cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Thermal Annealing: A Technique to Improve the Performance of Cadmium Zinc Telluride (CZT) Material for Semiconductor Radiation Detector Applications

Extensive research was undertaken over the past 20 years to investigate the suitability of cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) crystals as a material for room-temperature nuclear-radiation detectors. Large-volume CZT crystals, with thicknesses up to 2 cm and large effective areas of roughly 5–10 cm2, are needed to fabricate efficient detectors that meet the working requirements of federal agencies, such as the DOE/NNSA (Department Energy National Nuclear Security Administration), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the Department of Defense (DOD). However, because of the imperfect methods for growing crystals, the resulting large-volume crystals most often are not perfect single ones, and contain structural defects such as voids, pipes, impurities from source materials, tellurium inclusions and precipitates, vacancies, and vacancy-impurity complexes generated during the process of their production. Other extended defects that may be present include grain boundaries, micro twins, and walls of dislocations (sub-grain boundaries). Identifying these defects, controlling their occurrence and eliminating them from the bulk CZT material currently are important tasks that will improve the yield of detector-grade crystals from ingots, and ultimately better their performance. In this study, we used a post-growth thermal annealing technique to remove the performance-limiting defects caused by tellurium inclusions and associated impurities in the CZT crystals. We realized a 66% ± 16% reduction in the size of the inclusions, with an overall elimination of 17% ± 2% of them. We believe that our experimental results offer a better understanding of the optimal annealing parameters, and of the dynamic properties of post-growth annealing processes.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Implications of a low sin2β: A strategy for exploring new flavor physics

Abstract We explore the would-be consequences of a low value of the CP-violating phase sin2 β ψK . The importance of a reference triangle obtained from measurements that are independent of B –B and K –K mixing is stressed. It can be used to extract separately potential New Physics contributions to mixing in the B d , B s and K systems. We discuss several constructions of this triangle, which will be feasible in the near future. The discrete ambiguity is at most two-fold and eventually can be completely removed. Simultaneously, it will be possible to probe for New Physics in loop-dominated rare decays.
Inhibition by butylated hydroxytoluene and its oxidative metabolites of DMBA-induced mammary tumorigenesis and of mammary DMBA-DNA adduct formation in vivo in the female rat

The phenolic food antioxidant butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) has been reported to inhibit the initiation stage of 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced mammary tumorigenesis in the female rat. However, the mechanism for this antitumorigenic effect of BHT is unknown. The present studies were conducted to evaluate the relative effect of the parent chemical BHT and two of its major oxidative metabolites, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxymethylphenol (BHT-BzOH) and 2,6-di-tert-butyl-1,4-benzoquinone (BHT-quinone), on DMBA-induced rat mammary tumorigenesis and on the formation of rat mammary DMBA-DNA adducts in vivo. The ip administration of either BHT or BHT-quinone at 200 mg/kg body weight for 2 wk before until 1 wk after DMBA administration inhibited the development of mammary tumours as compared with controls. The extent of tumour inhibition by BHT (39%) was greater than that exhibited by BHT-quinone (25%). The administration of BHT-BzOH at 200 mg/kg body weight did not inhibit mammary tumorigenesis. Thus, the inhibition of DMBA-induced mammary tumorigenesis by BHT does not appear to be mediated by the oxidative BHT metabolites BHT-BzOH or BHT-quinone. In addition, there was a good quantitative correlation between the inhibition of mammary tumorigenesis by BHT and BHT-quinone and their respective abilities to decrease total binding in vivo of DMBA to mammary DNA. The inhibition of specific mammary DMBA-DNA adducts by BHT was not identical to the inhibition of adducts by BHT-quinone. However, the decrease in formation of the major mammary adduct derived from the anti-dihydrodiolepoxide of DMBA bound to deoxy-guanosine most closely correlated to the relative abilities of BHT and BHT-quinone to inhibit mammary tumorigenesis. When mammary adduct formation was examined in response to BHT dose, the administration of BHT at doses of 100 mg/kg body weight and 200 mg/kg body weight resulted in the inhibition of anti-derived but not syn-derived mammary DMBA-DNA adducts. Together, these studies suggest that in addition to the inhibition of total mammary DMBA-DNA adduct formation, the inhibition of mammary DNA adducts formed from the anti-dihydrodiolepoxide of DMBA also may be specifically important in the inhibitory effect of BHT on DMBA-induced mammary tumorigenesis.
Multiphoton-induced X-ray emission and amplification from clusters

The development of a unified picture of short-pulse high-intensity multiphoton processes, embracing atoms, molecules, and solids, appears possible through the study of clusters. Of particular significance are possible intra-cluster processes that can influence the mechanism of ionization and lead to the production of inner-shell vacancies. Inner-shell excitation leading to prompt X-ray emission is specifically considered and the treatment leads to the definition of a critical cluster size n c representing the achievement of maximal X-ray emission from the ensemble. These results suggest the possibility of designing a new class of molecular materials optimized for the efficient production and amplification of X-rays.
Acute exertional medial compartment syndrome of the foot after playing basketball

