cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A multi-directional ground filtering algorithm for airborne LIDAR

Automatic ground filtering for Light Detection And Ranging (LIDAR) data is a critical process for Digital Terrain Model (DTM) and three-dimensional urban model generation. Although researchers have developed many methods to separate bare ground from other urban features, the problem has not been fully solved due to the similar characteristics possessed by ground and non-ground objects, especially on abrupt surfaces. Current methods can be grouped into two major categories: neighborhood-based approaches and directional filtering. In this study, following the direction of the second branch, we propose a new Multi-directional Ground Filtering (MGF) algorithm to incorporate a two-dimensional neighborhood in the directional scanning so as to prevent the errors introduced by the sensitivity to directions. Besides this, the MGF algorithm explores the utility of identifying pattern varieties in different directions across an image. The authors conducted a comprehensive test of the performance on fifteen study sites and compared our results to eight other publicized methods based on the Kappa coefficients calculated from the error matrices reported by ISPRS. Overall, the MGF filter produces a promising performance in both urban and forest areas. The size and shape of non-ground objects do not pose significant influence on the performance of the MGF algorithm. The fact that MGF algorithm is robust to two commonly required parameters, slope and elevation difference thresholds, has added practical merits to be adopted in different landscapes.
New analogues of split algorithms for Toeplitz-plus-Hankel matrices

Novel fast algorithm for solving arbitrary Toeplitz-plus-Hankel systems of equations are presented. The algorithms are analogues of the split Levinson and Schur algorithms, although the more general Toeplitz-plus-Hankel structure requires that the algorithms be based on a four-term recurrence; relations with previous split algorithms are noted. The algorithms require roughly half as many multiplications as previous fast algorithms for Toeplitz-plus-Hankel systems. >
Consumer logistics as a basis for segmenting retail markets

Abstract Consumer logistics (CL) refers to consumers' participation in the movement and handling of goods from the point of acquisition to the point of consumption or final disposal. Research into CL stems from the premise that the performance of logistics activities by consumers closely resembles the performance of logistics activities by businesses and from the observation that, as products travel down the distribution channel, households must eventually contribute toward making them available when and where they are needed for consumption. The reported study was undertaken with the intent of linking household CL patterns to consumers’ shopping behaviors and demographics so as to identify meaningful retail market segments. Six segments were identified using canonical correlation analysis. They were labelled ‘household captains’, ‘minimizers’, ‘extended shoppers’, ‘family supporters’, ‘flexible shoppers’, and ‘helpers’.
l‐Proline depolarizes rat spinal motoneurones by an excitatory amino acid antagonist‐sensitive mechanism

1 Isolated spinal cords prepared from neonatal rats were used to examine the effects of L-proline (L-Pro). 2 L-Pro (1-8 mM) depolarized ventral and dorsal roots in a dose-dependent manner with one sixth of the potency of L-glutamate (L-Glu). L-Pro was four times more potent than D-Pro. Prolonged application of L-Pro produced a plateau depolarization of motoneurones with no apparent fade. 3 Omission of calcium ions from the medium potentiated the depolarizing actions of L-Pro, L-Glu and quisqualate. 4 L-Pro was antagonized by concentrations of 2-amino-5-phosphonovalerate (25 microM), gamma-D-glutamylglycine (100 microM) and Mg2+ ions (1 mM) that depressed responses to N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA). The NMDA receptor-mediated component of the response to L-Pro was estimated to be 60-70%. 5 These data suggest that L-Pro should be considered as a possible excitatory neurotransmitter and that, because L-Pro is a neutral compound, excitatory amino receptors may not require an agonist to possess two anionic groups and one cationic group.
Infrared spectrum of ClOSO2F

Abstract The infrared spectra of gaseous and solid ClOSO 2 F have been measured. Ten of the 12 fundamentals were observed and a vibrational assignment for symmetry C 3 is suggested. Some thermodynamic properties and principal force constants have been computed.
Circulatory and anti-platelet effects of intravenous prostacyclin in healthy men

Summary Intravenous infusion of prostacylin (2 - 50 ng/kg/min) into six healthy men caused vasodilation of the skin vessels of head, neck and palms, a lowering of diastolic blood pressure with little effect on systolic blood pressure, an increase in heart rate and a rise in venous oxygen pressure. Prostacyclin infusions also resulted in suppression of platelet aggregability to ADP, as well as a dispersion of circulating platelet aggregates. Template bleeding time became prolonged, while partial thromboplastine time, prothrombine time and euglobulin lysis time remained all unchanged. These effects of prostacyclin were transient and disappeared briefly after termination of the hormone infusion. During infusion of a high dose of prostacyclin (50 ng/kg/min) signs of collapse appeared and waned shortly after withrowal of the prostacyclin infusion. No other serious immediate or remote side effects were observed. It is concluded that vasodilatory and anti-platelet actions of prostacyclin, now proved in men, are of the potential therapeutic interest in thrombo-embolic diseases.
Transformation of dehydroepiandrosterone into dihydrotestosterone by isolated cells from rat preputial gland

