cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nanoscale perspective: Materials designs and understandings in lithium metal anodes

Li metal chemistry is a promising alternative with a much higher energy density than that of state-of-the-art Li-ion counterparts. However, significant challenges including safety issues and poor cyclability have severely impeded Li metal technology from becoming viable. In recent years, nanotechnologies have become increasingly important in materials design and fabrication for Li metal anodes, contributing to major progress in the field. In this review, we first introduce the main achievements in Li metal battery systems fulfilled by nanotechnologies, particularly regarding Li metal anode design and protection, ultrastrong separator engineering, safety monitoring, and smart functions. Next, we introduce recent studies on nanoscale Li nucleation/deposition. Finally, we discuss possible future research directions. We hope this review delivers an overall picture of the role of nanoscale approaches in the recent progress of Li metal battery technology and inspires more research in the future. Open image in new window
Factors that influence vital rates of Seaside and Saltmarsh sparrows in coastal New Jersey, USA

As saltmarsh habitat continues to disappear, understanding the factors that influence the population dynamics of saltmarsh breeding birds is an important step in the conservation of these declining species. Using 5 yrs (2011–2015) of demographic data, we evaluated and compared apparent adult survival and nest survival of Seaside (Ammodramus maritimus) and Saltmarsh (A. caudacutus) sparrows at the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge in New Jersey, USA. We determined the effect of site management history (unditched vs. ditched marshes) on adult and nest survival to aid in prioritizing future management or restoration actions. Apparent adult survival (61.6%, 95% CI: 52.5–70.0%) of Seaside Sparrows averaged > 1.5 times greater than that of Saltmarsh Sparrows (39.9%, 95% CI: 34.0–46.2%). Nest survival and predation and flooding rates did not differ between species, and predation was the primary cause of nest failure for both species. Apparent adult survival and nest survival did not differ between unditched and ditched marshes for either species, indicating that marsh ditching history may not affect the quality of breeding habitat for these species. Because predation was the primary cause of nest failure for both species in New Jersey, we suggest that future studies should focus on identifying predator communities in salt marshes and the potential for implementing predator-control programs to limit population declines.
The problem of punishment

OVERVIEW Legal punishment involves treating those who break the law in ways that it would be wrong to treat those who do not. Even if we assume that those who break the law are responsible for their actions and that the laws they break are just and reasonable, this practice raises a moral problem. How can the fact that a person has broken a just and reasonable law render it morally permissible for the state to treat him in ways that would otherwise be impermissible? How can the line between those who break such laws and those who do not be morally relevant in the way that the practice of punishment requires it to be? This is the problem of punishment. The problem of punishment has generated a large and increasingly sophisticated literature with a wide variety of attempted solutions. This book contributes to that literature in two ways. First, it offers a comprehensive, up-to-date introduction to the contemporary literature by providing a detailed account of the nature of punishment and of the problem it poses, followed by a survey of the many solutions to the problem in the current literature. Second, it provides a critical evaluation of these solutions both as a means of introducing the reader to the various debates that these solutions have generated and as a way of defending a particular thesis about the problem that stands in stark contrast to the position taken in the vast majority of the literature on the subject.
Prevalence of transforming growth factor β-induced gene corneal dystrophies in Chinese refractive surgery candidates.

Purpose To determine the prevalence of the transforming growth factor (TGF) β–induced gene corneal dystrophies in refractive surgery candidates in China. Setting Five hospitals in China. Design Prospective case series. Method Refractive surgical candidates from 5 preselected eye hospitals/centers in China were recruited after providing informed consent. All patients had slitlamp biomicroscopy and collection of a buccal swab as a source of DNA for screening of the TGF β–induced gene for the 5 most common mutations associated with Reis-Buckler corneal dystrophy, Thiel-Behnke corneal dystrophy, granular corneal dystrophy type 1, granular corneal dystrophy type 2, and lattice corneal dystrophy type 1. Results Of the 2068 refractive surgery candidates analyzed, 4 had corneal opacities in both eyes on slitlamp examination. Screening for the TGF β–induced gene found the heterozygous p.R124H mutation associated with granular corneal dystrophy type 2 in each of the 4 individuals with corneal opacities as well as in a fifth individual who did not have any corneal opacities, for a prevalence of 0.24%. Exacerbation of dystrophic corneal deposition developed after laser refractive surgery in 2 individuals who did not have preoperative TGF β–induced gene screening. Conclusions The prevalence of the TGF β–induced gene corneal dystrophies in Chinese refractive surgery candidates was estimated to be approximately 0.24%. Genetic testing is recommended to identify and exclude from candidacy all individuals with a TGF β–induced gene dystrophy before elective keratorefractive surgery to avoid causing accelerated postoperative dystrophic deposition.
Technological capital: an alternative to the digital divide