Compartment syndrome of the foot is an uncommon event. The most common cause of compartment syndrome of the foot is a crush injury. Exceedingly rare is acute compartment syndrome of the foot occurring in the absence of trauma. We describe the clinical scenario involving a 23-year-old healthy male who developed acute exertional compartment syndrome isolated to the medial compartment of the foot after playing basketball. The patient had no evidence of injury nor trauma, and the diagnosis was made based on physical exam, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and compartment pressure measurements. The patient did undergo successful fasciotomy on the day of presentation to the emergency department and has since completely recovered. We found four cases reported in the literature of acute exertional medial compartment syndrome of the foot in the absence of trauma or injury. This is the second case reported after playing basketball, while the others occurred after aerobics, a long distance run, and football. The most recent case was reported by Miozzari et al. [Am J Sports Med. 36(5):983–6, 2008] and involved a marathon runner who developed an isolated medial compartment syndrome of the foot. We would like to increase awareness of this uncommon clinical presentation in the absence of trauma and present the dramatic radiographic findings.
Phonons in amorphous semiconductor superlattices.

Raman scattering measurements on amorphous $a\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{Si}:\mathrm{H}/a\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{Si}{\mathrm{N}}_{x}:\mathrm{H}$ and $a\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{Si}:\mathrm{H}/a\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{Si}{\mathrm{O}}_{x}$ superlattices indicate the first observation of heterostructure effects on the phonons of noncrystalline solids. With decreasing thickness the $a\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{Si}:\mathrm{H}$ Raman spectra imply increased bond-angle disorder associated with interfacial induced modifications of network formation. The results suggest that interfacial bonding constraints in amorphous superlattices result in local disorder that qualitatively differs in character from that of crystalline systems.
Asymptotic phase-shifts and bound states for two-body central interactions

Abstract Levinson's theorem is proved for the elastic, two-body scattering of both neutral and of charged particles, for arbitrary angular momentum states. The necessary restriction on the interaction potential U(r) is r2U(r)=0 at r=0 and r=∞, with U(r>0) finite. The theorem also applies to the equivalent two-body potential between complex particles. Levinson's relation for the l-wave phase-shift ηl(k) gives ηl(0)−ηl(∞)=ηlπ, with ηl(∞)=0, where ηl is the number of composite bound states. If there is an l=0 resonance at zero energy, this is modified to η 0 (0)−η 0 (∞)=(η 0 + 1 2 )π . Coulomb bound states do not obey this relation, as r2V(r)≠0 at r=∞. The special case of the inverse square potential, in those cases where ηl(k) can be defined, gives the result ηl(k)=constant for all k. Attractive potential wells with repulsive singular cores, not obeying the restriction r2U(r)=0 at r=0, are shown to lead to η l (0)=η l π, η l (∞)=− const. κ p , 0⪕p⪕1 , where p increases from 0 to 1 as the order of the singularity increases from 2 to ∞. The values of ηl(0) and ηl(∞) largely condition the shape of the ηl(k) function, which is otherwise arbitrary by integral multiples of π. Examples of the variationof η0(k) with k and potential well strength are given graphically for the square well. Their behaviour is related to the general properties ηl(k→0) ∝ k2l+1 and ηl(k→∞) ∝ 1/k, and to the existence of shape resonance scattering masked by hard sphere (potential) scattering.
The reaction kinetics, decomposition pathways and intermediate formations of phenol in ozonation, UVO3 and UVH2O2 processes

Abstract Recently, advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) have been developed as an emerging technology for treating hazardous organics treatment in wastewater and groundwater. In this paper, the phenol decomposition pathways and intermediates in ozonation and two AOPs (e.g. UV/ozone, UV/hydrogen peroxide) were studied in a photochemical pilot reactor utilizing 5000 W low-pressure mercury lamp. It was observed that, in the UV/hydrogen peroxide system, phenol was first oxidized by hydroxyl radical into hydroquinone and catechol which finally decomposed into organic acids and carbon dioxide. Additionally, some other higher molecular weight products such as 4-phenoxy phenol, 2,2-dimethoxyethyl benzene, α-methoxy-α-methyl benzeneethanol, etc. were also produced. However, in the ozonation process phenol was oxidized into hydroquinone and catechol which were degraded into acids and carbon dioxide without high molecular weight byproducts. In the UV/ozone process, the major reaction pathway was similar to that of ozonation, but some 4-phenoxy phenol was formed and decomposed ultimately.
THE THREE-DIMENSIONAL ELASTOSTATIC GREEN'S FUNCTION FOR GENERAL ANISOTROPIC LINEAR ELASTIC SOLIDS