Abstract After the rat preputial gland was treated with collagenase and trypsin, five bands of cells were isolated by centrifugation in Ficoll gradients. Homogenates of the heavier cells (Bands IV and V) which contained less lipids, were more active than the homogenates of the lighter cells (Bands I, II and III) in transforming [1,2-3H]-dehydroepiandrosterone ([l,2-3H]-DHA) into [3H]-androstenedione and [3H]-testosterone and the latter into [3H]-dihydrotestosterone (DHT). In the presence of NAD, NADH and NADPH-generating system, [1,2-3H]-DHA was transformed into [3H]-DHT in 50–60% yield by homogenates of cells in Bands IV and V. DHT levels in the preputial gland were measured by radio-immunoassay. The levels in female rats reduced by 77% from 3.14 ± 0.27 to 0.72 ± 0.10pg/mg tissue after adrenalectomy, and by 45% to 1.71 ± 0.10 pg/mg tissue after ovariectomy. In male rats, the level reduced by 15% from 4.58 ± 0.55 to 3.88 ± 0.62pg/mg tissue after adrenalectomy and by 40% to 2.74 ± 0.21 pg/mg tissue after orchidectomy. These results demonstrated the transformation of DHA into DHT in the preputial gland of the rat, and that the adrenal is an important source of precursor steroid (DHA) for DHT formation in the preputial gland.
Decreased β- Adrenergic Receptors in Rat Heart in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes: Role of Thyroid Hormones*

The effect of streptozotocin-induced diabetes on the beta-adrenergic receptor-coupled adenylate cyclase was studied in rat heart particulate fractions. Streptozotocin treatment decreased the number of myocardial beta-adrenergic receptors by 34% with no change in the apparent affinity of these receptors for [3H]dihydroalprenolol. The maximal isoproterenol-activated accumulation of cAMP in streptozotocin-treated rat hearts was decreased by only 10%. Insulin administration to streptozotocin-treated rats increased the number of myocardial beta-adrenergic receptors to near or above control levels. Administration of L-T4 to streptozotocin-treated rats had the same effect. Total T4, free T4, and total T3 levels were all significantly decreased in the diabetic animals. Administration of insulin to streptozotocin-treated rats increased the serum thyroid hormone levels toward or above the levels found in control animals. Streptozotocin-induced diabetes had no significant effect on cardiac beta-adrenergic receptor number in thyroidectomized rats. Insulin did not elevate cardiac beta-adrenergic receptor number in thyroidectomized diabetic rats. The decrease in the number of myocardial beta-adrenergic receptors occurring in diabetes mellitus is probably mediated through thyroid hormones.
The effects of heavy impurity doping on AlGaAs/GaAs bipolar transistors

The effects of heavy impurity doping on the electrical performance of AlGaAs/GaAs heterojunction bipolar transistors are examined. Electrical measurements of GaAs diodes and transistors demonstrate that the electron current injected into p/sup +/-GaAs is unexpectedly large. These results provide evidence for a large effective bandgap shrinkage in p/sup +/-GaAs. The results are presented in a form suitable for device modeling. For the heavy p-type doping commonly used in the base of an n-p-n AlGaAs/GaAs heterojunction bipolar transistor, the effective bandgap shrinkage is comparable in magnitude to the bandgap variation designed into the device by its compositional variation. Two examples demonstrate that such effects must be considered when analyzing or designing such devices. >
Frictionless atom cooling in harmonic traps: A time-optimal approach

In this article we formulate frictionless atom cooling in harmonic traps as a time-optimal control problem, permitting imaginary values of the trap frequency for transient time intervals during which the trap becomes an expulsive parabolic potential. We show that the minimum time solution has a ``bang-bang'' form, where the frequency jumps suddenly at certain instants and then remains constant, and calculate estimates of the minimum cooling time for various numbers of such jumps. A numerical optimization method based on pseudospectral approximations is used to obtain suboptimal realistic solutions without discontinuities, which may be implemented experimentally.
Nitric Oxide Mediates Prostaglandin-induced Relaxation of Airways During Development ♦ 1705

Nitric Oxide Mediates Prostaglandin-induced Relaxation of Airways During Development ♦ 1705
Fold Catastrophes and the Dependence of Free-Energy Barriers to Conformational Transitions on Applied Force

Applied mechanical force (f) can activate conformational change in molecules by reducing the height of a free-energy barrier (ΔGb). In this paper, molecular dynamics simulations are carried out with umbrella sampling and self-consistent histogram methods to determine free-energy profiles for a coarse-grained model of a protein under an applied force. Applied force is shown to cause fold catastrophes, where free-energy minima are destabilized until they disappear. It is well-known that a fold catastrophe at force f = B implies the scaling ΔGb ≈ |B − f|3/2 in the limit of ΔGb → 0, but it is not clear whether this scaling is accurate for physically relevant barrier heights. The simulation results show that the fold catastrophe scaling is in fact accurate in the physically relevant regime and that the two-parameter function ΔGb = A(B − f)3/2 is superior to the two-parameter linear function for parametrizing changes in free-energy barriers with applied force.
Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Lead Complications and Laser Extraction in Children and Young Adults with Congenital Heart Disease: Implications for Implantation and Management

