cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fsd Angle Encoding Electronics For Inductosyn Transducers

Current and projected requirements for increased angle readout accuracy on photo-optical instrumentation mounts create new demands on the angle encoding systems used to instrument the mount axes. In most modern system requirements, an output is required in real time digital form. In two basic applications, the mount angle readouts are 1. recorded (correlated to real time) as the instrument tracks a target, for the purpose of reconstructing the target trajectory. 2. used in real time as the position feedback reference to a digital position control loop which drives the mount along a specific tra-jectory so that a high resolution optical record of the object can be obtained. In addition to high static accuracy and fine resolution requirements, the above applications require high dynam-ic accuracy of the encoding system. In addition, the angle encoder system must be rugged enough to withstand field environment stresses, and reliable enough to cause negligible system downtime. Inductosyn plates, when correctly adapted to the instrument axis and when properly matched to the right set of electronics, satisfies the current and projected accuracy and resolution re-quirements. An electronic system for converting the Inductosyn* plate out-puts into digital form is discussed, following a pattern in which various alternate schemes are discussed, thus developing the rational for the chosen configuration.Error analyses, considering both static and dynamic conditions, are presented for the entire conversion process for the Inductosyn* plate to the digital output; the error analysis shows that the FSD angle encoder system, using an Inductosyn* plate, produces static and dynamic errors of + 1 arc sec, 1 arc sec/rad/sec, and 1 arc sec/rad/sec2, with resolution as fine as 0.15 arc sec. Techniques are described or mechanically coupling Inductosyn plates to the mount axes, with considerations depending on the mount bearing accuracies and overall system accuracy require-ments. Finally, static and dynamic test results are shown which depict angle readout error curves for a system using the FSD angle encoding systems, demonstrating the accuracy achieved. Several methods of performing accuracy tests are pre sented, emphasizing the care required to achieve consistent test results.© (1971) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Philopatry, natal dispersal, and inbreeding avoidance in an island population of Savannah sparrows

Over a 9-yr period, we studied dispersal of young banded Savannah Sparrows (Passerculus sandwichensis) from their natal nest to the site where they first bred 1 yr later in a population on an isolated archipelago in the Bay of Fundy, Canada. On a broad geographic scale, young birds were highly philopatric, returning from wintering grounds several thousand kilometers away to nest on the same island and often in the same field where they had hatched the year before. In some cases, birds chose nest sites within a few meters of their natal nest. The median dispersal distance between a bird’s natal nest and its first nest as an adult was 228 m, a distance equivalent to about six times the diameter of an average territory. Nearly three-quarters of the breeding birds in the study population had been banded as nestlings or fledglings within a 10-ha area on one island, which suggests that most birds in the population originated within the 127-ha archipelago. Within the archipelago, males and females dispersed simi...
Analysis of 2-[Fluorine-18]-Fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose Uptake Kinetics in PET Studies of Pulmonary Inflammation

Dynamic positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of the lung using the radiotracer 2-[fluorine-18]-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (18F-FDG) is an emerging method to assess noninvasively the metabolic activity of pulmonary inflammatory cells. Nevertheless, because of the distinct functional and structural characteristics of inflamed lung tissue standard methods of 18F-FDG analysis can be substantially limited and there is no consensus about the best method for quantification of the 18F-FDG signal for acute or chronic inflammatory lung diseases. This article gives an overview on recent advances in quantitative analysis of 18F-FDG uptake kinetics in non-neoplastic inflamed lung tissue.
Predictors of episiotomy use at first spontaneous vaginal delivery

Abstract Objective: To identify factors associated with the use of episiotomy at spontaneous vaginal delivery. Methods: We studied 1576 consecutive term, singleton, spontaneous vaginal deliveries in nulliparas at Brigham & Women’s Hospital between December 1, 1994 and July 31, 1995. The association of demographic variables and obstetric factors with the rate of episiotomy use were examined. Adjusted odds ratios (OR) and confidence intervals (CI) were estimated from multiple logistic regression analysis. Results: The overall rate of episiotomy was 40.6% (640 of 1576). Midwives performed episiotomies at a lower rate (21.4%) than faculty (33.3%) and private providers (55.6%) ( P = .001). After controlling for confounding factors with logistic regression, private practice provider was the strongest predictor of episiotomy use (OR, 4.1; 95% CI, 3.1, 5.4) followed by faculty provider (OR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.1, 2.5), prolonged second stage of labor (OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.2, 2.7), fetal macrosomia (OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.1, 2.5), and epidural analgesia (OR 1.4, 95% CI, 1.1, 1.8). Conclusion: The strongest factor associated with episiotomy at delivery was the category of obstetric provider. Obstetric and demographic factors evaluated did not readily explain this association.
The Link between Public and Private Interhousehold Transfers: Implications for the Design of Safety Net Programs in Developing Countries

