cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Valuing Literature: The Picaresque and the Writing Life in Mexico

This article contends that Mexican writers have drawn on the picaresque to ponder what they regard as the precariousness of intellectual labor in Mexico. It analyzes the role that the afterlives of the picaresque have played in the portrayal of writers as disenfranchised and vulnerable subjects, two of the most relevant features of the archetype of picaros. In addition, this project also suggests that picaresque narratives embody a discourse of precarity that goes beyond picaros and applies to all subjects who engage in the production and circulation of literature, turning the picaresque in a suitable form in which Mexican writers can reflect on the value of literature in Mexican society. Abstrato En este articulo propongo la picaresca como una forma literaria que se ha usado para reflexionar sobre la incertidumbre y la precariedad del trabajo intelectual en Mexico desde la epoca colonial hasta el presente. Analizo tambien el papel que la picaresca ha jugado en la representacion de la figura del escritor como un sujeto marginalizado y vulnerable, dos caracteristicas tipicas del picaro. Finalmente, sugiero que estas narrativas encarnan un discurso de precariedad que rebasa la figura del picaro y que puede aplicarse a todos los individuos relacionados con la produccion y circulacion literaria, por lo que la picaresca se convierte en una forma de reafirmar el valor de la literatura en la sociedad mexicana.
Chapter 4 – Sample Collection, Storage, and Characterization

Publisher Summary This chapter covers the important topics of sample collection and preservation. Before a DNA test can be performed on a sample, it must be collected, and the DNA isolated and put in the proper format for further characterization. The chapter explains the methodology used for sample collection. Samples for collection should be carefully chosen to prevent needless redundancy in the evidence for a case. One of the most common methods for optimally collecting cellular material is the double swab technique where a moist swab is followed by a dry one. Carelessness or ignorance of proper handling procedures during storage and transport of DNA from the crime scene to the laboratory can result in a specimen unfit for analysis. Most biological evidence is best preserved when stored dry and cold. These conditions reduce the rate of bacterial growth and degradation of DNA. Samples should be packaged carefully and hand carried or shipped using overnight delivery to the forensic laboratory conducting the DNA testing. Some laboratories supply cardboard evidence collection boxes to crime scene investigators to enable simple shipping and handling of bloodstains and other crime scene evidence. When crime scene evidence is first received into a laboratory, it is usually evaluated to see if any biological material is present. Some laboratories perform both preliminary tests and confirmatory tests prior to sending a cutting or swab for DNA testing in an effort to develop a DNA profile. A presumptive test, which really serves as a preliminary evaluation or examination, may be followed by a confirmatory test to verify the results of the first test.
A Straightforward Proof of Arrow's Theorem

We present a straightforward proof of Arrow’s Theorem. Our approach avoids some of the complexities of existing proofs and is meant to be transparent and easily followed. JEL Classication: D71
3-D Printed Customizable Vitrification Devices for Preservation of Genetic Resources of Aquatic Species.

Abstract Sperm vitrification as an alternative approach to conventional cryopreservation (equilibrium freezing) allows quick and low-cost sample preservation and is suitable for small-bodied aquatic species with miniscule testis, fieldwork at remote locations, and small-scale freezing for research purposes. The goal of this present study was to develop operational prototypes of 3-dimensional (3-D) printed vitrification devices with innovative components that can provide comprehensive functionalities for practical repository development for aquatic species. The design featured an elongated loop to suspend a thin film of sperm sample in cryoprotectant, a retractable sleeve to protect the vitrified samples and allow permanent labeling, a handle to facilitate processing and storage, and a shaft with annular grooves to guide positioning of the protective retractable sleeve. To span a wide range of sample capacities and configurations, a total of 39 different configurations (3 loop lengths ×13 loop heights) were fabricated by 3-D printing with the thermoplastics polylactic acid (PLA) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). A total of 86 devices were fabricated with ABS filament with a print failure rate of 9%, and 97 devices were fabricated with PLA filament with a failure rate of 20 %. Major types of printing failures included disconnected loops, insufficient build surface adhesion, stringing, and inconsistent extrusion. The sample volume capacity ranged from 1 to 47 μL and had linear relationships to the loop lengths and layer numbers. Vitrified samples were observed in 10-mm and 15-mm loops fabricated with PLA and ABS but not in 20-mm loops. This study demonstrated the feasibility of development of standardized low-cost ($0.05 material cost) devices fabricated by 3-D printing with practical functions including vitrification, volume control, labeling, protection, and storage within conventional systems. These prototypes can be further developed, standardized, and used to assist development of germplasm repositories to protect the genetic resources of aquatic species by user groups such as breeders, hatcheries, aquariums, and researchers.
Multidrug Resistant Acinetobacter Isolates Release Resistance Determinants Through Contact-Dependent Killing and Bacteriophage Lysis.

