cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An improved sea state dependency for surface stress derived from in situ and remotely sensed winds

Abstract An improved model is developed for the dependency of surface turbulent stress on wave characteristics. Recent studies have used differences between satellite and in situ observations to gain insights into the physical processes that might be related to air–sea interaction. Both scatterometers and buoys provide very accurate measurements of wind speed. Differences between these measurements can be explained in terms of the different mechanisms to which the instruments respond. A physically-based flux model is developed herein. Prior results suggest that, the stress parameterizations, converting neutral equivalent wind speed to stress, applied to in situ observations differ subtlety from those that should be used for scatterometer-derived winds. These differences are due to water waves modifying the surface stress. This model provides a physical explanation of the observed differences, and provides a model for calculating stresses from scatterometer winds. The model is validated with recent in situ observations gathered under severe conditions. The model explains more wave-related variability in surface stress than previous models.
Contradictions of colonialism

Civilizing Natures: Race, Resources, and Modernity in Colonial South India, by Kavita Philip, New Brunswick: Rutgers University Press, 2004, 248 pp., paperback. The crisis in anthropology, George S...
Bi2223 powder-in-tube tapes with different size Ag particles

Abstract Silver powders with different particle sizes were added to Bi2223 powder-in-tube tapes as a follow-up to our similar work on Bi2212. It was found that Ag powders with a 38 μm mean particle size were stretched into long, thin ribbons during deformation. Tapes were rolled as thin as 50 μm with a 20 μm core with no necking or cracking. Transport critical current density of 3.5 × 10 4 A/cm 2 at 75 K and zero magnetic field has been obtained. The Ag powders with a 3 μm mean particle size were deformed into thin plates during tape fabrication. Due to the large surface area, the Ag plates were more effective in promoting Bi2223 phase formation at low heat-treatment temperatures. However, these Ag plates spheridized during heat treatment and distorted Bi2223 grain alignment.
Radial basis function neural network for approximation and estimation of nonlinear stochastic dynamic systems

This paper presents a means to approximate the dynamic and static equations of stochastic nonlinear systems and to estimate state variables based on radial basis function neural network (RBFNN). After a nonparametric approximate model of the system is constructed from a priori experiments or simulations, a suboptimal filter is designed based on the upper bound error in approximating the original unknown plant with nonlinear state and output equations. The procedures for both training and state estimation are described along with discussions on approximation error. Nonlinear systems with linear output equations are considered as a special case of the general formulation. Finally, applications of the proposed RBFNN to the state estimation of highly nonlinear systems are presented to demonstrate the performance and effectiveness of the method. >
A Gd-based gaseous electron multiplier detector for neutron scattering applications

Abstract The optimum configuration of a Gaseous Electron Multiplier (GEM) neutron detector using a CsI–Gd–Kapton–Gd–CsI neutron converter is investigated using Monte-Carlo simulations. Neutrons absorbed in the converter produce secondary electrons that are emitted from the CsI layers. The detector can be assembled from multiple modules where each module consists of the neutron converter, several cascaded GEMs and anode pickup plates on both sides. Position sensitive anodes and localization electronics are then used to detect, timestamp and record the resulting signal. For a single GEM module, the performance can be assessed by estimating the secondary electron (SE) leakage from the converter sandwich. The simulations show that the optimum for a single module, double-sided detector would have a neutron converter composed of 0.1 μm CsI on top of 3 μm Gd plated on each side of a 7.5 μm thick Kapton foil. This detector would have a SE yield of approximately 0.6 SE/neutron and neutron absorption of 60%. Significant enhancements of the SE yield can be obtained for detectors composed of multiple modules with thinner Gd converters. The multi-module design allows for enhanced SE leakage from each converter while maintaining the high neutron absorption efficiency of thicker converters and dividing the detector count rate among multiple sets of decoding electronics.
Rehabilitating Families with Burned Children

