cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A New Efficient and Effective Fuzzy Modeling Method for Binary Classification

This paper presents a new fuzzy modeling method that can be classified as a grid partitioning method, in which the domain space is partitioned by the fuzzy equalization method one dimension at a time, followed by the computation of rule weights according to the max-min composition. Five datasets were selected for testing. Among them, three datasets are high-dimensional; for these datasets only selected features are used to control the model size. An enumerative method is used to determine the best combination of fuzzy terms for each variable. The performance of each fuzzy model is evaluated in terms of average test error, average false positive, average false negative, training error, and CPU time taken to build model. The results indicate that this method is best, because it produces the lowest average test errors and take less time to build fuzzy models. The average test errors vary greatly with model sizes. Generally large models produce lower test errors than small models regardless of the fuzzy modeling method used. However, the relationship is not monotonic. Therefore, effort must be made to determine which model is the best for a given dataset and a chosen fuzzy modeling method.
Gender differences in Chinese journalists' blogs

The explosion of Internet users and j-bloggers in mainland China makes Chinese j-blogs an area worthy of examination. This study focused on the gender differences in Chinese journalists' blogs. The study found that female j-bloggers were more likely to write about lifestyle issues and use the diary-like and rumor-mill formats, while male j-bloggers were more likely to discuss hard news topics and use the opinion column format. In addition, female j-bloggers in China were more likely to receive and respond to reader comments than male j-bloggers. Traditional social norms for gender may have influenced the content and format of Chinese j-blogs.
Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen Recruits Cyclin-dependent Kinase Inhibitor Xic1 to DNA and Couples Its Proteolysis to DNA Polymerase Switching

The Xenopus cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor, p27Xic1 (Xic1), binds to CDK2-cyclins and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), inhibits DNA synthesis in Xenopus extracts, and is targeted for ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis. Previous studies suggest that Xic1 ubiquitination and degradation are coupled to the initiation of DNA replication, but the precise timing and molecular mechanism of Xic1 proteolysis has not been determined. Here we demonstrate that Xic1 proteolysis is temporally restricted to late replication initiation following the requirements for DNA polymerase α-primase, replication factor C, and PCNA. Our studies also indicate that Xic1 degradation is absolutely dependent upon the binding of Xic1 to PCNA in both Xenopus egg and gastrulation stage extracts. Additionally, extracts depleted of PCNA do not support Xic1 proteolysis. Importantly, while the addition of recombinant wild-type PCNA alone restores Xic1 degradation, the addition of a PCNA mutant defective for trimer formation does not restore Xic1 proteolysis in PCNA-depleted extracts, suggesting Xic1 proteolysis requires both PCNA binding to Xic1 and the ability of PCNA to be loaded onto primed DNA by replication factor C. Taken together, our studies suggest that Xic1 is targeted for ubiquitination and degradation during DNA polymerase switching through its interaction with PCNA at a site of initiation.
Convergence or divergence in Los Angeles: Three distinctive ethnic patterns of immigrant residential assimilation

Abstract This paper uses census microdata to examine five aspects of residential assimilation in the greater Los Angeles area. A double cohort method is used to separate the effect of duration in the US from the effect of aging. We track a single arrival cohort that came in 1970–79, and analyze the processes and determinants of their residential assimilation between 1990 and 2000. Groups compared are Mexican, Korean, and Chinese immigrants, along with a common reference group of native-born, non-Hispanic whites. We find that while the Mexicans follow the traditional path of residential assimilation, they are more likely to reside in ethnic districts once they become homeowners. The Chinese are most unusual, locating in the suburbs and attaining very high homeownership soon after arrival, but moving into areas of co-ethnics over time. The Koreans exhibit a strong preference for urban lifestyle, often remaining in the city and renting in districts with whites and Latinos. Residential assimilation is a multifaceted process and the dynamics of residential adjustment are much more complex than previously revealed.
A thermal drill for making large holes in sea ice

A drill has been developed that utilizes thermal energy in the form of heated water to melt a groove by convective heat transfer in thick sea ice. The system components are described, as well as the techniques involved in cold-starting the system at ambient temperatures down to -35\deg C. The five operational units that have been constructed are also described and some of the field operations are discussed, including the drilling of a hydrohole 1.2 m by 3.7 m through sea ice about 8.5 m thick at Ice Island T-3. Comparable holes of various sizes and shapes can be made with suitably-designed cutting heads and multiple melts.
Boron partitioning in B‐sprayed and unsprayed fruiting twigs of hazelnut 1

Abstract Following B sprays, fruit set increase in ‘Barcelona’ hazelnut was accompanied by a decrease in dry‐matter accumulation for the entire fruiting twig. In unsprayed controls prior to 5 June, leaves constituted 80% of the total dry weight of a fruiting twig. Later in the season (5 Aug.) the percent dry weight was maximum in the nut tissue (66%), followed by leaves (17%), and then husks (13%). Leaves contained 87% of the total B in a fruiting twig early in the season, indicating that the leaf was a major sink for B at that time. Of the net B increases over a 2 months period, 24% was in the leaves, 38% in the nuts, and 37% in the husks. By 5 Aug., compared to other tissues, stem dry matter (3%) and B content (32) was negligible; hence, the stem was of little importance in overall partitioning. Boron sprays did not alter B partitioning in the fruiting twigs.
Mobile platform for acoustic mine detection applications