Introduction: Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) are being implanted for primary and secondary prevention of sudden death in children and young adults with congenital heart disease. Over time, ICD leads adhere to venous endothelium and endocardium. Lead removal, when necessary, often requires disruption of this fibrous tissue. Methods and Results: We retrospectively reviewed and analyzed our experience with ICD lead extraction in children and young adults with congenital heart disease. From April 1999 through January 2002, 14 patients underwent 15 lead extraction procedures to remove 21 leads (17 ICD leads and 4 pacing or sensing leads). Seven patients had surgically corrected structural heart disease (5 transposition of the great arteries with atrial switch repair and 2 corrected tetralogy of Fallot). Mean patient age at extraction was17.9 ± 5.7 years(range 9–32), and mean duration of lead implantation was42.0 ± 18.9 months(range 15–75). Fourteen of 15 procedures were performed for lead fracture or failure. A laser sheath was used for 20 of 21 lead extractions. Twenty of 21 leads (95%) were completely extracted. There were three instances of blood loss requiring transfusion. There were no major complications or deaths. Conclusion: Young congenital heart disease patients with an ICD are at risk for growth-related lead distortion. The use of a laser sheath is safe and effective for ICD lead extraction in congenital heart disease patients, despite coil adherence and altered anatomy. It may be advisable to avoid dual-coil leads in patients with the potential for future growth.(J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 14, pp. 344-349, April 2003)
There's more than rugged individualism in coping. Part 2: Construct validity and further model testing

We examined the multiaxial model of coping using the dispositional or general version of the Strategic Approach to Coping Scale (SACS) and the situational version of the SACS, in Part 2 of this two-part series. We found both dispositional and situational measures to be reliable and that dispositional coping was a strong predictor of situational coping 12 weeks later. Dispositional coping was a better prospective predictor of emotional outcomes, and situational coping was a better predictor of current emotional outcomes. Women were found to be more prosocial and less antisocial in their coping than men, but no less active. Prosocial coping tended to be related to better emotional outcomes for both men and women. Aggressive coping was also an effective strategy as long as it did not move into the outright antisocial forms of coping. The multiaxial model of coping appears to balance individualistic and collectivist notions of coping in a way that successfully predicts coping outcomes under stressful conditions and that does not disfavor women as do many individualistically-oriented measures of coping that ignore copings' pro- and antisocial aspects.
Mandates, Parties and Dissent : Effect of Electoral Rules on Parliamentary Party Cohesion in the Russian State Duma, 1994-2003

Russia's mixed electoral system offers an excellent opportunity to study the effects of electoral rules on party discipline in legislative voting. Under the rules in force from the 1993 to 2003 elections, one half of the Russian Duma's members were elected on party lists, while the remaining half were elected by plurality vote in single-member districts (SMDs). The existing literature has found inconclusive evidence for the direction and magnitude of the effect of such mandate-type differences on the level of party discipline in floor voting. Using a comprehensive database of electronically recorded votes in the Duma in the period between 1994 and 2003 and a panel data structure, we examine the influence of this hybrid system on factional voting cohesion for votes on budget bills. The panel structure permits a more sensitive and rigorous research design than has been employed in previous research. We find modest evidence that SMD representatives defect from the faction position on budget bills more often ...
Inhibition of rat testicular monoamine oxidase activity after 250 R of whole-body X-irradiation

Chez le rat l'activite de l'oxydase testiculaire monoaminee est augmentee d'une maniere significative 7 a 10 jours apres une irradiation-X de 250 R du corps entier. Elle s'est abaissee au-dessous de la valeur du controle pendant les 153 jours qui suivirent le traitement.
Semiconducting tin and lead iodide perovskites with organic cations: phase transitions, high mobilities, and near-infrared photoluminescent properties.

A broad organic–inorganic series of hybrid metal iodide perovskites with the general formulation AMI3, where A is the methylammonium (CH3NH3+) or formamidinium (HC(NH2)2+) cation and M is Sn (1 and 2) or Pb (3 and 4) are reported. The compounds have been prepared through a variety of synthetic approaches, and the nature of the resulting materials is discussed in terms of their thermal stability and optical and electronic properties. We find that the chemical and physical properties of these materials strongly depend on the preparation method. Single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis of 1–4 classifies the compounds in the perovskite structural family. Structural phase transitions were observed and investigated by temperature-dependent single crystal X-ray diffraction in the 100–400 K range. The charge transport properties of the materials are discussed in conjunction with diffuse reflectance studies in the mid-IR region that display characteristic absorption features. Temperature-dependent studies show a ...
Consciousness, Backward Coreference, and Logophoricity

L'A. examine des phrases dans lesquelles les anaphores en -self font l'objet d'une exigence de coreference qui opere en plus de la theorie du liage. Il rend compte de ce phenomene en formulant un principe E qui differe des autres principes de la theorie du liage et examine les implications que peut avoir ce principe sur les theories de la logophoricite
Comment on “Internal waves, an under-explored source of turbulence events in the sedimentary record” by L. Pomar, M. Morsilli, P. Hallock, and B. Bádenas [Earth-Science Reviews, 111 (2012), 56–81]

