cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Design, implementation, and evaluation of EnviroMic: A storage-centric audio sensor network

This article presents the design, implementation, and evaluation of EnviroMic, a low-cost experimental prototype of a novel distributed acoustic monitoring, storage, and trace retrieval system designed for disconnected operation. Our intended use of acoustic monitoring is to study animal populations in the wild. Since a permanent connection to the outside world is not assumed and due to the relatively large size of audio traces, the system must optimally exploit available resources such as energy and network storage capacity. Towards that end, we design, prototype, and evaluate distributed algorithms for coordinating acoustic recording tasks, reducing redundancy of data stored by nearby sensors, filtering out silence, and balancing storage utilization in the network. For experimentation purposes, we implement EnviroMic on a TinyOS-based platform and systematically evaluate its performance through both indoor testbed experiments and an outdoor deployment. Results demonstrate up to a four-fold improvement in effective storage capacity of the network compared to uncoordinated recording.
Optimism, Social Support, and Well-Being in Mothers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

This study used structural equation modeling to examine the relationship between multiple sources of social support (e.g., partner, family, and friends), optimism, and well-being among mothers of children with ASD. Social support was examined as a mediator and moderator of the optimism-maternal well-being relationship. Moreover, the role of optimism as a mediator of the social support-maternal well-being relationship was also evaluated. Results revealed that family support was associated with increased optimism that, in turn, predicted higher levels of positive maternal outcomes and lower levels of negative maternal outcomes. In addition, partner and friend support were directly associated with maternal outcomes. Implications for the development of interventions directed at increasing the quality of social support networks are discussed.
Modern System Power Management: Increasing demands for more power and increased efficiency are pressuring software and hardware developers to ask questions and look for answers.

The Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) is the most widely used power and configuration interface for laptops, desktops, and server systems. It is also very complex, and its current specification weighs in at more than 500 pages. Needless to say, operating systems that choose to support ACPI require significant additional software support, up to and including fundamental OS architecture changes. The effort that ACPI’s definition and implementation has entailed is worth the trouble because of how much flexibility it gives to the OS (and ultimately the user) to control power management policy and implementation.
The maintenance of B-cell and T-cell function in frozen and stored human lymphocytes

The objective of this study was to identify and test a convenient means for long-term storage of lymphocytes taken from clinically characterized patients without losing B- or T-cell function. Accordingly, peripheral blood lymphocytes were frozen and stored, and portions of each sample were subsequently assayed for T-cell blastogenic response and B-cell Jerne plaquing at various time intervals after freezing. A comparison of the cell counts of fresh and frozen cultures indicated that cell were recovered after freezing. Furthermore, these cells showed no significant differences in (i) cell viability; (ii) blastogenic response to antigens of Actinomyces maeslandii, Bacteroides melaninogenicus, Fusobacterium nucleatum, and tetanus toxoid; (iii) blastogenic response to phytohemagglutinin and pokeweed mitogen; and (iv) polyclonal B-cell response to pokeweed mitogen as measured by the direct Jerne plaque assay. The retained blastogenic and plaquing responses seen in frozen cultures indicated the maintenance of both T-cell and B-cell function, respectively. This is the first reported demonstration of Jerne plaquing of normal human lymphocytes after freezing. It appears that freezing techniques provide a means for repeating and extending both T- and B-cell assays using frozen stored portions of the same cell samples.
Progress toward roflamycoin; Synthesis of the C-12 to C-35 section in homochiral form

Abstract A 24 carbon fragment containing 11 chiral centers has been prepared in optically pure form en route to the polyene macrolide roflamycoin.
A colorimetric determination of thorium

Abstract A colorimetric method for the determination of thorium is proposed. It is based upon the precipitation of thorium with a standard solution of oxalic acid and the subsequent reaction of the excess oxalic acid with a standard solution of potassium permanganate. The absorbancy of the remaining permanganate solution is directly proportional to the thorium present. The variables affecting this method have been critically studied. Reliable determinations can be made in the range of 3 to 30 mg of thorium in 1 cm cells when the colored solution is diluted to 250 ml. Most interfering substances can be removed by electrolysis in a mercury cathode cell or by the precipitation of thorium with potassium iodate.
Joint Spatial/spatial-frequency Representations For Image Processing

This paper deals with the issue of conjoint resolution as it pertains to joint spatial/spatial-frequency representations such as the Difference of Gaussians (DOG) and Gabor representations as well as the Wigner distribution. We define what the conjoint resolution of a joint representation is, how one could measure it, why one would wish to use a representation that maximizes it, and finally, how high-conjoint resolution is obtained, in practice, by selecting an appropriate joint image representation.
Evidence against dopaminergic and further support for alpha-adrenergic receptor involvement in the pineal phosphatidylinositol effect.

