cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mixture densities for project management activity times: A robust approach to PERT

PERT is a widely utilized framework for project management. However, as a result of underlying assumptions about the activity times, the PERT formulas prescribe a light-tailed distribution with a constant variance conditional on the range. Given the pervasiveness of heavy-tailed phenomena in business contexts as well as inherently differing levels of uncertainty about different activities, there is a need for a more flexible distribution which allows for varying amounts of dispersion and greater likelihoods of more extreme tail-area events. In particular, we argue that the tail-area decay of an activity time distribution is a key factor which has been insufficiently considered previously. We provide a distribution which permits varying amounts of dispersion and greater likelihoods of more extreme tail-area events that is straightforward to implement with expert judgments. Moreover, the distribution can be integrated into the PERT framework such that the classic PERT results represent an important special case of the method presented here.
Comparison of Dynamic Characteristics for an Inflatable Solar Concentrator in Atmospheric and Thermal Vacuum Conditions

Dynamic testing of an inflatable solar concentrator structure in a thermal vacuum chamber as well as in ambient laboratory conditions is described in detail. Unique aspects of modal testing for the extremely lightweight inflatable are identified, including the use of a noncontacting laser vibrometer measurement system. For the thermal vacuum environment, mode shapes and frequency response functions are compared for three different test article inflation pressures at room temperature. Modes that persist through all the inflation pressure regimes are identified, as well as modes that are unique for each pressure. In atmospheric pressure and room temperature conditions, dynamic measurements were obtained for the expected operational inflation pressure of 0.5 psig. Experimental mode shapes and frequency response functions for ambient conditions are described and compared to the 0.5 psig results from the thermal vacuum tests. Only a few mode shapes were identified that occurred in both vacuum and atmospheric environments. This somewhat surprising result is discussed in detail, and attributed at least partly to 1.) large differences in modal damping, and 2.) significant differences in the mass of air contained by the structure, in the two environments. Results of this investigation point out the necessity of testing inflatable space structures in vacuum conditions before they can be launched. Ground testing in atmospheric pressure is not sufficient for predicting on-orbit dynamics of non-rigidized inflatable systems.
Determination of arsenic, selenium, and antimony in cloud water by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

The capability of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry in determining trace levels of As, Se, and Sb in cloud water was evaluated. Preliminary studies focused on identifying and eliminating potential interferences in the cloud water matrix, the choice of appropriate internal standards, and system optimization. The detection limits for As, Se, and Sb were 20, 100, 20 pg/mL using pneumatic nebulization, and 5, 25, 5 pg/mL, respectively, using ultrasonic nebulization with a precision of better than 5% RSD. The accuracy was demonstrated by the analysis of a NIST commercial reference material, SRM 1643d. In all cases, the results from ICP-MS analysis agreed within 4% of the certified values. Comparative analysis of cloud water samples obtained from a site downwind from large pollution sources (Whiteface Mountain, New York) and Changlagali Pakistan, a rural mountain peak, was carried out by hydride generation atomic absorption (HGAA) spectrometry. There was excellent agreement between the ICP-MS and HGAA results.
A model of competitive airline revenue management interactions

In this article we develop a model of the interactions between the revenue management (RM) practices of competing airlines. The theoretical model is supported by PODS simulation results that highlight the important role of passenger spill between airlines on RM seat allocations in competitive markets. We show that typical RM system forecasters that unconstrain historical bookings without accounting for competitive RM effects result in a double-counting of demand. Under current practice, the RM systems of airlines in oligopoly markets thus tend to generate higher forecasts, higher protection levels and, consequently, lower discount fare booking limits than equivalent monopolies.
The life-cycle argument: age as a mediator of pharmacists' earnings.

Abstract Background Age diversity poses challenges to pharmacy employers and managers. A life-cycle argument has been presented to explain pharmacists' age-related differences at work. Objectives Explore responses of pharmacists' wage-and-salary earnings in three age groups (younger than 40, 40–54 years, and 55 years plus) to labor input and human-capital variables. Methods A survey questionnaire was mailed to registered pharmacists in South Florida, USA. An earnings function was formulated and tested, using ordinary least squares, for each age group separately to compare the direction, magnitude, and statistical significance of each determinant on earnings. The covariates were number of hours worked, type of pharmacy degree, years of professional experience, gender, number of children, and whether the pharmacist had completed a residency and/or attained a specialty board certification. Results The model showed better fit and statistical significance for practitioners under 40 and 55 years or older. The number of hours worked was the overwhelming determinant, but the magnitude of its influence was different for the three age groups. Human-capital indicators provided evidence in support of the life-cycle argument. Conclusion The wage-and-salary earnings of pharmacy practitioners were mediated by age group in their response to labor input and human-capital variables.
Cloud computing for geodetic imaging data processing, analysis, and modeling