Researchers in academia have successfully demonstrated acoustic landmine detection techniques. These typically employ acoustic or seismic sources to induce vibration in the mine/soil system, and use vibration sensors such as laser vibrometers or geophones to measure the resultant surface motion. These techniques exploit the unique mechanical properties of landmines to discriminate the vibration response of a buried mine from an off-target measurement. The Army requires the ability to rapidly and reliably scan an area for landmines and is developing a mobile platform at NVESD to meet this requirement. The platform represents an initial step toward the implementation of acoustic mine detection technology on a representative field vehicle. The effort relies heavily on the acoustic mine detection cart system developed by researchers at the University of Mississippi and Planning Systems, Inc. The NVESD platform consists of a John Deere E-gator configured with a robotic control system to accurately position the vehicle. In its present design, the E-gator has been outfitted with an array of laser vibrometers and a bank of loudspeakers. Care has been taken to ensure that the vehicle’s mounting hardware and data acquisition algorithms are sufficiently robust to accommodate the implementation of other sensor modalities. A thorough discussion of the mobile platform from its inception to its present configuration will be provided. Specific topics to be addressed include the vehicle’s control and data acquisition systems. Preliminary results from acoustic mine detection experiments will also be presented.
Comorbidity between and risk factors for severe hearing and memory impairment in older Americans.

Abstract Objective. Comorbidities complicate our understanding of impairments and their risk factors. The objective of the current study was to assess the comorbidity between hearing impairment (HI) and memory impairment (MI) in older Americans and to assess to what extent they share common risk factors. Method. Data were examined from 5252 participants aged 65 years or older from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1988–1994). Results. The prevalence of HI and MI was 21.4 (SE 0.8)% and 8.3 (0.6)%, respectively, but the prevalence of concurrent impairment was only 2.1 (0.2)%. African Americans had higher odds of MI than whites (OR = 3.75, 95% CI: 2.81, 5.00), but not of HI (OR = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.42, 0.91). Leisure physical activity was associated with lower odds of MI, good lung function was associated with lower odds of HI, and moderate alcohol use was associated with lower odds of both HI and MI. Compared with individuals free of HI, the OR of MI was 1.07 (95% CI: 0.78, 1.47) for individuals with HI. Conclusion. Although prevalence was relatively high, comorbidity was surprisingly low, and the two impairments were not significantly associated. In addition to age, other factors appear to play critical but different roles in the development of these impairments.
Dyeable polypropylene fibers via nanotechnology

Polypropylene (PP) nanocomposites with three different clay loadings were prepared by solution mixing technique. The solution-mixed nanocomposites were extruded to fibers using a single screw extruder. The PP nanocomposite fibers obtained were uniformly dyed with three distinct disperse dyes at different levels of shade. The enhanced dyeability of PP nanocomposite fibers was characterized by spectrophotometric measurements. Satisfactory wash, light and crock fastness results were also achieved. Mechanical properties and degree of crystallinity of nanocomposite fibers with different clay loadings were also investigated. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
MOFomics: Computational pore characterization of metal–organic frameworks

Abstract Microporous materials, such as zeolites and metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), are commonly considered for shape-selective separations and catalysis. With the large number of known and hypothetical structures available, computational techniques are needed to identify the most promising structures for applications of interest. We have developed an automated computational framework based on optimization, geometry, and graph algorithms to fully characterize the three-dimensional pore structures of MOFs. Our methods automatically identify the portals, channels, and cages of a MOF and describe their geometry and connectivity. Furthermore, we calculate quantities of interest including pore size distribution, accessible volume, accessible surface area, pore limiting diameter, and largest cavity diameter. Our computational framework has been applied to over 800 experimental MOFs, including zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs), and over 1600 hypothetical MOFs. MOFomics, an online database of pore characterizations and the first web tool for MOFs that allows user submissions, is made freely available to the scientific communit (http://helios.princeton.edu/mofomics/).
Chemical studies on a macroglobulin.