An increasingly growing literature on the link between private and public transfers suggests that public transfers can displace interhousehold transfers. The usual argument is that if household' coping mechanisms contribute significantly to a reduction of economic insecurity, introducing public transfers may reduce or "crowd out" the amount of private transfers being received by poor households. This potential link between government transfers and private interhousehold transfers can be relevant to the
The use of 6-carboxynaphthofluorescein phosphoramidite in the automated synthesis of quencher-dye oligonucleotide probes (QDOPs)

Abstract Real-time detection and quantitation of specific amplicons have been achieved using quencher and dye-labeled oligonucleotides such as molecular beacons. The molecular beacon molecule has a fluorescent reporter dye at the 5′-end and a quencher at the 3′-end. When the closed molecular beacon is excited by irradiation, the reporter fluorescence is greatly reduced by quenching through the process of fluorescence resonance energy transfer. When the molecular beacon hybridizes to the target, the stem loop opens making the fluorophore and quencher spatially distinct, thus increasing the reporter dye fluorescence intensity. Labeling of dyes to 5′-end of oligonucleotides has been done typically using manual methods, it is possible to do manual coupling at the milligram scale. Described here is the development of a scalable process for oligonucleotide labeling, which is robust, and has been achieved for 6-carboxynaphthofluorescein by connecting it to a corresponding phosphoramidite [Theisen, P.; McCollum, C.; Upadhya, K.; Jacobson. K.; Vu, H.; Andrus, A.; Tetrahedron Lett. 1992, 33, 5033–5036].
Submicron lunar ejecta in the magnetosphere associated with meteor showers

Abstract Recent studies of the lunar ejecta from lunar impacts of interplanetary dust particles indicate that during favorable lunar phases, over 80% of the submicron ejecta enters the earth's magnetosphere. This “pulse” of lunar ejecta produced by the sporadic meteor background will follow the random variations of the sporadic flux. An additional enhancement of this flux can be related to major meteor showers. Since the annual periods of these showers occur during varying lunar phase angles, magnetosphere ejecta flux associated with major showers will vary depending on the coincidence of shower periods and favorable lunar phase angles. The results of an analysis of the “pulse” of ejecta flux in the magnetosphere during the Quadrantids, Geminids, Leonids, and Perseids meteor showers are presented. These results are compared to the satellite measurements of 1959 Eta and HEOS II.
Effects of methane plasma ion implantation on the microstructure and wear resistance of NiTi shape memory alloys

Abstract This paper reports the surface characterization, microhardness and fretting wear behavior of methane-plasma-modified NiTi as well as those control samples. Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscopy were used for surface characterization. It is found that the hardness of methane-treated samples is highly improved with surface modification due to the contribution from titanium oxides, titanium carbide and organic titanium compounds. A new modified Archard's equation is used to describe the relationship between pseudoelasticity, hardness and wear resistance. This study provides an understanding of the interplay between surface microstructure and mechanical properties of methane-treated NiTi.
Toxicity evaluation of dihydroxyanthracenedione (DHAD) in combination with cytosine arabinoside (Ara-C)

To determine optimal dosage, Dihydroxyanthracenedione (DHAD) was given once daily for 3 days at dosage levels of 6, 7, 8, and 10 mg/m2 in combination with a 7-day continuous infusion of cytosine arabinoside (Ara-C). Nineteen of 20 children with leukemia who received these agents developed fever requiring hospitalization. There were 4 deaths 2 due to proven infection. One patient developed nonfatal cardiotoxicity. No other significant toxicity was noted. Responses were seen in 7 of 20 patients. The recommended DHAD dosage was 8 mg/m2/day when given in combination with Ara-C.
Some linguistic parameters of the Token Test.

Abstract The Token Test as originally conceived by D E R ENZI and V IGNOLO is a subtle test of receptive language functions. Although it has been employed in numerous clinical studies since 1962, no one has studied the linguistic properties of the commands in this task. What we have shown is the specific details of how linguistic complexity is manipulated in the Token Test. On the well-established premise that variation in linguistic complexity will be reflected by variation in language acquisition, we administered the Token Test to a group of normal children of different age levels. We found that the significant increase in complexity in part 5, measured by higher error scores in performance of the tasks, was due to the use of an overt instrumental phrase which previously had been implicit or covert. A similar pattern of performance was noted in a group of aphasic patients as well as in a carefully matched group of socio-economically disadvantaged children, which leads support to our analysis.
Dual‐ended, multifunction tools for microsurgery

A new concept in microsurgical instrumentation is herein described and the rationale for its design presented in the context of surgical efficiency. This new concept employs bipolarity or dual-endedness as a means to enable the microsurgeon to have access to various instruments without the need to exchange tools. The elimination of instrument exchange has increased the speed with which a microsurgeon can perform a variety of procedures as well as decrease fatigue associated with continuous visual reaccommodation between the microscope and surrounding operating room. Following considerable modification through several prototypical stages and long periods of laboratory testing, these instruments boast ideal balance in the hands of the surgeon, and the capacity for modification by the user, allowing a variety of instrument combinations. Hence, personal preference can dictate the ultimate tool configuration, thereby allowing customization of the instruments to the procedure as well as the surgeon, by virtue of an interlocking mechanism between instrument components. The resulting economy of movement and reduced instrument handling engendered by the use of these instruments reduces operating time and often eliminates the need for a highly trained surgical assistant. These instruments can be fitted with a removable extension allowing unipolar use or extended instrument length. Simplicity of design makes these instruments conducive to standard cleaning and sterilization procedures.
Self-interacting QCD strings and string balls