A new solution is obtained for the Green's function for a three-dimensional space of general anisotropic elastic medium subject to a unit point force at x = 0. The novel features of the new solution are that (i) it is explicit in terms of the Stroh eigenvalues p, (v = 1, 2, 3) on the oblique plane whose normal is the position vector x, and (ii) it remains valid for the degenerate cases p 1 = P 2 and p 1 = p 2 = P 3 . The classical solution by Lifshitz and Rozenzweig has the feature (i) but not (ii). Moreover their solution is less explicit than the solution presented here. Other explicit solutions in the literature may have the feature (i) but they require computation of the Stroh eigenvectors. The Stroh eigenvalues p v are the roots with positive imaginary part of a sextic algebraic equation. The Green's function is particularly simple when the sextic equation is a cubic equation in p 2 . This is the case for any point in a transversely isotropic material and for points on a symmetry plane of cubic materials and monoclinic materials. Application to these materials yields new results that are either unavailable in the literature, or simpler than those available in the literature. We also present Green's function for points on the normal to the symmetry plane of monoclinic materials.
Synthesis and Crystallographic Characterization of the Planar Tetraethynylplatinum Complex (NBu4)2[Pt(OBET)2] and its Double-Tweezer Mercury Dichloride Complex (NBu4)2[Pt(OBET)2](HgCl2)2

The tetralkynylplatinum complex (NBu4)2[Pt(OBET)2], with two tweezers and two pockets, has been synthesized. Reaction of (NBu4)2[Pt(OBET)2] with HgCl2 affords the heterotrimetallic double-tweezer c...
High-Temperature Spectral Emissivities and Total Intensities of the 15-μ Band System of CO 2 *

Spectral-emissivity measurements of the 15-μ band of CO2 were made in the temperature range from 1000° to 2300°K. The hot gas was produced in a supersonic burner, which used gaseous carbon monoxide and oxygen as propellants. Many “hot” transitions were observed which were identified through their Q-branches even when the spectral resolution of the spectrometer was not very high. The total intensity of the ν2-fundamental band system was determined at the highest temperatures and a value of 240 ± 15% cm−1/cm at STP was obtained in the present experiment which is in agreement with other measurements at room temperature. The maximum error resulting from the presence of the strong central Q-branch (at 670 cm−1) at a temperature of 2300°K was estimated, utilizing detailed line calculations for the fundamental transition and band-model calculations for the higher-order transitions.
Crystal Radii of the Heavy Elements

Crystal radii for the trivalent and tetravalent ions of the heavy elements from actinium to americium as deduced from crystal structure data are listed and briefly discussed.
Birthdays of retinal amacrine cell subtypes are systematically related to their molecular identity and soma position.

The mammalian retina contains six major cell types, several of which are divided into multiple molecularly and morphologically distinct subtypes. To understand how subtype diversity arises during development, we focused on amacrine interneurons in the mouse retina; ∼30 amacrine subtypes have been identified in mammals. We used antibody markers to identify the two main amacrine subsets—GABAergic and glycinergic—and further subdivided these groups into smaller subsets based on expression of neurotransmitter and transcription factor markers. We then used bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) labeling to see whether amacrine subsets are born (become postmitotic) at different times, as is the case for lamina-specified subsets of cortical projection neurons. We found that GABAergic amacrines are generated on average 2–3 days before glycinergic amacrines. Moreover, subsets of GABAergic amacrines are born at distinct times. We also found a strong correlation between amacrine cell birthday and soma position in the mature retina, another point of similarity with cortical projection neurons. This relationship raised the possibility that amacrine subtype identity is determined by signals that uncommitted cells receive after they migrate to their destinations. However, cells labeled with BrdU in vivo, then dissociated and allowed to develop in vitro, acquired the amacrine subtype-specific markers appropriate for their birthdays, supporting the idea that they become specified near the time and place of their birth. Together, our results suggest that the birthdays of amacrine cells independently specify their destinations and subtype identities. J. Comp. Neurol. 517:737–750, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Kant's Formula of the End in Itself: Some Recent Debates

Kant's formula of the end in itself commands that one treat humanity in oneself and in others always as an end and never merely as a means. Interest in, and debate concerning, this formulation of the categorical imperative has been growing among Kantians and ethicists more generally. After an overview of this formulation and Kant's argument for it, this piece outlines several areas of current debate. It then explores some dominant and emerging positions regarding two questions: the identity of the end in itself, and the relation between the end in itself and the value of other things.
Absolute measurement by satellite altimetry of dynamic topography of the Pacific Ocean

The three-month Seasat mission has shown that altimetry is capable of providing global observations of oceanic variability. It is shown that data from this short, suboptimum mission are also adequate for a determination of the absolute sea-surface topography of the ocean on large scales. An absolute determination of the subtropical gyre of the North Pacific Ocean is obtained. This is believed to be the first direct measurement showing the existence of such a feature that does not depend on conventional hydrography and a series of assumptions.
Sterol carrier protein-2 expression increases NBD-stearate uptake and cytoplasmic diffusion in L cells

