cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prototype analysis of gravity-modulated welding by inverting weld cross sections

Welding studies are usually conducted in the terrestrial environment where gravity plays an uncertain role in governing melt pool dynamics. Microgravity welding research is essential to “switch-off” the gravity component and its influence on the solidification structure or to investigate welding as a fabrication tool in space. This article examines changes in weld-pool characteristics due to changes in gravitational environment. Also examined is the use of the inverse-problem approach to determine the dependence of the temperature histories of welds on process changes due to changes in gravity.
White Light Interference Fringes with a Thick Glass Plate in One Path

The object of this paper is to describe and account for certain interference phenomena which are observed with white light, when a thick plate of glass, or other dispersive medium, is placed in the path of one of the beams in the Michelson interferometer. The mirrors are adjusted in sodium light for circular fringes, and the paths made equal. The glass plate is then inserted in one of the paths, and that path is shortened, or the other path lengthened, by moving the mirror, till the sharpest sodium maximum is reached. The path containing the glass plate will be shorter than the other by about one-half the thickness of the plate. If white light is now substituted, the fringes should be in the field. It is better before throwing on the white light, to re-adjust the mirrors for perfect parallelism of the two beams, which may be known by the almost startling distinctness of the sodium fringes in this position. It will be easier if the first trials are made with a plate not more than 5 mm. thick.
Preface to Part I

This chapter provides an overview of curricular part of the chapters in this volume. The authors focus on various aspects of curricula from different countries (including China, India, Japan Russia, Singapore, and the United States) in order to examine how curriculum might be designed and delivered to help students develop algebraic habits of mind. The chapters that comprise this part highlight various curricular approaches, experiences, and practices that illustrate ways in which students in earlier grades can be better prepared to think algebraically.
The density of liquid bismuth and of dilute solutions of copper in liquid bismuth

Abstract Using a modified Archimedean method, the density of liquid bismuth was measured in the range 400°–800° C, and densities of liquid bismuth-copper solutions containing up to about 3.5 at % copper were measured in the range 790°–810° C. The molal volumes of bismuth-copper solutions calculated from the experimentally determined densities were found to be less than those calculated from the rule of mixtures. Partial molal volumes for bismuth and for copper were estimated by the method of intercepts. The results indicate that, as in the case of lead-nickel and lead-copper solutions, the partial molal volume of the solvent, bismuth in the present study, does not differ significantly from its molal volume, and the partial molal volume of the solute approaches a value of zero at high dilution.
Cloprostenol induced luteal regression in the beef cow. II. Histological evaluation of corpora lutea and correlation with luteal progesterone.

Abstract Forty-two cycling, multiparous beef cows (percentage-Brahman) were injected twice at 11-d intervals with 500μg Cloprostenol (a prostaglandin F2α analog) to induce luteolysis. Cows were randomly assigned for ovariectomy at 12 hr intervals from 0 to 72 hr post-injection. Corpora lutea were excised and one-half of the corpus luteum was stored in phosphate-buffered formalin until mounting and staining with hematoxylin and eosin. The other half of the CL was snap-frozen for determination of progesterone content and concentration. Luteal cell density increased following Cloprostenol injection and was significantly correlated with a shift from predominantly healthy Type I cells to predominantly degenerating Types III and V cells. Cell mitosis tended to decrease by 12 hr and was lower by 24 hr post-injection. Cell pyknosis increased by 24 hr post-injection and was correlated with the decrease in percentage of healthy luteal cells. No pattern was detectable in cell karyorrhexis. Histological regression of the CL was inversely correlated with CL progesterone content. Therefore, we conclude that a reduction in cell mitosis is the earliest morphological sign of degeneration of the CL and that the CL follows a well-defined sequence of regression which is accompanied by a decrease in progesterone content.
Next Frontier in Physics—Space as a Complex Tension Field

We hypothesize that 100% of the energy of our cosmic system is held by a physically real Complex Tension Field (CTF). We are using an old methodology of thinking used by our forefather engineers long before the advent of modern scientific thinking. We call it Interaction Process Mapping Epistemology or IPM-E. We apply this IPM-E on to the prevailing Measurable Data Modeling Epistemology or MDM-E. This approach helped us analyze the “Measurement Problem”, recognized during the rise of quantum mechanics (QM), and helped us recover a universal property of all linear waves, that they do not interact, or interfere, with each other. This Non-Interaction of Waves, or the NIW-property, should be obvious through daily observations and through the Huygens-Fresnel diffraction integral and through critical evaluation of contradictory hypotheses we have been assigning to photons through ages. This implicates that the time-frequency Fourier theorem, although mathematically correct, and is used universally in all branches of science; does not map the real physical interaction processes for most optical phenomena. Accordingly, we present the necessary modifications for a few selected phenomena in classical and quantum optics to validate the NIW-property. In the process we find that accepting photons as non-interacting, but diffractively propagating linear wave packets crossing the entire cosmic space, requires CTF as a physical medium. Then we develop logical arguments in support of stable elementary particles as nonlinear but resonant vortex-like undulations of this same CTF. These vortex-like particles impose various secondary potential gradients around themselves giving rise to the four forces we know. Thus, CTF can serve as the cosmic substrate to develop a unified field theory without the need of dark matter and dark energy. In the process, we demonstrate a path to add ontologic thinking on our biologically successful epistemic thinking.
Derechos ambientales y obligaciones en el sistema interamericano de derechos humanos

