cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mathematics--for Whom?.

devoted to developing worthwhile mathematics content, and since that phase of curriculum reform had been accomplished with great success, the second decade should be devoted to the pedagogical issues of how this content can be taught successfully to children. Although many mathematics educators may be satisfied with the mathematics content of the present programs, an increasing number of educators are raising serious questions about these mathematics curriculums. The most devastating criticism of the modern mathematics movement is presented by Morris Kline in his Why Johnny Can't Add: The Failure of the New Math. Kline makes two major criticisms of the new mathematics. First, he claims that the emphasis on mathematics as an abstract, highly structured, postulational system is a wrong emphasis because that is not the way children learn mathematics and, moreover, that is not the way mathematics was developed in the first place. Second, Kline points out that mathematics has always been developed as a result of man's experience with the physical world and mathematics was always related to the world of reality. Now the emphasis is on mathematics as an abstract, completely self-contained system that need have no relation to the physical world. This emphasis, if continued, will result in the deterioration of mathematics, according to Kline. That Kline would criticize the new mathematics was to be expected since he was a severe critic from its very inception. In articles and in speeches at mathematics meetings he was consistent in his disapproval of such programs. But there have been serious questions raised by those who support the new mathematics and who were even active in developing the new mathematics content. For example, in the October 1973 issue of the Arithmetic Teacher several authors raised questions about the geometry content that should be a part of the mathematics curriculum. The same authors expressed concern about the purpose of mathematics in the elementary school curriculum. It is not possible to answer a question about the mathematics content of the elementary school without considering the purpose of mathematics in the elementary school. The efforts to develop an effective mathematics curriculum are doomed to failure because they are based on some false
A predictive multiscale model for simulating flow-induced platelet activation: Correlating in silico results with in vitro results

Abstract Flow-induced platelet activation prompts complex filopodial formation. Continuum methods fail to capture such molecular-scale mechanisms. A multiscale numerical model was developed to simulate this activation process, where a Dissipative Particle Dynamics (DPD) model of viscous blood flow is interfaced with a Coarse Grained Molecular Dynamics (CGMD) platelet model. Embedded in DPD blood flow, the macroscopic dynamic stresses are interactively transferred to the CGMD model, inducing intra-platelet associated events. The platelets activate by a biomechanical transductive linkage chain and dynamically change their shape in response. The models are fully coupled via a hybrid-potential interface and multiple time-stepping (MTS) schemes for handling the disparity between the spatiotemporal scales. Cumulative hemodynamic stresses that may lead to platelet activation are mapped on the surface membrane and simultaneously transmitted to the cytoplasm and cytoskeleton. Upon activation, the flowing platelets lose their quiescent discoid shape and evolve by forming filopodia. The model predictions were validated by a set of in vitro experiments, Platelets were exposed to various combinations of shear stresses and durations in our programmable hemodynamic shearing device (HSD). Their shape change was measured at multiple time points using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The CGMD model parameters were fine-tuned by interrogating a parameter space established in these experiments. Segmentation of the SEM imaging streams was conducted by a deep machine learning system. This model can be further employed to simulate shear mediated platelet activation thrombosis initiation and to study the effects of modulating platelet properties to enhance their shear resistance via mechanotransduction pathways.
Usability Evaluation of Police Mobile Computer Terminals: A Focus Group Study

Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of police officers’ deaths in the line of duty. Previous studies have found that officer distraction caused by in-vehicle technologies such as the mobile c...
Year in Review 2020: Noteworthy Literature in Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology:

The year 2020 was marred by the emergence of a deadly pandemic that disrupted every aspect of life. Despite the disruption, notable research accomplishments in the practice of cardiothoracic anesth...
Loss or rebirth? Bilingual educators and communities during the time of COVID

According to a policy brief by the United Nations on COVID-19 and education, the “pandemic has created the largest disruption of education systems in history, affecting nearly 1.6 billion learners ...
An In-depth Summary of Recent Artificial Intelligence Applications in Drug Design.

As a promising tool to navigate in the vast chemical space, artificial intelligence (AI) is leveraged for drug design. From the year 2017 to 2021, the number of applications of several recent AI models (i.e. graph neural network (GNN), recurrent neural network (RNN), variation autoencoder (VAE), generative adversarial network (GAN), flow and reinforcement learning (RL)) in drug design increases significantly. Many relevant literature reviews exist. However, none of them provides an in-depth summary of many applications of the recent AI models in drug design. To complement the existing literature, this survey includes the theoretical development of the previously mentioned AI models and detailed summaries of 42 recent applications of AI in drug design. Concretely, 13 of them leverage GNN for molecular property prediction and 29 of them use RL and/or deep generative models for molecule generation and optimization. In most cases, the focus of the summary is the models, their variants, and modifications for specific tasks in drug design. Moreover, 60 additional applications of AI in molecule generation and optimization are briefly summarized in a table. Finally, this survey provides a holistic discussion of the abundant applications so that the tasks, potential solutions, and challenges in AI-based drug design become evident.
Effect of a mindset training intervention on Bachelor of Science nursing students