Murphy, Eric J. Sterol carrier protein-2 expression increases NBD-stearate uptake and cytoplasmic diffusion in L cells. Am. J. Physiol. 275 (Gastrointest. Liver Physiol. 38): G237‐G243, 1998.—The effects of sterol carrier protein-2 (SCP-2) expression on fatty acid uptake and cytoplasmic diffusion were determined using L cell fibroblasts transfected with cDNA encoding either the 15- or 13.2-kDa form of SCP-2. Cis-parinarate and 12-N-methyl-(7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol)aminostearate (NBD-stearate) were used as nonesterifiable fluorescent fatty acid probes. NBD-stearate and cisparinarate uptake was rapid and saturable. In 15-kDa SCP-2expressing cells, the extent of NBD-stearate and cis-parinarate uptake was increased 1.4- and 1.2-fold, respectively, compared with control. In the 13.2-kDa SCP-2-expressing cells, the extent of NBD-stearate and cis-parinarate uptake was increased 1.3- and 1.1-fold, respectively, compared with control cells. NBD-stearate cytoplasmic diffusion was increased 1.5-fold in 15-kDa SCP-2-expressing cells, but not in 13.2kDa SCP-2-expressing cells, compared with control cells. After incubation with NBD-stearate for 30 min at 37°C, fluorescence imaging indicated that NBD-stearate was localized primarily in lipid droplets in all cell lines. These results suggest that SCP-2 may be involved not only in fatty acid uptake but also in intracellular fatty acid trafficking.
Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysms: Experience with 372 Patients

The purpose of this study was to review retrospectively recent results in 372 patients with thoracoabdominal aneurysm treated by a single surgeon and to identify variables associated with early death, renal failure, and postoperative neurological deficits in patients undergoing thoracoabdominal aortic resection. Between January 11, 1986 and March 1, 1994, 203 males (55%) and 169 females (45%) (mean age 65 years) were treated. Aortic dissection was present in 93 patients (25%). The extent of repair included type I (137 patients), type II (95 patients), type III (73 patients), and type IV (67 patients). The overall 30-day survival rate was 95% (352/372 patients). The overall risk of postoperative neurological deficit was 6.4% (24/372 patients). In 309 patients treated without atriofemoral bypass, paraplegia or paraparesis developed in 23 (7.4%). In 63 patients in whom atriofemoral bypass was utilized, the overall risk of paraplegia or paraparesis was 1.6% (1/63). The use of atriofemoral bypass has had a favorable impact on postoperative neurological complications in selected patients.
Photoreceptor cells are major contributors to diabetes-induced oxidative stress and local inflammation in the retina.

Accumulating evidence suggests that photoreceptor cells play a previously unappreciated role in the development of early stages of diabetic retinopathy, but the mechanism by which this occurs is not clear. Inhibition of oxidative stress is known to inhibit the vascular lesions of early diabetic retinopathy, and we investigated whether the diabetes-induced oxidative stress in the retina emanates from photoreceptors. Superoxide generation was assessed in retinas of male C57BL/6J mice made diabetic for 2 mo (4 mo of age when killed) using histochemical (dichlorofluorescein and dihydroethidine) and bioluminescence (lucigenin) methods. Photoreceptors were eliminated in vivo by genetic (opsin−/−) and chemical (iodoacetic acid) techniques. Immunoblots were used to measure expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 and the inducible form of nitric oxide synthase. Diabetes increased the generation of superoxide by diabetic mouse retina more at night than during the day. Photoreceptors were the major source of reactive oxygen species in the retina, and their deletion (either genetically in opsin−/− mice or acutely with iodoacetic acid) inhibited the expected diabetes-induced increase in superoxide and inflammatory proteins in the remaining retina. Both mitochondria and NADPH oxidase contributed to the observed retinal superoxide generation, which could be inhibited in vivo with either methylene blue or apocynin. Photoreceptors are the major source of superoxide generated by retinas of diabetic mice. Pharmaceuticals targeting photoreceptor oxidative stress could offer a unique therapy for diabetic retinopathy.
Impact of Repeated Vaccination on Vaccine Effectiveness Against Influenza A(H3N2) and B During 8 Seasons

Background. Recent studies suggest that influenza vaccination in the previous season may influence the effectiveness of current-season vaccination, but this has not been assessed in a single population over multiple years. Methods. Patients presenting with acute respiratory illness were prospectively enrolled during the 2004–2005 through 2012–2013 influenza seasons. Respiratory swabs were tested for influenza and vaccination dates obtained from a validated registry. Vaccination status was determined for the current, previous, and prior 5 seasons. Vaccine effectiveness (VE) was calculated for participants aged ≥9 years using logistic regression models with an interaction term for vaccination history. Results. There were 7315 enrollments during 8 seasons; 1056 (14%) and 650 (9%) were positive for influenza A(H3N2) and B, respectively. Vaccination during current only, previous only, or both seasons yielded similar protection against H3N2 (adjusted VE range, 31%–36%) and B (52%–66%). In the analysis using 5 years of historical vaccination data, current season VE against H3N2 was significantly higher among vaccinated individuals with no prior vaccination history (65%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 36%–80%) compared with vaccinated individuals with a frequent vaccination history (24%; 95% CI, 3%–41%; P = .01). VE against B was 75% (95% CI, 50%–87%) and 48% (95% CI, 29%–62%), respectively (P = .05). Similar findings were observed when analysis was restricted to adults 18–49 years. Conclusions. Current- and previous-season vaccination generated similar levels of protection, and vaccine-induced protection was greatest for individuals not vaccinated during the prior 5 years. Additional studies are needed to understand the long-term effects of annual vaccination.
Biomechanics of the digit