Abstract A typical macroglobulin was isolated from the serum of a patient, and characterized by determining its sedimentation constant, electrophoretic mobility, isoelectric point, and chemical composition. Complete amino acid analysis of the macroglobulin was performed, and the N-terminal amino acids were determined. Reduction of the disulfide bonds of the macroglobulin, that was denatured by means of guanidine thiocyanate, yielded dissociation products that had sedimentation constants between 2 and 2.5 S. Dissociation occurred also in alkaline solution of pH 11.9 at room temperature. Although the macroglobulin was chemically similar to the normal γ-globulin, the proteins were not identical ; the macroglobulin contained 6% of hexose that was not split off even upon reductive cleavage of the denatured macroglobulin.
Observations of cosmic ray electrons and positrons during the early stages of the A- magnetic polarity epoch

[1] As part of our ongoing investigation of the charge sign dependence in solar modulation, we measured the cosmic ray positron abundance (0.8 GeV to 4.5 GeV) and electron flux (20 MeV to 4.5 GeV) on balloon flights from Lynn Lake, Manitoba during August 2002. We find that the decrease in the positron abundance observed in 2000 persists in 2002. The low-energy electron flux observed on a very high altitude flight (48.8 km) reconfirms the negative slope in the spectrum. We compared our data with published data from the Ulysses spacecraft. Although other explanations are possible, we propose that finite heliospheric latitude gradients in electron fluxes have appeared in the A- polarity epoch, whereas no latitude gradients in electrons were observed in the A+ epoch.
Considering Identification and Service Provision for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders within the Context of Response to Intervention

The Response to Intervention (RTI) framework, a preventive model of universal screening, tiered interventions, and ongoing progress monitoring, poses an interesting consideration for identification and service delivery for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Upon examination of the existing literature, paucity exists regarding how RTI might guide identification and service delivery for students with ASD; however, the authors consider core tenets of RTI and how they are relevant for students with ASD given what is known about this unique population. Due to the importance of early identification and interventions for individuals with ASD, the RTI framework could be problematic if used to delay education eligibility. Thus, two routes of identification are outlined by the authors, one of which expedites evaluation based on pervasive symptomatology, while the other route uses a form of universal screening to assist in moving toward evaluation for those suspected of ASD. The use of tiered interventio...
Response to the preceding paper by Olkhovsky, Recami and Zaichenko

The authors of the preceding paper do not acknowledge that the choice for the arbitrary zero of time made by Olkhovsky and Recami (OR) is different from mine. My time parameter t is related to theirs by t = tOR + t0 where t0 is the finite length of time taken for the centroid of the incident wave function prepared at t = 0 (i.e., at tOR = −t0 < 0) to propagate freely in the absence of a barrier to z = 0. Their major critisicm is consequently unjustified given my prescription for choosing the parameters of the initial (t = 0) wave packet. Moreover, contrary to their claims. I did not cut off the initial gaussian wave packet at z = 0. For these and other reasons I see no need to alter my previous conclusions concerning the review article by Olkhovsky and Recami.
Synchronous reconstruction of the floor of mouth and chin with a single skin island fibular free flap.

Objectives: The goal this presentation is to: 1) Review the reconstructive options for anterior mandible through-and-through composite defects and 2) Instruct the audience in the application of the double-skin paddle fibular flap in selected patients. Methods: Case presentation with review of the literature. Results: A 70-year old male with an anterior floor of mouth squamous cell carcinoma underwent composite resection that included resection of a 5-cm ovoid component of overlying chin skin. The defect was reconstructed with a fibular osteocutaneous flap with a double skin paddle technique. Conclusions: Several reconstructive options have been described in the literature for extended oral cavity defects including the use of multiple free flaps, combinations of regional and distant flaps, and sequential reconstruction. This case report reviews the use of a single flap reconstruction of these defects for selected patients. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2008.
Eurasian jays predict the food preferences of their mates

The cognitive abilities of animals continue to fascinate both scientists and nonscientists. Although the abilities of the primates, our closest living relatives, generally attract most interest, several different lines of research have demonstrated high levels of intellectual capacity in birds, particularly corvids. The members of this family are known for their large brains and have performed well in many cognitive tasks using different paradigms (1⇓–3). This finding has led to substantial revision of thinking about avian intelligence, including the suggestion of convergence in the evolution of cognitive abilities between corvids and primates (4). In PNAS, Ostojic et al. (5) add significantly to this literature with a very elegant experiment demonstrating the ability of male European jays (Garrulus glandarius) to predict the feeding preferences of their mates. The study is significant for many reasons: it demonstrates a high and unexpected level of flexibility, reports results bearing strong resemblance to human state-attribution and further confirms the importance of studying cooperative as well as competitive situations.
Viral-mediated expression of extracellular signal-regulated kinase-2 in the ventral tegmental area modulates behavioral responses to cocaine

Chronic exposure to cocaine increases the activity of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2) in the ventral tegmental area (VTA), a neural substrate for drugs of abuse. However, the functional significance of changes in ERK1/2 activity in this brain region is unknown. Using herpes simplex virus-mediated gene transfer to regulate ERK2 activity within the VTA in male rats, we show that overexpressing ERK2 increases preference for environments previously paired with low doses of cocaine and enhances cocaine-induced locomotion, whereas blocking ERK2 activity blocks cocaine-induced place conditioning and locomotor activity. These results demonstrate that ERK2-signaling within the VTA is a key modulator of functional responses to cocaine.
Population prospects for sub‐Saharan Africa: Determinants, consequences and policy

