cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
HYDROGEN ION UTILIZATION BY IRON-GROWN THIOBACILLUS FERROOXIDANS

The initial pH of aerobic suspensions of iron-grown T. ferrooxidans was shown to increase with the addition of FeSO 4 . The pH increase was proportional to the Fe +2 concentration in the 2 mM − 35 mM range and appears to be due to uptake by the cells. H + removal also varied directly with initial pH of the suspension in the range of 2.0 to 3.3. Initial pH increase was followed in time by a net pH decrease; leading to the postulation that the cells require H + in proportion to the amount of electrons produced from the oxidation of Fe +2 and that the net acid production resulted from a slower abiotic hydrolysis of Fe +2 (Fe +3 + 3H 2 O → Fe (OH) 3 + 3H + ). Neither controls without cells nor control suspensions of cells without substrate showed any significant pH change. Suspensions of cells at pH 2.1 in the presence of DNP (1 mM − 10 mM) or oxalacetate (80 μM − 120 μM) showed some H + uptake in the absence of added Fe +2 leading to the postulation that these compounds effected the H + permeability of the cytoplasmic membrane.
Nondestructive evaluation of composite materials - A design philosophy

Efficient and reliable structural design utilizing fiber reinforced composite materials may only be accomplished if the materials used may be nondestructively evaluated. There are two major reasons for this requirement: (1) composite materials are formed at the time the structure is fabricated and (2) at practical strain levels damage, changes in the condition of the material, that influence the structure's mechanical performance is present. The fundamental basis of such a nondestructive evaluation capability is presented. A discussion of means of assessing nondestructively the material condition as well as a damage mechanics theory that interprets the material condition in terms of its influence on the mechanical response, stiffness, strength and life is provided.
A Submodular Approach for Optimal Sensor Placement in Traffic Networks

Precious measurements from infrastructure traffic sensors versus their high-priced installation and maintenance costs, make sensor placement a paramount problem for traffic networks. We study sensor placement for traffic networks in two settings. When no routing information is available, we propose to maximize the identifiability of all link flows in the network. When the network routing is known, we use a previously defined metric of minimizing estimation error of a BLUE (Best Linear Unbiased Estimator) estimator. We prove that in both cases, the problem is submodular. By exploiting the submodularity of the problem, we can use polynomial-time approximations of the combinatorial placement problem with guaranteed optimality bounds, which is of importance due to the inherent large-scale nature of transportation networks. We demonstrate the performance of our method in a grid example network.
Medication Adherence Improvement Similar for Shared Decision-Making Preference or Longer Patient-Provider Relationship.

Background: While increasing evidence supports the beneficial effects of shared decision making (SDM) on patient outcomes, the mechanisms underlying this relationship is unclear. This study evaluated length of the patient-provider relationship as one potential factor that may explain how SDM affects medication adherence in patients with hypertension. Methods: An observational study of 75 hypertensive patients and 27 providers in 3 primary care practices in New York City. A single-item measure assessed patients9 preferences for decision-making style at baseline; medication adherence was collected over the 3-month study with an electronic monitoring device. Length of the relationship was measured as the number of years with the provider, and dichotomized as less than or greater than 1 year with the provider. Two generalized linear mixed models were conducted to determine whether the SDM-adherence association was modified by length of the relationship. Results: Most patients were Black and women, and 64% were seeing the same provider >1 year. Providers were mostly White women and have been at the clinic for 6 years. In the main-effects model, patients were more likely to exhibit better adherence when they preferred shared and active decision-making styles as compared with those who preferred a passive style (B = 15.87 [Standard Error [SE]: 6.62], P = .02; and B = 22.58 [SE:7.62], P = .004, respectively). In Model 2, the relative importance of SDM on adherence decreased as years with the provider increased (t(48) = 2.13; P = .04). Conclusion: The benefits of SDM over passive decision making on medication adherence were reduced with increasing years of the patient-provider relationship. Having an established relationship with the provider may have a positive impact on medication adherence that is comparable to relationships high in SDM.
Effects of glyphosate and aminomethylphosphonic acid on an isogeneic model of the human blood-brain barrier

Abstract Glyphosate is a pesticide used for occupational and non-occupational purposes. Because glyphosate targets a metabolic pathway absent in animals, it is considered safe for humans. Yet, case reports of accidental exposure to concentrated solutions following self-inflicted poisoning documented neurological lesions suggesting a neurotoxicity. In this study, we investigated the effect of acute exposure to glyphosate (GPH) on the blood-brain barrier in vitro based on induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and compared to two chemical analogs: aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) and glycine (GLY), for concentrations ranging from 0.1 μM to 1000 μM. GPH treatment (1 and 10 μM) for 24 h showed an increase BBB permeability to fluorescein, with similar outcomes for AMPA. In addition to its ability to disrupt the barrier function, GPH show evidence of permeability across the BBB. Although no detrimental effects were observed on neuron differentiation at high doses, we noted changes in neuronal cell metabolic activity and glucose uptake in brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) following treatment with 100 μM GPH or AMPA. Taken together, our data indicates that accidental exposure to high level of GPH may result in neurological damage via an opening of the blood-brain barrier and an alteration of glucose metabolism.
Generalized Matrix Factorization Techniques for Approximate Logic Synthesis