Strings at $T\ensuremath{\approx}{T}_{c}$ are known to be subject to the so-called Hagedorn phenomenon, in which a string's entropy (times $T$) and energy cancel each other and result in the evolution of the string into highly excited states, or ``string balls.'' Intrinsic attractive interaction of strings---gravitational for fundamental strings or in the context of holographic models of the AdS/QCD type, or $\ensuremath{\sigma}$ exchanges for QCD strings---can significantly modify properties of the string balls. If heavy enough, those start approaching properties of the black holes. We generate self-interacting string balls numerically, in a thermal string lattice model. We found that in a certain range of the interaction coupling constants they morph into a new phase, the ``entropy-rich'' string balls. These objects can appear in the so-called mixed phase of hadronic matter, produced in heavy ion collisions, as well as possibly in the high multiplicity proton-proton or proton-nucleus collisions. Among discussed applications are jet quenching in the mixed phase and also the study of angular deformations of the string balls.
Human serum albumin-coated lipid nanoparticles for delivery of siRNA to breast cancer.

Human serum albumin (HSA)-coated lipid nanoparticles (HSA-LNPs) loaded with phrGFP-targeted siRNA (HSA-LNPs-siRNA) were prepared and evaluated for gene downregulation effect in phrGFP-transfected breast cancer cells and the corresponding xenograft tumor model. HSA-LNPs-siRNA were successfully prepared with a particle size of 79.5±5.5 nm. In phrGFP-transfected MCF-7 cells, HSA-LNPs-siRNA significantly decreased cell fluorescence even in the presence of fetal bovine serum (FBS). Moreover, cell fluorescence and phrGFP mRNA expression were significantly downregulated by HSA-LNPs-siRNA in phrGFP-transfected MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, and SK-BR-3 cells in comparison with control or HSA-LNPs-siRNA (scrambled). In phrGFP-transfected MCF-7 xenograft tumor model, tumor fluorescence was significantly decreased after three IV administrations of HSA-LNPs-siRNA at a dose of 3 mg/kg in comparison with siRNA alone. HSA-LNPs-siRNA demonstrated a superior pharmacokinetic profile in comparison with siRNA at a dose of 1mg/kg. These results show that the novel nonviral carrier, HSA-LNPs, may be used for the delivery of siRNA to breast cancer cells.
Analyzing the culture of markets

The rise of culture in economic studies has resulted in systematic investigations of the shared meanings that shape markets, economic decisions, and outcomes. A number of social scientists have a) privileged the heterogeneity of meanings within organizations and groups over monolithic accounts, b) used thick description and single or comparative case studies to investigate the incessant contestations over meanings and the corresponding actions facilitated, and c) have developed empirically testable propositions without insisting on the reduction of meanings to simple principles embedded in structures. This line of work does not deny that relatively stable cultural meanings exist or that parsimony is possible. Instead, it offers a parallel track privileging three modes of analysis: 1) the identification of discursive inflection points as leading indicators of market takeoffs, privileging thick minimalism over parsimony; 2) breached sequence analyses of transactions, highlighting experimental methods; and 3) relational analyses of networks and contested circuits, tying situated negotiations to overarching cultural structures. The article concludes with a plea to keep cultural analyses interpretive, historically grounded, and intuitively attuned to the meanings of social life.
Damage detection in a stiffened-plate using modal strain energy differences

An aluminum stiffened-plate panel resembling aircraft- fuselage construction was tested in the laboratory with a laser doppler velocimeter. The purpose of the test was to extract out-of-plane mode shape data before and after the infliction of damage to evaluate a global NDE damage localization technique. The NDE damage localization technique is based on modal strain energy differences between the undamaged and damaged states. The modal strain energies were computed from bending and twisting curvatures obtained using an iterative bi-variate curve-fit procedure on estimated curvatures obtained from finite differences of the mode shapes. Strain energy differences between pairs of matching modes of the undamaged and damaged structure locate the inflicted damage by indicating increases in the modal strain energy. The damage indications provided by several modes are normalized using a standard norm and fused using an average approach to create damage maps.
Cold agglutinins in rhesus macaques infected with simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)

Cold agglutinins are uncommon autoimmune phenomena associated with mycoplasma pneumonia, viral infections, lymphoproliferative neoplasia and recently, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in human beings. Six rhesus macaques infected with pathogenic isolates of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) developed cold agglutinins late in the course of viral infection in association with hyperproteinaemia, hyperglobulinaemia and thrombocytopenia. Cold agglutinin titres ranged from 1:1024 to 1:8192. The development of cold agglutinins in SIV-infected rhesus macaques may be another manifestation of immune dysfunction in this non-human primate model of AIDS.
Prolonged visual memory in macaques and man.

