mediated directly on hypothalamic centers regulating the pulsatile release of GnRH, or indirectly by circulating signals reflecting TH action on somatic development remains to be determined.
Vibrational and electronic spectroscopy of sulfuric acid vapor

We have measured and analyzed the infrared (IR), near-infrared (NIR) and vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) absorption spectra of vapor-phase sulfuric acid (H2SO4). Transitions associated with the fundamental vibrations and the first and second OH stretching overtones of this molecule have been identified. Our measured vibrational spectrum extends and complements those in the literature and agrees well with ab initio calculated spectra. We have calculated the fundamental and overtone OH stretching intensities with the use of a simple anharmonic oscillator local-mode model with ab initio calculated dipole-moment functions. Theory and experiment have been used to investigate the OH stretching vibrational overtones of H2SO4 and indicate that the OH stretching mode in H2SO4 is an important aspect of the spectroscopy of this atmospheric chromophore. We have attempted to measure the VUV spectrum of vapor-phase sulfuric acid and, in the absence of observed bands, give upper bounds to the photoabsorption cross section. We ...
Fuzzy sets and probability

Abstract This paper is about fuzzy sets and probability in a positive collaboration in the spirit of soft computing. To arrive at such a possibility, some discussions concerning the distinction, the competition and the co-existence of fuzzy sets and probability are provided.
On-Line Chemical Composition Analysis of Refillable Electronic Cigarette Aerosol-Measurement of Nicotine and Nicotyrine

Introduction Electronic cigarettes (e-cigs) generate aerosols that users inhale. Analyses of e-liquids inconsistently report nicotyrine, a nicotine analog that could impede nicotine metabolism, raising questions about nicotyrine formation. Methods E-cig aerosols were analyzed on-line using a Thermal Desorption Aerosol Gas Chromatograph. Three e-liquids were tested: an unflavored solution in propylene glycol (PG); an unflavored solution in PG and vegetable glycerin (VG), and a flavored solution in PG and VG. A heating duration experiment determined the nicotyrine to nicotine ratio (NNR) in particle phase as a function of the duration of e-cig activation. An aging experiment determined the NNR in e-liquids and aerosols as a function of time since initial exposure to air and storage condition. Results Nicotine and nicotyrine were quantified in all 3 e-liquids and aerosols. Duration of e-cig activation was inversely related to NNR (NNR = 0.04 with 3-s activation, 0.26 with 0.5 s). Aging influenced both e-liquid NNR and aerosol NNR. On average, the e-liquid NNR increased from 0.03 at 11 days after opening to 0.08 after 60 days. For similar heating durations, aerosol NNR increased from 0.05 at 11 days to 0.23 after 60 days. Storage conditions had little effect on NNR. Conclusions E-cig aerosols have variable nicotyrine quantities. Aerosol NNR depends on vaping technique and time elapsed since the e-liquid was exposed to air. It is hypothesized that aerosolized nicotyrine could facilitate nicotine absorption, inhibit the metabolism of nicotine, and reduce a user's urge to smoke.
A freeze-fracture cytochemical study of filipin-sterol complexes in pulp fibroblasts of the rat incisor.

Abstract The sterols in microdomains of the cell membrane of pulp fibroblasts react with the polyene antibiotic, filipin, to form filipin-sterol complexes (FSC). The FSC appear in ultra-thin sections as minute corrugations or deformations of the membrane. In freeze-fracture replicas, individual FSC were 20–30 nm elevations and were abundant on filopodial cell processes. They were not found in the membrane of cell-to-matrix attachment plaques or in cell-to-cell adherens junctions. The findings suggest that stabilization of the membrane at these sites may interfere with FSC formation and conversely that the absence of FSC may be an indication of membrane stabilization.
Chandra Discovery of a 300 Kiloparsec X-Ray Jet in the Gigahertz-peaked Spectrum Quasar PKS 1127–145

We have discovered an X-ray jet with Chandra imaging of the z = 1.187 radio-loud quasar PKS 1127-145. In this paper we present the Chandra X-ray data, follow-up Very Large Array observations, and optical imaging using the Hubble Space Telescope Wide Field Planetary Camera 2. The X-ray jet contains 273 ± 5 net counts in 27 ks and extends ~30'' from the quasar core, corresponding to a minimum projected linear size of ~330 h kpc. The evaluation of the X-ray emission processes is complicated by the observed offsets between X-ray and radio brightness peaks. We discuss the problems posed by these observations to jet models. In addition, PKS 1127-145 is a gigahertz-peaked spectrum (GPS) radio source, a member of the class of radio sources suspected to be young or "frustrated" versions of FR I radio galaxies. However, the discovery of an X-ray and radio jet extending well outside the host galaxy of PKS 1127-145 suggests that activity in this and other GPS sources may be long-lived and complex.
Social navigation for the spoken web