Approximate computing is an emerging computing paradigm, where computing accuracy is relaxed for improvements in hardware metrics, such as design area and power profile. In circuit design, a major challenge is to synthesize approximate circuits automatically from input exact circuits. In this work, we extend our previous work, BLASYS, for approximate logic synthesis based on matrix factorization, where an arbitrary input circuit can be approximated in a controlled fashion. Whereas our previous approach uses a semi-ring algebra for factorization, this work generalizes matrix-based circuit factorization to include both semi-ring and field algebra implementations. We also propose a new method for truth table folding to improve the factorization quality. These new approaches significantly widen the design space of possible approximate circuits, effectively offering improved trade-offs in terms of quality, area and power consumption. We evaluate our methodology on a number of representative circuits showcasing the benefits of our proposed methodology for approximate logic synthesis.
Comparison of mycotoxin concentrations in grain versus grain-free dry and wet commercial dog foods

AbstractMycotoxins are secondary fungal metabolites that cause both acute and chronic disease in humans and animals. Grains are a common substrate for molds and the production of mycotoxins. This s...
Fission of /sup 228/Ra

Fission probabilities and mass distribution have been measured as a function of excitation energy for /sup 228/Ra excited in the /sup 226/Ra(t,pf) reaction. Triple peaked mass distributions are observed for which the symmetric component has an apparent higher threshold by over 1 MeV. Results are analyzed in a statistical model which suggests the presence of a resonance in the fission probability for the asymmetric mass component and the need for level density enhancements (possibly due to axial asymmetry at the barrier) in the analysis of the fission probability for the symmetric component. (AIP)
227. Is the axial spinal cord classification predictive of intraoperative neurologic alert for pediatric scoliosis patients? A validation study

BACKGROUND CONTEXT Neurologic deficit is a devastating complication in pediatric spinal deformity surgery. Identification of high-risk patients may improve preoperative planning and assist in counseling of patients and families. PURPOSE We proposed to determine if the axial spinal cord classification as described by Sielatycki and Lenke would be associated with a high rate of intraoperative neuromonitoring alerts for pediatric scoliosis patients undergoing posterior spinal fusion surgery. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING Retrospective chart review study. PATIENT SAMPLE A total of 90 pediatric scoliosis patients. OUTCOME MEASURES n/a METHODS Pediatric scoliosis patients undergoing posterior spinal fusion were retrospectively reviewed at a single tertiary referral center. As MRI is not routinely obtained prior to surgery, only those patients with a preoperative MRI showing high quality axial imaging of the apex of the thoracic deformity were included. MRI was reviewed for spinal cord/ CSF architecture as described by Sielatycki and Lenke. Based on this classification there are 3 types of cords. Type 1: circular cord with visible CSF between the cord and the apical concave pedicle. Type 2: circular cord but no visible CSF at apical concavity. Type 3: cord deformed with no intervening CSF. Intraoperative neuromonitoring records and operative reports were reviewed to determine presence of a neurologic alert. Preoperative radiographs were used to measure Cobb angle, kyphosis and deformity angular ratio (total DAR = coronal DAR + sagittal DAR). RESULTS A total of 90 patients met inclusion criteria. Diagnoses included idiopathic scoliosis (74%), followed by congenital (9%), syndromic (7%), neuromuscular/other (10%). Rate of neurologic events was Type 1: 2% (1/41 patients), Type 2: 14.3% (4/28), Type 3: 52% (11/21, p CONCLUSIONS Although there may be bias in the cohort in that only patients considered to be higher risk have preoperative MRI imaging, the axial MRI spinal cord classification correlated with intraoperative neuromonitoring alerts in pediatric scoliosis patients. FDA DEVICE/DRUG STATUS This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs.
Measuring Power Usage and Sensitivity to Movement for Event-Based Cameras

Event-based cameras are emerging as new potential solutions for a variety of sensing applications. However, their capabilities must be better characterized before deploying in real systems. This research presents a new methodology to measure power usage and sensitivity to movement for event- based cameras, demonstrated with the iniVation DAVIS346. Power is measured with strobing images ranging from 0% to 100% pixel activation and with real-time satellite imagery. Results demonstrate that power usage varies by up to ~1.3W depending on pixel activation. A space-based system is estimated to use ~3W with ~20% pixel activation. Sensitivity is measured with an object moving across the field of view at varying speeds, and it was found that the object needed to move at a minimum of ~1.44 pixels per second to be registered by the camera. These methods can be applied to other event-based cameras and results can inform decisions about how to best deploy in real systems.
PSA velocity to predict clinical progression in African American and non-Hispanic White patients with low-risk prostate cancer undergoing active surveillance.

