cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
AutoConViz: automating the conversion and visualization of spatio-temporal query results in GIS

In recent years, large multifaceted spatial, temporal, and spatio-temporal databases have attained significant popularity and importance in the database community. In order to perform preliminary investigation, exploratory visual analysis of such data-sets is highly desirable. To facilitate the convenient and efficient visualization, scientists and practitioners often need to convert the spatial component of the data-set into a more usable format. Though among the various formats available today in spatial data science community, Geographical Markup Language (GML) adheres to its central position and is of our interest in this work. The development of a tool to satisfy the spatial format conversion needs tailored to every user’s needs from scratch is difficult, time-consuming, and requires skills not easy to possess. We developed AutoConViz, to solve the issue stated above. It accepts the spatial component in GML format, converts that into shapefile format, and facilitates informative and automated interac...
Intrinsically conducting polymers and copolymers containing triazole moieties

Abstract Random copolymer and terpolymers of 1,2,3-triazole-containing acrylates and poly(ethylene glycol)methyl ether acrylate (PEGMEA) have been synthesized and characterized. Proton conductivity measurements were made using impedance spectroscopy. The range of conductivity values from 80 °C to 200 °C spans only 1.5 orders of magnitude, demonstrating reduced temperature dependence over previously reported heterocycle based anhydrous proton conducting membranes. Introduction of PEG graft chains increased conductivity on both an absolute and T–T g normalized scale up to 30 mol% PEGMEA. Further increases in conductivity were achieved through addition of trifluoroacetic acid where increases of 0.5 to 1.5 orders of magnitude were observed depending on doping level.
Processing and indentation behavior of functionally designed cellular cemented carbides produced by coextrusion

Abstract Cemented tungsten carbide composites were manufactured via a coextrusion process to produce a functionally designed cellular (FDC) architecture. The FDC architecture contained 100–150 μm WC–6%Co cells and an interpenetrating cell boundary phase consisting of either a W–Ni–Fe alloy or Ni. Sample billets containing 17.5%, 30%, and 50% by volume of the cell boundary phase were engineered and pressurelessly sintered. Flexure specimens were fabricated consisting of cell/cell boundary coextruded filaments uniaxially aligned in the long axis of the specimen. Indentation behavior as well as flexural response was investigated in order to determine the ability of these composites to deflect cracks. While samples did not exhibit graceful failure under flexure testing, meaning they could not sustain any load beyond the initial failure event, compositions with 17.5% W–Ni–Fe, 30% W–Ni–Fe, 30% Ni, and 50% Ni displayed the ability to deflect cracks generated by Vickers indents produced using a load of 50 kg.
The elongation and time dependence of the crystallinity of low-density polyethylene

It has been presumed in studies of the orientation of low-density polyethylene and its time dependence that the degree of crystallinity remained constant with elongation and did not vary with time following elongation. This paper represents a test of this hypothesis by several methods. The change in crystallinity accompanying stretching has been followed by a modification of an x-ray method for uniaxial orientation proposed by Ruland in which diffraction peaks are resolved into crystalline and amorphous components and their respective areas are determined by two-dimensional integration over both the Bragg angle and the azimuthal angle of diffraction. The weight-fraction crystallinity is then determined from the ratio of the weighted crystalline area to the total area. There appears to be no significant variation in crystallinity up to 50% sample elongation for both slowly and rapidly stretched samples at room temperature. The dynamic crystallinity change accompanying small amplitude vibration has also been determined by the dynamic x-ray diffraction technique and found to be negligible over a wide range of frequency. The degree of crystallinity has also been evaluated from the absolute infrared absorbance of crystallinity-sensitive bands and has also been found to be independent of elongation at room temperature up to 80% elongation. Changes have also been observed by this method during relaxation at constant length following rapid extension and have also been found to be negligible. These results also indicate negligible changes in rotational isomer population. Consequently, we conclude that changes observed during relaxation and vibration arise from orientational changes rather than changes in the degree of crystallinity.
Lack of suppressive effect of alpha-foetoprotein on development of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis in rats.

Lack of suppressive effect of α-foetoprotein on development of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis in rats
TEST METHOD FOR DETERMINING THE SHEAR MODULUS OF ELASTOMERIC BEARINGS

Shear modulus of the elastomer is the key material property related to the behavior of elastomeric bearings used principally at supports in bridges. Current methods to determine shear modulus usually require small test samples cut from manufactured bearings. Such tests are costly, do not necessarily represent the performance of the full-size bearing, and are destructive. In this paper, a new, nondestructive shear test method, called the inclined compression test, is reported that only requires a compression test machine to apply shear to the full-size bearing. Results from the inclined compression test show good correlation with results from an independent full-scale test setup. To develop reliable test procedures, various test parameters were evaluated such as testing speed, platen surface conditions, and specimen dimensions. Test results show the inclined compression method is a practical alternative to more traditional test methods. The new method works very well on bearings reinforced with steel laminates, but plain bearings require cold bonding to attachment plates in order to obtain reliable shear moduli.
Stroke in former prisoners of war