ABSTRACTThis paper identifies individuals’ accumulated history with Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) as a replacement for the contested and outdated term ‘digital divide.’ We propose that an individual’s ability to benefit from their technological history consists of four factors: awareness, knowledge, access, and technological capacity of the user’s social collective. Together, these factors make up the individual’s level or amount of Technological Capital. The development of this construct was based on empirical research conducted in Soweto, South Africa, and through an analysis of the literature on assessing individuals’ accumulated histories. The concept of technological capital has the potential for application in fields in which ICTs are used for communication, capacity building, and identifying barriers to adoption of new technologies. The use of the concept may have implications for policy decisions, resource allocation, and future research into differences among individuals’ and ...
Prevalence and comorbidity of sleep disorders in general population

Les troubles du sommeil peuvent se manifester de differentes manieres. La classification internationale des troubles du sommeil liste plus de 80 diagnostics differents de troubles du sommeil. Dans la population generale, bien que la plainte d'insomnie soit rapportee par pres du tiers de la population, elle se traduit par un diagnostic d'insomnie pour seulement 6 a 15 % de la population. Le syndrome des apnees obstructives du sommeil, souvent associe avec une insomnie ou une somnolence diurne, se retrouve pour environ 2 a 4% de la population generale. Le syndrome des jambes sans repos est present pour environ 6% de la population generale, avec une prevalence plus importante chez le sujet âge. La narcolepsie est rare, avec une prevalence de 0,04%. Les parasomnies sont moins bien etudiees dans la population generale ; les prevalences de plusieurs d'entre elles restent inconnues. Parmi les mieux etudiees, les paralysies du sommeil se retrouvent pour environ 6% de la population generale. Les terreurs nocturnes, les eveils confusionnels et les cauchemars ont ete observes avec des prevalences allant de 2,2 a 5%. Malgre leur grande frequence, les troubles du sommeil restent malidentifies ; moins de 20% des individus ayant des troubles du sommeil sont correctement diagnostiques et traites.
What is LISP? Why do I like it?

The purpose of this book is to show you how to program the proofs of the main theorems about program-size complexity, so that we can see the algorithms in these proofs running on the computer. And in order to write these programs, we need to use a programming language. Unfortunately, no existing programming language is exactly what is needed. So I invented a dialect of LISP that will do the job. In this chapter I’ll explain the version of LISP that I invented, and in the next chapter I’ll tell you how to use it to program the universal Turing machine that we’ll use to measure the size of computer programs and to define the program-size complexity H(x).
On the Kinematics of Parallel Mechanisms with Bi-Stable Polymer Actuators

Binary robotic devices have been proposed to perform complex tasks. These systems do not require feedback and are very easy to control. Their kinematic performance approaches that of continuous devices as their degrees of freedom becomes large. To date, high DOF binary systems have not been demonstrated, largely due to actuator limitations. Recently, significant advances have been made with dielectric polymer actuators. Here it is shown that such actuators have the potential to make binary robotic devices practical. Two designs of a Binary Robotic Articulated Intelligent Device (BRAID) using dielectric polymer actuators are presented. The kinematic performance based on laboratory results and analysis is predicted.
Uncertainty Propagation in Coupled Atmosphere–Wave–Ocean Prediction System: A Study of Hurricane Earl (2010)

AbstractThis study focuses on understanding the evolution of Hurricane Earl (2010) with respect to random perturbations in the storm’s initial strength, size, and asymmetry in wind distribution. We...
Voice pitch: a window into the communication of social power.

Pitch is the most perceptually salient acoustic property of the voice and influences perceptions of characteristics related to social power, such as dominance and leadership abilities. Voice pitch is also highly sexually differentiated; men vocalize approximately one octave below women. We consider the evolution of this sex difference, and how this sheds light on the human tendency to defer to individuals with lower voice pitch. We present new meta-analyses linking lower pitch to higher testosterone (total n = 763) and upper-body strength (total n = 845) and review other recent evidence linking voice pitch to power. We find that these relationships are typically modest and consider why voice pitch has comparatively larger effects on power-related perceptions, such as perceived size and dominance, in laboratory studies. Although more data are needed, we conclude that voice pitch is likely to be an honest signal associated with success in status and contest competition.
Eine andere Art des Wirtschaftens – Wirtschaftswachstum bei Bündnis 90/Die Grünen zwischen 1994 und 2017