196Background: The utility of prostate-specific antigen velocity (PSAV) to predict clinical progression in patients with localized prostate cancer (PC) on active surveillance remains unclear, and i...
Barriers to Clinical Trial Participation: Comparing Perceptions and Knowledge of African American and White South Carolinians

Analyzing data from a survey of African American and White residents in South Carolina, this study attempts to understand how to better promote clinical trial participation specifically within the African American population. To explore why participation is lower in the African American population, the authors examined two sets of potential barriers: structural/procedural (limited accessibility, lack of awareness, doctors not discussing clinical trial options, lack of health insurance) and cognitive/psychological (lack of subjective and factual knowledge, misperceptions, distrust, fear, perceived risk). Findings revealed that African Americans were significantly less willing than Whites to participate in a clinical trial. African Americans also had lower subjective and factual knowledge about clinical trials and perceived greater risk involved in participating in a clinical trial. The authors found that lack of subjective knowledge and perceived risk were significant predictors of African Americans' willingness to participate in a clinical trial. Implications of the findings are discussed in detail.
A 3 megawatt lower hybrid generator for TPX

The lower hybrid (LH) system is part of an overall heating and current drive system for TPX. The LH system is required to provide off-axis current profile control, efficient bulk current drive at low plasma temperatures, and electron heating. The device and facility will provide 4 MW of generated LH/LHCD power with 3 MW of power to the plasma at 3.7 GHz through one horizontal port. This paper will describe the RF generator system that supplies RF power to the launcher. The LH launcher is described separately in a paper by Paul Goranson of ORNL.
On the Solution Set of System of Linear Interval Equations

We present empirical evidence on the productive efficiency of electric utilities in the United States from 1990 to 2004. This period is marked by major attempts to introduce deregulation with an expectation that it will lead to improved operating efficiency and ultimately to lower consumer prices. However, relying on improved techniques of estimating productive efficiency, we find that firms in jurisdictions that adopted deregulation have in fact lower productive efficiency, and have also experienced decreases in efficiency over time. In particular, the vertical separation of generation, a hallmark of an effort to deregulate the industry, is associated with an adverse impact on productive efficiency.
Five Decades of Research in Speech Motor Control: What Have We Learned, and Where Should We Go From Here?

Purpose The author presents a view of research in speech motor control over the past 5 decades, as observed from within Ken Stevens's Speech Communication Group (SCG) in the Research Laboratory of Electronics at MIT. Method The author presents a limited overview of some important developments and discoveries. The perspective is based largely on the research interests of the Speech Motor Control Group (SMCG) within the SCG; thus, it is selective, focusing on normal motor control of the vocal tract in the production of sound segments and syllables. It also covers the particular theories and models that drove the research. Following a brief introduction, there are sections on methodological advances, scientific advances, and conclusions. Results Scientific and methodological advances have been closely interrelated. Advances in instrumentation and computer hardware and software have made it possible to record and process increasingly large, multifaceted data sets; introduce new paradigms for feedback perturba...
Scaffolding Adapter Grb2-Associated Binder 2 Requires Syk to Transmit Signals from FcεRI

Scaffolding adapter Grb2-associated binder 2 (Gab2) is a key component of FcepsilonRI signaling in mast cells, required for the activation of PI3K. To understand how Gab2 is activated in FcepsilonRI signaling, we asked which protein tyrosine kinase is required for Gab2 phosphorylation. We found that Gab2 tyrosyl phosphorylation requires Lyn and Syk. In agreement with published results, we found that Fyn also contributes to Gab2 tyrosyl phosphorylation. However, Syk activation is defective in Fyn(-/-) mast cells, suggesting that Syk is the proximal kinase responsible for Gab2 tyrosyl phosphorylation. Then, we asked which domains in Gab2 are required for Gab2 tyrosyl phosphorylation. We found that the Grb2-Src homology 3 (SH3) binding sites are required for, whereas the pleckstrin homology (PH) domain contributes to, Gab2 tyrosyl phosphorylation. Using a protein/lipid overlay assay, we determined that the Gab2 PH domain preferentially binds the PI3K lipid products, PI3, 4,5P3 and PI3, 4P2. Furthermore, the Grb2-SH3 binding sites and PH domain binding to PI3K lipid products are required for Gab2 function in FcepsilonRI-evoked degranulation and Akt activation. Our data strongly suggest a model for Gab2 action in FcepsilonRI signaling. The Grb2 SH3 binding sites play a critical role in bringing Gab2 to FcepsilonRI, whereupon Gab2 becomes tyrosyl-phosphorylated in a Syk-dependent fashion. Phosphorylated Gab2 results in recruitment and activation of PI3K, whose lipid products bind the PH domain of Gab2 and acts in positive feedback loop for sustained PI3K recruitment and phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate production, required for FcepsilonRI-evoked degranulation of mast cells.
Albuminocytologic Dissociation in Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome

Abstract Objectives To describe cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) findings in patients with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) and to study its association with vasogenic edema. Patients and Methods Retrospective review of 73 consecutive prospectively collected adults diagnosed with PRES from January 1, 2000, through December 31, 2014, who underwent lumbar puncture. Results Seventy-three patients (mean age, 51±17 years), were included in the analysis; of these, 50 (69%) were women. The most common causes for PRES were hypertension (n=61 [84%]) and immunosuppression (n=22 [30%]). Renal failure was present in 42 (58%) patients. The median interval between clinical onset of PRES and CSF analysis was 1 day (interquartile range [IQR], 0-2 days). The median opening pressure was 23 cm H 2 O or 17 mm Hg (IQR, 18-28 cm H 2 O or 13-21 mm Hg), although it was available in only 27 patients. The median CSF protein level was 58 mg/dL (IQR, 44-81 mg/dL; normal value, Conclusion Elevated CSF protein level without CSF pleocytosis commonly occurs in patients with PRES and is directly associated with the extent and topographical distribution of cerebral edema. Although mild CSF pleocytosis can also occur, it is an uncommon finding and may prompt consideration for further diagnostic testing.
Effects of Foot Position During Squatting on the Quadriceps Femoris: An Electromyographic Study

Weightlifters have commonly believed that changing joint position can alter specific muscle activation. The magnitude of force produced by a muscle is highly dependent upon the length of the muscle. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of foot positioning on muscle activation of the superficial quadriceps as measured by surface electromyography (sEMG) during a functional squatting movement in healthy adults. Twenty physically active asymptomatic adults (7 females and 13 males) were included in the study while four different foot positions (Neutral, Internally Rotated, Externally Rotated, and Staggered) were assessed. Three quadriceps muscles (Rectus Femoris (RF), Vastus Medialis Oblique (VMO), and Vastus Lateralis Oblique(VLO) were measured. Raw EMG was transformed using a root mean square algorithm. Six one-way repeated measure ANOVAs were conducted to examine the peak and average RMS amplitude for each muscle across each condition, with an alpha level of 0.05 set a priori. Across all foot positions only the Staggered foot position reached statistical significance when compared to all other foot positions for each muscle group. Results suggest that altering the foot position during a partial weight squat has little to no effect on the EMG amplitudes of the quadriceps. However, more research is needed to examine the concentric and eccentric phases of the squatting motion separately with the addition of full weight bearing squats.
Cytology of Malignant Mesothelioma

Because patients with mesotheliomas frequently present with effusions, cytologic examination of the effusion fluid may be the first diagnostic study. The fluid is often yellowish, but many are bloody (1–3). It is characteristically thick and mucoid owing to hyaluronic acid content. The cell count is high, and typically remains high after repeated taps, which is unusual in benign effusions. In theory, the diagnosis of mesothelioma is easy, based on malignant cells that look like mesothelial cells (Figs. 31.1 and 31.2). There is no “foreign,” alien, extra, or discrete population of tumor cells, in contrast with metastatic malignancy (4–7). Instead, there is a morphologic “kinship” of the malignant cells with native mesothelial cells, forming a continuous spectrum from apparently benign to atypical to malignantappearing mesothelial cells (4–13). In practice, the diagnosis of mesothelioma can be difficult. For example, the “kinship” that is so characteristic of mesothelioma is a two-edged sword (4). This same morphologic feature that makes the diagnosis possible can also make the diagnosis impossible in some cases. Some mesotheliomas show only subtle cytologic abnormalities (5,9,14). The malignant cells can be indistinguishable from benign, reactive mesothelial cells or even macrophages (12,15,16). At the other end of the spectrum, in poorly differentiated tumors, the diagnosis of malignancy may be obvious, but the mesothelial origin may not be (4). A key observation in the cytologic diagnosis of mesothelioma—one that can be made at low microscopic power—is the presence of “more and bigger cells, in more and bigger clusters” (4). Extreme mesothelial cellularity suggests the diagnosis of mesothelioma (9–11,17,18), although abundant mesothelial cells can also occur in some benign conditions and not all mesotheliomas yield highly cellular specimens (4). Furthermore, too many large clusters of cells suggest a diagnosis of malignancy, particularly in pleural effusions, although again, not every case has this feature (19). Cell groups can range from small to large; large groups are sometimes composed of hundreds of cells (12,13,20). Single cells are usually present in mesothelioma, and predominate in some cases (6,8,9,11,12,14,21).
Halogenated polymeric humidity sensors

Abstract The limitations of known organic polymer humidity sensors in humidity-sensing applications may be overcome through the use of halogenated organic polymers having pendant groups of both a relatively strong acidic type and a relatively weak acidic type. The combined advantages of halogen in the polymer and the presence of two pendant functional groups provides for a longer sensor life and stability. Thin membrane films of hygroscopic, fluorinated organic polymer having pendant functional groups of sulfonic acid and of carboxylic acid have been investigated for their electrical and thermodynamic characteristics for humidity sensing at high levels of relative humidity and elevated temperatures. Based on the measured conductance data, values of differential thermodynamic functions of enthalpy and entropy are found to be significantly larger than those previously obtained for a sensor system at relative humidities and temperatures above 70% and 50 °C respectively.
The karstlands of Trinidad and Tobago, their land use and conservation