A critical factor in the successful or unsuccessful life adjustment of the badly burned patient is his family's reaction to this chronic problem, its ability to support him, and to help him pursue the long course of treatment and its many associated problems, and to also help him navigate the social world into which he must go. The high incidence of emotional disturbance in families sustaining burn injuries makes it vital to deal effectively and in a sustained manner to assess the types of emotional disturbances which exist in these families and to see how they influence the responses to the injuries and to the long and arduous treatments that follow. Different patterns of adaptation occur, some much related to economic class and special types of psychiatric disorder in the family. Some reactions of chronic grief and intermittent helplessness and hopelessness may transcent all groups, but the ability to follow through in later care varies enormously, and is correlated with the overt depression of the moth...
1A combined package of responsivity education/prelinguistic milieu teaching (RE/PMT) increased intentional communication acts in 2–3-year-old children with developmental disabilities and Down syndrome

1 Abstracted from: Fey, M., Warren, S. F., Brady, N., Finestock, L. H., Bedin-Oja, S. L., Fairchild, M., et al. (2006). Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 49, 526–547. Source of funding: Completed with funding from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs and National Institute on Child Health and Human Development Center Grant.
A New and Efficient Synthesis of Pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine Anticancer Agents: Alimta (LY231514, MTA), Homo-Alimta, TNP-351, and Some Aryl 5-Substituted Pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidines

Alimta, as well as homo-Alimta, a nonbridged analogue of Alimta, and TNP-351 have been prepared by a new method that involves Michael addition of the appropriate 1-nitroalkene with 2,6-diamino-3H-pyrimidin-4-one or 2,4,6-triaminopyrimidine, followed by a Nef reaction of the resulting primary nitro Michael adduct. Spontaneous intramolecular cyclization of the resulting aldehyde with the pyrimidine 6-amino group yields the corresponding pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine. A series of previously unknown 5-arylpyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidines was prepared by the same methodology from the above pyrimidines and nitrostyrenes. It has been found that the intermediate primary nitro Michael adduct can be prepared in a single step by sonication of a mixture of an arylaldehyde, nitromethane, and the 6-aminopyrimidine in acetic acid containing ammonium acetate.
An electron microscope study of cell adhesion in psoriatic epidermis

The structures and substances involved in cell adhesion were studied by electron microscopy of psoriatic epidermis. Intercellular deposits of material in the stratum corneum are thought to correspond to polysaccharide cementing substances present in excessive amounts in this desease. The structure of desmosomes in all layers of the epidermis is considered normal. Keratinosomes (membrane-coating granules) and intercellular material derived from them are also apparently normal. As in normal epidermis, cornified cells in psoriasis possess a “thickened” plasma membrane. The “thickening” seems to result from an intracellular process during cornification rather than from the deposition of intercellular material. A well-developed surface coat is present in the stratum germinativum and stratum spinosum, where its presence is believed to be related to the exchange of metabolites with the fluids in the extensive intercellular space. “Large” cytoplasmic vesicles (0.7–1 μ in diameter) of the deeper epidermal layers may be involved in the formation of specialized cell surfaces. A hypertrophied Golgi region is present in cells of the stratum germinativum and stratum spinosum. Its prominence is believed to be correlated with production of extraordinary amounts of polysaccharide and to reflect at least one significant defect in this disease.
Encapsulated alkaline-earth metallocenes—4. Thermal instability in tetraphenylcyclopentadienyl barium complexes

Abstract Reaction of two equivalents of C 5 Ph 4 H 2 with Ba[N(SiMe 3 ) 2 ] 2 (THF) 2 in THF or toluene produces the solvated octaphenylbarocene (C 5 Ph 4 H) 2 Ba(THF) in quantitative yield. The air-sensitive metallocene displays a surprising lack of thermal stability, and decomposes in the solid state at room temperature over a period of two weeks or upon attempted vacuum sublimation at 110–120°C (10 −6 torr). Reaction of C 5 Ph 4 H 2 with Ba[N (SiMe 3 ) 2 ] 2 (THF) 2 in a 1:1 molar ratio in THF or toluene produces a yellow soild that is a mixture of the metallocene with the mono(ring) compound (C 5 Ph 4 H)BaN(SiMe 3 ) 2 (THF) n . Attempts to synthesize a barocene containing the pentaphenylcyclopentadienyl ligand were not successful.
The Solution Structure of the Recombinant Hemoglobin from the Cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 in its Hemichrome State