ABSTRACT Background The Mindset Model is a framework that supports student success, and has begun to be studied in health professions education including nursing. Aim This study aimed to determine if a mindset training intervention previously successful in an Associate Degree nursing student population would also show benefit for nursing students in a Bachelor of Science program. Methods The study design was quasi-experimental. Participants completed the Williams Inventory of Learning Strategies survey tool before and after an educational intervention consisting of a 1 hour mindset training session. Findings Although mean scores changed in a direction that demonstrated strengthened growth mindset and willingness to remediate after the mindset training intervention, which could represent practical significance, the results did not meet statistical significance. Discussion/Conclusions The results of this study may demonstrate that Bachelor of Science nursing students benefit less from mindset training than their Associate Degree counterparts do. Further study with larger samples is recommended.
A metric for the evaluation of imitation

Stick out your tongue at a toddler and she will likely imitate by sticking out her tongue. Imitation is a very common and natural form of learning ubiquitous in humans. Dolphins and some species of apes also show imitative abilities, but only humans are attributed with ‘true’ imitation that enables the acquisition of entirely novel skills (Miklosi 1999). Imitation learning has become a very attractive topic for robotics researchers with the recent advent of humanoid robots and other highly articulated systems (Schaal 1999). Various research groups are working on the problem of endowing robots with the ability to learn and acquire new skills by imitation through demonstration (Atkeson & Schaal 1997; Billard & Mataric 2001; Ijspeert, Nakanishi, & Schaal 2001; Jenkins, Mataric, & Weber 2000; Mataric 2001; Nicolescu & Mataric 2001; Schaal 1997; 1999). One of the primary issues in imitation is finding corresponding actions. When a dolphin nods its head to imitate the nod of its human instructor, it has somehow figured out what action is the one that best corresponds to the demonstration. Similarly, when a child claps her hands to imitate an adult, she has successfully deduced the action that closely corresponds to what the adult did. In both of these cases, the imitators were able to sieve through their motor programs and select a suitable action sequence. This suggests the presence of an intrinsic measure of similarity between actions, which leads us to the correspondence problem. The correspondence problem asks the question: “how similar is an action sequence to the demonstration?”. This problem lies at the very core of imitation. Despite the significance of this problem in imitation, there is almost no work to date in robotics that explicitly addresses it. The bulk of imitation research in robotics has focused on recognition of actions and learning and execution of motor programs. The correspondence problem has largely been implicitly “solved” by making use of very specific heuristic criteria appropriate for the considered task. We are specifically interested in addressing the correspondence problem in imitation. Our aim is to develop a comprehensive correspondence metric that can provide a scalar measure of dissimilarity/distance between any pair of action
Culture and the Fast-Food Marketing Mix in the People's Republic of China and the USA: Implications for Research and Marketing

SUMMARY To help multinationals meet consumer needs in the People's Republic of China (PRC), this paper provides basic information about culture and consumer behavior with respect to fast food. A joint effort of researchers from two countries resulted in two PRC surveys and one USA survey using East-, East/West-, and West-influenced instruments, respectively. Results explain the frequency of purchasing fast food and differentiate the segment preferring “fast” from the segment preferring “food” (taste and nutrition), and the younger from the older consumer segment. Results have implications for planning culture-relevant research and marketing mix for similar products and consumers.
Hippocampal Inactivation Disrupts Contextual Retrieval of Fear Memory after Extinction

Recent studies implicate the hippocampus in contextual memory retrieval. The present experiments explore this possibility by examining the impact of reversible inactivation of the dorsal hippocampus (DH) on the context-specific expression of extinction. In experiment 1, rats were conditioned to fear a tone conditional stimulus (CS) and subsequently extinguished either in the same context as conditioning or in a novel context. A third group of rats underwent fear conditioning but did not receive extinction. After extinction, conditional fear to the tone CS was assessed in the conditioning context by measuring freezing. Rats extinguished in the conditioning context exhibited low levels of freezing, whereas those extinguished in a different context and those that received no extinction showed high levels of freezing. This indicates that the expression of extinction is context-specific. In experiment 2, the context-specific expression of extinction was disrupted by infusion of muscimol, a GABA(A) receptor agonist, into the DH. Rats that received muscimol infusions into the DH showed little freezing to the tone CS, regardless of whether the CS had been extinguished in the testing context or another context. In experiment 3, intrahippocampal muscimol infusions did not disrupt the expression of conditional freezing to the tone CS in rats that did not receive extinction. Thus, muscimol infusion into the DH produced a selective impairment in the context-specific expression of extinction. These results extend findings from other behavioral paradigms and provide additional support for a role for the hippocampus in contextual memory retrieval.
Hydrodynamics of Tidal Inlets

A review of the hydrodynamics of tidal inlets is presented. In discussing the hydro-dynamics a distinction is made between 1 dimensional (vertically and horizontally averaged) models and 2 dimensional (vertically averaged) models. For the ID models, the governing equations are derived. Numerical and approximate analytical solutions are presented. The analytical solutions are cast in a common framework and compared to a solution obtained on an analog computer. For the 2 dimensional vertically averaged model, problems encountered in the formulation of the equations and the numerical solution techniques are discussed, notably those associated with the lateral shear and the advective acceleration. Finally, a brief review is presented of the analytic expressions for the ebb tidal flow at the ocean side of the inlet (near field hydrodynamics) and the generation of higher harmonics and residual currents.
The Ferrero—Washington Theorems