Understanding the physical basis of hand function and deformity requires a fundamental knowledge of the biomechanics of the human digits. Learning the anatomy of the digits as well as the anatomy, function, and physiology of the muscles that control digital motion are essential in understanding the biomechanical principles that govern hand function. Applying these principles in treating hand disorders will optimize hand function and recreate hand mechanics.
The effect of shockwave profile shape on dynamic brittle failure

The role of shock wave loading profile is investigated for the failure processes in a brittle material. The dynamic damage response of ductile metals has been demonstrated to be critically dependent on the shockwave profile and the stress-state of the shock. Changing from a square to triangular (Taylor) profile with an identical peak compressive stress has been reported to increase the “spall strength” by over a factor of two and suppress damage mechanisms. The spall strength of tungsten heavy alloy (WHA) based on plate impact square-wave loading has been extensively reported in the literature. Here a triangular wave loading profile is achieved with a composite flyer plate of graded density in contrast to the square-wave loading. Counter to the strong dependence in wave profile in ductile metals, for WHA, both square and triangle wave profiles the failure is by brittle cleavage fracture with additional energy dissipation through crack branching in the more brittle tungsten particles, largely indistinguishable between wave profiles. The time for crack nucleation is negligible compared to the duration of the experiment and the crack propagation rate is limited to the sound speed as defined by the shock velocity.
BidTaker: An Application of Multi-Attribute Auction Markets in Tourism

Recent years have seen an enormous increase in the role of information technology in markets. During the past few years economists game theorists and computer scientists have started to take a direct role by designing various kinds of market mechanisms for electronic markets in various industries. What is so special about “electronic” market design is the fact that a designer has many more possibilities in designing a mechanism than one would have for physical markets. Multi-attribute reverse auctions are such a new market mechanism which would hardly be feasible without the use of information technology. In this paper we describe a first application of a multi-attribute auction market in the tourism industry.
Ground-penetrating radar profile spacing and orientation for subsurface resolution of linear features

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) surveys have become an increasingly used technique to aid in eval- uating archaeological sites for culturalresource management purposes. As time is often animportant factor in these surveys, a test was conducted that examined the benefits received from increasing data collection density. At Ceylon Plantation GPR grids were collected in both the X and Ydirection at 50 cm intervals and in the Y direction at 25 cm intervals. The composite X-Y amplitude map and the 25 cmintervalmapbothproducedthehighest resolutionimages.The X-Ycomposite collectionmethod wasabletoresolvethin, linear featuresnot visibleinmapsproducedfromonlyonetransectorientation. Copyright � 2006 JohnWiley & Sons,Ltd.
Innovations in Nanoscience Education at Kenyon College

A program to enhance the teaching of nanoscience concepts in multiple pedagogical contexts at Kenyon College, Gambier, OH, is described. In an introductory physics laboratory course, students use a Veeco model CP-II scanning probe microscope to image an optical diffraction grating. The results of a survey of student reaction to their experience are reported as is faculty assessment of the exercise. Use of the CP-II by senior-level physics students in an advanced laboratory course is also detailed. A novel first-year seminar course in nanoscience concepts is described, including an experiment on self-assembled monolayers. Since quantum mechanics governs physics on the nanoscale, education about quantum mechanics needs to be included as a topic in nanoscience education. Hence, progress on efforts to produce an inexpensive source of entangled photons, so that students can directly confront quantum logic in the laboratory, is reported. Finally, the results of a summer outreach program for high school science teachers on nanoscience topics are presented.
Local Construction of Near-Optimal Power Spanners for Wireless Ad Hoc Networks

We present a local distributed algorithm that, given a wireless ad hoc network modeled as a unit disk graph U in the plane, constructs a planar power spanner of U whose degree is bounded by k and whose stretch factor is bounded by 1 + (2sin pi/k)p, where k ges 10 is an integer parameter and p isin [2, 5] is the power exponent constant. For the same degree bound k, the stretch factor of our algorithm significantly improves the previous best bounds by Song et al. We show that this bound is near-optimal by proving that the slightly smaller stretch factor of 1 + (2sin pi/k+1)p is unattainable for the same degree bound k. In contrast to previous algorithms for the problem, the presented algorithm is local. As a consequence, the algorithm is highly scalable and robust. Finally, while the algorithm is efficient and easy to implement in practice, it relies on deep insights on the geometry of unit disk graphs and novel techniques that are of independent interest.
Finite-time consensus for single-integrator kinematics with unknown inherent nonlinear dynamics under a directed interaction graph