(1986). Population prospects for sub‐Saharan Africa: Determinants, consequences and policy. Journal of Contemporary African Studies: Vol. 5, No. 1-2, pp. 166-181.
Electrical Safety and Arc Flash Protection

Over the past four years, the electrical safety program at PPPL has evolved in addressing changing regulatory requirements and lessons learned from accident events, particularly in regards to arc flash hazards and implementing NFPA 70E requirements. This presentation will discuss PPPL's approaches to the areas of electrical hazards evaluation, both shock and arc flash; engineered solutions for hazards mitigation such as remote racking of medium voltage breakers, operational changes for hazards avoidance, targeted personnel training and hazard appropriate personal protective equipment. Practical solutions for nominal voltage identification and zero voltage checks for lockout/tagout will also be covered. Finally, we will review the value of a comprehensive electrical drawing program, employee attitudes expressed as a personal safety work ethic, integrated safety management, and sustained management support for continuous safety improvement
Effect of African-American Race on Tumor Recurrence After Radical Cystectomy for Urothelial Carcinoma of the Bladder.

Abstract Background African-American race appears to be associated with higher stages of urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (UCB) at presentation and poorer survival. However, the independent effect of African-American race on objective tumor recurrence after radical cystectomy (RC) after controlling for clinical and pathologic variables is unknown. Patients and Methods The data from consecutive patients with UCB who underwent RC with curative intent at a single institution (University of Alabama, Birmingham) from 2001 to 2012 with or without perioperative chemotherapy or chemoradiation were reviewed. The patient demographics, risk factors, clinical course, pathologic characteristics, and long-term outcomes were collected. Descriptive statistics were performed. Cox regression analysis was performed for key clinical, demographic, and pathologic variables, including race, stratified as African American versus white. Results A total of 215 patients, 163 men (76%) and 52 women (24%), with a mean age at RC of 65.6 years, were identified and reviewed. A total of 186 patients (87%) were white and 28 (13%) were African American. The median follow-up period after RC was 17.6 months. On conventional multivariate analysis, African-American race nearly attained statistical significance (hazard ratio [HR], 2.48; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.98-6.29; P = .055). In a stepwise regression model, race was significantly associated with tumor recurrence (HR, 3.11; 95% CI, 1.2-7.4; P Conclusion African-American race appears to be independently associated with a greater risk of tumor recurrence after RC for UCB. The effect of host genetics on tumor biology needs to be characterized at the genomic level to develop precision medicine.
Postrotatory nystagmus in the full-term and premature infant.

Summary Postrotatory nystagmus (PR-N) is an easily elicited reflex reported to be abnormal in developmentally delayed children. PR-N has been recorded in newborns, but methodological difficulties have compromised its full understanding. Eight healthy adults were compared with 15 full-term and 12 premature infants, all neurologically normal, who were tested serially during the first year of life. All subjects were positioned in a rotational chair, spun for 1 min at a constant angular velocity (150° /s) and then abruptly stopped. Primary and secondary PR-N was electronically recorded. Results for full-terms and prematures were similar in all variables, but the number and frequency of beats in both primary and secondary PR-N were significantly greater in adults. Angular displacement and velocity of each beat was significantly higher in infants of all ages. All components of PR-N, whether primary or secondary, can be identified in infants under 1 year of age and are clearly different from those observed in adults. These differences may reflect anatomical and neurophysiological immaturity of eye movement control in the infant.
Public Productivity Handbook

Anyone hoping to improve teamwork, performance, and budgeting, training, and evaluation programs in their organization should look no further. Completely revised, Public Productivity Handbook, Second Edition defines the role of leadership, dimensions of employee commitment, and multiple employee-organization based relationships for effective internal and external connections. It's coverage of new and systematic management approaches and well-defined measurement systems provides guidance on correct utilization of human resources that ensure improvements in productivity and performance. The authors discuss such topics as citizen-driven government and performance, public sector values and productivity, privatization, and productivity barriers in the public sector.
The origin, distribution and synaptic relationships of substance P axons in rat spinal cord.