Geodetic imaging data from Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) are used to measure crustal deformation related to tectonic motions and displacements on earthquake faults. NASA's UAVSAR project and related efforts are creating large catalogs of data products. The user base of these data products is also growing, introducing the need for downstream tools to support computationally expensive individual research as well as access to voluminous and heterogeneous data products. Bundling data inside a virtual machine becomes impractical for load balancing and on-demand auto scaling. A possible solution is to separate the application services from the data service. The Amazon public cloud would be utilized for computation and analysis and private data would be served from a private cloud through Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) cascading services. We are using Amazon's Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2), which is a basic virtual machine service, for cloud deployment. Elastic Load Balancing (ELB) is used to seamlessly distribute incoming traffic among multiple instances. Auto scaling with CloudWatch results in on-demand scalability. ELB detects unhealthy instances and automatically reroutes traffic, while auto scaling replaces the unhealthy instances to maintain high availability. Content is distributed globally through CloudFront where distribution is via a global network of edge locations, which optimizes performance by routing content to the nearest edge location. Amazon web services (AWS) cloud infrastructure provides easy deployment of highly available and on-demand scalable applications. However, applications requiring instant access of relatively large datasets face certain limitations from Elastic Block Store (EBS). A single EBS volume is limited to 1 TB, and as well as the high costs, and EBS volumes cannot be shared among multiple instances. The current processed UAVSAR Repeat Pass Interferometry data products are about 2.5 TB and the volume continues to expand.
Oxygen-dependent microbicidal systems of phagocytes and host defense against intracellular protozoa

The role of oxygen-dependent microbicidal systems of leukocytes in the host defense against the major nonerythrocytic intracellular protozoa which infect man--Toxoplasma gondii, Trypanosoma cruzi, and the Leishmania species--is reviewed. The hydrogen peroxide-halide-peroxidase microbicidal system is uniformly cidal to these organisms in vitro. Peroxidase-independent oxygen product(s) toxicity is more variable. Studies to data indicate that phagocytes which contain granule peroxidase and which have the capacity to generate a vigorous respiratory burst; eg, neutrophils and monocytes, possess substantial activity against these protozoa. The absence of granule peroxidase together with the markedly attenuated respiratory burst of resident macrophages leaves these cells with a severe microbicidal defect. These protozoa can enter resident macrophages in the absence of antibody and survive and replicate within the intracellular environment. Enhancement of the antiparasite activity of resident macrophages can be accomplished either by activation of these cells by exposure to sensitized T-cell products, or by the introduction of exogenous peroxidase into the vacuole. Other factors influencing the ability of protozoa to survive intracellularly include the capacity of these organisms to avoid effective triggering of the macrophage respiratory burst and the levels of endogenous scavengers of oxygen products within the parasite.
1-Deoxy-D-xylulose: synthesis based on molybdate-catalyzed rearrangement of a branched-chain aldotetrose.

1-Deoxy-d-xylulose has been prepared in seven steps and ∼21% overall yield from 2,3-O-isopropylidene-d-erythrono-1,4-lactone. The key reaction involves transformation of a branched-chain aldotetrose to the 1-deoxy-2-ketopentose catalyzed by molybdic acid. Other branched-chain aldotetroses containing bulkier substituents at C2 also engage in the conversion, suggesting routes to protected 2-ketoses and α-ketoacids/esters. This synthetic route mimics reactions of the non-mevalonate isoprenoid pathway in plants and bacteria.
THE GRADIENT OF VASCULAR PERMEABILITY : IV. THE PERMEABILITY OF THE CUTANEOUS VENULES AND ITS FUNCTIONAL SIGNIFICANCE.

The permeability of the venules of the skin of the mouse greatly exceeds that of the capillaries. A mounting gradient of permeability exists along the further portion of the latter. The significance of these facts is discussed with relation to conditions in human skin. The cutaneous venules are differentiated for several functions besides those ordinarily attributed to them, and must be considered as specialized organs.
Solving the equation for the maximum a posteriori estimate

An iterative technique is given for solving the equation for the maximum a posteriori estimate of the modulation on a carrier which is combined with noise. The method has been tested in the FM case with satisfactory results.
Methyltrypsin: a novel probe of proteinase-inhibitor interactions.

Abstract Incubation of trypsin witn m-guanidinobenzenesulfonic acid methyl ester (mGBSOM) under mild conditions resulted in its quantitative and specific conversion to N-3-methylhistidinyl-57trypsin (methyltrypsin). The interactions of α-2-plasmin inhibitor (α2PI) and α-1-proteinase inhibitor (α1PI) with the active-site modified enzymes methyltrypsin and dehydroalanyl-195-trypsin (anhydrotrypsin) were studied by thionine difference spectroscopy. For methyltrypsin the KA with α1PI and α2PI was 2.7 · 105 M−1 and 1.3 · 105 M−1, respectively, and with anhydrotrypsin, 7.0 · 103 M−1 and 3.2 · 105 M−1, respectively.
Minimizing admission laboratory testing in trauma patients: use of a microanalyzer.