: Several α-adrenergic receptor agonists and antagonists were used to strengthen the earlier findings that the stimulation by (-)-norepinephrine of 32P1 incorporation into acidic phospholipids, especially phosphatidylinositol, in the rat pineal gland is mediated through α-adrenergic receptors. Dopamine was able to induce similar stimulation, although always to a smaller extent than equimolar concentrations of norepinephrine. The dopaminergic agonists apomorphine and piribedil did not increase phosphatidylinositol labeling. A number of antagonists considered to act primarily at dopaminergic or α-adrenergic receptors respectively completely prevented dopamine from exerting its effect. Both types of antagonists also were able to inhibit in varying degree the elevation of phospholipid labeling induced by norepinephrine. Dopamine increased phosphatidylinositol turnover without first being converted to norepinephrine, inasmuch as dopamine β-hydroxylase inhibitors had no influence on dopamine activity. Dopamine and α-agonists competitively activated the receptors involved in the phospholipid effect. The conclusion drawn from the several lines of evidence is that only α-adrenergic receptors are concerned with the changes in pineal phospholipid metabolism brought about by the various agonists used and that the action of dopamine occurs through these receptors rather than through discrete dopaminergic receptors.
Multiple cardiac output measurements in man. Evaluation of a new closed-system thermodilution method.

Cardiac output estimates by a new closed-system automatic injection thermodilution method (COi-td) were compared serially with the direct Fick technique (COfick) and the standard open-system manual injection thermodilution method (COtd). Comparison with cardiac outputs determined simultaneously by the direct Fick technique in 100 measurements involving ten patients showed close agreement with the new closed system method using both 25°C and 3°C injectates. The cardiac output range was between 1.9 to 11.6 L/min. The open-system manual injection thermodilution method under identical conditions produced a wide scatter of measurements when compared to the direct Fick technique. Reproducibility of simultaneous COi-td and COtd measurements was examined in quadruplicate. The reproducibility of measurements was within 1.9 percent with COi-td and 5.9 percent with the COtd method using both 25°C and 3°C injectates. The COi-td method eliminates the technical problems of recirculation, unstable indicator baseline changes, thermal continuity, and reproducibility encountered with the current COtd method. Analysis of cardiac output by the closed-system automatic injection thermodilution method provides a simple, rapid, reproducible, and highly accurate method for multiple cardiac output measurements suitable for use at the bedside.
The Correlation between Gaseous Atomic Spectra and the Absorption Spectra of Atoms Isolated in Noble-Gas Matrices

Although matrix perturbations affect the energies and intensities of atomic transitions, it has been found that the complex spectra of matrix-isolated metal atoms correlated remarkably well with electronic transitions involving the ground state of the analogous gaseous atoms. A series of line drawings is therefore presented which depict these transitions for 64 neutral gaseous elements. In addition a set of tables is included which gives the intensities and energies of all experimentally observed gaseous transitions involving the atomic ground state. The electronic configurations and state designations for the various states involved in these transitions are also listed. Two examples of the correlation between the spectra of gaseous and matrix-isolated atoms, are discussed, these being Cu and Pt in an Ar matrix.
Differential inhibitors of DNA polymerases alpha and delta.

Abstract DNA polymerases alpha and delta from bone marrow are similar in many respects, the major known difference being the exonuclease activity of delta. Differential inhibitors of alpha and delta have been sought to assist in their functional and physical separation. Butylphenyl deoxyguanosine triphosphate is one. It effectively inhibits alpha at less than 1 uM concentration, whereas more than 100 uM is required to similarly inhibit delta. Another is the monoclonal antibody, SJK 132-20, which neutralizes the polymerase activity of alpha but not delta. These differential inhibitors further define alpha and delta as separate categories of eukaryotic DNA polymerase and promise to facilitate the study of both.
Angiotensin II AT-1A receptor immunolabeling in rat medial nucleus tractus solitarius neurons: Subcellular targeting and relationships with catecholamines

The angiotensin II AT-1A receptor (AT-1A) is the major mediator of the hypertensive actions of angiotensin II (ANG II) in the medial nucleus of the solitary tract (mNTS). The localization of the AT-1A receptor at surface or intracellular sites is an important determinant of its signaling properties, including intercellular or intracrine communication. However, the spatial localization of this protein, particularly within small distal or intermediate size dendrites of mNTS neurons, is unknown. Within the mNTS, ANG II and catecholamines interact in the regulation of autonomic function; however, it is unknown if AT-1A receptors are present at functional sites in catecholamine containing dendrites, or are contacted by catecholamine containing axon terminals. We compared surface and intracellular distributions of the AT-1A receptor in dendritic processes from the mNTS using immunogold electron microscopy in conjunction with immunoperoxidase labeling for tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and morphometric analysis. Collapsed across all AT-1A-labeled dendritic profiles, immunogold labeling was more frequent in intracellular sites as compared with the plasma membrane. Small (<0.6 microm) dendritic profiles contained a higher ratio of particles associated with the surface membrane when compared with larger profiles. Approximately 27% of all AT-1A receptor-labeled dendritic profiles also contained labeling for TH. Approximately 12% of dendritic profiles single labeled for the AT-1A receptor were contacted by TH containing axons or axon terminals. The present results provide the first quantitative demonstration of select plasmalemmal and intracellular localizations of AT-1A receptors in dendritic processes of mNTS neurons, including those containing TH, or contacted by catecholaminergic axon terminals. These results suggest that AT-1A receptors are positioned for modulation of catecholamine signaling in the mNTS.
Caspofungin Kills Candida albicans by Causing both Cellular Apoptosis and Necrosis