Quantitatives Wirtschaftswachstum geht mit erheblichen okologischen Schaden einher. Aus diesem Grund wird inzwischen vermehrt eine Abkehr vom Diktum des Wirtschaftswachstums gefordert. Bundnis 90/Die Grunen (In der folgenden Arbeit wird bei der Partei Bundnis 90/Die Grunen, von den Grunen gesprochen. Diese Bezeichnung hat sich medial durchgesetzt) stehen in diesem Zuge seit ihrer Grundung Wirtschaftswachstum kritisch gegenuber und fordern eine sozial-okologische Transformation. Bei dieser Transformation steht der Bereich der Okologie im Vordergrund. Jedoch zeigt sich, dass die Grunen statt einer vollkommenen Abwendung vom Wirtschaftswachstum zumindest derzeit auf Grunes Wachstum setzen und somit an eine Entkopplung von Ressourcenverbrauch und wirtschaftlichem Wachstum glauben. Allerdings setzen die Grunen, wie bei Vertreter*innen des Grunen Wachstums verbreitet, nicht nur auf technologischen Fortschritt, sondern sehen einen Wandel in der Gesellschaft als einen masgeblichen Faktor fur die Veranderung der Wirtschaft.
Sequential Imputation of Missing Spatio-Temporal Precipitation Data Using Random Forests

Meteorological records, including precipitation, commonly have missing values. Accurate imputation of missing precipitation values is challenging, however, because precipitation exhibits a high degree of spatial and temporal variability. Data-driven spatial interpolation of meteorological records is an increasingly popular approach in which missing values at a target station are imputed using synchronous data from reference stations. The success of spatial interpolation depends on whether precipitation records at the target station are strongly correlated with precipitation records at reference stations. However, the need for reference stations to have complete datasets implies that stations with incomplete records, even though strongly correlated with the target station, are excluded. To address this limitation, we develop a new sequential imputation algorithm for imputing missing values in spatio-temporal daily precipitation records. We demonstrate the benefits of sequential imputation by incorporating it within a spatial interpolation based on a Random Forest technique. Results show that for reliable imputation, having a few strongly correlated references is more effective than having a larger number of weakly correlated references. Further, we observe that as the proportion of stations with incomplete records increases, there is a higher percentage of stations that benefit from sequential imputation. Overall, we present a new approach for imputing missing precipitation data which may also apply to other meteorological variables.
Secondary production is an underutilized metric to assess restoration initiatives

Abstract Secondary production is an integrative measure of the accumulation of heterotrophic biomass through time and can be a valuable tool to design, implement, and assess restoration initiatives. To highlight applications of secondary production in restoration contexts, we identify recent papers from the literature, use these to make generalizations about how the concept is applied, and examine why it may not be utilized more commonly. We identified 21 papers that empirically quantified secondary production to compare pre/post-restoration or assess restored sites relative to reference ones. Every study was aquatic, suggesting that secondary production is an underutilized tool in terrestrial restoration studies. We discuss various ways that food web perspectives inform restoration secondary production outcomes, such as through shifts in aquatic basal resource pools and alleviation of nutrient limitation, changes which ripple through food webs supporting higher trophic level production. Despite challenges inherent to calculating secondary production, the approach holds much promise—it is a composite metric simultaneously reflecting components of ecosystem structure and dynamics that restoration initiatives target.
Data acquisition and image processing for solar irradiance forecasting

The energy available in Micro Grid (MG) that is powered by solar energy is tightly related to the weather conditions in the moment of generation. Very short-term forecast of solar irradiance provides the MG with the capability of automatically controlling the dispatch of energy. To achieve this, we propose a method for statistical quantification of cloud features extracted from long-ware infrared (IR) images to forecast the Clear Sky Index (CSI). The images are obtained using a data acquisition system (DAQ) mounted on a solar tracker. We explain how to remove cyclostationary bias in the data caused by the devices in the own DAQ. We investigate a method to obtain the CSI, after the detrending of Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI) measurements. We propose a method to fusion multiple exposures of circumsolar visible (VI) light images. We implement a method for extracting physical features using radiometric measurements of the IR camera. We introduce a model to remove from IR images both the effect of the atmosphere scatter radiation, and the effect of the Sun direct radiation. We explain how to model of diffuse radiation of the IR camera window, which is produce by water spots and dust particles stack to the germanium lens of the DAQ enclosure. The frames, that were used to model the camera window, are selected using an atmospheric condition model. This model classifies the sky four different categories: clear, cumulus, stratus, and nimbus. We introduce a geometric transformation of the size of the pixels to their actual dimension in a plane of the atmosphere which is at a given height. This transformation is performed according to the elevation angle of the Sun and field of view (FOV) of the camera. We compare the error between the transformation and anapproximation of transformation.
Instagram’s Pelvic Organ Prolapse Content Discusses Limited Treatment Options Leaving Users Susceptible to Biased Information

The aim of the study was to evaluate the quality, understandability, and actionability of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) posts accessible to users on Instagram. Instagram posts were analyzed using the...
Association of cigarette and electronic cigarette use patterns with levels of inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers among US adults: Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health study.

