cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Supporting Collaboration in Heterogeneous Environments

Heterogeneous sharing in synchronous collaboration is important with the proliferation of diverse computing environments, such as wearable computers and handheld devices. We present here a data-centric design for synchronous collaboration of users with heterogeneous computing platforms. Our approach allows clients with different capabilities to share different subsets of data in order to conserve communication bandwidth. We have built a robust middleware consisting of a distributed repository of shared data objects and a client-server-based infrastructure. Using the middleware, we have developed a framework for building collaborative applications for clients with different display and processing capabilities. We discuss the design and implementation of our middleware and framework and evaluate them by building four complex sample applications that demonstrate scalability, good performance, and high degree of code reusability.
Uncertainty bound-based hybrid control for robot manipulators

The hybrid (position and force) control problem of a robot manipulator has been cast into the framework of control of dynamical systems whose mathematic model contains uncertainties. The uncertainties involved can be due to imperfect modeling, friction, payload change, and external disturbances. Based solely on the bound of these uncertainties, controllers can be constructed. A two-joint SCARA-type robot is discussed as an illustrative example. >
Update on pharmacology of the eccrine sweat gland

Abstract Eccrine sweat glands are a simple tubular structure whose principal function is secretion of fluid and electrolytes for thermoregulation. It appears that physiological sweating is predominantly cholinergic in nature and is mediated by intracellular Ca 2+ , whereas the functional significance of s-adrenergic sweating, which is presumably mediated by cAMP, remains to be studied. Pharmacological studies of eccrine sweat glands will benefit our understanding of basic abnormalities in cystic fibrosis, as well as the mechanism of acclimatization.
User Preferences for a Text Message–Based Smoking Cessation Intervention

Younger adults are more likely to smoke and less likely to seek treatment than older smokers. They are also frequent users of communication technology. In the current study, we conducted focus groups to obtain feedback about preferences for a text message-based smoking cessation program from potential users. Participants (N = 21, M age = 25.6 years, age range = 20-33 years) were current or recently quit smokers (M cigarettes/day = 12.8) who used text messaging. Participants completed questionnaires and participated in a 2-hour focus group. Focus groups were conducted using an a priori semistructured interview guide to promote discussion of the content and functionality of the intervention. Major themes from analysis of the focus groups included support for the acceptability of a text-based cessation program, suggestions for a more technologically broad-based program, and adjustments to the program structure. Participants recommended including social networking functions, user control of program output through an online profile, and text message features to promote interaction with the system. Interestingly, many participants suggested the program should begin on individuals' identified quit day, challenging the procedures used in most cessation programs, which begin by preparing participants for a future quit date. Overall, younger adult smokers appear to be interested in participating in a smoking cessation program that uses text messages and web-based elements. Qualitative feedback regarding the perceived optimal features and structure of a technology-based intervention challenged traditional methods of implementing smoking cessation interventions and will inform the development of future programs.
Heats of immersion of titania powders in primer solutions

The oxide layer present on titanium alloys can play an important role in determining the strength and durability of adhesive bonds. Here, three titania powders in different crystalline phases, rutile-R1, anatase-A1, and anatase-A2, are characterized by several techniques. These include microelectrophoresis, X-ray diffractometry, surface area pore volume analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and measurements of the heats of immersion. Of the three powders, R1 has the highest heat of immersion in water, while the interaction between water and A1 powder is low. Experimental data also suggest a specific preferential interaction of polyphenylquinoxaline with anatase.
A theorem on single-peaked preference functions in one dimension

With simple stimuli like amount of sugar in coffee or grade expectations in courses, the preference orders of individuals can be represented by single-peaked functions of an underlying ordering. When stimuli are more complex, as in candidates for office or automobiles, there is usually no natural ordering underlying the stimuli, and hence the preference orders cannot be single-peaked functions in one dimension. Is the existence of an underlying ordering necessary and sufficient to ensure that all preference orders will be single-peaked and if not, just what further conditions must be met? An understanding of the precise mathematical conditions will be useful in the interpretation of preferential choice data and will show experimenters how to essentially guarantee that all subjects will be single-peaked. The theorem presented here is essential to an understanding of the intimate relation between single-peaked functions and preferential choice behavior and deals with the general case of options which may differ in more than two components. The application of the theorem to the special cases of options which differ in only one or two components has been extensively developed and has appeared elsewhere (Coombs & Avrunin, 1977).
Influence of pseudomorphic base-emitter spacer layers on current-induced degradation of beryllium-doped InGaAs/InAlAs heterojunction bipolar transistors