This paper deals with the finite-time consensus for single-integrator kinematics with unknown inherent nonlinear dynamics under a directed interaction graph. A distributed nonlinear algorithm is proposed to solve the problem given that some sufficient conditions are satisfied. Due to the existence of the unknown inherent nonlinear dynamics and the desired finite-time convergence property, the stability analysis is challenging because the traditional stability tools frequently used in solving the consensus problem cannot be applied here. For this purpose, we propose a novel comparison based stability tool, which plays an important role in the stability analysis of the proposed algorithm.
How are bodies special? Effects of body features on spatial reasoning:

Embodied views of cognition argue that cognitive processes are influenced by bodily experience. This implies that when people make spatial judgments about human bodies, they bring to bear embodied knowledge that affects spatial reasoning performance. Here, we examined the specific contribution to spatial reasoning of visual features associated with the human body. We used two different tasks to elicit distinct visuospatial transformations: object-based transformations, as elicited in typical mental rotation tasks, and perspective transformations, used in tasks in which people deliberately adopt the egocentric perspective of another person. Body features facilitated performance in both tasks. This result suggests that observers are particularly sensitive to the presence of a human head and body, and that these features allow observers to quickly recognize and encode the spatial configuration of a figure. Contrary to prior reports, this facilitation was not related to the transformation component of task pe...
Note on a perturbation theory for intermolecular interactions in the wave operator formalism

Abstract It is proved that the wave function and energy and their perturbation expansion, given by a wave operator perturbation theory for intermolecular interactions [4], satisfy the conditions necessary to make this theory consistent.
Exploring large readable and interactive RDF graphs

In this paper we present an algorithm that enhances our previous user-centered, semi-autonomous visualization tool. Our previous tool is used to incrementally explore and visualize large RDF ontologies. Even though this implementation is very fast, hot spots in the graph i.e. nodes with a large number of immediate neighbors, clutter the display and decrease the level of interactivity. We propose a new algorithm that enhances our previous implementation by a) clustering information around hot spots and making the display readable, and b) as a result increase the frame rate and the level of interactivity.
On the interpolation of numerically defined surfaces in collimated-beam dual reflector antennas

Geometrical-optics syntheses of shaped reflector antennas yield numerically defined surfaces that must be interpolated for subsequent evaluation of the radiation field and its check against design specifications. The implementation of three global interpolating functions is explored in connection with a typical dual-shaped offset reflector antenna designed to produce a collimated beam with high efjkiency and low side-lobe envelope. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Incremental call graph reanalysis for object-oriented software maintenance

A program's call graph is an essential underlying structure for performing the various interprocedural analyses used in software development tools for object-oriented software systems. For interactive software development tools and software maintenance activities, the call graph needs to remain fairly precise and be updated quickly in response to software changes. The paper presents incremental algorithms for updating a call graph that has been initially constructed using the Cartesian Product Algorithm, which computes a highly precise call graph in the presence of dynamically dispatched message sends. Templates are exploited to reduce unnecessary reanalysis as software component changes occur. The preliminary empirical results from our implementation within a Java environment are encouraging. Significant time savings were observed for the incremental algorithm in comparison with an exhaustive analysis, with no loss in precision.
Scene recognition without identification.

Recognition without identification (RWI) is old-new discrimination among recognition test items that go unidentified. Recently, the effect has been shown in situations that require pre-experimental connections between unidentified studied items and their test cues, such as when the test cues are general knowledge questions and the unidentified studied items are their answers, or when the test cues are pictures of celebrities and the unidentified studied items are their names. In these cases, RWI demonstrates a peculiar relationship with tip-of-the-tongue (TOT) experiences: Participants give higher recognition ratings when in a TOT state than when not, even though studying an item does not increase the probability of a TOT state for that item. The present study extends these findings to the recognition of scene information. We demonstrate a scene RWI effect with scenes when scene names cannot be retrieved, and replicate the previously reported relationship between TOT states and RWI. In addition, we show that the relationship between RWI and reported TOT states also occurs between RWI and reported deja vu states with the test scenes.
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Studies of Deuterium in Silicon

We report nuclear magnetic resonance measurements of deuterons diffused into silicon powders. Deuterium spectra show a two-component lineshape corresponding to two distinct hydrogen sites. The component with a narrow Lorentzian lineshape is assigned to D2 molecules. The second component is a quadrupolar doublet powder pattern, and its characteristic splitting provides a value of the electric field gradient at the site of the deuterium atom of 1.45x105 dyn/cm.
A temperature-limited assessment of the risk of Rift Valley fever transmission and establishment in the continental United States of America.