Research letter: The cardiovascular toxicity of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) is not well understood, and population data assessing the cardiovascular effects of e-cigarette use are sparse. In the present study, we used nationally represen-tative data to examine the association of cigarette and e-cigarette use behaviors with biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress. Inflammation and oxidative stress are key contributors of smoking-induced cardiovascular disease, and related biomarkers have been studied as predictive factors for cardiovascular events. In this nationally representative population study of adults, we observed no difference in inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers between exclusive e-ciga-rette users and nonusers (no cigarettes or vaping), and levels were lower in exclusive e-cigarette users relative to exclusive smokers. These findings are consistent with recent population studies of inflammatory biomarker and toxicant exposure in users of e-cigarettes and ciga-rettes and highlight the importance of completely re-placing cigarette smoking with e-cigarettes or quitting the use of both products for cigarette smokers to derive potential health benefits.
Maximum entropy kinetic matching conditions for heavy-ion collisions

Coupling hadronic kinetic theory models to fluid dynamics in phenomenological studies of heavy ion collisions requires a prescription for ``particlization''. Existing particlization models are based on implicit or explicit assumptions about the microscopic degrees of freedom that go beyond the information provided by the preceding fluid dynamical history. We propose an alternative prescription which uses only macroscopic information provided by the hydrodynamic output. This method follows directly from the connections between information theory and statistical mechanics.
Propensity Scores and Causal Inference Using Machine Learning Methods

We compare a variety of methods for predicting the probability of a binary treatment (the propensity score), with the goal of comparing otherwise like cases in treatment and control conditions for causal inference about treatment effects. Better prediction methods can under some circumstances improve causal inference both by reducing the finite sample bias and variability of estimators, but sometimes better predictions of the probability of treatment can increase bias and variance, and we clarify the conditions under which different methods produce better or worse inference (in terms of mean squared error of causal impact estimates).
Symmetry Effect on the Enhancement of Lithium-Ion Mobility in Layered Oxides Li2A2B2TiO10 (A = La, Sr, Ca; B = Ti, Ta)

The effect of the symmetry variation on lithium-ion mobility has been examined through synthesis, neutron and X-ray diffraction, electrochemical impedance, dielectric, and modulus studies of five l...
Impact of Pathogenic Germline DNA Damage Repair alterations on Response to Intense Neoadjuvant Androgen Deprivation Therapy in High-risk Localized Prostate Cancer

Abstract Background Intense neoadjuvant androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) before radical prostatectomy (RP) is an investigational approach to reduce recurrence rates in men with high-risk localized prostate cancer (PCa). The impact of germline DNA damage repair (gDDR) gene alterations on response to intense neoadjuvant ADT is not known. Objective To evaluate the prevalence of gDDR alterations among men with localized PCa at high risk of recurrence and evaluate their impact on response to intense neoadjuvant ADT. Design, setting, and participants We performed germline panel sequencing for 201 men with intermediate- and high-risk localized PCa from five randomized multicenter clinical trials of intense neoadjuvant ADT before RP. Intervention Intense neoadjuvant ADT followed by RP. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis The prevalence of pathogenic gDDR alterations and their association with exceptional pathologic response (complete response or minimal residual disease, defined as residual tumor with the largest cross-section dimension ≤5 mm) to intense neoadjuvant ADT and rates of post-RP biochemical recurrence. Results and limitations Pathogenic gDDR alterations were detected in 19 (9.5%) of the 201 PCa patients. The most frequently altered genes were BRCA2 (n = 6; 3.0%) and ATM (n = 4; 2.0%). Patients with gDDR alterations exhibited similar rates of exceptional pathologic response (26% vs 22%), pT3 disease (42% vs 53%), lymph node involvement (5.3% vs 10%), extraprostatic extension (35% vs 54%), and positive margins (5.3% vs 13%) to patients without gDDR alterations (all p > 0.05). The 3-yr biochemical recurrence–free survival was also similar at 45% (95% confidence interval 7.9–78%) for men with gDDR alterations and 55% (95% confidence interval 44–64%) for men without gDDR alterations. Conclusions gDDR alterations are common among men with intermediate- and high-risk localized PCa. Men with gDDR alterations appear to have a comparable response to intense neoadjuvant ADT to that among men without gDDR alterations and should not be excluded from consideration for this treatment approach. Patient summary Intense therapy to inhibit the production of androgen hormones (eg, testosterone) before surgery may minimize the risk of cancer recurrence for men with high-risk localized prostate cancer. Inherited mutations in certain DNA repair genes are associated with particularly high rates of recurrence. We found that men with these mutations respond equally well to this intense androgen inhibition before surgery as men without the mutations.
Submarine Groundwater Discharge as a Catalyst for Eodiagenetic Carbonate Cements Within Marine Sedimentary Basins

Submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) is the input of freshwater into ocean water and sediments, especially in estuaries, from continental aquifers. Such meteoric water influx can occur at depths up to 3000 m. The mixing of calcium-rich meteoric water with saline marine water in the presence of organic matter can produce early calcite cement in pores. Pervasive to stratabound carbonate cementation in shallow to offshore marine sandstones has been assumed to result from long-term slow diffusion or advective processes. However, results from the sedimentologic and geochemical studies of Cretaceous calcitic concretion-bearing layers in sandstones in a marine coastal setting indicate otherwise. Permineralization of delicate fungi, liverworts, mosses, and macrophytic plant material as well as associated textures and isotopic signatures of carbonate cement within stratabound concretions in the Longarm Formation on Vancouver Island, Canada, indicate high flux flow of calcium-rich meteoric waters during very early diagenesis (eogenesis) to synsedimentary freshwater diagenesis. We propose that calcite cementation from meteoric waters along horizons in estuarine to fully marine sediments can occur through SGD directly via terrestrial aquifer flow through carbonates. Because SGD can be introduced into marine sediments along shallow coastlines as well as at great depths, this groundwater input may be an important geochemical process in the diagenesis of coastal marine sediments, and is key to fossil preservation, including permineralization of land plants along ancient coastlines and possibly the formation of Carboniferous coal balls.
Investigating the landscape of intracellular [Ca2+] in live cells by rapid photoactivated cross-linking of calmodulin-protein interactions.

Abstract The Ca2+ sensor protein calmodulin interacts in a Ca2+-dependent manner with a large number of proteins that among them encompass a diverse assortment of functions and subcellular localizations. A method for monitoring calmodulin-protein interactions as they occur throughout a living cell would thus uniquely enable investigations of the intracellular landscape of [Ca2+] and its relationship to cell function. We have developed such a method based on capture of calmodulin-protein interactions by rapid photoactivated cross-linking (t1/2 ∼7s) in cells stably expressing a tandem affinity tagged calmodulin that have been metabolically labeled with a photoreactive methionine analog. Tagged adducts are stringently enriched, and captured calmodulin interactors are then identified and quantified based on tandem mass spectrometry data for their tryptic peptides. In this paper we show that the capture behaviors of interactors in cells are consistent with the presence of basal microdomains of elevated [Ca2+]. Ca2+ sensitivities for capture were determined, and these suggest that [Ca2+] levels are above ∼1 μM in these regions. Although the microdomains appear to affect capture of most proteins, capture of some is at an apparent Ca2+-dependent maximum, suggesting they are targeted to the domains. Removal of extracellular Ca2+ has both immediate (5 min) and delayed (30 min) effects on capture, implying that the microdomains are supported by a combination of Ca2+ influx across the cell membrane and Ca2+ derived from internal stores. The known properties of the presumptive microdomain targeted proteins suggestroles in a variety of Ca2+-dependent basal metabolism and in formation and maintenance of the domains.
A Practical Review of Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 Treatment in Primary Care

The treatment of diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2) is becoming more complex as new medications are approved. Primary care providers must maintain their medical knowledge on emerging medications for best patient care. This review simplifies the non-insulin treatments of diabetes with an emphasis on the cardio-renal protectants, sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1).
Southern Ocean Oxygenation Changes Inferred From Redox-Sensitive Trace Metals Across Marine Isotope Stage 11

Changes in the circulation of the Southern Ocean are known to have impacted global nutrient, heat, and carbon cycles during the glacial and interglacial periods of the late Pleistocene. Proxy-based...
Place-Based Interdisciplinary Study Abroad in Senegal: Geography, Global Studies, and Francophone Studies.

This article outlines a faculty-led, interdisciplinary study abroad program to Dakar, Senegal, in 2014 and 2016 sponsored by South Dakota State University (SDSU) and hosted by the West African Rese...
Global Convergence and Stability of Stochastic Gradient Descent.

In machine learning, stochastic gradient descent (SGD) is widely deployed to train models using highly non-convex objectives with equally complex noise models. Unfortunately, SGD theory often makes restrictive assumptions that fail to capture the non-convexity of real problems, and almost entirely ignore the complex noise models that exist in practice. In this work, we make substantial progress on this shortcoming. First, we establish that SGD's iterates will either globally converge to a stationary point or diverge under nearly arbitrary nonconvexity and noise models. Under a slightly more restrictive assumption on the joint behavior of the non-convexity and noise model that generalizes current assumptions in the literature, we show that the objective function cannot diverge, even if the iterates diverge. As a consequence of our results, SGD can be applied to a greater range of stochastic optimization problems with confidence about its global convergence behavior and stability.
An Empirical Approach to Evaluating Sufficient Similarity: Utilization of Euclidean Distance As A Similarity Measure

