cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Photo-ionization of wide band-gap materials by high-intensity laser radiation

Analyzing existing theoretical models of laser-induced photo-ionization of non-metallic solids, we came to conclusion that they are not valid to describe ionization of wide band-gap materials by high-intensity radiation due to specific limitation on either intensity or laser wavelength. Attempting to improve the theory of photo-ionization, we combined the Keldysh approach and a realistic energy-band model to include the effect of Bragg-type electron reflections at edges of the first Brillouin zone. It was found that the effect of Bragg-type electron reflections produces a set of singularities on intensity dependence of ionization rate. Intensity at which the first singularity occurs is close to 10 TW/cm 2 for most transparent materials and visible or near-IR spectrum range. Further considerations show the singularities to be directly related to the effect of field-induced flattening of effective band structure under action of laser radiation. We discuss some recent experimental results from the view-point of the new ionization model.
E-Vector and wavelength discrimination by retinular cells of the crayfish Procambarus

1. Receptor potentials have been recorded intracellularly from single retinular cells in the anterior and dorsal quadrants of the compound eye of the crayfish Procambarus (Fig. 1) stimulated with equal quantum flashes of linearly polarized monochromatic light. Comparisons between two orthogonal stimulus e-vectors respectively parallel and perpendicular to the microvilli of each receptor cell's rhabdomere were made sequentially in about one minute's running time at 20 nm intervals between 400 and 740 nm (Fig. 2). 2. Of the 91 cells studied 17 responded maximally in the violet (av. λmax= 440 nm) whereas the other 74 cells were most responsive in the yellow-orange (av.λmax=594 nm) (Table 1). For the latter group the λmax of individual cells ranged widely from 538 to 634 nm (Fig. 4). Violet sensitive cells were found only in the anterior quadrant of the eye. 3. For 29 cells spectral sensitivity curves were plotted from the spectral efficiency curves using response-energy functions determined at λmax or spectral efficiency curves taken at two or more stimulus energy levels (Figs. 5B, 6B, 7). When the sensitivity curves are normalized the vertical and horizontal e-vector responses are closely similar indicating that dichroism of the visual pigment is undoubtedly responsible for the observed differential sensitivity (Figs. 5C, 6C). 4. For 51 yellow-orange cells where e-vector comparisons can be made more than half (57%) were more responsive to vertical e-vector (Table 2) corresponding very closely with the estimated percentage of retinular cells with microvilli parallel to the body's dorso-ventral axis (57.2%). In contrast five of the seven violet cells available for this comparison gave stronger responses to horizontal e-vector suggesting they may predominantly be the one asymmetrical cell in each ommatidium. Nevertheless both color discriminating types were found to be present in both e-vector channels. 5. For the 29 cells for which spectral sensitivity curves can be plotted the average sensitivity ratio for the two polarization planes is 3.1 with a range from 1.2 to 11.9 at λmax. Since dichroic absorption ratios directly measured in crayfish have previously been shown to be about 2, the origin of greater spectral sensitivity ratios in individual retinular cells most likely must depend on other functions than photon absorption by a single rhabdomere.
Uptake and transamination of amino acids by Streptococcus faecium

Abstract A technique, which by first depleting the cellular freely extractable amino acids of Streptococcus faecium rendered subsequent amino acid uptake readily demonstrable, was used to prepare cell suspensions with which the uptake of seven amino acid species was studied. All the amino acids studied, except arginine, required glucose for uptake (including lysine, contrary to previous reports). D -Amino acids were taken up with the same facility as their L -isomers. Uptake of exogenous amino acids was accompanied by (a) extensive transamination of the amino acid taken up, if it was a type not characteristically found in cell walls of this genus and (b) appearance of cellular freely extractable alanine, lysine, and glutamic and aspatic acids from a cellular component, whether or not they had been added to the suspension. The latter observation supports a previous postulate that S. faecium contains a heat-stable amino acid reservoir, noted in the present study to be connected to its amino acid transport system. Considered together, these observations suggest how transaination and the reservoir (or cell-wall components), without necessarily being part of the amino acid transport system, may be used by S. faecium to circumvent the thermodynamic limitation placed upon concentrative amino acid accumulation by the concentration gradient between these compounds within and without the cell: the cell, in effect, stores amino acids taken up both as their freely extractable ketonic precursors, readily regenerating the amino acid by transamination, and in reversible combination with the reservoir (or cell-wall components).
Electronic collective modes and instabilities on semiconductor surfaces. I

A Green's-function theory of electronic collective modes is presented which leads to a practical scheme for a microscopic determination of surface elementary excitations in conducting as well as nonconducting solids. Particular emphasis is placed on semiconductor surfaces where the jellium approximation is not valid, due to the importance of density fluctuations on a microscopic scale (reflected in the local-field effects). Starting from the Bethe-Salpeter equation for the two-particle Green's function of the surface system, an equation of motion for the electron-hole pair is obtained. Its solutions determine the energy spectra, lifetimes, and amplitudes of the surface elementary excitations, i.e., surface plasmons, excitons, polaritons, and magnons. Exchange and correlation effects are taken into account through the random-phase and time-dependent Hartree-Fock (screened electron-hole attraction) approximations. The formalism is applied to the study of electronic (charge- and spin-density) instabilities at covalent semiconductor surfaces. Quantitative calculations for an eight-layer Si(111) slab display an instability of the ideal paramagnetic surface with respect to spin-density waves with wavelength nearly corresponding to (2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1) and (7\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}7) superstructures.
Predicted turbine stage performance using quasi-three-dimensional and boundary-layer analyses

