cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Blade root torsional dampers to reduce hub loads

A new method of reducing helicopter rotor hub loads and marginally improving rotor performance by the introduction of large values of blade root torsional damping is presented. Basic theoretical considerations imply that these benefits in hub loads can come about by changes to the blade elastic torsional deflection. This basic theory was analytically verified by using a fully coupled aeroelastic rotorcraft analysis as applied to a modern, articulated rotor blade, namely that of the Sikorsky S-76. From an implementation standpoint, a rotor-based torsional damping device may be more practical than one that involves a major portion of the blade span. Also, a root-based device may allow for the retrofitting of existing helicopter rotor blade/hub configurations.
Is there any reason to research sex differences in communication

Research presents an inconsistent picture of sex differences in communication. In order to clarify how sex differences are related to communication, empirical findings and conceptual problems are analyzed. Results from meta‐analyses suggest we should expect small differences due to sex and that these differences are moderated by a number of factors. Studies that directly compare the effects due to sex and those due to interaction show that sex effects are negligible. Conceptual reasons for the muddled picture of sex are also examined. Reliance on stereotypes, polarization of the sexes, lack of valid measures, and dearth of theory all work against an understanding of sex differences in communication. Four recommendations for future research are offered.
Correcting inherent aberrations in the grating rhomb beam sampler

The inherent aberrations are analyzed for the case of a two-grating rhomb laser beam sampler used in high energy laser systems. Although plane wave fronts are sampled without aberration, spherical or more complex wave fronts suffer 1-D phase and displacement deviations. An inverse filter description is developed that employs the angular spectrum concept for the incident and sampled beams. An inverse filter is easily synthesized and may be used to deconvolve the aberrations from a sampled data set. In addition, an optimization was performed in order to minimize phase errors in the sampled beam and to develop design criteria. Some practical examples are given which show that, in an optimized system, the aberrations are often negligible, and deconvolution is seldom necessary.
Trunk Angular Kinematics during Slip-Induced Falls and Activities of Daily Living - Towards Developing a Fall Detector

The purpose of the current study was to investigate the trunk angular kinematics (i.e., angle and angular velocity) during slip-induced falls and activities of daily living (ADLs), with the aim to facilitate the development of a new fall detector. Ten elderly participated in a laboratory experiment, composed of normal walking, slip-induced falls, and 5 types of ADLs. Sagittal trunk kinematics was measured from optical motion analysis system. Angular phase plots were utilized to characterize falls from ADLs. Results indicated that backward falls were characterized by a simultaneous occurrence of a slight increase in trunk extension angle (average peak = 11°) and a dramatic increase in extension angular velocity (average peak = 139.7°/s). It was concluded that trunk angular kinematics could be used to design an effective fall detector.
Sex differences in social behavior : a social-role interpretation

Contents: The Analysis of Sex Differences in Social Behavior: A New Theory and a New Method. Sex Differences in Helping Behavior. Sex Differences in Aggressive Behavior. Sex Differences in Other Social Behaviors. The Interpretation of Sex Differences in Social Behavior.
Co-ordination complexes of niobium and tantalum. XI. Crystalline malato complexes of niobium(V)

Complex formation of Nb(V) and Ta(V) with malic acid has been investigated. Crystalline, colourless compounds of formulae A(I)[Nb2O2(OH)(C4H3O5)2]·4H2O, [A(I) = Na, K, (C6H5)4)Pand (C6H5)4As]were prepared. M(I) salts, [M = Na, Kandtetraphenyl-oniumsalts, respectively]are isomorphous. Infrared spectra indicate the presence of coordinated malato ligands, terminal Nb = O groups and hydrogen bonded water molecules. According to infrared spectral evidence, there is no Nb-O-Nb bridging in these compounds. The structure of the dimeric malato niobate anion is discussed.
Medicaid, underinsurance, and the dawn of an era for children's coverage.

During the major economic downturns of the last 10 years, Medicaid has been a health care life preserver for vulnerable American children. From 2001 through 2003, the proportion of children (younger than 18 years) on Medicaid grew from 16.5 million (22.7% of all children) to 19.4 million (26.4%). From 2007 to 2008, Medicaid rolls grew from 20.9 million (28.1%) to 22.6 million children (30.3%).1 Although some coverage is better than none, pediatricians will wisely ask how good Medicaid coverage is. In this issue of Pediatrics , Kogan et al2 answer that question. They focus on the most vulnerable children—children with special health care needs (CSHCN). As the authors illustrate, for CSHCN in the United States the challenge of uninsurance is now overshadowed by the problem of underinsurance, defined by Kogan et al as a private or public plan that is insufficient to meet a child's needs. On the private side, the cost of health care is pricing previously affordable health plans out of families' reach, leaving them to opt for more “bare-bones” plans with less generous benefits and, consequently, more out-of-pocket costs for parents to bear. Meanwhile, public plans stretch scarce program dollars by limiting reimbursement for health care providers (thereby limiting access to patients) and scaling back on optional benefits. Who ends up worse, CSHCN with private coverage or those enrolled in public plans? Kogan et al present findings that may be surprising. In analyses appropriately adjusted for multiple sociodemographic characteristics, they … Address correspondence to Matthew M. Davis, MD, MAPP, University of Michigan, 300 N Ingalls, Room 6C23, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5456. E-mail: mattdav{at}med.umich.edu
Computational Requirements and Synchronization Issues for Virtual Acoustic Displays