Antimicrobial resistance is an ancient bacterial defense mechanism that has rapidly spread due to the frequent use of antibiotics for disease treatment and livestock growth promotion. We are becoming increasingly aware that pathogens, such as members of the genus Acinetobacter, are precipitously evolving drug resistances through multiple mechanisms, including the acquisition of antibiotic resistance genes. In this study, we isolated three multidrug resistant Acinetobacter species from birds on a free-range farm. Acinetobacter radioresistens, Acinetobacter lwoffii, and Acinetobacter johnsonii were isolated from hens, turkeys and ducks and were resistant to 14 clinically relevant antibiotics, including several listed by the World Health Organization as essential medicines. Co-culturing any of the three Acinetobacter species with Acinetobacter baumannii resulted in contact-dependent release of intact resistance determinants. We also isolated several lytic bacteriophages and selected two of these phages to be included in this study based on differences in plaquing characteristics, nucleic acid content and viral morphology. Both phages released host DNA, including antibiotic resistance genes during cell lysis and we demonstrated that these resistance determinants were transferable to a naive strain of Escherichia coli. This study demonstrates that contact-dependent competition between bacterial species can readily contribute to DNA release into the environment, including antibiotic resistance determinants. We also highlight that the constant lysis and turnover of bacterial populations during the natural lifecycle of a lytic bacteriophage is an underappreciated mechanism for the liberation of DNA and subsequent genetic exchange.
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder in Family-witnessed Resuscitation of Emergency Department Patients.

Introduction: Family presence during emergency resuscitations is increasingly common, but the question remains whether the practice results in psychological harm to the witness. We examine whether family members who witness resuscitations have increased post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms at one month following the event.Methods: We identified family members of critically ill patients via our emergency department (ED) electronic health record. Patients were selected based on their geographic triage to an ED critical care room. Family members were called a median of one month post-event and administered the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), a 22-item validated scale that measures post-traumatic distress symptoms and correlates closely with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Family members were placed into two groups based on whether they stated they had witnessed the resuscitation (FWR group) or not witnessed the resuscitation (FNWR group). Data analyses included chi-square test, independent sample t-test, and linear regression controlling for gender and age.Results: A convenience sample of 423 family members responded to the phone interview: 250 FWR and 173 FNWR. The FWR group had significantly higher mean total IES-R scores: 30.4 vs 25.6 (95% confidence interval [CI], -8.73 to -0.75; P<.05). Additionally, the FWR group had significantly higher mean score for the subscales of avoidance (10.6 vs 8.1; 95% CI, -4.25 to -0.94; P<.005) and a trend toward higher score for the subscale of intrusion (13.0 vs 11.4; 95% CI, -3.38 to .028; P = .054). No statistical significant difference was noted between the groups in the subscale of hyperarousal (6.95 vs 6.02; 95% CI, -2.08 to 0.22; P=.121). All findings were consistent after controlling for age, gender, and immediate family member (spouse, parent, children, and grandchildren).Conclusion: Our results suggest that family members who witness ED resuscitations may be at increased risk of PTSD symptoms at one month. This is the first study that examines the effects of family visitation for an unsorted population of very sick patients who would typically be seen in the critical care section of a busy ED.
College Readiness: Differences Between First-Year Undergraduates With and Without ADHD:

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is characterized by inattentive, hyperactive, and impulsive behaviors. Impairment in individuals diagnosed with ADHD is significant; one such domain ...
Functional Paleoecology and the Pollen-Plant Functional Trait Linkage

Paleoecological investigations using the pollen-plant functional trait linkage are increasing in value as new insights to past ecological function and dynamics are revealed. These retrospective approaches link pollen sequences to plant functional trait measurements to reveal long-term changes in ecosystem properties that are difficult to resolve using traditional paleoecological methods. Despite these methodological improvements and the newfound perspectives, there has yet to be thorough testing of whether transforming pollen to ecological function tracks functional trait distributions in geographic space. We assess this in North America by linking surface pollen samples to measurements of three functional traits that represent major axes of plant ecological strategy. Pollen-derived estimates of function were first used to investigate occupied trait space at different scales. These estimates were used to reconstruct the latitudinal functional diversity gradient of North America, and results were compared to the continent’s functional diversity gradient estimated from tree assemblages and gradients based on pollen richness and evenness. Results indicated that the patterns in pollen-based function sufficiently track ecological function in trait and geographic space and the macroecological biodiversity pattern was reconstructed, although there were minor differences between the slopes of the functional diversity and each of the pollen index gradients. Taken together, the outcomes of our investigation indicate reliability in extending the pollen-plant functional trait linkage into deeper time, at least for examining North American functional dynamics.
Occipital Neuralgia: Advances in the Operative Management