A method for calculating turbine stage performance is described. The usefulness of the method is demonstrated by comparing measured and predicted efficiencies for nine different stages. Comparisons are made over a range of turbine pressure ratios and rotor speeds. A quasi-three-dimensional flow analysis is used to account for complex passage geometries. Boundary-layer analyses are made to account for losses due to friction. Empirical loss models are used to account for incidence, secondary flow, disk windage, and clearance losses.
Bsh distributions in the canine head and a human patient using 11b mri

A 3D projection reconstruction (3DPR) method was used to obtain in vivo 11B images in a large canine brain tumor model and in a human infused with borocaptate sodium (BSH). Studies were performed in dogs with and without gliosarcomas implanted and grown to a size of 2-3 cm. The 3DPR method demonstrates a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) that allows qualitative kinetic studies of the boron compound in normal and tumor tissue of the head. The measurements indicate initial uptake of the BSH compound in tumor to be less than that in muscle with no uptake in normal brain tissue. Moreover, uptake of BSH in tissue was found to lag the boron concentration in blood with delays that depend on tissue type. In addition, the first human boron images were obtained on a patient who underwent surgical resection and volumetric debulking of a large (7 cm) glioblastoma multiforme. BSH was readily taken up in residual tumor tissue, while diffusion into the resection volume was slower.
Counting the number of games

We give upper and lower bounds on g(n) equal to the number of games born by day n. In particular, we give an upper bound of g(n + 1) ≤ g(n) + 2g(n) + 2. For the lower bound, for all α < 1, for sufficiently large n, g(n + 1) ≥ 2g(n)z.
Digital terrain modelling and industrial surface metrology — converging crafts

Quantitative characterisation of surface form, increasingly from digital 3-D height data, is cross-disciplinary and can be applied at any scale. Thus, separation of industrial-surface metrology from its Earth-science counterpart, (digital) terrain modelling, is artificial. Their growing convergence presents an opportunity to develop in surface morphometry a unified approach to surface representation. This paper introduces terrain modelling and compares it with metrology, noting their differences and similarities. Examples of potential redundancy among parameters illustrate one of the many issues common to both disciplines.
Energy Expenditure in Hospitalized Patients: Implications for Nutritional Support

An understanding of energy expenditure in hospitalized patients is necessary to determine optimal energy supply in the care of individuals who require nutritional support. A review was conducted of 19 studies in which resting energy expenditure (REE) had been measured using indirect calorimetry and compared with estimated basal energy expenditure (BEE) from the Harris-Benedict equation. Studies of patients with burns, head injuries, and fever were excluded because REE is known to be increased in these conditions. The studies reported data on 1256 patients with the following diagnoses: postoperative (28%), trauma or sepsis (26%), cancer (18%), pulmonary disease (9%), cardiovascular disease (2%), miscellaneous (9%), and unspecified (6%). The average REE in the 19 studies was 113% of the BEE. The mean ± SD REE/BEE ratio was higher in 11 studies in which the REE was measured during feeding than in 5 studies in which the measurement was made during fasting (117%±3% vs 105%±4%; P=.047). In those 11 studies, overfeeding may have contributed to higher REE values than otherwise would have been observed. Some evidence indicated that the REE/BEE ratio is higher in more severe illness, but results were inconsistent. Unfortunately, little information is available concerning total energy expenditure, which includes the contribution of physical activity. It appears that most patients can be fed adequately with energy equal to 100% to 120% of estimated BEE. Hypoenergetic feeding may be appropriate in some overweight and obese individuals. Additional research in hospitalized patients on total energy expenditure and on the relationship between severity of illness and energy expenditure is needed.
Diagnosis and 2-Year Outcomes of Endoscopic Treatment for Ischiofemoral Impingement