We present in this paper a basis for the design of high performance heterojunction bipolar transistors in which base dopant diffusion can be drastically reduced, or even eliminated. From previous theoretical and experimental studies we have established that the motion of point defects in a semiconductor can be impeded or enhanced by a thin (30-100 /spl Aring/) pseudomorphic layer. The path preferred by the defect will depend on the local strain exerted by it in the lattice and the strain tensor of the host layer. Based on this, we have studied the outdiffusion of Be dopant atoms from the base region of n-p-n In/sub 0.53/Ga/sub 0.47/As/In/sub 0.52/Al/sub 0.48/As heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBT's) during short-term high-current (t=18-24 h, J/sub c/=7/spl times/10/sup 4/ A/cm/sup 2/, T=80/spl deg/C) stress tests. The microwave transistors grown by molecular beam epitaxy have 150-200 /spl Aring/ of lattice-matched, compressively strained, or tensilely strained spacer layers incorporated between the base and emitter layers. Changes are observed in the dc and microwave characteristics of the transistors with lattice-matched and compressively strained spacers, while no changes are recorded in the devices with tensilely strained spacer layer after the current stress test. As expected, the tensiley strained spacer layer is very effective in controlling the outdiffusion of Be dopant atoms, which exert a local strain in the lattice, from the base to the emitter region.
Acute Effects of Atypical Antipsychotics on Whole-Body Insulin Resistance in Rats: Implications for Adverse Metabolic Effects

Although it is generally accepted that atypical antipsychotics differ in their risk for diabetic side effects, the underlying pharmacological mechanisms are unknown. Studies on the mechanisms of antipsychotic-induced hyperglycemia or insulin resistance are often confounded by the concomitant weight gain and dyslipidemia, known diabetic risk factors. To investigate whether antipsychotics can acutely cause metabolic effects before any change in body composition, we studied the effects of four atypical antipsychotics on whole-body insulin resistance. Using the hyperinsulinemic, euglycemic clamp technique in conscious rats, insulin and somatostatin were infused at a constant rate to provide constant hyperinsulinemia and to suppress pancreatic insulin secretion. Glucose was infused at a variable rate, adjusted to maintain euglycemia. At steady state, animals were administered vehicle (V) or antipsychotic and the glucose infusion rate was monitored as an index of insulin sensitivity. Clamp experiments using radiotracers and studies on glucose uptake into isolated skeletal muscle were conducted to differentiate between effects on hepatic glucose production (HGP) and on peripheral glucose uptake. Olanzapine (OLAN) and clozapine (CLOZ) acutely impaired whole-body insulin sensitivity in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.001 vs V), whereas ziprasidone and risperidone had no effect. CLOZ also induced profound insulin resistance after dosing 10 mg/kg/day for 5 days (P<0.05 vs V). Tracer studies indicated that acute changes mainly reflect increased HGP, consistent with the lack of effect on glucose uptake. OLAN and CLOZ can thus rapidly induce marked insulin resistance, which could contribute to the hyperglycemia and ketoacidosis reported for patients receiving those therapies.
Metrics of Success for Enterprise Geographic Information Systems (EGIS)

ABSTRACT An enterprise geographic information system (EGIS) addresses the institutional challenge of providing common infrastructure to share geospatial data and associated services. We propose a comprehensive definition and conceptual framework for EGIS, and we apply this framework to analyze and assess the success of a prototype EGIS implementation. We define EGIS as institutional GIS capability with three attributes: (1) integrated components (common infrastructure); (2) services (shared data, analysis, modeling, and visualization capabilities); and (3) institutional management (administration and leadership). Further distillation yields nine specific implementation requirements: (1) common networked infrastructure; (2) high reliability and availability; (3) spatial data warehouse; (4) documentation of data and services; (5) coordination of dataflow and workflow; (6) coordination of personnel roles and responsibilities; (7) formalized management; (8) institutional financing; and (9) institutional leade...
Infrared detection with spontaneous pulsing in multiquantum well structures

A new method of infrared detection without any preamplifiers is presented. The method is based on well studied multiquantum well (MQW) structures and the injection mode integrate-and-fire infrared detectors using p+-n- n+ structures. A brief introduction to injection mode IR detectors (with p+-n-n+ diodes) is given. A model based on device physics to describe spontaneous pulsing in GaAs/AlGaAs quantum well structures is presented. The model includes space charge generation/recombination mechanisms such as tunneling and impact of injected hot electrons with cold well electrons, with current voltage relations leading to spontaneous pulsing in MQW structures. It is shown with the correct parameters, spontaneous pulsing could be observed in MQW structures at 300 K. The IR photoionization contribution to space charge generation is added to the model to obtain the infrared response. This response can take the form of a change in the pulse rate or pulses being generated for a subthreshold bias conditions. This gives rise to novel IR detectors operating above 77 K up to near room temperature.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A technical analysis of model year 2011 US automobile efficiency

Abstract This paper investigates the new 2011 automobile fleet to quantify the variation in models’ efficiency and underlying technology attributes. This involves analysis of test data to quantify the aerodynamic, rolling resistance, and powertrain efficiency characteristics of each model, as well as analysis to understand relationships between these and vehicle fuel consumption. The findings indicate that while vehicles are about 14% efficient on average, there is wide variation and direct evidence of dramatically improved powertrain efficiency within existing models. Existing gasoline and diesel models demonstrate improved powertrain efficiency by over 25%, hybrid gasoline-electric powertrains by over 50%, fuel cells by a factor of three, and all-electric by a factor of four as compared to the average 2011 vehicle. Advanced aerodynamic and tire rolling resistance technologies are also in evidence.
Ten Year Historical Perspective of the NOAA Damage Assessment and Restoration Program