In this chapter we prove that the Iwasawa congruences cannot be satisfied, thus giving a bound for the divisibility of Bernoulli numbers with characters, and hence a bound for the divisibility of the corresponding class numbers with respect to certain primes.
Observation of t quark production at CDF

We present CDF results on the observation of the top quark and the study of its properties using 100 pb{sup -1} of data collected at the Tevatron collider at {radical}s = 1.8 TeV during the 1992-1995 period. Updated counting results and consistency checks between these data and earlier published mass and cross section are given. 8 refs., 9 figs., 2 tabs.
A controller design method under infrequent, asynchronous sensing

We use discrete quadratic Lyapunov functions to design controllers for a class of systems where time intervals between state measurements are longer than time intervals between control actions and different components of the state vector are not measured at the same time. The discrete Lyapunov function is a discretization of a continuous Lyapunov function assumed to be known for the idealized system. With this framework, we determine the maximum time interval between measurements of each state variable to guarantee the non-increasing property for the discrete Lyapunov function.
Combined stent implantation and endosaccular coil placement for treatment of experimental wide-necked aneurysms: a feasibility study in swine.

PURPOSE To assess the feasibility of combining stent implantation in the parent artery with endosaccular coil placement for the treatment of experimentally created wide-necked aneurysms. METHODS Wide-necked aneurysms were surgically created on the common carotid artery in 12 swine. A metal stent was endovascularly implanted across each aneurysm neck and its effect documented anigiographically. If the aneurysm remained patent, a microcatheter was introduced into the aneurysm through the stent mesh. Electrically detachable coils were delivered into the aneurysm sac to produce thrombosis. RESULTS After stent implantation, one carotid artery thrombosed and two aneurysms spontaneously occluded. In the other 9 cases, coils were deposited through the stent to occlude the aneurysm. Complete aneurysm packing was possible in all 9 cases. The presence of the stent allowed placement of small coils near the aneurysm neck, thus contributing to the safe occlusion of small remnants in the final stages of aneurysm packing. CONCLUSION The combination of stent implantation and coil placement is feasible in the treatment of experimental wide-necked saccular aneurysms. The stent maintains patency of the parent artery while allowing aneurysm occlusion by endosaccular coil placement through the stent's mesh. Occlusion of small aneurysm remnants is possible with no fear of coil hernation or migration into the parent artery. Long-term studies will be necessary before application to treatment of selected intracranial aneurysms.
An Illustrated Key To the Species of Whale-Lice (Amphipoda, Cyamidae), Ectoparasites of Cetacea, With a Guide To the Literature

Les Cyames (Amphipoda) sont trouves sur les baleines ainsi que sur les odontocetes. La famille comprend cinq genres reconnus et seize especes, sans compter deux especes non nommees de la Baleine de Baird (Berardius bairdii). Un tableau des Cyamides et de leurs hotes, fonde sur la litterature ainsi que sur des informations non publiees, est indu dans ce travail, qui comporte egalement une cle illustree des especes, un guide de la litterature, et une liste de references.
Supportive Home Environments for People with AIDS

Simple, low technology design modifications believed to be relevant to individuals suffering from AIDS were investigated. Twelve health care providers (doctors, nurses, and home health workers) experienced in assisting people with AIDS in Fort Collins, Colorado and the metropolitan Denver area rated 159 design modification items grouped into II categories of physical limitations imposed by AIDS-related symptoms. Each item was rated for its usefulness to AIDS patients; 113 items were considered to be useful, and 80 of these were directly related to the furnishings, fixtures, and equipment within the home. Of the II categories of limitations, the health care providers considered those items grouped into the categories of respiratory limits, increasing reaction time, bowel incontinence, pain reduction, coordination limits, and reach limits to be most problematic. Those items grouped into the categories of limits of sight, strength, one-handed use, concentration, and hearing were considered to be important but less problematic. Interior designers can effectively improve the quality of life for people with AIDS through design prescriptions for supportive home environments. Such design prescriptions, personalized to the needs of the individual patient, can result from the design modification items investigated and offer people with AIDS the opportunity to live more creative and independent lives.
Magnetar Observations in the Swift-Fermi Era

This slide presentation reports on the current status of Magnetar observations, and on the results combining multi-satellite. Magnetars are magnetically powered neutron stars. There is discussion about several Soft Gamma Repeaters (SGR) also known as Magnetars, though there aer other neutron stars that may be considered as magnetars (i.e., Anomalous X-ray Pulsars (AXPs) Dim Isolated Neutron Stars (DINs) Compact Central X-ray Objects (CCOs) Rotation Powered Pulsars.) An example of a Rotation Powered PSRs, (i.e., PSR J1846-0258) is reviewed, and examples of SGRs are reviewed (i.e., SGR 0501+4516, SGR 0501+4516, SGR J1550-5418, and SGR 0418+5729). There is also discussion about Photospheric Radius Expansion (PRE) in thermonuclear bursts.
Alteraciones endocrino-metabólicas inducidas por bexaroteno en el tratamiento del linfoma cutáneo de células T