This discussion is an attempt to alert the sedimentologic community that there is an immediate need to carry out fundamental research on process sedimentology of internal waves and internal tides in modern oceans. Despite the exhaustive theoretical, experimental, observational, and numerical analyses of modern internal waves and internal tides by oceanographers, with their focus on ocean mixing and modeling, there are absolutely no core-based studies by sedimentologists on the origin of primary sedimentary structures formed by baroclinic currents associated with internal waves and internal tides in modern marine environments. As a consequence, there are no objective sedimentological criteria for distinguishing internal-wave deposits. Amid this knowledge vacuum, the temptation to interpret ancient rock record as internal-wave deposits must be tempered.
Effects of acute acamprosate and homotaurine on ethanol intake and ethanol-stimulated mesolimbic dopamine release.

The purpose of the present study was to determine the acute effects of the anticraving compound acamprosate (calcium acetylhomotaurinate) and the closely related compound homotaurine on ethanol intake and ethanol-stimulated dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens. Male rats were treated with acamprosate (200 or 400 mg/kg intraperitoneally, i.p.) or homotaurine (10, 50, or 100 mg/kg i.p.) 15 min prior to access to 10% ethanol and water for 1 h in a two-bottle choice restricted access paradigm. A separate group of rats was implanted with microdialysis probes in the nucleus accumbens and given an acute injection of ethanol (1.5 g/kg i.p.) that was preceded by saline, acamprosate, or homotaurine. Acamprosate and homotaurine dose-dependently reduced ethanol intake and preference. These compounds also delayed or suppressed ethanol-stimulated increases in nucleus accumbens dopamine release, suggesting that acamprosate and homotaurine may reduce ethanol intake by interfering with the ability of ethanol to activate the mesolimbic dopamine reward system.
Regulation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors by protein phosphorylation

Neurotransmitter receptors and ion channels play a critical role in the transduction of signals at chemical synapses. The modulation of neurotransmitter receptor and ion channel function by protein phosphorylation is one of the major regulatory mechanisms in the control of synaptic transmission. The nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAcChR) has provided an excellent model system in which to study the modulation of neurotransmitter receptors and ion channels by protein phosphorylation since the structure and function of this receptor have been so extensively characterized.
Two challenges for U.S. irrigation due to climate change: increasing irrigated area in wet states and increasing irrigation rates in dry states.

Agricultural irrigation practices will likely be affected by climate change. In this paper, we use a statistical model relating observed water use by U.S. producers to the moisture deficit, and then use this statistical model to project climate changes impact on both the fraction of agricultural land irrigated and the irrigation rate (m3ha−1). Data on water withdrawals for US states (1985–2005) show that both quantities are highly positively correlated with moisture deficit (precipitation – PET). If current trends hold, climate change would increase agricultural demand for irrigation in 2090 by 4.5–21.9 million ha (B1 scenario demand: 4.5–8.7 million ha, A2 scenario demand: 9.1–21.9 million ha). Much of this new irrigated area would occur in states that currently have a wet climate and a small fraction of their agricultural land currently irrigated, posing a challenge to policymakers in states with less experience with strict regulation of agriculture water use. Moreover, most of this expansion will occur in states where current agricultural production has relatively low market value per hectare, which may make installation of irrigation uneconomical without significant changes in crops or practices by producers. Without significant increases in irrigation efficiency, climate change would also increase the average irrigation rate from 7,963 to 8,400–10,415 m3ha−1 (B1 rate: 8,400–9,145 m3ha−1, A2 rate: 9,380–10,415 m3ha−1). The irrigation rate will increase the most in states that already have dry climates and large irrigation rates, posing a challenge for water supply systems in these states. Accounting for both the increase in irrigated area and irrigation rate, total withdrawals might increase by 47.7–283.4 billion m3 (B1 withdrawal: 47.7–106.0 billion m3, A2 withdrawal: 117.4–283.4 billion m3). Increases in irrigation water-use efficiency, particularly by reducing the prevalence of surface irrigation, could eliminate the increase in total irrigation withdrawals in many states.
Enhancing Traditional Process SCADA and Historians for Industrial and Commercial Power Systems With Energy (Via IEC 61850)

The coordination of large-scale distributed measurement and control systems, such as supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) and other process control system implementations, require reliable and robust networks that can connect thousands of remote devices from multiple remote locations. Additionally, many heavy industries have ever-increasing demands for their infrastructure to handle more network services and deliver a full spectrum of the control and monitoring of thousands and even tens of thousands of points within their global business operations. This paper will outline a novel method of providing a convergent use of the International Electrotechnical Commission 61850 protocol within process control networks to provide a more deterministic type of process control, monitoring, and energy management. The benefits of the real-time archiving of process values, process messages, the intelligent electronic device status, and alarm data, along with process batch data, can be achieved in an advancement of traditional historian-based systems. This new approach provides traditional downtime reports and alarm summaries for maintenance purposes and the added benefits of providing the opportunity for highly accurate and time-synchronized energy consumption and energy balance data, along with efficiency reports of various production or process operations.
Acid buffering capacity of basic carbons revealed by their continuous pK distribution