Caspofungin exerts candidacidal activity by inhibiting cell wall (1,3)-β-d-glucan synthesis. We investigated the physiologic mechanisms of caspofungin-induced Candida albicans cell death. Apoptosis (programmed cell death) and necrosis were studied after C. albicans SC5314 cells were exposed to caspofungin at 0.06, 0.125, and 0.5 μg/ml (0.5×, 1×, and 4× the MIC, respectively) for 3 h. Caspofungin at 0.125 and 0.5 μg/ml reduced cellular viability by >50%, as measured by colony counts and methylene blue exclusion. Apoptosis and necrosis were demonstrated by annexin V and propidium iodide staining for phosphatidylserine externalization and loss of membrane integrity, respectively. At all concentrations of caspofungin, 20 to 25% and 5 to 7% of C. albicans cells exhibited early apoptosis and late apoptosis/necrosis, respectively (P value was not significant [NS]). Necrosis, on the other hand, was significantly greater at 0.125 (43%) and 0.5 (48%) μg/ml than at 0.06 μg/ml (26%) (P values of 0.003 and 0.003, respectively). The induction of apoptosis at concentrations less than or equal to the MIC was corroborated by dihydrorhodamine 123 (DHR-123) and dihydroethidium (DHE) staining (reactive oxygen species production), JC-1 staining (mitochondrial membrane potential dissipation), and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) and 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole dihydrochloride (DAPI) staining (DNA damage and nuclear fragmentation). Moreover, electron microscopy of cells exposed to 0.125 μg/ml of caspofungin showed hallmark apoptotic features like chromatin margination and condensation and nuclear blebs. Apoptosis was associated with metacaspase 1 activation, as demonstrated by D2R staining. Caspofungin exerts activity against C. albicans by directly killing cells (resulting in necrosis) and causing others to undergo programmed cell death (apoptosis). Apoptosis is initiated at subinhibitory concentrations, suggesting that strategies to target this process may augment the benefits of antifungal agents.
Postinfectious Myasthenia Gravis: Report of two Children:

We report two children with transient myasthenia gravis preceded by viral illnesses. The first is a 5-year-old boy who developed oculobulbar weakness 2 weeks following a varicella-zoster infection. The second is a 4-year-old boy who developed facial diplegia and dysarthria several weeks following a viral pharyngitis. Myasthenia gravis was diagnosed based on the substantial decremental changes on 3 Hz repetitive motor nerve stimulation studies for the first child and on the positive edrophonium test and complete improvement in symptoms during pyridostigmine therapy for both children. In both cases, the symptoms gradually resolved and have not recurred following discontinuation of pyridostigmine. Molecular mimicry between the acetylcholine receptor and viral proteins might provide the nidus for the immune response in this variant of myasthenia gravis.
“KMC-TDGL”—a coarse-grained methodology for simulating interfacial dynamics in complex fluids: application to protein-mediated membrane processes

In this article, we describe a new multiscale simulation algorithm (which we term the 'KMC-TDGL' method) applicable for the description of equilibrium and dynamic processes associated with a particular class of complex fluids with nanoscale inclusions, namely, biological membranes mediated by membrane-associating and membrane-bound proteins. We adopt a novel strategy of integrating two different phenomenological approaches, namely, a field theoretic (continuum) description for the membrane dynamics given by the time-dependent Ginzburg-Landau equation and a random walk on a discretized lattice description for protein diffusion dynamics. We illustrate that this integrated approach results in a unified description of protein-mediated membrane dynamics.
Effect of functional end groups of silane self-assembled monolayer surfaces on apatite formation, fibronectin adsorption and osteoblast cell function