Purpose The purposes of this study were to investigate the clinical and radiographic presentation of patients with ischiofemoral impingement (IFI) and to assess the outcomes of endoscopic treatment with partial resection of the lesser trochanter. Methods Five patients with IFI who underwent endoscopic treatment with partial resection of the lesser trochanter were retrospectively reviewed. The outcomes were assessed at a mean follow-up of 2.3 years (range, 2 to 2.5 years) through the modified Harris Hip Score and a visual analog scale score for pain. Physical examination tests provoking the impingement between the lesser trochanter and ischium were used for the diagnosis of IFI, including the IFI test and reproducible pain lateral to the ischium with the long-stride walking test. The presence of quadratus femoris muscle edema and a decreased ischiofemoral space on magnetic resonance imaging was also necessary for the diagnosis. Results The mean modified Harris Hip Score increased from 51.3 points (range, 34.1 to 73.7 points) preoperatively to 94.2 points (range, 78.1 to 100 points) at the final follow-up ( P = .003). The mean visual analog scale score for pain decreased from 6.6 (range, 6 to 7.3) before surgery to 1 (range, 0 to 4) at the final follow-up ( P = .001). The mean duration to return to sport after surgery was 4.4 months (range, 1 to 7 months) for the 5 patients in this study. No complication was observed. Conclusions The endoscopic treatment of IFI was effective at 2 years in 5 patients with consistent clinical and imaging diagnostic findings. Level of Evidence Level IV, therapeutic case series.
Remote Sensing of Total Dry-Matter Accumulation in Winter Wheat

Red and photographic-infrared spectral data collected on 21 dates over the growing season with a hand-held radiometer were quantitatively correlated with total dry-matter accumulation in winter wheat. The spectral data were found to be highly related to vigor and condition of the plant canopy. Two periods of drought stress and subsequent recovery from it were readily apparent in the spectral data. Simple ratios of the spectral radiance data compensated for variations in solar intensities and, when integrated over the growing season, explained 79% of the variation in total above-ground accumulation of dry matter. A satellite system is proposed to provide large-area assessment of total dry accumulation or net primary production from terrestrial vegetation.
Growth of cells in culture treated with the soluble component of volcanic ash from Mount St. Helens

Abstract Volcanic ash was collected immediately after the eruption of Mount St. Helens on May 18, 1980. This ash was extracted with water. The elemental composition of the extracted portion was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. The aqueous extract was applied at high concentrations (up to 37.5 μg/ml) to non-confluent mixed cultures of mouse lung cells. Even after treatment for up to 10 days, cell number was typically unaffected by the ash extract. Cell viability was also unaltered, and no grossly observable changes were noted in the cells by light muscopy. We conclude that the water-soluble portion of the ash we tested does not markedly affect growth of the cells most at risk, those of the lung.
The effects of a growth-altering pre-pubertal feeding regimen on mammary development and parity-one lactation potential in swine

Two-hundred and fifty-four crossbred gilts were allotted to 'moderate' or 'control' growth regimens from 9 to 25 weeks of age. The moderate regimen used dietary fiber to achieve alternating phases of moderate and maximum growth during four distinct pre-pubertal periods. High-fiber diets, containing 35% ground sunflower hulls, were fed during periods one and three (3 and 5 weeks, respectively) to slow growth. During periods two and four, low-fiber corn-soybean meal (CSBM)-based diets were fed for 3 and 5 weeks, respectively, to maximize growth. Control gilts were fed CSBM-based diets in all periods to maximize growth. Ad-libitum access to feed was allowed at all times with both regimens. After 25 weeks of age, both treatment groups were managed similarly. Analysis of mammary tissue collected on day 110 of gestation revealed that moderate gilts had less (P 5 0.03) parenchymal tissue, and tended to have less (P 5 0.09) total DNA than control gilts. However, during lactation moderate females consumed more feed (P 5 0.02) and tended (P 5 0.07) to wean heavier litters. Altering gilt growth before puberty enhanced sow lactation performance despite decreasing pre-lactation mammary development. © 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Adsorption of hydrogen sulfide on graphite derived materials modified by incorporation of nitrogen

Abstract Adsorbents for hydrogen sulfide were prepared by heat treatment at 950 °C of spent graphite oxide based materials previously used as ammonia removal media. The materials were characterized using adsorption of nitrogen, potentiometric titration, thermal analysis, FTIR and XRD. The dynamic adsorption experiments showed an enhanced adsorption capacity owing to the presence of basic nitrogen functionalities. Although on the surface of adsorbents hydrogen sulfide was mainly oxidized to elemental sulfur small amount of SO2 was also formed. The removal capacity was found to depend on the dispersion of nitrogen containing species, which is governed by the porosity and structure of the adsorbents. The amount of nitrogen incorporated depends on the amount of ammonia on the surface and on the surface reactivity. The latter is determined by the amount of oxygen containing groups and the level of structural heterogeneity.
The rate of oxidation of the basal and prismatic surfaces of pyrolytic graphite in the transition regime between chemical and diffusional control

Abstract Reaction rates of oxygen with the basal and prism faces of pyrolytic graphite have been measured using a rotating disk contactor. Temperature ranged from 1100 to 2000°K and oxygen concentrations from 0·05 per cent to 1 per cent in helium and argon at atmospheric pressure were employed. The intrinsic rate of the surface reaction and the magnitude of the mass transfer coefficients attainable from the rotating disk placed most of the experiments in the transition reime between the limits of chemical and diffusional control of the overall process. Surface chemical rate constants were extracted from the data with the aid of the theory of rotating disk mass transfer. Kinetic expressions for the oxidation of the basal and prism planes were obtained. The rate expression of Strickland-Constable fell in between the rates determined here for the basal and prism orientations.
Nosocomial transmission of rotavirus infection