This paper addresses two main issues concerning virtual acoustic displays. First, we discuss the computational requirements including sound generation (or synthesis), environmental effects modeling, and three-dimensional (3-D) sound localization. The computational analysis reveals that acoustic processing delays of at least 66 ms are expected with today's technology. This analysis motivates the second issue: how much computational time is available for executing the acoustic process, assuming the requirement for perceptually perfect audiovisual synchronization? A psychoacoustic experiment designed to quantify the tolerable audiovisual delay indicates that an acoustic impact event must occur within an average of 175 ms of the visual event in order for the events to be perceived as synchronous. The most highly trained observers detect desynchrony with an audiovisual delay as low as 100 ms. The results of the computational requirement analysis and the psychoacoustic synchronization experiment provide important information for designers and researchers of virtual acoustic displays.
Novel Connections for Non-Metallic, Flexible, Thin, Microchannel Heat Exchangers

Non-metallic, flexible, thin, microchannel heat exchangers made from heat-sealable polyimide films have recently been developed for refrigeration and air-conditioning applications. In order for these heat exchangers to function properly and independently, robust and reliable connectors are needed. The connectors must be easy to manufacture and assemble, hold high pressures without leaking, and have the ability to connect to standard tubing and piping and different heat exchangers together in series and parallel. Three uniquely different connector designs have been developed, manufactured, and tested. The first includes a machined metal connector internally embedded within the heat exchanger that is capable of holding pressures up to 1.03 MPa. The second connector design includes a two-piece polymer assembly containing an O-ring used to seal around the inlet and outlet holes of the heat exchanger. The design incorporates a 10-degree wedge that creates the sealing force when fully assembled with the heat exchanger and has been pressure tested to 2.07 MPa without leaking. A variation of the design allows multiple heat exchangers to connect in series and in parallel. Finally, the third design contains no additional parts and connects two heat exchangers together by thermally bonding the inlet of one heat exchanger to the outlet of another. The thermally bonded connection was able to hold pressures greater than 2.07 MPa.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Evaluating mine size and mine life—an objective approach

Abstract Mine size and mine life are the most important determinants of a new mine development project. A rational evaluation of these mine design variables is of primary importance to the economics of developing and subsequently operating a mine. However, the problem of evaluating mine size and projecting mine life has been a matter of managerial judgment and has received little academic attention. This paper presents an objective approach to the problem of determining the size and life of underground coal mines. The problem has been formulated as a nonlinear optimization model in terms of evaluating the mine design variables such that the unit cost of coal is minimized. An example problem has been solved, and the sensitivity of design variables to input parameters has also been analyzed.
Precision area measurements determine fundamental physical constants

Abstract We describe an experiment now underway to measure the ratio of the atomic constants h/m (Planck's constant divided by the electron mass). It is based on several remarkable properties of rotating superconducting rings. Accuracies approaching one part per million or better are made possible by recent technological advances in superconductive devices and dimensional metrology. The crucial cross-sectional area measurements presented in this paper will make possible the observation of relativistic electron mass corrections for the first time in a solid state physics measurement
5-HT3 receptors: pharmacologic and therapeutic aspects

The serotonin 5-HT3 receptor is unique among the seven serotonin receptor "families" that have been recognized so far. It functions not as a G-protein coupled but as a direct ion channel gated receptor. Because of the varied neural functions linked to this receptor, intensive research interest has developed in recent years about its basic and clinical pharmacology, which are summarized in this review. Some new agonists and many new antagonists have been developed. These agents have a useful role as selective pharmacologic research probes, and some of them can be used therapeutically as potent and selective anti-nausea and antiemetic drugs, particularly in patients undergoing cancer chemotherapy treatment or general anesthesia procedures. Potential applications of these agents include the treatment of some behavioral disorders in mental disease, drug addiction, and certain types of pain syndromes.
Intent-based analysis of network-wide routing policy configuration

