cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The impact of a toll reduction for truck traffic using SH 130

Abstract This research investigated the impact of a toll reduction for trucks on SH 130 and the resulting changes in the number of trucks using the road. SH 130 is a tolled bypass facility, running parallel to Interstate 35 (I-35), around the Austin area. This toll road was constructed, in part, to divert traffic from I-35 which runs through Austin. However, the toll road was only partially successful in attracting truck traffic since many truck drivers felt the toll was high compared to the travel time saved. Hence, beginning on March 1, 2011, Texas Department of Transportation reduced the toll rate by 25% for 5-axle vehicles and 40% for 6 plus-axle vehicles. A toll reduction is relatively rare and there are very few studies on how this may impact truck travel. A time series analysis of the toll transaction data, along with the local price of diesel fuel, unemployment rate, GDP, and income levels, resulted in a toll-price elasticity of −0.43 for 5-axle vehicles (the vast majority of 5-plus axle vehicles). Thus, the drop in toll was successful in attracting additional trucks – but also resulted in decreased revenues from tolls. The majority (94%) of 5-axle vehicles paid using electronic toll collection (ETC), and the remainder paid manually (MLT). The toll-price elasticity for 5-axle vehicles paying by ETC was −0.39 while it was −1.49 for those paying by MLT. Thus MLT vehicles were much more price sensitive to the toll reduction, possibly indicating new users of the road who had not signed up for ETC before the toll reduction.
School shootings and private school enrollment

We find that school shootings are followed by a 10%–12% increase in private high school enrollment. The effects are most pronounced following shootings in nonurban areas, which is consistent with their more intense media coverage.
Dynamics of an atomic switch computed by first-principles molecular dynamics.

We report theoretical investigation of the dynamics of a structure containing two perpendicular chains of silicon atoms. This structure is shown to operate as a bistable switch with the switching element being one single atom. The dynamical properties of the structure are computed with a first-principles molecular-dynamics method in the framework of the density-functional theory and the Car-Parrinello method. The switching speed of the structure is found to be in the range of the silicon bulk phonon frequency for displacements of the switching atom as large as 1 nm.
INDUCTION OF SPECIFIC FOOD PREFERENCE IN LEPIDOPTEROUS LARVAE1

Last instar larvae of Manduca sexta (Johanssen) and Heliothis zea (Boddie), fed on different host plants or on artificial diet, and then tested individually, have shown clear preference for the plant previously eaten. This induced preference is specific for the inducing plant species and is not merely a change in the insect's general threshold of food acceptability. The extent to which preference can be induced by various host plants differs considerably. No induction is possible with plants outside the insect's host range. In larvae fed on artificial diet preference to a given host plant can be induced even by a one-day feeding on it. A preference once induced is not wiped out by two larval moults and subsequent feeding on an artificial diet. Thus it is supposed that the information serving as a basis for the induced feeding habit is stored in the central nervous system. The possible ecological significance of the induced preference is discussed. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG INDUZIERTE NAHRUNGSPRAFERENZ BEI SCHMETTERLINGSRAUPEN Larven des letzten Entwicklungsstadium von Manduca sexta (Sphingidae) und Heliothis zea (Noctuidae), die an verschiedenen Wirtspflanzen gezuchtet wurden, bevorzugten in individuellen Nahrungswahlversuchen jene Pflanzenarten, an welchen sie sich entwickelten. Diese induzierte Praferenz ist spezifisch fur die induzierende Pflanzenart und nicht einfach eine allgemeine Verschiebung der Reizschwelle fur Frass- bzw. Vergallungsstoffe. Die Starke der durch verschiedene Wirtspflanzen induzierten Praferenz variierte von Pflanze zu Pflanze erheblich. Es war nicht moglich, Praferenz fur eine Pflanzenart ausserhalb des Wirtspflanzenkreises zu induzieren. In den an kunstlicher Nahrung gezuchteten Raupen entwickelte sich die Praferenz fur eine gegebene Wirtspflanze bereits wahrend einer eintagigen Ernahrung an derselben. Die einmal erworbene Praferenz wurde selbst durch zwei Hautungen und Ernahrung mit kunstlicher Nahrung nicht ausgeloscht. Demnach wird angenommen, dass die als Basis fur die induzierte Praferenz dienende Rezeptoreninformation im Zentralnervensystem gespeichert wird. Die wahrscheinliche okologische Bedeutung der induzierten Praferenz wird besprochen.
Pulsar Constraints on Neutron Star Structure and Equation of State

With the aim of constraining the structural properties of neutron stars and the equation of state of dense matter, we study sudden spin-ups, {ital glitches,} occurring in the Vela pulsar and in six other pulsars. We present evidence that glitches represent a self-regulating instability for which the star prepares over a waiting time. The angular momentum requirements of glitches in Vela indicate that {ge}1.4{percent} of the star`s moment of inertia drives these events. If glitches originate in the liquid of the inner crust, Vela`s {open_quotes}radiation radius{close_quotes} R{sub {infinity}} must exceed {approx_equal}12 km for a mass of 1.4M{sub {circle_dot}} . Observational tests of whether other neutron stars obey this constraint will be possible in the near future. {copyright} {ital 1999} {ital The American Physical Society}
‘We should be playing, not talking’: play, self-agency and moving towards depressive moments