Children admitted to the infant ward between November 30, 1983, and May 5, 1984, were sampled for rotavirus antigen at admission and at 4-day intervals during subsequent hospitalization. Rotavirus was detected in 51 of 315 infants, 24 at the initial sampling and 27 after 72 hours of hospitalization (nosocomial cases). Forty-one of the cases were symptomatic and 10 were asymptomatic. Nosocomial rotavirus was detected in 5, 13 and 24% of children in the hospital for 4 to 8, 9 to 13 and greater than 13 days, respectively. Attending physicians clinically entertained the diagnosis of rotavirus infection in 58% of community-acquired cases but in only 22% of nosocomial cases. Subgrouping of 24 of the rotavirus isolates with monoclonal antibodies indicated that two-thirds of the isolates were Subgroup II, and the remainder were a mixed subgroup, with similar prevalences in the nosocomial and community-acquired cases. Only 11 of 27 instances of nosocomial rotavirus acquisition were epidemiologically associated with a rotazyme-positive roommate and in 4 of these instances different subgroups were present in the 2 roommates. These data suggest that infected roommates appear not to be a major source for direct transmission of nosocomial rotavirus infection.
A scalable-low cost architecture for high gain beamforming antennas

Many state-of-the-art wireless systems, such as long distance mesh networks and high bandwidth networks using mm-wave frequencies, require high gain antennas to overcome adverse channel conditions. These networks could be greatly aided by adaptive beamforming antenna arrays, which can significantly simplify the installation and maintenance costs (e.g., by enabling automatic beam alignment). However, building large, low cost beamforming arrays is very complicated. In this paper, we examine the main challenges presented by large arrays, starting from electromagnetic and antenna design and proceeding to the signal processing and algorithms domain. We propose 3-dimensional antenna structures and hybrid RF/digital radio architectures that can significantly reduce the complexity and improve the power efficiency of adaptive array systems. We also present signal processing techniques based on adaptive filtering methods that enhance the robustness of these architectures. Finally, we present computationally efficient vector quantization techniques that significantly improve the interference cancellation capabilities of analog beamforming architectures.
Hemispheric visual processing in face recognition

Abstract Two experiments tested how facial details are used in recognizing face drawings presented to either the left or right visual field (VF). Subjects used inner and outer features about equally in both the left and right VFs. The major finding was a very strong tendency to recognize the upper facial features more accurately than the lower facial features. The top-to-bottom recognition difference occurred in both VFs, in contrast to an earlier study by J. Sergent (1982, Journal of Experimental Psychology: Human Perception and Performance , 8 , 1–14). Methodological differences between the present experiments and Sergent's studies were discussed. It was concluded that both the left and right hemispheres recognize novel faces using top-to-bottom serial processing.
Effects of oocyte activation and treatment of spermatozoa on embryonic development following intracytoplasmic sperm injection in cattle

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine the effects of oocyte activation and of different treatments of spermatozoa on cleavage rate and blastocyst production after bovine intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). In Experiment 1a, matured oocytes were injected without spermatozoa (sham injection) and randomly allocated to 1 of 3 treatments: 1) untreated controls, 2) 50 μM calcium ionophore A23187, or 3) 7% ethanol. Cleavage rates after A23187 (55%, 41/75) and ethanol treatments (52%, 39/75) were higher (P 0.05). In Experiment 2b, all oocytes were activated with A23187. Cleavage rates for sham-injected, unincubated, incubated, and incubated + A23187-treated spermatozoa after ICSI were 43% (25/58), 40% (24/60), 38% (22/58) and 44% (27/62), respectively (P>0.1). The use of incubated (capacitated) spermatozoa yielded a higher rate (P
The microwave spectrum, structure, and dipole moment of 1,3,4-selenadiazole

Abstract Analysis of the microwave spectrum of 1,3,4-selenadiazole shows the molecule to be planar with C2v symmetry. Rotational constants of 80SeC2H2N2 in MHz are A = 8479.55 ± 2.06, B = 3342.64 ± 0.05, and C = 2396.37 ± 0.04; for 78SeC2H2N2, A = 8480.70 ± 1.20, B = 3372.69 ± 0.03, and C = 2411.80 ± 0.03. Stark effect measurements give a dipole moment of 3.40 ± 0.05 debye. An approximate structure assuming some bond lengths from 1,3,4-thiadiazole was fit to the observed moments of inertia giving a carbon-selenium bond length of 1.868 A and a CSeC bond angle of 81.8°.
The association of provider communication with trust among adults with sickle cell disease.