Routing policy configuration is a very important aspect of network operations because it affects the network's profit, performance and security. Network operators implement low-level routing policies according to their high-level objectives. In this paper, we propose a set of techniques for analyzing network-wide routing policies. First, we interpret the routing policies relevant to a single neighbor. Then, we classify all neighbors into groups which express common intent. Classification is done by generating and comparing update patterns. We validate our approach by experimenting with the router configuration files of a Tier-1 ISP. Our techniques classify neighbors according to their type (customer/peer/transit), highlight neighbors which deviate from the norm and reveal possible mistakes. Consequently, our network-wide analysis seems to be promising for automating the translation of routing policy configuration into initial intent.
Development of white matter pathways in typically developing preadolescent children

The first phase of major neuronal rearrangements in the brain takes place during the prenatal period. While the brain continues maturation throughout childhood, a critical second phase of synaptic overproduction and elimination takes place during the preadolescent period. Despite the importance of this developmental phase, few studies have evaluated neural changes taking place during this period. In this study, MRI Diffusion Tensor Imaging data from a normative sample of 126 preadolescent children (59 girls and 67 boys) between the ages of 6 and 10 years were analyzed in order to characterize age-relationships in the white matter microstructure. Tract Based Spatial Statistics (TBSS) method was used for whole brain analysis of white matter tracts without a priori assumption about the location of age associated differences. Our results demonstrate significant age-associated differences in most of the major fiber tracts bilaterally and along the whole body of the tracts. In contrast, developmental differences in the cingulum at the level of the parahippocampal region were only observed in the right hemisphere. We suggest that these age-relationships with a widespread distribution seen during the preadolescent years maybe relevant for the implementation of cognitive and social behaviors needed for a normal development into adulthood.
Allergic contact dermatitis and photoallergic contact dermatitis due to soaps and detergents.

S oaps and synthetic detergents (syndets) are used worldwide in many products-bar and liquid soaps, washing powders and liquids, facial scrubs, shaving soaps (creams and foams), cleansing lotions, shampoos (hair, body), and bath additives (foam, pearls, gels, tablets); however, there have been few reports of their sensitizing effects on the skin. In general, adverse reactions to soaps and syndets are more apt to be irritant effects of the surface-active agents present, which may facilitate sensitization to other substances in the formula, such as preservatives, perfumes, and, more exceptionally, coloring agents, lipids, and metal salts. This effect is used, among other things, to detect contact allergy to substances with low allergenic potential in what is called the “Kligman maximization test,” in which the skin is treated with sodium lauryl sulfate before the allergen is applied for an occlusive patch test.’ With regard to clinical situations, Allenby and Basketter concluded that skin damage by submersion of the arm in a sodium lauryl sulfate solution increased reactivity to nickel.* In this chapter, we shall review the literature and present our own experience with contact and photosensitivity for each of the surface-active agents and other allergens in cleansing products. (Their presence and sensitizing potential in other sources will not be discussed.) The figures from the Contact Allergy Unit of the Leuven University Hospital have been compiled from the patient population from 1978 to the present (10,340 patients tested up to November 1994). We can give percentages, however, only for balsam of Peru, wool alcohols, colophony, and formaldehyde, because the other substances have not been routinely tested since 1978, when we began to computerize our recordkeeping.
Contested Citizenship and Social Exclusion: Adolescent Arab American Immigrants' Views of the Social Contract

Drawing from social contract theory, we explore how some adolescent Arab immigrants' (n = 99) sensitivity to the image of their ethnic group as enemies of America colors their interpretation of the social contract. Analyses of data collected in 1997 reveal that those youth who reported that the American media portray Arab people and nations as enemies of the United States are more attuned to personal experiences of prejudice based on their ethnic identity and are more dubious that the tenets of the social contract apply equally across groups. Negative images of Arab Americans were well in place prior to September 11, 2001, a pivotal moment that altered the lives of Arab Americans as well as the discourse on immigration and citizenship.
Nedd8 Regulates Inflammasome-Dependent Caspase-1 Activation

Caspase-1 is activated by the inflammasome complex to process cytokines like interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Pro-caspase-1 consists of three domains, CARD, p20, and p10. Association of pro-caspase-1 with the inflammasome results in initiation of its autocatalytic activity, culminating in self-cleavage that generates catalytically active subunits (p10 and p20). In the current study, we show that Nedd8 is required for efficient self-cleavage of pro-caspase-1 to generate its catalytically active subunits. Nedd8 silencing or treating cells with the neddylation inhibitor MLN4924 led to diminished caspase-1 processing and reduced IL-1β maturation following inflammasome activation. Coimmunoprecipitation and mass spectrometric analysis of 293 cells overexpressing pro-caspase-1 (and CARD) and Nedd8 suggested possible neddylation of caspase-1 CARD. Following inflammasome activation in primary macrophages, we observed colocalization of endogenous Nedd8 with caspase-1. Similarly, interaction of endogenous Nedd8 with caspase-1 CARD was detected in inflammasome-activated macrophages. Furthermore, enhanced autocatalytic activity of pro-caspase-1 was observed following Nedd8 overexpression in 293 cells, and such activity in inflammasome-activated macrophages was drastically diminished upon treatment of cells with MLN4924. Thus, our studies demonstrate a role of Nedd8 in regulating caspase-1 activation following inflammasome activation, presumably via augmenting autoprocessing/cleavage of pro-caspase-1 into its corresponding catalytically active subunits.
H2, N2, and CH4 Gas Adsorption in Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-95 and -100: Ab Initio Based Grand Canonical Monte Carlo Simulations