The rapid spread of West Nile virus across North America after its introduction in 1999 highlights the potential for foreign arboviruses to become established in the United States of America. Of particular concern is Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV), which has been responsible for multiple African epidemics resulting in death of both humans and livestock, as well as major economic disruption due to livestock loss and trade restrictions. Modern globalization, travel, and commerce allow viruses to easily jump from one continent to another; and it is likely only a matter of time before RVFV reaches North American shores. We used a degree-day model in combination with livestock population data and a pathways analysis to identify regions and times where RVFV is most likely to enter and become established in the United States of America. Transmission risk of the disease varies across the country from 325 annual risk days in parts of Florida to zero risk days in the far North and in high mountain regions. Areas of particular concern are where there are a high number of possible trans- mission days, a large livestock population, and proximity to likely locations for the disease to enter the country via mos- quito vector or human host. These areas should be monitored closely during transmission "risk seasons" so that if the virus does enter the country and begins to become established, it can be quickly controlled and eliminated before spreading fur- ther. Areas most at risk include the Baltimore and New York City metro areas as well as much of the region between these urban centers; most of Texas, especially around Houston; Florida; Atlanta; southwest Nebraska; southern California and Arizona; and the central valley of California.
Open chromatin mapping identifies transcriptional networks regulating human epididymis epithelial function

The epithelium lining the epididymis in the male reproductive tract maintains a luminal environment that promotes sperm cell maturation. This process is dependent on the coordinated expression of many genes that encode proteins with a role in epithelial transport. We previously generated genome-wide maps of open chromatin in primary human epididymis epithelial (HEE) cells to identify potential regulatory elements controlling coordinated gene expression in the epididymis epithelium. Subsequent in silico analysis identified transcription factor-binding sites (TFBS) that were over-represented in the HEE open chromatin, including the motif for paired box 2 (PAX2). PAX2 is a critical transcriptional regulator of urogenital tract development, which has been well studied in the kidney but is unexplored in the epididymis. Due to the limited lifespan of primary HEE cells in culture, we investigated the role of PAX2 in an immortalized HEE cell line (REP). First, REP cells were evaluated by DNase I digestion followed by high-throughput sequencing and the PAX2-binding motif was again identified as an over-represented TFBS within intergenic open chromatin, though on fewer chromosomes than in the primary HEE cells. To identify PAX2-target genes in REP cells, RNA-seq analysis was performed after siRNA-mediated depletion of PAX2 and compared with that with a non-targeting siRNA. In response to PAX2-repression, 3135 transcripts were differentially expressed (1333 up-regulated and 1802 down-regulated). Novel PAX2 targets included multiple genes encoding proteins with predicted functions in the epididymis epithelium.
Fatigue of cord-rubber composites

Abstract Fatigue failure mechanisms and their dependence on cyclic loading frequency were assessed in the case of a nylon fiber-reinforced elastomer matrix composite representing the actual carcass of bias aircraft tires. Under uniaxial tension, the angle-plied composite specimens were subjected to a considerably large interply shear strain before failure. The composite specimens exhibited infinite fatigue life when stress amplitude was below a threshold level, i.e., fatigue endurance limit. Under cyclic stresses exceeding the endurance limit, localized damage in the form of fiber-matrix debonding and matrix cracking was formed and developed into the delamination eventually leading to gross failure of the composite. The process of damage accumulation was accompanied by a continuous increase of cyclic strain as well as temperature. Fatigue lifetime and the resistance to damage accumulation of aircraft tire carcass composite were strongly influenced by cyclic frequency. The use of higher frequency resulted ...
Lymphatic Filariasis: Current Status of Elimination Using Chemotherapy and the Need for a Vaccine

During the last one decade, the whole world witnessed one of the most coordinated efforts toward global elimination of lymphatic filariasis (LF), a neglected tropical parasitic infection that affects 120 million people living in 72 different tropical countries. The approach was to use annual mass drug administration (MDA) using a combination of two chemotherapeutic agents to clear circulating parasites (microfilaria) in infected individuals living in various endemic regions of the world. This approach substantially decreased the incidence of infection in almost all the countries where the program was initiated. However, the biggest challenge now is to sustain the success and attain prophylaxis. This can be achieved only by newer chemotherapeutic agents against adult worms and an effective vaccine that can prevent future infections. This chapter summarizes the current status of LF elimination and the need for a more stringent and sustainable approach to control LF infection in endemic regions.
Factor-Cluster Analysis and Effect of Particle Size on Total Recoverable Metal Concentration in Sediments of the Lower Tennessee River Basin

Total recoverable concentration of five elements of concern: Aluminum, Iron, Manganese, Arsenic and Lead (Al, Fe, Mn, As, Pb) were measured by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry, and mass spectrometry. The results show that sediment texture plays a controlling role in the concentrations and their spatial distribution. Principal Component Analysis and Cluster Analysis were used to analyze the grain sizes of the sediments. Result of texture analysis classified the samples into three main components in percentages: sand, silt, and clay. Significant differences among the element concentrations in the three groups were observed, and the concentrations of the elements in each group are reported in this study. Most of the elements have their highest concentrations in the fine-grained samples with clay playing an important role, in comparison with the sand component of the soil/sediment samples. There appears to be a strong correlation between samples with high silt, and clay content with the areas of elevated concentrations for Al, Fe, and Mn. There was a strong correlation between aluminum and lead with clay; lead with silt; and sand with manganese, aluminum, and lead. However, there was no strong relationship between the soil textures and iron or arsenic. All elements measured were statistically significant (at P ≤ 0.05) by watershed. The upland areas, and depositional areas’ spatial variation of element concentrations in the sediments were also observed, which was in line with the spatial distribution of the grain size and was thought to be related to the watersheds hydrological dynamics.
Trimming of sequence reads alters RNA-Seq gene expression estimates