Abstract In ‘delayed matching to sample’ an object or image (the ‘sample’) is presented, removed, and after a certain delay is presented again together with a second object. The task is to identify (‘match’) the object previously seen. When the same pair of objects is used repeatedly, one or the other serving as ‘sample’, monkeys have difficulty making the match after a few seconds. The task has thus been used as a test of ‘short-term memory’. The present experiments show, however, that if a different pair of images is used for each trial, pigtailed macaques can make reliable matches 24–96 h after presentation of the ‘sample’; longer intervals have not been tested. While the macaques were not as proficient as man in this regard, this may well be a matter of technique in asking them the question. In any event they possess a visual system capable of prolonged retention of detail without benefit of linguistic support or rehearsal.
J/Ψ Production and Nuclear Effects for d+Au and p+p Collisions in PHENIX at RHIC

The gluon structure function in a nucleon and its nuclear modification may be studied by measuring a particle called J/Ψ that is produced primarily via gluon fusion in high energy collisions between protons or nuclei. The PHENIX Experiment at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) has measured the production of J/Ψ particles in d+Au collisions at center-of-mass energies of 200 GeV per nucleon via its lepton decay channels (dielectrons and dimuons). In 2003, approximately 2000 J/Ψ particles from the d+Au data set (and several hundred in p+p) has allowed for measures of its rapidity (between -2.2 and +2.4) and momentum (between 0.5 and 5 GeV/c) distributions. In particular, the ratio of the rapidity distributions of J/Ψ produced in d+Au and p+p collisions is measured as a function of the d+Au impact parameter (centrality dependence of the collision). These preliminary data will ultimately help us understand nuclear effects at this center-of-mass energy (including shadowing) in cold nuclear matter. In addition to comparisons to theoretical models, these data are also compared to the equivalent measurements of J/Ψ produced in lower energy p–A collisions from Fermilab.
A scaling picture of a single-chain polymer in the dense phase

Abstract A scaling picture implying hyperscaling, is presented for a single-chain polymer (or self-avoiding walk) above the critical bond fugacity for the formation of an infinite chain in terms of closely packed “correlation blobs”. Some experimentally testable predictions are noted.
Genocide and GIScience: Integrating Personal Narratives and Geographic Information Science to Study Human Rights

This project combines qualitative data of personal narratives with geographic information science (GIScience) technologies to explore the potential for critical cartography in the study of mass atrocity. The case study used is northern Uganda, where millions have been affected by physical violence and hardship, displacement, and fear. Web-based virtual globes as a ready source of imagery for remote areas and derived spatial data imported to geographic information systems (GIS) provide quantified data that complement testimonials and other qualitative data from the field. Cartographic functions, geovisualization, and spatial analyses available in GIS are used to extract information from high-resolution remote sensing images documenting internally displaced persons (IDP) camps and quantifying evidence of crimes against humanity. These techniques explore spatial relationships and communicate results on the extent and impact of the atrocities in northern Uganda.
Prediction of two haptic illusions from the differential adaptation theory

A differential adaptation theory was proposed previously to explain two haptic illusions (Jones, Touchstone, & Gettys, 1974). In the present paper, this theory was used to produce two new illusions. All four illusions can be explained by the notion of differential adaptation caused by intermittent stimulation to one area of the skin and constant stimulation to adjacent areas.
Kv1.4 subunit expression is decreased in neurons of painful human pulp.

Kv1.4, a subunit of voltage-gated K+ channels, plays a large role in regulating neuronal excitability. The level of Kv1.4 expression is unknown in human sensory neurons innervating healthy or painful tissue. Therefore, we examined Kv1.4 immunoreactivity in axons innervating both clinically diagnosed asymptomatic and painful symptomatic human tooth pulp. Antibodies directed against Kv1.4 and PGP9.5, a protein marker for axons, was used to determine the proportion of PGP9.5 immunopositive tissue that was also immunopositive for Kv1.4. We report that on pulpal axons innervating symptomatic teeth Kv1.4 immunoreactivity, a correlate of decreased Kv1.4 expression, is significantly decreased (p < 0.0001), suggestive of a factor responsible for facilitating chronic dental pain and decreases in currents produced, such as IA, in neurons innervating painful pulp.
Adverse Effects of Bisphosphonates: Implications for Osteoporosis Management

Bisphosphonates are widely prescribed and highly effective at limiting the bone loss that occurs in many disorders characterized by increased osteoclast-mediated bone resorption, including senile osteoporosis in both men and women, glucocorticoid-associated osteoporosis, and malignancies metastatic to bone. Although they are generally well tolerated, potential adverse effects may limit bisphosphonate use in some patients. Optimal use of bisphosphonates for osteoporosis requires adequate calcium and vitamin D intake before and during therapy. The World Health Organization fracture risk assessment algorithm is currently available to determine absolute fracture risk in patients with low bone mass and is a useful tool for clinicians in identifying patients most likely to benefit from pharmacological intervention to limit fracture risk. This fracture risk estimate may facilitate shared decision making, especially when patients are wary of the rare but serious adverse effects that have recently been described for this class of drugs.
MEMS scanner based handheld fluorescent hyperspectral imaging system