Abstract The United States Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA) was enacted to reduce the probability of oil spills in U.S. waters. A key provision of the legislation enables recovery of damages for restoration of injured natural resources and lost services due to oil spills. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) developed regulations that set out a process for determining the appropriate type and scale of restoration actions to accomplish this goal. The restoration plan developed through this process is the basis for an economic claim for natural resource damages. The regulations recognize that various methods, including environmental models, may be used in identifying and quantifying injuries to natural resources and losses of their services and in developing a restoration approach for these injuries. Rather than designating particular assessment measures, NOAA requires each trustee to decide which methodologies are appropriate for each incident, given its particular facts and circumstances. Any procedure chosen must meet the standards in the rule: it must provide information useful for determining restoration needed for an incident, the cost of the method must be commensurate with the quality and quantity of information it is expected to generate, and, of particular significance here, the method must be reliable and valid for the particular incident. This paper describes how methods are selected, how they might be used, and what legal standards would be applied should these methods be used as evidence in litigation.
EFFECT OF HUMAN CHORIONIC GONADOTROPIN BEFORE SPERMATIC VESSEL LIGATION IN THE PREPUBERTAL RAT TESTIS

AbstractAfter single stage Fowler-Stephens orchiopexy testicular atrophy is common. Previous experimental study in the scrotal testis of the adult rat has shown that ligation of the internal spermatic artery often causes focal testicular infarction or atrophy and exogenous human chorionic gonadotropin increases testicular blood flow. We questioned whether division of the internal spermatic artery in the undescended rat testis would also cause testicular injury and hypothesized that these changes might be prevented by administering human chorionic gonadotropin gonadotropin before vessel ligation. Two groups of 20-day-old Sprague-Dawley male rats were subjected to unilateral internal spermatic artery ligation. Group 1 (control) received no human chorionic gonadotropin, while group 2 received 10 IU human chorionic gonadotropin daily from days 3 to 17 of life. At 3 months testicular blood flow was quantitated using 141cerium radioactive microspheres. The results indicated that blood flow on the operated side ...
Comparative tissue distribution of mirex and chlordecone in fetal and neonatal rats

Abstract The transport of mirex and chlordecone (Kepone) across the placenta during late gestation and through the milk during lactation was investigated in the rat. In the placental transport study, doses of 5 mg/kg were administered on Day 15, 18, or 20 of gestation and animals were killed 4, 24, or 48 hr after treatment. Both compounds crossed the placenta and were present in the fetus at all examination times. Maternal tissue levels exceeded fetal tissue levels by a factor of 4 to 5. Slightly higher levels of chlordecone as compared to mirex were found in maternal and fetal tissues. No effects of gestational age at time of treatment or of position of the fetus in the uterus were seen. In the lactation study, doses of 1 or 10 mg/kg/day were administered on Days 2–5 postpartum and pups were killed at intervals up to 12 days after treatment. The secretion of milk appeared to be a major route of elimination for both pesticides for nursing females, and the greater amount of mirex excreted via the milk as compared with chlordecone is in agreement with differences in their reported octanol-water partition coefficients. Initially, mirex entered the milk more rapidly than chlordecone. After cessation of treatment, mirex milk levels fell quickly, but chlordecone levels remained fairly constant. In the pups, mirex tissue levels paralleled milk levels; chlordecone levels, however, continued to increase in the tissues throughout the observation period.
Hot Spots of Perforated Forest in the Eastern United States

National assessments of forest fragmentation satisfy international biodiversity conventions, but they do not identify specific places where ecological impacts are likely. In this article, we identify geographic concentrations (hot spots) of forest located near holes in otherwise intact forest canopies (perforated forest) in the eastern United States, and we describe the proximate causes in terms of the non-forest land-cover types contained in those hot spots. Perforated forest, defined as a 0.09-ha unit of forest that is located at the center of a 7.29-ha neighborhood containing 60-99% forest with relatively low connectivity, was mapped over the eastern United States by using land-cover maps with roads superimposed. Statistically significant (P < 0.001) hot spots of high perforation rate (perforated area per unit area of forest) were then located by using a spatial scan statistic. Hot spots were widely distributed and covered 20.4% of the total area of the 10 ecological provinces examined, but 50.1% of the total hot-spot area was concentrated in only two provinces. In the central part of the study area, more than 90% of the forest edge in hot spots was attributed to anthropogenic land-cover types, whereas in the northern and southern parts it was more often associated with semi-natural land cover such as herbaceous wetlands.
TWO-NUCLEON TRANSFER IN THE 1p SHELL.