En el presente articulo se analizan las normas y jurisprudencia sobre derechos ambientales y las obligaciones de los Estados conforme a su desarrollo en el Sistema Interamericano de Derechos Humanos. Se observa que la Comision y la Corte Interamericanas han establecido una amplia serie de obligaciones estatales con el fin de mantener el medio ambiente a un nivel de calidad que permita el disfrute de los derechos garantizados. Asimismo, los organismos de la OEA se han hecho eco de la insistencia mundial respecto de los derechos procesales de informacion, participacion publica y acceso a la justicia. Mientras muchos casos interamericanos han surgido en el marco del conflicto entre gobiernos nacionales y pueblos indigenas en relacion con la tierra y los recursos naturales, existen otros casos que han dejado en claro los limites mas amplios de un enfoque basado en los derechos en cuanto a la proteccion del medio ambiente en el sistema interamericano.
The heuristic value of computers in physics

Abstract The role of the computer as an heuristic tool is contrasted to its use in predictive modelling and engineering design. An example of a one-dimensional system of nonlinearly coupled equimass particles is given and discussed from the point of view of its heuristic content. Next generation computer architecture is examined and it is suggested how computer networks might be used to satisfy the disparate needs in science.
Solitary waves in the resonant phenomenon between a surface gravity wave packet and an internal gravity wave

A two‐layer inviscid incompressible fluid system of intermediate depth is considered. A multiple‐scales perturbation technique is applied to the basic equations and boundary conditions for a two‐layer fluid system to derive a system of weakly nonlinear partial integrodifferential equations governing the resonant interaction between a surface gravity wave packet and an internal gravity wave at an intermediate depth, providing a bridge between the existing shallow and deep fluid theories. The convolution integral term in these equations accounts for the dispersion in the lower‐layer fluid. An iterative fast Fourier transform scheme is developed to find solitary wave solutions to this system of equations. The overtaking collision of two pairs of solitary waves, simulated using a spectral method, is found to be inelastic. It is found that the amplitude of the solitary waves changes slightly after the collision. The phase shifts these solitary waves undergo was calculated numerically.
Aliasing in a Hartmann wavefront sensor at x-ray wavelengths

The Hartmann Sensor is a simple and well-established method to interrogate wavefront quality. Recently the Hartmann sensor has been used at very short wavelengths, including the extreme UV. Here we consider the Hartmann sensor and its ability to measure the wavefront of an x-ray beam. We use both analytic methods and a wave-optics, Fresnel-diffraction simulation. The Hartmann sensor samples the wavefront, which means that it is susceptible to aliasing (the non-linear phenomenon where high-spatial frequency components are incorrectly measured as low-spatial frequency components). Our analysis shows that aliasing is more severe in the Hartmann sensor than in the corresponding (optical) Shack-Hartmann. Aliasing worsens as Hartmann hole size shrinks. The wave-optics simulations show that for reasonable optics-polishing errors and Hartmann mask design, aliasing errors can be of the same magnitude as the phase that is to be measured.
On Kolmogorov's representation of functions of several variables by functions of one variable

Abstract This paper proposes a multivariate nonparametric regression estimator. Motivated by Kolmogorov (Doklady 114 (1957) 679), we consider functions of the form ∑ k=1 t g k (λ k,1 φ k (x 1 )+⋯+λ k,d φ k (x d )) , 1⩽t
Phase-diffusion coefficients and phase-diffusion rate.

We point out that the phase-diffusion rate in an amplifier or attenuator is not proportional to the phase-diffusion coefficient in the Glauber P nor the antinormal-ordering Q distribution. It is only proportional to the phase-diffusion coefficient in the Wigner (W) distribution. We also find that, for a phase-insensitive oscillator, the steady-state phase-diffusion coefficients in the P, W, and Q distributions must be identical to each other.
Supersonic combustion of storable liquid fuels in mach 3.0 to 5.0 air streams