Background: Occipital neuralgia (ON) is a primary headache disorder characterized by sharp, shooting, or electric shock-like pain in the distribution of the greater, lesser, or third occipital nerves. Aim: To review the existing literature on the management of ON and to describe our technique of an endoscopic-assisted approach to decompress the GON proximally in areas of fibrous and muscular compression, as well as distally by thorough decompression of the occipital artery from the nerve. Methods: Relevant literature on the medical and surgical management of ON was reviewed. Literature on the anatomical relationships of occipital nerves and their clinical relevance were also reviewed. Results: While initial treatment of ON is conservative, peripheral nerve blocks and many surgical management approaches are available for patients with pain refractory to the medical treatment. These include greater occipital nerve blocks, occipital nerve stimulation, Botulinum toxin injections locally, pulsed radiofrequency ablation, cryoneuroablation, C-2 ganglionectomy, and endoscopic-assisted ON decompression. Conclusion: Patients of ON refractory to medical management can be benefitted by surgical approaches and occipital nerve blocks. Endoscopic-assisted ON decompression provides one such approach for the patients with vascular, fibrous or muscular compressions of occipital nerves resulting in intractable ON.
Abstract 2984: Building an in vitro blood brain barrier model to test the influence of tight junction gene alleles on disruption by focused ultrasound to treat brain tumors

Treating primary or metastatic tumors in the brain (glioblastomas, melanoma, lung cancer, breast cancer) proves challenging by virtue of the protective function of the blood brain barrier (BBB). Recently, it has been shown that low intensity focused ultrasonic (LIFU) waves stably cavitate infused microbubbles which then mechanically disrupt the tight junctions of the BBB. This leads to temporary, recoverable opening of the BBB, and passage of otherwise disqualified cancer-therapeutic drugs at precise locations targeted by the focused ultrasound. To date, potential genetic influences on the durability and vulnerability of tight junctions to LIFU have not been elucidated, nor have the determinants of tight junction repair post LIFU been thoroughly investigated. We report the development of an ultrasound transparent organ-on-chip model to test LIFU with microbubble infusion treatment on a cell-engineered BBB. The BBB is developed using brain-specific endothelial cells derived from genomically characterized immortalized pluripotent stem cells (iPSC). Furthermore, to test genetic variation effects we propose that alleles coding for the proteins involved in tight junction assembly contribute to LIFU disruption variability. Developing preclinical models of the BBB to accommodate cell sources with tight junction genes of different allele makeup will shed light on how individuals will respond to different ultrasound frequencies. The in vitro BBB device is composed of two orthogonally stacked fluidic channels formed by top and bottom polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) membranes and a middle polyester membrane with 3 µm pores. An ultrasound system is constructed with a waveform generator, amplifier, and 1MHz ultrasound transducer. A 0.5 MHz receiving transducer and a digital storage oscilloscope are used for stable cavitation monitoring. Nanobubbles (FUS Instruments) transduce the LIFU into a mechanical vibration force to disrupt the BBB. To deliver the ultrasonic waves, the device is submerged in degassed DI water in a custom tank. Fluid flow was achieved, and subharmonic ultrasound signal is observed using the digital oscilloscope with Fast Fourier Transform (FFT). Preliminary results convey stable cavitation with LIFU and the formation of tight junctions in a brain microvascular endothelial cell monolayer in the device, eventually leading to a versatile platform to evaluate genetic-based vulnerability of the BBB. Citation Format: Jayashree Iyer, Adam Akkad, Nanyun Tang, Michael E. Berens, Frederic Zenhausern, Jian Gu. Building an in vitro blood brain barrier model to test the influence of tight junction gene alleles on disruption by focused ultrasound to treat brain tumors [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr 2984.
Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome in an Athlete

Cannabis (marijuana) is an increasingly prevalent substance used in college-aged adults. Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) is 1 outcome of chronic cannabis use, which presents as cyclic intractable vomiting that can be temporarily relieved with hot baths or showers. This case discusses a collegiate football athlete who presents with intractable vomiting, and it underscores the importance of a detailed history to discern CHS from other more common diagnoses. The report will highlight key diagnostic characteristics, pathophysiology, and treatment options for patients with presumed CHS.
Sample Processing and Stability for Urine Biomarker Studies.