Abstract Two-nucleon c.f.p. are given for the 1p shell, based on an earlier effective-interaction calculation. Magnitudes are also given which indicate the strength expected for two-nucleon transfer reactions.
Control of Particle Size Distribution of CdS Quantum Dots in Gel Matrix

A novel sol-gel process has been developed to prepare nano-sized CdS quantum dots to improve the nonlinear optical properties. A bifunctional ligand, 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane H2N(CH2)3Si(OC2H5)3, was used to disperse the Cd2+ ions in the gel solution. The CdO and CdS particles were observed by transmission electron microscope (TEM). The size of CdS microcrystallites with concentrations up to 13 wt.% in SiO2 gel matrix was found to be in the range of 2–4 nm with a very sharp size distribution. A well-defined absorption edge was observed in the absorption spectrum.
The Positivity of a Sequence of Numbers and the Riemann Hypothesis

Abstract In this note, we prove that the Riemann hypothesis for the Dedekind zeta function is equivalent to the nonnegativity of a sequence of real numbers.
Very narrow linewidth tunable distributed Bragg reflector photodetector

We demonstrate a photodetector with a very narrow spectral linewidth (less than 2 angstroms) and a 35 angstroms tuning range is demonstrated. The absorption medium is made up of 3 pairs of InGaAs/GaAs Quantum Wells and the operating wavelength of the photodetector is approximately 960 nm. The photodetector features a horizontal resonant cavity in which feedback is achieved using Distributed Feedback Reflectors (DFB). The DFB gratings have a periodicity of 2850 angstroms and provide feedback through the second order of diffraction. The grating periodicity was chosen to facilitate the coupling of normally incident light into the 0.25 micrometers -thick GaAs waveguide of the cavity through the first order of diffraction. The optical and electrical paths in this photodetector are completely orthogonal. Consequently, this normal incidence horizontal resonant cavity photodetector is completely integrable into Wavelength Division Demultiplexing and other Optoelectronic Integrated Circuits with a potential for high speed operation.
Synthesis and characterization of poly(antioxidant β-amino esters) for controlled release of polyphenolic antioxidants

Attenuation of cellular oxidative stress, which plays a central role in biomaterial-induced inflammation, provides an exciting opportunity to control the host tissue response to biomaterials. In the case of biodegradable polymers, biomaterial-induced inflammation is often a result of local accumulation of polymer degradation products, hence there is a need for new biomaterials that can inhibit this response. Antioxidant polymers, which have antioxidants incorporated into the polymer backbone, are a class of biomaterials that, upon degradation, release active antioxidants, which can scavenge free radicals and attenuate oxidative stress, resulting in improved material biocompatibility. In this work, we have synthesized poly(antioxidant β-amino ester) (PAβAE) biodegradable hydrogels of two polyphenolic antioxidants, quercetin and curcumin. The degradation characteristics of PAβAE hydrogels and the antioxidant activity of PAβAE degradation products were studied. Treatment of endothelial cells with PAβAE degradation products protected cells from hydrogen-peroxide-induced oxidative stress.
Nth Order extension of the Wintner-Leighton theorem

Sufficient conditions are given for the existence of oscillatory and nonoscillatory solutions of a class of nth order linear differential equations. These results include an extension of the Wintner-Leighton Theorem.
Copolymerization of dehydrated castor oil with styrene: Determination of reactivity ratios

Dehydrated castor oil (DCO) has been used as a comonomer with styrene to determine reactivity ratios. The polymerization was a free-radical process in benzene, and the product was isolated by evaporation of the reaction mixture and by two precipitations into petroleum ether from benzene. The copolymer composition was determined by a saponification procedure. DCO was found to have a high chain transfer constant and a very low reactivity ratio (estimated at 0.086) compared to styrene (11.6). It was found that copolymerization is difficult to achieve in a system where the DCO concentration in the reaction mixture was above 20 mole-%.
The association between clinical findings and microbiologic profiles among BV-positive pregnant women

130 131 MATERNAL TEMPERATURE DURING NORMAL AND ABNORMAL LABOR FRITS SCHOUTEN, HANS WOLF, BERT SMIT, DICK BEKEDAM, RIEN DE VOS, Academisch Medisch Centrum Amsterdam, Obstetrics, Amsterdam, Netherlands Academisch Medisch Centrum Amsterdam, Neonatology, Amsterdam, Netherlands Onze Lieve Vrouwe Gasthuis Amsterdam, Obstetrics, Amsterdam, Netherlands Academisch Medisch Centrum Amsterdam, Epidemiology, Amsterdam, Netherlands OBJECTIVE: To define temperature values in normal and abnormal labor. STUDY DESIGN: Rectal temperature was measured every 2-3 hours in all women (n = 3075) with gestational age $36 weeks admitted to the labor ward from the start of active labor until 2 hours after delivery in 2 hospitals in Amsterdam (one university, one general) from June 2000 to January 2002. Normal labor (NL, n = 637) was defined as gestational age $37 weeks, spontaneous onset of labor, ruptured membranes 5 internal examinations, and PROM >18 hrs, average temperature was respectively 0.38C, 0.18C, and 0.18C higher than in remaining group during the last 3 hours before delivery. In IUI temperature was higher from 9 hours before delivery. CONCLUSION: Temperature during labor was not different between December 2003 Am J Obstet Gynecol S100 SMFM Abstracts
Genome-wide studies of the multi-zinc finger Drosophila Suppressor of Hairy-wing protein in the ovary