Objectives. Physiological changes associated with severe or chronic stress may place susceptible individuals at risk for diseases such as stroke. Methods. A cohort of World War II veterans consisting of former prisoners of war (POWs) and controls was studied. Data were from a follow-up examination in 1986 that included a standardized history, comprehensive examination, and psychiatric interview. Results. Of former POWs, 9.3% (44 of 475) reported strokes compared with 1.2% (1 of 81) for other World War II veterans. The relative risk for this association was 7.50 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05 to 53.7; χ 2 = 6.00, 1 df ). There was no difference in the prevalence of hypertension or diabetes. Among the 475 former POWs, 12.7% (20 of 158) of those with posttraumatic stress disorder had strokes, compared with 7.6% (24 of 317) without posttraumatic stress disorder (relative risk, 1.67; 95% CI, 0.95 to 2.93; χ 2 = 3.25, 1 df ). Conclusions. There appears to be an association between stroke and being a former POW. Our findings may begin to define a new class of stroke risk factors and extend our understanding of interactions between stress and disease.
Comparison of the effects of high dose testosterone and 19-nortestosterone to a replacement dose of testosterone on strength and body composition in normal men

We examined the extent to which supraphysiological doses of androgen can modify body composition and strength in normally virilized men. In doubly blind tests, 30 healthy young men received testosterone enanthate (TE) or 19-nortestosterone decanoate (ND), at 100 mg/wk or 300 mg/wk for 6 weeks. The TE-100 mg/wk group served as replacement dose comparison, maintaining pretreatment serum testosterone levels, while keeping all subjects blinded to treatment, particularly through reduction in testicular volumes. Isokinetic strength measurements were made for the biceps brachii and quadriceps femoris muscle groups before treatment and 2-3 days after the 6th injection. Small improvements were noted in all groups but the changes were highly variable; a trend to greater and more consistent strength gain occurred in the TE-300 mg/wk group. There was no change in weight for TE-100 mg/wk but an average gain of 3 kg in each of the other groups. No changes in 4 skinfold thicknesses or in estimated percent body fat were observed. Of 15 circumferences, significant increases were observed only for men receiving TE-300 mg/wk (shoulders) and ND-300 mg/wk (shoulders and chest). The data suggest that high dose androgens increase body mass and may increase strength in normal men but, except for a consistent weight gain with greater than replacement doses, the detectable changes were highly variable and relatively small, especially in comparison to the significant alterations which were observed for other markers of androgen action.
GDR (Genome Database for Rosaceae): integrated web-database for Rosaceae genomics and genetics data

The Genome Database for Rosaceae (GDR) is a central repository of curated and integrated genetics and genomics data of Rosaceae, an economically important family which includes apple, cherry, peach, pear, raspberry, rose and strawberry. GDR contains annotated databases of all publicly available Rosaceae ESTs, the genetically anchored peach physical map, Rosaceae genetic maps and comprehensively annotated markers and traits. The ESTs are assembled to produce unigene sets of each genus and the entire Rosaceae. Other annotations include putative function, microsatellites, open reading frames, single nucleotide polymorphisms, gene ontology terms and anchored map position where applicable. Most of the published Rosaceae genetic maps can be viewed and compared through CMap, the comparative map viewer. The peach physical map can be viewed using WebFPC/WebChrom, and also through our integrated GDR map viewer, which serves as a portal to the combined genetic, transcriptome and physical mapping information. ESTs, BACs, markers and traits can be queried by various categories and the search result sites are linked to the mapping visualization tools. GDR also provides online analysis tools such as a batch BLAST/FASTA server for the GDR datasets, a sequence assembly server and microsatellite and primer detection tools. GDR is available at http://www.rosaceae.org.
Synthesis and lithographic performance of poly-4-hydroxphenyl-ethyl-methacrylate-based negative resists

Currently, most photosensitive coating formulations for use in 248 nm semiconductor lithography use polyhydroxy styrene resin homopolymers, and a myriad of copolymers, as the base material for positive acting resist. For negative resists, many polyhydroxy styrene homopolymer derivatives, where the pendant phenolic hydroxy has been modified, are used. This is because of the current commercial availability of the polymer material in a broad range of controlled and reproducible molecular weights, the ability to form uniform films, and the compatibility with a wide range of commonly used resist formulation organic solvents, additives and aqueous base developers. Probably the most important attribute of polyhydroxy styrene resins that led to its ubiquitous use is the lack of a competitive UV self-absorption of this resin at 248 nm wavelengths compared to the well known novolac resins. In this paper we will describe an alternative methacrylate based polymer that contains a pendant phenolic functionality, show some initial imaging results and discuss the general advantages of disadvantages of substituting polyhydroxy styrene homopolymer resins. In particular the use of polymers based on 4-hydroxyphenyl ethyl methacrylate monomer in negative resist formulations for 248 nm (KrF) applications will be discussed.
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy: A transient phenomenon in the cardiac catheter laboratory