Introduccion La utilizacion de bexaroteno, agonista selectivo del receptor de retinoide X (RXR), en pacientes con linfoma cutaneo de celulas T (CTLC), ha puesto de manifiesto la aparicion de dos complicaciones frecuentes, como son el hipotiroidismo central y la hipertrigliceridemia. Nos proponemos comprobar las repercusiones en las hormonas tiroideas y los lipidos plasmaticos en un pequeno grupo de pacientes con CTLC tratados con bexaroteno. Pacientes y metodo Presentamos a 6 pacientes (2 mujeres, 4 varones) con CTLC, en distintos estadios de la enfermedad y resistentes por lo menos a un tratamiento sistemico previo, que recibieron tratamiento con bexaroteno a dosis de 300 mg/m 2 . Se evaluo la TSH basal y la T4 libre y los lipidos plasmaticos (colesterol y trigliceridos) al inicio del tratamiento, a las 4 y las 8 semanas y, en los pacientes en que se suspendio el tratamiento, 4 semanas despues de finalizado. Resultados En 4 de 6 pacientes, la funcion tiroidea antes del tratamiento con bexaroteno era normal, en un paciente se desconocia y otro habia sido diagnosticado previamente de hipotiroidismo primario autoinmunitario subclinico. A las 4 semanas de iniciado el tratamiento, todos mostraron una disminucion de las concentraciones de tirotropina (TSH) y tiroxina (LT4), y 4 precisaron tratamiento con dosis sustitutivas de levotiroxina. Todos los pacientes presentaron elevaciones en las concentraciones plasmaticas de colesterol y/o trigliceridos que requirieron tratamiento con estatinas o fenofibrato. En aquellos en que se suspendio el bexaroteno, las hormonas tiroideas y los lipidos retornaron a cifras similares a las basales. Conclusiones El tratamiento con bexaroteno en pacientes con CTLC induce la aparicion de alteraciones endocrino-metabolicas, como hipotiroidismo central y dislipemia mixta, que requieren tratamiento con dosis sustitutivas de levotiroxina y farmacos hipolipemiantes en la mayoria de las ocasiones. Dichas alteraciones son reversibles tras la suspension del farmaco.
Scientific Reviews: Classical 3He Gas Detectors

The normal component in gas-filled neutron detectors was for many years boron trifluoride, BF3, but in recent years 3He has become the converter gas of choice. Although 3He is expensive (about €90 per liter), it is a better proportional counter gas, particularly with respect to electron multiplication, and has a higher conversion efficiency per molecule than BF3
Calculations of the effects of point defects on Hubbard models of high temperature superconductivity

We describe studies of the effects of defects on Hubbard models of highT c superconductors. We first present numerical mean field calculations on thet-J model in which disorder due to point defects in treated explicitly. Secondly, we describe variational Monte Carlo calculations at zero temperature in which the full effects of the Gutzwiller projection are included in a calculation of the variational BCS ground state including randomly distributed point defects. Finally we discuss possible microscopic mechanisms by which point defects could enhance pairing in the BCS state.
Parametric error equations for dead reckoning navigators used in ground vehicle guidance and control

: This paper develops and validates parametric error models for a GPS-aided dead reckoning navigator for ground vehicle guidance and control. The dead reckoning navigator fuses information from a rate gyro and a Doppler radar to provide a two-dimensional navigation solution during momentary GPS outages. When available, GPS is used to calibrate the dead reckoning sensor errors. The error models developed provide a quick and accurate method for predicting the navigator's performance during these momentary GPS outages. The models parameterize the navigation performance as a function of sensor quality, sensor sampling rate and GPS outage length. The error models are validated in a series of tests using a farm tractor. The models predict and the tests show that this dead reckoning system can provide a 61 deg heading and 0.3 m position accuracy during a 20–40 s GPS outage.
Effects of Thermal Additions from the Yellowstone Geyser Basins on the Bacteriology of the Firehole River

A series of stations was established on the Firehole River where it flows through the main geyser basins of Yellowstone Park, and temperature, pH, alkalinity, conductivity, and phosphate were measured. The temperature of the water gradually increased as it flowed through the thermal area, at its warmest averaging about 16°C higher than in the cool area (10° to 26°C). Alkalinity, conductivity, pH, and phosphate also increased markedly. The growth rates of periphtic bacteria measured in situ on glass slides were virtually identical at different stations despite the wide differences in temperature. The effect of temperature on the incorporation of 14C—glucose by benthic bacteria populations at the different stations demonstrated that the temperature optimum for this process increased in parallel with the temperature of the habitat. It is thus concluded that the bacteria are near—optimally adapted to the temperature of their habitat and that despite wide differences in temperature the rate of bacterial activity is the same. In another study, samples of water were placed on agar media and incubated at temperatures of 25°, 55°, and 70°C to obtain estimates of the number of bacteria able to grow at these temperatures. The thermophilic organisms developing at 55°C were primarily Bacillus stearothermophilus at those at 70°C primarily Thermus aquaticus. Thermophiles were not present in water which had not received thermal additions, but both kinds of thermophiles were found in the warm water, and numbers increased progressively as more thermal water entered. In the recovery zone downstream from the thermally region, the numbers of thermophilic bacteria decreased markedly. The possible value of these thermophilic bacteria as indicators of thermal pollutions is discussed. It is suggested that the Firehole River is an excellent model for long—term studies on the ecological consequences of thermal pollution.
Empirical Modeling for Glucose Control in Critical Care and Diabetes