The Drosophila Suppressor of Hairy-wing [Su(Hw)] protein is a globally expressed, multi-zinc finger (ZnF) DNA-binding protein. Su(Hw) forms a classic insulator when bound to the gypsy retrotransposon and is essential for female germline development. These functions are genetically separable, as exemplified by Su(Hw)(f) that carries a defective ZnF10, causing a loss of insulator but not germline function. Here, we completed the first genome-wide analysis of Su(Hw)-binding sites (SBSs) in the ovary, showing that tissue-specific binding is not responsible for the restricted developmental requirements for Su(Hw). Mapping of ovary Su(Hw)(f) SBSs revealed that female fertility requires binding to only one third of the wild-type sites. We demonstrate that Su(Hw)(f) retention correlates with binding site affinity and partnership with Modifier of (mdg4) 67.2 protein. Finally, we identify clusters of co-regulated ovary genes flanked by Su(Hw)(f) bound sites and show that loss of Su(Hw) has limited effects on transcription of these genes. These data imply that the fertility function of Su(Hw) may not depend upon the demarcation of transcriptional domains. Our studies establish a framework for understanding the germline Su(Hw) function and provide insights into how chromatin occupancy is achieved by multi-ZnF proteins, the most common transcription factor class in metazoans.
Magnetic characterization of (001) and (111) Ni films epitaxially grown on MgO

Abstract : One interesting application of epitaxial magnetic thin films is to use them as one of the electrodes in a spin-dependent tunneling junction in order to use the magnetocrystalline anisotropy to define the required two states of the magnetization. (1) In our preliminary work we prepared epitaxial magnetic films on copper buffer layers grown on silicon substrates. (2) The single crystalline quality of the films was particularly evident in the magnetization hysteresis loops showing a sharp reversal at fairly high fields (120 Oe) when the samples were magnetized along the crystallographic easy axis. One technological disadvantage in this type of samples is the chemical interaction between the metallic layers and the silicon substrate. In order to explore the possibility of epitaxial magnetic films on less reactive substrates we studied the growth on MgO substrates. We have shown that it is possible to obtain epitaxial (001) and (111) Ni films grown on MgO substrates. 3 In particular we observed that the crystalline quality of the films improved considerably after 10 run of film growth. We will now present our studies on the magnetic properties of these films particularly the azimuthal dependence of the magnetization reversal using MOKRE correlating our finding with the structural characterization obtained with RHEED, STM and XRD.
The Role of Empowerment in Youth Development: A Study of Sociopolitical Control as Mediator of Ecological Systems' Influence on Developmental Outcomes

Empowerment has become an influential concept and theoretical framework for social policy and practice. Still, relatively little is known about the roles that empowerment plays in the ecology of human development, particularly among young people. This article reports results of a study of psychological empowerment among young people, using data from 629 high school students (65.8% female; 96.5% non-white). Using a path analysis, we examined the role of perceived sociopolitical control--an indicator of the intrapersonal component of psychological empowerment--as a mediator between ecological support systems and developmental outcomes. Findings confirmed that social support in family, peer, and school settings, and family cohesion positively predict self-esteem and perceived school importance, which, in turn, have protective effects on psychological symptoms, violent behaviors and substance use. Sociopolitical control was found to mediate the relationships between ecological supports and risk factors and developmental outcomes, leading to the conclusion that perceived efficacy in the sociopolitical domain, and youth empowerment, more generally, should be considered as core elements of the ecology of human development. Policy and practice aimed at promoting positive developmental outcomes and preventing risk behaviors should take their relationship to sociopolitical control into account.
Thermoregulatory behavior of the bluespotted sunfish, Enneacanthus Gloriousus

Twenty bluespotted sunfish, Enneacanthus gloriosus, were individually tested for thermoregulatory behavior in an electronic shuttlebox. The first fishes of this genus to be tested for thermoregulatory behavior, these individuals were captured near the northern limit of their zoogeographic range, in northeastern Pennsylvania. The mean final preferendum from pooled data of all 20 fish was 28.5°C; there were no significant differences between day and night.
Toward optimization of macroporous silica gels for application to capillary or microchip-based CEC and LC