This paper describes the use of play in the psychotherapy of a latency child from a severely traumatised background. It considers the meaning of play in relation to the role of the psychotherapist and to psychotherapeutic technique and explores its functions in terms of the child's development. The paper documents the psychotherapist's learning experience about the difficulty of trying to make the ‘right’ interpretations and her consequent realisation of the intrinsic value of play in psychotherapy. In considering these themes, the author explores how, by placing interpretation secondary to play, the therapy enabled the development of the child's creativity and self-agency, facilitating a movement from primarily paranoid–schizoid defences towards the beginnings of a depressive position.
Grouping students in educational settings

Given a class of large number of students, each exhibiting a different ability level, how can we group them into sections so that the overall gain for students is maximized? This question has been a topic of central concern and debate amongst social scientists and policy makers for a long time. We propose a framework for rigorously studying this question, taking a computational perspective. We present a formal definition of the grouping problem and investigate some of its variants. Such variants are determined by the desired number of groups as well as the definition of the gain for each student in the group. We focus on two natural instantiations of the gain function and we show that for both of them the problem of identifying a single group of students that maximizes the gain among its members can be solved in polynomial time. The corresponding partitioning problem, where the goal is to partition the students into non-overlapping groups appear to be much harder. However, the algorithms for the single-group version can be leveraged for solving the more complex partitioning problem. Our experiments with generated data coming from different distributions demonstrate that our algorithm is significantly better than the current strategies in vogue for dividing students in a class into sections.
Characterizing Disability in Head Start Programs: Not so Clearcut.

Abstract Head Start programs are required to set aside at least 10% of program slots for children with disabilities, but the percentage of children with disabilities served varies depending on the criteria used and source of the information. This study used the Head Start Family and Child Experiences Survey (FACES) 2000 data for a nationally representative sample to identify subgroups of children meeting three different criteria for having a disability or developmental delay. Results indicated that about one-third of children in Head Start (33%) met one or more of the criteria for a disability or delay, about one-third of those children (33%) met criteria for two or for all three of the subgroups. However, only 8% of children in Head Start had an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Children with disabilities or delays, regardless of the subgroup criteria used, had higher levels of many other risk factors associated with poor developmental and school readiness outcomes. They also exhibited poorer performance on early literacy, social, and behavioral measures both at entry into Head Start and at the end of kindergarten compared with children not in each of those subgroups. Implications of the findings for screening and assessment, serving children in Head Start programs, and the need for linkages between Head Start programs and the preschool special education system are discussed.
The Static Stability of Articulated Commercial Vehicles

SUMMARY This review of the state of the art emphasizes recent results that have been obtained in extending conventionalanalysis techniques to the treatment of “Highway Trains”, that is, to heavy trucks that have multiple articulation points and employ suspensions with multiple axles. Equations of motion applicable to the equilibrium turning performances of articulated vehicles are examined with respect to using analysis techniques involving steering gains, understeer gradients, effective wheel-bases, handling diagrams, and critical speeds. These examinations provide the basis for in sights into simplified approaches for understanding the steady turning mechanics of articulated, multi-axle vehicles riding on pneumatic tires.
Antenatal exposure to sulindac and risk of necrotizing enterocolitis

Objective Most studies of tocolytics are underpowered to assess drug effects on rare adverse neonatal outcomes. Our aim was to optimize statistical power to assess the influence of sulindac on the rare but severe outcome of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) by performing a case-control study. Study Design A priori sample size of 78 in each group was estimated to detect a 2.5-fold increase in nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug exposure in NEC cases. Maternal-neonatal charts were reviewed from 2007 through 2012 to yield 110 NEC cases: 68 patients with confirmed NEC by Bell's stage II criteria, and 42 with suspected NEC. Cases and controls (N = 131, matched according to gestational age at delivery, plurality, and delivery date) were compared in rates of antenatal exposures to nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, other tocolytics, and maternal-neonatal characteristics and complications. Results Cases and controls were delivered at a mean of 28 weeks. Approximately 52% of the total cohort received tocolytics (26% indomethacin, 15% sulindac, 32% calcium channel blockers, 32% beta-sympathomimetics), with no differences in frequency of use between cases and controls. While there was no difference in indomethacin exposure between cases and controls, antenatal exposure to sulindac was independently associated with increased risk of NEC (adjusted odds ratio, 5.33; 95% confidence interval, 1.38–20.57; P = .02), even after adjustment for other factors significantly associated with NEC. Conclusion Our data demonstrate an adverse association of sulindac with NEC. These findings deserve further investigation and using sulindac as a tocolytic agent requires caution.
Structural characterization of isotactic polypropylene films of ultrahigh orientation. I. Determination of crystalline and amorphous orientation