Background Adults with sickle cell disease often report poor interpersonal healthcare experiences, including poor communication with providers. However, the effect of these experiences on patient trust is unknown.
Comparison of awake spinal with awake caudal anesthesia in preterm and ex‐preterm infants for herniotomy

Summary Background: Spinal anesthesia (SA) is widely used for awake regional anesthesia in ex-preterm infants scheduled for herniotomy. Awake caudal anesthesia (CA) is suggested as an alternative approach for these patients and type of surgery. The aim of this study was to compare efficacy and complications of the two different techniques. Methods: Two historical populations of 575 ex-preterm infants undergoing herniotomy under awake SA (n = 339; 1998–2001) and under awake CA (n = 236; 2001–2009) were investigated. Data are compared using t-test and chi-square tests (P < 0.05). Results: The SA group consisted of 339 patients, they were born after 32.0 (3.3) weeks of gestation on average with a mean birth weight of 1691 g (725). The CA group consisted of 236 patients born after 32.1 weeks (3.7) with a mean birth weight of 1617 g (726). At the time of operation, the total age was 41.37 (3.6) and 41.28 (4.0), respectively, for SA and CA patients, and the corresponding weights were 3326 (1083) g and 3267 (931) g for SA and CA patients, respectively. For SA, significantly more puncture attempts were needed (1.83 vs 1.44, P < 0.001). Surgery was performed under pure regional anesthesia in 85% (SA) and 90.1% (CA) (ns). A change to general anesthesia was necessary in 7.7% (SA) and 3.9% (CA) (ns). Overall, intra- and postoperative complications were not statistically different. Conclusions: Caudal anesthesia was shown to be technically less difficult than SA and to have a higher success rate. Its application as awake regional anesthesia technique in these patients seems more appropriate than SA.
The development of 3‐D visualization technology: the potential impact on interior design and its consumers

Three-dimensional visualization has developed and improved significantly over the last several decades and resulted in consumers' having multidimensional, multi-sensory experiences with a wide range of products and services. It has affected the built environment and its related businesses. Designers create 3-D images and walk-through animations to communicate with their clients more clearly, starting from the early stage of the design process. The interior–design-related material manufacturers and retailers have enhanced their online stores with 3-D visualization features to improve their interactivity and provide user-friendly interfaces for product information search and purchase planning. Because of the continuing widespread interest in 3-D visualization and the amount of its applications in the interior design field, a review of this area was a necessity to suggest the future research direction for the development of 3-D visualization in interior design. This paper sought to demonstrate the status of the development of 3-D visualization and its impact on the interior design field and its consumers while highlighting an area where future research is a potentially considerable benefit in developing 3-D visualization in interior design.
AES/XPS studies of oxidized R2Fe4B alloys

Abstract Auger and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopies have been used to study the compositional and chemical nature of air-exposed R2Fe14B (R = Y, Nd and Gd) magnet alloys. Rare earth segregation correlates with the extent of surface oxidation and moderately oxidized surfaces show either stoichiometric rare earth concentrations or slight enrichment over near-surface values while heavily oxidized surfaces show rare earth depletion. The depleted surfaces contain significant amounts of iron oxides and it is proposed that, after initial oxidation of the near-surface rare-earth component, iron segregates to the surface driven by the formation of iron oxides. Boron segregation is also observed, although migration results in alloy-like surface boron species. However, once at the surface, boron oxidation is possible and boron oxides are identified by their characteristic 171 eV AES signal. Preferential sputtering of the boron component prevents meaningful depth analysis of this component of the rare-earth alloys.
Thermal transitions and mechanical properties of films of chemically prepared polyaniline

Abstract The mechanical and thermal properties of the solution-cast films of chemically prepared polyaniline have been studied by means of dynamic mechanical analysis (d.m.a.), differential scanning calorimetry (d.s.c.) and thermogravimetric analysis (t.g.a.). The glass transition temperature (Tg) of the polyaniline films in emeraldine base form was determined and characterized for the first time to be in the range of ∼ 105–220°C for the films containing ∼ 16-0% of 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone (NMP) residual solvent, respectively, from a decrease in the storage modulus in d.m.a. and from d.s.c. studies. Depending on the content of NMP, the thin films of polyaniline have a storage modulus of ∼ 200 MPa-2 GPa at temperatures below Tg. Other thermal transitions and reactions in the temperature range of ∼ 25–500°C are also characterized by infra-red spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and cyclic voltammetry and are discussed in relation to the mechanical properties of polyaniline.
A SIMPLE, ACCURATE APPROXIMATION OF THE STANDARD ERROR OF MEASUREMENT

Classroom teacher-tester-decision makers have some practical reasons for wanting to know the standard error of measurement (SEM) of their tests. For example, it would give them an objectively defensible basis for setting a score band around a "cutting score" within which they might impose probation on students or require their reexamination. Other academic decisions that might properly be based on this statistic readily suggest themselves. The definitional formula for the conventional estimator of SEM is deceptively simple:
Determining when the survival rates of two treatments are the same based on a censored data regression model

Often when comparing the survival rates of individuals given either of the two treatments the analysis stops with a test of the hypothesis of no treatment difference and perhaps a plot of the two survival functions. The hypothesis test is usually a comparison of the two survival curves over the entire observational period. An alternative approach to this problem is to provide an investigator with a confidence set for the set of times at which the survival rates of the two treatments are the same. We discuss how such confidence sets can be constructed when the proportional hazards or additive regression model is used to adjust the comparison of interest for other factors which may influence survival. These approaches are illustrated on retrospective data gathered to compare the survival rates of allogeneic and autologous bone marrow transplants for acute leukemia.
Indirect adaptive control of an active filter using Echo State Networks