OBJECTIVE Routine admission laboratory test protocols in injured patients are costly and involve excessive phlebotomy and turnaround time. The purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate the utility of (1) a microanalyzer, NOVA-SP5 (which provides rapid results on minimal blood volume), and (2) each component of our standard laboratory test battery. METHODS Laboratory test results for 200 consecutive injured patients admitted to a level I trauma center were evaluated by paired sample analysis. Our standard battery [60 mL: ($348): type and screen, complete blood count, PT/PTT, electrolytes, BUN, creatinine, glucose, calcium, amylase, ethanol level, and arterial blood gas] run "stat" in the central laboratory was compared to the microanalyzer profile [< 1 mL: ($182): hemoglobin, hematocrit, electrolytes, glucose, Ca2+, and arterial blood gas] run by the trauma team in the resuscitation area. Patient data and laboratory turnaround time (from time of admission to time results obtained) were recorded. Data were analyzed by linear regression. RESULTS Components of the paired samples correlated well (r2 0.78 to 0.99). Turnaround times were 64 (+/- 3) and 6 (+/- 1) minutes for standard analysis and microanalysis, respectively. Only two of the 26 patients requiring emergent surgical procedures had standard results available preoperatively. These patients had twice as many laboratory abnormalities as the remainder. Minimal diagnosis or intervention resulted from those values exclusive to standard analysis (white blood count, amylase, ethanol level, BUN, creatinine, platelet count, PT, and PTT). Six of ten abnormal BUN or creatinine results normalized, including two values in patients who received contrast for portable intravenous pyelography, and in all patients without a history of hypertension or diabetes. Platelet count and PT/PTT were normal in 85% of non-head-injured patients, compared with 58% of those with GCS score < or = 8. CONCLUSIONS Microanalysis is accurate, expedient, conserves blood, and is sufficient for evaluation of most trauma patients. Those with hypertension, diabetes, or severe head trauma may require additional testing. Routine use of this technique could reduce cost substantially ($16,000/100 patients). The role of microanalysis in follow-up laboratory evaluation of injured patients remains to be elucidated.
Secondary structure of the double‐stranded DNA genome of bacteriophage T7 in packaged, underpackaged and unpackaged states

Double-stranded DNA exhibits prominent Raman bands in the spectral region 600–900 cm−1, authenticated by x-ray crystallography as diagnostic of the macromolecular secondary structure. Since the DNA Raman fingerprint can be measured in the presence of protein, Raman spectroscopy was employed to investigate the secondary structure of dsDNA packaged within the protein coat of bacteriophage T7. Comparison of the Raman spectrum of deproteinized DNA with that of wild-type T7 phage (52% DNA, 48% protein) reveals a packaging-associated shift of the principal BDNA Raman marker (the band of the 825–840 cm−1 interval which is a sensitive indicator of phosphodiester geometry), without shifts of other conformation sensitive Raman markers (the bands of the 600–780 cm−1 interval which indicate sugar puckers and glycosyl torsions). The Raman marker for the protein-free state occurs at 836 cm−1, typical of B-form DNA of heterogeneous sequence; the marker for the packaged state occurs at 825 cm−1, characteristic of a modified B-form DNA observed previously for specific sequences. These findings indicate different B-form variants for dsDNA in packaged and protein-free states. The modified B-form secondary structure of packaged DNA is maintained when the virion is thermally burst to release the genome without removal of proteins. Comparison of the Raman spectrum of the wild-type T7 virion with that of a deletion mutant packaging 8.4% less DNA than wild-type (underpackaged T7), reveals the same packaging-associated shift of the principal B-form marker (825 cm−1) vis-a-vis protein-free DNA (836 cm−1), and additional evidence of small but significant differences between phosphodiester geometries in packaged and underpackaged states. These differences are explained by a marginally (<5%) greater proportion of non-B backbone geometry in wild-type T7. Both wild-type and mutant T7 exhibit Raman markers of the C2′-endo/anti nucleoside conformations exclusively. The results are interpreted in terms of the formation of increasing amounts of non B-form phosphodiester geometry with increasing density of DNA packaging. The data are consistent with an excess of <5% A-type phosphodiester geometry in packaged versus underpackaged states, and 10 ± 4% excess A-type phosphodiester geometry in packaged versus protein-free states. Based on Raman amide I and amide III markers, the protein structures and protein-DNA interactions in wild-type T7 are indistinguishable from those in the T7 deletion mutant.
Weapons: The Growth & Spread of the Precision-Strike Regime

For two decades, scholars and practitioners have argued that the world is experiencing a Revolution in Military Affairs brought on by the development and diffusion of precision-strike and related capabilities. The United States took an early lead in exploiting the promise of precision-strike systems, and the use of precision weaponry has given the United States a battlefield edge for twenty years. However, these weapons are now spreading: other countries, and non-state actors, are acquiring them and developing countermeasures against them. As the precision-strike regime matures, the United States will see its edge erode. The ability of the United States to project power will diminish considerably. In addition, U. S. forces, and eventually the United States itself, will be increasingly vulnerable to precision weapons in the hands of our adversaries.
Platelet sparing effect of COX II inhibition used with pegylated interferon alfa-2a for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C: a short term pilot study