Abstract Nearly perfect crystalline orientation is found in a set of four polypropylene films prepared under different stretching conditions. The crystalline orientation function fc, determined by X-ray diffraction, ranges from 0.9917 to 0.9968, exceeding the highest orientation function previously reported for a polymer: 0.996 for polyethylene crystallized under shear and pressure in a capillary viscometer. This demonstrates that neither shear nor pressure is essential to the attainment of ultrahigh crystalline orientation. The key feature appears to be the existence of a tractional gradient, i.e., of a large velocity gradient in the direction parallel to the velocity vector. Sonic modulus measurements give values from 0.38 to 0.69 for the amorphous orientation function fam. Sonic modulus is especially useful for two reasons: (a) the method averages out short-range fluctuations in fam, and (b) the method is insensitive to crystalline orientation when fc is close to 1. The average orientation function ran...
Predicting death from progressive heart failure secondary to ischemic or idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy

Data were retrospectively reviewed on 528 consecutive patients hospitalized for treatment of advanced heart failure (left ventricular ejection fraction 0.2 +/- 0.07) and cardiac transplant evaluation, who were stabilized with medical therapy and discharged home. Predictors of heart failure death or rehospitalization for urgent transplantation were identified using the Cox proportional-hazards model. Within 1 year, 59 patients (11%) died suddenly and 70 (13%) died of heart failure or required urgent transplantation. A serum sodium 19 mm Hg, left ventricular diastolic dimension index > 44 mm/m2, peak oxygen consumption during exercise testing 50% in the presence of hyponatremia and any 2 additional risk factors. Thus, patients with advanced heart failure at highest risk for progressive hemodynamic deterioration can be identified from clinical variables that could aid in triaging such patients to earlier cardiac transplantation.
Operability Benefits of Airbreathing Hypersonic Propulsion for Flexible Access to Space

Hypersonic airbreathing propulsion has been considered as an enhancement for access-to-space systems for decades. However, previous research usingmetrics such as takeoff gross weight and payload weight fraction has not shown conclusive benefits for airbreathing systems when compared with all-rocket launch vehicles. The U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory has developed new operability-based metrics relevant to U.S. Air Force missions: time to rendezvous with a target spacecraft, number of launch opportunities per day, and launch-window duration. Computation of the new metrics requires launch vehicle ascent trajectory optimization, orbital transfer solutions, andMonteCarlo analysis. Ascent optimization uses propulsion throttling, aerodynamic turning, andpitch control to command downrange and crossrange at the orbital insertion point while using minimum propellant. Then the twopoint boundary-value problem is solved to find a minimum-propellant transfer orbit to rendezvous with the target. Monte Carlo analysis assigns the orbital target a random starting position over the Earth and then propagates the orbit until rendezvous is accomplished and themetrics can be computed. The Air Force’s ReusableMilitary Launch System all-rocket launch vehicle RMLS 102 is compared against Alliant Techsystems’ rocket-based combined-cycle launch system ATK-RBCC. The results of the Monte Carlo analysis show that ATK-RBCC featuring airbreathing propulsion combined with a high lift-over-drag airframe exhibits significant operability benefits. The developed operability metrics could help to transform access to space by demonstrating clear payoffs from airbreathing propulsion.
Minimal torsion spaces and the partial input/output problem*

A task of finding the set of simplest input/output descriptions for dynamical systems agreeing with partially specified input/output data, the partial input/ output problem (PIOP) lies at the foundations of syndrome decoding. Until the late 1960s, when Berlekamp and Massey published solutions without using Hankel matrices and with hard data constraints, the history of PIOP has been exclusively tied to Hankel matrices and to Pade (soft) data constraints. Using the new concept of minimal torsion spaces, we establish herein a modern algebraic framework for PIOP, obtain a complete solution without recourse to Hankel matrices and with hard data constraints, and present generalizations to the multiple sequence case of many of the Berlekamp—Massey results for scalar sequences.
Uranium-series dating of some pleistocene marine deposits in Southern California

Analyses of uranium isotopes and their long-lived daughter products showed evidence of uranium migration in most of the 22 fossil mollusk shell samples from marine terrace deposits in southern California. Two samples, however, remained an ideal closed system as indicated by concordant230Th/234U and231Pa/235U dates. The closed-system age of the lowest exposed marine terrace deposit along part of the mainland coast of southern California is 69 000 ± 10 000 yr, and correlation of this discontinuous deposit is afforded between the Newport Beach-Laguna Beach area and the Palos Verdes Hills. Some mollusk shell samples were dated by the open-system model; the remaining samples were found to be unsuitable for uranium-series dating.
Influence of water bolus temperature on measured skin surface and intradermal temperatures.