This paper describes our experiences deploying a recommender system for a mobile phone-based knowledge sharing application to farmers in rural India. Users of the system record questions and call back for answers left by other users and experts. We used collaborative filtering to derive relevant content for each user based on historical navigation patterns of the community. An empirical analysis of behavioral and interview data reveals key issues for future mobile recommender systems in developing regions of the world.
A nucleoprotein activation complex between the leucine-responsive regulatory protein and DNA upstream of the gltBDF operon in Escherichia coli

The global regulator Lrp (leucine-responsive regulatory protein), in some cases modulated by its co-regulator leucine, has been shown to regulate more than 40 genes and operons in Escherichia coli. Leucine modulates Lrp regulation of leucine-responsive operons. The level of sensitivity of these operons to leucine varies greatly, but the basis for this variation is only partially understood. One operon controlled by Lrp that is relatively insensitive to leucine is gltBDF, which includes genes specifying the large (GltB) and small (GltD) subunits of glutamate synthase. Earlier gel mobility shift assays have demonstrated that Lrp binds to a fragment of DNA containing the gltBDF promoter region. To further define the nature of this Lrp-gltBDF interaction, DNase I footprinting experiments were performed. The results indicate that Lrp binds cooperatively to three sites quite far upstream, spanning the region from -140 to -260 base-pairs relative to the start of transcription. Phased hypersensitivity is observed throughout the entire binding region, suggesting that Lrp bends the DNA. To determine the relative importance of these three sites for the transcriptional activation of gltBDF, a series of site-directed mutations was generated. The effects of these mutations on Lrp binding were determined both by DNase I footprinting and by quantitative mobility shift assays, while their effects on transcription in vivo were examined by measuring beta-galactosidase activity levels of chromosomal gltB::lacZ operon fusions. Our results indicate that all three sites are required for maximal gene expression, as is the proper phasing of the sites with one another and with the start of transcription. Our results suggest that Lrp binds a central palindromic site, interacting predominantly with the major groove of its DNA target, and that additional dimers bind to flanking sites to form a nucleoprotein activation complex.
Chloroisothiocyanatoquinolines as fluorogenic derivatizing agents for primary and secondary amines.

Abstract Two new prechromatographic LC fluorogenic derivatizing agents, 2- and 4-chloro-3-isothiocyanatoquinoline ( 4 and 5 ) have been synthesized and shown to react smoothly with primary and secondary amines to produce fluorescent thiazoloquinolines. Compounds 4 and 5 hydrolyse in aqueous base and the rates of this reaction compared with the rates of derivatizations with amino acids indicate that the hydrolysis reaction interferes with derivatization when UV detection is used. The kinetics of derivatization with ordinary amines indicate that this reaction is quite facile, although less nucleophilic amines, e.g. aniline, react slowly. The p K a s for first protonations indicate that derivatives of 4 would be unprotonated and those of 5 would be protonated with typical RP-LC mobile phases. The Stokes shift for protonated derivatives of 5 is nearly 200 nm. The excess of unreacted derivatizing reagent interferes with UV detection of some analytes; but when fluorescence detection is used this excess produces only a small negative peak. With fluorescence detection the sensitivity of this method is about 0.8 μM at S/N of 2, and the response of peak height to concentration is linear over at least two decades of concentration.
SU‐E‐T‐322: Evaluation of Total Body Irradiation Technique Using 20 Diodes In‐Vivo Dosimetry System