An active filter is a power electronic device used in a power system to decrease “harmonic current pollution” caused by nonlinear loads. The Echo State Network (ESN) has been widely used as an effective system identifier with much faster training speed than the other Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs). However, only a few attempts have been made to use an ESN as a system controller. As the first attempt to use an ESN in indirect neurocontrol, this paper proposes an indirect adaptive neurocontrol scheme using two ESNs to control an active filter in a multiple-reference frame. As the first step in the proposed neurocontrol scheme, an online system identifier using an ESN is implemented in PSCAD to identify the load harmonics. Then another ESN is trained online as the controller. The performances of the indirect adaptive control scheme using ESNs show that the ESN is capable of providing accurate control for the active filter, even when the load condition changes nonlinearly.
Magnetic field effects on radical pair intermediates in bacterial photosynthesis

Abstract We have investigated the effects of magnetic fields on the formation and decay of excited states in the photochemical reaction centers of Rhodopseudomonas sphaeroides. In chemically reduced reaction centers, a magnetic field decreases the fraction of the transient state PF that decays by way of the bacteriochlorophyll triplet state PR. At room temperature, a 2-kG field decreases the quantum yield of PR by about 40%. In carotenoid-containing reaction centers, the yield of the carotenoid triplet state which forms via PR is reduced similarly. The effect of the field depends monotonically on field-strength, saturating at about 1 kG. The effect decreases at lower temperatures, when the yield of PR is higher. Magnetic fields do not significantly affect the formation of the triplet state of bacteriochlorophyll in vitro, the photooxidation of P-870 in reaction centers at moderate redox potential, or the decay kinetics of states PF and PR. The effects of magnetic fields support the view that state PF is a radical pair which is born in a singlet state but undergoes a rapid transformation into a mixture of singlet and triplet states. A simple kinetic model can account for the effects of the field and relate them to the temperature dependence of the yield of PR.
Metabolic factors in the control of energy stores

We have examined some of the factors involved in the control of food intake and integrated the data using methods of systems analysis from biomedical engineering. The central hypothesis is that energy stored in the body is a regulated variable. Alterations in the quantity of stored calories initiates changes designed to restore the store of calories to its original level. These responses are both short-term and long-term in nature. They involve integrating data on the quantities of protein, carbohydrate, and lipid stores in the body, probably through such feedback signals as amino acids, glucose, glycerol, and free fatty acids.
Estimators of error covariance matrices for small area prediction

Prediction for the mixed model requires estimates of covariance matrices. There is often a direct estimate of the ''within area'' covariance matrix, and for survey samples this is an estimate of the sampling covariance matrix. The estimated covariance matrix may have large sampling variance, suggesting parametric modeling for the matrix. The model can play a role at various points in the construction of predictions for proportions for small areas. Simulations demonstrate that efficiency for predictions is improved by using a model for the covariance matrix in the estimator of mean parameters and in constructing the coefficients in the predictor.
Improved methods for freeze preservation of chimpanzee sperm.

Freeze preservation of human and nonhuman semen has been used effectively for a number of years; however, the application of freezing to preserve nonhuman primate sperm has been less successful. This study compares five freeze methods and various concentrations of the cryoprotectants glycerol and dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) for cryopreservation of chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) sperm. The different methods were compared using quantitative analysis of sperm function and, by an indirect measure of fertilizing capacity, the denuded hamster oocyte penetration assay (SPA). The best results were obtained using an extender comprising Ham's F10 medium containing 15% heat inactivated human cord serum and 15.6% glycerol. Semen extended 1 to 1 by this method, for a final glycerol concentration of 7.8%, and frozen using a computer programmed freezer maintained approximately 65% of its original viability and up to 70% of its initial motility. The extended semen was used to initiate pregnancy in two female chimpanzees.
MK‐801, phencyclidine (PCP), and PCP‐like drugs increase burst firing in rat A10 dopamine neurons: Comparison to competitive NMDA antagonists

Extracellular single-unit recordings were used to assess the effects of PCP and PCP-like drugs (MK-801 and TCP) on the burst firing of ventral tegmental A10 dopamine neurons in the rat. The effects of these noncompetitive N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists were compared to the potent and competitive NMDA antagonists CGS 19755 and (+/-)CPP, and to BTCP, a PCP-derivative possessing little affinity for the PCP binding site within the ion channel gated by NMDA. PCP, MK-801, and TCP produced dose-dependent increases in the firing rate, which were accompanied by increases in the amount of burst activity, the number of action potentials within a burst, and the conversion of nonbursty cells to bursty. However, the coefficient of variation, a measure of the regularity of firing, was not significantly altered. These predominately excitatory effects contrast with the inhibition of firing, decrease in bursting, and regularization of pattern produced by BTCP. CGS 197555 and (+/-)CPP failed to alter any of the measured parameters. Thus, the increase in firing rate and amount of burst activity of dopamine neurons produced by PCP and PCP-like drugs, and the resultant hyperdopaminergia within the mesolimbic-mesocortical regions, could underlie the psychotomimetic properties of these compounds. Moreover, this effect would not appear to be related to a loss of activity at the NMDA recognition site, as evidenced by the lack of effect of the competitive NMDA antagonists.
R.F. sputtering of Sr2Nb2O7