High-throughput RNA-Sequencing (RNA-Seq) has become the preferred technique for studying gene expression differences between biological samples and for discovering novel isoforms, though the techniques to analyze the resulting data are still immature. One pre-processing step that is widely but heterogeneously applied is trimming, in which low quality bases, identified by the probability that they are called incorrectly, are removed. However, the impact of trimming on subsequent alignment to a genome could influence downstream analyses including gene expression estimation; we hypothesized that this might occur in an inconsistent manner across different genes, resulting in differential bias. To assess the effects of trimming on gene expression, we generated RNA-Seq data sets from four samples of larval Drosophila melanogaster sensory neurons, and used three trimming algorithms—SolexaQA, Trimmomatic, and ConDeTri—to perform quality-based trimming across a wide range of stringencies. After aligning the reads to the D. melanogaster genome with TopHat2, we used Cuffdiff2 to compare the original, untrimmed gene expression estimates to those following trimming. With the most aggressive trimming parameters, over ten percent of genes had significant changes in their estimated expression levels. This trend was seen with two additional RNA-Seq data sets and with alternative differential expression analysis pipelines. We found that the majority of the expression changes could be mitigated by imposing a minimum length filter following trimming, suggesting that the differential gene expression was primarily being driven by spurious mapping of short reads. Slight differences with the untrimmed data set remained after length filtering, which were associated with genes with low exon numbers and high GC content. Finally, an analysis of paired RNA-seq/microarray data sets suggests that no or modest trimming results in the most biologically accurate gene expression estimates. We find that aggressive quality-based trimming has a large impact on the apparent makeup of RNA-Seq-based gene expression estimates, and that short reads can have a particularly strong impact. We conclude that implementation of trimming in RNA-Seq analysis workflows warrants caution, and if used, should be used in conjunction with a minimum read length filter to minimize the introduction of unpredictable changes in expression estimates.
Toward a Unified Theory of Human Rights Obligations: Collapsing Rights Typologies into a More Usable, Enforcement-Oriented Taxonomic Schema

The status of socioeconomic rights as fully enforceable norms has been contested for generations. International legal scholars have responded by generating a series of typologies in an effort to clarify the nature of these rights, their corresponding obligations, and the relevant standards for their legal assessment. These typologies, recognized in the U.N.’s General Comments and regularly drawn upon in the academic literature and comparative caselaw, include such distinctions as those between negative and positive rights or duties, the obligations to respect, protect and fulfill, immediacy vs. progressivity, minimum core content and the prohibition on regressivity, and directly vs. indirectly justiciable rights. Missing from the literature, however, is any analysis of how these normative classifications relate to one another, and when one versus another should be applied in a particular institutional or enforcement context. The messiness and often conflicting nature of the resulting puzzle reinforces the contested nature of the underlying norms, accentuating claimed differences between socioeconomic and civil-political rights and assertions that each is subject to distinct kinds of enforcement or implementation procedures. This Article seeks to bring greater coherence to this messy terrain by collapsing the standard set of typologies into a more usable taxonomic schema, one that applies equally to all categories of rights. That schema introduces two additional typological distinctions - those between conduct- and result-based obligations, on the one hand, and between individual- and collective-oriented duties on the other. The key conceptual elements expressed in the standard set of rights typologies are then re-situated within the resulting framework, demonstrating how they interrelate in practical application. The Article concludes by explaining the instrumental, practical, and jurisdictional reasons why such a framework should be embraced as a general conceptual schema for understanding the dimensionality of human rights obligations and their enforcement through a wide variety of institutional implementation fora
Experimental Hybridization of Pissodes strobi and P. approximatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Reciprocal matings of Pissodes strobi (Peck) collected from white-pine terminals and Pissodes approximatus Hopkins collected from red pine logs were made in the laboratory. No absolute reproductive isolating mechanisms were found. But there was greater mortality in the pre-hatch stages of the hybrids. Many anatomical features were measured to provide a basis for the identification of hybrids among natural populations.
When the Data Source Writes the Conclusion: Evaluating Agricultural Policies

Statistics describe realities, but they also shape them, since they are used to design or support policies. As such accurate statistics are important. Using the agricultural sector in Rwanda as a case study, we demonstrate that dubious statistics can spread quickly. According to data from the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), yields have increased by 60 per cent since the implementation of large scale agricultural reforms, while other datasets point towards more modest gains. Yet, estimates in line with those of the FAO dominate the official discourse. We suggest that the discrepancies between datasets may be explained by the difficulties of collecting accurate agricultural statistics combined with an incentive to overestimate yields to show that the reforms have worked.