Purpose: To evaluate a new Total Body Irradiation (TBI) technique using CT planning by 20 diodes real time in‐vivo dosimetry system.Material and Methods: TBI treatment is typically performed at extended SSD ( 3 to 4 meters) under high energy x‐rays (6 MV). Lateral treatment results in a more convenient setup but less dose uniformity as compared with AP/PA treatment. This study evaluated a new TBI treatment which is performed at 2 meter distance, AP/PA. Matched oblique field plan was created by Eclipse TPS with CT simulated data from PIXY phantom; using MLC for lung blocking. Field in Field technique was applied to improve dose uniformity. A steel attenuator with transmission factor 0.55 for 6MV photon field is used to reduce dose rate to 5–20 cGy/min while a 5mm thick Lexan sheet is placed about 20 cm above patient to increase skin dose. Patients will lay supine and prone on a movable bed. Three AP and PA fields were used to deliver prescribed dose. A 20‐diodes SunNuclear in‐vivo dosimetry system was used for monitoring dose at different sites. Diodes were calibrated with attenuator to accommodate energy spectrum change. SSD, dose rate, angular dependence of diodes were measured. RadCalc MU verification software was also tested for agreement with TPS and measured data. Results: Attenuator could reduce the dose rate to about 13 cGy/min. By averaging the entrance and exit reading, the doses at patients anatomical mid‐line were measured and found to have good agreement with TPS (within 7% difference). Two dry‐runs have demonstrated that the TBI plan can achieve and intended dose uniformity better than 10%. The RadCalc verification program agreed with TPS on average within 3%. Conclusion: CT‐image based and TPS generated TBI plan is feasible. Diodes are suitable for both the TBI technique testing and dose monitoring.
Incorporating User Interaction and Topological Constraints within Contour Completion via Discrete Calculus

We study the problem of interactive segmentation and contour completion for multiple objects. The form of constraints our model incorporates are those coming from user scribbles (interior or exterior constraints) as well as information regarding the topology of the 2-D space after partitioning (number of closed contours desired). We discuss how concepts from discrete calculus and a simple identity using the Euler characteristic of a planar graph can be utilized to derive a practical algorithm for this problem. We also present specialized branch and bound methods for the case of single contour completion under such constraints. On an extensive dataset of ~1000 images, our experiments suggest that a small amount of side knowledge can give strong improvements over fully unsupervised contour completion methods. We show that by interpreting user indications topologically, user effort is substantially reduced.
Electrochemistry of lithium-oxygen batteries using microelectrode voltammetry

Abstract The electrochemistry of non-aqueous lithium–oxygen (Li–O 2 ) batteries on both reduction and oxidation was investigated using carbon black and single-walled nanotube (SWNT) microcavity electrodes. Two oxidative peaks were observed on oxidation (charge). The first peak at 3.0–3.7 V vs. Li/Li + was limited in storable charge (∼8 × 10 3 C cm −3 ). The oxidation potential of this first peak was independent of Li 2 O 2 thickness (as measured by total charge on reduction) and assigned to interfacial Li 2 O 2 , lying between the bulk of the Li 2 O 2 and the carbon surface. A second peak between 4.0 and 4.6+ V showed significant discharge product thickness dependence on oxidation potential and was assigned to bulk Li 2 O 2 , away from the carbon surface. On reduction (discharge), deposition of the interfacial Li 2 O 2 showed a significant overpotential indicated by the ratio of interfacial/bulk Li 2 O 2 formed at varying reduction potentials. SWNT were shown to effectively decrease the Li–O 2 average charge overpotential for a given charge by increasing the electrode surface area available for formation of interfacial discharge products.
Energy-efficient STDP-based Learning Circuits with Memristor ·Synapses

It is now accepted that the traditional von Neumann architecture, with processor and memory separation, is ill suited to process parallel data streams which a mammalian brain can efficiently handle. Moreover, researchers now envision computing architectures which enable cognitive processing of massive amounts of data by identifying spatio-temporal relationships in real-time and solving complex pattern recognition problems. Memristor cross-point arrays, integrated with standard CMOS technology, are expected to result in massively parallel and low-power Neuromorphic computing architectures. Recently, significant progress has been made in spiking neural networks (SNN) which emulate data processing in the cortical brain. These architectures comprise of a dense network of neurons and the synapses formed between the axons and dendrites. Further, unsupervised or supervised competitive learning schemes are being investigated for global training of the network. In contrast to a software implementation, hardware realization of these networks requires massive circuit overhead for addressing and individually updating network weights. Instead, we employ bio-inspired learning rules such as the spike-timing-dependent plasticity (STDP) to efficiently update the network weights locally. To realize SNNs on a chip, we propose to use densely integrating mixed-signal integrate-andfire neurons (IFNs) and cross-point arrays of memristors in back-end-of-the-line (BEOL) of CMOS chips. Novel IFN circuits have been designed to drive memristive synapses in parallel while maintaining overall power efficiency (<1 pJ/spike/synapse), even at spike rate greater than 10 MHz. We present circuit design details and simulation results of the IFN with memristor synapses, its response to incoming spike trains and STDP learning characterization.
Who is ‘most valuable’? Measuring the player's production of wins in the National Basketball Association