Substance P positive (SP+) immunoperoxidase reaction product has been localized in light and electron microscopic preparations of rat lumbar spinal cord using an immunocytochemical method. SP+ reaction product was found to be highly concentrated in dorsal horn laminae I, II, portions of III, Lissauer's tract, s small nucleus in the dorsal part of the lateral funiculus, and in a longitudinal bundle of fibers just ventral to the central canal. Moderate accumulations of SP+ reaction product were observed in portions of laminae III-V, lamina X and in a narrow zone bordering fasciculus gracilis which expanded in its ventral aspect to include nucleus cornucommissuralis dorsalis and nucleus dorsalis. Remaining portions of the spinal gray matter exhibited extremely sparse staining. Light microscopic observations indicated that SP+ product was concentrated in fine axons and collaterals, which displayed densely-stained varicosities and terminal puncta. These varicosities and puncta were closely associated with neurons and blood vessels. Dorsal rhizotomy produced a marked reduction in the number of SP+ fibers in Lissauer's tract, dorsal horn laminae I-III and the nucleus of the dorsolateral funiculus. However, dorsal root fibers were not the only source of SP+ structures in these regions since some SP+ fibers remained following dorsal root resections. In addition, this residual population of SP+ fibers did not appear to be altered by a combination of dorsal rhizotomy and ipsilateral transverse hemisection of the spinal cord. In conjunction with the results of other investigators, this finding suggests that the SP+ fibers which remain after dorsal rhizotomy are derived from local circuit interneurons of the spinal cord. Electron microscopic observations revealed that certain axons and axon terminals contained concentrations of SP+ product which were associated with large, granular vesicles, while lesser amounts were in the terminal cytoplasm and associated with the exterior surfaces of small, agranular synaptic vesicles. SP+ terminals formed axodendritic, axosomatic and axoaxonal synapses, but the deposition of SP+ product often was not concentrated precisely at the “active sites” of these synaptic junctions. Some SP+ axons also made rudimentary contacts with astrocytic processes including those surrounding blood vessels. Since many of the SP+ terminals are similar in several respects to neuroendocrine terminals, it is possible that substance P may be released at several different types of non-synaptic sites as well as at conventional synaptic junctions. Thus our findings suggest that substance P could participate in a variety of neural functions ranging from those which are limited to synaptic junctions to those which are more generally distributed via an involvement of axonal plexuses as well as the glial, vascular and ventricular systems.
Antigen barriers or available space do not restrict in situ adhesion of hemopoietic cells to bone marrow stroma.

In this study, optical techniques were used to characterize adhesion of hematopoietic cells to bone marrow (BM) stromal microenvironment in situ. Bone marrow cells (BMC) labeled with PKH membrane linkers were infused into nonconditioned femurs and were monitored by fluorescence microscopy through an optical bone window. Repeated infusions of BMC into the femoral lumen resulted in a progressive increase in the number of adherent cells (p < 0.01), indicating that the availability of hemopoietic niches in the nonconditioned BM was not a rate-limiting factor of early BMC seeding. Adhesion of hemopoietic progenitor and stem cells (HSPC) was 30-fold higher than lineage + BMC (p < 0.001), suggesting that adhesion molecules on the surface of HSPC have a higher propensity for adhesion. BMC antigenmatched to and disparate from BM stroma adhered at equal rates, opposing the idea of involvement of antigen barriers during early seeding. It is concluded that primary adhesion to BM stromal microenvironment is favorable for HSPC and is not restricted by antigenic barriers or availability of vacant niches. Stem Cells 2002;20:80-85
Models of the Universe

In this paper a theory of models of the universe is proposed. We refer to such models ascosmological models, where a cosmological model is defined as an Einstein-inextendible Einstein spacetime. A cosmological model isabsolute if it is a Lorentz-inextendible Einstein spacetime,predictive if it is globally hyperbolic, andnon-predictive if it is nonglobally-hyperbolic. We discuss several features of these models in the study of cosmology. As an example, any compact Einstein spacetime is always a non-predictive absolute cosmological model, whereas a noncompact complete Einstein spacetime is an absolute cosmological model which may be either predictive or non-predictive. We discuss the important role played by maximal Einstein spacetimes. In particular, we examine the possible proper Lorentz-extensions of such spacetimes, and show that a spatially compact maximal Einstein spacetime is exclusively either a predictive cosmological model or a proper sub-spacetime of a non-predictive cosmological model. Provided that the Strong Cosmic Censorship conjecture is true, a generic spatially compact maximal Einstein spacetime must be a predictive cosmological model. It isconjectured that the Strong Cosmic Censorship conjecture isnot true, and converting a vice to a virtue it is argued that the failure of the Strong Cosmic Censorship conjecture would point to what may be general relativity's greatest prediction of all, namely,that general relativity predicts that general relativity cannot predict the entire history of the universe.
Chemical activation of ingestive and other hypothalamic regulatory mechanisms

Abstract Some of the problems in the neurochemistry of behavior were discussed: variations within species, phylogenetic variations and technical problems as the blood brain barrier. After a brief review of pertinent literature on the anatomical specificity of neurochemical circuits, new data on the neurochemical activation of ingestive responses in the normal, wakeful primate was presented. Results of the transfusion experiments indicate that differential chemical factors are released from the brain during changes in hunger, thirst, and thermal conditions. Complexities of neurochemical codes were also discussed.
Effect of Electric Fields on the Temperature of Phase Transitions of Liquid Crystals

It is proposed that the temperature of mesomorphic-isotropic phase changes and of transitions between mesophases may be markedly shifted by manageable electric fields. First experiments demonstrating such a shift in the nematic-isotropic transition of $p$-ethoxybenzylidene-${p}^{\ensuremath{'}}$-aminobenzonitrile are reported.
Highly reliable die attachment on polished GaAs surfaces using gold-tin eutectic alloy