Background Current methods of processing and storing urine samples have not been compared systematically to determine optimal conditions for advancing research on urinary biomarkers. Often, preanalytical handling is nonideal, especially considering the COVID-19 pandemic; consequently, we compared the effects of different short-term storage and processing methods on urinary biomarker measurements. Methods Spot urine samples were collected via a Foley catheter from 20 hospitalized patients from the Yale New Haven Hospital within 48 hours postcardiac surgery. The effects of 3 urine storage and processing methods on biomarkers were tested: (a) 48-hour temporary storage at 4 °C prior to freezing at -80 °C, (b) 48-hour temporary storage at 25 °C prior to freezing at -80 °C, and (c) no centrifugation and immediate storage at -80 °C. Established Meso-Scale Device assay methods were used to measure the urine concentrations of 18 biomarkers: interferon gamma (IFN-ɣ), interleukin (IL)-10, IL-12p70, IL-13, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-18, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), epidermal growth factor (EGF), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), osteopontin (OPN), uromodulin (UMOD), kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and chitinase-3-like protein 1 (YKL-40). Results Measurements of most biomarkers investigated remained stable after temporary storage at 4 °C. IL-6, IL-8, KIM-1, MCP-1, YKL-40, EGF, and NGAL were stable across all 3 processing conditions. IL-12p70 and IL-4 demonstrated significant differences in all tested conditions compared to the reference standard. Conclusions We identified several notable biomarkers that are robust to variations in preanalytical techniques and can be reliably investigated with nonideal handling conditions.
High Density Power Converter Design for Pulsed NMR Applications

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy utilizing pulsed radio frequency (RF) signals has been widely used in several applications such as subsea (or downhole) formation analysis, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), etc. Since pulsed RF signal’s instantaneous power can be over ten times of its average power, converters designed in peak power rating causes lower power density and higher cost, mainly due to the large capacitor bank requirement for energy transfer. The proposed architecture adopts a two-stage topology to reduce the required capacitance by over ten times, leading to a four-fold improvement in power density. The first stage is an isolated converter only suppling average power, therefore input filter and transformer sizes can get reduced. The second stage is a fast response boost converter followed by a RF transmitter to produce pulsed RF signal, so that the mid-point voltage after the first stage can be allowed to droop considerably, leading to much smaller size of capacitors. Design methodologies for a 150 V DC to 400 V RF, 20 kW peak power converter are described. Simulation results and preliminary experimental results are provided to prove the concepts.
Hepatic Oxylipin Profiles in Obese Rats: Effect of Antioxidant Supplementation

Obesity induces biochemical changes in lipid metabolism. The extent to which enzymatic and non-enzymatic lipid (per)oxidation products, oxylipins, are altered by obesity is of great interest. Confl...
Cooperative localization by factor composition over a faulty low-bandwidth communication channel

This paper reports on an underwater cooperative localization algorithm for faulty low-bandwidth communication channels based on a factor graph estimation framework. Vehicles measure the one-way-travel-time (OWTT) of acoustic broadcasts to obtain a relative range observation to the transmitting vehicle. We present a method to robustly share locally observed sensor data across the network by exploiting odometry factor composition. Our algorithm calls on approximate marginalization techniques to compute a compact set of informative factors that enable local navigation data to be shared efficiently. We provide results from a real-time implementation of our algorithm using two autonomous underwater vehicles and a surface vehicle.
A mainframe processor in CMOS technology with 0.5 mu m channel length

A prototype of a processor chip set with a mainframe architecture is implemented using five CMOS standard cell chips. High performance is achieved by wide buses and a RISC- (reduced-instruction-set-computer) like implementation of frequently used instructions. The chip set consists of four units: (1) an instruction processor chip which fetches and decodes the instructions and contains the microcode storage; (2) cache chips which contain the address translation for up to 19 virtual address spaces, a four-way set-associative 16-kByte data/instruction cache, and a 32-B instruction buffer, which is loaded 16 B/cycle from the cache; (3) a fixed-point processor chip which contains the fixed-point registers and arithmetic and a second adder for the address calculation (base+displacement+index); (4) a floating-point processor chip which contains the floating-point registers, multiplier, and arithmetic unit. The processor is based on a four-stage pipeline (five stages for floating-point instructions). >
Integrated cortical field model of consciousness

The idea that there is a localized module or limited capacity mechanism in the brain that subserves consciousness is wrong. Awareness is a product of the activity of widely distributed neuronal assemblies that represent diverse aspects of experience. Central to a representation's entry into consciousness is its integration into the currently dominant pattern of central neuronal activity (dominant focus). A representation anywhere in the forebrain could on one occasion enter consciousness and on another remain outside it, depending on whether it is, perhaps by temporal coherence of discharge of cell assemblies, integrated into the dominant focus. There is no privileged locus or 'internal eye' for the benefit of which input is elaborated and toward which information must be transported. When a perceptual decision is made there need be no re-enactment ('filling in') of the appearance in question. Nor is there a 'finish line', the crossing of which determines the perceived sequence of events. Neuropsychological syndromes that involve unawareness of a perceptual domain illustrate the explanatory value of this integrated cortical field model of consciousness. Awareness cannot be conceptualized as separate from the neural activity of which it is the subjective concomitant. Being aware is what it is like to have a particular pattern of neuronal activity. To regard consciousness as arising from brain activity by some esoteric transformation is misconceived.
Determining the Minimum Bid Price for Projects Involving Analysts from Multiple Locations