How does one measure the productivity of an individual participating in a team sport? The purpose of this inquiry is to answer this question via an econometric model that links the player's statistics in the National Basketball Association (NBA) to team wins. This model will then be employed in the measurement of each player's marginal product. Such a measurement is useful in answering the question offered in the title, or a broader list of questions posed by both industry insiders and other interested observers. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lamprophyric lavas in the Colima graben, SW Mexico

The Colima graben, located in SW Mexico, is one of three grabens which intersect about 50 km SSW of Guadalajara, forming a triple junction. The 90 km long, 20–60 km wide Colima graben represents a N-S rift of the E-W trending Mexican Volcanic Belt. Since the Early Pliocene, the Colima graben has served as a locus for the eruption of alkaline lavas, the most recent of which are basanites and minettes erupted from Late Pleistocene cinder cones (Luhr and Carmichael 1981). In this paper, we report on older alkaline lavas which crop out in the graben's walls. These rocks include phlogopite- and hornblende-bearing lamprophyres, a phlogopite-kalsilite-ankaratrite, and high-K andesites. These lavas crop out throughout the Colima graben area, and are intimately associated with calc-alkaline lavas in the field. Compared to these, the alkaline rocks are strikingly enriched in the incompatible elements, particularly Ba, Sr, P, and the LREE. Unlike the younger Late Pleistocene alkaline cinder cone lavas, most of the graben wall lamprophyres and the high-K andesites represent magmas that appear to have undergone significant evolution since their generation, including fractionation, crustal contamination, and possible magma mixing. Least-squares modeling indicates that the cinder cone minettes represent reasonable parental magmas for the graben lamprophyres. The occurrence of these alkaline lavas in an active calc-alkaline volcanic arc is unusual, and we suggest that they are a manifestation of the rifting processes which produced the Colima graben.
Bleeding complications after CASH

Abstract We assessed the frequency and studied the possible mechanisms of bleeding after classic abdominal Semm hysterectomy (CASH) in a retrospective, nonrandomized review of 70 women (47 premenopausal) undergoing the procedure with 1-year minimum follow-up. In several women CASH was associated with adhesiolysis, and in more than 50% with bilateral oophorectomy. Of the 47 patients who were menstruting prior to surgery, 6 (13%) reported postoperative menstruation. Two additional patients required repeat surgery, and one required transfusion. Endometrial glands were present in one excised specimen, suggesting the possibility that menstruation and hematometra may occur.
Investigation of a method to assess breast ultrasound level of suspicion

Research studies indicate that careful application of breast ultrasound is capable of reducing the number of unnecessary biopsies by 40% with potential cost savings of as much as $1 billion per year in the U.S. A well-defined rule-based system has been developed for scoring the Level of Suspicion (LOS) based on parameters describing the ultrasound appearance of breast lesion. Acceptance and utilization of LOS is increasing but it has proven difficult to teach the method and many radiologists have felt uncomfortable with the number of benign and malignant masses that overlap in appearance. In practice, the quality of breast ultrasound is highly operator dependent, it is often difficult to reproduce a finding and there is high variability of lesion description and assessment between radiologists. The goal of this research is to improve the uniformity and accuracy of applying the LOS scheme by automatically detecting, analyzing and comparing breast masses using sophisticated software developed for satellite imagery applications. The aim is to reduce biopsies on the masses with lower levels of suspicion, rather that increasing the accuracy of diagnosis of cancers, which will require biopsy anyway. In this paper we present our approach to develop a system to process, segment, analyze and classify medical images based on information content. A feasibility study was completed in a digital database of biopsy-proven image files from 46 women retrieved chronologically from our image library. Segmentation and classification were sufficiently accurate to correctly group all benign cystic masses, all benign solid masses and all solid malignant masses. The image analysis, computer-aided detection and image classification software system Image Companion developed by Almen Laboratories, Inc. was used to achieve the presented results.
Management of necrotizing fasciitis in the neck