We demonstrate a hand-held hyperspectral fluorescence imaging microsystem, where multiple narrow-band spectral images can be captured simultaneously across the area under examination. In addition to the advantages of combined functional imaging and spectroscopy, the system demonstrates the fast scanning over large field-of-view (FOV) provided by a CMOS compatible 2-axis microelectromechanical system (MEMS) scanning mirror in the probe. Spectral information from 15 wavelengths were acquired simultaneously by using a multichannel photomultiplier tube (PMT), rendering a spectral resolution of 20nm. FOV up to 0.8 cm × 0.5 cm with 100µm lateral resolution was acquired, with a hyperspectral imaging rendering rate of 4 seconds per frame.
Mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Species Trigger Calcium Increases During Hypoxia in Pulmonary Arterial Myocytes

We hypothesized that mitochondria function as the O2 sensors underlying hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction by releasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) from complex III of the electron transport chain (ETC). We have previously found that antioxidants or inhibition of the proximal region of the ETC attenuates hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction in rat lungs and blocks hypoxia-induced contraction of isolated pulmonary arterial (PA) myocytes. To determine whether the hypoxia-induced increases in mitochondrial ROS act to trigger calcium increases, we measured changes in cytosolic calcium ([Ca2+]i) using fura 2-AM (fluorescence at 340/380 nm) during perfusion with hypoxic media (Po2 12 mm Hg). Hypoxia caused an increase in fura 2 fluorescence, indicating an increase in [Ca2+]i. In superfused PA myocytes, diphenyleneiodonium, rotenone, and myxothiazol, which inhibit the proximal region of the ETC, attenuated hypoxia-induced calcium increases. Antimycin A and cyanide, which inhibit the distal region of the ETC, fai...
Infection control precautions for visitors to healthcare facilities

Infection transmission in healthcare facilities is a growing concern. Visitation to healthcare facilities is very common, though the potential role of visitors in the transmission of infection is unknown. Although transmission-based precautions are generally used to prevent the spread of organisms in healthcare settings by healthcare staff, the applicability of these precautions to visitors is unclear. Decisions regarding whether to implement transmission-based precautions among visitors should take into account the organism of concern and means of transmission as well as factors pertaining to the visitor and the healthcare setting. The role of visitors as vectors for organism transmission in the healthcare setting and the potential benefits and adverse consequences of visitor adherence with transmission-based precautions are important areas for additional research.
Regulation of α-chymotrypsin activity on the surface of substrate-functionalized gold nanoparticles

A gold nanoparticle functionalized with substrates for α-chymotrypsin was fabricated to afford an enzyme modulator that exhibited enzyme-specific activation coupled with general inhibition of other proteases.
Cadmium exposure in association with history of stroke and heart failure

Background It is unclear whether environmental cadmium exposure is associated with cardiovascular disease, although recent data suggest associations with myocardial infarction and peripheral arterial disease.
Dissecting complex epigenetic alterations in human lupus

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic relapsing autoimmune disease that primarily affl icts women, and both a genetic predisposition and appropriate environmental exposures are required for lupus to develop and flThe genetic requirement is evidenced by an increased concordance in identical twins and by the validation of at least 35 single-nucleotide polymorphisms predisposing patients to lupus. Genes alone, though, are not enough. The concordance of lupus in identical twins is often incomplete, and when concordant, the age of onset is usually diff erent. Lupus is also not present at birth, but once the disease develops, it typically follows a chronic relapsing course. Thus, genes alone are insuffi cient to cause human lupus, and additional factors encountered in the environment and over time are required to initiate the disease and subsequent flThe nature of the environmental contribution, though, and the mechanisms by which environmental agents modify the immune response to cause lupus onset and flin genetically predisposed people have been controversial. Reports that the lupus-inducing drugs procainamide and hydralazine are epigenetic modifi ers, that epigenetically modifi ed T cells are suffi cient to cause lupus-like autoimmunity in animal models, and that patients with active lupus have epigenetic changes similar to those caused by procainamide and hydralazine have prompted a growing interest in how epigenetic alterations contribute to this disease. Understanding how epigenetic mechanisms modify T cells to contribute to lupus requires an understanding of how epigenetic mechanisms regulate gene expression. The roles of DNA methylation, histone modifi cations, and microRNAs in lupus pathogenesis will be reviewed here.
SECURE COMMUNICATIONS BASED ON VARIABLE TOPOLOGY OF CHAOTIC CIRCUITS

A new technique for synchronization of chaotic circuits is proposed. This technique, based on varying a circuit's overall topology rather than varying a set of continuous parameters, offers a possible resolution to the tradeoff between security and synchronizability inherent in existing chaotic systems. The encryption key is represented by a mapping from a set of nodes to a set of switches in the circuit. This method significantly improves reliability and can be easily interfaced to digital control circuits.
Design and Control of the Active Compliant End-Effector