This paper presents a mathematical model and a solution methodology for determining the minimum fee, the best project duration time, and the optimal number of analysts for projects that involve travel to multiple sites or subcontracts with analysts from geographically dispersed locations. Computational experiments with the solution algorithm on twenty-seven randomly generated projects show that (a) the solution methodology efficiently provides an optimal solution, and (b) it provides decisionmakers with alternative next best plans through ex post sensitivity analysis.
100 GHz on-wafer S-parameter measurements by electrooptic sampling

The authors describe an electrooptic sampling system with a measurement bandwidth in excess of 200 GHz for on-wafer millimeter-wave measurements. An active probe frequency-multiplier has been developed to supply the millimeter-wave stimulus signal to the device under test. On-wafer measurements of S-parameters of linear circuits, time-waveforms of nonlinear circuits, and propagation characteristics of uniplanar waveguides on GaAs to 100 GHz by direct electrooptic sampling have been demonstrated. >
Skywave radar spatial adaptive processing with quiescent pattern control

A problem in radar processing is that of providing operators with interpretable spatial spectra. These spectra are most tractable to the operator when the noise field is near-isotropic, and a low sidelobe response array pattern has been applied. This paper considers the method of soft response constraints for controlling the array pattern between the extremes of conventional beamforming and minimum variance distortionless response beamforming. A factor to control the response is developed, based on eigen-analysis of the spatial noise covariance matrix. An example of usage on skywave radar data with simulated interference and target signals is given.
Biconjugate gradient method for bistatic scattering calculations

It has recently been observed that the symmetric case of the biconjugate gradient method renders a variational formula for the monostatic scattering amplitude stationary in the available Krylov subspace at each iteration. In this Letter I point out that the general biconjugate gradient method makes stationary the analogous variational formula for a bistatic scattering amplitude and suggest likely practical benefits accruing from this property. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Standardizing constants for ultrasonic biometry, keratometry, and intraocular lens power calculations

Abstract Purpose: To provide a method and values that facilitate standardization of constants for ultrasonic biometry, keratometry, and intraocular lens (IOL) power calculations. Setting: University of Texas Medical School, Houston, Texas, USA. Methods: Keratometry and ultrasonic biometry provide the two measured input variables for the six variable vergence equations used to calculate the appropriate IOL power for a specific patient with a cataract. A review of the literature reflecting the past 156 years of research and development reveals the appropriate index of refraction to be used with the keratometer for net optical corneal power, the location of the principal planes of the cornea, the nominal value for retinal thickness, and the appropriate velocities for ultrasonic measurement of the axial length. The relationship of the thick IOL to the thin IOL is derived along with the physical location of the thick lens. Two methods are described that provide the best IOL constant to be used by a manufacturer to minimize the prediction error for a surgeon using the lens for the first time. The formulas for phakic IOLs and secondary piggyback IOLs are also derived and applied to methods described above for standard IOLs. Results: Using a standardized net index of refraction of 4/3 for the cornea eliminates a variability of 0.56 diopter (D) in the predicted refraction. Using a standardized 1532 m/s velocity for axial length measurements and adding a value of 0.28 mm reduces the tolerance of axial length measurements to ±0.03 mm for any length eye. The physical location of the thick IOL's secondary principal plane must be anterior to the thin lens equivalent by approximately the separation of the principal planes of the thick lens. For biconvex poly(methyl methacrylate) IOLs, the separation in the principal planes is approximately 0.10 mm. Using these relationships, the physical position of the thick lens within the eye can be used to confirm the lens constant for any IOL style. Conclusions: Standardizing the constants for keratometry, ultrasonic biometry, and IOL power calculations can significantly improve the predictability of refractive outcomes. Back-calculating and physically measuring the position of the lens within the eye can provide surgeons with an initial lens constant known to have a standard error of the mean of ±0.05 mm (±0.10 D). Other parameters such as the cardinal points of a lens, the shape factor, the lens-haptic plane, and the center lens thickness would allow further refinement of IOL power calculations.
Within-subject covariation of reaction time and foreperiod cardiac deceleration: effects of respiration and imperative stimulus intensity.

Abstract The warned foreperiod reaction time (RT) task is claimed to provide data supportive of the Lacey's visceral afferent feedback theory. However, although there are many reports of significant between-subject correlations between heart rate (HR) and RT, more direct tests examining within-subject covariation show, at best, inconclusive results. These studies suggested several procedural refinements which could produce stronger within-subject relationships. The procedures adopted in this investigation included manipulating attentional involvement by varying imperative stimulus (IS) intensity, using a respiratory control and a repeated measures design, recording electromyographic RT, employing a contact switch manipulandum with no moving parts, and having subjects initiate trial presentation. 40 males were divided between normal breathing and hold breath groups. Subjects received three blocks of 24 trials with the IS at either 10, 50, or 80 db. A variety of measurement and statistical approaches yielded generally negative results, with an overall mean within-subject correlation in the predicted direction of −0.06.
A situation awareness model applied to multiple domains