Silica aerogels were prepared via the sol–gel process using tetramethoxysilane (TMOS) as the precursor and polyethylene oxide (PEO) of molecular weights 10,000 and 100,000 to provide a polymeric template for gelation. The experiments included eleven different formulations ranging from 100% 10,000 MW PEO to 100% 100,000 MW PEO in 10% increments. The total concentration of PEO was kept constant throughout the experiment. The gelation time of the wet-gel prepared using 10,000 MW PEO was 15.3 (±0.1) × 103 s, while gelation occurred almost 30 times faster by using long-chain 100,000 MW PEO. The surface area of aerogels prepared with 10,000 MW PEO was 40 m2 g−1 and that of 100,000 MW PEO aerogels was more than an order of magnitude larger. The Young’s modulus of 10,000 MW PEO aerogels was 1.2 (±0.3) MPa while that for 100,000 MW PEO aerogels was almost four times larger. Estimated pore sizes for all types of gels were in the macroporous region. The estimated pore sizes for 10,000 MW PEO were an order of magnitude greater than those estimated for 100,000 MW PEO. The physical properties of silica aerogels such as gelation time, pore size, surface area, and Young’s modulus can be tailored to make them suitable for application as separation media in HPLC and CEC.
Wiedemann-Franz law in Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8

Abstract The measured thermal conductivity of insulating Bi 2 Sr 2 YCu 2 O 8 is used to estimate the phonon part of the thermal conductivity κ ( T ) of the superconductor Bi 2 Sr 2 CaCu 2 O 8 . Subtraction gives an “experimental” electronic part κ el , and thus a Wiedemann-Franz ratio L = κ el / σT , close to the Lorenz number L 0 , with a small temperature dependence opposite to conventional electron-phonon scattering.
Effects of mesencephalic and pontine electrical stimulation on hippocampal neuronal activity in drug-free cat.

Abstract We used micropipets to record the activity of 285 hippocampal neurons in drug-free cats. Chronically implanted electrodes were used to stimulate the brain stem with single electrical pulses or brief pulse trains, and hippocampal neuronal responses were recorded. The electrodes were localized histologically to the raphe nucleus centralis superior and ventrolateral border of central gray in the mesencephalon and to nucleus locus ceruleus and adjacent dorsolateral tegmentum in the pons. The predominant response of hippocampal neurons after stimulation at all brain stem placements was inhibition. Pulse trains were generally more effective stimuli than single pulses. Short-latency excitatory responses were also seen, particularly after stimulation of electrodes localized to the raphe. Although not conclusive, these results are consistent with previous evidence in rat that hippocampal neurons are inhibited by serotonergic raphe neurons and noradrenergic locus ceruleus neurons.
A diffusion-approximation analysis of a general n-compartment system

Abstract A new approach to the stochastic analysis of general compartment models is presented. The analysis is based on the concept of diffusion approximations. The state of a compartment system is represented as the superposition of a deterministic process (characterized by a system of ordinary differential equations) and a random-noise process (characterized by stochastic differential equations). All transition-rate parameters are permitted to be time-dependent. Numerical solutions are presented for the two-compartment case and compared with those of Cardenas and Matis [10]. Extensions to nonlinear compartment models are discussed.
Electrocoagulation in a Sterile Surgical Field

A useful technique for the electrocoagulation of bleeders while maintaining a sterile surgical field is outlined. The method is fast and efficient, and no special equipment is required.
Susceptibility Testing of Entamoeba histolytica

The growth of Entamoeba histolytica in microtiter plates in vitro in a variety of environments with reduced oxygen tensions is reported. With 3% O/sub 2/, 3% CO/sub 2/, and 94% N/sub 2/, the parasite growth in microtiter plates was identical to that in screw-capped culture tubes, as measured by (/sup 3/H)thymidine incorporation and by quantitative parasite counts. There were no significant differences between the drug concentrations necessary to inhibit parasite growth by 50% based on (/sup 3/H)thymidine incorporation vs those defined by quantitative parasite counts for the 15 antimicrobial agents tested (including seven drugs used for the treatment of amebiasis). This technique provides a reproducible method to quantitate the activity of potential antiamebic agents in vitro. The isotopic method should be of particular value in defining the metabolism of the parasite and effects of antimicrobial agents on it, whereas the morphologic method may be more valuable for workers with limited resources available to them.
Development and Application of a Correlation of 13C NMR Chemical Structural Analyses of Coal Based on Elemental Composition and Volatile Matter Content

13C NMR spectroscopy has been shown to be an important tool in the characterization of coal structure. Important quantitative information about the carbon skeletal structure is obtained through 13C NMR spectral analysis of coal. Solid-state 13C NMR analysis techniques have progressed beyond the mere determination of aromaticity and can now describe features such as the number of aromatic carbons per cluster and the number of attachments per aromatic cluster. These 13C NMR data have been used to better understand the complicated structure of coal, to compare structural differences in coal, tar, and char, and to model coal devolatilization. Unfortunately, due to the expense of the process, extensive 13C NMR data are not available for most coals. A nonlinear correlation has been developed that predicts the chemical structure parameters of both U.S. and non-U.S. coals generally measured by 13C NMR and often required for advanced devolatilization models. The chemical structure parameters correlated include (i)...
A statistical method of spelling correction