The design, construction end control of a wide bandwidth, active end-effector which can be attached to the end-point of a commercial robot manipulator is presented here. Electronic compliancy (Impedance Control) (11) has been developed on this device. The end-effector behaves dynamically as a two-dimensional, Remote Center Compliance [RCC]. The compliancy in this active end-effector is developed electronically and can therefore be modulated by an on-line computer. The device is a planar, five-bar linkage which is driven by two direct drive, brush-less DC motors. A two-dimensional, piezoelectric force cell on the end-point of the device, two 12-bit encoders, and two tachometers on the motors form the measurement system for this device. The high structural stiffness and light weight of the material used in the system allows for a wide bandwidth Impedance Control.
CFD Simulation Research of Small Space with Large Temperature Difference

When the beam is transmitting, the random fluctuation motion of temperature and pressure of the medium inside the path of transmission will cause the random fluctuation of the index of refraction of the transmission medium. It will form wave front distortion when the beam is transmitting, which is known as the laser transmission turbulence effect. This effect mainly behaves as light intensity flashing, beam drift, phase fluctuation and beam expanding. Using FLUENT software simulate the status of turbulent gas in the environment with small space and large temperature difference (650°C). Verifying the laser transmission turbulence effect can be inhibited by artificial control the distribution of the gas flow inside the flow field, which can optimal the design of the instrument.
Design and implementation of a luminometer: control hardware and software

A microprocessor-driven luminometer designed to perform bioluminescence assays is presented. The device features a high throughput as well as reduced operational complexity. The microprocessor-based controller, the host computer interface, and the light measurement technique are discussed. The controller interfaces with four subsystems: the x-y positioning table control circuitry, the counter interface circuit, an electromechanical injector, and the host computer. >
Color tunable organic light emitting diodes using Eu complex doping

A voltage-controlled color tunable organic light emitting device has been demonstrated by using a co-evaporated emissive layer of NPB [(N,N 0 -bis(naphthalene-1-yl)-N,N 0 -bis(phenyl)benzidine)] and an organic Eu complex. As a result of minimized energy transfer from the host (NPB) to the guest emitter (Eu complex), this device can vary the light emission from vivid red to deep blue with increasing bias. Optimal device performance is obtained for a 20 wt.% Eu doping in NPB. This doping concentration is able to yield x and y chromaticity coordinates in the range of 0.61–0.17 and 0.31–0.12, respectively. � 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Ethical Decision-Making in an IT Context: The Roles of Personal Moral Philosophies and Moral Intensity

Information technologies (IT) have spread throughout all areas of modern society. However, the evolution of ethics that guide their use lags behind technological advances [2]. A promising approach to this problem involves identifying factors associated with ethical decision-making in an IT context. This study tests a model of ethical decision-making based on the argument that an individuals perception of ethical issues inherent in a specific situation is fundamental to the decision-making process, and is shaped by the moral intensity of the situation [1]. Findings suggest that moral intensity: is influenced by the individuals personal moral philosophy, age, gender, and religiosity; and subsequently influences various stages of the decision-making process. Results support the use of the moral intensity model of ethical decision-making in IT contexts, and suggest the need to further explore antecedents of the ethical decision-making process.
A study of designer familiarity with product and user during requirement elicitation

It is important to recognize the effects of a designer’s source of information and decision making during requirements elicitation. Requirements are widely recognized as an important step in the design process. Designers may have perspective based on their experience which results in a level of familiarity with the design. This paper reports on a study that explores the effects of designer familiarity with a project and its user on their ability to elicit requirement specifications. Two familiarity constructs, product and user, are measured as low or high and used to study requirement elicitation with varying familiarity. A high familiarity study using five graduate students and a low familiarity study using a team of five students during senior capstone design are compared for their requirements elicitation. The results of this study include an analysis of the requirements developed and participant survey results from the elicitation process. The results revealed familiarity does in fact have an effect on the ability of elicit requirements. Participants in the low familiarity study expressed difficulty and eliciting requirements while those in the high familiarity study were able to generate more requirements at a faster rate.
Models-of-data and models-of-processes in the post-genomic era

As we are entering the post-genomic era, models-of-data, such as mining and filtering methods for gene sequences and microarrays and the clustering of co-expressed genes, must be complemented with models-of-processes that explain relationships between genomic information and phenomena at biochemical and physiological levels. Many of these models will have the structure of compartment models, whose conceptualization, identification and analysis will fundamentally benefit from the seminal work of John Jacquez. The article indicates with three vignettes that non-linear compartment models in the formulation of biochemical systems theory are viable candidates for post-genomic models-of-processes.
Interactions of Lanthanides with Tissues, Cells, and Cellular Organelles