A multiscale approach based on ab initio and grand canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) simulations is used to report the H2, N2, and CH4 uptake behaviors of two zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs), ZIF-95 and -100, with exceptionally large and complex colossal cages. The force fields describing the weak interactions between the gas molecules and ZIFs in GCMC simulations are based on ab initio MP2 level of theory aimed at accurately describing the London dispersions. We report the total and excess gas uptakes up to 100 bar at 77 and 300 K. Our results unravel the interplay between the uptake amount, pore volume, guest molecule size, temperature, chlorine functional group, and isosteric heat of adsorption in ZIFs. We found that while the uptake capacity of ZIF-100 outperforms ZIF-95 for small molecules (H2), ZIF-95 offers a superior adsorption capacity for large molecules (CH4). Moderately sized molecules (N2) exhibit a more complex uptake behavior depending on the temperature. Furthermore, we show that the ind...
On the Macroscopic Flow Behavior of the Phases Present in Ti-24Al-llNb

The deformation behavior of two alloys whose compositions (Ti-25Al-9Nb and Ti-11Al-23Nb in at.%) correspond to alpha-two and beta phases in the Ti-24Al-11Nb alloy has been investigated. Results from both compression and tensile tests over a range of temperatures from 27° to 650°C indicate that the yield stress as well as the strain and strain-rate hardening characteristics of the Ti-24-11 alloy are controlled by the Ti 3 Al-base alpha-two phase. In contrast to the Alpha-two alloy, the Beta alloy has a flow stress which is very sensitive to temperature and strain rate at 650°C, suggesting the onset of high temperature creep processes.
Landfill leachate treatment and energy generation using microbial fuel cell

The objective of this study is to investigate the feasibility of the usage of microbial fuel cell (MFC) technology for landfill leachate decomposition and power generation. Landfill leachate collected from landfills located in Northwest Florida was tested in a laboratory scale MFC to provide evidence that landfill leachate can be decomposed and electrons released from leachate decomposition in the anodic chamber can be transported and consumed in the cathodic chamber and consequently, electricity can be generated. The proposed MFC technology is of great benefit to landfills located in remote territories in terms of energy generation and environmental protection.
An MRI study of amygdala in schizophrenia and psychotic bipolar disorder

Meta-analyses report larger amygdala in subjects with bipolar disorder compared to schizophrenia. However, few studies have compared the size of amygdala in psychotic bipolar disorder with schizophrenia. Here we examine size of amygdala in a sample of 36 patients with psychotic bipolar disorder, 31 patients with schizophrenia and 27 healthy comparison subjects. Patients with schizophrenia had smaller amygdala compared with patients with psychotic bipolar disorder (p=0.014). These results suggest that change in volume of amygdala may represent a morphologic feature distinguishing psychotic bipolar disorder from schizophrenia.
Breast Cancer Risk in Premenopausal Women Is Inversely Associated with Consumption of Broccoli, a Source of Isothiocyanates, but Is Not Modified by GST Genotype

The role of vegetable consumption in relation to breast cancer risk is controversial. Anticarcinogenic compounds may be present only in specific vegetables, thereby attenuating findings for total vegetable intake. Cruciferous vegetables contain precursors of isothiocyanates (ITCs), which may be chemopreventive through potent inhibition of phase I, and induction of phase II enzymes, such as glutathione S-transferases (GSTs). We investigated associations between consumption of cruciferous vegetables, sources of ITCs, and breast cancer risk, and potential modification of relations by GSTM1 and GSTT1 genotypes. Cases (n = 740) were Caucasian women with incident breast cancer identified from all major hospitals in Erie and Niagara counties. Community controls (n = 810) were frequency matched to cases by age and county. An in-depth interview including a validated FFQ was administered in person. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs were used to estimate relative risks. Consumption of cruciferous vegetables, particularly broccoli, was marginally inversely associated with breast cancer risk in premenopausal women [4th quartile OR = 0.6, 95% CI (0.40-1.01), P = 0.058]. Associations were weaker or null among postmenopausal women. No significant effects of GST genotype on risk were observed in either menopausal group. These data indicate that cruciferous vegetables may play an important role in decreasing the risk of premenopausal breast cancer.
Thyrotropin-releasing hormone and its analog MK-771 increase the cerebroventricular perfusate content of dihydroxyphenylacetic acid.