Abstract In a previous paper [Carbon, 1997, 35, 83]it was shown for a series of activated carbons with acidic behavior that surface characterization with a continuous pK distribution was possible based on potentiometric titration provided that several experimental precautions were taken during data collection. The number and strength of acid functionalities calculated from the proton affinity distribution (PAD) were in quantitative agreement with those measured by Boehm titration of the same samples. In this work the surface basicity of an activated carbon was investigated using the same analytical procedures. The factors that may denature the results of potentiometric titration have been analyzed; it is found that incremental addition controlled by a pH stability criterion (the “fully automatic” titration) provides reproducible results even for large particle granulation. From a practical point of view this shows that the results of this optimized analytical method are reliable. The acid buffering capacity of basic carbon, with the quality and quantity of proton binding groups, reveals that the most important proton binding processes occur in the ranges of pH 4–7, 8.4–8.6 and >9.5; the second process accounts for most of the acid buffering capacity of this carbon. The basic properties of the carbon surface are proposed to be due to the combination of redox reactions and proton transfer to/from the surface and the supporting electrolyte.
Cognitive Consequences of Aging with HIV: Implications for Neuroplasticity and Rehabilitation.

Combination active antiretroviral therapy prevents HIV from replicating and ravaging the immune system, thus allowing people to age with this disease. Unfortunately, the synergistic effects of HIV and aging can predispose many to become more at risk of developing cognitive deficits, which can interf
Scale refinement and initial evaluation of a behavioral health function measurement tool for work disability evaluation.

Abstract Objective To use item response theory (IRT) data simulations to construct and perform initial psychometric testing of a newly developed instrument, the Social Security Administration Behavioral Health Function (SSA-BH) instrument, that aims to assess behavioral health functioning relevant to the context of work. Design Cross-sectional survey followed by IRT calibration data simulations. Setting Community. Participants Sample of individuals applying for Social Security Administration disability benefits: claimants (n=1015) and a normative comparative sample of U.S. adults (n=1000). Interventions None. Main Outcome Measure SSA-BH measurement instrument. Results IRT analyses supported the unidimensionality of 4 SSA-BH scales: mood and emotions (35 items), self-efficacy (23 items), social interactions (6 items), and behavioral control (15 items). All SSA-BH scales demonstrated strong psychometric properties including reliability, accuracy, and breadth of coverage. High correlations of the simulated 5- or 10-item computer adaptive tests with the full item bank indicated robust ability of the computer adaptive testing approach to comprehensively characterize behavioral health function along 4 distinct dimensions. Conclusions Initial testing and evaluation of the SSA-BH instrument demonstrated good accuracy, reliability, and content coverage along all 4 scales. Behavioral function profiles of Social Security Administration claimants were generated and compared with age- and sex-matched norms along 4 scales: mood and emotions, behavioral control, social interactions, and self-efficacy. Using the computer adaptive test-based approach offers the ability to collect standardized, comprehensive functional information about claimants in an efficient way, which may prove useful in the context of the Social Security Administration's work disability programs.
C-Shaped Subwavelength Apertures for Silicon Photonics Applications

Optical transmission properties of C-shaped apertures in silver films on silicon are studied for subwavelength integrated photonic applications. The fundamental Fabry-Perot-like mode is recognized to attain the highest power throughput at the telecommunication wavelengths.
An automated algorithm for simultaneously producing velocity and thickness images

Abstract Ultrasonic velocity is widely used in the investigation of material properties. In cases where thickness of the test piece is not precisely known or varies spatially, it is desirable to determine the wave velocity and the sample thickness in the same ultrasonic measurement. Such a capability becomes a necessity in the ultrasonic evaluation of a component when service conditions have changed both its material properties and physical dimensions. By analysing the raw data acquired in the immersion mode or with a squirter, both wave velocity and the specimen thickness may be deduced from the times-of-flight of several ultrasonic pulses and the speed of sound in water. In this paper, we describe a computerized algorithm, utilizing pulse—echo data, which permits simultaneous velocity and thickness determination. The algorithm analyses the signals in the time domain for faster speed and automatically generates both velocity image and thickness image after the scan. The algorithm is found to be stable in the presence of material noise. We describe validation tests of this algorithm using a stepped aluminium block and a Plexiglas plate of complex shape. These tests are performed by making velocity and thickness images of the specimens studied. In all cases, an accuracy of better than 2% is obtained when the technique is compared with direct mechanical measurements. The method is also applied to a woven graphite/epoxy composite laminate containing a flaw that causes small changes in both sound velocity and panel thickness.
On the mechanics of surface and side-wall chipping from line-wedge indentation