The karst landscapes of Trinidad and Tobago, although restricted in area, present a previously undocumented array of tropical karst landforms, including karren, caves, springs, valley systems, and a range of dolines or sinkholes, including an area of polygonal cockpit karst. The karstlands are located primarily in the Northern and Central Ranges of Trinidad and in the southwestern portion of Tobago, and they have developed on carbonate rocks ranging in age from Jurassic to Quaternary. Associated with them is a range of vegetation types and faunal communities, many of which have been much altered by human land management, including forestry and agriculture. Quarrying has destroyed much of the karst in the western part of Trinidad, and urban development and tourism have taken their toll too, especially in the Lowlands of western Tobago. Little of the karst is incorporated within existing protected areas.
Trade-offs in the response of mayflies to low oxygen and fish predation

We examined how mayfly larvae (Ephemeroptera,Callibaetis montanus) balance the conflicting demands of avoiding both benthic hypoxia and fish predators. Using vertical oxygen and temperature gradients typical of ice-covered lakes, we observed the behavior of mayflies in the presence and absence of fish. In the absence of fish and with adequate oxygen, mayflies spent most of the time on the bottom substrate. As benthic oxygen concentration declined, mayflies increased their activity and moved up in the water column. In the presence of fish and with adequate oxygen, mayflies spent even more time associated with the bottom substrate and reduced their activity levels. As benthic oxygen concentrations declined, mayflies increased their activity and moved up in the water column, but to a lesser extent than when fish were absent. Because of this depression in activity and reluctance to leave the bottom substrate, mayflies endured lower oxygen concentrations in the face of predation threat relative to when fish were absent. Despite this trade-off, benthic hypoxia resulted in increased mortality due to fish predation. Because benthic invertebrates vary in their ability to tolerate hypoxia and in their vulnerability to fish predators, periods of benthic hypoxia could lead to selective predation on some taxa and be an important force structuring benthic invertebrate assemblages.
Signals of new physics in the underlying event

LHC searches for new physics focus on combinations of hard physics objects. In this work we propose a qualitatively different soft signal for new physics at the LHC - the 'anomalous underlying event'. Every hard LHC event will be accompanied by a soft underlying event due to QCD and pileup effects. Though it is often used for QCD and Monte Carlo studies, here we propose the incorporation of an underlying event analysis in some searches for new physics. An excess of anomalous underlying events may be a smoking-gun signal for particular new physics scenarios such as 'quirks' or 'hidden valleys' in which large amounts of energy may be emitted by a large multiplicity of soft particles. We discuss possible search strategies for such soft diffuse signals in the tracking system and calorimetry of the LHC experiments. We present a detailed study of the calorimetric signal in a concrete example, a simple quirk model motivated by folded supersymmetry. In these models the production and radiative decay of highly excited quirk bound states leads to an 'antenna pattern' of soft unclustered energy. Using a dedicated simulation of a toy detector and a multipole analysis familiar in cosmic microwave background studies, we comparemore » the signal to the expected backgrounds.« less
EFFECTS OF α-KETOISOCAPROATE AND OF LEUCINE ON NITROGEN METABOLISM IN POSTOPERATIVE PATIENTS

21 patients undergoing major abdominal surgery were randomly assigned to one of three groups. On the day of surgery and for the succeeding 4 days each group received a daily infusion of one of the following: 10 g glucose plus 70 mmol NaHCO3, 70 mmol leucine plus 70 mmol NaHCO3, or 70 mmol of sodium alpha-ketoisocaproate (KIC). No other calories were given. Leucine infusions had no significant effect on nitrogen (N) balance, 3-methylhistidine excretion, or plasma concentrations of pre-albumin or retinol-binding protein, but they increased blood acetoacetate concentration (p = 0.004). N balance was less negative (p = 0.002) and 3-methylhistidine excretion lower (p = 0.002) in the group receiving KIC than in those receiving glucose. Blood ketone bodies, plasma prealbumin, and plasma retinol-binding protein concentrations at the end of the study were significantly higher in the KIC group than in the others. These N-sparing effects of KIC may be related to the heightened ketosis that followed its administration, to suppression of protein degradation, or to an effect on liver protein turnover. KIC alone in small doses diminishes N wastage in postoperative but under the same conditions leucine does not.
Axisymmetric thermoelasticity by combined boundary and finite elements

The boundary element and finite element methods have been combined so as to allow for arbitrary intermixing of element types in modelling problems of axisymmetric thermoelasticity, including body forces due to rotational inertia. The formulation for combining the methods is given, and a general purpose, finite element program has been generalized to accommodate both types of elements and to determine stresses within and on the boundary of boundary‐type elements after the primary solution for the displacements. Example problems demonstrate the validity and accuracy of the technique.
Hot Electron Magnetophonon Resonances in Conduction and Noise for a Nondegenerate Semiconductor