Full Spectrum Dominance, or as defined by Joint Vision 2020, the ability to be persuasive in peace, decisive in war and preeminent in any form of conflict, cannot be accomplished without the ability to know what the adversary is currently doing as well as the capacity to correctly anticipate the adversary's future actions. A key component in the ability to predict the adversary's intention is Situation Awareness (SA). In this paper we provide a discussion of an SA model, examine a specific instantiation of the model and demonstrate how it has been applied to two specific domains: Global Monitoring and Cyber Awareness. We conclude this paper with a discussion on future work.
Adsorption and Diffusion Properties of Butanes in ZSM-5 Zeolite Membranes

Adsorption isotherms and diffusion coefficients for n-C4 and i-C4 in the transport pathways through tubular ZSM-5 zeolite membranes were determined over a range of temperatures by a transient permeation method. The permeate response to step changes in the feed were measured, and the transport was modeled as Maxwell−Stefan diffusion with single site Langmuir adsorption in the zeolite. The heats of adsorption and the Langmuir parameters were comparable to values reported for MFI powders. The similarity of the membrane and powder isotherms indicates that butanes diffuse mainly through zeolite pores. Maxwell−Stefan diffusion coefficients for n-C4 and i-C4 in the ZSM-5 membranes were similar to those measured by other macroscopic techniques for zeolite crystals and membranes, and diffusion coefficients increased with increasing feed partial pressure for a high-quality membrane. The effective membrane thickness was also estimated from these transient measurements.
Optical Properties of Responsive Hybrid Au@Polymer Nanoparticles

This work presents a novel modeling approach to calculate the optical properties of gold nanoparticles coated with stimuli-responsive polymers. This approach combines, for the first time, a molecular description of the soft material with an electrodynamics calculation of the optical properties of the system. A mean-field molecular theory is first used to calculate the local density of the polymer and the position-dependent dielectric constant surrounding the nanoparticle. This information is then used to calculate the optical properties of the Au@polymer colloid by solving Maxwell’s equations for an incident electromagnetic wave. Motivated by the interest in Au@PNIPAM and Au@PVP experimental systems, the theory is applied to study the effect of polymer collapse on the position of the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of the system. The most important results of the present study are as follows: (i) the LSPR always shifts to lower energies upon polymer collapse (in agreement with experimental resu...
Special Problems in Making Geotechnical Measurements in Salt

The transfer of experience, theory, and instrumentation suitable for hard rock media has posed numerous problems which this paper will address. Foremost of these pertains to the time-dependent (creep) behavior of salt. The theoretical mechanism is elusive; creep laws formulated to predict this behavior represent the state of the art in regression analysis. Furthermore, long term experiments (1 year) that would be necessary to determine creep mechanism(s) are enormously expensive and tie-up test equipment. Second, tests for determining in situ stress are based on the theory of elasticity. However anelastic (non-recoverable) strains contribute a significant portion of the material behavior precluding back calculating in situ stresses. Another problem pertains to the rate-dependent behavior of salt. Loading and temperature gradients experienced in the laboratory are more severe than would be experienced in a repository. Significant differences in material behavior can be expected along with special problems with instrumentation.
Shifting Coresidence Near the End of Life: Comparing Decedents and Survivors of a Follow-Up Study in China

What we know about transitions in coresidence of elders in China is based on panel data involving survivors. This article examines the tendency to and determinants of shifts in coresidence with adult children among the very old, comparing survivors of an intersurvey period with those who died (decedents). Data come from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey. Baseline and follow-up surveys indicate shifts in coresidence, defined as change from not living with an adult child to living in the same household as an adult child, and the converse. Rates of shifting are adjusted for time to follow-up. Regressions examine predictors of shifts among four groups: baseline coresident and noncoresident survivors and decedents. Decedents and noncoresidents are more likely to shift than survivors and coresidents. Covariates related to physical and material need as well as marital status are the strongest predictors of shift. Thus, the needs of a very old person dominate coresidential shifts and stability, lending support to an altruistic notion of living arrangement decision making. In the end, we conclude that the period nearing the end of life is a time of flux in living situation and that coresidential shifts are underestimated when those who die during a follow-up study are ignored.
The Design of an Interactive Socially Assistive Robot for Patient Care

It is anticipated that the use of assistive robots will be one of the most important service applications of robotic systems of the future. In this paper, a unique non-contact socially assistive robot consisting of a human-like demeanor is presented for utilization in hospital wards and veteran homes to study its role and impact on the well-being of patients, addressing patient’s needs and its overall effect on the quality of patient care. The robot will be an embodied entity that will participate in hands-off non-contact social interaction with a patient during the convalescence, rehabilitation or end-of-life care stage. The robot has been designed as a platform to incorporate the three design parameters of embodiment, emotion and non-verbal dialog to encourage natural interactions between the patient and itself. For perception, we describe the first application of utilizing varying intensity depth imaginary, via a 3D camera, for non-contact and non-restricting 3D gesture recognition and characterization.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Juvenile neuroaxonal dystrophy: clinical, electrophysiological, and neuropathological features.