Character-recognition devices, present and future, are likely to make errors. A system for spelling correction for errors of the substitution type, which assumes an extensive dictionary for word look-up purposes, is presented and evaluated for both English and a word-root language proposed for speech synthesis.
New approaches to hydrogen storage

The emergence of a Hydrogen Economy will require the development of new media capable of safely storing hydrogen in a compact and light weight package. Metal hydrides and complex hydrides, where hydrogen is chemically bonded to the metal atoms in the bulk, offer some hope of overcoming the challenges associated with hydrogen storage. The objective is to find a material with a high volumetric and gravimetric hydrogen density that can also meet the unique demands of a low temperature automotive fuel cell. Currently, there is considerable effort to develop new materials with tunable thermodynamic and kinetic properties. This tutorial review provides an overview of the different types of metal hydrides and complex hydrides being investigated for on-board (reversible) and off-board (non-reversible) hydrogen storage along with a few new approaches to improving the hydrogenation–dehydrogenation properties.
Cylindrical waveguide mode convertor for azimuthally symmetric transverse electric modes

The propagation of the guided modes in a cylindrical waveguide with imperfectly conducting walls and with the radius having a weak harmonic variation in the axial direction is investigated using the expansion of the fields in terms of the ideal normal modes. The theory is applied to the design of a mode convertor that selectively transforms the power in the TE/sub 0r/ mode to the TE/sub 0s/ mode. The spectral response of the mode convertor is analysed and the possible improvements of the basic design of the mode convertor are discussed. >
Textural timbre: The perception of surface microtexture depends in part on multimodal spectral cues.

During haptic exploration of surfaces, complex mechanical oscillations – of surface displacement and air pressure – are generated, which are then transduced by receptors in the skin and in the inne...
Optical properties of human gallbladder tissue and bile

Knowledge of the optical properties of biliary tract tissues is useful for aiding in the development and understanding of clinical applications of lasers in the biliary tract. Human gallbladder and bile specimens were obtained during laproscopic cholecystectomy. The diffuse remittance and transmission of the samples were determined from 350 to 2450 nm. Collimated transmission was determined at 633 and 2100 nm. Using one-dimensional diffusion theory, we calculated μs, μa, and g as a function of wavelength. Both gallbladder and bile show absorption peaks at 1.4 and 1.9 μm. Bile has a peak at 400 nm; gallbladder has peaks at 410 and 550 nm. The absorption peaks are correlated with known tissue chromophores. The effect of the sample preparation on the results is discussed.
GPS MONITOR ALARM LIMITS FOR NONPRECISION APPROACHES

The future navigation accuracy requirement for nonprecision approaches has been estimated to be 100 m. GPS can satisfy this requirement by limiting the 95 percent horizontal position determination accuracy for civil users to 100 m. The FAA is investigating GPS signal integrity monitoring and the associated monitor alarm limits in order to satisfy the integrity response time requirements for non-precision approaches. This paper documents a rationale for the 100 m GPS horizontal accuracy requirement and evaluates the impact of using GPS monitor alarm limits greater than 100 m. The GPS monitor alarm limit must be set above 100 m in order to reduce the number of potential alarms. The significant impact on nonprecision approaches, as defined in the Terminal Instrument Procedures, appears to be the size of the obstacle clearance areas and their effect on the minimum descent altitude.
Processing and characterization of polymer-based composites for electronic applications : polymer/ceramic composite grain boundary capacitors

Abstract A polymer/ceramic composite grain boundary capacitor has been fabricated using a semiconducting ceramic as the conducting phase (reduced barium titanate) and a thermoplastic polyimide as the insulating polymer phase (LaRC-TPI). The ceramic grains and the composite capacitors were characterized using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The dielectric properties of the capacitors were also measured using an impedance analyser. A composite grain boundary capacitor with a dielectric loss below 0.02 was successfully manufactured. The room temperature dielectric constant of the capacitors ranged from below 30 to approximately 2000, with the value dependent upon the ratio of the diameter of the semiconducting ceramic grains to the thickness of the insulating polymer layer coating the grains.
Neue Wege der Metallkorrosions‐Verhütung durch kationische Verbindungen

Der Einsatz kationischer Stickstoff-Derivate der Fettsauren auf verschiedenen Gebieten wird anhand von Tabellen und Abbildungen erlautert, die auf den Erfahrungen der praktischen Anwendung beruhen. Warum sich diese Verbindungen fur den Korrosionsschutz eignen, wird kurz erlautert.
Studies of oxidative phosphorylation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Saccharomyces carlsbergensis

Abstract Mitochondria isolated from cultures of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Saccharomyces carlsbergensis , which were harvested late in the stationary phase of growth at a time when full development of the electron transport and associated phosphorylation systems had occurred, carried out oxidative phosphorylation with P:O ratios of approximately 3 and 2 when pyruvate-malate and succinate, respectively, were used as substrates.
Implementation of Active Learning Pedagogy Comparing Low-Fidelity Simulation Versus High-Fidelity Simulation in Pediatric Nursing Education