The role of a cyclooxygenase (COX) II inhibitor in reducing microvascular inflammation and the platelet count associated with interferon (IFN) plus ribavirin therapy of chronic hepatitis C (HCV) was assessed. Three plasma mediators (biomarkers) associated with platelet activation, inflammation and fibrosis were measured. Eighteen IFN naive patients were studied. Nine were treated with pegylated IFN alfa-2a (PEG-IFN α-2a) plus ribavirin and rofecoxib; nine were treated with PEG-IFN α-2a plus ribavirin. A complete blood count, liver panel and HCV-RNA were assayed weekly. Human soluble P-selectin (hs-P-selectin), human interleukin-8 (IL-8), human interleukin-13 (IL-13) and human thrombopoietin (TPO) were assayed at 4 week intervals. The COX II inhibitor reduced the platelet reduction experienced with PEG-IFN α-2a treatment of HCV despite a reduction in the plasma TPO level. Hs-P-selectin was increased in both groups. In contrast, human IL-8 levels declined to undetectable levels in virologic responders. Similarly, human IL-13 levels declined with therapy (P<0.001). These data suggest that: (1) a COX II inhibition is associated with an increase in the platelet count despite a reduction in the TPO level; (2) human IL-8 and human IL-13 but not hs-P-selectin levels decline in those who experience an early virologic response.
Translation of poliovirus RNA in vitro: changes in cleavage pattern and initiation sites by ribosomal salt wash.

Abstract Translation of poliovirus RNA in two different micrococcal nuclease-treated lysates (from rabbit reticulocytes and HeLa cells) yields a distinctive profile of poliovirus proteins. Synthesis is stimulated in both cases by the addition of ribosomal salt wash from either reticulocytes or from polio-infected or uninfected HeLa cells. When reticulocyte lysates are stimulated with ribosomal salt wash from HeLa cells, however, changes in the electrophoretic pattern of newly synthesized products occur so as to decrease the number of polypeptides produced and to increase the yield of products which correspond to those seen in poliovirus-infected cells. These changes appear to be the result of cell-specific proteases present in ribosomal salt wash which affect the cleavage pattern of the polio proteins. Additional ribosomal salt wash effects on translation products have been distinguished by analysis of N-formyl[35S]methionine-labeled tryptic peptides produced by initiation of translation. HeLa cell extracts utilize two initiation sites for translation of poliovirus RNA at efficiencies which are dependent upon Mg2+ concentration. Reticulocyte lysates utilize predominantly one initiation site at all Mg2+ concentrations in reaction mixtures not supplemented with exogenous ribosomal salt wash. However, polio-infected cell ribosomal salt wash preferentially stimulates translation at the second site in the reticulocyte system.
Secondary forest succession following reproduction cutting on the Upper Coastal Plain of southeastern Arkansas, USA

Abstract To contribute to an understanding of forest management on secondary forest succession, we conducted vegetation surveys in a chronosequence of pine stands ranging in age from 1 to 59 years. Adjacent areas were compared at 1, 7, 12, and 17 years following two reproduction cutting methods (clearcuts or pine seed-tree cuts); a 59-year-old pine stand that was periodically thinned was also included to represent conditions before reproduction cutting. Because average or better natural loblolly and shortleaf pine (Pinus taeda L. and P. echinata Mill.) seed crops coincided with the planned site disturbances, pines dominated the seedling-size classes at 1 and 7 years after reproduction cutting, the sapling-size classes at 7, 12, and 17 years after reproduction cutting, and the small- and large-tree size classes at 12, 17, and 59 years after reproduction cutting. For seedling-size classes, three measures of woody plant diversity (Shannon’s (H′), Simpson’s (D), and evenness (e) indices) tended to increase from 1 to 12 years after reproduction cutting. In the sapling-size classes, H′ and D diversity indices were highest at 17 years and lowest at 59 years after reproduction cutting. For small-tree size classes, H′, and D were highest at 7 years and lowest at 12 years after reproduction cutting. Across all but the large-tree size classes, woody species richness peaked 7 years after reproduction cutting. Naturally regenerated pines achieved complete crown closure by 17 years after reproduction cutting; consequently, the presence of shade-tolerant woody plants increased in the understory, and shade-intolerant herbaceous plants disappeared from the forest floor.
A submodular optimization framework for leader selection in linear multi-agent systems

A broad class of multi-agent systems are leader-follower systems, in which the states of a set of leader agents are used to influence the states of the remaining agents. In this paper, we study the problem of choosing specific agents that will act as leaders in order to optimize system performance. We show that for a diverse set of networked multi-agent systems, including systems with constant and time-varying topologies, the leader selection problem can be studied using a submodular optimization framework. We further show that the problems of choosing a predefined number of leader nodes, as well as choosing both the number and specific nodes to satisfy a performance requirement, can be formulated within the proposed submodular optimization framework. We derive analytical performance bounds for the proposed solutions for linear multi-agent systems with static as well as time-varying network topologies. Numerical illustration is provided for the proposed approach.
SU‐E‐T‐105: An Evaluation of Two Organic Liquid Scintillators for Use in Real Time 3D Proton Dosimetry