Bioactive glass (BG) can directly bond to living bone without fibrous tissue encapsulation. Key mechanistic steps of BG's activity are attributed to calcium phosphate formation, surface hydroxylation and fibronectin (FN) adsorption. In the present study, self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of alkanesilanes with different surface chemistry (OH, NH(2) and COOH) were used as a model system to mimic BG's surface activity. Calcium phosphate (Ca-P) was formed on SAMs by immersion in a solution that simulates the electrolyte content of physiological fluids. FN adsorption kinetics and monolayer coverage was determined on SAMs with or without Ca-P coating. The surface roughness was also examined on these substrates before and after FN adsorption. The effects of FN-adsorbed, Ca-P-coated SAMs on the function of MC3T3-E1 were evaluated by cell growth, expression of alkaline phosphatase activity and actin cytoskeleton formation. We demonstrate that, although the FN monolayer coverage and the root mean square (rms) roughness are similar on --OH and --COOH terminated SAMs with or without Ca-P coating, higher levels of ALP activity, more actin cytoskeleton formation and more cell growth are obtained on --OH- and --COOH-terminated SAMs with Ca-P coating. In addition, although the FN monolayer coverage is higher on Ca-P-coated --NH(2)-terminated SAMs and SiO(x) surfaces, higher levels of ALP activity and more cell growth are obtained on Ca-P-coated --OH- and --COOH-terminated SAMs. Thus, with the same Ca-P coatings, different surface functional groups have different effects on the function of osteoblastic cells. These findings represent new insights into the mechanism of bioactivity of BG and thereby may lead to designing superior constructs for bone grafting.
Infection of a Chronically Implanted Iliac Artery Stent

Pseudoaneurysm formation and infection at the site of iliac artery stenting are uncommon complications that occur soon after stent placement. We describe a case in which an infected pseudoaneurysm developed 22 months following stent implantation. Stent infection, although rare, has potentially disastrous implications, as made evident by a review of the literature. Prophylactic antibiotic therapy at the time of stent placement is recommended.
The relationship of initial clinical parameters to the long‐term response in 112 cases of periodontal disease

The purpose of the present study was to determine whether any of the clinical parameters recorded during an initial periodontal examination would relate to the course of periodontal cases maintained for long periods of time. Based on available documentation, cases which had a downhill course were assembled from a population previously studied. In addition, long-term cases currently under maintenance care were drawn from our private practice. On average, the patients had been under care for 23 years. The study population was heavily weighted toward downhill cases to better compare these cases with those usually found in periodontal practice. Positive statistical correlations were found between the amount of subgingival calculus and the degree of gingival inflammation at initial examination. Disease severity initially was positively correlated to long-term course of disease. The amount of subgingival calculus did not relate to the long-term result. There was a strong correlation between inflammatory gingival hyperplasia initially and good long-term maintenance. The results suggest that, in combination, initial characteristics of periodontal cases coupled with long-term results of treatment may aid in further subclassifying the periodontal diseases.
Computation of Multi-Dimensional Material Response Coupled to Hypersonic Flow

Development of a material response model for non-charring ablative materials and twodimensional/axisymmetric geometries is presented. This model is loosely coupled to a computational uid dynamics code as a boundary condition subroutine to allow for prediction of the uid/surface interactions that occur for an ablating material in hypersonic ow. This coupled solution technique is applied to the case of the IRV-2 vehicle and axisymmetric material response results are compared with a similar coupling procedure that uses a one-dimensional material response code. The eect of multidimensional material response
Joseph Priestley, William Duncan and Analytic Arrangement in 18th-Century Scientific Discourse:

With the rise of science, 18th-century logic and rhetoric began to make use of inductive patterns of discourse. In logic, William Duncan discussed two methods of organizing extended discourse, the methods of analysis and synthesis. Analysis represents the movement of thought as the thinker or writer works through a problem to discover its solution. This method is actually an early form of what is now known as problem solving that Joseph Priestley, a rhetorician as well as a scientist, introduced into rhetoric. He uses analysis in his scientific writing, especially in his Experiments on Different Kinds of Air, in the form of a five-stage mental operation or heuristic that records the progress of his thoughts as he experimented on air to isolate and identify oxygen.
Radioguided surgery in urological malignancies

The current literature was reviewed for articles focusing on radioguided surgery in urological malignancies.In penile cancer sentinel lymph node dissection is part of international guidelines. By detailed histopathological analysis (serial sections, immunohistochemical staining) more micrometastases are detectable improving the histopathological staging.In prostate cancer this technique also improves staging since a high percentage of patients have lymph node metastases located outside the region of standard lymphadenectomy. Compared to extended lymph node dissection radioguided surgery has a lower morbidity, especially a lower rate of lymphoceles.In bladder cancer the sentinel lymph node (SLN) technique has some limitations. Combined with extended lymph node dissection more positive lymph nodes are removed which possibly improves survival.In renal cell and testicular cancer there are only preliminary results. Further investigations will show whether this technique will play an important role in the diagnostics and therapy of these tumors.In all urological malignancies the SLN concept is only a staging procedure. When the sentinel node(s) is (are) negative, the other lymph nodes are negative, too. Since there are no randomized prospective trials comparing the results of sentinel lymphadenectomy with other techniques of lymph node dissection, it is not clear whether sentinel lymph node dissection also has a prognostic impact.
Intramedullary spinal cord metastasis in breast cancer: clinical features, diagnosis, and therapeutic consideration.