AN EMPIRICAL APPROACH TO EVALUATING SUFFICIENT SIMILARITY IN DOSERESPONSE IN COMPLEX CHEMICAL MIXTURES: UTILIZATION OF EUCLIDEAN DISTANCE AS A SIMILARITY MEASURE By Scott Leo Marshall A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Department of Biostatistics at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2009. Research Director: Dr. Chris Gennings Professor Department of Biostatistics Individuals are exposed to chemical mixtures while carrying out everyday tasks, with unknown risk associated with exposure. Given the number of resulting mixtures it is not economically feasible to identify or characterize all possible mixtures. When complete doseresponse data are not available on a (candidate) mixture of concern, EPA guidelines define a similar mixture based on chemical composition, component proportions and expert biological judgment (EPA, 1986, 2000). Current work in this literature is by Feder et al. (2009), evaluating sufficient similarity in exposure to disinfection by-products of water purification using multivariate statistical
CMAC Neural Network for Fuel-Injection Control

A new automotive fuel-injection controller using the cerebellar model articulation controller (CMAC) neural network is developed and implemented to maintain the engine air-to-fuel ratio at its stoichiometric value. In contrast to conventional fuel-injection controllers, which rely heavily on laborious calibration and tuning processes the CMAC controller requires minimal knowledge of the dynamic system and possesses the ability so achieve a desired performance through rapid on-line learning. This real-time CMAC controller is experimentally evaluated on a research vehicle in a configuration fully compatible with production controllers. The results show the highly promising potential of the new controller.
Improving user manuals in software engineering education

Applying an engineering approach to large software project development signif icantly reduces software problems [Pressman,87]. The software engineering method includes using standardized management techniques in conjunction with technical tools to improve development, testing, verif ication, and maintenance of software [Miles,88]. The documentation component of the Software Engineering process has gained in importance. Appropriate external documentation of large projects is necessary for code maintainability as well as ver i f iab i l i t y .
Historical Context of U.S. Bayh-Dole Act: Implications for Indian Government Funded Research Patent Policy

While the broad outline of the rationale for the U.S. Bayh-Dole Act is generally well known, the details of the Act's predecessors are shrouded in myth. Policy debates over both these early systems and Bayh Dole are of great import to policymakers in India as they contemplate similar legislation. The author argues that the more nuanced ownership policy of the Kennedy Administration in the 1960s may be more appropriate than the bright line ownership policy embedded in Bayh Dole.
Structure of Bacterial L Forms and Their Parent Bacteria

Weibull, Claes (Rocky Mountain Laboratory, Hamilton, Mont.). Structure of bacterial L forms and their parent bacteria. J. Bacteriol. 90:1467-1480. 1965.-Light and electron microscopic studies were done on normal cells and L forms of Proteus mirabilis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Corynebacterium sp. grown in liquid media. Under the prevailing growth conditions, the L forms studied were morphologically indistinguishable from one another. They appeared as approximately spherical elements occurring singly or more often connected with each other by thinner portions of cell material. In sections of large L forms, the following structures were seen: a peripheral, triple-layered ("unit") membrane, a granular cytoplasm, nuclear regions, and vacuoles limited by membranes. Small bodies often were present inside the vacuoles. These bodies also contained a peripheral membrane and a granular cytoplasm but usually no nuclear regions. The normal bacteria from which the L forms were derived differed markedly in structure from one another, especially in the surface layers of the cells.
Automated citation sentiment analysis: what can we learn from biomedical researchers

Automated citation sentiment analysis is a newly emerged research topic inspired by traditional citation context analysis in scientometrics and applied linguistics. The main goals of current citation sentiment analysis are to develop new tools to model scientific literature and provide authoring support for researchers in tasks like literature review. In terms of developing authoring support tools, however, current studies have not taken into consideration the behavioral patterns of researchers' literature review practice, leaving user need assessment as a missing piece in current interdisciplinary research effort. This paper analyzed biomedical researchers' need by reviewing their publications on using manual citation sentiment analysis for detecting citation bias, and discussed the differences between biomedical researchers' approach and current automated citation sentiment analysis model. These differences are expected to inform the modeling of automated citation sentiment analysis.
Reactive astrocytes in neonate brain upregulate intermediate filament gene expression in response to axonal injury

Abstract We have examined the injury response of astrocytes in the immature hamster brain in this study, focusing on alterations in the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and vimentin. In the adult CNS these two type III intermediate filament (IF) proteins have been shown to undergo robust increases in expression in response to axonal injury. Since injury to the immature CNS reportedly elicits less glial scar formation than adult brain injury, we examined the possibility that immature astrocytes respond differently than adult astrocytes to CNS injury with respect to IF gene expression. In situ hybridization using a 35S-labeled cDNA GFAP probe was done on brainstem sections obtained 2,7 and 14 days after unilateral transection of the corticospinal tract in P8 hamster pups. The results indicated that substantial increases in GFAP mRNA were associated with the degenerating portion of the corticospinal tract by 2 days after axotomy and that the levels remained elevated for at least 14 days. Double-label immunofluorescence studies of this material suggested that GFAP as well as vimentin protein levels were also increased in many astrocytes in and around the degenerating corticospinal tract 2–14 days after axotomy. Most of the reactive astocytes in the degenerating regions exhibited increases in GFAP and vimentin immunostaining but some vimentin-negative GFAP-positive reactive astrocytes were also observed, particularly in regions surrounding the actual degenerative zones. The results from these experiments revealed that immature astrocytes have the potential for altering their normal developmental program of GFAP and vimentin expression after injury and mount a response that is qualitatively similar to that of astrocytes after CNS injury in the adult animal.
Evidence for CO in Jupiter's atmosphere from Airborne spectroscopic observations at 5 microns