Abstract The deposition of Sr2Nb2O7 thin films by conventional r.f. sputtering has been shown to give rise to films with stoichiometry different from that of the target material. The composition offset was traced to an anomalously high resputtering rate from the substrate which occurs for argon, argonoxygen or pure oxygen carrier gases. By suitably adjusting target composition at a fixed sputtering geometry and power level, stoichiometric films were produced. For films deposited onto substrates at temperatures of up to 1100 °C the Sr2Nb2O7 was X-ray amorphous and showed simple linear dielectric properties with no evidence of the ferroelectricity of the corresponding crystalline form. High temperature annealing disrupted the integrity of the film before the crystalline form could be clearly identified.
Posttranscriptional Generation of Macromolecular Complexes

Discrete classes of mRNAs that encode functionally related proteins are associated with sequence-specific RNA-binding proteins in yeast and mammalian cells. Ule et al. (2003) recently reported that pre-mRNAs encoding components of inhibitory synapses are bound to neuron-specific Nova RNA-binding proteins.
Multiclass-Multilabel Classification with More Classes than Examples.

We discuss multiclass-multilabel classification problems in which the set of classes is extremely large. Most existing multiclass-multilabel learning algorithms expect to observe a reasonably large sample from each class, and fail if they receive only a handful of examples per class. We propose and analyze the following two-stage approach: first use an arbitrary (perhaps heuristic) classification algorithm to construct an initial classifier, then apply a simple but principled method to augment this classifier by removing harmful labels from its output. A careful theoretical analysis allows us to justify our approach under some reasonable conditions (such as label sparsity and power-law distribution of class frequencies), even when the training set does not provide a statistically accurate representation of most classes. Surprisingly, our theoretical analysis continues to hold even when the number of classes exceeds the sample size. We demonstrate the merits of our approach on the ambitious task of categorizing the entire web using the 1.5 million categories defined on Wikipedia.
Designing crowdsourcing community for the enterprise

In this paper, we describe the design principles used for implementing crowdsourcing within the enterprise. This is based on our distinction between two kinds of crowdsourcing: enterprise (inside a firewall) versus the public domain. Whereas public domain crowdsourcing offers monetary rewards in exchange for participation, we show that identifying the right social objects and using these in designing the incentive model is sufficient to incent, motivate, and sustain participation levels in enterprise crowdsourcing. Finally, we show that the systematic integration of the characteristics of levels of participation into the design, e.g., the distinction between direct and indirect crowdsourcing, is sufficient for optimizing users' participation and contributions.
Covariance estimation and related problems in portfolio optimization

This overview paper reviews covariance estimation problems and related issues arising in the context of portfolio optimization. Given several assets, a portfolio optimizer seeks to allocate a fixed amount of capital among these assets so as to optimize some cost function. For example, the classical Markowitz portfolio optimization framework defines portfolio risk as the variance of the portfolio return, and seeks an allocation which minimizes the risk subject to a target expected return. If the mean return vector and the return covariance matrix for the underlying assets are known, the Markowitz problem has a closed-form solution. In practice, however, the expected returns and the covariance matrix of the returns are unknown and are therefore estimated from historical data. This introduces several problems which render the Markowitz theory impracticable in real portfolio management applications. This paper discusses these problems and reviews some of the existing literature on methods for addressing them.
Nitrided Silicon Oxide Gate Dielectrics for Submicron Device Technology

The research in this paper is based on an approach to low-temperature/low-thermal budget device fabrication that combines plasma and rapid thermal processing, and which has been customized to control separately: (i) the N-atom bonding chemistry and composition profiles, and (ii) the structural and chemical relaxations necessary for device-quality performance and reliability for stacked gate structures. Control of N-atom incorporation at the monolayer level at the crystalline-Si and polycrystalline-Si interfaces of field effect transistors, and at alloy levels within the bulk dielectrics has been achieved by combining low-temperature (∼300°C) plasma-assisted processes to generate the N-atom concentration profiles, with low-thermal-budget rapid thermal annealing (RTA) to promote chemical and structural relaxations that minimize defects and defect precursors.
Liver X receptor activation decreases the severity of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

Agonists of liver X receptors (LXR), members of the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily, alter secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, suggesting potential antiinflammatory effects. A synthetic LXR agonist inhibited T-cell proliferation and cytokine release in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment of mice during induction of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis reduced clinical symptoms, central nervous system cellular inflammation, and major histocompatibility class II expression on microglia, as well as demyelination. In contrast to in vitro analysis, no reductions in peripheral neuroantigen specific T-cell responses were detected in comparing ligand and vehicle treated mice. These data suggest that LXR agonists play an important protective role in the regulation of T-cell-mediated inflammatory disease of the central nervous system.
Image denoising based on the wavelet cooccurrence matrix

