cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fabrication and Characterization of a 3D Printed, MicroElectrodes Platform With Functionalized Electrospun Nano-Scaffolds and Spin Coated 3D Insulation Towards Multi- Functional Biosystems

We demonstrate new fabrication technologies for 3D microelectrode platforms, fully realized for several 3D multi-functional biosystems. The microfabrication technology involves 3D metallized microtowers realized by 3D printing, metal evaporation, and coarse biocompatible lamination to insulate the traces. Electrospun 3D nanofiber scaffolds (NFSs) are coupled to the microelectrodes to provide additional functionality. The scaffolds were formed via electrospinning two types of nanofibers: ~200-500 nm PET, a hydrophobic polymer, and ~100 nm PVA/PAA, a hydrophilic co-polymer. PVA/PAA nanofibers had consistent diameters without beading and were used in subsequent experiments. Impedance measurements before, 651.3 $\text{k}\Omega $ , and after, 659.4 $\text{k}\Omega $ , deposition of PVA/PAA remains unchanged, indicating enhanced functionality without interfering with the electrical characteristics of the 3D MEAs. Silver nanoparticles (Ag NP) were embedded as model drug compounds in the PVA/PAA-NFS to demonstrate the potential of the 3D MEA as a biosensor and drug delivery system. TEM and antimicrobial studies demonstrated ~5-15 nm Ag NP within the PVA/PAA-NFS, which was potent to Acinetobacter baumannii and Escherichia coli. Fine 3D insulation atop the microtowers is achieved using a drop-casted/spin-coated 3D layer of Polystyrene (PS), which is laser micromachined to realize $50\times 50\,\,\mu \text{m}^{{2}}\,\,3\text{D}$ microelectrodes with impedance properties similar to other reported approaches. [2019-0043]
3D–Printed Tunable Helical Resonators for Miniaturized VHF Filters

In this paper, a 3D-printed miniaturized tunable helical resonator for VHF applications is presented for the first time. The cavity and the helical resonator are 3D-printed while the cavity top cover is a printed circuit board (PCB). The frequency tuning is made possible by using varactor diodes. Direct tapping is used to couple externally into the 3D-printed helical resonator. Coplanar waveguides, realized on the top PCB layer, are utilized to form transitions from the ports to the tap-lines. The proposed 3D-printed helical resonator achieved a measured unloaded quality (Q) factor of 168-239 over a tuned center frequency of 170-240 MHz.
Taking Conspiracy Theory Seriously

Tales about the nefarious natures of secret societies such as the Illuminati and the Freemasons have been around since the eighteenth century. And since at least the nineteenth century, such conspi...
CyberPDX: An Interdisciplinary Professional Development Program for Middle and High School Teachers

CyberPDX is an annual professional development program hosted at Portland State University. Our long-term goal is to broaden participation in cybersecurity. Since 2016, over 70 middle and high school teachers from the Pacific Northwest have participated in the STREAM program, which offers interdisciplinary instruction in programming, cryptography, personal security, policy, literature, and arts. In this poster, we share our interdisciplinary curriculum, present data on short-term impacts, and describe our in-progress work to evaluate the program's longer term impacts.
Deep Convolutional Neural Networks as a Rapid Screening Tool for Complex Additively Manufactured Structures

ABSTRACT Additively manufactured metamaterials such as lattices offer unique physical properties such as high specific strengths and stiffnesses. However, additively manufactured parts, including lattices, exhibit a higher variability in their mechanical properties than wrought materials, placing more stringent demands on inspection, part quality verification, and product qualification. Previous research on anomaly detection has primarily focused on using in-situ monitoring of the additive manufacturing process or post-process (ex-situ) x-ray computed tomography. In this work, we show that convolutional neural networks (CNN), a machine learning algorithm, can directly predict the energy required to compressively deform gyroid and octet truss metamaterials using only optical images. Using the tiled nature of engineered lattices, the relatively small data set (43 to 48 lattices) can be augmented by systematically subdividing the original image into many smaller sub-images. During testing of the CNN, the prediction from these sub-images can be combined using an ensemble-like technique to predict the deformation work of the entire lattice. This approach provides a fast and inexpensive screening tool for predicting properties of 3D printed lattices. Importantly, this artificial intelligence strategy goes beyond ‘inspection’, since it accurately estimates product performance metrics, not just the existence of defects.
Platform-top reef sand apron morphodynamics and the half-empty bucket

Abstract In shallow water atop many isolated platforms and atolls, reef sand aprons largely consist of debris shed platformward from shelf-margin reefs towards the lagoon. Although their general geomorphology and sedimentology are broadly understood, quantitative details of the possible role of reef sand apron hydrodynamics on their geomorphic evolution remain less well constrained. To test the hypothesis that on-platform reef sand apron progradation is prone to completely infill adjacent lagoons, this study documents over 50 new hydrodynamic simulations that isolate and evaluate the relations among geomorphology, waves, and tides. The results show how deep-water waves hit the shelf margin and favor on-platform sediment transport, but highlight that tides modulate the influence of waves while generating currents on their own. Across the range of wave heights and tidal amplitudes, however, platform-directed bed shear stress on shallow reef flats decreases with increasing reef and reef sand apron width. Parts of broad reef sand aprons can even include off-platform-directed shear stress during incoming flood tide. These insights motivate a conceptual model for how the process of widening of a reef sand apron by lagoonward sediment transport decreases the magnitude of the very forces that drive the transport, inhibiting further progradation. Such an autogenic, self-limiting dynamic curbs the propensity of lagoons to fill with coarse sediment shed from the reef by reef sand apron expansion. Instead, many atolls are doomed to remain “half-empty buckets,” even in the absence of external change such as a relative change in sea level.
Decentralization, teacher quality, and the education of English learners: Do state education agencies effectively prepare teachers of Els?