High-altitude (12.4 km) spectra of Jupiter recorded at the Kuiper Airborne Observatory are analyzed for the presence of CO absorption lines. A line-by-line comparison of Jupiter's spectrum with that of carbon monoxide is presented, as well as a correlation analysis that includes the influence of other gases present in Jupiter's atmosphere (CH4, NH3, H2O, PH3, and GeH4). The resulting evidence points strongly to the presence of carbon monoxide in Jupiter's atmosphere, thus strengthening Beer's evidence for it. Possible explanations for the existence and observability of Jovian CO, including convection from hotter, deeper layers or decomposition of organic molecules, are explored. A recent suggestion that the Jovian CO is restricted to stratospheric levels is not supported by the observations.
Momentum distributions and kinetic energies in quantum solids

The isotopes of helium solidify at low temperatures, under sufficient applied pressure, to form bcc and hcp crystal structures characterized by extraordinarily large relative atomic kinetic energies and large relative rms vibrational deviations of the atoms from their equilibrium positions. Hydrogen also forms quantum solids with similar characteristics, with added degrees of freedom including molecular rotation, vibration, and orientation. Neutron beams of sufficient incident energy can be used to measure directly the momentum distributions of atoms and molecules in these crystals. Measurements carried out at the Argonne National Laboratory IPNS are described, including a search for crystalline anisotropy in the hcp helium momentum distribution, and on helium liquids and bcc and hcp solids at constant density, but different temperatures and pressures. The primary determinant of kinetic energy is the molar volume, not the crystal structure or phase. Precise comparisons are now available between different samples at constant density. On the other hand, analyses of details of a given momentum distribution at the percent level of accuracy await more sophisticated characterizations of multiple scattering corrections and spectrometer resolution than have heretofore been necessary; these are in process.
Thermal extraction apparatus for tritium assay and release rate experiments from neutron-irradiated lithium oxide

Abstract A new thermal extraction apparatus has been constructed to measure the total tritium breeding and release rate from lithium oxide samples. The apparatus can measure tritium bred in lithium oxide at levels as low as 0.1 nCi with an error not exceeding 3.5%. The thermal extraction apparatus permits the tritium to be extracted at different temperatures, pressures, and carrier-gas compositions. Thus the effects of these variables on the tritium release-rate kinetics from lithium oxide can be evaluated. The thermal extraction apparatus has been employed in the tritium assay and release rate measurements from polycrystalline and large single crystal lithium oxide and has the capability to aid in measuring the recoil distance of a triton bred in neutron-irradiated single crystal lithium oxide.
Bending stiffness measurements of magnetic tapes and substrates

Abstract Magnetic coatings are made up of either magnetic particles dispersed in a polymeric matrix or thin continuous films of magnetic material. Magnetic tape stiffness, in both the machine and transverse directions, influences the way in which tapes conform to magnetic heads in magnetic tape drives. For this reason tape stiffness plays an important role in the friction, stiction and wear characteristics of a magnetic head–tape interface. In this study, a test method for measuring bending stiffness is developed. A tape segment is pressed against a load cell to measure the change in force as a function of the tape's normal displacement. Stiffness values are obtained from load vs. displacement data and a derived analytical model for the displacement of the tape segment in terms of load and geometry. Stiffness measurements of finished tapes and tape substrates are presented. The correlation between tape stiffness in the machine and transverse directions, and read/write head contouring and edge wear, is also presented.
An Early German Supporter of Continental Drift

Wilhelm-Salomon-Calvi, late professor of geology at the University of Heidelberg, was one of the earliest outspoken supporters of Alfred Wegener's theory of continental drift on which he published a series of papers and one book between 1930 and 1933. His work, which is briefly reviewed here, was completely ignored by almost all later authors. One of his interesting contributions was to point out that, because of lack of sufficient available moisture, an icecap could not have formed on a supercontinent such as Wegener's Pangaea.
Performance measurement in a fuzzy retrieval environment

We shall consider retrieval performance measures for generalized (non-Boolean) queries and indexing functions. The meanings of recall and precision in such a generalized system will be discussed. Finally, we shall explore the meaning and difficulty of using such measures to compare Boolean and non-Boolean retrieval systems.
Measurement of fatty acids in whole soybeans with near infrared spectroscopy