Supersonic combustion of reactive aluminum alkyl fuels has been experimentally demonstrated in two-dimensional ducted combustors and adjacent to a flat plate. Fuel was injected from the combustor walls through multiple orifices and ignited spontaneously. Stable supersonic heat release was maintained as evidenced by schlieren and direct motion pictures of the flow field and deduced from static and pitot pressure measurements in the combustion zone. zone. The results from the ducted combustor tests were correlated with simple theoretical models thus enabling a reasonable determination of combustion efficiency to be made. A theoretical model of constant-pressure heat release on a flat plate in supersonic flow is postulated. Normal force, coefficients and specific impulse values are tabulated for a variety of flight Mach Numbers and altitudes. Additional refinements in this theoretical model were required to adequately describe the experimental results. In a test simulating Mach 5 flight at 66,000-feet altitude, a side force specific impulse of 1350 sec was measured at equivalence ratio of one. Combustion was only partially completed 12 in. downstream of fuel injection. Based on the theoretical model an additional 12 in. of combustor length and 36 in. of expansion length would be required to obtain, the estimated theoretical impulse of 5760 sec. The interaction of a vaporizing liquid droplet with a supersonic stream is considered. Additional refinements were made in the existing theories on droplet trajectory to include the influences of a separated zone and the normal component of velocity of the external stream. Calculations of the trajectory and evaporation of the estimated mean droplet size based on the modified technic were in general agreement with the observed fame zone and deduced combustion efficiency.
NLO properties of Si(OH)4 and Ge(OH)4 clusters

Abstract The NLO properties in terms of static and frequency-dependent hyperpolarizabilities of Si(OH)4 and Ge(OH)4 clusters are determined with an aim to understand the microscopic NLO behavior of silica. The calculated results reveal that the cluster configuration induced by the presence of a defect plays a significant role in determining the non-linear response of these clusters. In addition, instant ionization of the cluster introduces a noticeable increase in the value of second hyperpolarizability, γ.
Efficacy of non-toxic surfaces to reduce bioadhesion in terrestrial gastropods.

BACKGROUND: Invasive species are described as the greatest threat to biodiversity, after habitat destruction and climate change, potentially imposing economic impacts and indigenous species impairment. Commonly applied chemical controls present the potential for legacy contamination and non-target organism injury. This study investigated the effects of different substrates and novel topographical surfaces on the behavioral and mechanical associations of the terrestrial gastropod Otala lactea. RESULTS: The gastropod preferentially aestivated on rough glass (61% increase, P < 0.01) relative to smooth glass but avoided a cross-patterned surface tessellation on silicone (82% reduction, P < 0.01) relative to smooth silicone. Significant deviations in turning behavior were found on the cross-patterned topographical surface and hydrophobic Teflon surfaces. The strongest correlation with gastropod adhesion strength to surfaces was found for surface elastic modulus (R = 0.88, P = 0.03), followed by hydrophobicity (R = − 0.71, P = 0.14), but no relationship with roughness (P = 0.36). CONCLUSION: Preliminary data suggest surface roughness controlled aestivation behavior while elastic modulus (surface flexibility) controlled adhesion strength. In spite of greater adhesion to high-modulus materials, surface modulus was not a statistically significant controlling factor on gastropod aestivation preference. Understanding and exploiting the behavioral and mechanistic cues that organisms use while attaching to surfaces may lead to more environmentally benign control approaches. Published 2010 by John Wiley & Chemical Industry
Comprehensive Assessment and Network Analysis of the Emerging Genetic Susceptibility Landscape of Prostate Cancer

Background: Recent advances in high-throughput genotyping have made possible identification of genetic variants associated with increased risk of developing prostate cancer using genome-wide associations studies (GWAS). However, the broader context in which the identified genetic variants operate is poorly understood. Here we present a comprehensive assessment, network, and pathway analysis of the emerging genetic susceptibility landscape of prostate cancer. Methods: We created a comprehensive catalog of genetic variants and associated genes by mining published reports and accompanying websites hosting supplementary data on GWAS. We then performed network and pathway analysis using single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-containing genes to identify gene regulatory networks and pathways enriched for genetic variants. Results: We identified multiple gene networks and pathways enriched for genetic variants including IGF-1, androgen biosynthesis and androgen signaling pathways, and the molecular mechanisms of cancer. The results provide putative functional bridges between GWAS findings and gene regulatory networks and biological pathways.
How to reverse the vicious cycle of low self-esteem: The importance of attentional focus

Recent research suggests that the cognitive processes of low self-esteem people (low SEs) perpetuate low self-esteem and its undesirable emotional and behavioral correlates. For instance, it has been suggested that low SEs are more “self-conscious” than high self-esteem people (high SEs) and that self-consciousness can impair task performance. It was reasoned that if low SEs were led to focus their attention away from themselves and onto the task, performance would improve relative to high SEs. In a 2 × 3 between-subjects factorial design, subjects high and low in chronic self-esteem performed a concept formation task under three conditions: (1) in the presence of an audience, where self-focused attention is presumably high; (2) in a control group, in which attention was not manipulated; and (3) with instructions to concentrate on the task diligently. A significant interaction effect was obtained, indicating that low SEs performed worse than high SEs in the audience condition (p < .025), no differently in the control, and better than high SEs (p < .01) when instructed to concentrate on the task. Although the latter results are unusual in the context of self-esteem research, they are strikingly parallel to recent findings in the study of test anxiety.
Duration of retained fetal membranes and subsequent fertility in dairy cows