We describe 2 brothers with progressive myoclonus epilepsy that began in the second decade and was associated with cerebellar ataxia and intellectual deterioration. Electroencephalographic and cerebral evoked potential studies showed findings associated with myoclonus epilepsy. Neuropathological examination of 1 of the brothers, who died at age 23 years, revealed widespread changes of neuroaxonal dystrophy without pigment deposition in the basal ganglia. We propose the term juvenile neuroaxonal dystrophy (JNAD) to distinguish this condition on clinical grounds from infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy on the one hand, and on clinical and pathological grounds from Hallervorden-Spatz disease on the other hand. JNAD, while exceedingly rare, must be considered in the differential diagnosis of the progressive myoclonus epilepsies.
Seismic tomography of magmatic systems

Abstract Seismic inversion for three-dimensional variations of velocity and attenuation are often used to delineate magma bodies in the crust and upper mantle. Problems related to spatial resolution and data noise can obscure details relevant to investigating magma chambers, and the introduction of smoothing constraints, or damping, causes blurring. Tomographic inversions for P- and S-wave velocity/attenuation are summarized including large calderas, rift zones and smaller scale subduction zone volcanoes. While results vary considerably from place to place, most anomalies are found to be in the range of ± 10% perturbation, a range often controlled by the method of smoothing or regularization imposed during analysis. At many volcanoes high velocity anomalies are observed in the shallow regions below active areas where conduits, dykes or sills are expected to be present. At other locations low velocity perturbations are seen and interpreted as magma accumulation. Resolution limitations and regularization play a significant role in determining the level of perturbation observed in tomographic studies, although there may be regions where diffuse accumulations of magma do not exhibit strong anomalies and their identification will be elusive.
Some remarks on bounds to eigenvalues of Sturm-Liouville problems with discontinuous coefficients

Upper and lower bounds on the eigenvalues of Sturm-Liouville problems with discontinuous coefficients are discussed. Rayleigh-Ritz approximations based both on Rayleigh's quotient and the dual Rayleigh quotient are used for obtaining upper bounds for the eigenvalues. Though previous studies have indicated that such approximations yield poor results when large discontinuities in the coefficients occur, it is shown in this paper by means of numerical examples that thesame rate of convergence can be achieved as for systems with continuous coefficients, provided the trial functions are allowed to have arbitrary jump discontinuities in their derivatives across the points where the coefficients suffer discontinuities. New explicit lower bounds in terms of the coefficients are also established. The accuracy of the new estimates is illustrated by numerical examples.
Preoperative workup and postoperative surveillance for patients undergoing pulmonary metastasectomy.

Resection of pulmonary metastasis continues to be a significant tool in the armamentarium of thoracic surgeons at the present time. At the time of autopsy, 20% to 30% of all patients with metastatic cancer have pulmonary metastases, although most such patients are not candidates for surgery [1,2]. The findings of a large retrospective study of patients with metastatic carcinoma of the colon and rectum treated at Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center facilities during fiscal years 1988 to 1992 were that only 22% (2659) of the more than 12,000 patients presenting with metastases had pulmonary metastases. [3] Of these patients, only 19% (514/2659) had no previous or other metastatic sites. Only 15% (76/514) underwent pulmonary metastasectomy, resulting in a 5-year survival rate of 36%. Less so in colorectal disease, fewer than 3% of patients presenting with pulmonary metastasis eventually proved to be candidates for surgical excision. Although this may not be a large public health concern with regard to absolute numbers of patients at risk, it is valuable to determine a ‘‘best clinical practice’’ for the work-up and postoperative surveillance of patients who undergo pulmonary metastasectomy. This article briefly reviews practice patterns in the evaluation of suspected pulmonary metastases, taking into consideration such issues as local control of the primary tumor, the influence of extrapulmonary metastases, and pulmonary metastatic tumor burden. Further, the article addresses the related topic of surveillance after pulmonary metastasectomy, an area lacking in evidence-based clinical practice guidelines to assist clinicians in the determination of appropriate follow-up.
Nonlinear Narratives: Paths of Indirect and Relay Translation