GaAs test dice with polished surfaces were successfully bonded on alumina substrates using Au-Sn alloy. The bonding process was carried out in H/sub 2/ or N/sub 2/ atmosphere with applied static pressure, but without the use of scrubbing. The quality of the bonds was examined by a scanning acoustic microscope (SAM) having a spatial resolution of 25 mu m. After 100 cycles of thermal shock between -196 degrees C to +160 degrees C, perfectly bonded devices remained perfect, as confirmed by the SAM images. No void was induced, and the dice did not crack. The results of a shear test indicate that the strength of the bondings is greater than that of the GaAs dice. >
Dodecyl sulfate–hydrotalcite nanocomposites for trapping chlorinated organic pollutants in water

Abstract A series of hybrid organic–inorganic nanocomposite materials was synthesized by three different procedures using sodium dodecyl sulfate (DDS) and magnesium–aluminum layered double hydroxide (Mg/Al LDH with a Mg/Al molar ratio of 2 to 5). Both the pH of the exchange medium (6.5 to 10) and the Mg/Al molar ratio of the LDH affected the basal spacing, the content of DDS retained and the orientation of the DDS chains within the interlamellar space. For LDH with higher charge density (Mg/Al=2 and 3), DDS molecules likely formed a perpendicular monolayer within the LDH interlayer and the solution pH had little effect on the basal spacing, with a mean and standard deviation of 25.5±0.4 A. However, for LDH with lower charge density (Mg/Al=4 and 5), DDS molecules more likely formed an interpenetrating bilayer, and the basal spacing significantly increased with increasing pH, with a mean and standard deviation of 32.7±5.2 A. Sorption of trichloroethylene and tetrachloroethylene by DDS-LDH varied with synthesis conditions, LDH type and DDS configuration in the interlayer. DDS-Mg3Al-LDH had the highest affinity for both trichloroethylene and tetrachloroethylene in water, either comparable to or as much as four times higher than other clay-derived sorbents, followed by DDS-Mg4Al-LDH and DDS-Mg5Al-LDH. DDS-Mg2Al-LDH had the lowest sorption affinity although the highest amount of DDS. The pH of the exchange solution also affected the amount of DDS retained by the LDH as well as the sorption efficiency. Mg3Al-LDH has a charge equivalent area of 32.2 A2/charge, which allows the formation of optimal DDS configuration within its interlayer, thus resulting in the highest affinity for the chlorinated compounds. The DDS-Mg/Al-LDHs can be easily synthesized either ex situ or in situ at low temperature, indicating the feasibility of practical applications. The results obtained by controlling the synthesis procedure suggest that different arrangements of DDS molecules in the LDH interlayers can be obtained and optimized for the sorption of specific sorbates.
Downscaled method using glass microfiber filters for the determination of Klason lignin and structural carbohydrates

The analysis results of Klason lignin and structural carbohydrates determined by downscaled analysis methods using 50 mg and 5 mg biomass and glass microfiber filters for the filtration of acid-insoluble lignin, were compared to a conventional method using 300 mg biomass and ceramic crucibles. The usage of microfiber filters reduces space requirement in oven and furnace to a minimum and speeds up the filtration of Klason lignin about three-fold. Furthermore, tedious cleaning of crucibles is unnecessary which additionally increases the number of samples that can be analyzed in a given time frame. The analysis of 5 feedstocks comprising herbaceous, hard- and softwood, revealed no significant differences of hemicellulosic sugars between the 50 mg microfiber and the 300 mg crucible method. The 50 mg microfiber method resulted in Klason lignin values in the range of −6.1% to +4.0% (relative) and glucan values in the range of −0.8% to +3.7% (relative) of the values obtained with the 300 mg crucible method. The 50 mg microfiber method was highly reproducible with relative standard deviations (RSD%) of 0.27–0.56% (average 0.38%) for Klason lignin and 0.54%–1.46% (average 1.01%) for glucan. Compared to the 50 mg microfiber method, the 5 mg microfiber method resulted in similar deviations of Klason lignin and glucan from the 300 mg method values. However, the reproducibility was slightly lower. Overall, the 50 mg and 5 mg microfiber method reflected the actual biomass composition with sufficient accuracy and are therefore recommended as alternative methods or when downscaling of the analysis is required.
A Broadband X-Ray Study of the Geminga Pulsar