Abstract Lactations from 1,111 heifers and 2,493 cows were evaluated for the effects of the duration of retained fetal membranes on subsequent fertility. Cows or heifers with metritis, ovarian cyst, both metritis and cyst, or neither were evaluated in separate strata in order to control for the effects of parity, metritis, and cyst on fertility. Duration of retention had no effect on fertility if an animal had metritis or cyst. There was a suggestion that retained fetal membranes in heifers free of metritis and cyst decreased conception rate at first service. In multiparous cows free of metritis and cyst there was a significant decrease in conception rate at first service when retention exceeded 5 days, and delays of +18 days to 1st service and +57 days to conception when retention exceeded 7 days.
Some aspects of the degradation of epoxide resins

This paper contains a description of the use of gas chromatography to examine the pyrolytic degradation of epoxide resins. The method depends on the pyrolysis of the material by use of an electrically heated filament, the difficulties of the method are examined and attempts to overcome them are described. The pyrolytic degradation of a resin based on the glycidyl ether of bisphenol-A hardened with 1,2-diaminoethane and also triethylenetetraamine, is described. An attempt has been made to explain, in terms of possible degradation reactions, the actual compounds detected in the pyrolytic breakdown.
Reduction in 7,12-Dimethylbenz[a]anthracene-Induced Hepatic Cytochrome-P450 1A1 Expression Following Soy Consumption in Female Rats Is Mediated by Degradation of the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor

Consumption of a soy diet has been found to reduce cancer incidence in animals and is associated with reduced cancer risk in humans. In this study, the effect of consuming soy protein isolate (SPI) on the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)-mediated signaling pathway was investigated. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were fed AIN-93G diets with (+) or without (-) SPI-bound phytochemicals or casein (CAS) protein and gavaged orally with 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DM BA) or sesame oil. We found reduced (P 20 d. Experiments in which SPI + -fed rats were weaned to CAS diets demonstrated that AhR reduction by SPI + is not imprinted metabolically. To determine the molecular mechanisms of SPI + -mediated AhR reduction, an ex vivo model was developed using FGC-4 cells treated with serum from CAS- or SPI + -fed rats. SPI + serum treatment of FGC-4 cells reduced AhR expression and DMBA-induced CYP1A1 expression (P < 0.05). The reduction in AhR expression was in part due to the shorter half-life of AhR protein. Our findings suggest that the cancer preventive effect of soy-based diets is mediated in part by reduction in AhR protein level posttranslationally, which reduces procarcinogen-induced CYP1A1 induction and metabolic activation.
Design Method for UHF Class-E Power Amplifiers

This paper describes a method for designing single- ended high-efficiency switched-mode class-E UHF power am- plifiers. The design procedure consists of a modified load pull transistor characterization from which a power/efficiency metric is calculated. Results for four prototypes using different device technologies are presented in detail. Amplifiers with Si-LDMOS, SiC-MESFET, GaN-HEMT on a Si substrate, and GaN-HEMT on a SiC substrate produce power over 40W with power-added efficiency greater than 75% and gain between 13 dB and 17 dB.
Resisting the Dominant Narrative: The Role of Stories in Latina Educational Success.

This study focuses on how stories influence Latinas’ motivation and resiliency toward academic success and how Latina parents support their daughters in resisting racial discrimination. In the spirit of Critical Race Theory, it concludes with a counterstory of hope and possibility about how higher education can create a space for all students to achieve.
Interfacing with nanomachines through molecular communication

Molecular communication is a new paradigm for communication between biological nanomachines over a short-range (a nano- and micro-scale range). Biological nanomachines are nano- and micro-scale devices that either exist in the biological world or are artificially created from biological materials and that perform simple functions such as sensing, logic, and actuation. Molecular communication provides a mechanism for biological nanomachines to communicate information by propagating molecules that represent the information. Molecular communication is based on observations of existing biological systems which use molecules as communication carriers. With the advancement of current research in areas such as synthetic biology and bio-nanotechnologies, it may become relatively easy in the near future to develop systems of biological nanomachines communicating through molecules. In this paper, we present a framework for describing molecular communication systems.
Work-conservingness of CIOQ packet switches with limited output buffers

We demonstrate that no combined input- and output-queued (CIOQ) switch with limited speedup (i.e., smaller than the number of ports) and limited output buffering can be strictly work-conserving by constructing a counterexample traffic scenario.
Comparison of Simultaneous Prompting and No-No Prompting in Two-Choice Discrimination Learning with Children with Autism.