Temperature measurements utilizing thermometry probes placed on the skin surface are often used clinically to assess temperatures for the purposes of power control and evaluating treatment efficacy. There is a question, however, as to what extent applicator temperature-controlled liquid coupling boluses can create temperature gradients which can cause significant differences between measurements taken by sensors placed on the skin surface and the actual temperature of the tissue beneath. To address this question, experiments were conducted with human subjects instrumented with surface and shallowly implanted temperature sensors. Microwave applicators with circulating bolus water set at 21 and 41°C were used to induce a temperature gradient in depth in the superficial tissue by thermal conduction. No microwave energy was applied. The average measurement offset at 41°C was 15% of the difference in temperature between the interstitially measured skin temperature and the coupling bolus temperature, towards th...
Recurrence of cervical dysplasia in the human immunodeficiency virus–seropositive patient

Abstract Objective: To determine the severity of cervical dysplasia in the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-seropositive patient, to evaluate standard treatment modalities, and to determine recurrence rates based on immune status by CD4 counts. Methods: Forty-six patients with HIV-positive status and cervical dysplasia were followed from 1995 to 2000. Patients with cervical intraepithelial dysplasia (CIN) I or greater at any time during the study period were included. Patients with less than CIN I were excluded. Forty-six HIV-negative women served as controls. Results: All patients were monitored by colposcopy and appropriate biopsies during the 24-month study period. Of the 46 patients with HIV-positive status, 3 had colposcopy only, 19 were monitored with biopsies, 10 received cervical conization, 5 underwent LEETZ, 5 had a hysterectomy, and 1 had cryotherapy. For patients with further intervention, recurrence rates included 9 of 10 (90%) following cervical conization, 5 of 5 (100%) following LEETZ, 3 of 5 (60%) after hysterectomy (by cuff biopsy), and 1 of 1 (100%) following cryotherapy. Recurrence rates for the patients receiving conization were significantly higher in patients with CD4 counts below 200. Recurrence rates were significantly lower in the control population. Conclusion: Recurrence of dysplasia is common in HIV-positive patients despite multiple treatments. The disease in these patients is clearly different than it is in HIV-negative women. More aggressive treatment and follow-up are indicated.
The measurement of cooperation.

Abstract This article describes two basic forms of cooperation that can occur in a work group. The first form, collaboration, refers to the extent to which different positions are allocated the same subtasks, while the second form of cooperation, coordination, refers to the extent to which subtasks allocated to different positions need to be sequenced by definite precedence relationships. These concepts are defined in detail using structural role theory, and indices for measuring collaboration and coordination are presented. Finally, some of the problems and advantages of a structural role theory analysis of these task dimensions are discussed.
Bio-inspired locomotion for a modular snake robot

Inspired by the snake locomotion, modular snake robots have different locomotion capabilities by coordinating their internal degrees of freedom. They have the potential to access restricted spaces where humans cannot go. They can also traverse rough terrains while conventional wheeled and legged robots cannot. Modular robots have other features including versatility, robustness, low-cost, and fast-prototyping. We have built our first prototype that costs less than $200. In this paper, we describe the electronics architecture of our prototyped robot, and present a model for the locomotion of pitch-yaw snake robots that allows them to perform different gaits. Each mode of the robot is controlled by a sinusoidal oscillator with four parameters: amplitude, frequency, phase, and offset. We show the parameters that achieve snake-like locomotion.
Dynamics and free energies of CH4 and CO2 in the molecular solid of the p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene

Abstract The dynamics of the guest molecules CO2 and CH4 in p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene (TBC4) motion were studied from 100 K to 400 K using molecular simulation techniques. The rattling motion of the CH4 guest molecules, characterized by velocity autocorrelation functions, exhibit an increase in the Einstein frequency with increasing temperature. This has been observed experimentally and in simulations for some rare gas clathrate systems. The Einstein frequency for the CH4 molecule shows an increase from 75 cm−1 at 100 K to 91 cm−1 at 400 K. The frequency corresponding to the CO2 rattling motion exhibits a single peak and less temperature dependence going from 76 cm−1 at 100 K to 72 cm−1 at 400 K. The rotational spectra for CO2 exhibit two peaks at 100 K with the higher frequency peak shifting to lower frequency with increasing temperature. The computed rotational Einstein frequencies go from 86 cm−1 at 100 K to 71 cm−1 at 400 K for CO2. The temperature dependent Gibbs absorption free energies of the guest molecules CO2 and CH4 in TBC4 have also been studied at 1 bar using thermodynamic integration from 10 K to 400 K. As expected, the simulated absorption free energy for CO2 is greater at all temperatures than for CH4. At 10 K, the simulated values of −11.4 kcal/mol and −8.4 kcal/mol for CO2 and CH4, respectively, while at 300 K the values are −5.4 kcal/mol and −4.4 kcal/mol.
Impact of Fluorine on the Phase Behavior of Bisphenol-Type Compounds in Supercritical CO2, 1,1-Difluoroethane, and 1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane

Phase behavior data are reported for 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl) propane (BPA) and 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl) hexafluoropropane (BPAF) in CO2, difluoroethane (F152a), and tetrafluoroethane (F134a). BPA dissolves in F152a but not in CO2 or F134a. BPAF is most soluble in F152a, moderately soluble in F134a, and least soluble in CO2. Aromatic rotation in BPAF is hindered by the CF3 groups, which is expected to reduce configurationally dependent BPAF−BPAF hydrogen bonding. Although both freons have similar polarizabilities and dipole moments, F152a is a superior solvent with a larger effective dipole moment due to its smaller molar volume. Also, the electrostatic potential field of F152a projects slightly beyond the molecular dimension of the fluorine and hydrogen atoms more so than with F134a, suggesting that F152a exhibits stronger electrostatic interactions over greater separation distances than F134a. Hence, fluorine has a significant effect on the phase behavior whether fluorine is added to the solute or solvent.
The effect of fluorescent wavelength shifting on solar cell spectral response

Abstract Fluorescent wavelength shifting has been used to enhance the spectral response and AM0 conversion efficiency of several types of solar cells. Plastic fluorescent materials are useful for devices with a sharp cut-off in response, while ruby is suitable for devices with more gradual cut-offs. Efficiency improvements of 0.5 to 2 percentage points were measured on some cells, and greater improvements can be expected for optimized optical components. The optical efficiencies (light transmitted into the solar cell compared to light incident on the fluorescent sheet) exceeded 50% for the plastic sheets and 75% for ruby.
Histological Bulbar Manifestations in the ALS Rat.

Background: Almost all patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) develop bulbar symptoms; therefore, it is important to have valid animal models that accurately reflect these features. While the SOD1-G93A rat is extensively used as an ALS model, bulbar symptoms in this model are not well characterized. Objective: In the present study, we aimed to better characterize bulbar dysfunction in terms of histology to determine whether the SOD1-G93A rat is a useful model for bulbar-onset ALS. Methods: Sixty-day-old SOD1-G93A rats on a Sprague-Dawley background and age-matched wild-type controls were assessed weekly for global motor function, facial nerve function, and vagal nerve function. The study endpoint was determined when an SOD1-G93A rat could not right itself within 30 s of being placed on its side. At that point, neuronal counts were assessed in different brainstem cranial nerve nuclei. In addition, the masseter muscle, posterior belly of the digastric muscle, and tongue muscle were evaluated for intact neuromuscular junctions. Results: Our data demonstrate decreases in the number of motor neurons in the trigeminal, facial, and hypoglossal nuclei, as well as compromised neuromuscular junction integrity in the muscles they innervate. Conclusion: These findings suggest that, from a histological standpoint, the SOD1-G93A rat is a valid model of ALS bulbar symptoms.
Cofactor Role of Iodide in Peroxidase Antimicrobial Action Against Escherichia coli

The mechanism of antimicrobial activity of the peroxidase-hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2))-iodide (I(-)) system was investigated. Inhibition of respiration and loss of viability of Escherichia coli were used as measures of antimicrobial activity. Because the bacteria destroyed H(2)O(2), peroxidase antimicrobial action depended on the competition for H(2)O(2) between the bacteria and the peroxidase. Utilization of H(2)O(2) by the peroxidase was favored by (i) increasing either the peroxidase or the I(-) concentration, so as to increase the rate of oxidation of I(-), (ii) lowering the temperature to lower the rate of destruction of H(2)O(2) by the bacteria, and (iii) adding H(2)O(2) in small increments so as to avoid a large excess of H(2)O(2) relative to I(-). When utilization of H(2)O(2) by the peroxidase system was favored, the peroxidase system and iodine (I(2)) were equivalent. That is, antimicrobial action per mole of H(2)O(2) equaled that per mole of I(2). Also, identical antimicrobial action was obtained either by incubating the bacteria directly with the peroxidase system or by preincubating the peroxidase system so as to form I(2) and then adding the bacteria. On the other hand, peroxidase antimicrobial action could be obtained at low I(-) concentrations. These I(-) concentrations were lower than the concentration of I(2) that was required for antimicrobial action. It is proposed that peroxidase-catalyzed oxidation of I(-) yields I(2), which reacts with bacterial components to yield the oxidized components and I(-). The I(-) that is released can be reoxidized and participate again in the oxidation of bacterial components. In this way, I(-) acts as a cofactor in the peroxidase-catalyzed oxidation of bacterial components.
Affection mediates the impact of alexithymia on relationships

Abstract Previous research has shown alexithymia leading to a deficit in the ability of an individual to build and maintain relationships. Using the tenets of Affection Exchange Theory, the current study hypothesized a mediating role of trait affection in the relationship between alexithymia and both attachment behavior (specifically, anxious/avoidant and the need for intimacy) and an individual’s self-reported number of close relationships. Participants (N = 921) filled out self-report measures of all variables, and the hypotheses were tested using a path analysis. Findings largely supported the predictions, with affection partially mediating the relationship between alexithymia and anxious/avoidant attachment and fully mediating the relationship between alexithymia and the need for intimacy and the number of close relationships. One sex interaction was also found, with the relationship between alexithymia and the need for intimacy becoming significantly stronger for women than for men. Implications and directions for future research are explored.
High-performance multi-stage graphene RF receiver integrated circuit