Chipping in glass plates from line-wedge contact loading is studied as function of the wedge’s subtended angle 2β, its inclination angle ϕ, and the distance h from a corner having a subtended angle 90° − θ A brittle-fracture analysis in conjunction with the FEM technique is used to elucidate the role of geometric variables on chip morphology and chipping load. Closed-form relations are developed for the latter by invoking the principle of geometric similarity and taking into consideration the details of contact forces transmitted to the crack mouth. The fracture progresses stably until surface effects alter the crack trajectory to form a chip. The latter conclusively occurs from the top surface if ϕ > β while from the side wall if ϕ < β. The fracture load for top-surface spalling scales with w^(1/2), where w is the indentation depth, and it monotonically declines with the offset angle ψ ≡ - ϕβ, that for side-wall chipping scales with h^(1/2) and it is little sensitive to ϕ for moderate values of θ In both the cases, the chipping load increases with β. The results may provide insight into the mechanics of chipping in more complex anthropological, tribological, geological and biomedical applications, including flint-knapping, dental fracture, grinding and polishing and common cutting and machining operations.
Penny-shaped and half-plane cracks in a transversely isotropic piezoelectric solid under arbitrary loading

The problem of a penny-shaped crack in a transversely isotropic piezoelectric material loaded by both normal and tangential tractions and by electric charges is analyzed. Closed-form solutions are obtained for the full electroelastic fields as well as for the stress and electric displacement intensity factors. Solutions are also obtained for the (non-trivial) limiting case of a half-plane crack. The results are illustrated on the example of piezoceramics PZT-6B.
Research: Modelling and analysis of a data communication protocol for integrated control of advanced aircraft

Integrated Control System (ICS) networks in future generation aircraft must coordinate mission, avionic, subsystem utility, engine control, and flight control and management functions to improve aircraft performance and utilization of available resources. This paper presents modelling and performance analysis of the ARINC 629 protocol which is potentially a standard for data communications in advanced commercial aircraft. Finite-state-machine models and timed Petri net models of ARINC 629 under the Basic Protocol (BP) and the Combined Protocol (CP) modes have been developed. The timed Petri net model also serves to formulate the structure of a discrete-event simulation model for performance analysis of the communication network and the integrated control system.
Co-expression of nociceptor properties in dorsal root ganglion neurons from the adult rat in vitro

Abstract The cell body of sensory neurons in vitro has been used as a model to study the electrophysiological properties of afferent terminals. A limitation of this approach has been the ability to identify the function of the neuron studied. In the present study, we have tested the hypothesis that a putative nociceptor can be identified in vitro based on the expression of properties associated with nociceptors in vivo . A combination of patch-clamp electrophysiological and immunohistochemical techniques were used to describe the expression of nociceptor properties in acutely cultured dorsal root ganglion neurons from the adult rat. These properties include: a small cell body diameter; the presence of the neuropeptides substance P and calcitonin-gene related peptide; a shoulder (inflection) on the falling phase of the somal action potential, a response to the algogenic agent capsaicin, and sensitization in response to prostaglandin E 2 . Our results indicate that the frequency of expression of each of these properties varies in a manner consistent with that predicted from observations made in vivo , and that when one property is present in any given neuron, the other properties are also likely to be present. These data support the suggestion that the cell body of adult rat dorsal root ganglion neurons in vitro can be used to study the electrophysiological properties of nociceptors.
Effect of the Carnahan-Starling equation of state on critical parameters of a real gas

Abstract For a real gas, the distribution function of Carnahan and Starling has been used to represent the hard-sphere contribution, and the resulting critical volume and temperature have been calculated. The result does not differ appreciably from that obtained using the ordinary virial expansion.
SU‐GG‐T‐225: Gantry‐Angle Dependence of a 2D Ion Chamber Array for IMAT QA

Purpose: Gantry‐angle dependence of dose measurement for intensity‐modulated arc therapy (IMAT) quality assurance (QA) using a two‐dimensional ion chamber array may be significant. A new device, the gantry angle sensor, has been provided to compensate for this dependence. However, the default correction factors (CF) assume that the ion chamber angular response is symmetrical, uniform across all chambers, and independent of field size. Our goal was to test these three assumptions, and verify the use of the default CF. Method and Materials: The Matrixx ion chamber array (IBA Dosimetry, Inc.) was irradiated every 5° gantry rotation with a 27×27cm2 static field. The central ion chamber CF = calculation/measurement. To test the asymmetry, dose was delivered over 360°, and compared for symmetrical angles. To test for chamber response uniformity, CFs for off‐axis chambers were calculated and compared to the central ion chamber. To test for field size dependence, the dose delivery was repeated with 10×10cm2 and 2×2cm2 fields, and the central ion chamber CF recalculated. Results: The measured chamber response is asymmetrical with gantry angle. The median difference between the default and measured central ion chamber CFs is 1.2% (range: −0.3%–8.5%) from Gantry 0–180°, and 2.9% (range: 0.7%–7.6%) from Gantry 180–360°. The asymmetry appears to arise from both the device itself (median 1.4%, range 0.1%–3.4%) and from the device holder (median 1.7%, range 0.5%–4.8%). The central‐axis and peripheral CFs varied by up to 10%. There was no observed field size dependence at 10×10cm2, but differences of up to 4.7% were seen with the 2×2cm2 field.Conclusion: The CF table for gantry angle dependence of an ion chamber array should account for asymmetry, nonuniformity of chamber response, and field size effect for small fields. Clinics are recommended to verify their own CFs.
Structure formation phenomena in neat and composite fibers of rodlike polymers