The nonlinear transverse magnetoresistivity of conduction electrons subject to inelastic scatterings by longitudinal optical phonons in a non-degenerate semiconductor is determined using a balance equation approach. Magnetophonon resonances are examined in both, the linear and nonlinear transverse magnetoresistivities; and the electron temperature in an intense electric field is calculated as a function of the magnetic field, showing significant electron resonant cooling. The nonlinear current saturation in a high electric field is also studied, and is shown to be independent of the magnetic field. The thermal noise temperature for hot electrons at a nonzero bias is also examined, and exhibit its oscillatory behavior as a function of magnetic field. Der nicht-lineare Widerstand der Leitungselektronen im transversalen Magnetfeld bei nichtelastischer Streuung an optischen Schallquanten in einem nicht-degenerierten Halbleiter wird unter Anwendung einer Bilanzgleichung berechnet. „Magnetophonon-Resonanzen” im linearen und im nicht-linearen Bereich des Widerstandes im transversalen Magnetfeld werden untersucht, und die Temperatur der Elektronen in einem starken elektrischen Feld wird als Funktion des Magnetfeldes berechnet, wobei eine erhebliche Abkuhlung der Elektronen an den Resonanzstellen gefunden wird. Die nicht-lineare Sattigung des Stromes in einem starken elektrischen Feld wird auch untersucht, und es wird gezeigt, das sie von der Starke des Magnetfeldes unabhangig ist. Auch die dem thermischen Rauschpegel entsprechende Temperatur der heisen Elektronen wird untersucht, und es wird ihr wechselndes Verhalten in Abhangigkeit vom Magnetfeld gezeigt.
Date of birth extraction using precise shallow parsing

This paper presents the implementation and evaluation of a pattern-based program to extract date of birth information from OCR text. Although the program finds data of birth information with high precision and recall, this type of information extraction task seems to be negatively impacted by OCR errors.
Negative local superfluid densities: The difference between dirty superconductors and dirty Bose liquids

We show that in a distorted superconductor near the superconductor-to-insulator transition, the local superfluid density ${\mathit{N}}_{\mathit{s}}$ fluctuates from point to point in sign as well as magnitude. We demonstrate this explicitly with a simple model in which correlation effects produce a negative Josephson coupling between two superconducting grains. We argue more generally that both correlation effects and resistance fluctuations will produce random signs of ${\mathit{N}}_{\mathit{s}}$. This implies that a disordered superconductor is more like a quantum XY spin glass than a disordered Bose liquid.
Bisphosphonates do not alter the rate of secondary mineralization

Abstract Bisphosphonates function to reduce bone turnover, which consequently increases the mean degree of tissue mineralization at an organ level. However, it is not clear if bisphosphonates alter the length of time required for an individual bone-modeling unit (BMU) to fully mineralize. We have recently demonstrated that it takes ~ 350 days (d) for normal, untreated cortical bone to fully mineralize. The aim of this study was to determine the rate at which newly formed trabecular BMUs become fully mineralized in rabbits treated for up to 414 d with clinical doses of either risedronate (RIS) or alendronate (ALN). Thirty-six, 4-month old virgin female New Zealand white rabbits were allocated to RIS (n = 12; 2.4 μg/kg body weight), ALN (n = 12; 2.4 μg/kg body weight), or volume-matched saline controls (CON; n = 12). Fluorochrome labels were administered at specific time intervals to quantify the rate and level of mineralization of trabecular bone from the femoral neck (FN) by Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy (FTIRM). The organic (collagen) and inorganic (phosphate and carbonate) IR spectral characteristics of trabecular bone from undecalcified 4 micron thick tissue sections were quantified from fluorescently labels regions that had mineralized for 1, 8, 18, 35, 70, 105, 140, 210, 280, and 385 d (4 rabbits per time point and treatment group). All groups exhibited a rapid increase in mineralization over the first 18 days, the period of primary mineralization, with no significant differences between treatments. Mineralization continued to increase, at a slower rate up, to 385 days (secondary mineralization), and was not different among treatments. There were no significant differences between treatments for the rate of mineralization within an individual BMU; however, ALN and RIS both increased global tissue mineralization as demonstrated by areal bone mineral density from DXA. We conclude that increases in tissue mineralization that occur following a period of bisphosphonate treatment is a function of the suppressed rate of remodeling that allows for a greater number of BMUs to obtain a greater degree of mineralization.
Analyzing the gender pay gap

Abstract Empirical research on gender pay gaps has traditionally focused on the role of gender-specific factors, particularly gender differences in qualifications and differences in the treatment of otherwise equally qualified male and female workers (i.e., labor market discrimination). This paper explores the determinants of the gender pay gap and argues for the importance of an additional factor, wage structure, the array of prices set for labor market skills and the rewards received for employment in favored sectors. Drawing on our previous work we illustrate the impact of wage structure by presenting empirical results analyzing its effect on international differences in the gender gap and trends over time in the gender differential in the U.S.
Surgical Resection in the Management of Small-Cell Carcinoma of the Lung

Surgery has had little impact on long-term survival in patients with small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). With the evolution of modern techniques, however, surgery may play an increasingly valuable role in SCLC. Surgery may potentially cure a select minority of SCLC patients. Patients with peripheral nodules and those with regional disease achieving a complete response to chemotherapy may benefit from adjuvant surgical resection for removal of residual disease. In some cases, surgery may also be preferred over adjuvant radiotherapy, since the latter necessitates lowering the total chemotherapy dose administered to SCLC patients
Comparative study of electron transfer reactions at the ionic liquid/water and organic/water interfaces.