Image denoising is a well-known problem in signal processing. Wavelet decomposition based approaches have been applied successfully to the image denoising problem. The majority of wavelet thresholding methods do not take the spatial correlation between wavelet coefficients into account. A new image denoising approach is presented; it incorporates the intra-scale dependencies between the wavelet coefficients into the thresholding algorithm. The cooccurrence matrix of the wavelet coefficients and their neighbors is constructed to represent the spatial dependencies. An information-theoretic criterion, the 2D joint entropy of the wavelet cooccurrence matrix, is used as the cost function to determine the optimal threshold. Experimental results indicate that the proposed approach yields significant improvement over universal thresholding, both in visual quality and mean square error.
Establishing Connections: Interactivity Factors for a Distance Education Course

Both academic institutions and businesses are exploring a shift from face-to-face instruction to distanc e learning. However, without the foundation of a systematic instructional design process to guide course development relevant factors might be overlooked. A study conducted with graduate students in the Human Development program at Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago was designed to identify factors to consider when designing or re -purposing courses for distance learning. Four elements of leaner -centered interactivity were studied: (1) learner-to-interface; (2) learner-to-content; (3) learner-to l earner; and (4) learner to instructor (Moore, 1991). Interviews, focus groups, online discussion, and surveys were the tools used to collect data. The results of this study provide a foundation for redesigning existing courses, for creating new courses and for additional research.
Kinannote, a computer program to identify and classify members of the eukaryotic protein kinase superfamily

Motivation: Kinases of the eukaryotic protein kinase superfamily are key regulators of most aspects eukaryotic cellular behavior and have provided several drug targets including kinases dysregulated in cancers. The rapid increase in the number of genomic sequences has created an acute need to identify and classify members of this important class of enzymes efficiently and accurately. Results: Kinannote produces a draft kinome and comparative analyses for a predicted proteome using a single line command, and it is currently the only tool that automatically classifies protein kinases using the controlled vocabulary of Hanks and Hunter [Hanks and Hunter (1995)]. A hidden Markov model in combination with a position-specific scoring matrix is used by Kinannote to identify kinases, which are subsequently classified using a BLAST comparison with a local version of KinBase, the curated protein kinase dataset from www.kinase.com. Kinannote was tested on the predicted proteomes from four divergent species. The average sensitivity and precision for kinome retrieval from the test species are 94.4 and 96.8%. The ability of Kinannote to classify identified kinases was also evaluated, and the average sensitivity and precision for full classification of conserved kinases are 71.5 and 82.5%, respectively. Kinannote has had a significant impact on eukaryotic genome annotation, providing protein kinase annotations for 36 genomes made public by the Broad Institute in the period spanning 2009 to the present. Availability: Kinannote is freely available at http://sourceforge.net/pro jects/kinannote.
Wide variability in kernel composition, seed characteristics, and zein profiles among diverse maize inbreds, landraces, and teosinte

All crop species have been domesticated from their wild relatives, and geneticists are just now beginning to understand the consequences of artificial (human) selection on agronomic traits that are relevant today. The primary consequence is a basal loss of diversity across the genome, and an additional reduction in diversity for genes underlying traits targeted by selection. An understanding of attributes of the wild relatives may provide insight into target traits and valuable allelic variants for modern agriculture. This is especially true for maize (Zea mays ssp. mays), where its wild ancestor, teosinte (Z. mays ssp. parviglumis), is so strikingly different than modern maize. One obvious target of selection is the size and composition of the kernel. We evaluated kernel characteristics, kernel composition, and zein profiles for a diverse set of modern inbred lines, teosinte accessions, and landraces, the intermediate between inbreds and teosinte. We found that teosinte has very small seeds, but twice the protein content of landraces and inbred lines. Teosinte has a higher average alpha zein content (nearly 89% of total zeins as compared to 72% for inbred lines and 76% for landraces), and there are many novel alcohol-soluble proteins in teosinte relative to the other two germplasm groups. Nearly every zein protein varied in abundance among the germplasm groups, especially the methionine-rich delta zein protein, and the gamma zeins. Teosinte and landraces harbor phenotypic variation that will facilitate genetic dissection of kernel traits and grain quality, ultimately leading to improvement via traditional plant breeding and/or genetic engineering.
A neural analog-to-digital converter with resolution enhancement

A neural-based analog-to-digital (A/D) converter was first proposed by Tank and Hopfield in 1986. Hopfield applications have typically used high-gain amplifiers for the neurons. Unfortunately, this led to missing output codes and unequal step widths in the A/D converter application. The new approach proposed here use low-gain analog amplifiers for the artificial neurons. This allows additional bits of information to be extracted from the A/D converter output. In this paper, we discuss the hardware implementation of our resolution enhancement method applied to a four-bit neural A/D converter. The method yielded an increase in resolution from 4 to 8 bits. >