Suivant la classification de Dollerup (2000) de la traduction relais et de la traduction indirecte (« T2 »), la presente etude situe ces deux pratiques comme des tabous de traduction deprecies ou toleres selon des variables culturelles diverses, expose leur codification au sein d’organismes de traduction, et lie en partie le fait qu’elles soient considerees comme de mauvaises pratiques a la doctrine de l’intraduisibilite. L’etude etablit les causes principales de ces phenomenes, y compris des elements extralinguistiques. Elle definit certaines sous-categories d’une typologie des traductions dites « de seconde main » ou intermediaires (par exemple, abregements, adaptations, modernisations, traductions dont les originaux sont perdus, pseudo-traductions, auto-traductions, triangulations et transcreations). Elle envisage un relais « traductif » et « terminal » et des possibilites de retraduction directe et indirecte, la traduction interlineaire, le plagiat par traduction et la traduction par assistance. Elle se penche sur le cas particulier des textes sacres. Enfin, elle evalue de nouvelles orientations et des voies futures pour la recherche. Les elements essentiels de l’intermediation orale (le role des informateurs et de la traduction collaborative) et l’« intuition » des langues sources en dehors d’une connaissance fonctionnelle sont egalement pris en consideration. L’article se veut une etude descriptive dans un domaine de recherche qui a entretenu un rejet visceral de tout ce qui n’est pas traduction directe du texte source au texte cible sans que de telles etudes puissent faire la lumiere sur les conditions socio-historiques de la production entourant la traduction intermediaire.
“Deep-Cavity” Resorcinarenes Dimerize through Hydrogen Bonding and Self-Inclusion

The synthesis of new resorcinarene derivatives featuring extended sides and self-complementary hydrogen-bonding sites is described. Dimerization occurs in solvents such as toluene-d8, and large cavities result. The dimerization constant KD = 1700 ± 250 M-1 was determined, and the cavity of the dimer was found to encapsulate two heptyl or octyl chains of the subunits. It is proposed that hydrogen bonding and self-inclusion are responsible for the large and compensating thermodynamic parameters for dimerization: ΔH = −20.9 ± 1.3 kcal mol-1 and ΔS = −58 ± 5 cal mol-1 K-1.
The constructs of craving for alcohol and loss of control drinking: Help or hindrance to research

Abstract The present paper reviews the development of two constructs of traditional models of alcoholism, craving for alcohol and loss of control drinking. These terms have been poorly defined and thus have contributed little to the advancement of knowledge in the alcohol area. Recent attempts to modify traditional definitions of craving and loss of control have not provided a way to empirically validate these constructs. It is shown that behavioral models of alcoholism have made a significant contribution to the alcohol area through providing a framework for systematically investigating drinking behavior.
The uranium(V)-catalysed exchange reaction between uranyl ion and water in perchloric acid solution

Abstract The exchange reaction between UO22+ and H2O was studied at 25°. A method using ferrocyanide ion is described for the direct sampling of uranyl ion. The exchange reaction is catalysed by UO2+ which disproportionates with a second order dependence on UO2+. The value of the specific rate appropriate to the rate law −d( UO 2 + ) dt = k( H + )( UO 2 + ) 2 is found to be 435 at μ = 1·58. A mechanism for the exchange reaction is proposed and a minimum value for the rate of electron exchange between U(V) and U(VI) is given. Data for the uncatalysed reaction are also given.
Environmental issues for polymer matrix composites and structural adhesives

The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has been utilizing polymer matrix composite (PMC) and structural adhesive materials in military equipment for over 20 years. However, the volume of PMCs in fielded systems has remained relatively low. Currently, however, the DoD has established strategic goals that will necessitate the use of lightweight composites in order to meet performance requirements. Therefore, the volume of composites used in DoD systems is expected to see an unprecedented 100-fold increase over the next 30 years. As production volumes increase, the need to address environmental impact increases. The major contributions to environmental degradation from composites are generation of hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) and generation of hazardous (HW) and solid wastes. HAPs result primarily during the curing of the composite. HWs arise from expiration of stockpiled resin materials and from soiled support media used during manufacturing and clean up. Due to the wide range of applications and materials systems, as well as manufacturing and repair requirements, a family of environmentally benign solutions is needed to reduce and eliminate environmental impacts from PMC manufacturing. Solutions are proposed involving use of new technologies and materials to reduce pollutants from composite manufacturing. The technologies proposed include alternative curing of thermoset composites using electron beam (E-beam) irradiation and materials substitution employing thermoplastics processed using electromagnetic irradiation.
Robust source-seeking hybrid controllers for nonholonomic vehicles

We develop a hybrid controller that drives a nonholonomic vehicle to the source of a radiation-like signal. The control signal depends only on measurements of the signal, which may be corrupted by noise, and internal states of the controller. The control strategy is inspired by a line minimization-based algorithm for unconstrained optimization of nonlinear functions without gradient information. We state the main properties of the algorithm and then discuss its implementation in a hybrid controller that coordinates the optimization algorithm with vehicle steering. We present semi- global practical convergence and stability results for the closed-loop system. These results are illustrated by simulation and experiment.
Berry's phase, commutators, and the Dirac sea

Abstract We discuss the connection between the Berry phase and the Schwinger term in generators of symmetry groups, and stress the relative minus sign between the anomalous commutator of the currents and the anomalous commutator of the full group generators.