With the rapid advances in graphene field-effect transistor (GFET) performances, graphene has attracted much interest as a future channel material in RF electronics. However, the pace of the development of graphene circuits seems significantly slower. Several graphene circuits demonstrated today showing promising GHz functions still relied on ideal discrete passive components connected at the equipment level, and these circuits are limited to single transistor designs [1-3]. To compete with existing technologies requires that all active and passive components be monolithically integrated for not only the small circuit footprint and low cost but also high circuit complexity and advanced system functionality.
Liesegang Rings on Metallic Bases

WE have repeated the experiment described by Christomanos1, and observe the formation of good Liesegang rings in all cases on clean, pure silver and other more noble metals; but either no rings, or badly distorted ones, on less noble metals and silver alloys. If the silver surface is previously darkened by exposure to sulphide, the rings are distorted but none the less appear in most cases. If, however, the clean metal is previously heated to darkening, or dipped in hydrogen peroxide solution, the rings that are eventually formed are decidedly inferior.
Advertising and recruitment: Marketing to minorities

Growing diversity, increasing multinationalism, and a need to better understand minority consumers make recruiting minority professionals to the workplace exceedingly important. This study examines the influences of a frequently used tool in organizational recruitment, the recruitment advertisement. Specifically, this research examines the influence of the racial composition of employees portrayed in these advertisements on a diverse sample of job-seeker reactions. These reactions include perceptions of organizational attractiveness, perceived compatibility to the organization, and evaluations of organizational image. In addition, it was expected that the race of the perceiver, the job seeker, would moderate these relationships. Mixed support for the hypotheses was found. Implications for advertising, marketing, and recruitment research given emerging domestic diversity are offered. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Identification of Impact Damage in S-2 Glass Composite Missile Casings Using Complementary Vibration and Wave Propagation Approaches

The future United States military arsenal is transitioning from homogeneous metallic materials to stronger and lighter heterogeneous composite materials. Although these composites offer numerous advantages such as the ability to tune strength to weight ratios for each particular application, composites are susceptible to numerous damage mechanisms and environmental factors. Accidental in-field impacts resulting from mishandling or transportation loads have been identified by the U.S. Army as the primary cause of damage in composite weapon systems. This paper presents a hybrid approach to detect, locate, and quantify damage in filament wound canisters using a complementary set of vibration-based (transmissibility and embedded sensitivity) and wave propagation-based (phased array beamforming) methods. It is shown that this hybrid approach accurately detects, locates, and quantifies the damage imposed by 1.36 and 6.78 N-m impact energies. By measuring the static stiffness of the baseline canister at the mid-point, it was determined that the 1.36 N-m impact resulted in an overall 6% reduction of the tubes bending stiffness, while the 6.78 N-m impact resulted in a 28% reduction.
Clean Water For All: Equity-Based Urban Water Supply Alternatives for Indonesia's Cities

(1982). Clean Water For All: Equity-Based Urban Water Supply Alternatives for Indonesia's Cities. Urban Geography: Vol. 3, No. 4, pp. 281-299.
Clinical and psychiatric characteristics of self-inflicted burn patients in the United States: comparison with a nonintentional burn group.

The main objective of the present study was to examine whether self-inflicted burn patients would differ from nonintentional, nonwork related burn patients on psychiatric and personality characteristics. Sociodemographic and injury related factors were also compared. Self-inflicted (N = 15) and nonintentional (N = 178) burn patient samples were drawn from a larger study examining physical and psychosocial outcomes following major burn. Psychiatric/personality factors included self-reported psychiatric treatment history, alcohol/drug use, preburn mental health (Short Form Health Survey-12 MCS) and neuroticism (NEO five factor inventory). Sociodemographic factors and injury related factors were obtained through medical records. Comparisons between the self-inflicted and the nonintentional groups were made using Fisher's exact tests for categorical variables and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests for continuous variables. The self-inflicted group was 11.5 times more likely to report prior psychiatric treatment relative to the nonintentional burn group (P .08). Relative to survivors of nonintentional burns, self-inflicted burn patients in the United States demonstrate high psychiatric comorbidity. Standards of care must be developed to optimize treatment procedures and recovery outcomes in this subgroup.
Microdetermination of caffeine using the ring oven technique

Abstract A rapid and highly selective method for the microdetermination of caffeine of special interest for air pollution studies is presented. With the ring oven technique and with solutions of acetylacetone in sodium hydroxide and p -dimethylaminobenzaldehyde in hydrochloric acid, as little as 0.5 μg caffeine on the ring can be determined with an average error of 3%. Compounds containing purine bases which would be likely to give the same color reaction as caffeine do not interfere. Of the organic air pollutants which might be collected from the atmosphere during thesampling for caffeine, benzo(α)pyrene and formic acid do not interfere. Interferences from formaldehyde and urea are easily eliminated.
Larger urethral catheter size leads to fossa navicularis stricture formation in robotic radical prostatectomy