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is a rare stress-induced cardiomyopathy, most often seen in post menopausal women after an emotional stressor. The syndrome usual presents with anginal type chest pain. The electrocardiogram typically shows precordial ST-segment elevation and/or T-wave inversion suggesting left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion. Cardiac ischaemic markers are elevated but coronary angiography reveals a lack of significant coronary artery disease. Left ventricle angiography demonstrates hypokinesis and ballooning of the apex. Wall motion abnormalities resolve over weeks and overall prognosis is favourable. Two case studies are reported here that demonstrate typical presentation of the transient cardiomyopathy.
Influence Of The Medium Upon The Orientation Of Secondary Terrestrial Roots

In a recent paper' I called attention to the inadequacy of the explanations put forward by earlier investigators for the striking difference in the behavior of primary roots which have been diverted from their normal position while growing in air or water, on the one hand, and earth, sand or other non-fluid medium, on the other hand. My experiments led to the conclusion that, after the primary root in air or water has flattened the primary geotropic curvature, a considerable resistance on the part of the medium to the advance of the root tip is a necessary condition for a subsequent complete curvature of the root. After the flattening of the primary curvature, the root in air grows straight ahead in an oblique position. Although the increasing length and weight of the root may result in its reaching the perpendicular through bending under its own weight, active reaction to the stimulus of gravity is generally restricted, after the completion of the autotropic flattening, to the extreme tip. This tip curvature, although varying in intensity, is maintained as long as the root is well supplied with water, is actively growing and has not attained an approximately perpendicular position. In such media as earth, sand, sawdust, and sphagnam, which offer more or less resistance to the root's advance, a root with such a curvature of the tip curves downward into the normal position in a curve whose radius is smaller the greater the resistance offered to the advance of the root. This downward curvature is apparently due to a passive depression of the root resulting from the non-symmetrical application (relative to the axis of the root) of the force opposing the advance of the root tip. These conclusions, arrived at as the result of a study of the behavior of the primary roots of Vicia faba, Lupinus albus, and Pisum sativum, naturally suggested the question, whether or not the secondary roots of these species showed any relation between geotropic behavior and medium such as exists in the case of primary roots.
Inhibition of monoamine oxidase by N-phenacyl-cyclopropylamine.

Abstract N -phenacyl-cyclopropylamine hydrobromide (54761) was evaluated in vitro and in vivo as a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor in rats. In contrast to 51641, which has an o-chlorophenoxy group in place of the phenacyl group and which is a highly selective inhibitor of type A MAO, 54761 showed a slight preference as a type B MAO inhibitor, since it inhibited phenylethylamine oxidation at slightly lower concentrations than were required to inhibit serotonin oxidation in vitro by rat liver MAO. Twelve analogs of 54761 with various substituents on the phenyl ring were also studied, but none was substantially more selective than 54761 as a type B inhibitor and most were preferential type A inhibitors. When 51641 and 54761 were injected into rats and MAO activity was assayed in tissue homogenates, the oxidation of serotonin in brain, heart and liver was inhibited more by 51641 than by 54761. In contrast, the oxidation of phenylethylamine was inhibited more by 54761 than by 51641 in brain and liver. In heart, however, 51641 was a more effective inhibitor of phenylethylamine oxidation than was 54761, supporting earlier evidence that phenylethylamine is destroyed in heart mainly by type A MAO. The oxidation of exogenous [ 14 C]phenylethylamine was inhibited in vivo more effectively by 54761, whereas the oxidation of endogenous serotonin in brain was inhibited more by 51641. Although 54761 is not as selective an inhibitor of type B MAO as some other compounds such as deprenyl, it illustrates that a large range of selectivity in MAO inhibition can exist within the N -cyclopropylamine series. Further, selective type B inhibition could be achieved in vivo 24 hr after injection of 54761 by co-administration of harmaline. Harmaline selectively protected against the inactivation of type A MAO by 54761 but permitted the inactivation of type B MAO to occur.
Probability of error in digital fiber optic systems with inter-symbol interference and signal dependent additive noise

Abstract Data transmission via optical fiber is a new discipline of communication theory. The principal difference from conventional baseband data transmission, which is characterized by a signal independent additive Gaussian noise, is the existence of a signal dependent shot noise. This paper presents a technique for estimating the error probability performance of digital systems with inter-symbol interference and signal dependent additive noise. For binary antipodal (±1) systems, the approximate upper bound to the error probability is twice the lower bound. Hence either can be taken as a good approximation to the actual error probability. The technique is then applied to a model of some promising optical data communication systems and a good approximation to the error probability is obtained. Some observations about the effect of various system parameters on the error probability and some numerical examples are presented.
Enzyme separation by parametric pumping.