Purpose: To evaluate the suitability of the organic liquid scintillators BC‐531 and OptiPhase HiSafe 3 for real‐time 3D proton dosimetry by measuring their scintillator‐to‐water stopping power ratios, density, and relative scintillation output. Methods: Stopping power ratios were measured for BC‐531 (not miscible with water) and OptiPhase at 0%, 25%, and 50% water concentrations. The ratios were derived from the water equivalent thickness of various scintillator volumes, which was quantified by the shift the scintillator introduces to the pristine Bragg peak of a 200 MeV proton beam. These depth‐dose distributions were measured with the IBA Zebra detector.Relative scintillation output was measured for a small volume of scintillator in the flat region of a 10 cm spread‐out Bragg peak. Output was quantified for the OptiPhase solutions by integrating over an image taken with the Andor Technology Luca S electron‐multiplying CCD camera. Results: BC‐531 showed the largest deviation from water in stopping power and density, with a scintillator‐to‐water stopping power ratio of 0.876 and density of 0.869 g/mL. For pure OptiPhase, that ratio was 0.990, and it increased to 0.997 and 0.996 for OptiPhase at 25% and 50% water concentrations. The density of the OptiPhase solutions was 0.963, 0.969, and 0.986 g/mL, respectively.The scintillation output of OptiPhase at 25% and 50% water concentrations was 72% and 59% of that for the pure scintillator. Conclusion: OptiPhase HiSafe 3 is a promising scintillator for real‐time 3D dosimetry for proton therapy. Its ability to mix with water improves its water equivalence without an unacceptable loss of scintillation output. However, the stopping power of the pure scintillator (0% water) is already within 1% of that of water, so dilution is unnecessary to achieve water equivalence. The addition of water also causes the solution to become cloudy, which would limit the spatial accuracy of the dosimeter.
Local Contractions of Banach Spaces and Spectral Gap Conditions

Abstract We study the linearization problem for a C k , 1 , k ⩾1, contraction of a Banach space E near a fixed point which satisfies a spectral gap condition and a narrow band condition both of order k . We also assume that the part of the spectrum in each band satisfies a finite non-resonant condition of order k relative to itself together with the part that lies in the larger bands. We show that there is a C k , β linearization for sufficiently small β >0. We give a precise estimate on β in terms of the gap and band conditions.
Manufacturing modeling architectures: an architecture for a generic data-driven machine shop simulator

Standard interfaces could help reduce the costs associated with simulation model construction and data exchange between simulation and other software applications -- and thus make simulation technology more affordable and accessible to a wide range of potential industrial users. Currently, small machine shops do not typically use simulation technology because of various difficulties and obstacles associated with model development and data translation. This paper provides an overview of work currently underway at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to develop a software architecture, standard data interfaces, and a prototype generic machine shop simulator that can be readily, reconfigured for use by a large number of small machine shops. It also reviews prior work in this area and describes future work.
A follow‐up study of intractable seizures in childhood

One hundred forty-five children with seizures that were refractory to medical therapy for at least 2 years were followed 5 to 20 years after onset. The majority of children with uncontrollable seizures (61%) were mentally retarded, and most of these (73%) had onset of seizures at younger than 2 years of age. Age of onset was significantly later (mean 5.0 +/- 0.5 yr [SEM]) in the group of children with borderline to normal intelligence. Follow-up data showed remission of seizures in a significant proportion of children with borderline or normal intelligence, with a linear decrease of the percentage with persistent seizures at a rate of about 4% per year. Remission of seizures was much less frequent (1.5%/yr) in the group with mental retardation. Seizure type had some effects on outcome. Children with focal atrophic brain lesions did no worse than those without definable pathology on brain-imaging studies.
Anti-bacterial Determinants of Stannous Fluoride

The growth of bacteria on stainless steel wires was used as a model to investigate which properties of SnF2 produced anti-bacterial effects against S. mutans. Wire-adherent bacteria were exposed for one min, twice a day, to various fluoride or control compounds having similar ions, pH, valence, or atomic weights. After two days, the thickness of adherent bacteria was scored visually, and the decrease in pH of the growth medium was determined. Bacteria from each wire were then dried, weighed, and analyzed for metal content. Electron microscopy and electron microprobe were used to identify the location of heavy metal deposits in the bacteria. Only SnF2 dramatically altered S. mutans growth and metabolism, and this anti-bacterial effect was associated with a large uptake of tin into the bacterial cells. The fluoride salts of sodium, lead, zinc, and copper had little influence on S. mutans growth in this test system. The pH of the various fluoride salts or controls generally had no effect on the activity of the test compounds, except for the noted inactivation of SnF2 at elevated pH's. Since SnF4 did not alter the growth or metabolism of S. mutans, a unique property of SnF2--possibly the reactivity in an aqueous environment--may be responsible for its anti-bacterial properties.
Gravimetric Approach to the Standard Addition Method in Instrumental Analysis. 1.