The rates of electron transfer (ET) reactions at the water/ionic liquid (IL) interface have been measured for the first time using scanning electrochemical microscopy. The standard bimolecular rate constant of the interfacial ET between ferrocene dissolved in 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide and aqueous ferricyanide (0.4 M-1 cm s-1) was found to be ∼30 times higher than the corresponding rate constant measured at the water/1,2-dichloroethane interface. The driving force dependence of the ET rate was investigated over a wide range of the interfacial potential drop values (>200 mV). The observed Butler−Volmer-type dependence is discussed in terms of the interfacial model. The ET was also probed at the interface between aqueous solution and the mixture of the IL and 1,2-dichloroethane. The mole fractions in this mixture were varied systematically to investigate the transition from the water/organic to the water/IL interface. The observed decrease in the rate constant with increas...
The Algos Center: Information Systems in a Small Non-Profit Organization

Two systems faculty from a university was contracted to perform an analysis of information systems at the Algos Center, a small non-profit charitable organization which provides support for children and their families facing losses. The Center specifically requested help in integrating its fundraising and accounting software packages or exploring alternative software solutions. It also needed to generate reports required by the Board of Directors and United Way. Finally, the Center requested help in designing a family database to capture and track statistics about the families receiving services. As the team analyzed the Center, they discovered many underlying issues that would form part of their recommendations to the staff. This case makes two contributions. First, it reveals many problems facing small non-profit organizations, which primarily expend their resources on mission-critical activities, and allows readers to supply possible courses of action. Second, it provides an opportunity to evaluate how a consulting experience was handled and to make recommendations to ensure successful project implementation.
Demonstration of composite signal enhancement from surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy in a liquid core optical ring resonator

Surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) utilizing silver colloids for localized plasmonic enhancement has been heavily researched due to its tremendous increase in the Raman signal of bio/chemical molecules. We demonstrate further enhancement by multiplying the SERS effect by the resonant enhancement of a ring resonator microcavity. The liquid core optical ring resonator (LCORR) offers a high-performance and practical design to obtain this composite enhancement for bio/chemical molecule detection. The LCORR integrates an array of optical ring resonators into a capillary-based microfluidic channel to form a novel bio/chemical sensing platform. The circular cross-section of the glass capillary acts as an optical ring resonator, with the evanescent field of the resonant light interacting with the sample passing through the capillary. The LCORR has already been well-studied for applications in label free biomolecule sensing. In this work, we utilize a silver colloid solution inside the capillary to perform SERS-based detection. In contrast to a typical SERS system where the incident light interacts with the colloid and target molecules only once, in the LCORR system, the tightly confined light resonates around the capillary wall, repeatedly interacting with the SERS system. Our experimental results show the increased enhancement due to the composite effect of the cavity resonance and the localized plasmonic effect of the nanoparticles inside the cavity. We have achieved detection of 3.3 nM R6G inside the LCORR. In addition to the excellent sensitivity, this detection system represents an advancement in the development of practical SERS bio/chemical sensors due to the arrayed nature of the sensors combined with the integrated microfluidics of the LCORR.
Power for the Fermilab Tevatron Helium Liquefier

The paper describes the electrical power installation for the central helium liquefaction plant at Fermilab. The system includes three 4000 horsepower motors for the helium and nitrogen compressors, complete with the necessary motor starting and auxiliary equipment. Details are given also on the associated interlocking and monitoring equipment.
The determinant method and quantum simulations of many-body effects in a single impurity Anderson model

We present a short description of a quantum Monte Carlo technique that has proved useful for simulating many-body effects in systems of interacting fermions at finite temperatures. We then report our preliminary results using this technique on a single impurity Anderson model. Examples of such many-body effects as local moment formation, Kondo behavior, and mixed valence phenomena found in the simulations are shown.
Determining vibrational solvation-correlation functions from three-pulse infrared photon echoes

Vibrational three-pulse photon echo experiments can probe ultrafast dynamics in condensed phase systems. The central objects of interest are vibrational frequency time-correlation functions, otherwise known as vibrational solvation-correlation functions. Established techniques for determining these correlation functions from experimental data include multiparameter nonlinear fits of the entire echo response, or peak-shift methods. In this paper we propose alternative approaches, closely related to those proposed recently for electronic echoes, involving the short-time slope of the echo intensity or amplitude. We explicitly consider the time-integrated intensity, the heterodyned and half-Fourier transformed amplitude, and the frequency-dispersed intensity. We describe approaches that can separately determine the solvation correlation function for the fundamental transition frequency fluctuations, and the cross-correlation function between the fundamental and excited-state frequency fluctuations. We illustr...
Finite-Sample Performance of Absolute Precision Stopping Rules