Affinity chromatography and parametric pumping were combined to reduce trypsin concentration in an aqueous solution. The trypsin inhibitor, chicken ovomucoid, was covalently bonded to Sepharose 4B beads. A solution was cycled over this packing in a column at a low pH in one direction followed by a high pH in the other direction. Trypsin retention was favored at the high pH and elution at the low pH. The decrease in trypsin concentration at one end of the column was fitted to an equation derived from the equilibrium parametric pumping model and was a function of the pH limits imposed on the column. Separation was much less than predicted by equilibrium data, but the equation based on trypsin reduction agreed with the α-chymotrypsin-trypsin separation.
Potable water quality in rural Georgetown County.

Drinking water supplies of 161 rural communities, in Georgetown County, South Carolina, were randomly selected for sample collection. The analysis showed that most of the waters were slightly acidic. Low, but acceptable concentrations of chloride, copper, fluoride, sodium, cadmium, nitrate and phosphate were found. A few water samples showed higher then recommended levels of arsenic, mercury, zinc and lead. Although only 2% of the samples exceeded the mandatory limit of 0.05 ppm for arsenic, 72% exceeded the recommended level of 0.01 ppm. The mandatory limit for manganese was exceeded in 37% of the waters while 88% exceeded the limit for iron. The high iron content was generally responsible for the high turbidity found in 45% of the samples. The well depth and the consumer income had some bearing on water quality. Statistical evidence suggested that septic tank seepage was partially responsible for nitrate, phsophate, iron and arsenic contamination of shallow water supplies. Lead concentrations appear to vary according to the plumbing used and the pH of the waters.
Sertoli cell and germ cell cystatin C: stage-dependent expression of two distinct messenger ribonucleic acid transcripts in rat testes.

Sertoli cells were shown to synthesize and secrete cystatin C, a potent inhibitor of cysteine proteases. The evidence for this observation was obtained from protein sequencing, Western analysis using antiserum specific to cystatin C, and immunoprecipitation of 5S protein secreted by cultured cells. The Western analysis with an antiserum to human cystatin C showed that cultured Sertoli cells secrete three previously reported immunoreactive forms of cystatin C: a predominant pair of proteins at 13-14 kDa and a less abundant 20-kDa protein. Immunohistochemical localization of cystatin C in sections of rat testes showed intense staining in Sertoli cells; no immunoreactivity was observed in spermatogonia or spermatocytes. A cDNA fragment for rat cystatin C was obtained by use of the polymerase chain reaction and was used as a probe in Northern analyses to examine the steadystate levels of cystatin C mRNA in intact testes and in Sertoli and spermatogenic cells. Sertoli cells contained a 700-nucleotide cystatin C transcript, and a mixed population of spermatids and spermatocytes contained a 550-nucleotide transcript. Analysis of RNA from purified spermatogenic cells revealed that round and condensing spermatids contained the 550-nucleotide transcript, while pachytene spermatocytes contained a smaller 500-nucleotide transcript. The 700-nucleotide transcript was present in testes isolated from rats of 5-79 days of age, the 500-nucleotide transcript was detected initially in testes from 24-day-old rats, and the 550-nucleotide transcript was detected initially at 35 days of age. Both the 500- and 550-nucleotide transcripts increased in abundance until 50 days of age. RNA from stage-synchronized testes showed that steady-state levels of both the 550- and 700nucleotide transcripts were lowest in stages VI-VII of the cycle. These data suggest that the role of cystatin C in the testis may be to inhibit the proteolytic activity of the cysteine protease cathepsin L in all stages except stages VI-VII.
Bioconcentration of TNT and RDX in coastal marine biota.

The bioconcentration factor (BCF) was measured for 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) and hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) in seven different marine species of varying trophic levels. Time series and concentration gradient treatments were used for water column and tissue concentrations of TNT, RDX, and their environmentally important derivatives 2-amino-4,6-dintrotoluene (2-ADNT) and 4-amino-2,6-dinitrotoluene (4-ADNT). BCF values ranged from 0.0031 to 484.5 mL g−1 for TNT and 0.023 to 54.83 mL g−1 for RDX. The use of log K ow value as an indicator was evaluated by adding marine data from this study to previously published data. For the munitions in this study, log K ow value was a good indicator in the marine environment. The initial uptake and elimination rates of TNT and RDX for Fucus vesiculosus were 1.79 and 0.24 h−1 for TNT and 0.50 and 0.0035 h−1 for RDX respectively. Biotransformation was observed in all biota for both TNT and RDX. Biotransformation of TNT favored 4-ADNT over 2-ADNT at ratios of 2:1 for F. vesiculosus and 3:1 for Mytilus edulis. Although RDX derivatives were measureable, the ratios of RDX derivatives were variable with no detectable trend. Previous approaches for measuring BCF in freshwater systems compare favorably with these experiments with marine biota, yet significant gaps on the ultimate fate of munitions within the biota exist that may be overcome with the use stable isotope-labeled munitions substrates.
Christian Mysticism and Australian Poetry