: The effects of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) and its synthetic analog, pyro-2-aminoadipyl-his-tidyl-thiazolidine-4-carboxamide (MK-771), were determined on the efflux of dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) collected from push-pull cannulae chronically implanted into the lateral cerebral ventricles of rats. Intracerebroventricular and intraperitoneal injections of both peptides increased the efflux of DOPAC. These results suggest that TRH and MK-771 increase the activity of dopaminergic neurons that terminate in periventricular regions.
The High Spectral Resolution Lidar

The High Spectral Resolution Lidar (HSRL) system was developed at the University of Wisconsin* to remotely measure optical properties of the atmosphere. The extinction cross section, the aerosol to molecular backscatter ratio and the backscatter to extinction ratio are measured without assumptions regarding aerosol scattering characteristics. The HSRL is both eyesafe (range >200 m) and capable of daylight operation. It has operated in both aircraft and ground based studies.
A Personal Journey of Discovery: Developing Technology and Changing Biology

This autobiographical article describes my experiences in developing chemically based, biological technologies for deciphering biological information: DNA, RNA, proteins, interactions, and networks. The instruments developed include protein and DNA sequencers and synthesizers, as well as ink-jet technology for synthesizing DNA chips. Diverse new strategies for doing biology also arose from novel applications of these instruments. The functioning of these instruments can be integrated to generate powerful new approaches to cloning and characterizing genes from a small amount of protein sequence or to using gene sequences to synthesize peptide fragments so as to characterize various properties of the proteins. I also discuss the five paradigm changes in which I have participated: the development and integration of biological instrumentation; the human genome project; cross-disciplinary biology; systems biology; and predictive, personalized, preventive, and participatory (P4) medicine. Finally, I discuss the origins, the philosophy, some accomplishments, and the future trajectories of the Institute for Systems Biology.
The sea anchor technique: a novel method to aid in stent-assisted embolization of giant cerebral aneurysms

Endovascular navigation past some large or giant intracranial aneurysms for the purpose of stent deployment can be difficult. Some of these lesions have a morphology which compels the operator to navigate through the aneurysm dome in order to gain distal access, a step which requires straightening of the delivery microcatheter before a stent can be deployed. In most patients this can be achieved by simply retracting the microcatheter and reducing the loop within the aneurysm. However, in certain patients the acute angle formed between aneurysm inflow and outflow tracts as well as the dynamics of tension within the microcatheter act together to prevent this from happening. Instead of retracting and straightening across the aneurysm neck, the microcatheter withdraws leaving the intra-aneurysm loop intact. This challenge can thwart attempts at stent placement and subsequent embolization. The authors describe a simple and safe technique to circumvent this problem, a way of stabilizing the distal tip of the microcatheter which they term the 'sea anchor'.
Moral Imperatives and Conundrums of Conscience: Reflections on Philip the Fair of France

When I was asked to propose a topic for my presidential address, the subject I chose, moral imperatives and conundrums of conscience, seemed to me particularly appropriate and timely. This was in part because of the problems of conscience caused for many members of the Academy by the decision to hold the annual meeting in Arizona, whose restrictive laws on immigration seemed to many to violate basic principles of right and justice and hence to warrant a boycott. Long, thoughtful, and impassioned discussion of the issues revealed their complexity. Although the final decision disappointed many members, all recognized its virtue in supporting the Arizonans who were struggling to accomplish revocation of legislation they believed wrong. There was more. The crises in the leadership of the Academy during two of my years as a presidential officer raised issues of conscience and morality for all who worked to achieve equitable, just, and rational solutions to our problems and conflicts. On both issues, the site o...
Charge Transport and Storage in the Radiation-Charged Electret Ionization Chamber

Numerical calculations of time‐dependent charge distributions are presented and compared with distributions measured on radiation‐charged electrets made of thin polymer films, which are charged and discharged in a radiation‐charged electretionization chamber (REIC) through the application of ionizing radiation. The chamber resembles a parallel plate ionization chamber, and has a thin film of polymer covering the collector and guard‐ring electrodes. Calculations are performed by solving Laplace’s equation for the true geometry of the charging/discharging set‐up, then applying estimates of ion‐density distributions generated from known scattering distributions and/or simpler approximations. Measurements of radiation induced conductivity (RIC) are presented and fitted to an empirically derived analytical model, and the effects of RIC on the operation of a radiation dosimeter based on the electret are investigated and discussed. Short‐term and long‐term charge decay from the electret is measured and fitted to a previously developed model. The effects of post‐charging heat treatment of the radiation‐charged electret are presented and discussed. Last, the dosimetric characteristics of the REIC are considered in light of those physical aspects investigated here.
The National WIC Evaluation: evaluation of the Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children. II. Review of past studies of WIC