This study compared no-no prompting procedures to simultaneous prompting procedures for 3 children with autism. Using a parallel treatments design, researchers taught rote math skills, receptive labels, or answers to “wh–” questions with both prompting systems. Results indicated that no-no prompting was effective in teaching all skills. By contrast, simultaneous prompting was effective in teaching only one pair of skills to 1 participant in the same amount of teaching time and trials. Researchers conducted a preference assessment to determine which of the two prompting procedures the 3 participants preferred. The participants showed mixed preferences for the two procedures.
Genome-wide association study of new-onset atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass grafting surgery

Background Postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF) is a potentially life-threatening complication after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Genetic predisposition may predict risk for developing postoperative AF. Methods Study subjects underwent CABG surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass at Duke University Medical Center. In a discovery cohort of 877 individuals from the Perioperative Genetics and Safety Outcomes Study, we performed a genome-wide association study using a logistic regression model with a covariate adjustment for AF risk index. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that met a P −5 were further tested using a replication dataset of 304 individuals from the CATHeterization GENetics biorepository, followed by meta-analysis. Potential pathways related to postoperative AF were identified through gene enrichment analysis using the top genome-wide association study SNPs ( P −4 ). Results Nineteen SNPs met the a priori defined discovery threshold for replication, but only 3 met nominal significance ( P LY96 )—showing the same direction of the effect for postoperative AF (odds ratio [OR] 0.48, 95% CI 0.34-0.68, P = 2.9 × 10 −5 vs OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.31-0.99, P = .046) and strong overall association by meta-analysis (meta- P = 4.0 × 10 −6 ). Gene enrichment analysis highlighted the role of LY96 in pathways of biologic relevance to activation and modulation of innate immune responses. Our analysis also showed potential association between LY96 and nuclear factor κ-B interaction and postoperative AF through their relevance to inflammatory signaling pathways. Conclusions In patients undergoing CABG surgery, we found genetic polymorphisms in LY96 associated with decreased risk of postoperative AF.
Student-preferred caring behaviors for online nursing education.

Abstract Better understanding of how to convey and sustain caring in online nursing classrooms will support caring as a core value in nursing. Sitzman and Leners (2006) identified online instructor behaviors that supported students feeling cared for in online classroom settings. In this study, 122 baccalaureate online students from five universities completed an online survey in relation to prioritizing these previously identified caring instructor behaviors. Respondents also answered one open-ended question identifying other caring behaviors not presented in the survey. Twelve caring practices for online nurse educators were developed based on analysis of the survey results.
Venous sinus manometry and intervention using the PrimeWire Prestige pressure guidewire: technique and initial experience

Background Cerebral venography and manometry are used for the diagnosis of hemodynamically significant venous sinus stenosis in patients with the syndrome of idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Intravenous pressure measurements using the traditional microcatheter technique can be cumbersome, time consuming and potentially unreliable. The PrimeWire Prestige pressure guidewire conducts pressure electrically and can be used as a guidewire for intervention. It has been validated in interventional cardiology procedures. Objective We describe our initial clinical experience with the PrimeWire Prestige pressure guidewire system for cerebral venous manometry and intervention. Method Cerebral venous pressure gradient was directly measured by advancing the pressure wire across a region of stenosis. The pressure wire was also used as a guidewire for intravascular ultrasound, angioplasty and stenting. Results The PrimeWire Prestige pressure guidewire successfully navigated the intracranial venous sinus anatomy. Transfer of devices over the guidewire in a monorail fashion was uncomplicated, and measurement of sinus pressure between the steps of the intervention was efficiently performed. Conclusion The PrimeWire Prestige pressure guidewire system provided a safe, fast and effective method for intracranial venous sinus manometry and intervention. It has several potential advantages over the traditional microcatheter method, including efficiency, accuracy and cost.
Contributions to Embryology, Vol. XXXIV, Nos.222 to 230. Carnegie Institution Publ. 592. Washington, D. C.: Carnegie Institution of Washington,1951. 196 pp. and 58 plates. $9.50; $8.75 paper

It has been called to my attention that in my review of Contributions to Embryology , Vol. XXXIV, which appeared in SCIENCE, May 23 ( 115 , 580 [1952]), I stated that the paper "On Cyclic Changes in the Endometrium of the Macaque" was by "Bartelmez, with the collaboration of Corner and Heuser." The authorship should have read "Bartelmez, with the collaboration of Corner and Hartman."—A. ELIZABETH ADAMS.
Adaptive sensor fault detection and identification and life extending in health monitoring systems

Usually, solutions to sensor validation fall into two major categories: the data-based approaches and the model-based approaches. Model-based methods include nonparametric and parametric approaches. Belonging to the first category are neural-network-bank based approaches. The non-parametric methods are more robust, but a large number of training data are needed nevertheless. On the other hand, parametric approaches, including dynamic state space models (DSSM), provide better accuracy and tracking performance without the need of training. The price paid here is the need for high fidelity real-time system models. Particle filter (PF) is an alternative name for sequential importance sampling for DSSM. PF has been commonly employed to online processing of dynamic systems described by DSSM. We will also discuss a Markov jump DSSM (MJDSSM) for system modeling and mixture Kalman filter (MKF) solution — a unique and efficient particle filtering detector being developed. We have modeled and calculated the probability of failure due to component damage. Using this model, a Monte Carlo simulation is also performed to evaluate the likelihood of damage accumulation under various operating conditions. Using thermal mechanical fatigue (TMF) of a critical component as an example, it has been shown that that an intelligent acceleration algorithm can drastically reduce life usage with minimum sacrifice in performance. By means of genetic search algorithms, optimal acceleration schedules can be obtained with multiple constraints. The simulation results show that an optimized acceleration schedule can provide a significant life saving in selected engine components. The ultimate goal of engine health monitoring is to maximize the amount of meaningful information to perform diagnostics and prognostics on engine health. To achieve highest level of intelligence in different levels and aspects, in the future work, we propose to implement the concept of data fusion that integrates data from multiple sources to obtain improved accuracy and more specific results.
The effect of the morphology of supported subnanometer Pt clusters on the first and key step of CO2 photoreduction.