We present a comprehensive study of the Geminga pulsar at energies 0.1-10 keV using data from the ASCA, ROSAT, and EUVE satellites. The bulk of the soft X-ray flux can be parameterized as a blackbody of T = (5.6 +/- 0.6) x 10(exp 5) K, occupying a fraction 0. 10 - 0.64 of the surface area of the neutron star at the parallax distance of 160 pc. The ASCA detection of Geminga resolves the nature of the harder X-ray component previously discovered by ROSAT in favor of nonthermal emission, rather than thermal emission from a heated polar cap. The hard X-ray spectrum can be fitted by a power-law of energy index 1.0 +/- 0.5. The hard X-ray light curve has a strong main peak and a weak secondary peak; its total pulsed fraction is = 55%. Three ROSAT PSPC observations show significant variability of Geminga's light curve. In particular, a peculiar energy dependence of the modulation in the soft X-ray component, dubbed the "Geminga effect" in the original PSPC data, is not present in later observations. In addition, fine structure in the soft X-ray light curve, interpreted as eclipses due to cyclotron resonance scattering by a plasma screen on the closed magnetic field lines, almost disappeared in the most recent observations. All of the variable properties of Geminga can probably be associated with the nonthermal process that supplies e(sup +, sup -) pairs to its inner magnetosphere.
Adsorption and geometry of the chemisorbed benzoate species on Cu(1 1 0)

Abstract The adsorption of benzoic acid onto the Cu(1 1 0) surface has been studied by temperature programmed desorption (TPD) and by the time-of-flight electron stimulated desorption ion angular distribution (TOF-ESDIAD) technique. Condensed multilayers of undissociated benzoic acid form at high benzoic acid exposures at 81 K surface temperature, and desorption of the multilayer has been observed at 270 K. Adsorbed benzoic acid in the first layer decomposes to chemisorbed benzoate upon heating. The H+ ion emission pattern observed upon electron stimulated desorption indicates that the benzoate species is bound by its carboxylate moiety to two close-packed Cu atoms, with the molecular plane parallel to the 〈 1 1 ¯ 0 〉 crystal azimuth. Three prominent H+ beams are emitted from the 3-, 4-, and 5-positions on the phenyl ring, and these beam orientations indicate that the axis of the benzoate molecule is normal to the crystal face. The angle analysis shows that the initial angle of H+ ion emission from the 3- and 5-positions in the phenyl ring is 64° with respect to the surface normal.
Determination of the Pesticides MCPA, 2,4,5-T, and 2,4,5-T-Isopropyl Ester by Low Temperature Phosphorimetry

Abstract Sensitive low temperature phosphorimetric methods for the determination of the pesticides MCPA, 2,4,5-T, and 2,4,5-T-isopropyl ester in EPA solvent have been developed. The minimum detectable amounts are 0.1 p.p.m. for both 2,4,5-T formulations and 0.2 p.p.m. for MCPA. The ranges in linearity of the analytical calibration graphs are 0.2–60, 0.5–60, and 0.5–50 p.p.m. for 2,4,5-T, 2,4,5-T-isopropyl ester, and MCPA respectively. The procedure for 2,4,5-T has been applied to the analysis of a solid commercial formulation.
New Species of Psyllipsocus (Psocoptera: Psyllipsocidae) from North and Middle America with a Key to the Species of the Region

ABSTRACT Twelve new species of Psyllipsocus are described from the United States, Mexico, and Guatemala. Augmentations of existing descriptions are included for P. hyalinus Garcia Aldrete, P. maculatus Garcia Aldrete, P. oculatus Gurney, P. ramburii Selys-Longchamps, and P. yucatan Gurney. A key to the 24 known species of the area, including the Greater Antilles (Cuba) is presented. Relationships within the genus are discussed briefly
Up against the Ropes: Peter Jackson As “Uncle Tom” in America

Nineteenth-century heavyweight champion of Australia, Peter Jackson, “The Black Prince”, could not get a world-title match with John L. Sullivan, the “Boston Strong Boy.” Racism was the reason. Jackson turned to acting, and exhibition fights between acts—becoming the best-known “Uncle Tom” of his day.
The Development of Turkish Agriculture: Debates, Legacies and Dynamics

This article introduces three further contributions looking at the Ottoman state, cotton production in Anatolia and Egypt and rural indebtedness in western Anatolia during the nineteenth century. It points to shared concerns – the commercialisation of production, the role of the state in surplus appropriation and geo-political influences over agricultural policy – that link each of the subsequent articles. The latter provides a useful basis on which to consider contemporary debates about agrarian development in Turkey.
Public Perceptions of Social Problems: Some Propositions and a Test

Research on social problems has largely overlooked a central question: What characteristics must a phenomenon possess before the general public will consider it a social problem? Only by answering ...
Of bold claims and excessive fears: a call for caution and patience regarding political neuroscience

Published and informal assessments of the prospects for neuroimaging in political science have tended to range from overexuberant to reflexively dismissive. We seek to present a cautious but fair middle ground in considering this new methodology, primarily from an epistemological perspective. Our examination centers on the relationship between two levels of analysis, focusing on the potential for connection between behavior-based theories of political psychology and cognition and the neural processes and systems involved in generating behaviors and states of mind. We explore the place of each level of analysis on its own, as well as the potential for the fruitful interaction of the two. This analysis brings together opinions and ideas presented by others in various forums and across multiple disciplines, offers a discussion of the the promises and perils of neuroimaging in its application to social science, as well as some practical thoughts regarding its early-stage incorporation into political psychology. We argue in favor of proceeding with more substantial incorporation of neuroimaging into political psychology's methodological arsenal, but note that this will initially require both (1) greater acceptance of work more focused on presenting empirical results than on providing dispositive evidence in broader theoretical debates and (2) a commitment on the part of those conducting this research to refrain from overstating the definitiveness of its theoretical implications. Language: en
Knowledge-based English language systems for management support: an analysis of requirements