We reviewed past work relating WIC benefits to birth weight, perinatal and infant survival, anemia, child growth, and dietary intake. Despite many uncertainties, the probable range of reduction in the rate of low birth weight was approximately 1-2% and the increase in mean birth weight ranged from 0 to approximately 60 g. There was too little information to securely estimate effects of WIC on perinatal and infant mortality nor on the dietary intake of women or children. Although the number of studies was small, there probably were important effects of WIC on rates of childhood anemia. There is too little evidence to come to any conclusion on effects during pregnancy. There is little evidence that the WIC program has affected children's linear growth.
Design and Validation of a Radiochromatogram Scanner with Analog and Digital Output

We have designed and built a versatile radiochromatogram scanner for chromatographic and electrophoretic strips of variable width and length and for chromatographic columns. The scanner’s variable speed and collimator width and the availability of digital output give it a wide dynamic range. To every extent possible, it was constructed from general laboratory equipment and surplus parts that can be found in many nuclear medicine departments. A series of validation experiments was performed to demonstrate the capabilities of the system and shows its excellent spatial resolution for such gamma emitters as Tc-99m. Quantitative results are available immediately without the need to integrate peaks by planimetry or to cut and count each activity peak.
Kinetics of Ion Transport in Perovskite Active Layers and Its Implications for Active Layer Stability.

Solar cells fabricated using alkyl ammonium metal halides as light absorbers have the right combination of high power conversion efficiency and ease of fabrication to realize inexpensive but efficient thin film solar cells. However, they degrade under prolonged exposure to sunlight. Herein, we show that this degradation is quasi-reversible, and that it can be greatly lessened by simple modifications of the solar cell operating conditions. We studied perovskite devices using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) with methylammonium (MA)-, formamidinium (FA)-, and MAxFA1–x lead triiodide as active layers. From variable temperature EIS studies, we found that the diffusion coefficient using MA ions was greater than when using FA ions. Structural studies using powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) show that for MAPbI3 a structural change and lattice expansion occurs at device operating temperatures. On the basis of EIS and PXRD studies, we postulate that in MAPbI3 the predominant mechanism of accelerated devi...
Managing Disability in Progressive Multiple Sclerosis.

Patients with progressive forms of multiple sclerosis have various symptoms which affect their quality of life significantly including depression, cognitive decline, sleep changes, bladder dysfunction, sexual dysfunction, and spasticity. Despite recent promising results on the effects of ocrelizumab on neurological disability in patients with PPMS, currently none of the immunomodulatory therapies are approved for progressive forms of multiple sclerosis. Therefore, clinicians currently mostly focus on management of well-recognized comorbidities of this disease phenotype in order to improve patients’ quality of life. There are very few studies evaluating strategies of symptomatic management on progressive forms of multiple sclerosis and most of the data is derived from studies on relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis. Understanding of the risks, benefits, and limitations of these therapies can significantly affect patient care. In this article, we review common comorbidities associated with progressive forms of multiple sclerosis and outline important strategies for their symptomatic management.
The investigation on the resistance of Blattella germanica to insecticides in Longgang district of Shenzhen

Objective To investigate the resistance of Blattella germanica to five kinds of insecticides in Longgang district of Shenzhen for providing scientific data for its effective control.Methods Insecticide membrane method was used to capture the insects,which were identified classified and tested for their insecticide resistance level with drug-membrane contact method.Results A total of 1026 cockroaches,of which the dominant species B.germanica accounting for 97.95%,were captured.The results indicated that the field-collected strain of B.germanica was resistant to all the 5 kinds of insecticides,with the resistance coefficient of it to beta-cypermethrin,deltamethrin,biothion,propoxur and fenobucarb being 25.27,10.65,12.73,4.55 and 14.59,respectively,showing that the resistance to beta-cypermethrin was most significant(R20).Conclusion B.germanica in Longgang district of Shenzhen has high resistance to beta-cypermethrin,deltamethrin,biothion,and fenobucarb.
Research on Training Index System Structure of College Physical Education Teachers

The establishment of physical education teachers training index system can objectively and accurately evaluate the training effect,and provide the reference for their training and cultivation.This paper,using the method of literature review,comparison and mathematical statistics,makes selection on college physical education teacher training index,establishes the training index system,including five primary indexes of training goal,training content,training form,training management and training assessment and evaluation.The goal in the near future,long-term goal for 14 secondary indexes and the vocational ethics training,knowledge training,coaching ability of 44 levels three indexes,on the basis of the importance of various indexes,the mean calculation of index system structure features is detailed analyzed.
Ureteropyelostomy and ureteroneocystostomy in renal transplantation: postoperative urological complications.