Empirical Volterra series models of glucose–insulin behavior were identified from input–output data provided by a physiologically-based nonlinear patient model. While completely identified nonlinear Volterra models provided accurate output prediction, clinical data limitations constrained the structure of the Volterra series to linear plus nonlinear diagonal coefficients. In the absence of measurement noise, the ability of this structurally constrained model to capture process dynamics was very good. The addition of Gaussian distributed measurement noise, having variance 10 mg2/dL2, significantly degraded coefficient estimates, but projection onto the Laguerre basis (with subsequent expansion to the Volterra space for analysis) provided excellent noise-filtering and model predictions requiring only 164 measurements to identify 121 Volterra coefficients. Linear and nonlinear model predictive control algorithms were developed from the identified Volterra models. In the absence of measurement noise, nonlinear control algorithms provided mild performance enhancement in rejecting a 50 g glucose challenge. With the addition of measurement noise matching the above noise characteristics, the benefits of nonlinear control were lost. The superiority of the nonlinear empirical model to capture open-loop data did not translate into closed-loop performance enhancement in the presence of measurement noise. Linear model predictive control, with the ability to filter noise effects by proper tuning, provided the best combination of performance and robustness to uncertainty (both measurement and model) in this nonlinear case study.
Patterns of variation in life history among South American fishes in seasonal environments

Ten traits related to life history theory were measured or estimated for 71 freshwater fish species from two locations in the Venezuelan llanos. Multivariate statistics and cluster analysis revealed three basic endpoint patterns bounding a two-dimensional continuum. A suite of attributes associated with parental care and aseasonal reproduction appeared to correspond to an equilibrium strategy. A second group of small fishes was distinguished by traits associated with rapid colonizing ability: early maturation, continuous reproduction, and small clutches. The third basic pattern was associated with synchronized reproduction during the early wet season, high fecundity, absence of parental care, and breeding migrations. A subset of mostly small fishes exhibiting little or no parental care, small clutches, and two to four month reproductive seasons was intermediate between the opportunistic (rapidly colonizing) and seasonal strategies. All ten life history variables showed significant effects of phylogeny. The cluster of species corresponding to the equilibrium group was dominated by siluriform fishes and perciforms of the Cichlidae. The opportunistic cluster was dominated by cyprinodontiform and characiform fishes, whereas the seasonal cluster contained primarily characiform and siluriform fishes. Seven of nine traits were significantly correlated with body length. The three reproductive patterns are interpreted as being adaptative with respect to relative intensity and predictability of temporal and spatial variation in abiotic environmental parameters, food availability, and predation pressure.
Mollicute identified in novel association with aquatic invertebrate

Prokaryotes lacking a cell wall, formerly known as mycoplasmas were recently designated as the new class, Mollicutes. The association of unidentified “mycoplasma-like organisms” with aquatic animals has been suggested previously on the basis of visual observations alone. We report the pure-culture identification of a true mollicute, anAcholeplasma, that consistently associates with the larvae and adults of the marine bryozoanWatersipora arcuata. This represents the first confirmed nondisease association between a mollicute and an aquatic invertebrate.
Damage Assessment and Restoration Planning for the M/V Kuroshima Oil Spill1

ABSTRACT On November 26, 1997, the M/V Kuroshima, a 370-foot refrigerated cargo vessel owned by Kuroshima Shipping, S.A., broke away from its anchorage in Summer Bay on Unalaska Island, near Dutch Harbor, Alaska. While the vessel was attempting to move to a safer anchorage, winds in excess of 100 knots blew the freighter into Second Priest Rock, damaging several of the vessel's fuel tanks. The vessel subsequently ran aground on the shore of Summer Bay. Approximately 39,000 gallons of heavy fuel oil were spilled, oiling Summer Bay and nearby Humpy and Morris Coves. High winds and surf carried oil upstream into a nearby lake and on to the dunes. Windblown oil also contaminated vegetation and an archaeological site. This paper reviews the overall incident, and briefly summarizes the results of the damage assessment and restoration planning process undertaken for this spill.
Direct measurements of lateral variations of Schottky barrier height across "end-on" metal contacts to vertical Si nanowires by ballistic electron emission microscopy.