Some years ago, tired of literary surveys that emphasised or took as their frame the national, some scholars of Australian literature called for transverse rubrics, approaches to Australian literat...
Fusion of disparate information sources in a hybrid decision-support architecture

Disparity and uncertainty of information sources are both significant problems in information fusion. This paper investigates the problem of disparity in general, and in conjunction with FLASH - a hybrid information-fusion cognitive-processing approach we developed. Different forms of disparity are identified and their categorization is presented, and their implications on the information fusion processes are discussed. The issue of feature-level vs. decision-level fusion is investigated, and the methods of coping with disparity within FLASH are presented. Source uncertainty estimation techniques are discussed as well. Disparity studies and the results of computational experiments related to them are presented. These studies are suggestive of the potential of the FLASH hybrid approach for fusion of disparate information sources.
Momentum correlations in the two-proton decay of light nuclei

Momentum correlations in two‐proton and other multi‐body decays of light proton‐rich nuclei are discussed. The variety of such decays are illustrated by a number of examples. The measured correlations for the ground state of 6Be are found to be consistent with the cluster‐model calculations of Grigorenko et al. The ground state of 8C decays by two sequential steps of 3‐body (two‐proton) decay passing through the 6Beg.s. intermediate state. The isobaric analog of 8C in 8B undergoes two‐proton decay to the isobaric analog state in 6Li. To the extent that isospin is conserved, this is a Goldansky‐type decay, i.e. the isospin‐allowed immediate state in 7Be is energetically forbidden. An excited state in 10C is found to have a ∼50% four‐body‐decay branch where the protons have a strong diproton character.
Hyperspectral imagers for current and future missions

The future of remote sensing includes a significant role for hyperspectral imaging. Hyperspectral imaging can provide the data needed to derive detailed information on composition, biomass health, military status and other properties of Earth's surface and atmosphere. The biggest challenges currently associated with hyperspectral imaging are related to handling high data rates in timely and efficient ways. This paper introduces hyperspectral imaging, discusses systems that have been built and tested and describes future system concepts.
Adaptive nonlinear cell mass state estimator for a continuous yeast fermentation

On-line measurement of the important state variables in fermentations, particularly cell mass concentration, remains a difficult problem. However, a number of secondary or environmental variables can be measured conventionally and on-line, such as pH, and CO2 and O2 in the exhaust gas. Stephanopoulos and San (1984) have developed a modeling approach, based on species balances, that provides relations between the environmental and important state variables. Using such a model, the important state variables can be estimated in principle from more easily accessible on-line measurements. In this article, a new adaptive estimator is developed, incorporating as its basis an underlying nonlinear model so as to utilize the best possible a priori process knowledge. Base addition rate and CO2 offgas concentration are measured on-line and periodically. Cell mass measurements are incorporated infrequently and even at irregular sampling periods, thus providing a very flexible scheme. Only a single adapted parameter is required to match the model to the plant operating characteristics. This simple but rigorous model form results in an estimator that is easy to implement and to tune and which exhibits long-term robustness due to its multirate feedback structure. Experimental results from a laboratory-scale continuous fermentor show that such a cell mass estimation scheme yields excellent performance both open-loop (without control) and as a part of conventional and nonlinear adaptive control approaches.
The Cronin effect, quantum evolution and the color glass condensate

Abstract We show that the numerical solution of the classical SU(3) Yang–Mills equations of motion in the McLerran–Venugopalan model for gluon production in central heavy ion collisions leads to a suppression at low p t and an enhancement at the intermediate p t region as compared to peripheral heavy ion and pp collisions at the same energy. Our results are compared to previous, color glass condensate inspired calculations of gluon production in heavy ion collisions. We revisit the predictions of the color glass condensate model for pA ( dA ) collisions in leading order and show that quantum evolution—in particular, the phenomenon of geometric scaling and change of anomalous dimensions—preserves the Cronin enhancement of pA cross section (when normalized to the leading twist term) in the leading order approximation even though the p t spectrum can change. We comment on the case when gluon radiation is included.
Repair of blunt thoracic outlet arterial injuries: an evolution from open to endovascular approach.