AbstractUreteropyelostomy offers a suitable alternative to ureteroneocystostomy as a primary method of urinary reconstruction after renal transplantation. In a total of 108 such procedures 12 urological complications occurred. Only 1 patient had graft loss directly attributable to these complications.
ANTIMALARIAL WORK IN CHINA : A HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE

Systematic scientific studies of malaria in China did not begin until the 1920s. The persistence of misconceptions about the disease and the absence of political stability, funds and trained personnel were obstacles to any large scale antimalarial campaigns. In the 1920s and 30s, antimalarial efforts involved epidemiologic studies, environmental alterations, and treatment of patients. During the Sino-Japanese War when the Chinese government relocated inland, China's antimalarial work focused on the control of the disease, especially in the western and southwestern provinces. After the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, nationwide antimalarial campaigns were initiated and enforced by the central government which also promoted intersectoral and interregional cooperation. Together with the building of a preventive and anti-epidemic infrastructure and health care system as well as the training of personnel, the government used techniques of mass mobilization to launch programs of vector control and mass therapy. Provinces were also organized into antimalarial regional alliances to facilitate malaria control and surveillance.
Phosphorylation of myosin in permeabilized mammalian cardiac and skeletal muscle cells

The effect of myosin phosphorylation on tension production at less than 50% maximal activation by Ca2+ was examined in rabbit psoas and ventricular muscle. For psoas fibers, tension was determined at pCa 6.0, 5.8, 5.6, 5.5, and 5.4. Myosin light chain kinase (0.15 microM) and calmodulin (2 microM) were added, and the fibers were incubated at pCa 5.4, which resulted in an increase in light chain phosphorylation (P-light chain) from 5-10 to 60-75%. After 5 min, the sequence of pCa activations was repeated. An identical protocol was followed for cardiac muscle, except the activation solutions were pCa 6.2, 6.0, 5.9, 5.8, and 5.6. Phosphorylation of P-light chain increased tension in both permeabilized cardiac and skeletal muscle fibers. The effect manifested itself as a leftward shift in the pCa-tension relationship at levels below 50% maximal activation, with a decrease in the slope of the pCa-tension relationship. These results indicate that P-light chain phosphorylation affects actin-myosin interactions in cardiac and skeletal muscles at submaximal levels of Ca2+ activation.
CEO Compensation and Turnover: The Effects of Mutually Interlocked Boards

The recent wave of revelations involving corporate governance problems has created significant interest in the relationships between chief executive officers (CEOs) and their boards of directors. In this paper we focus on one important but previously uninvestigated characteristic of boards: the tendency of many boards to have two (or more) directors who are also members of another company's board. We define this relationship as a mutual interlock. We explore the consequences of this phenomenon for CEO compensation and CEO turnover. Our empirical analyses - conducted for a sample of 366 large companies, in which 87% of the companies have at least one mutual interlock - show that CEO compensation tends to be higher and CEO turnover tends to be lower when the CEO's board has one or more pairs of board members who are mutually interlocked with another company's board. There are two possible interpretations of these results. One is that the mutual interlocks are an indication of and a contributor to CEO entrenchment, and the higher compensation and lower turnover follow from this entrenchment. The other is that the mutual interlocks are an indication of the strengthening of an important and valuable strategic alliance for the company, and the higher CEO compensation and lower turnover are the CEO's reward for arranging the alliance. We believe that the first interpretation is more accurate, for the reasons discussed in the paper.
Bioprinting using aqueous two-phase system

A key for successful bioprinting is the design and formulation of a suitable “ink” that maintains cell viability while being patternable. Here, we describe the uses of aqueous two-phase systems (ATPS) to bioprint or micropattern cells as well as reagents. The unique advantage of the method compared to other bioprinting methods is that one can pattern while fully immersed in aqueous solutions without diffusion or dispersion of the aqueous ink. The fully aqueous environment is advantageous for cell printing where even brief drying can be lethal. Additionally, bioprinting with ATPS is typically performed in a noncontact manner allowing printing over delicate materials such as living cells, tissues, and hydrogels straightforward. While bioprinting generally implies additive fabrication, sculpting of existing biological structures can also serve to create cellular patterns. This chapter thus provides an overview of the use of ATPS bioinks to perform both additive and subtractive fabrication.
Direct adaptive control of nonnegative and compartmental dynamical systems with time delay

We develop a direct adaptive control framework for uncertain linear nonnegative and compartmental dynamical systems with unknown time delay. The specific focus of the paper is on compartmental pharmacokinetic models and their applications to drug delivery systems. In particular, we develop a Lyapunov-Krasovskii-based direct adaptive control framework for guaranteeing set-point regulation of the closed-loop system in the nonnegative orthant in the presence of unknown system time delay. The framework additionally guarantees nonnegativity of the control signal. Finally, we demonstrate the framework on a drug delivery model for general anesthesia involving system time delays.
An intelligent IDE for behavior authoring in real-time strategy games