Ballistic electron emission microscopy measurements on individual “end-on” Au Schottky contacts to vertical Si nanowires (NWs) indicate that the local Schottky barrier height at the contact edge is 23 ± 3 meV lower than at the contact center. Finite-element electrostatic simulations suggest that this is due to a larger interface electric field at the contact edge resulting from (equilibrium) positive charge in Si/SiO2 interface states near the Au/NW contact, induced by local band bending due to the high work function Au film.
An Energy Consumption Rewards System to Incentivize Environmentally Conscious Social Behavior

This paper outlines an idea of creatively incentivizing home-owners to conserve electricity through a socially competitive lottery-based rewards system. The core idea of this work is in leveraging the power of social network influence to make consumers participate and compete in a lottery so that the resulting engagement consistently enhances the population’s energy spending awareness. The potential value of such a system in generating energy and monetary savings/revenue is investigated via simulation of social influence processes in an agent based simulation framework. The study encompasses three analysis cases: a lottery system with no communication between consumers, a system with the added social influence, and a “fall-back” scenario where people may return to their old habits of not conserving electricity while still communicating among themselves. To model these analysis cases, a standard independent cascade model is employed with influence success thresholds varied between 1% and 10%. The paper concludes by summarizing the simulation results. Pertinent aspects such as generation of lottery prize money, and expected impact on energy savings is also discussed.© 2013 ASME
Effects Of Radiation Parameters On Computerized Transverse Axial Tomography

EFFECTS OF RADIATION PARAMETERS ONCOMPUTERIZED TRANSVERSE AXIAL TOMOGRAPHYR.G. WaggenerW.D. McDavidW.H. PayneM.J. DennisRadiology Department, University of Texas Health Science Centerat San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78284AbstractEffects of kVp, voltage wave form, added filter, and tube current on three -dimensional reconstructionfrom x -rays have been investigated in relationship to sampling time,spectral heterogeneity, contrast,quantum noise, and patient dose. Comparison of statistical limitations with and without a water -bath indi-cates that scanners which employ a water -bath are comparatively inflexible in this regard. A degree offlexibility in the choice of kilovoltage and filter seems both desirable and feasible in scanners which donot use a water -bath. Minimization of patient dose is also limited by statistical factors. Reconstructionsfrom measured data have been carried out to demonstrate the relationship between these factors.IntroductionSelection of optimal radiation parameters for computerized transverse axial tomography involves theinterplay of a number of closely related factors. Contrast, noise level, and spectral homogeneity must beoptimized in order to produce the most satisfactory image while, at the same time, working within limita-tions determined by cost, scan time, and patient exposure. In this presentation we present a survey of theimportant factors which need to be considered in determining the optimal radiation parameters for computed
Effect of electric discharge machining on the fatigue life of Inconel 718

Abstract The effect of electric discharge machining on the fatigue life of Inconel 718 alloy at room temperature was investigated. Data were generated in the uniaxial tension fatigue mode at ambient temperature using flat 3.175 mm thick specimens. The specimens were machined on a wire-cut electric discharge machine at cutting speeds ranging from 0.5 to 2 mm per minute. The specimens were fatigued at a selected stress, and the resulting fatigue lives compared with that of the virgin material. The surfaces of the fatigued specimens were examined under optical and scanning electron microscopes, and the roughness of the surfaces was measured using a standard profilometer. From the results of the investigation, it was concluded that the fatigue life of the specimens machined using EDM decreased slightly as compared with that of the virgin material, but remained unchanged as the cutting speed was changed. The results are explained using the data produced employing microhardness measurements, profilometry, and optical and scanning microscopy.
On Diederichsen's formula for extensions of lattices

and thus R, may be viewed as ZG-lattice. Indeed, every RR,-module becomes a ZG-module by virtue of the homomorphism ZG + R, . In Diederichsen’s fundamental article [2] on integral representations of cyclic groups, one of the vital steps was the computation of Ext&(R, , R,) when m and n are divisors of g. Diederichsen proved the following remarkable results: Ext&(R, , R,) = 0 unless m/n = pt for some prime p and some nonzero t E 2. If m/n = pt for some prime p and some nonzero integer t (possibly negative), then Ext&(R, , R,) . 1s isomorphic to the direct sum of v(Z) copies of z, where Z = Z/p2 and E = min(m, n). Diederichsen’s proof, though elementary in nature, depended on complicated manipulations with roots of unity. In this article we shall give an extremely
A divalent metal ion binding site in the kinase insert domain of the alpha-platelet-derived growth factor receptor regulates its association with SH2 domains