Absolute precision stopping rules are often used to determine the length of sequential experiments to estimate confidence intervals for simulated performance measures. Much is known about the asymptotic behavior of such procedures. In this paper, we introduce coverage contours to quantify the trade-offs in interval coverage, stopping times, and precision for finite-sample experiments using absolute precision rules. We use these contours to evaluate the coverage of a basic absolute precision stopping rule, and we show that this rule will lead to a bias in coverage even if all of the assumptions supporting the procedure are true. We define optimal stopping rules that deliver nominal coverage with the smallest expected number of observations. Contrary to previous asymptotic results that suggest decreasing the precision of the rule to approach nominal coverage in the limit, we find that it is optimal to increase the confidence coefficient used in the stopping rule, thus obtaining nominal coverage in a finite-sample experiment. If the simulation data are independent and identically normally distributed, we can calculate coverage contours analytically and find a stopping rule that is insensitive to the variance of the data while delivering at least nominal coverage for any precision value.
Experimental Investigation of Low Weber Number Post-Impact Drop Spreading on Solid Substrates

The post-impact spreading and recoil behaviors of droplets of pure liquids (water and ethanol) and aqueous solution of Triton X-100 (a surfactant) on a dry horizontal hydrophilic (glass) substrate are investigated for low Weber numbers. The evolution of drop shape during spreading and recoil are captured using a high-speed (4,000 frames per second) digital video camera. Digital image-processing was used to determine the spread and height of the liquid film on the surface from each frame. Unlike pure liquids, the liquid-gas interfacial tension for surfactant solution is a function of surface age, where surface tension is that of the solvent at zero time and then reaches an equilibrium value with increasing surface age. Furthermore, the equilibrium surface tension is a function of the surfactant concentration, which decreases from that of the solvent at zero concentration to that at the critical micelle concentration (CMC), and remains essentially constant thereafter. The surface tension of aqueous Triton X-100 solution varies from that of pure water to nearly that of ethanol. As such the comparison of transient droplet-impact-spreading-recoil behavior of the three liquids, or their temporal variations of the spread and the flattening factor, provides a basis for understanding the role of dynamic surface tension and surface wettability.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
The structure of shelf and gulf stream motions in the Georgia bight

Abstract The structure of the current and temperature fields along 30°N over the mid-shelf and western Blake Plateau in the South Atlantic Bight has been investigated by combining two moored instrument experiments in the summer of 1981. The shelf moorings were part of the second Georgia Bight Experiment (GABEX-II) and the Gulf Stream mooring data on the Blake Plateau have been described by LEE and WADDELL (1983). Empirical Orthogonal Functions (EOF) in the frequency domain are used to extract shelf and Gulf Stream coherent current and temperature fluctuations in the two- to 14-day period band. Three modes are found, of which the first two are interpreted as Gulf Stream meander and frontal eddy circulations. The difference between them is chiefly in the shelf motions; the first mode is primarily restricted to the shelf edge, whereas the second mode penetrates to the 40m isobath. The third mode dominates at mid-shelf and is the only mode that shows strong coherence with the windstress and local sea-level fluctuations. The relationship of the modes to the occurrence of mid- and inner-shelf cold sub-surface intrusions, generated by shelf-edge Gulf Stream frontal eddies, is examined. All three modes are found to play a role in the initiation, growth and decay of these structures.
Strictly positive secrecy capacity of log-normal fading channel with multiple eavesdroppers

In this paper, we investigate the information-theoretic secrecy for the log-normal fading channel. In particular, we derive the closed-form expressions of the probability of strictly positive secrecy capacity for two wireless communication systems, with two and three eavesdroppers, respectively. These expressions are in terms of the well-known T-function and S-function.
Immunomagnetic diffractometry for detection of diagnostic serum markers.

We describe an integrated approach for detection of diagnostic markers using in situ assembled optical diffraction gratings in combination with immunomagnetic capture. Folate receptor (FR), a serum protein indicative of various cancers, was chosen as a model system to demonstrate the potential of the method. Magnetic beads coupled to FR antibody were used to capture FR from serum. The FR-bound magnetic beads self-assembled onto microcontact-printed folate-coupled BSA (F−BSA) patterns to form diffraction gratings which served to detect FR by measuring the diffraction intensities caused by laser illumination. The FR-containing beads, upon binding to the F−BSA surface, served as intrinsic signal enhancement agents, circumventing the need for additional enzymatic signal amplification or fluorescent labeling steps. With this approach, a detection sensitivity of 700 fM (20 pg/mL) was achieved. The potential use of this approach in clinical diagnostics was demonstrated by measuring FR concentration in blood samp...