Abstract: Intramedullary spinal cord metastases (ISCMs) are very rare, but can cause devastating complications from underlying breast cancer. We report the case of a woman with known metastatic breast cancer and progressive neurologic deterioration caused by an ISCM. The epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnostic considerations, and therapeutic options are discussed.
Probabilistic optimization of phenotype distributions: a general solution for the effects of uncertainty on natural selection?

Explorations of optimizing selection often find discrepancies between the theoretically expected and observed phenotypes. Such discrepancies are usually attributed to a variety of potential constraints. We suggest that one common constraint, environmental uncertainty, may reduce the applicability of traditional deterministic or stochastic optimization methods and that many apparent discrepancies might be artifacts of these methods. Since natural selection is essentially a statistical process, we propose that a probabilistic optimization procedure, that includes all of the variability in phenotype distributions and associated fitness potential functions might offer better results. The traditional methods define an optimal gene or genotype as that which produces a phenotype distribution with a mean or other measure of central tendency that equals the value yielding the maximum fitness potential. Our method defines the optimal gene or genotype as that which produces the phenotype distribution that maximizes fitness summed or integrated over its associated fitness potential function. Often the central tendency of the phenotype distribution yielding the probabilistic optimum will differ from the deterministic expectation. This method is an extension of utility theory to any phenotypic character. We illustrate our method using an example based on Price and Waser's (1979) notion of optimal inbreeding via optimal pollen dispersal.
Raman spectra of a rotator hindered by fields of cubic symmetry

Raman spectra of a vibrating rotator are computed for a variety of hindering fields of cubic symmetry. Results are displayed for three types of hindering potentials localizing the rotator gradually in 100g -, 110g -, or 111g -oriented minimum wells, respectively. For strong hindering potentials the spectra merge into those derived from the appropriate "tunneling model."
Continuous-tone grayscale mask fabrication using high-energy-beam-sensitive glass

For highest efficiency optical devices, it is desirable to form continuously graded device features. We describe a technique to produce such features through the fabrication of a continuous-tone grayscale mask and subsequent grayscale photolithography. The design of the mask fabrication process is outlined, including the high-energy-beam-sensitive (HEBS) glass electron-beam exposure response characterization, and the generation of an exposure profile with inherent proximity effect correction. Application of the process is demonstrated through fabrication of smooth-facet retroreflectors, with features that are not possible to produce either by a grayscale process that employs discreet gray levels or by anisotropic wet etch techniques.
Theoretical superconducting transition temperatures, and the possibility of superconductivity in Mg

Abstract Theoretical calculations for the superconducting transition temperatures of Zn, Cd and Be are presented The results are in excellent agreement with experiment Predictions are made for Mg.
Observation of Crack Propagation in Asphalt Mixtures with Acoustic Emission

Fracture in quasi-brittle materials is associated with the formation of microcracks, which release energy in the form of elastic waves called acoustic emissions. The use of acoustic emission (AE) in the characterization of the fracture behavior of asphalt mixtures at low temperatures is investigated, and a method that uses AE to locate the crack path is presented. An application of the method is detailed for fracture tests performed with the semicircular bend specimen on asphalt mixtures at low temperatures. A network of seven piezoelectric sensors was used to capture AE signals, and a nonlinear regression algorithm was employed to locate the AE events. The locations of microcracks were in good agreement with the crack path observed at the end of the test. When the load increased beyond 70% of the peak load, the rate of AE activity was significant, indicating the formation of microcracks, and the location of AE was concentrated in a distinct area called the process zone. Moreover, the location of AE in the postpeak load showed the movement of the process zone and identified the crack propagation in the macroscale.
Antilipolytic Effect of Insulin in Isolated Fat Cells of the Rat

The effect of insulin on fatty acid and glycerol release was examined in fat cells isolated from the parametrial adipose tissue of starved rats. Insulin reduced the basal rate of both fatty acid and glycerol release and blocked the stimulatory effect of growth hormone and dexamethasone on fatty acid and glycerol release by fat cells. The inhibitory effect of insulin on glycerol release was seen whether the cells were incubated in albumin buffer media in the absence or presence of glucose. As little as 0.1 μU/ml of insulin inhibited the acceleration of fatty acid release by growth hormone and dexamethasone, but 10–100 times as much insulin was required to accelerate glucose metabolism. Insulin reduced the stimulation of lipolysis by small amounts of theophylline and ACTH but the antilipolytic effect of insulin was readily overcome by addition of more theophylline or ACTH. Insulin did not reduce the lipolytic action of glucagon. (Endocrinology 78: 773, 1966)
Origins of Church Missionary Society accommodation to imperial policy: the Sierra Leone quagmire and the closing of the Susu Mission, 1804-17