Over 75 years ago, Mines (1910, 1911) described the inhibitory effect of lanthanide ions on the beating of perfused frogs’ hearts. Shortly thereafter, similar responses were noted for skeletal muscle (Hober and Spaeth, 1914). However, the modern experimental use of lanthanides in cellular biochemistry and physiology originates with the paper of Lettvin et al. (1964). Drawing attention to the similar ionic radii of Ca2+ and La3+, these authors suggested that La3+ ions should occupy Ca2+-binding sites on nerve axons but, being of higher valency, should bind much more strongly than Ca2+. This observation anticipated the more detailed comparisons of Ca2+ and Ln3+ ions by bioinorganic chemists (Section 2.5). Lettvin et al. (1964) proposed that La3+ ions would function as nerve-blocking agents. The subsequent confirmation of this prediction (Takata et al., 1966) led the way to the widespread use of Ln3+ ions in studies of cellular Ca2+ fluxes, especially with regard to their role in excitation and other stimulus-coupled responses. Much of the development of this area of lanthanide research stems from the investigations of Van Breeman, Weiss, and their colleagues on muscle cells. Reviews of various aspects of this field have been written by Weiss (1974), Mikkelsen (1976), and Dos Remedios (1981).
Ceroid in the placenta: With special reference to meconium staining thereof

Abstract 1. The presence of ceroid, a yellow globular lipoid pigment, in the placenta is reported. Although ceroid has been found in various pathologic conditions in animals and humans, there has been no report of its occurrence in the placenta. 2. The nature, characteristics, and a possible mode of formation of ceroid are reviewed. It is thought to be derived from unsaturated lipids through the process of autoxidation, peroxide formation, and polymerization; it probably represents lipofuscin in an early stage of its oxidation. 3. Two types of ceroid are found in the placenta: (1) ceroid associated with meconium staining of the placenta and (2) ceroid associated with necrosis. 4. The former type of ceroid is present in macrophages and mesenchymal cells of the amniotic membrane and chorioamniotic plate of meconium-stained placentas. It is probably derived from unsaturated lipids either contained in the meconium or formed by the interaction of meconium and vernix caseosa. Unsaturated lipids then imbibe the amniotic membrane, are phagocytized by the mesenchymal cells and macrophages, and are converted into ceroid through autoxidation. The macrophages are derived from mesenchymal cells of the membrane. The possibility that bilirubin is a precursor, although postulated by a few previous workers, is very remote. 5. The latter type of ceroid is seen in necrotic debris of tissues and blood and in trophoblastic or decidual cells undergoing fatty degeneration. It is probably formed, in loco, through autoxidation of unsaturated lipids in the debris. Necrotic tissues and red blood cells may play an important role in the formation of ceroid 25, 26 . 6. Accumulation of unsaturated lipids in the placenta from either exogenous (from meconium) or endogenous (from tissue breakdown) sources may result in the relative lack of biologic antioxidants, which, in turn, favors the formation of ceriod. 7. Of 200 placentas examined, 69, or 34.5 per cent, showed meconium staining of the membrane; of the 69 placentas, ceroid was found in macrophages and mesenchymal cells in 23, or 33 per cent.
Pheromonal Influence on Aggressive Behavior

Two functionally related biochemical modulators of animal agonistic behavior are the hormonal and pheromonal systems. These two communicative systems can be viewed as regulators or, perhaps more accurately, as modulators of physiobehavioral systems, such as agonistic behavior.
Chicken Liver Phosphofructokinase II. COLD INACTIVATION

Abstract Crystalline phosphofructokinase from chicken liver undergoes rapid loss of activity at low temperatures. The rate of inactivation is influenced by protein concentration, pH, type, and concentration of salt. The enzyme is protected from the cold inactivation by positive effectors, and negative effectors such as ATP increase the rate of inactivation. The cold-inactivated enzyme can be activated by rewarming in the presence of dithiothreitol and a positive effector such as fructose bisphosphate. Cold treatment of liver phosphofructokinase is accompanied by dissociation of the enzyme to a protomer as shown by sucrose density gradient centrifugation and gel filtration. Reactivation of the cold-inactivated pure enzyme by warming results in aggregation of the protomers to form an active enzyme with a molecular weight of about 400,000. A similar phenomenon was also shown with crude phosphofructokinase in the extract of chicken liver. A tentative mechanism is proposed to explain the complex process of reversible cold inactivation of phosphofructokinase.
Reforming Property Forfeiture Laws to Protect Citizens' Rights: Why and How to Curtail Abuses of Laws that Permit Private Property Seizures

The Framers of the United States Constitution understood that freedom depends upon the vigorous protection of private property rights and that this protection was therefore the most sacred obligation of government. However, despite Fifth and Fourteenth Amendment guarantees, recent years have witnessed a massive expansion of a legal practice known as "asset forfeiture." Hundreds of asset forfeiture laws give state and federal law enforcement agents the power to seize property even without proof of the owners' guilt in a criminal trial because, in many cases, the government considers the property itself to be the criminal. This paper examines the practice of asset forfeiture in Michigan and recommends reforms to help authorities prosecute criminals while still protecting the property rights of innocent citizens and preserving the freedom and due process rights of everyone. Michigan and federal policy makers should: remove incentives for law enforcement agencies to employ asset forfeiture; end federal "adoption" of state forfeiture cases; shift the burden of proof from property owners to government; establish nexus and proportionality requirements for forfeiture; eliminate legal hurdles to citizens' ability to challenge forfeiture; require law enforcement agents to publicly justify forfeiture proceedings; enact protections against forfeiture for innocent owners of property; give third-party creditors the chance to recover seized property; and ensure that asset forfeiture reforms do not include an expanded definition of criminal behavior.
Abstract TP233: Comprehensive Stroke Center Optimization in the United States