A mathematical formulation for a gravimetric approach to the univariate standard addition method (SAM) is presented that has general applicability for both liquids and solids. Using gravimetry rather than volumetry reduces the preparation time, increases design flexibility, and makes increased accuracy possible. SAM has most often been used with analytes in aqueous solutions that are aspirated into flames or plasmas and determined by absorption, emission, or mass spectrometric techniques. The formulation presented here shows that the method can also be applied to complex matrixes, such as distillate and residual fuel oils, using techniques such as X-ray fluorescence (XRF) or combustion combined with atomic fluorescence or absorption. These techniques, which can be subject to matrix-induced interferences, could realize the same benefits that have been demonstrated for dilute aqueous solutions.
Two-electron bond-orbital model I

Harrison's one-electron bond-orbital model of tetrahedrally coordinated solids was generalized to a two-electron model, using an extension of the method of Falicov and Harris for treating the hydrogen molecule. The six eigenvalues and eigenstates of the two-electron anion-cation Hamiltonian entering this theory can be found exactly general. The two-electron formalism is shown to provide a useful basis for calculating both non-magnetic and magnetic properties of semiconductors in perturbation theory. As an example of the former, expressions for the electric susceptibility and the dielectric constant were calculated. As an example of the latter, new expressions for the nuclear exchanges and pseudo-dipolar coefficients were calculated. A simple theoretical relationship between the dielectric constant and the exchange coefficient was also found in the limit of no correlation. These expressions were quantitatively evaluated in the limit of no correlation for twenty semiconductors.
Nutritional counseling in the chiropractic practice: a survey of New York practitioners.

Objective The purpose of this pilot study is to determine the quality of nutritional counseling that the chiropractic patient receives, for what conditions, and the need to establish easy-to-use protocols for nutritional counseling.
Molecular genetics of the single-minded locus: A gene involved in the development of the Drosophila nervous system

The embryonic neuroepithelium of Drosophila gives rise to the central nervous system. We have studied the mutant phenotype and expression of a gene, single-minded (sim), which is involved in generating a specific region of this neuroepithelium. In sim mutant embryos, a subset of neuronal and nonneuronal precursor cells lying along the midline fail to emerge with the rest of the neuroepithelium. We have identified the sim transcription unit and have shown by in situ hybridization to embryos that the sim gene is expressed specifically in the midline neuroepithelium. Both the mutant phenotype and the temporal and spatial expression of transcripts suggest that the sim gene plays a key role in the emergence of this subset of cells along the midline of the developing central nervous system.
Event-based scheduling for energy-efficient QoS (eQoS) in mobile Web applications

Mobile Web applications have become an integral part of our society. They pose a high demand for application quality of service (QoS). However, the energy-constrained nature of mobile devices makes optimizing for QoS difficult. Prior art on energy efficiency optimizations has only focused on the trade-off between raw performance and energy consumption, ignoring the application QoS characteristics. In this paper, we propose the concept of energy-efficient QoS (eQoS) to capture the trade-off between QoS and energy consumption. Given the fundamental event-driven nature of mobile Web applications, we further propose event-based scheduling as an optimization framework for eQoS. The event-based scheduling automatically reasons about users' QoS requirements, and accurately slacks the events' execution time to save energy without violating end users' experience. We demonstrate a working prototype using the Google Chromium and V8 framework on the Samsung Exynos 5410 SoC (used in the Galaxy S4 smartphone). Based on real hardware and software measurements, we achieve 41.2% energy saving with only 0.4% of QoS violations perceptible to end users.
The cation sensitivity of the acetylcholine receptor from Torpedo californica.

—The effects of various cations and cholinergic ligands on the rate of α-bungarotoxin-acetylcholine receptor complex formation has been studied by means of a DEAE-cellulose disk assay technique. The reaction rate is reduced to one half the initial rate in the presence of 2·5 · 10−6m acetyleholine. a value close to the observed KD of ACh measured by equilibrium dialysis. Inhibition constants of about 5 mM were obtained for most monovalent cations whereas divalent cations gave inhibition constants of 0·05-0·2 mm. The rate and extent of toxin-receptor complex formation was also investigated as a function of hydrogen ion concentration; the rate of formation reaches a maximum at pH 7·5 and a group with a pK about 6 inhibits toxin binding to the receptor when protonated. These data can be correlated with the observed effects of inorganic cations on the binding of cholinergic ligands in vivo at the neuromuscular junction. Given the affinities of the individual cations, it is possible to predict how the apparent affinity of a cation-sensitive cholinergic ligand will change with variations of buffer composition.
Effect of Oxidation on Crack Deflection in SiC/Al2O3 Laminated Ceramic Composites

Laminated composites consisting of SiC and a thin porous alumina interphase were exposed to air at 500°C to produce a persistent, nearly uniform oxidation product layer. Crack deflection at the interface was then studied using a four-point bend testing procedure and interfacial fracture resistances were found to decrease with increasing oxidation times. Electron microscopy observations of the fractured interface show a complex multi-phase microstructure. These results show that oxidation can produce a sufficiently weak interface in a SiC-porous alumina interphase composite, in contrast to most other SiC composites where interface oxidation produces a strongly bonded interface which inhibits crack deflection.
Thrust and efficiency of a self-field MPD thruster