A series of events in 1807 changed the mission of the early Church Missionary Society in Sierra Leone from one that was designed initially and solely to spread the Christian message in the interior of West Africa to one that included service to the Colony of Sierra Leone. Before 1807, the Society had identified the Susu language as the appointed language to be used in its conversion effort, and it intended to establish an exclusively Susu Mission—in Susu Country and independent of government attachment—that would prepare a vanguard of African catechists and missionaries to carry that message in the Susu language. In 1807, however, the Society's London-based board and the missionaries then present at Sierra Leone made a strategic shift of emphasis to accept government protection and support in return for a bargain of government service, while at the same time continuing with earlier and independent goals of carrying the message of Christianity to native Africans. That choice prepared the Society and its missionaries within a decade to significantly increase the Society's role in Britain's attempt to bring civilization, commerce and Christianity to the continent, and to do it within the confines of imperial policy.
Predicted and Observed Modal Radiation Patterns from JT15D Engine with Inlet Rods

In order to examine the acoustic transmission properties of inflow control devices used for static testing, interaction tones were intentionally generated by circumferenti al arrays of equally spaced rods that protrude radially from the inlet wall near the face of the 28-blade fan. Arrays of 28 and 41 rods, selected to give specific far-field radiation properties, were tested. The expected properties were readily apparent in the measured radiation patterns. A more detailed analysis of the test data showed both the precision and limitations of the applied acoustic theory. Rods protruding 23% of the radius predominantly generated only lowest radial order modes, as expected. Measured and predicted radiation patterns were generally in good agreement. The agreement, however, depended on a significant degree of implied refraction due to inlet velocity gradients. Refraction, if present, would impact static-flight noise comparisons. Nomenclature Am M = amplitude coefficient for (m,^) mode in directivity function [Eq. (3)], N/m2 B = number of rotor blades C0 —
How class background affects Mexican Americans’ experiences of subtle racism in the white-collar workplace

This research examines three questions. First and most broadly, how are professional Mexican Americans received in white-collar workplaces? Second, do their professional accomplishments buffer them from subtle racism? If not, what are the strategies they employ to manage subtle racism while at work? Finally, do experiences of subtle racism vary depending on whether one grows up poor or middle class? Based on 59 in-depth interviews with 1.5 and second-generation Mexican American professionals, results show those from poor backgrounds report more persistent experiences with subtle racism and they employ specific strategies to manage. This research adds to the literature by examining whether and to what extent class background heightens or minimizes Mexican Americans’ experiences of interpersonal racism in the white-collar workplace. This research also addresses larger debates and theories about whether boundaries between Mexican Americans and whites remain salient once Mexican Americans enter the middle class.
Evaluation of silver as a miniature direct methanol full cell electrode

Abstract Miniature direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) and direct hydrogen fuel cells are promising candidates for future polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) based micro-power sources. Currently, most miniature DMFCs are developed using a silicon based microelectromechanical system (MEMS) technique, which requires complex and precise processing. Low temperature cofire ceramic (LTCC) technology offers an attractive alternative for a ceramics MEMS construction, allowing the integration of high density interconnect and embedded electronic components with microchannels and hermetic cavities from the meso- to the microscale. Silver is a major metallization source for LTCC, which can be fabricated in a range of configurations, from a solid hermetic layer to a porous open structure with microchannels that can easily be integrated into the structures. Silver based LTCC provides an ideal technology for the fabrication of an integrated fuel cell into a high density ceramic-based microelectronic assembly. A silver electrode was evaluated in a simulated DMFC operating environment and found to exhibit good corrosion resistance and chemical stability, essential properties for electrode systems. Potentiodynamic analysis of a catalyzed silver electrode (prepared by thermal decomposition of a Pt/Ru resinate) revealed excellent corrosion resistance under anodic and cathodic DMFC operating conditions. The Pt/Ru catalyst on the silver electrode enhanced the methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) as well as oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) as compared with similar reactions on carbon electrodes. The potential at which methanol is oxidized was lower than the silver oxidation potential, which served to protect the silver electrode. The determination of a contact angle of 30° on the silver electrode indicated wettability, which is deleterious for its application in DMFCs. Nevertheless, the results of good corrosion resistance derived from this investigation as well as the high electrical and thermal conductivities of silver all auger well for it usage as an electrode in DMFC.
High speed modulation of semiconductor lasers

We review the recent advances in optical injection-locked lasers, focusing on high resonance frequencies (> 100 GHz) and 3 dB bandwidth (> 80 GHz). Physical parameters governing the dynamic performance will be discussed.
Analysis of impact on handset transmitter design of the high-speed data requirements in the IS-95-B CDMA wireless standard