This paper investigate the utility and feasibility of a computer-based system that supports managers by allowing them to ask questions and issue commands in English. To determine managers' actual requirements an experiment was conducted in which subjects were asked to solve a problem using a Perfect System that could respond to any request made to it. Their behaviour was analyzed to determine the acceptability of the system and the facilities it would have to provide as well as the power of the parser and the vocabulary that would be required. these requirements were modified in light of available technology to design a system that is both useful and feasible.
From Redistribution to Ownership: Toward an Alternative Urban Policy for America's Cities

Equity is a crucial goal of American urban policy. The means by which it is pursued via the liberal approach to urban policy—augmented redistribution— is problematic, however. What is needed, therefore, is an alternative means to advance equity. Broadening ownership (of productive assets) can be the basis of such an alternative. I discuss how the liberal approach to American urban policy can be transcended by supplanting its Redistributive Paradigm with an Ownership Paradigm.
Fault attack resistant cryptographic hardware with uniform error detection

Traditional hardware error detection methods based on linear codes make assumptions about the typical or expected errors and faults and concentrate the detection power towards the expected errors and faults. These traditional methods are not optimal for the protection of hardware implementations of cryptographic hardware against fault attacks. An adversary performing a fault-based attack can be unpredictable and exploit weaknesses in the traditional implementations. To detect these attacks where no assumptions about expected error or fault distributions should be made we propose and motivate an architecture based on robust nonlinear systematic (n,k)-error-detecting codes. These code can provide uniform error detecting coverage independently of the error distributions. They make no assumptions about what faults or errors will be injected by an attacker and have fewer undetectable errors than linear codes with the same (n,k). We also present optimization approaches which provide for a tradeoff between the levels of robustness and required overhead for hardware implementations.
Health Literacy and Social Support Among Elderly Medicare Enrollees in a Managed Care Plan

This study examined health literacy, social support, and their relations to health status and health care use among older adults. The survey design and data were from a project that examined the prevalence of low health literacy among community-dwelling Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in a national managed care organization. Results indicate that compared to the high health literacy group, enrollees with low health literacy were more likely to receive medical information support and health reminder support. However, they were less likely to receive tangible support for their health care needs. In both health literacy groups, medical information support and health reminder support were associated with lower physical health and mental health status. Tangible support was associated with higher physical and mental health status. Health reminder support was associated with more doctor visits and a lower likelihood of hospitalization in the high health literacy group. Implications for reducing the adverse healt...
Determinants of Hoophouse Profitability: A Case Study of 12 Novice Michigan Farmers

ADDITIONAL INDEX WORDS. season extension, vegetable production, farm management SUMMARY. Quantitative and qualitative data from a group of 12 novice hoophouse farmers over a 3-year period in Michigan were analyzed to better understand factors associated with profitable use of these structures. There was wide variation in labor inputs and effective wages. We used regression analysis and semistructured interviews to better understand the variation in performance. Not all farmers were making use of the hoophouse between outdoor seasons when supply is low and prices arehigh,aseconomictheorywouldpredict.However,highwageearnerswere more likely to push production into the extended season months, hire labor at higher wages, and spend less time in maintaining crops and appeared to harvest more efficiently. Markets played a role in farmers’ success as some farmers were able to make significant profits by organizing community-supported agriculture (CSA)/ direct sales or by finding new markets.
Effect of Low Protein Diets with Amino Acid Supplementation on Broiler Growth

Abstract Reduction of litter N and ammonia production can be accomplished by decreasing dietary CP to levels below the requirements listed by the National Research Council. However, amino acids must be added to low CP diets to obtain satisfactory growth performance. It is important to know what levels of amino acid supplementation are required in low CP diets to avoid decreased growth performance and feeding excess amounts of expensive ingredients. Two studies were conducted to determine if further supplementation with essential amino acids (EAA) or nonessential amino acids (NEAA) or energy to corn-soybean meal diets low in CP (17.3 or 17.7% CP and already supplemented with multiple essential amino acids) could improve growth of broilers during Weeks 2 and 3. Ten cages of six males were assigned to each of eight treatments per study. In both trials, a high CP diet (22.6 or 23.0%) resulted in higher BW gain and gain to feed ratio (GFR), compared with all other treatments. In Experiment 1, adding Arg, Thr or Trp, but not Ile nor Glu, increased BW gain and feed intake. Supplemental Thr improved GFR. In Experiment 2, supplemental Thr + Trp + Arg was beneficial in the presence of extra energy or NEAA. The results of Experiment 1, but not of Experiment 2, suggest that the low CP diet was not limiting in NEAA but had insufficient Thr.