English learners are entitled to participate meaningfully and equally in educational programs. The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) includes provisions to ensure success for all students, including English learners. However, the federal government does not prescribe specifically how states should meet these provisions; instead, it is the responsibility of states to develop respective plans of action. This decentralization means that states play a primary role in setting policy for teacher credentialing. In this paper, we address the following question: Do state education agencies effectively prepare teachers of ELs? We reviewed the teacher credentialing requirements to teach classified English learners in bilingual education, English language development, and sheltered English immersion settings, as well as the professional teaching standards for reference to culturally and linguistically diverse learners across the 50 states and the District of Columbia. We found inconsistencies across the US with regard to the education of classified English learners and document wide variation in teacher certification for working with English learners. We highlight implications for policy and teacher preparation.
Properties of poly(dimethylsiloxane) chains and gels in toluene and in toluene/ methanol mixtures

Four different samples of α-dimethylvinylsilyl-ω-vinylpoly(oxydimethylsilanediyl) (α,ω-divinylPDMS) chains of different molar masses have been endlinked in the absence of solvent to form “model” polymer networks. These networks have been subjected to swelling experiments at 30°C in toluene and toluene/methanol mixtures. The volume fraction of polymer in the gel at equilibrium swelling v3 is determined gravimetrically. The preferential sorption coefficient λ is found using interferometry. Large preferential sorption effects prevent the solvent mixtures from being treated as pseudo-one-component solvents. The variation of swelling and preferential sorption with network and solvent composition is discussed. The thermodynamic properties of α,ω-divinylPDMS chains in dilute solution with toluene, toluene/methanol mixtures, and tetrahydrofuran are determined at 30°C using intrinsic viscosity measurements. Polymer-solvent interaction parameters and Mark-Houwink constants as well as unperturbed dimensions are determined in both the pure solvents and solvent mixtures.
Image quality optimization for automatic warping registration in X-ray DSA

X-ray digital subtraction angiography images frequently suffer from misregistration artifacts. Current systems use whole-image registration techniques that can require extensive operator interaction and can be tedious to use. Frequently, patient motion leads to complex artifacts that whole-image registration cannot remove. Available technology makes warping registration feasible. We optimize and test different warping registration algorithms. We also perform an image quality based evaluation of automatic warping registration to investigate its usefulness and feasibility in future DSA software.
Marine Mammals and Ocean Noise

Humans generate sounds in the ocean intentionally (e.g., sonar) and as a consequence of other activities (e.g., shipping). These sounds increase the noise level in the acoustic spectrum which one or more species of marine mammals utilize. Different marine mammal species are sensitive to sound at frequencies between 10 Hz and 180 kHz and thus all human-generated sounds have the potential to impact some marine mammals. Any sound that rises to the level of detectability has the potential to alter behavior. Louder sounds can interfere with acoustic communication or detection of relevant acoustic cues from the environment. Still louder sounds can lead to physiological changes such as temporary or permanent threshold shifts in hearing sensitivity with extremely loud sounds at very close range causing acoustic trauma. Continued exposure to noise causes stress reactions in humans and other terrestrial species studied and is likely to cause stress reactions in marine mammals. Determining the significance of any of these effects of human-generated sounds on marine mammal populations is exceedingly difficult.
A ΔΣ ADC using an LSB-first SAR quantizer

A ΔΣ ADC using an LSB-first quantizer (LSBFQ) is proposed. LSBFQ are energy-efficient ADCs for processing signals with low activity, and have been proposed as standalone quantizers for sensor and biomedical applications. Since the quantizers in highly oversampled multibit ΔΣ ADC process signals with low average activity, the LSBFQ is an ideal quantizer solution. In order to avoid clocking the LSBFQ at a rate much faster than the rest of the ΔΣ ADC, it is proposed that the quantizer be provided a fixed number of comparison cycles, then be interrupted regardless of whether the conversion has fully completed. This is acceptable because for high oversampling ratios (OSR), the average code change is small and an N-bit conversion can usually be completed in fewer than N comparison cycles. In the rare cases that the quantizer is interrupted early, it injects slightly more quantization noise into the loop filter, which is filtered and shaped with little impact on signal-to-noise and distortion ratio (SNDR). Simulation results demonstrate that for high OSR, an LSBFQ achieves higher resolution and lower capacitor switching energy than a conventional SAR ADC using the same number of comparator bitcycles.
Tyrosine phosphorylation is required for ehrlichial internalization and replication in P388D1 cells