Background: Stroke is a time critical disease. Regionalized systems of care are necessary to ensure that patients can be rapidly transported to hospitals with the necessary resources to provide high quality care. The introduction of comprehensive stroke center (CSC) certification presents a unique opportunity to use systems science to guide the development of population-based stroke care for the US. We aim to describe the impact of optimally placed CSCs on access to stroke care nationwide. Methods: We defined access as the percentage of people per state who could reach a CSC in 60 minutes or less by ground EMS transport, calculated using road network distances, posted speeds and empirically-derived prehospital care intervals. Hospitals certified as Joint Commission primary stroke centers (PSC) by 12/31/2010 were considered candidate sites. A greedy adding algorithm, in which CSCs were sequentially added to the system while building upon the previously prescribed system, was used to sequentially determine the best locations for up to 20 CSCs per state. Results: The average state reached a maximum of 53.3% (IQR 35.0-71.6%) access with a mean marginal increase of 31.0% (IQR 16.2-40.8%) for the 1 st , 8.8% (IQR 5.1-13.1%) for the 2 nd , and 4.2% (IQR 0.0-6.8%) for the 3 rd CSC addition (partial results shown in Figure). Conclusions: Operations research techniques can inform the design of efficient stroke care systems by determining optimal locations for CSCs. However, existing candidate sites are clustered and ground transport alone leaves much of the population without access. Collaborative approaches including prehospital helicopter transport and inter-facility transfers need to be developed to ensure access to high quality care for all Americans.
Recent Development of Compact Coherent Lidars

Coherent lidar is a powerful tool for three-dimensional wind measurement, atmospheric gases and chemical species monitoring, and target discrimination. Recent development of compact coherent lidars has led to systems that are portable for field measurements, and are well suited for airborne and future satellite-based measurements. This paper summarizes the development of a compact 2 μm Tm:YAG and a 10 μm CO2 coherent lidar at NOAA's Wave Propagation Laboratory. The recent experimental studies of the atmospheric turbulence effects on the near infrared coherent lidars are also reviewed.
Effect of Starvation on the Responses of Male American Cockroaches to Sex and Food Stimuli

A selected group of male Periplaneta americana (L.) was tested for responses to the sex pheromone of the female and to a food odor during the latter half of a 4-week period of starvation. Responses to the sex pheromone did not diminish from a preselected percentage of response until the 24th day. Responses to the food odor paralleled those of the sex pheromone. When the sex pheromone and food odor were presented simultaneously to the starved cockroaches, they preferentially responded to the sex pheromone.
Study on High-Resolution Seismic Based on Generalized Stransform

S transform(ST) is proposed by Stockwell et al.It is a the unique transform that provides frequency-dependent resolution while maintaining a direct relationship with the Fourier spectrum.This feature is very important for applications.However,the ST can’t work well for seismic data analysis.So it is a necessary to develop or improve S transform,which are called generalized S transform(GST).In this paper,generalized S transform is researched in the seismic high-resolution processing,and use generalized S transform to deal with high-resolution seismic profiles.Simulation experiments and real data processing results show that generalized S transform is feasibility and effectiveness in the seismic high-resolution processing.
Mechanisms responsible for decline in transthoracic impedance after DC shocks.

To test the hypothesis that tissue hyperemia and edema in the current pathway cause a decrease in transthoracic impedance (TTI) following direct current (DC) shock, the thoracic-skin and skeletal blood flow and blood volume were measured in anesthetized dogs after three 100-J shocks. TTI declined 11% (P less than 0.01) after DC shocks. Blood flow increased 10-fold in skeletal muscle from 0.9 +/- 0.2 to 11.3 +/- 2.6 (SE) ml.100 g-1.min-1 (P less than 0.05). Blood flow did not change outside the current pathway. Blood volume increased in skin in the current pathway from 7.6 +/- 1.5 ml/100 g preshock to 17.5 +/- 2.0 ml/100 g (P less than 0.01) at 60 min after shock; skeletal muscle blood volume did not change. We also determined postshock tissue weight before and after 72 h of drying at 70 degrees C. The percentage decline from wet weight after drying was 68.4 +/- 3.4% in the current pathway vs. 64 +/- 3.8% outside the pathway (P less than 0.05), indicating the tissue in the current pathway was more edematous. Finally, hindlimb edema was induced by deliberate overperfusion. As hindlimb circumference (edema) increased, impedance declined. We conclude that increases in tissue blood flow or tissue blood volume or tissue edema contribute to the decline in transthoracic impedance after DC shock.