Fossa navicularis strictures following radical prostatectomy are reported infrequently. We recently experienced a series of fossa strictures following robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RLP). We describe herein our experience to prevent fossa strictures and to determine its etiologic factors. From June 2002 to May 2006, 424 patients underwent robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy with the da Vinci surgical system. Fossa strictures were diagnosed based on the acute onset of obstructive voiding symptoms and bougie calibration. During our series, we switched from the intra-operative use of an 18 French (F) catheter to that of a 22 F one to avoid inadvertent stapling of the urethra when dividing the dorsal venous complex. After we observed a high incidence of fossa strictures, we reverted back to 18 F catheters during surgery. All patients had an 18 F catheter indwelling for 1 week after surgery. Parameters were evaluated using Fisher’s exact test and Student’s t-test for means. The 18 F catheter group of patients (n = 293) developed one fossa stricture, whereas the 22 F catheter group (n = 131) developed nine fossa strictures (P < 0.01). The fossa stricture rate in the 18 F group was 0.3% versus 6.9% in the 22 F group. The two groups had no differences in age, body mass index, cardiovascular disease, American Urological Association symptom score, urinary bother score, preoperative prostate-specific antigen, operative time, estimated blood loss, cautery use, prostate size, or catheterization time. Based on these results, a larger urethral catheter size – 20 F versus 18 F – during the intra-operative dissection would appear to increase the risk for fossa stricture by more than 20-fold.
Inter-annual associations between precipitation and human incidence of West Nile virus in the United States.

Higher-than-average precipitation levels may cause mosquito outbreaks if mosquitoes are limited by larval habitat availability. Alternatively, recent ecological research suggests that drought event...
Variability of Neptune's 12.2-μm Ethane emission feature

Abstract Past observations of Neptune's 7- to 14-μm spectrum showed emission from methane and ethane, and suggested variation in the strength of the ethane emission. We demonstrate that the ratio of ethane emission to methane emission increased between 1985 and 1991 by a factor of 1.47 ± 0.11. The data indicate that the 12.2-μm ethane feature, rather than the 7.7-μm methane feature, is responsible for most of the change. The observed variation is likely caused by either a nonuniform increase in the stratospheric temperature or more probably an increase in the ethane concentration by 15% or more.
Fabrication methods for lithium drifted surface barrier silicon detectors.

Fabrication methods for lithium drifted surface barrier silicon detectors, discussing lithium diffusion, stain etching, preparation for and final etch
On the principal centers of a triangle

The author is a Senior Research Physicist at the University of California, San Diego. Born in England in 1925, he graduated in mathematics from the University of Cambridge in 1946, with a Ph.D. in geophysics in 1951. He has maintained an interest both in pure mathematics (projective geometry, polytopes, random functions and surfaces) and in applied mathematics (fluid dynamics, microseisms, the generation of ocean waves by wind, the dynamics of bubbles, sonoluminescence, and other topics). From 1969 to 1989 he served as a Royal Society Research Professor at the University of Cambridge. His recreations include music, gardening and educational toys. He is married, with 4 children and 8 grandchildren.
Gaming and Interactive Visualization for Education: A Multi-Disciplinary and Multi-University Collaborative Project

Most people are more perceptive to the geometric rather than the symbolic representation of information. In engineering disciplines, visualization combined with game characteristics can provide an essential mode to facilitate students’ understanding of important and abstract concepts, and improve students’ willingness to learn. In this project, game characteristics are introduced into course module design, but different from commercially available games in that the level of the contents and assessment tools in this project are meaningful to teachers, students, and parents. This paper focuses on the design of the Gaming and Interactive Visualization for Education system. Specifically, some initial design results from the three universities for three different courses plus the development of evaluation system will be presented. The system is expected to (1) offer interactions with gaming scenarios that can excite emotions, (2) provide an engaging learning experience of understanding engineering concepts by allowing students to visualize and interact with 3-D objects in a game scenario, (3) employ situated learning by exposing students to the type of challenges they will face in industry, and (4) fit better with the learning styles of the majority of engineering students.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Low-frequency pathophysiological characteristics of pediatric epileptic cortex during the interictal period detected using a dual-wavelength imaging system

In this pilot study, we explored the potential of using a diffuse reflectance imaging system to extract interictal pathophysiological characteristics of epileptic cortex in an intraoperative setting. The imaging system was able to simultaneously measure diffuse reflectance signals at two distinct wavelengths (500 and 700 nm) from the entire exposed cortical surface. It was used to study ten pediatric patients during their epilepsy surgery. Diffuse reflectance images, Rd(x,y,λ,t) at 500 nm and 700 nm, were acquired at a 5 Hz rate for at least 200 seconds. Post imaging analysis identified a unique local frequency oscillation (LFO), below respiration rate, existed in Rd(x,y,500 nm,t) and Rd(x,y,700 nm,t). Mapping the spectral densities of LFOs over the cortical surface identified the spatial distribution of the LFOs. In almost all ten patients studied, the location demonstrating strong LFOs coincided with the epileptic cortex determined using ECoG. However, some LFOs were found in close proximity to functional areas according to fMRI. We further used the correlation coefficient map to identify those pixels with similar waveforms for better demarcation. These preliminary results support the feasibility of using wavelength-dependent diffuse reflectance imaging to intra-operatively detect epileptic cortex.
Growth of Thick InN by Molecular Beam Epitaxy