Thrust and efficiency of a quasi-steady multi-MW argon MPD thruster are determined for one-millisecond current pulses. Terminal voltage and impulse bit per pulse are measured for a benchmark thruster geometry on a swinging gate thrust stand in a dielectric vacuum tank, at a background pressure of 0.0001 torr, for a range of argon flow rates and arc currents. The quasi-steady thrust data scale quadratically with arc current, and confirm previous estimates of the electromagnetic and electrothermal components of thrust from magnetic and pressure probe measurements. Thruster efficiency is found to increase monotonically with specific impulse, reaching a value of 25% for 4.5 to 6.0 g/sec at 2000 seconds. Results of further experiments show that the inferred specific impulse for voltage fluctuation onset can be increased to 3000 seconds, and the thrust efficiency to above 30%.
Analysis and design of steady transonic flow over airfoils by the method of parametric differentiation

The results reported here are based on applying the method of parametric differentiation (MPD) to transform the nonlinear differential equation governing small-disturbance transonic flow to a linear equation. Implicit approximate factorization and monotone methods were used to accelerate convergence of the linear problem by an order of magnitude over successive line over-relaxation. The relative merits of using MPD are discussed in comparison to conventional small-disturbance applications. Several MPD analyses are performed on an array of airfoils. A design procedure utilizing MPD is discussed and demonstrated for two nonlifting cases.
Synthesis, structure and reactions of trans,trans-Cr(H)(CO)2(NO)(PPh3)2, preparation of a stable phenyldiazene complex of chromium(0)

Abstract Reaction of trans,trans-Cr(Br)(CO)2(NO)(PPh3)2 (1) with LiB(CH2Ch3)3H in the presence of PPh3 gives trans,trans-Cr(H)(CO)2(NO)(PPh3)2 (2), which has been characterized spectroscopically and by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The molecular structure of 2 exhibits a marked distortion from octahedral geometry in that the CO and PPh3 ligands are bent toward the hydride site [∠ CCrC = 153.7 (2)°; ∠ PCrP = 165.5 (1)°], as expected on steric grounds. Phenyldiazonium hexafluorophosphate reacts with 2, undergoing a 1,1-insertion into the CrH bond to give [trans,trans-Cr(NHNPh) (CO)2 (NO)(PPh3)2+][PF6−] (3). The phenyldiazene ligand of [bd3 undergoes nucleophilic displacement by bromide ion at 25°C to give 1. This contrasts with the molybdenum and tungsten homologues, which react with Br− at lower temperatures (−40 and 0°C, respectively) to afford the corresponding bromo complexes and free NHNPh. Triflic acid reacts with 2 to afford the triflato derivative trans,trans-Cr(η1-OSO2CF3)(CO)2(NO)(PPh3)2 (4), but unlike the molybdenum and tungsten derivatives, this complex did not prove to be a useful precursor to hydrazine and diazene complexes of chromium.
Targeting glucagon receptor signalling in treating metabolic syndrome and renal injury in Type 2 diabetes: theory versus promise

Pancreatic bi-hormones insulin and glucagon are the Yin and Yang in the regulation of glucose metabolism and homoeostasis. Insulin is synthesized primarily by pancreatic beta-cells and is released in response to an increase in blood glucose levels (hyperglycaemia). By contrast, glucagon is synthesized by pancreatic alpha-cells and is released in response to a decrease in blood glucose (hypoglycaemia). The principal role of glucagon is to counter the actions of insulin on blood glucose homoeostasis, but it also has diverse non-hyperglycaemic actions. Although Type 1 diabetes is caused by insulin deficiency (insulin-dependent) and can be corrected by insulin replacement, Type 2 diabetes is a multifactorial disease and its treatment is not dependent on insulin therapy alone. Type 2 diabetes in humans is characterized by increased insulin resistance, increased fasting blood glucose, impaired glucose tolerance and the development of glomerular hyperfiltration and microalbuminuria, ultimately leading to diabetic nephropathy and end-stage renal disease. Clinical studies have suggested that an inappropriate increase in hyperglycaemic glucagon (hyperglucagonaemia) over hypoglycaemic insulin (not insulin deficiency until advanced stages) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of Type 2 diabetes. However, for decades, research efforts and resources have been devoted overwhelmingly to studying the role of insulin and insulin-replacement therapy. By contrast, the implication of glucagon and its receptor signalling in the development of Type 2 diabetic metabolic syndromes and end-organ injury has received little attention. The aim of this review is to examine the evidence as to whether glucagon and its receptor signalling play any role(s) in the pathogenesis of Type 2 diabetic renal injury, and to explore whether targeting glucagon receptor signalling remains only a theoretical antidiabetic strategy in Type 2 diabetes or may realize its promise in the future.
HBV Outreach Programs Significantly Increase Knowledge and Vaccination Rates Among Asian Pacific Islanders