Replication of Ehrlichia risticii was inhibited in P388D1 cells when a protein tyrosine kinase inhibitor (genistein or herbimycin A) was added after internalization of the organism at 3 h postinfection. Upon addition of genistein at day 1, 2, 3, or 4 postinfection, further proliferation of E. risticii was prevented. The inhibition was reversible, since regrowth of E. risticii occurred upon the removal of genistein. Genistein prevented spreading of E. risticii from P388D1 cells to THP-1 cells. Genistein did not prevent binding of [35S]methionine-labeled E. risticii to P388D1 cells but did prevent internalization of [35S]methionine-labeled E. risticii. 14CO2 production from L-[14C]glutamine in Percoll density gradient-purified E. risticii was not inhibited by genistein or herbimycin A, which suggests that these reagents did not directly inhibit ehrlichial energy metabolism. Double indirect immunofluorescence labeling with antiphosphotyrosine antibody and anti-E. risticii antibody revealed colocalization of tyrosine phosphoproteins with ehrlichial inclusions. There was, however, no colocalization of phosphotyrosine with phagosomes containing 0.5-microm-diameter fluorescent beads. Western immunoblot analysis revealed that 52- and 54-kDa proteins were tyrosine phosphorylated only in infected cells and that phosphorylation of these two proteins was reduced when infected cells were treated with genistein for 6 h. These results suggest that protein tyrosine phosphorylation is specific and essential for ehrlichial internalization, replication, and spreading in macrophages but not for binding.
Fluid inclusion studies of calcite veins from Yucca Mountain, Nevada, Tuffs: Environment of formation

Calcite vein and vug fillings at four depths (130-314m), all above the present water table in USW G-1 bore hole at Yucca Mountain, Nevada, contain primary fluid inclusions with variable vapor/liquid raitos: Most of these inclusions are either full of liquid or full of vapor. The liquid-filled inclusions show that most of the host calcite crystallized from fluids at <100{degrees}C. The vapor-filled inclusions provide evidence that a separate vapor phase was present in the fluid during crystallization. Studies of these vapor-filled inclusions on the microscope crushing stage were interpreted in an earlier paper as indicating trapping of an air-water-CO{sub 2} vapor phase at ``<100{degrees}C``. Our new studies reveal the additional presence of major methane in the vapor-filled inclusion, indicating even lower temperatures of trapping, perhaps at near-surface temperatures. They also show that the host calcite crystals grew from a flowing film of water on the walls of fractures open to the atmosphere, the vapor-filled inclusions representing bubbles that exsolved from this film onto the crystal surface.
Schema-driven source misattribution errors: remembering the expected from a witnessed event

When recollection is difficult, people may use schematic processing to enhance memory. Two experiments showed that a delay between witnessing and recalling a visual sequence increases schematic processing, resulting in stereotypic memory errors. Participants watched a slide show of a man and a woman performing stereotype-consistent and stereotype-inconsistent actions, followed by an immediate or delayed memory test. Over a two-day delay, stereotype-inconsistent actions were increasingly misremembered as having been performed by the stereotype-consistent actor (Experiment 1). All the source errors increased, regardless of stereotype consistency, when the wrong actor was suggested. When we merely suggested that ‘someone’ performed an action (Experiment 2), only stereotype-consistent source errors were increased. Although visual scenes are typically well remembered, these results suggest that when memory fades, reliance on schemata increases, leading to increased stereotypic memory errors. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Survey of VBR Video Traffic Models

We have seen a phenomenal growth in video applications in the past few years. An accurate traffic model of VBR video is necessary for performance evaluation of a network design and also for creating synthetic loads that can be used for benchmarking a network. In view of this, various models for VBR video traffic have been proposed in the literature. In this paper, we classify and survey these models. In addition, we implemented four representative video traffic models and compared them using the H.264 AVC video traces available at the Arizona State University video traces library. These models are: the Markov Modulated Gamma (MMG) model, the Discrete Autoregressive (DAR) model, the second order Autoregressive AR(2) model, and a wavelet-based model. The results show that the MMG and the wavelet-based models are suitable for both video conference and IPTV, while the DAR model is good for video conference traffic only. According to our results, the AR(2) model is not suitable for generating any type of H.264 video. A brief overview of SVC, HD, and 3D video is also provided.
Kinematic and Force Data Collection in Biomechanics by Means of Sonic Emitters—II: Force Data Collection and Application to the Human Shoulder Complex

In multisegmented mathematical models of the human body the most difficult and the least successful modeling of a major articulating joint has been the shoulder complex because of the lack of appropriate biomechanical data as well as the anatomical complexity of the region. In this paper, quantitative results on the variability of the stiffness of the shoulder complex dependent upon orientation of the upper arm are presented by applying the principles and theory developed in Part I. The paper starts with a description of a multiple-axis force and moment transducer and its utilization with sonic emitters in determining direction as well as location of the general force and moment vectors applied on a body segment. The numerical results which are presented for three subjects are in the form of plots showing the passive resistance of the shoulder complex as functions of drawer displacements of the upper arm along its long bone axis. Exponential and power curve fitting of the numerical results are also provided to establish intra-subject variations and similarities of the behavioral patterns of the axial stiffness characteristics of the human shoulder complex.
Photocontrol of Ion Permeation through Bilayer Membranes Using an Amphiphilic Spiropyran