In this study, InN films with thickness up to 7.5 micron were prepared by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) on (0001) sapphire and quasi-bulk GaN templates. Previously it has been challenging to grow InN film much beyond 1 micron because the growing surface tended to become rough. Techniques to overcome this limit have been developed. Various buffer techniques were used and compared to optimize the epitaxial growth. It was found that with increasing film thickness, Hall mobility will monotonically increase, while carrier concentration decreases. Hall mobility beyond 2100 cm2/Vs with carrier concentration close to 3×1017 cm−3 was obtained at room temperature. Compared with the lowest carrier concentration ∼2×1018 cm−3 obtained on thin InN films grown at the same condition, the conclusion is that impurities from the growth environment are not responsible for the high background doping of InN. Instead, some structural defects or substrate/buffer impurities may be the major source of the unintentional doping, which can be reduced by growing thicker films. Some results on Mg and Be doping of InN will be reported as well. To date, all Mg and Be doping attempts have resulted in n-type material.
Mechanisms of intercellular calcium signaling in glial cells studied with dantrolene and thapsigargin

Mechanical stimulation of a single cell in a primary mixed glial cell culture induced a wave of increased intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) that was communicated to surrounding cells. Following propagation of the Ca2+ wave, many cells showed asynchronous oscillations in [Ca2+]i. Dantrolene sodium (10 microM) inhibited the increase in [Ca2+]i associated with this Ca2+ wave by 60-80%, and prevented subsequent Ca2+ oscillations. Despite the markedly decreased magnitude of the increase in [Ca2+]i, the rate of propagation and the extent of communication of the Ca2+ wave were similar to those prior to the addition of dantrolene. Thapsigargin (10 nM to 1 microM) induced an initial increase in [Ca2+]i ranging from 100 nM to 500 nM in all cells that was followed by a recovery of [Ca2+]i to near resting levels in most cells. Transient exposure to thapsigargin for 2 min irreversibly blocked communication of Ca2+ wave from the stimulated cell to adjacent cells. Glutamate (50 microM) induced an initial increase in [Ca2+]i in most cells that was followed by sustained oscillations in [Ca2+]i in some cells. Dantrolene (10 microM) inhibited this initial [Ca2+]i increase caused by glutamate by 65-90% and abolished subsequent oscillations. Thapsigargin (10 nM to 1 micron) abolished the response to glutamate in over 99% of cells. These results suggest that while both dantrolene and thapsigargin inhibit intracellular Ca2+ release, only thapsigargin affects the mechanism that mediates intercellular communication of Ca2+ waves. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that inositol trisphosphate (IP3) mediates the propagation of Ca2+ waves whereas Ca(2+)-induced Ca2+ release amplifies Ca2+ waves and generates subsequent Ca2+ oscillations.
Critical thickness effects of NiFeCr-CoFe seed layers for spin valve multilayers

In this article, we present data on the critical dependence of the magnetic, electrical and microstructural properties of spin-valves (SV) on seed-layer thicknesses. The SV structure is: seed-layer/PtMn 140 /spl Aring//CoFe 16 /Ru 8.5 /spl Aring/ /CoFe 21 /spl Aring/ /Cu 20 /spl Aring//CoFe 12 /spl Aring//NiFe 30 /spl Aring//Ta 30 /spl Aring/, where the seed layer is NiFeCr-CoFe or NiFeCr/NiFe. As the thickness of the bilayer seed layer is varied, it is found that a critical thickness boundary exists across which the film properties are radically different. The GMR ratio increased from 7% to 14% (a 100% change), the sheet resistance decreased by about 4 ohms/square and the crystalline texture transitioned from weak to extremely strong (111) texture. The critical thickness boundary is at a combined thickness of 37 /spl Aring/ to 40 /spl Aring/. These results suggest a mechanism at the boundary between NiFeCr and CoFe during film growth. A better lattice match between NiFeCr-CoFe, for example, NiFeCr 33 /spl Aring/ and CoFe 7 /spl Aring/, generates a strong (111) texture, which enhances the MR% as compared to NiFeCr 33 /spl Aring//CoFe 6 /spl Aring/. The H/sub 50/ (the field at 50% MR) also exceeds 2000 Oe. This also indicates enhancement of the PtMn fcc to fct transition based on the specifically combined thicknesses of NiFeCr-CoFe. With the NiFeCr-NiFe seed layer, the critical thickness effect is not observed within these thickness ranges.
Evolution of the bump-on-tail instability in compressing plasma

Through particle-in-cell simulations, the evolution of the bump-on-tail instability (BoTI) is studied for plasma subject to one-dimensional mechanical compression. It is shown that the final state of BoTI differs from that described by quasilinear theory for stationary bulk plasma and can depend on the compression history. The transformation of thermal energy into wave energy increases the plasma compressibility, thereby decreasing the amount of mechanical work required to compress the plasma to a specified size. Also, the energy spectrum of the excited modes can be tailored by choosing a particular compression scenario, offering a new technique for manipulating plasmas mechanically.