Abstract The morphology of dry-jet wet-spun fibers of rigid rod polymers is currently understood on the basis of extensive microscopic studies, but the structure formation mechanism is not understood equally well. An approach is outlined here according to which the elementary microfibrils and microvoids result from a clustering mode that is related to spinodal decomposition, and proceeds through a concentrational and orientational rearrangement of the macromolecular rods within a transient network. Simple relations connecting the rigid rod content of the spinning dope and the characteristic dimensions of the microfibrils and the microvoids are proposed. In the case of composite fibers of rigid rod polymers with the phthalocyanine (Pc) compounds NiPc (crystalline) or (SiPcO)n (short rigid rod polymer), the rigid rod matrix hosts the Pc phase in axially elongated pockets that are geometrically similar to the microvoids and exist at different size scales. A process capable of yielding rigid rod domains and p...
Thermal structure of the ionosphere

A brief review is presented of recent progress made toward gaining a more complete understanding of the thermal structure of the ionosphere. Important heat sources for the ionosphere are described, including the solar EUV flux, midlatitude interactions between the magnetosphere and ionosphere, electric-field enhancements at high latitudes, particle precipitation in the auroral oval, and polar-wind heating. Discrepancies between electron-temperature measurements by satellite probes and incoherent-backscatter techniques are noted.
Current and future applications of nanotechnology in plastic and reconstructive surgery

Although nanotechnology is a relatively young field, there are countless biomedical applications in use or under investigation. Many specialties have benefitted from nanoscale refinements of diagnostic and therapeutic techniques. Plastic and reconstructive surgery is an incredibly diverse specialty, encompassing craniofacial and hand surgery; trauma, oncologic and congenital reconstruction; burn care, and aesthetic surgery. Advances in nanotechnology have significantly impacted wound management, topical skin care, implant and prosthetic design, tissue engineering, and drug delivery systems. Currently, plastic surgeons are researching the utility of nanoscale tools for bone regeneration, bone prosthetics, and drug delivery. Nanotechnology will continue to build upon preceding discoveries, and its biomedical applications in the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery will expand significantly.
Physiologic Response of Cotton to the Insecticide Imidacloprid under High-Temperature Stress

The insecticide imidacloprid (tradename Trimax™) has been shown to increase cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) yield in the absence of insects, but the explanation for this is not clear. Growth room studies were designed to investigate changes in the physiology and biochemistry of imidacloprid-treated cotton plants and provide information on the mode of action of yield enhancement. Imidacloprid was applied at the pinhead square growth stage at the rate of 52.3 g ai/ha and plants were exposed to day temperatures of 30, 33, 36, and 39°C. Increased levels of photosynthesis and higher values of chlorophyll fluorescence yield, measured two days after imidacloprid application, showed an advantage of imidacloprid-treated over untreated plants. The effect of imidacloprid was greater at the higher temperatures of the growth chamber studies. The results suggested that the imidacloprid-treated plants suffered less temperature stress. This suggestion was supported by findings of reduced glutathione reductase in the imidacloprid-treated plants in the growth chamber, indicating that the untreated plants were experiencing more stress, necessitating the activation of this defense mechanism.
Link dynamics in MANETS restricted node mobility: modeling and applications

We present statistical models to accurately evaluate the distribution of the lifetime of wireless links in a mobile ad hoc network (MANET) in which nodes move randomly within constrained areas. We show that link lifetime can be computed through a two-state Markov model and further apply the computed statistics to the optimization of segmentation schemes of an information stream. Summarizing all these results, we further provide a comprehensive analysis on throughput, delay, and storage requirements for MANETs with restricted node mobility.
Bad Days Don't End When the School Bell Rings: The Lingering Effects of Negative School Events on Children's Mood, Self‐esteem, and Perceptions of Parent–Child Interaction

Eachdayforfivedays,79fifth-gradechildrenreportedoneventsthatoccurredatschool and they and their parents described their interactions with each other each evening. Consistent with previous research, it was found that on days when children reported more academic or peer problems during the day at school, they later described more aversiveinteractionswiththeirparents.Ashypothesized,increasesinanxietyanddrops in children’s state self-esteem partially mediated this link. However, parents did not report any differences in their interactions with the target child on days when the child experiencedproblemsatschool.Thisstudysuggeststhatnegativeeventsexperiencedby children while at school lead to short-term changes in mood and self-esteem, which influence their perceptions of subsequent interactions at home with parents.
Profiling Prolog programs