To investigate the effects of metal ion binding to the alpha-PDGFR kinase insert domain, a PCR product representing amino acid residues 691-795 (104 amino acids) was bacterially expressed and purified. Secondary structure prediction and circular dichroism spectroscopy indicated this domain to be a mixed alpha + beta protein with a large coil/turn contribution. This 16 kDa, soluble, nonphosphorylated domain bound to 45Ca2+ and 65Zn2+ through a common shared site. Of the unlabeled divalent and trivalent metal ions tested, Ho3+ = Zn2+ > Ni2+ > Ca2+ = Mn2+ > Mg2+, Ba2+ in competing for 45Ca2+ binding to this domain. In the presence of Ca2+ ions, the conformation of the KI domain changed significantly, and this changed conformation was resistant to subtilisin proteolysis. However, in the presence of Zn2+ ions, the conformation of the KI domain changed only slightly. Nevertheless, Zn2+ ions were more effective in rendering the KI domain resistant to proteolysis as compared to that shown by Ca2+ ions. In vitro binding studies using purified baculovirus-expressed alpha-PDGFR showed a marked increase in binding the p85 N-SH2 domain in the presence of Ca2+ or Zn2+ ions (KD = 0.5 microM), suggesting that metal ion binding enhances association of the p85 N-SH2 domain with the receptor. To confirm this, association of the alpha-PDGFR with the p85 N-SH2 domain was tested in the presence of the KI domain. The nonphosphorylated KI domain was effective in competing with the alpha-PDGFR for the binding of the p85 N-SH2 domain. This effect was more pronounced in the presence of Ca2+ ions. Microinjection of this domain into Xenopus oocytes delayed maturation in the presence of insulin but not progesterone. This suggests that the KI domain has a correctly folded three-dimensional structure compatible with biological activity. Together these findings indicate that the recombinant alpha-PDGFR KI domain binds the p85 N-SH2 domain and this binding is modulated by the presence of a novel divalent metal ion binding site within its structure.
Effects of the insecticide sevin and its first hydrolytic product, 1-naphthol, on some early developmental stages of the bay mussel Mytilus edulis

Six developmental stages of the bay mussel Mutilus edulis, from fertilization to 32 h after fertilization, and also unfertilized eggs, were exposed for 1 h to different concentrations of the insecticide Sevin and its first hydrolytic product, 1-naphthol. After exposure, the larvae or eggs were separated from the pesticide solution and returned to clean water. At 48 h after fertilization, the numbers of normal and abnormal larvae were determined and 1-h EC50 values (the effective concentrations that caused anomalous development of 50% of the test animals) were calculated. The most sensitive developmental stage was the one that occurred shortly after fertilization at the time of appearance of the first polar body. Thereafter, sensitivity decreased as age increased. The EC50 of Sevin for the first polar body stage and 32-h stage were 5.3 and 24.0 mg/l of Sevin, respectively. The EC50 of l-naphthol for the first polar body stage was 5.2 mg/l. Effects of the toxicants on development were characterized by disjunction of blastomeres, a reduction in the rate of development, and asynchronous and unaligned cleavages.
Multiple-Mark Items: An Alternative Objective Item Format?:

This study examined four threats to the validity of an alternative objective item format, the multiple-mark format. This format uses a multiple-choice item format and directs students to mark correct alternatives and leave blank incorrect alternatives. The [ILLEGIBLE] format was used on the Kansas Reading and Mathematics Assessments at three [ILLEGIBLE] levels. The four validity threats studied were students understanding directions, students omitting responses, dependency among item alternatives, and student guessing. [ILLEGIBLE] results indicated that over 95% of students followed multiple-mark directions and fewer than 1% omitted multiple-mark items. Reliability results showed some dependency among alternatives. As a result, it was recommended that scoring occur at the item level for multiple-mark items. In regard to guessing, it appeared that when students guessed, they chose to leave an alternative blank rather than mark it. Overall, the reliability and validity coefficients showed that the multiple-...
Pilot proficiency testing study for second tier congenital adrenal hyperplasia newborn screening

Abstract Background Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is caused by inherited defects in steroid biosynthesis. The Newborn Screening Quality Assurance Program (NSQAP) initiated a pilot, dried-blood spot (DBS)-based proficiency testing program designed to investigate materials and laboratory performance for second tier CAH screening by tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). Methods The ratio of 17-α-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP), androstenedione (4-AD) and cortisol is used as an indicator of CAH in laboratory protocols for second tier analysis of DBS specimens. DBS prepared by NSQAP contained a range of steroid concentrations resulting in different clinical ratios. Laboratories received blind-coded DBS specimens and reported results to NSQAP for evaluation. Results Quantitative values reported by participants for 17-OHP, 4-AD, and cortisol, reflected small differences in their analytical methods. Average quantitative values for 17-OHP increased from 81% to 107% recovery over the 3.5-year period; cortisol recoveries increased from 61.9% to 89.5%; and 4-AD recoveries decreased from 184% to 68%. Conclusions Laboratory participation in the CAH second tier proficiency testing program has resulted in improved analyte recoveries and enhanced sample preparation methodologies. NSQAP services for the second tier CAH analysis in DBS demonstrate the need for surveillance to ensure harmonization and continuous improvements, and to achieve sustained high-performance of newborn screening laboratories worldwide.
Datapath scheduling with multiple supply voltages and level converters