As part of the evolution of the IS-95 CDMA wireless communications towards third-generation technology, high-speed data requirements were defined for both the uplink and downlink in the proposed IS-95-B revision. Although the requirements for the downlink are straightforward, the uplink requirements have considerably larger impact on the handset transmitter and base station receiver design. The impacts on the transmitter are examined, from baseband to RF frequencies. In particular, waveform quality and emissions are examined through high-level simulation to determine the tradeoffs involved implementation of a handset design which can support IS-95-B high speed data requirements for the uplink in the 1.9 GHz band.
Students' Attitudes on the Boundaries of Teachers' Authority

Educators in many countries are concerned about the decline in respect for authority by young people. The current study explores how children perceive their teachers' authority, what the `boundaries' (limits) to that authority are, and under what conditions they may decide to rebel. Over 200 Israeli elementary and middle school students were asked in semi-structured interviews how they conceive the norm of obedience to teachers; what kinds of illegitimate commands teachers issue; what pupils do in case of disagreement, and what is the jurisdiction of teachers and parents inside and outside school. The majority (81 percent) accepted the principle of teacher authority but qualified it with several conditions: authority was seen as limited to the school area, parents were accepted to intervene in cases of severe punishment and teachers should avoid committing aggressive and unethical acts. The discussion identifies circles of legitimate (agreed upon by both sides) and illegitimate (accepted by teachers but n...
Evolutionary computing for spacecraft power subsystem design search and optimization

Evolutionary computing has proven to be a straightforward and robust approach for optimizing a wide range of difficult analysis and design problems. This paper discusses the application of these techniques to an existing space vehicle power subsystem resource and performance simulation in a parallel processing environment. Using this method, engineers can trade off subsystem goals of mass, cost and performance then automatically size power elements based on their anticipated performance. Our results show that this approach has the potential to improve the space system trade study process.
ε-optimization schemes and L-bit precision: Alternative perspectives for solving combinatorial optimization problems

Motivated by the need to deal with imprecise data in real-world optimization problems, we introduce two new models for algorithm design and analysis. The first model, called the L-bit precision model, leads to an alternate concept of polynomial-time solvability. Expressing numbers in L-bit precision reflects the format in which large numbers are stored in computers today. The second concept, called @e-optimization, provides an alternative approach to approximation schemes for measuring distance from optimality. In contrast to the worst-case relative error, the notion of an @e-optimal solution is invariant under subtraction of a constant from the objective function, and it is properly defined even if the objective function takes on negative values. Besides discussing the relation between these two models and preexisting concepts, we focus on designing polynomial-time algorithms for solving NP-hard problems in which some or all data are expressed with L-bit precision, and on designing fully polynomial-time @e-optimization schemes for NP-hard problems, including some that do not possess fully polynomial-time approximation schemes (unless P=NP).
Microfabrication through Electrostatic Self-Assembly

We use electrostatic interactions to direct the patterning of gold disks having ∼10-μm diameters on functionalized surfaces. Planar and curved substrates with patterned surface charge were generated either by microcontact printing or by photolithography. Small charged gold disks were generated by electroplating gold into photoresist molds and derivatizing these disks with charged self-assembled monolayers. When agitated as a suspension in contact with the patterned surfaces, the charged gold disks deposited specifically but as disordered aggregates on regions presenting the opposite charge. Positively-charged disks deposited on phosphonate-, carboxylate-, and SiOH-terminated surfaces but not on trimethylammonium- and dimethylammonium-terminated surfaces, and vice versa for negatively-charged disks. Methyl- and CF3-terminated surfaces resisted deposition of disks of either charge. Selective and dense assembly was achieved in methanol, ethanol, 2-propanol, and dioxane; in water, deposition was nonspecific. ...
Egg size variation among tropical and temperate songbirds: An embryonic temperature hypothesis

Species with “slow” life history strategies (long life, low fecundity) are thought to produce high-quality offspring by investing in larger, but fewer, young. Larger eggs are indeed associated with fewer eggs across taxa and can yield higher-quality offspring. Tropical passerines appear to follow theory because they commonly exhibit slow life history strategies and produce larger, but fewer, eggs compared with northern species. Yet, I show here that relative egg mass (corrected for adult mass) varies extensively in the tropics and subtropics for the same clutch size, and this variation is unexplained. I propose a hypothesis to explain egg size variation both within the tropics and between latitudes: Relative egg mass increases in species with cooler egg temperatures and longer embryonic periods to offset associated increases in energetic requirements of embryos. Egg temperatures of birds are determined by parental incubation behavior and are often cooler among tropical passerines because of reduced parental attentiveness of eggs. Here, I show that cooler egg temperatures and longer embryonic periods explained the enigmatic variation in egg mass within and among regions, based on field studies in tropical Venezuela (36 species), subtropical Argentina (16 species), and north temperate Arizona (20 species). Alternative explanations are not supported. Thus, large egg sizes may reflect compensation for increased energetic requirements of cool egg temperatures and long embryonic periods that result from reduced parental attentiveness in tropical birds.
MOLECULAR PHYLOGENY OF JACANAS AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR MORPHOLOGIC AND BIOGEOGRAPHIC EVOLUTION