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) testing and vaccination rates remain low among Asian-American/Pacific Islanders (APIs) despite high rates of HBV infection. The aim of our study was to assess the effectiveness of an outreach campaign to increase HBV knowledge, testing, and vaccination among a cohort of APIs. Vietnamese Americans were invited to participate in a free HBV screening and vaccination outreach program though pubic service announcements. Attendees completed a survey to assess barriers to vaccination and HBV-related knowledge before and after a 30-min education session by a bilingual board-certified gastroenterologist. Among 98 participants, 100 % (22/22) of HBV naive patients were provided a HBV vaccination series at no cost and over 75 % (14/18) of HBV-infected patients were connected to further medical care. Notable reported barriers to prior testing and/or vaccination were cost of the vaccine, concern about missing work for evaluation, and lack of provider recommendation. Knowledge levels about HBV risk factors, potential consequences, and treatment options were poor at baseline but significantly increased after the education session (49 vs. 64 %, p < 0.001). Outreach campaigns linked with education can successfully address several barriers to HBV testing and offer an approach to improve HBV awareness and prevention among difficult-to-reach populations.
Safety Guidelines for Accelerator Installa Tions

The most difficult safety task is to identify a potential hazard or admit that it exists. Corollaries to existence are the magnitude of the potential accidents, and the probability of their occurrence. Once the hazards are identified there appears to be no shortage of guidelines and rules. But collecting rules is not the total answer to safety either. There must be a reasonable correspondence between the rules and the practice while the hazard exists. AEC safety guidelines for high-energy accelerator facilities are reviewed, and a bibliography of applicable codes is given in the Appendix. Several current safety problems are discussed. Liquid hydrogen distance tables seem to be fixed now. The forced ventilation of buildings containing liquid hydrogen has not afforded any protection against the two major fires resulting from large hydrogen spills. The possibility of spark-induced explosions in hydrogen purifiers or liquefiers is calculated to be very high and emphasizes the need for a low-temperature helium-gas purge.
Integrating semiconductor process design and manufacture using a unified process flow representation

Concepts and data structures which can be used to allow effective linkage between manufacturing and design activities and hence facilitate improved process development are proposed. Central to the approach is the use of a common representation of the manufacturing process flow, used throughout the life-cycle of the process, including conceptual design, simulation, manufacturing, analysis, and maintenance. The overall architecture provides for the incorporation of models of the manufacturing equipment as well as idealized process models in a coherent way to support flexible, portable semiconductor-manufacturing processes. The authors identify the most important aspects of such a process-flow representation and describe the role of the representation in the computer-integrated manufacturing system in use in their semiconductor IC fabrication facility. >
Local contralateral subtraction based on bilateral symmetry of lung for reduction of false positives in computerized detection of pulmonary nodules

A novel method called local contralateral subtraction has been developed for the removal of normal anatomic structures in chest radiographs based on the symmetry between the left and right lung regions. The method was oriented to the reduction of false positives reported by a computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) scheme for detection of lung nodules in chest radiographs. In our method, two regions of interest (ROIs) are extracted, one from the position where a nodule candidate is located, and the other from the anatomically corresponding location in the opposite lung, which contains similar normal structures. A wavelet-based, multiresolution image registration method is employed for matching the two ROIs, and subtraction is performed. If no structure remains in the subtracted ROI, then the original ROI is identified as negative (i.e., it contains only normal structures); otherwise, it is regarded as positive (i.e., it contains a nodule). A measure that quantifies the remaining structures was developed to distinguish between nodules and false positives. Application of the method to clinical chest radiographs showed that it was effective in eliminating normal anatomic structures and reducing the number of false detections in the CAD scheme for detection of lung nodules.
Design of the Multi-Robot Coherent Structure Testbed (mCoSTe) for Distributed Tracking of Geophysical Fluid Dynamics

We present the design and validation of the multi-robot coherent structure testbed (mCoSTe). The mCoSTe is an experimental testbed that is used to evaluate the performance of manifold and coherent structure tracking strategies by a team of autonomous surface vehicles in two-dimensional flows. It consists of a fleet of micro-autonomous surface vehicles (mASVs) equipped with onboard flow sensors and three experimental flow tanks: a Low Reynolds number (LoRe) Tank, a High Reynolds number (HiRe) Tank, and a Multi-Robot (MR) Tank. Each of the flow tanks are capable of producing controllable ocean-like flows in a laboratory setting. Flows in the HiRe and MR tanks are generated using a grid of independently controlled vortex driving cylinders. We show how the HiRe tank is capable of producing repeatable and controllable coherent structures in 2D by analyzing the surface flows using a a combination of Finite-Time Lyapunov Exponents (FTLE) and Dynamic Mode Decomposition (DMD). Using these results, a scaled flow is replicated in the MR Tank for experimental validation of robotic tracking strategies. Building upon our existing work, robotic tracking of manifolds and coherent structures in 2D flows is achieved through local sampling of the flow field using each vehicles onboard flow sensors. We describe the design and development of the mASVs and the onboard flow sensor and present experimental results to show the validity of our designs.Copyright © 2014 by ASME