Summary Necrotizing fasciitis is a soft tissue infection, usually polymicrobial, characterized by necrosis of fascia and subcutaneous tissue. Although it more commonly involves the groin, abdomen and extremities, it may also occur in the head and neck. We report a case of cervical necrotizing fasciitis arising from a dental infection and review the cause, pathophsiology, diagnosis and treatment of this potentially lethal entity. Early detection and accurate intervention are emphasized. Extensive surgical debridement completed with hyperbaric oxygen therapy and antibiotics are the mainstay of treatment.
Toxicity of 5% Rotenone to Nonindigenous Asian Swamp Eels

Abstract Our primary goal was to determine whether rotenone would be a useful control against introduced populations of Asian swamp eels (family Synbranchidae, genus Monopterus). We report the results of a laboratory experiment comparing the efficacy of various rotenone concentrations (1, 2, 4, and 8 mg of 5% liquid rotenone/L of water) in killing nonindigenous swamp eels of various sizes (1–350 g) from the three known Florida populations. Although most small swamp eels were killed at concentrations of 2 and 4 mg/L, 100% mortality of adult swamp eels was achieved only at 8 mg/L. We conclude that the effective use of rotenone to control established Florida swamp eel populations would be difficult, based on the relatively high concentration of rotenone needed to kill swamp eels; the complexity of the swamp eel's habitat; and our observations of the species' habitat use and behavior, including its widespread distribution and life history characteristics (e.g., burrowing and overland movement) that enhance it...
The State and Partition of the Calcium and Inorganic Phosphorus in the Serum of the Fowl. Effect of Growth and Ovulation

Abstract INTRODUCTION THE partition of the calcium and inorganic phosphorus in the blood stream of the fowl during ovulation has recently been the subject of extensive experimental investigation (Laskowski, 1935; Benjamin and Hess, 1933; Correll and Hughes, 1933; Heller and Thompson, 1934). Little data, however, are available on the changes and partition of these elements in the blood of the fowl during growth. This, together with the fact that the nature of the calcium compounds which produce the great augmentation in the serum calcium level of the hen during ovulation has not been definitely established by previous investigators, led us to undertake the present study. It is generally agreed that the augmented level of serum calcium during ovulation is virtually confined to the non-diffusible fraction. Laskowski (1933) has suggested that this extra calcium is present in the form of a colloidal calcium phosphate compound. Benjamin and Hess (1933) and Heller, Paul . . .
Evaluating a Firm's Customer Service Department

ABSTRACT While everyone talks about the importance of providing outstanding customer service, few can explain how to determine if your customer service department is doing it. This article describes a procedure recently implemented by an innovative firm to evaluate the performance of its customer service department. Importance-performance analysis was used to examine customer perceptions of the customer service department's efforts. In addition, satisfaction measures were compared with those obtained for the three primary competitors within the market. This analysis provided a systematic, quantitative, and relatively thorough evaluation of the firm's customer service department, and could serve as a benchmark for others.
Surface Acoustic Wave devices and their sensing capabilities

Since mid 60s, Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) devices have been using extensively in electronics for telecommunication. However, their potential use in the sensors field is only a matter of recent interest. This paper presents an overview of the sensing mechanisms that allow detection of temperature, strain (for pressure & torque), mass, conductivity (e.g. gas detection) and viscosity by means of SAW based devices. Design and technological challenges are presented, as well as solutions to overcome them in order to obtain reliable devices. The possibility of using such devices as passive wireless sensors is also discussed.
Limits on Authoritarian Imposition of Policy Failed Ecuadoran Military Populism in Comparative Perspective

Does regime type affect policy outcomes? Do authoritarian regimes have greater policy discretion than democratic regimes? The empirical evidence is ambiguous. Using two cases of failed military populism in Ecuador, the author argues that two authoritarian characteristics—lack of participation in decision making and nonmobilization—frustrated implementation of import substitution policies. Ironically, groups expected to benefit most—industrialists and urban workers—provided the principal opposition. Although the regime needed their cooperation to implement policy, neither group had assurance that its interests were protected. Thus political alliances require more than an exchange of policies for support; regimes must make their commitments credible by permitting the participation in decision making and mobilization of groups whose cooperation is needed for policy implementation. This conclusion is supported by a comparison to Peru (where a military regime encountered similar obstacles) and Argentina (where...
On-site profiling and speciation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons at manufactured gas plant sites by a high temperature transfer line, membrane inlet probe coupled to a photoionization detector and gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer.