Background Thoracic outlet artery injuries due to blunt trauma are uncommon. Exposure of these arteries is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. An endovascular approach is a less invasive alternative approach for these technically challenging injuries. Methods A retrospective review of patients who presented with blunt traumatic injuries to the innominate, subclavian, and axillary arteries between 1998 and 2009 was performed. Demographic data, concomitant injuries, preoperative workup, treatment, and outcomes were recorded. Results During the study period, 34 patients (80% men) meeting selection criteria were admitted (11 innominate, 16 subclavian, and 7 axillary). Management was nonoperative in 6, open in 16, and endovascular in 12 patients. In the latter group, eight patients had successful stent-graft insertions. These were approached in an antegrade femoral or retrograde brachial fashion. In three cases of complete artery transaction, both methods were used. Shorter operative time (149 minutes vs. 230 minutes; p = 0.03) and less blood loss (50 mL vs. 1,225 mL; p = 0.03) were seen in the endovascular group compared with the open repair group. There was a trend for less blood transfusion, but it was not significant (0 median units vs. 4.5 median units; p = 0.3). Hospital length of stay was shorter (19 days vs. 29 days; p = 0.4). Conclusions Covered stents are a feasible alternative to open repair in the multiply injured blunt trauma patients with thoracic outlet arterial injuries. This can be used in the damage control setting as it offers shorter operative time, less blood loss, and overall less morbidity to the patient. Long-term follow-up is needed.
Map inference in the face of noise and disparity

This paper describes a process for automatically inferring maps from large collections of opportunistically collected GPS traces. In this type of dataset, there is often a great disparity in terms of coverage. For example, a freeway may be represented by thousands of trips, whereas a residential road may only have a handful of observations. Additionally, while modern GPS receivers typically produce high-quality location estimates, errors over 100 meters are not uncommon, especially near tall buildings or under dense tree coverage. Combined, GPS trace disparity and error present a formidable challenge for the current state of the art in map inference. By tuning the parameters of existing algorithms, a user may choose to remove spurious roads created by GPS noise, or admit less-frequently traveled roads, but not both.In this paper, we present an extensible map inference pipeline, designed to mitigate GPS error, admit less-frequently traveled roads, and scale to large datasets. We demonstrate and compare the performance of our proposed pipeline against existing methods, both qualitatively and quantitatively, using a real-world dataset that includes both high disparity and noise. Our results show significant improvements over the current state of the art.
Vaporization of Bicomponent Droplets Exposed to Asymmetric Radiant Heating

In this work, the fuel vapor distribution around vaporizing bicomponent droplets, exposed to asymmetric radiant heating, is investigated as an extension of prior work done by the authors involving single-component droplets. Acetone/octane and acetone/hexane mixtures (50/50 by volume) are used to explore bicomponent droplet phenomena within the context of asymmetric radiant heating. Planar laser-induced fluorescence images yield acetone vapor molar fraction contour plots, which reveal details of the asymmetries in the vapor distribution. Subsequent analysis of these contour plots leads to conclusions as to the influences of droplet size, droplet component properties, radiant heating temperature, and exposure time based on the characteristics of the vaporization process, including the apparent induction of Stefan flows above the droplet surface. Such phenomena have relevance to the overall fuel vaporization process as well as subsequent ignition and pollutant formation processes.
Feasibility demonstration of frequency domain terahertz imaging in breast cancer margin determination.

In breast conservation surgery, surgeons attempt to remove malignant tissue along with a surrounding margin of healthy tissue. Subsequent pathological analysis determines if those margins are clear of malignant tissue, a process that typically requires at least one day. Only then can it be determined whether a follow-up surgery is necessary. This possibility of re-excision is undesirable in terms of reducing patient morbidity, emotional stress and healthcare. It has been shown that terahertz (THz) images of breast specimens can accurately differentiate between breast carcinoma, normal fibroglandular tissue, and adipose tissue. That study employed the Time-Domain Spectroscopy (TDS) technique. We are instead developing a new technique, Frequency-Domain Terahertz Imaging (FDTI). In this joint project between UMass/Amherst and UMass Medical School/Worcester (UMMS), we are investigating the feasibility of the FDTI technique for THz reflection imaging of breast cancer margins. Our system, which produces mechanically scanned images of size 2cm x 2cm, uses a THz gas laser. The system is calibrated with mixtures of water and ethanol and reflection coefficients as low as 1% have been measured. Images from phantoms and specimens cut from breast cancer lumpectomies at UMMS will be presented. Finally, there will be a discussion of a possible transition of this FDTI setup to a compact and inexpensive CMOS THz camera for use in the operating room.
Incoherent pattern recognition with phase-only filters.

Phase-only and binary-phase spatial light modulators can be employed in the filter plane of incoherent pattern recognition systems. We employ computer simulations to show that advanced filter design techniques can be used to achieve a close approximation to classical matched filtering.
Ultrasonic study of dislocation TLS in aluminum single crystals

On observe un comportement imprevu pour la vitesse et l'attenuation des ultrasons en fonction de la temperature et de l'amplitude dans un monocristal d'aluminium a l'etat supraconducteur soumis a une contrainte de charge. Ce comportement ressemble a celui des metaux amorphes a basse temperature ou on l'interprete par effet tunnel dans des etats a deux niveaux
Sum-Difference Numbers

Starting with an interesting number game sometimes used by school teachers to demonstrate the factorization of integers, sum-difference numbers are defined. A positive integer n is a sum-difference...
Predicting Moral Conduct: Kohlberg's and Hogan's Theories