Addition of small amounts (≤2 mol %) of an amphiphilic spiropyran to dihexadecyl phosphate unilamellar vesicles caused rates of leakage of occluded K+ or Co(bpy)32+ to increase severalfold above those obtained in the absent of the dopant. Photoisomerization of the spiropyran to its merocyanine form by exposure to ultraviolet light caused the leak rates to revert to values nearly identical to the background levels. Subsequent exposure to visible light caused reformation of the spiro compound with an attendant increase in the leak rate. These effects were fully reversible over several photoisomerization cycles. Similar behavior was observed when egg phosphatidylcholine vesicles were used, although the magnitude of the effect at equivalent loadings was considerably less. Solvatochromic shifts observed by transient spectrophotometry revealed that, following rapid photocleavage of the spiro carbon ring, the medium surrounding the initially formed merocyanine became considerably more polar. Collectively, these ...
Modified Multistep Methods Based on a Nonpolynomial Interpolant

A new class of multistep formulas with variable coefficients is derived for the numerical integration of the ordinary differential equation y′ = f(x, y) whose theoretical solution possesses a singularity. A first numerical solution is obtained along with estimates for the behavior of the singularity, and these estimates are then used to obtain further numerical solutions.
Cyclobutadieneiron nitrosyl complexes

Abstract The air stable yellow-orange complexes of cyclobutadieneiron dicarbonyl nitrosyl hexafluorophosphate, [R 4 C 4 Fe(CO) 2 NO] + PF - 6 ; R = H, CH 3 , Ph, were prepared by the reaction of R 4 C 4 Fe(CO) 3 and nitrosonium hexafluorophosphate. These complexes undergo facile monocarbonyl substitution reactions with various Lewis bases (L) to afford products of the type [R 4 C 4 Fe(CO)(NO)L] + PF - 6 , R = H, L = Ph 3 P, Ph 3 As, Ph 3 Sb or R = Ph; L = Ph 3 P, Ph 3 As; a dicarbonyl substitution product of the type [R 4 C 4 Fe(NO)L 2 ] + PF - 6 , R = Ph; L = (PhO) 3 P, was also isolated and characterized.
The effect of hepatic enzyme-inducing drugs on thyroid hormones and the thyroid gland

With the understanding that various drugs, industrial chemicals, and chemicals of environmental importance can increase thyroid hormone hepatic metabolism and excretion, it is important to consider whether compensation by the thyroid gland for this increased excretion can lead to stimulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis and possibly secondary hyperplastic or neoplastic changes in the thyroid. The compounds discussed in this review all affect thyroid function by increasing biliary excretion of thyroid hormone metabolites. Numerous studies have been performed to elucidate the effect of these drugs on thyroid hormone equilibrium. Animals given PB compensate for the increased biliary excretion with an elevated TSH allowing maintenance of a euthyroid state. Human studies demonstrate increased thyroid hormone plasma clearance, but without an increased TSH. The effects of an experimental leukotriene antagonist are similar. In humans, diphenylhydantoin has been conclusively shown to cause a decrease in peripheral thyroid hormone levels, although without evident hypothyroidism or increase in TSH. Limited studies of rifampin and carbamazepine reveal similar results. Nicardipine in rats causes reproducible decreases in free T4 levels, although it does not clearly stimulate a rise in TSH levels. An experimental imidazole caused reversible lowering of peripheral thyroid hormone levels in rats; in this study TSH was not measured. Studies with aromatic hydrocarbons administered to rats reveal a general decrease in T4 levels, with a compensatory increase of TSH. The effects of chronic administration of a compound that can cause increased thyroid hormone metabolism with compensation via increased TSH production are of more than theoretical interest, as it has been well documented that constant stimulation of the thyroid gland in rats with supraphysiological levels of TSH causes goiter, thyroid hyperplasia, adenomas, and carcinomas. In humans with congenital metabolic thyroid deficiencies there is an increased incidence of thyroid neoplasia, suggesting an association with chronic increased TSH levels. In contrast, however, large epidemiological studies of areas of endemic goiter do not show an association of human thyroid cancer with iodine deficiency and presumed chronic thyroid gland stimulation. Histological evidence of thyroid follicular hyperplasia has been noted in rats after administration of phenobarbital, nicardipine, polycyclic hydrocarbons, and possibly an experimental imidazole. Increased thyroid gland size has been demonstrated in rats given phenobarbital, nicardipine, a leukotriene antagonist, and various polycyclic hydrocarbons. Thyroid carcinoma in rats has been associated with treatment with nicardipine and after exposure to several aromatic hydrocarbons.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
LAGERHEIMIA HINDAKII IS THE UNICELLULAR STAGE OF A SCENEDESMUS1