Profilers play an important role in the development of efficient programs. Profiling techniques developed for traditional languages are inadequate for logic programming languages, for a number of reasons: first, the flow of control in logic programming languages, involving back-tracking and failure, is significantly more complex than in traditional languages; secondly, the time taken by a unification operation, the principal primitive operation of such languages, cannot be predicted statically because it depends on the size of the input; and finally, programs may change at run-time because clauses may be added or deleted using primitives such as assert and retract. This paper describes a simple profiler for Prolog. The ideas outlined here may be used either to implement a simple interactive profiler, or integrated into Prolog compilers.
The importance of systematic biology in defining units of conservation

: Conservation biology is linked inextricably with systematic biology. The principles of systematic biology, however, have not been integrated completely into the practice and principles of conservation biology. Systematists have recognized for some time that a number of evolutionary processes lead to the diversification of lineages. Yet some present units of conservation, such as the evolutionarily significant unit (Waples 1991), primarily emphasize only one of these processes, adaptation. Allopatric speciation produces biodiversity without requiring any adaptive shift (and consequent adaptive differences between daughter species), so definitions of conservation units that emphasize adaptation may underestimate biodiversity. We estimated the frequency of different modes of speciation for three groups of vertebrates. The frequency of allopatric speciation varies among these groups, but is an important type of speciation in two of the three groups studied. Our results, and the results of other published studies of the frequency of modes of speciation, demonstrate that any unit of conservation defined solely in terms of adaptation is likely to underestimate biological diversity. Resumen: La biologia de la conservacion esta ligada inextricablemente a la biologia sistematica, sin embargo, los principios de la biologia sistematica no han sido integrados completamente a la pratica y principios de la biologia de la conservacion. Los sistematistas han reconocido por algun tiempo que un numero de procesos evolutivos conducen a la diversificacion de linajes. Algunas unidades de conservacion, como son las unidades evolutivas significativas ( Waples 1991), enfatizan principamente solo uno de estos procesos, adaptacion. La especiacion alopatrica produce biodiversidad sin requerir de ningun giro adapatativo (y diferencias adaptativas consecuentes entre la especie hija), por ello las definiciones de unidades de conservacion que hacen enfasis en la adaptacion pueden subestimar la biodiversidad. Estimamos la frecuencia de diferentes modos de especiacion para tres grupos de vertebrados. La frecuencia de especiacion alopatrica varia entre estos grupos, pero es un tipo importante de especiacion en dos de los tres grupos estudiados. Nuestros resultados y los resultados de otros estudios publicados sobre la frecuencia de modos de especiacion demuestran que cualquier unidad de conservacion definida unicamente en terminos de adaptacion podrian subestimar la diversidad biologica.
Preliminary data from Demographic and Health Surveys on infant feeding in 20 developing countries.

This study describes infant feeding practices in developing countries, specifically complementary liquids and foods in the first year of life. Data were compiled from Demographic and Health Surveys conducted from 1999 to 2003. We analyzed data from those countries with available data, including results for child-level 24-h and 7-d food and fluid intakes. We used datasets from 20 countries with information on .35,000 infants categorized by age: 0‐6 and 6‐12 mo. For analysis, we grouped data for fluids other than breast milk as water, other milk (e.g., tinned, powdered, animal), infant formula, and other liquids (e.g., fruit juice, herbal tea, sugar water). All specific solid foods were grouped as any solid foods. We present data on breast-feeding and maternal-reported fluid and solid intake by infants in a 24-h period, for individual countries, and in a pooled analysis. Pooled data show that 96.6% of 0- to 6- and 87.9% of 6- to 12-mo-old infants were currently breast-fed. Reported feeding of other fluids was lower among 0- to 6-mo-olds than 6- to 12-mo-olds: water (45.9 vs. 87.4%), other milk products (11.9 vs. 29.6%), infant formula (9.0 vs. 15.1%), and other liquids (15.1 vs. 41.0%). Pooled analysis showed that 21.9% of mothers reported feeding 0- to 6-mo-old infants some type of solid food, and 80.1% of mothers reported feeding solids to 6- to 12-mo-olds. These survey data show that other milks, other liquids, and solid foods are each much more commonly fed throughout infancy than commercial infant formulas in the countries studied. J. Nutr. 137: 518S‐523S, 2007.
Casework Job Design and Client Outcomes in Welfare-to-Work Offices

Differences in performance across different locations of a human service program may be driven by client, managerial, organizational, policy, or environmental characteristics. While many of these factors are outside the control of local managers, other factors may be open to influence by local discretion and may have independent effects on performance. One issue facing local managers is how to divide job tasks among frontline staff, but little evidence is available regarding whether job design is related to performance. In this article, I examine the relationships between different casework task configurations and welfare-to-work office performance. Controlling for a number of client and office characteristics, I find that clients’ average earnings are higher over a two-year period in offices that primarily use unified case management, and in offices with a specialist who develops job opportunities. I find no effects on earnings in offices that use other kinds of specialists, and no effects of unified case management or specialists on welfare benefit receipt in the two-year period. Overall, the findings suggest that local managerial decisions regarding job design help explain the variation in performance across offices, and suggest a possible lever through which performance can be improved.