Abstract Tests of Kohlberg's moral judgment stages and Hogan's moral character dimensions were administered to 49 college students in order to predict volunteering to work for a charity and actually showing up to work for it. Both competitive (Hogan versus Kohlberg) analyses and an integrative (Hogan plus Kohlberg) analysis were performed. Kohlberg's stages 5A and 5B predicted volunteering very well, R = .80; Hogan's dimensions failed to predict it at all. Kohlberg's stage 5A and Hogan's autonomy dimension predicted actually showing up about equally well, r = .52 and r = .55, respectively. In an integrative analysis, autonomy and stage 5A predicted actually showing up better than either variable alone, R = .65. The results support the value of an integrative use of Kohlberg's and Hogan's theories.
Template-Designed Syntheses of Open-Framework Zinc Phosphites with Extra-Large 24-Ring Channels

The rational selection of the templating agents or structure-directing agents (SDAs) is important for the designed synthesis of open-framework materials with specific channel structures. By utilizing organic amines that are predicted by computer simulations as the templates or SDAs, such as cyclohexylamine (CHA), cyclopentylamine (CPA), and n-propylamine, three new open-framework zinc phosphites, including (C6H14N)2[Zn3(HPO3)4] (ZnHPO-CJ2), (C5H12N)2[Zn3(HPO3)4] (ZnHPO-CJ3), and (C3H10N)2[Zn3(HPO3)4] (ZnHPO-CJ4), have been hydrothermally prepared with desired extra-large 24-ring channels analogous to (C4NH12)2[Zn3(HPO3)4] (ZnHPO-CJ1). Their structures are characterized by single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction, inductively coupled plasma (ICP), IR, and thermogravimetric analyses. These organic amines predicted based on nonbonding interactions of host–guest show good matching in the space and charge density with the host inorganic framework. As with ZnHPO-CJ1 and other known extra-large micropore mate...
Inferring animal population distributions from individual tracking data: theoretical insights and potential pitfalls

Summary Animal population-level phenomena are often inferred from large tracking data sets obtained from only a few individuals. Two key challenges are to understand how these two scales are related, and to identify the factors that influence the extent to which small samples consisting of a few individuals can predict spatial patterns at the population scale. We used a simple spatially explicit theoretical model to explore some of the factors that affect inferences made at the population level from individual tracking data. We adopted a ‘mixtures of correlated random walks’ approach to simulate two discrete movement modes with different step lengths and turning angles in a hypothetical ungulate population with contrasting population sizes and sampling intensities. Movement state was assumed to be influenced by habitat type (patch or matrix) and social cues. We explored the predictive power of a tracked population subsample by regressing the space-use map generated by a few randomly chosen individuals against the map generated by the entire population (the ‘true’ map) for different scenarios (e.g. random and clumped habitat distributions) and parameter values. We show that the predictive power of the tracking sample varies nonlinearly and often counter-intuitively with factors such as habitat preference, the spatial context of the landscape and the importance of social interactions. We suggest that movement models coupled with individual tracking data can be used with Monte Carlo simulations to improve tracking studies by better understanding the links between detailed individual movement data and population distributions.
How iPhone innovators changed their consumption in iDay2: Hedonic post or brand devotion

Abstract Using netnographic evidence on iPhone usage, this study suggests that devoted and innovative consumers adopt and use new technology for hedonic experiences and social positioning, which generates experiential outcomes. This article presents an interpretive analysis of consumption behavior of iPhone users after their experience with iPhone v1 and its successive iterations, prior to the release of Apple's latest model the iPhone 4. The day the iPhone v1 was released was dubbed iDay1 by Apple brand aficionados, and the anticipated release date of the iPhone 4 iDay2. While the original iPhone v1 was seen as very cutting edge, successive releases (the iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS), were far less innovative. Each successive iPhone release has not had as devout a following as the original. This raises the question: will innovation seeking consumers abandon the iPhone for a newer, more technologically innovative device? This study suggests that innovators prefer really new products instead of upgraded ones, because they cannot see the advantage of using an upgraded version of a product which has already been widely adopted.
Free fatty acids-the link between obesity and insulin resistance.

Objective: To present evidence that free fatty acids (FFA) are an important link between obesity and insulin resistance. Methods: The role of FFA in peripheral insulin resistance, hepatic insulin resistance, insulin secretion, and type 2 diabetes is discussed. Results: Obesity is invariably associated with insulin resistance. In most obese subjects, plasma FFA levels are increased. Physiologic increases in plasma FFA levels cause insulin resistance in both diabetic and nondiabetic subjects by producing several metabolic defects: (1) FFA inhibit insulin-stimulated glucose uptake at the level of glucose transport or phosphorylation (or both); (2) FFA inhibit insulin-stimulated glycogen synthesis; and (3) FFA inhibit insulin-stimulated glucose oxidation. (This last-mentioned defect probably does not contribute to insulin resistance.) FFA probably also cause hepatic insulin resistance, which results in increased rates of endogenous glucose production in relationship to the prevailing degree of hyperinsulinemi...
Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia after heart transplantation.