Extensive variability in spine number and position was emphasized in the protologue for the spiny unicell Lagerheimia hindakii Hegew. et A. Schmidt. Using an axenic clone established from culture Hindk 1975/95, which provided the type material of that organism, we initiated a morphogenetic study. While in the unicellular stage, three short spines were usually formed at each cell pole. A colonial morph was first observed during the initial isolation procedure after unicells were dispersed on firm agar and allowed to grow. We propose that L. hindakii is a Scenedesmus, close to S. subspicatus R. Chod. This organism is unlike most representatives of the genus Scenedesmus because colonies do not readily appear in dilute media; they also fail to form in Bristol's liquid medium unless there is an organic supplement, e.g. glucose. Hindk 1975/95 may be more closely related to truly unicellular taxa than to other Scenedesmus.
An unusual compound containing μ-O-bridged Re26+ cores in very different coordination environments

Abstract The reaction of Re 2 (O 2 CC 6 H 5 ) 4 Cl 2 with PMe 3 in ethanol in the presence of traces of air or a small amount of H 2 O 2 affords the unusual compound [Cl(PMe 3 ) 3 Re(μ-O 2 CC 6 H 5 )Re(O)] 2 (μ-O) 2 ( 1 ). The crystal structure of this new rhenium ‘dimer of dimers’ type compound has been established by X-ray crystallography. In this centrosymmetric molecule each dirhenium unit is supported by one benzoate ligand and further ligated by Cl, PMe 3 and O-ligands; the two dinuclear units are united by two μ-O atoms. Interestingly, the rhenium centers have rarely observed distinctly different coordination environments within the dimers, namely ReClOP 3 ReO 4 , which can be formally considered as Re(II)Re(IV) or Re(I)Re(V).
The future of nurse-midwifery education: Survival of the profession

Summary I have briefly discussed the focus of the curriculum needed to prepare the nurse-midwife as an expert in the care and support of normal childbearing families, and thus ensure the continued professional status of this health care provider. I believe I may have raised more questions than answers for many nurse-midwives, and in closing I would like to articulate a few of the salient issues that remain before use as a profession. 1. Until the present, nurse-midwives have existed in a precarious position — somewhere in limbo between the physician and nurse. We have limited numbers and impact on the health care system. Do we need alliances and with whom? 2. How do we change our relationship with the consulting physician to a truly collegial one based on mutual respect? 3. Has the time come to claim our status as legitimate health care providers, fully capable of providing health supervision of normal childbearing women without the ubiquitous presence of the physician? 4. Shall we limit our practice to deny couples assistance in childbearing when their choice of settings is other than the hospital? Do we recognize the potential dangers that await healthy people introduced into a disease oriented medical institution, not to mention the outrageous costs of these services for healthy people? 5. Is it important to end our struggle through research to prove that we provide the same level of care for healthy women as the physician does, and move onto examining how we provide some aspects of health supervision better than anyone else on the team? 6. Are we prepared to accept the responsibility to provide primary health supervision of healthy child-bearing women? 7. Are we willing to survive as a profession? For many years this country has had the privilege of allowing many types of health/medical workers space to practice as long as the public demanded or used their services. With economic resources becoming more scarce each year, plus some-what limited control on the number and quality of health professionals prepared, this luxury will certainly end. Where will the nurse-midwife be at this time? I submit that the choices are basically two — dorwned in the flood of the unnecessary or leading the team of providers of services to healthy childbearing families!
Complex refractive errors in pediatric patients: cause, management, and criteria for success.

Background. Uncorrected refractive error in children is an important contributor to permanent neurological visual impairment (amblyopia). Spectacles are often inadequate for certain refractive errors that occur in the pediatric population. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to present the diagnostic and therapeutic considerations of infants and children referred to a hospital specialty contact lens practice during a 30-month period. Methods. A retrospective cohort design was used to study patients 12 years or younger referred to a hospital-based contact lens service and cared for by the author. Sixty patients were first examined during the enrollment period. Follow-up data were collected after a period of no less than 3 years from the initial visit. Success with the prescribed therapy was assessed by comparing the final method of optical correction with that prescribed at the initial presentation. Results. Aphakia and trauma were the two most common causes for referral, representing 57% of the patients younger than age 12. Contact lenses were prescribed for 51 of the 60 patients (85%) at presentation. Seventy-five percent of patients with unilateral aphakia attributable to congenital cataract were wearing a contact lens at the most recent follow-up examination. This was reduced to 60% with aphakia after trauma and just 50% with bilateral aphakia. The frequency of a visual acuity of 20/40 or better was 67% for bilateral aphakia, 47% after trauma with aphakia, and 25% for unilateral aphakia. Conclusions. The results presented here suggest that patients with unilateral aphakia attributable to congenital cataract have the most consistent contact lens wear, followed by patients with unilateral aphakia attributable to trauma. Patients with bilateral aphakia were more likely to have changed to spectacle lens wear. Patients wearing contact lenses at the most recent follow-up examination were more likely to have good visual acuity.
What's the Matter?: Shakti's (Re)Collection of Race, Nationhood, and Gender

The 2005 Student Essay Contest winner weaves together the narratives of members of Viji Prakash's Shakti bharatanatyam school community, dancing in and out of positions of marginality to unravel the notion of group identity as cohesive, homogenous, and pure as she confronts her own performance and corporealization of South Asian American identity.
Toxicity test of landfill leachate using Sarotherodon mossambicus (freshwater fish).