Abstract We compared sequences of mitochondrial cytochrome-b and ND5 genes in a phylogenetic analysis of seven species of jacanas, representing all six genera and including the Greater Painted-snipe (Rostratula benghalensis) as an outgroup. When analyzed separately by parsimony and maximum-likelihood bootstrapping, the two genes produced consistent trees, although the ND5 tree was better resolved than the cytochrome-b tree. When combined, the data from the two genes produced a fully resolved tree that was identical to the ND5 tree. This tree had the following form: ((((Irediparra, Microparra), Metopidius), Actophilornis), ((Jacana jacana, J. spinosa), Hydrophasianus)), Rostratula. The phylogeny consists of two major clades that were known to traditional and phylogenetic taxonomists. It also contains sister taxa that are geographically disjunct: the New World Jacana and Asian Hydrophasianus, and the African Microparra and Australian Irediparra. We postulate that this biogeographic pattern results from the ...
High average power fs frequency comb from an optically injection locked amplification cavity

We demonstrate a scalable approach for the generation of high average power fs pulse trains by optically injection locking an amplification cavity. Initial results generated 4.7 Watts average power and 70 fs pulses.
Top Picks from the 2011 Computer Architecture Conferences

This special issue is the ninth in an important tradition in the computer architecture community: IEEE Micro's Top Picks from the Computer Architecture Conferences. This tradition provides a means for sharing a sample of the best papers published in computer architecture in 2011 with the IEEE Micro readership and researchers in the computer architecture community.
Characterisation of a measurement system for reproducible friction testing on sheet metal under plane strain

The testing equipment can compromise the quantification of the friction on sheet metal. This paper focuses on a systematic analysis of the testing equipment as a measurement system of the friction phenomena. It is shown that the mechanical response of the system may be responsible for significant variations on the quantification of frictional effects. Historical and inter-laboratory testing data show that, upon proper design of the measurement system, friction can be quantified, reproduced, and replicated with a significant degree of accuracy. This paper discusses the requirements and the controls of the test needed to maintain the uncertainty at its minimum level. The results show the feasibility of characterising friction in order to study the effects of the sheet, lubricant, and forming tools. This study is based on tests where cyclic bending under tension resulted in significant stretching and thinning of the sheet, but with the width remaining approximately constant. Friction research under other sheet forming modes may, however, benefit from the significance of the findings presented here.
DSM-III Criteria for Alcohol Abuse: Associations with Alcohol Consumption Behavior

DSM-III criteria for diagnosing alcohol abuse in a sample of hospitalized alcoholics highly correlated with each other and were poorly correlated with self-reported drinking pattern, quantity, and consequences of alcohol consumption. These findings question the specificity and the construct validity of the DSM-III criteria for diagnosing alcohol abuse.
Kinetics of Thin‐Film Reactions of Nickel Oxide with Alumina: II, {1100} and {1102} Reaction Couples

Solid-state reactions between thin films of nickel oxide (NiO) that had been grown on four different orientations of alpha-alumina (alpha-Al2O3), each with an intermediate layer of spinel, have been studied by using electron microscopy. The starting reaction geometry consists of a nickel aluminate (NiAl2O4) buffer layer 20 nm thick and a NiO overlayer 400 nm thick, both of which were grown via pulsed-laser deposition and epitactically aligned to the alpha-Al2O3. In the first of a series of three papers, the reaction on (0001)- and {[1120}-oriented monocrystals of alpha-Al2O3 is discussed. When heat treatment is applied, the reaction layers thicken linearly as the time increases, which is indicative of kinetic control via an interfacial reaction. The activation energy for reaction on the (0001) face is 697 kJ/mol, whereas that for reaction on the {1120} reflection is 536 kJ/mol. Because the spinel and NiO have the same orientations (i.e., (111), parallel to the substrate surface plane) for both of these orientations, the NiO/spinel interfaces are the same. Thus, the difference in the kinetics is associated with the differences that occur at the spinel/alumina interface; hence, the kinetics of the interfacial reaction are dependent upon the interfacial structure. Observations of the location of the initial interfaces, relative to their final locations, lead to the conclusion that these reactions do not only occur via a counterdiffusion of cations, but rather must also involve the diffusion of oxygen.
The effects of a low-carbohydrate, ketogenic diet on the polycystic ovary syndrome: A pilot study

Background Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age and is associated with obesity, hyperinsulinemia, and insulin resistance. Because low carbohydrate diets have been shown to reduce insulin resistance, this pilot study investigated the six-month metabolic and endocrine effects of a low-carbohydrate, ketogenic diet (LCKD) on overweight and obese women with PCOS.