Using density functional theory calculations, we investigate the influence of size-dependent cluster morphology on the synergistic catalytic properties of anatase TiO2(101) surfaces decorated with subnanometer Pt clusters. Focusing on the formation of the key precursor in the CO2 photoreduction reaction (bent CO2−), we find that flatter (2D-like) Pt clusters that “wet” the TiO2 surface offer significantly less benefit than 3D-like Pt clusters. We attribute the differences to three factors. First, the 3D clusters provide a greater number of accessible Pt–TiO2 interfacial sites with geometries that can aid CO2 bond bending and charge transfer processes. Second, binding competition among each Pt–CO2 bonding interaction mitigates maximum orbital overlaps, leading to insufficient CO2 binding. Third and also most interestingly, the 3D clusters tend to possess higher structural fluxionality than the flatter clusters, which is shown to correlate positively with CO2 binding strength. The preferred morphology adopted by the clusters depends on several factors, including the cluster size and the presence of oxygen vacancies on the TiO2 surface; this suggests a strategy for optimizing the synergistic effect between Pt clusters and TiO2 surfaces for CO2 photocatalysis. Clusters of ∼6–8 atoms should provide the largest benefit, since they retain the desired 3D morphology, yet are small enough to exhibit high structural fluxionality. Electronic structure analysis provides additional insight into the electronic motivations for the enhanced binding of CO2 on TiO2-supported 3D Pt clusters, as well as suppressed binding on flattened, 2D-like clusters.
Performance evaluation of CPCH with a geometrically-distributed message length in W-CDMA

Common packet channel (CPCH) access is an efficient approach to support packet data transmission in a wideband code division multiple access (W-CDMA) system. This paper presents a discrete-time analysis of the CPCH access scheme. It is assumed that a packet arrival process in Poisson distributed and the service time of each packet is geometrically distributed. The study focuses on examining the number of packet arrivals in each CPCH access slot. Performance is evaluated in terms of normalized throughput and blocking rate. It is observed that CPCH performs better when packet mean service time is larger. The performance results are also compared with previous studies using continuous-time analyses.
Sexual dichromatism and differential conspicuousness in two populations of the common collared lizard ( Crotaphytus collaris ) from Utah and New Mexico, USA

The common collared lizard (Crotaphytus collaris) exhibits considerable geographical colour variation, particularly among males. Populations of this diurnal saxicolous iguanian inhabit patches of rocky habitat throughout the species' broad distribution in North America and are anticipated to experience local differences in selective pressures that influence colouration. Specifically, while social interactions might favour conspicuous colouration, crypsis may be advantageous in interactions with visually orienting predator and prey species. To address the local relationship between lizard and substrate colouration we compared the reflectance spectra of two geographically distant and phenotypically divergent populations of collared lizards with the rocky substrates they inhabit. Our northern study population (C. c. auriceps in eastern Utah) occurs on red rocks, where males exhibit boldly coloured turquoise bodies and bright yellow heads. In contrast, our southern study population (C. c. fuscus in southern New Mexico) lives on grey and tan rocks, and males in this location exhibit subdued brown and tan dorsal colours. Spectral comparisons revealed that males in the northern population contrasted strongly with their local rocks, whereas males in the southern population matched their rock colours with reasonably good fidelity. This relationship held under a variety of lighting conditions. Females in both populations were less conspicuously coloured than males, although northern females contrasted more with their rocks than did southern females. In addition, sexual dichromatism was pronounced in the northern population but minimal in the southern population. Finally, sexual size and weight dimorphism was strong in the southern population while being virtually absent in the northern population. A comparison of the local predator and prey assemblages suggests that the conspicuous and sexually dichromatic colouration of the northern population may have evolved in response to reduced pressure from visually orienting predators as well as reduced dependence on saurian prey.
Outpatient duplex scanning for deep vein thrombosis: Parameters predictive of a negative study result