Landfill leachate was collected in March and July, 1984, at the Gin Drinkers' Bay Landfill Site, and the properties of the two leachates were examined. The leachate collected in March contained higher contents of total solids, ammonia, and metals than that collected in July. The leachates were treated with EDTA (10(-3) M) and Al/sub 2/(SO/sub 4/)/sub 3/ (2 and 4 g/liter), alone and in combination. Addition of alum (2 g/liter) removed more than 60% of the phosphate content of the two leachates, and about 20 and 68% of total solids from leachates collected in March and July, respectively. Different concentrations of the leachates (untreated and alum-treated) were used to test the survival of tilapia, Sarotherodon mossambicus. The 96-hr LC50 for untreated leachates of March and July were 1.4 and 12%, respectively. The alum-treated leachates raised the 96-hr LC50 to 2.2 and 31.4%, accordingly.
Market volatility prediction and the efficiency of the S & P 100 index option market

Abstract Most models of market volatility use either past returns or ex post volatility to forecast volatility. In this paper, the dynamic behavior of market volatility is assessed by forecasting the volatility implied in the transaction prices of Standard & Poor's 100 index options. We test and reject the hypothesis that volatility changes are unpredictable. However, while our statistical model delivers precise forecasts, abnormal returns are not possible in a trading strategy (based on daily out-of-sample volatility projections) which takes transaction costs into account, suggesting that predictable time-varying volatility is consistent with market efficiency.
Tissue reaction to foreign materials.

AbstractThe tissue reaction to foreign materials has been recognized as a basic problem in medicine since Addison' observed the reaction to crystals of salt in the web of a frog's foot in 1843. A majority of the earlier studies related to the tissue reaction associated with bacteria; however, more recently, the reactions to particular materials have been discussed. In this review, particular materials associated with glove powder, pneumoconiosis, silica, asbestos, coal dust, carbon black, and plastics are discussed in regard to the inflammatory and neoplastic reactions. Clinical and experimental observations are included.
Tests of expected real profits in the forward foreign exchange market

Abstract This paper tests the hypothesis that the expected real profits in the forward exchange contract are zero, as implied by Frenkel and Razin's (1980) stochastic prices model and the assumption of risk neutrality.
Paramagnetic scattering from metallic Ni

We have succeeded in establishing a reliable scattering function $S(Q,\ensuremath{\omega})$ for paramagnetic nickel in the range up to $\ensuremath{\Delta}E=50$ meV, $q=0.4$ ${\mathrm{\AA{}}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, and $T=1.24{T}_{C}$. These studies were performed mainly with unpolarized neutrons, but the polarization analysis was also utilized to completely separate the magnetic cross section. We show that the main part of the magnetic scattering has the form of a broad Lorentzian centered at zero energy transfer. In constant-$Q$ scans, no intensity enhancement was observed at the expected persistent spin-wave position reported by Lynn and Mook. Although constant-$E$ scans show well-defined peaks in agreement with the results of Lynn and Mook, these scans do not signify the existence of persistent spin waves above ${T}_{C}$. The magnetic intensities have been put on an absolute scale by comparing with known phonon and magnon cross sections. In this way, we have derived the paramagnetic response ${M}^{2}(Q)$ which is Lorentzian in $\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{q}} (=\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{Q}}\ensuremath{-}\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\ensuremath{\tau}})$ with correlation lengths that, unexpectedly, correspond to extrapolated values found in the critical region.
Evaluation of assays for detecting α-1-protease inhibitor during purification from rat serum

Abstract We purified the R1 α-1-protease inhibitor from rat serum and developed a convenient assay for its detection during purification procedures. Purification was accomplished by desalting, DEAE-Sephacel, zinc chelate, and reactive green-agarose columns. The resultant antiprotease had a molecular weight of 54,000 and inhibited elastase, chymotrypsin, and trypsin. By isoelectric focusing, five bands were produced with pI values from 4.3 to 4.7. Functional assays utilizing protease substrates imbedded in agarose plates were evaluated for the ability to distinguish the R1 α-1-protease inhibitor from the other serum antiproteases eluted in column chromatography fractions. This technique of screening for anti-protease activity was compared to conventional spectrophotometric methods and was found to correlate well when quantifying inhibition of elastase and chymotrypsin, but not trypsin. The presence of α-1-protease inhibitor was most reliably detected by testing for anti-elastase activity. Technician time and expense were saved by employing protease substrate plates to test chromatography fractions. This technique may facilitate purification of other protease inhibitors.
Information retrieval from local reference beam holograms

Abstract Local reference beam holography involves taking a hologram with an extended source reference beam and reconstructing the wavefront with a point source reference beam. The effect of the extended reference beam on the information retrievable from local reference beam holograms is derived and demonstrated.
Virtualization: What are the security risks?