We present an algorithm called MOVER (Multiple Operating Voltage Energy Reduction) to minimize datapath energy dissipation through use of multiple supply voltages. In a single voltage design, the critical path length, clock period, and number of control steps limit minimization of voltage and power. Multiple supply voltages permit localized voltage reductions to take up remaining schedule slack. MOVER initially finds one minimum voltage for an entire datapath. It then determines a second voltage for operations where there is still schedule slack. New voltages con be introduced and minimized until no schedule slack remains. MOVER was exercised for a variety of DSP datapath examples. Energy savings ranged from 0% to 50% when comparing dual to single voltage results. The benefit of going from two to three voltages never exceeded 15%. Power supply costs are not reflected in these savings, but a simple analysis shows that energy savings can be achieved even with relatively inefficient DC-DC converters. Datapath resource requirements were found to vary greatly with respect to number of supplies. Area penalties ranged from 0% to 170%. Implications of multiple voltage design for IC layout and power supply requirements are discussed.
Multiple sulfur isotopes and the evolution of Earth's surface sulfur cycle

Abstract The distribution of sulfur isotopes in geological materials reveals information about Earth history and biogeochemical processes. Research during the last several decades has used sulfur isotope geochemistry as a tool to better understand microbial processes ( Harrison and Thode, 1958 , Kaplan, 1975 , Monster et al., 1979 , Peck, 1959 , Peck, 1962 , Rees, 1973 ) and sediment diagenesis ( Berner, 1969 , Berner, 1982 , Canfield et al., 1993b ). Earth historians also realized this potential, as there exists a rich record of environmental change within the sedimentary records ( Canfield and Teske, 1996 , Claypool et al., 1980 , Goodwin et al., 1976 , Habicht et al., 2002 , Kah et al., 2004 , Monster et al., 1979 , Shen et al., 2001 , Strauss, 1993 , Thode and Goodwin, 1983 ). These applications have championed the use of the two most abundant sulfur isotopes [32S and 34S], and provide a rich introduction to what the sulfur isotope record has to offer [see ( Canfield, 2004 , Canfield and Raiswell, 1999 )]. Within the last decade, this information has been supplemented by new data derived from the less abundant isotopes [33S and 36S]. The measurement of all four stable sulfur isotopes – multiple sulfur isotope geochemistry – has expanded our understanding of biological evolution and activity, atmospheric chemistry and transport, crustal recycling, and many more fields related to Earth surface processes [see ( Farquhar and Wing, 2003 )]. Here, I present a review of recent works in multiple sulfur isotope geochemistry with a focus on results that inform our understanding of biogeochemical processes and Earth surface evolution.
The sensitivity of optimal public investment for regional development

In this paper the discrete-time optimal control sensitivity problem is stated and a computationally convenient solution algorithm is reviewed. The algorithm is used to calculate the sensitivity of optimal public investment with respect to parameters in a regional model and welfare index. Implications of these results for regional development strategies are discussed.
Evaluation of a New FRP Fender System for Bridge Pier Protection against Vessel Collision

Physical protection systems typically are used to reduce vessel impact loads to nondestructive levels or redirect vessels away from bridge piers. An efficient physical protection system is critical for the safe operation of bridges and vessels. A new fender system, referred to as a floating fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP), can meet the design needs to protect both bridge piers and vessels. In addition, the floating FRP fender system, which is composed of FRP box modules filled with rows of FRP tubes, offers high-performance energy dissipation capabilities, modular construction, and easy replacement benefits. This paper focuses on a performance evaluation of this new fender system, used in a prestressed concrete bridge, by using a nonlinear explicit dynamic finite-element analysis program. The study included a vessel collision analysis with material properties calibrated by experimental data. The authors concluded that this new fender system has excellent energy-absorbing capabilities, significantly reduces collision forces, and increases collision duration imposed on the bridge pier and colliding vessel. Therefore, the new protection system is worthy of consideration for locations where a vessel-bridge collision is a concern.
Survival and "event-free" analysis of 785 patients with Björk-Shiley spherical-disc valves at 10 to 16 years.

Abstract Seven hundred eighty-five patients underwent Bjork-Shiley spherical-disc valve replacement from 1970 to 1976. There were 268 mitral valve replacements (MVR), 227 aortic valve replacements (AVR), 65 double-valve replacements, and 225 "combined" procedures. A 97.2% follow-up (mean, 12 years) was achieved. With an operative mortality of 4.1% for MVR, 8.4% for AVR, 15.4% for double-valve replacement, and 12.4% for combined procedures, the 12-year survival was most closely related to age at valve replacement: age less than 50 years, 70%; age 50 through 59 years, 52%; and age 60 years or more, 38%. Twenty-four patients (3.1%) (6 who had MVR, 5 who had AVR, 1 who had double-valve replacement, and 12 who had combined procedures) had a thrombosed valve 1 to 134 months postoperatively; this is equal to 0.36 thrombosed valve per 100 patient-years. One hundred eighteen embolic episodes occurred in 94 (13%) of the operative survivors or 1.8 emboli per 100 patient-years. There were major bleeding complications in 0.5% of patients and minor bleeding complications, in 4.0%. Endocarditis appeared in 30 patients (4.2%) or 0.4 episode per 100 patient-years and paravalvular leaks, in 20 patients (2.8%). The event-free survival by age group and valve site at 5, 10, and 12 years is presented. Events included death, thrombosed valves, strokes, bleeding, emboli, paravalvular leaks, and endocarditis. There were 5.3 events per 100 patient-years excluding operative deaths.