Abstract Purpose: Although clinical examination has been reported to be unreliable in the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), this conclusion has often been derived from hospitalized patients (HP) and may not be applicable in an outpatient setting. This study was undertaken to define clinical parameters that might predict the diagnostic value of emergency venous duplex scanning (VDS). Methods: Venous duplex scans performed over a 9-month period (interval I) in 154 outpatients (154 limbs) and 145 HP (145 limbs) with suspected DVT were reviewed. Results: Eighteen percent of scans of outpatients and 31% of scans of HP were interpreted as positive for lower extremity DVT. With stepwise logistic regression analysis, criteria predictive of a negative result of outpatient VDS included (1) duration of symptoms greater than 7 days ( p = 0.003), (2) thigh circumference difference relative to the uninvolved side of less than 3 cm ( p = 0.001), and (3) no history of neoplasia ( p = 0.03). This model, when applied prospectively to 68 outpatients (68 limbs) over the next 5 months (interval II), yielded a negative predictive value (NPV) of 96.7% (sensitivity 90.9%, specificity 50.9%, positive predictive value 26.3%). Of the 222 outpatients examined during intervals I and II, 98 (44%) met these three clinical criteria. Three of these 98 outpatients had DVT on VDS and thus would have been misclassified as having a negative result. With a similar logistic regression analysis for HP, clinical criteria achieved an NPV of only 75% (sensitivity 36%, specificity 90%, positive predictive value 62%). Conclusion: Clinical assessment is unreliable in the diagnostic evaluation of HP with suspected DVT. In an outpatient population, however, clinical evaluation with the above criteria achieved an NPV of 96.7% in the diagnosis of DVT. These parameters may be useful as guidelines in determining the appropriateness of emergency outpatient VDS. (J VASC SURG 1993;18:821-6.)
Concerning the existence of Taylor columns in atmospheres

The limitations on the conditions necessary for Taylor columns to exist in a compressible atmosphere are discussed. It is pointed out that the effect of baroclinicity precludes the existence of Taylor columns in the terrestrial atmosphere. The conditions in Jupiter's atmosphere are considered and it is shown that because of the effects of stratification and of baroclinicity Taylor columns can exist in Jupiter's atmosphere only under rather special conditions.
Robust stabilization relative to the unweighted H &#8734; norm is generically unattainable in the presence of singular plant perturbations

Recent work by Vidyasagar gives a sufficient condition under which a singularly perturbed system can be robustly stabilized relative to the unweighted H^{\infty} norm. In this note we show that the same condition is also necessary. In addition, we prove that this condition is generically untrue with respect to the class of all linear singularly perturbed systems, as well as the class of all singular perturbations of any fixed, stabilizable, and detectable system.
Neuromotor Specificity and Increased Speed from Strength Development

Abstract Arm strength, effective arm mass, and speed in a lateral adductive arm movement were measured in 62 college men and remeasured ten weeks later. During this interval, half of the subjects were given weight training exercise that did not involve the movement, while the other half remained inactive in order to provide a control group. The average of the training group improved significantly in speed, strength, and strength/mass ratio, whereas the average of the control group declined. There was no correlation between individual differences in speed and strength/mass ratio, but individual changes in the ratio correlated significantly (r = .405) with individual changes in speed. Reaction time was not improved by weight training.
Cease Fire: A 'Win-Win' Strategy on Gun Policy for the Obama Administration

Amidst all the economic trouble, one industry has reason to celebrate. Sales of firearms increased significantly before the 2008 election, driven by fears that as President Barrack Obama would bring tighter restrictions on guns. The FBI reported that almost fifty percent more background checks were conducted in the first week of November 2008 compared to the same week in 2007. While generating a surge for the gun industry, the 2008 elections may have a more significant effect on policy issues surrounding guns. After several years of momentum in favor of the National Rifle Association (NRA), the 2008 election favored gun control advocates. Should the Obama administration, with Democratic majorities in both houses of Congress, make a push for legislation tightening restrictions on firearms, or move to adopt a more gun-friendly stance, or do nothing and hope the issue receives as little attention as possible? This article lays out a strategy for the Obama administration to translate the campaign rhetoric of overcome old dividing lines and partisan bickering into action. Despite the decades long political and cultural conflict surrounding gun control, there is room for consensus and compromise. President Obama should announce that he wants progress on regulating firearms, but will not support any proposal unless it also enhances gun rights. This article describes examples of how both sides could work together on measures that promote beneficial use of guns while reducing harmful misuse. This approach emphasizes compromise in that the Obama administration would take a middle path between pursuing ideal policies and paying attention only to pragmatic political considerations. The approach must blend principle with practicality. Supporting measures that bolster both gun control and gun rights would enable Obama to make steps toward improving law and policy concerning guns, while minimizing the political risk and reducing the bitterness of the gun debate. This article begins with an overview of the gun issue and a review of major developments in recent years. Although the NRA devoted enormous resources to convincing voters that Barack Obama posed a serious threat, Obama downplayed the issue, neither emphasizing nor repudiating reasonable gun control measures. Learning from the pitfalls and building on achievements of the past, the Obama administration can make progress on the gun issue with a strategy that emphasizes the compatibility of gun rights and sensible gun control.
A field-theoretical formulation of Levinson’s theorem