Virtualization—using a powerful computer to emulate many smaller computers—is an increasingly popular information technology. To the users, it is as if each has his own small separate computer. This can increase organizational agility, reduce costs, and increase the return on IT investments. But this technological trend also brings new security risks. What are they, and how can companies control those risks? The authors of this article have some answers. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Asymptotic variance of M-estimators for dependent Gaussian random variables

This paper discusses the asymptotic behavior of M-estimators for dependent Gaussian random variables. We show that for a Gaussian distribution, the asymptotic variance of an M-estimator of scale is minimal in the independent case and must necessarily increase for dependent data. This is not true for location estimation where the asymptotic variance can increase or decrease for dependent observations, depending on the sign of the correlation. Several examples are analyzed, showing that the asymptotic variance of the maximum likelihood estimator varies widely under dependencies.
Integral equation theory of the structure and thermodynamics of polymer blends

Our recently developed RISM integral equation theory of the structure and thermodynamics of homopolymer melts is generalized to polymer mixtures. The mean spherical approximation (MSA) closure to the generalized Ornstein–Zernike equations is employed, in conjunction with the neglect of explicit chain end effects and the assumption of ideality of intramolecular structure. The theory is developed in detail for binary blends, and the random phase approximation (RPA) form for concentration fluctuation scattering is rigorously obtained by enforcing incompressibility. A microscopic, wave vector‐dependent expression for the effective chi parameter measured in small angle neutron scattering (SANS) experiments is derived in terms of the species‐dependent direct correlation functions of the blend. The effective chi parameter is found to depend, ingeneral, on thermodynamic state, intermolecular forces, intramolecular structure, degree of polymerization, and global architecture. The relationship between the mean field Flory–Huggins expression for the free energy of mixing and our RISM‐MSA theory is determined, along with general analytical connections between the chi parameter and intermolecular pair correlations in the liquid. Detailed numerical applications to athermal and isotopic chain polymer blend models are presented for both the chi parameter and the structure. For athermal blends a negative, concentration‐dependent chi parameter is found which decreases with density, structural asymmetry, and increases with molecular weight. For isotopic blends, the effective (positive) chi parameter is found to be strongly renormalized downward from its mean field enthalpic value by long range fluctuations in monomer concentration induced by polymeric connectivity and excluded volume. Both the renormalization and composition dependence of the chi parameter increase with chain length and proximity to the spinodal instability. The critical temperature is found to be proportional to the square root of the degree of polymerization in stark contrast to the classical mean field prediction of a linear dependence. Comparison of the theoretical predictions with SANS measurements and computer simulations is presented, alongwith brief discussions of nonideal effects and lower critical solution temperature phenomena.
Uncertainty Principle and Minimal Energy Dissipation in the Computer

Reversible computation is briefly reviewed, utilizing a refined version of the Bennett-Fredkin-Turing machine, invoked in an earlier paper. A dissipationless classical version of this machine, which has no internal frietion, and where the computational velocity is determined by the initial kinetic energy, is also described. Such a machine requires perfect parts and also requires the unrealisstic assumption that the many extraneous degrees of freedom, which contribute to the physical structure, do not couple to the information-bearing degrees of freedom, and thus cause no friction Quantum mechanical computation is discussed at two levels. First of all we deplore the assertion. repcatedly found in the literature, that the uncertainty principle. ΔEΔt≈h, with Δt equated to a switching time, yields any information about energydissipation. Similarly we point out that computation is not an iterated transmission and receiving process, and that considerations, which avoid the uncertainty principle, and instead use quantum mechanical channel capacity considerations, are equally unfounded. At a more constructive level we ask whether there is a quantum mechanical version of the dissipationless computer. Benioff has proposed one possible answer Quantum mechanical versions of dissipationless computers may suffer from the problems found in electron transport in disordered one-dimensional periodic potentials. The buildup of internal reflections may give a transmission coefficient. through the whole computation, which decreases exponentially with the length of the computation.
Development of copper-charged polypropylene feedspacers for biofouling control

The productivity of membrane filtration is severely lowered by fouling, which is the accumulation of foreign substances on the surface and/or within pores of membranes. Microbial fouling, or biofouling, is the growth of microorganisms on the membrane surface and on the feedspacer as present between the envelopes. The fouling of membranes has demanded and continues to demand considerable attention from industry and research communities. The goal of this project was to develop and investigate the use of copper (Cu)-charged polypropylene (PP) feedspacers that target biofouling control. Cross-flow filtration experiments showed that membranes that used the Cu-charged feedspacers experienced a drastically lower rate of flux decline than the membranes that used unmodified feedspacers. After approximately 48 h of filtration, the flux of membranes that used unmodified feedspacers had declined to approximately 30% of the initial flux (or a 70% flux decline), while the flux of the membranes that used Cu-charged feedspacers had decreased to approximately 75% of the initial flux (or a 25% flux decline). Furthermore, it took membranes that used Cu-charged feedspacers approximately 12 days to reach 35% of the initial flux, a 65% flux decline. This decreased rate of flux decline was contended to be due to less extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) present on the membrane surface. Lastly, no significant amounts of copper leached from the Cu-charged PP during operation.
Tarski, Davidson, and Theories of Truth