Improvement of nutritional and/or functional properties of soybean oil by modification of soy fatty acid composition is one of the objectives of plant breeders. A major element of breeding is rapid identification and tracking of traits in seed samples. This discussion summarizes the progression of whole-soybean fatty acid calibration developments at Iowa State University. Emphasis was placed on linolenic acid (18:3) and total saturates (16:0 + 18:0). Normal soybeans have 12–20% (of the oil) saturated fats; modified low saturate soybeans have 6–8% saturated fats. Normal soybeans have 6–12% linolenic acid; modified low linolenic soybeans have 1–3% linolenic acid. Infratec 122x/1241 and Bruins OmegaG NIRS units were calibrated to measure fatty acid levels as a percentage of total oil content, in whole soybeans. The first Infratec calibrations (in 1998) did not remain accurate as soybean genetics changed. Iterations of the calibration process yielded calibrations for total saturates and linolenic acid with standard errors of prediction (on 2005 crop samples not included in the calibration pool) of 1.0% percentage points and 0.8% points, respectively. These were sufficient to classify modified versus normal concentrations of the two fatty acids. The NIRS units could not determine the specific percentages within the classes of modified and normal soybeans.
Cell biology: Just mix and patch

A single layer of epithelial cells makes up the primary barrier to infection in our bodies. This layer is poised to repair damage quickly, patching up any holes to keep invading organisms out.
Power Delivery System of the Future

An adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) for the fault diagnosis and prediction of stator winding interturns of PM brushless DC motor drive systems is presented. A transient model of the drive system is set up and run under different healthy and faulty conditions. The steady-state supply current is monitored and its Fourier transform is used to compare the healthy operation frequency spectrum to the faulty operational spectra under different loads. Diagnostic indices were extracted as the frequency locations and component magnitudes of two specific samples of the frequency domain sequence. A Sugeno-based ANFIS was set up and trained using the simulation results to differentiate between healthy and faulty operations. This system was tested by simulation results under different interturn percentages and load torques from those used to train it; the test results were quite acceptable.
New federalism and state implementation of the Clean Water Act

An important goal of the Reagan administration has been to shift responsibility for many public programs from the US federal government to the states. This “New Federalism” seeks to restore a proper balance to the federal system and to ensure an effective working partnership between the states and the federal government. Such a partnership is especially important for many environmental laws because these laws often give states primary responsibility for the control and abatement of pollution. This research examines the extent to which the Reagan administration has succeeded in improving intergovernmental environmental relations in terms of state implementation of the Clean Water Act. Data from a 1985 survey of directors of state water quality control programs are compared with responses to a similar survey that the US General Accounting Office conducted in 1979. The latter survey found considerable dissatisfaction on the part of state directors with the quality of their relations with the US Environmental Protection Agency. Although some improvement can be noted between 1979 and 1985, the Reagan administration's efforts to improve intergovernmental relations appear to have been of limited consequence, to the possible detriment of effective implementation of the Clean Water Act.
MRI for clinically suspected pediatric appendicitis: an implemented program

Emergent MRI is now a viable alternative to CT for evaluating appendicitis while avoiding the detrimental effects of ionizing radiation. However, primary employment of MRI in the setting of clinically suspected pediatric appendicitis has remained significantly underutilized. To describe our institution’s development and the results of a fully implemented clinical program using MRI as the primary imaging evaluation for children with suspected appendicitis. A four-sequence MRI protocol consisting of coronal and axial single-shot turbo spin-echo (SS-TSE) T2, coronal spectral adiabatic inversion recovery (SPAIR), and axial SS-TSE T2 with fat saturation was performed on 208 children, ages 3 to 17 years, with clinically suspected appendicitis. No intravenous or oral contrast material was administered. No sedation was administered. Data collection includes two separate areas: time parameter analysis and MRI diagnostic results. Diagnostic accuracy of MRI for pediatric appendicitis indicated a sensitivity of 97.6% (CI: 87.1–99.9%), specificity 97.0% (CI: 93.2–99.0%), positive predictive value 88.9% (CI: 76.0–96.3%), and negative predictive value 99.4% (CI: 96.6–99.9%). Time parameter analysis indicated clinical feasibility, with time requested to first sequence obtained mean of 78.7 +/− 52.5 min, median 65 min; first-to-last sequence time stamp mean 14.2 +/− 8.8 min, median 12 min; last sequence to report mean 57.4 +/− 35.2 min, median 46 min. Mean age was 11.2 +/− 3.6 years old. Girls represented 57% of patients. MRI is an effective and efficient method of imaging children with clinically suspected appendicitis. Using an expedited four-sequence protocol, sensitivity and specificity are comparable to CT while avoiding the detrimental effects of ionizing radiation.