Abstract Background This pilot study compares the implementation of active learning pedagogy based on the Nursing Education Simulation Framework using low-fidelity simulation (static manikin) and high-fidelity simulators (human patient simulator) in a pediatric fluid and electrolyte scenario. Method Nursing students (N = 31) from Modesto Junior College in central California participated in a randomized, two-group experimental design using simulation design instruments developed in the National League of Nursing/Laerdal 3-year multisite study. Results and Conclusions Students gave high ratings to implementation of actively learning strategies with both low- and high-fidelity simulation; however this study's data reflect the HFS group's perceived active learning, collaboration, and diverse ways of learning to be of more importance than the LFS group's.
Customizing Promotions in Online Stores

The main objective of this paper is to provide a decision-support system of micro-level customized promotions, primarily for use in online stores. Our proposed approach utilizes the one-on-one and interactive nature of the Internet shopping environment and provides recommendations on when to promote how much to whom. We address the issue by first constructing a joint purchase incidence-brand choice-purchase quantity model that incorporates how variety-seeking/inertia tendency differs among households and change over time for the same household. Based on the model, we develop an optimization procedure to derive the optimal amount of price discount for each household on each shopping trip. We demonstrate that the proposed customization method could greatly improve the effectiveness of current promotion practices, and discuss the implications for retailers and consumer packaged goods companies in the age of Internet technology.
Numerical Simulation of Subcooled Nucleate Boiling by Coupling Level-Set Method with Moving-Mesh Method

A new numerical procedure coupling the level-set method with the moving-mesh method to simulate subcooled nucleate pool boiling is proposed. Numerical test problems have validated this new method. The simulation of bubble dynamics during nucleate boiling under liquid subcooling shows that this novel adaptive method is more accurate in determining interfacial heat transfer than a computational method based on uniform grids with the same number of mesh points.
Hydroxylapatite: an adjunct to cranial bone grafting

✓ Hydroxylapatite is a dense pure ceramic material which has been used extensively in the reconstruction of atrophic maxillary and mandibular ridges. The authors describe a technique for the use of hydroxylapatite in combination with grafting of bone, either autogenous or from the bone bank, to restore contour to cranial defects. The use of hydroxylapatite in combination with bone grafting for contour restoration is recommended, as attempts to place the material directly on dura were not successful.
ACTION SPECTRUM FOR ENHANCEMENT OF PHOTOTROPISM BY Arabidopsis thaliana SEEDLINGS

— Fluence-response relationships have been measured at wavelengths from 350 to 760 nm for the enhancement of phototropism in Arabidopsis thulium L. (Heynh) strain “Estland” by an irradiation at each of these wavelengths, given 2 h prior to a 450 nm inductive unilateral irradiation. Action spectra have been constructed from these fluence-response relationships based on: (i) the fluence required to obtain a curvature of 25° (corresponding to an enhancement of 15°), (ii) the fluence required to obtain 50% of the maximum enhancement and (iii) the fluence threshold for enhancement by a pre-irradiation. The action spectra exhibit two maxima, one at 669 nm and a second at 378 nm. The height of the maximum at 669 nm is approximately 4 times the height of the maximum at 378 nm. Based on the action spectra, it is concluded that the enhancement of phototropism in A. thaliana is mediated by phytochrome.
Dynamic control in automated manufacturing: a knowledge integrated approach†

Abstract Flexibly automated facilities permit a wider variety of products as well as objectives for making those products—thus requiring manufacturing control strategies to face an environment of ever present change. To operate in this environment, a system composed of hard automation, flexible automation and humans, which can be responsive to product and process requirements, machine breakdowns and delays, engineering changes and improvement opportunities, is needed. Such a system does not fall into the realm of any current manufacturing solution techniques. Something more than exact optimization, heuristic algorithms or stochastic estimates must be utilized. The research discussed herein describes a dynamic solution strategy to operate in this changing environment with adaptive self-improving characteristics. The proposed methodology for optimizing the control of an automated manufacturing facility is an integrated approach utilizing real-time feedback from the operating facility, direct feedback from a...
Quantifying Aesthetic Preference for Chaotic Patterns

Art and nature provide much of their aesthetic appeal from a balance of simplicity and complexity, and order and unpredictability. Recently, complex natural patterns have been produced by simple mathematical equations whose solutions appear unpredictable (chaotic). Yet the simplicity and determinism of the equations ensure a degree of order in the resulting patterns. The first experiment shows how aesthetic preferences correlate with the fractal dimension (F) and the Lyapunov exponent (L) of the patterns. F reflects the extent that space is filled and L represents the unpredictability of the dynamical process that produced the pattern. Results showed that preferred patterns had an average F = 1.26 and an average L = 0.37 bits per iteration, corresponding to many natural objects. The second experiment is a preliminary test of individual differences in preferences. Results suggest that self-reported creative individuals have a marginally greater preference for high F patterns and self-reported scientific in...