A new high temperature transfer line, membrane inlet probe (HTTL-MIP) coupled to a photoionization detector (PID) and gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer (GC/MS) was used to rapidly profile and speciate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in the subsurface. PID signals were in agreement with GC/MS results. Correlation coefficients of 0.92 and 0.99 were obtained for discrete and composite samples collected from the same exact location. Continuous probe advancement with PID detection found coal tar, a dense nonaqueous phase liquid, in soil channels and saturated media. When samples were collected conventionally, split, solvent extracted, and analyzed in the field and confirmation laboratory, GC/MS measurement precision and accuracy were indistinguishable; despite the fact the field laboratory produced data five times faster than the laboratory using standard EPA methods. No false positive/negatives were found. Based on these findings, increased confidence in site conceptual models should be obtained, sin...
Attitudes of Black, White, and Hispanic Community Residents Toward Seeking Medical Help

With regard to racial/ethnic health disparities, a variable that has not been well explored is the person’s willingness to seek medical aid when symptoms appear. Until recently, there has been no comprehensive scale to measure these predispositions and their significance for public health. This study’s purpose was to determine whether specific attitudinal differences might constitute barriers to medical help-seeking for racial/ethnic subgroups. In a sample of 380 community residents responding to a mailed survey in the Hartford, CT metropolitan area, racial/ethnic differences were examined for four attitudinal aspects of medical help-seeking: action/intention, cynicism/fatalism, confidence in medical professionals, and fear/avoidance. Multivariate analyses controlling for other demographic, health crisis, and health insurance variables indicated that black, white, and Hispanic subgroups differed strongly on the battery of medical help-seeking attitudes. Although all groups were generally favorable to help-seeking, black and Hispanic respondents expressed more favorable, pro-help-seeking attitudes than did white respondents. Their attitudes were highly significant for action/intention and confidence in medical professionals. This study showed no evidence that racial/ethnic health disparities might result from negative predispositions as barriers to medical help-seeking.
Assessment of GPS velocity accuracy for the Basin and Range Geodetic Network (BARGEN)

We assess the accuracy of horizontal velocity estimates from the Basin and Range Geodetic Network (BARGEN), a continuous GPS network that has been in operation since 1996. To make this quantitative assessment, we use a procedure that we term the “whole-error” method. In this method, the measure of the velocity errors is the root-mean-square (RMS) residual velocity relative to a simple geophysical model. This method produces a conservative estimate of the uncertainties, since errors in the geophysical models also contribute to the RMS residual. Using estimates from two different BARGEN subnetworks, the Northern Basin and Range and the Yucca Mountain Cluster, we determine velocity uncertainties of 0.1–0.2 mm yr^(−1). Since BARGEN covers a significant fraction of area of the proposed Plate Boundary Observatory component of EarthScope, our results indicate a good ability of this project to determine highly accurate long-term horizontal crustal velocities and deformation rates in this region.
Limitations Imposed by Raw Materials on Firing Schedules

The raw material is the major factor in limiting the speed of firing when using tunnel kilns of small cross section, such as the Prouty-type slab kiln. Raw materials vary greatly in the time required for water smoking, oxidation, and rapid shrinkage periods. The selection of materials that require small amounts of time can effect large reductions in firing time. Large reductions in firing time can be accomplished for slow-firing materials through control of the grog particle size distribution or through the addition of other clays or shales to the material. Some reductions in firing time can be obtained through the elimination of hygroscopic water prior to firing and through apportioning the available firing time according to the needs of the raw material. Such scheduling permitted the firing of certain full-size brick in 8° hours.
The Hibernian Amazon: A Struggle for Sovereignty in the Portuguese Court, 1643-1648

Based on the archival records of the Conselho Ultramarino of Portugal, this article tells the story of an Irish colony in the Amazon, as it was conceived, proposed, and debated in the court of the House of Braganca. Although it is fascinating in its own right, this story reveals a more profound ideological fissure between the king and his counselors. By "naturalizing" a group of foreign emigres, Joao IV threatened to undermine not only the security of his American colonies, but also the ideology of popular sovereignty that justified the recent overthrow of Habsburg rule and his own ascension to the throne. At the dawn of this Restoration, the fate of the Irish settlers threw into question the shape and character of the Portuguese nation and the foundations of the modern state.