Summary In developing his claim that meaning cannot be understood independently of truth, Donald Davidson argues that a theory of meaning will take the form of a Tarskian theory of truth. In this essay I seek to describe more fully the structure of a Davidsonian theory of meaning and the extent to which Davidson modifies Tarski's account. 1 consider and reject John Foster's claim that Davidson takes, or should take, truth as a formal primitive, and argue that it is Davidson's principle of charity which plays the essential role in giving theories of truth empirical application. Resume En developpant sa these selon laquelle la signification ne peut pas etre comprise independamment de la verite, Donald Davidson affirme qu'une theorie de la signification prendra la forme d'une theorie tarskienne de la verite. Dans cet essai, j'essaye de decrire plus completement la structure d'une theorie davidsonnienne de la signification et la mesure dans laquelle Davidson modifie la these tarskienne. Je discute et rejette la these de John Foster, a savoir que Davidson prend ou devrait prendre la verite comme une notion formellement primitive, et montre que c'est le principe de charite de Davidson qui joue le role essentiel parce que c'est lui qui permet aux theories de la verite de s'appliquer a l'experience. Zusammenfassung Indem er den Standpunkt vertritt, dass Bedeutung nicht unabhangig von Wahrheit verstanden werden kann, argumentiert Davidson, dass eine Bedeutungstheorie die Form einer Tarskischen Wahrheitstheorie annehmen wird. In der vorliegenden Arbeit versuche ich, die Struktur von Davidsons Bedeutungstheorie genauer zu beschreiben und zu zeigen, inwieweit Davidson Tarskis Auffassung veraundert. Ich betrachte und verwerfe John Fosters Behauptung, wonach Davidson Wahrheit als primitiven Term im formalen System einfuhrt oder das tun sollte, und zeige, dass es Davidsons Prinzip der Nachsicht (“principle of charity”) ist, das eine wesentliche Rolle fur die empirische Anwendung von Wahrheitstheorien spielt.
Composition effects of FePt alloy nanoparticles on the electro-oxidation of formic acid.

The catalytic activities of FexPt100-x alloy nanoparticles at different compositions (x = 10, 15, 42, 54, 58, and 63) in the electro-oxidation of formic acid have been investigated by using cyclic voltammetry (CV), chronoamperometry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). It was observed that the electrocatalytic performance was strongly dependent on the FePt particle composition. In chronoamperometric measurements, the alloy particles at x ≈ 50 showed the highest steady-state current density among the catalysts under study and maintained the best long-term stability. In addition, on the basis of the anodic peak current density, onset potentials, and the ratios of the anodic peak current density to the cathodic peak current density in CV studies, the catalytic activity for HCOOH oxidation was found to decrease in the order of Fe42Pt58 > Fe54Pt46 ≈ Fe58Pt42 > Fe15Pt85 > Fe10Pt90 > Fe63Pt37. That is, within the present experimental context, the alloy nanoparticles at x ≈ 50 appeared to exhibit th...
Management of Gastric Varices

Gastric varices (GV) present a challenge not always amenable to conventional approaches applied to esophageal varices (EV). Several types of GV classification systems exist including the familiar Sarin system and lesser-known vascular classifications which provide a foundation for management triage. While GV bleeding is less frequent than EV bleeding, it is often more pronounced. Initial management follows that for EV including very cautious volume replacement and early use of vasoactive medications. Urgent temporizing measures, if needed, may include balloon tamponade, sclerosants, banding, clipping and possibly procoagulants. Imaging is important in early management as optimal modalities such as balloon retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO), transhepatic porto-systemic shunts (TIPS), cyanoacrylate or combination modalities are contingent on the underlying vascular anatomy. Each of these is associated with particular advantages and disadvantages as discussed below.
Preparation of activated carbon from forest and agricultural residues through CO2 activation

Abstract An attempt was made to convert some agricultural and forest residues, including oak wood waste, corn hulls, and corn stover, into activated carbons. Microporous activated carbons were produced by physical activation with CO 2 as the activation agent; specifically, the effects of activation temperature and duration were explored. The resultant activated carbons were characterized by measuring their porosities and pore size distributions. The activated carbons produced had the BET surface areas ranging from 400 to 1000 m 2 /g, and ratios of micropore volume to total pore volume ranging from 0.38 to 0.66. The pore size distributions (PSDs) were narrow and peaked approximately at a pore diameter of 0.5 nm. Both the surface area and the nature of porosity were significantly affected by the conditions of activation, the extent of which depended on the nature of the precursors. In general, the higher the activation temperature, the greater are the surface areas and micropore volumes of the resultant activated carbons. Nevertheless, various precursors were affected differently by the duration of activation. For oak, the longer the duration of activation, the greater the adsorption capacity of resultant activated carbons, and vice versa for corn hulls and corn stover.