A field-theoretical proof is given of a relativistic generalization of Levinson’s theorem. Though the final form of this relation is in disagreement with an earlier attempt in this direction by Charap, a complete correspondence is shown to exist between the result obtained here and that derived by Warnock on the basis of dispersion theory. It is demonstrated that the discrepancy between Charap’s approach and that presented here originates both in the technique used for the treatment of bound states as well as in the method of counting constraint equations and CDD poles. As a test of this work it is shown that there is complete consistency in the case of the Zachariasen model, independent of whether the bound state is elementary or composite. As an auxiliary result a useful representation for the reciprocal of the usual denomination function of dispersion theory is derived which includes the effect of inelastic channels.
A Narrative of [Complex] Situations and Situations Theory

When faced with intractable problems that are surrounded by high degrees of uncertainty and transience, it is imperative that the nature of the problem be understood. Too frequently, solutions are proposed in the same disciplinary construct in which the problem was framed, and the intractability encountered. Situations Theory is the meta-theoretical study of the conditions that surround a problem. It is not a specific discipline aimed at developing understanding higher levels of understanding of specific phenomena from a well-formulated perspective. Rather it is focused at understanding how such perspectives contribute to dealing with problems encountered in complex situations. The practicality of Situations Theory lies in being able to better judge the effectiveness that an approach will have given a specific set of conditions that might surround a problems, or as a basis on which robust methods and tools can be developed that are congruent with the nature of the problem that is to be addressed.
Abstract 12277: Differences in Prevalence of Peripheral Vascular Disease: An age-sex interaction

Background: Increased chronological age is a well-known risk factor for peripheral vascular disease (PVD). Whether the relationship between age and PVD differs by sex in different vascular territories remains uncertain. Methods: We analyzed data from 3.6 million participants (2.3 million women and 1.3 million men) between 40-100 years of age (mean of 64.1) who underwent PVD screening in the Life Line Screening Program from 2003-2008. All subjects completed a medical and lifestyle questionnaire and were evaluated by ultrasound imaging for internal carotid artery >50% stenosis (CAS), ankle brachial indices 3cm (AAA). Association between age and outcome was identified using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: The prevalence of PVD increased with increased chronological age in both women and men ( Figure ). A significant age - sex interaction was noted for CAS (p Conclusion: In a self-referred screening population, the prevalence of CAS between women and men differed according to age category. Regardless of age, PAD is more common in women and AAA is more common in men. Future studies aimed at understanding these differences are needed.
Asymptotic behaviour of some reaction-diffusion systems modelling complex combustion on bounded domains

We consider three models of multiple-step combustion processes on bounded spatial domains. Previously, steady-state convergence results have been established for these models with zero Neumann boundary conditions imposed on the temperature as well as the mass fractions. We retain here throughout the same boundary conditions on the mass fractions, but in our first set of results we establish steady-state convergence results with fixed Dirichlet boundary conditions on the temperature. Next, under certain physically reasonable assumptions, we develop, for two of the models, estimates on the decay rates of both mass fractions to zero, while for the remaining model we develop estimates on the decay rate of one concentration to zero and establish a positive lower bound on the other mass fraction. These results hold under either set of boundary conditions, but when the Dirichlet conditions are imposed on the temperature, we are able to obtain estimates on the rate of convergence of the temperature to its (generally nonconstant) steady-state. Finally, we improve the results of a previous paper by adding a temperature convergence result.
Ferrotoxicity: Multiple Mechanisms of Action

Increasingly, we are becoming aware that excessive/misplaced iron is a notable risk factor for a broad spectrum of diseases [1]. Moreover, the mechanisms of ferrotoxicity differ significantly among specific diseases. Infectious diseases and cancers Iron is dangerous because it is an essential growth factor for most bacterial, all fungal and all protozoan infections [2] as well as for all cancer cells [3]. Although viruses do not have independent metabolism, enhanced host iron is needed for viral synthesis [2]. Our bodies employ a constitutive iron withholding defense system that strives to prevent invader access to the metal. Moreover, the system is promptly and markedly upregulated at the time of threatened microbial and viral infections and cancer cell invasions [4]. Chronic diseases Iron is dangerous because of its oxidative potential for highly sensitive key cells that are specific for the disease. Examples of the key cells include: (1) anterior pituitary cells that stimulate endocrine gland activities [5], (2) osteoblasts that rebuild bone [6] and (3) pancreatic beta cells that produce insulin [7]. These cells are killed by concentrations of iron that are several orders of magnitude lower than lethal quantities of iron for hepatocytes, macrophages, osteoclasts and pancreatic exocrine cells. Thus it can be predicted that, in other chronic diseases, key body cells for relevant organ functions likewise will be found to be unusually sensitive to iron killing. A prime nominee is the ventricular cardiomyocyte, essential for heart health [8]. Conclusion Excessive/misplaced iron, a ubiquitous component of disease causation, is dangerous in two ways. For infections and cancers, the metal is essential for invader growth. For chronic maladies, the metal is exceptionally lethal for key cells that are required for specific organ functions.