Abstract Five patients with Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia after heart transplantation are reported. Four had severe clinical symptoms, whereas 1 was asymptomatic. Mechanical ventilatory support was necessary in 1 because of respiratory distress. Pneumocystis carinii infection developed in 4 patients within the first 4 postoperative months, and 1 patient had clinical disease 1 year after transplantation with a recurrence 9 months later. All were treated with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole either orally or intravenously (10 to 20 mg · kg −1 · day −1 of trimethoprim). All patients recovered from infection and received the same drug prophylactically for 2 to 20 months after the infection. All patients are doing well after Pneumocystis carinii infection except 1 who died after an acute myocardial infarction 4 years after infection. We conclude that trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole is an effective agent for the treatment of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia after heart transplantation.
Hydrocarbon Extraction into Surfactant Phase with Nonionic Surfactants. II. Model

Abstract The solubilization kinetics of an extraction process of oil with an aqueous micellar solution of a nonionic surfactant has been modeled. The model is directly related to the phase diagram, allowing a simple form which explains the main effects. The theoretical results show the adsorption process of surfactant at the phase interfaces to provide the main resistance to the mass transfer processes. The values of adsorption rates, and of some of the diffusion coefficients obtained, compare well with the earlier experimental results.
Eavesdropping foragers use level of collective commotion as public information to target high quality patches

Public information offers a valuable means for social foragers to determine the relative quality of foraging patches. Despite much evidence that foragers use public information based on others’ feeding behavior, no experiments have examined whether foragers might use public information based on others’ competitive behavior, particularly the collective commotion that can be generated by aggregations. Such commotion could potentially provide a rich source of public information: as foragers compete in a patch with an especially high value resource, their heightened competition intensity could enable eavesdropping foragers to target this superior patch, based simply on its higher level of collective commotion. To test the hypothesis that the level of collective commotion is used as public information by eavesdropping foragers I conducted field experiments on terrestrial hermit crabs Coenobita compressus. These animals engage in collective competitive interactions in foraging patches for food and shells, generating variable levels of commotion across different quality patches. By experimentally manipulating the level of collective commotion in sham aggregations in the wild I show that a higher level of commotion is exploited by eavesdropping foragers to differentially target more valuable patches. Broadly, these results highlight an underappreciated significance of competitive by-products and higher- order collective pheno mena as forms of public information for foragers.
Abrasion of Human Enamel by Different Dental Ceramics in vitro

Manufacturers generally quote indentation hardness values when predicting the clinical wear potential of newly introduced ceramic restoratives. The objective of this study was to determine whether in vitro two-body wear correlated well with hardness. A modified polisher was used to abrade enamel cylinders against polished disks of commercially available dental porcelains and glass. Enamel loss after four h was measured with a micrometer. Five ceramic materials were tested, and enamel abrasion rates were correlated with Knoop hardness values. Dicor and Dicor coated with a shading porcelain were found to cause the lowest wear of enamel. These rates were statistically significantly lower than those obtained with Optec, the most abrasive material. These findings may be due to microstructural differences between the materials. Knoop hardness showed poor correlation with the results of the abrasive testing.
A short-term diet and exercise intervention ameliorates inflammation and markers of metabolic health in overweight/obese children

The present study was designed to examine the effects of short-term diet and exercise on markers of metabolic health, serum-stimulated production of inflammatory biomarkers from cultured monocytes and adipocytes, and serum lipomics. Twenty-one overweight/obese children (9 boys and 12 girls, age 13.0 ± 0.5 yr, BMI 33.0 ± 1.8 kg/m(2)) were placed on a 2-wk ad libitum, high-fiber, low-fat diet and daily exercise regimen. Fasting serum samples were taken pre- and postintervention for determination of cytokines, metabolic risk markers, and lipomics. Monocytes and adipocytes were incubated with pre- and postintervention serum to investigate changes in cytokine secretion. Correlative associations were calculated, followed by hierarchical clustering to determine relationships between fatty acid (FA) species and clinical biomarkers. Despite remaining overweight/obese, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, TNFα, PAI-1, resistin, amylin, leptin, insulin, and IL-1ra decreased and adiponectin increased. Culture studies indicated decreases in monocyte secretion of IL-6, TNFα, and IL-1β and adipocyte secretion of IL-6. Lipomic analysis revealed a decrease in total lipids and decreases in saturated FAs and an increase in 18:1/18:0. In general, Pearson's correlations revealed that inflammatory markers are negatively associated with a cluster of polyunsaturated FAs and positively correlated with several saturated FAs. These results indicate significant modification of multiple indices of metabolic health with short-term rigorous lifestyle modification in overweight/obese children prior to obesity reversal.