Behavior authoring for computer games involves writing behaviors in a programming language and then it-eratively refining them by detecting issues with them. The main bottlenecks are a) the effort required to author the behaviors and b) the revision cycle as, for most games, it is practically impossible to write a behavior for the computer game AI in a single attempt. The main problem is that the current development environments (IDE) are typically mere text editors that can only help the author by pointing out syntactical errors. In this paper we present an intelligent IDE (iIDE) that has the following capabilities: it allows the author to program initial versions of the behaviors through demonstration, presents visualizations of behavior execution for revision, lets the author define failure conditions on the existing behavior set, and select appropriate fixes for the failure conditions to correct the behaviors. We describe the underlying techniques that support these capabilities inside our implemented iIDE and the future steps that need to be carried out to improve the iIDE. We also provide details on a preliminary user study showing how the new features inside the iIDE can help authors in behavior authoring and debugging in a real time strategy game.
Intramuscular Ziprasidone Dosing for Acute Agitation in the Pediatric Emergency Department: An Observational Study.

Background:Intramuscular (IM) ziprasidone is often used to manage acute agitation. Limited data exist on the pediatric dosing of ziprasidone in the emergency department (ED).Objective:To characteri...
Preliminary quantitative evaluation of residential virtual energy storage using power sensing

This work aims to quantify virtual energy storage (VES) monetary cost-savings potential for residential homes. It is part of an effort to develop smart systems (using power sensors, and simple computation and control mechanisms) to assist individuals in making decisions about energy use that will save energy and, consequently, electricity costs. To make a home its own storage system, we need to shrewdly employ the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system to harness the house's thermal storage capabilities by methods such as preheating or precooling the house during periods when energy is less expensive so that this heat or coolness will be retained during higher-cost periods. This paper presents results from preliminary experimental exploration of the costs and benefits of this approach on a real residential microgrid testbed, through data collection with power sensors and control of the HVAC for the VES case. We also develop a cost-savings model that applies to load management in general to compare (based on the data) VES and battery energy storage (BES) — currently the more traditional and widely-advocated-for approach to energy storage for load management Results indicate better cost-effectiveness of VES (by an order of magnitude in some cases) compared to BES.
Beyond Merroir: The Okinawan Taste for Clams

In southwestern Okinawa, local residents are reinvigorating their culinary heritage through a clam restoration project that began in 2009. The clams—giant clams, locally known as geera —have declined recently due to overharvesting on the reef. This article examines intersecting notions of heritage and community by contrasting the clam mariculture project with other heritage foods. The clams do not fit within prevalent images of Okinawan foods as nutritious and multicultural, and they are not among the Okinawan tastes that are celebrated outside of Okinawa. For islanders, the clams encapsulate place through their actual taste, the way they are acquired, and the social landscape of their consumption. Amidst the increasing influx of mainlanders in Okinawa, the clams become symbols that distinguish native islanders from newcomers.
SNS proton power upgrade requirements for magnet and kicker systems

The Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) Proton Power Upgrade (PPU) will double the beam power from 1.4 to 2.8 MW by adding cavities in the superconducting linear accelerator (SCL) which will increase the beam energy from 0.97 to 1.3 GeV and by increasing the average linac beam current from 26 to 38 mA. Provisions for an accelerator power increase were made in the original SNS project, and these are being leveraged to provide a cost-effective means of doubling the beam power. The magnet systems were originally designed for the higher beam energies except for a few in the injection and extraction regions of the accumulator ring. Three injection region magnets will be redesigned. The eight injection-bump kicker power supplies will be upgraded to permit higher current operation and two additional extraction kicker power supplies and magnets will be added. This paper will review the requirements and options for the magnets and power supplies for the injection and extraction regions.
More than just a support: Graphene as a solid-state ligand for palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions

Abstract While the primary role of supports in catalysis has been to anchor metal particles to prevent sintering, supports can also activate catalytic processes. We report computational and experimental results that provide a fundamental understanding of how a graphene support may activate both oxidative and reductive reaction steps in the catalytic cycle of Suzuki-Miyaura palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions. Theoretical investigations reveal that the high catalytic activity is linked to the ability of a graphene support to act as both an efficient charge donor and acceptor in oxidation and reduction reaction steps. We compare the activation energy and turn over frequency for a series of supported and homogeneous catalysts and find that exposing palladium-graphene to defect inducing microwave radiation results in dramatically lower activation energies and higher turnover frequencies. These results explain why a defected graphene support may catalyze reaction steps that require both charge donation, and charge acceptance.