The product of the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 gene slr2097 is a 123 amino acid polypeptide chain belonging to the truncated hemoglobin family. Recombinant, ferric heme-reconstituted Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 hemoglobin displays bis-histidine coordination of the iron ion. In addition, this protein is capable of covalently attaching a reactive histidine to the heme 2-vinyl group. The structure of the protein in the low-spin ferric state with intact vinyl substituents was solved by NMR methods. It was found that the structure differs from that of known truncated hemoglobins primarily in the orientation of the E helix, which carries His46 (E10) as the distal ligand to the iron; the length and orientation of the F helix, which carries His70 (F8) as the proximal ligand to the iron; and the H-helix, which carries His117 (H16), the reactive histidine. Regions of enhanced flexibility include the short A helix, the loop connecting the E and F helices, and the last seven residues at the carboxy end. The structural data allowed for the rationalization of physical properties of the cyanobacterial protein, such as fast on-rate for small ligand binding, unstable apoprotein fold, and cross-linking ability. Comparison to the truncated hemoglobin from the green alga Chlamydomonas eugametos also suggested how the endogenous hexacoordination affected the structure.
Scalable video streaming for single-hop wireless networks uing a contention-based access MAC protocol

Limited bandwidth and high packet loss rate pose a serious challenge for video streaming applications over wireless networks. Even when packet loss is not present, the bandwidth fluctuation, as a result of an arbitrary number of active flows in an IEEE 802.11 network, can significantly degrade the video quality. This paper aims to enhance the quality of video streaming applications in wireless home networks via a joint optimization of video layer-allocation technique, admission control algorithm, and medium access control (MAC) protocol. Using an Aloha-like MAC protocol, we propose a novel admission control framework, which can be viewed as an optimization problem that maximizes the average quality of admitted videos, given a specified minimum video quality for each flow. We present some hardness results for the optimization problem under various conditions and propose some heuristic algorithms for finding a good solution. In particular, we show that a simple greedy layer-allocation algorithm can perform reasonably well, although it is typically not optimal. Consequently, we present a more expensive heuristic algorithm that guarantees to approximate the optimal solution within a constant factor. Simulation results demonstrate that our proposed framework can improve the video quality up to 26% as compared to those of the existing approaches.
Response to Comment on Grunberger “Insulin Analogs—Are They Worth It? Yes!” Diabetes Care 2014;37:1767–1770 and Davidson “Insulin Analogs—Is There a Compelling Case to Use Them? No!” Diabetes Care 2014;37:1771–1774

The letter by Giugliano et al. (1) updates and provides more detail about the increasing costs of the analog insulins. Sixty randomized control trials involving 21,534 patients comparing human versus analog insulins found no differences in efficacy and only minor differences in hypoglycemia (which no doubt would have been much less if bedtime snacks had been routinely ingested) (2 …
New Remains Attributable to the Holotype of the Sauropod Dinosaur Neuquensaurus australis, with Implications for Saltasaurine Systematics

The Late Cretaceous South American sauropods Neuquensaurus australis and Saltasaurus loricatus are represented by well-preserved and abundant material that has been integral to our understanding of titanosaur anatomy for decades. Although the hypodigms for these species span most of the skeleton, holotypic materials are limited to a few bones that do not overlap between the two taxa. In this contribution, we augment the holotype of Neuquensaurus australis with a partial sacrum that was preserved in articulation with one of the caudal vertebrae from its original description, but not recognised as such at the time. We document this field association via the presence of a broken piece of matrix on the sixth sacral vertebral centrum that has a snap-fit to matrix on the rim of the anterior condyle of the holotypic biconvex vertebra. Based on comparisons with a more complete sacrum and ilium of a referred specimen of Neuquensaurus australis, we interpret this biconvex vertebra to be the seventh sacral vertebra....
Critical review of p38 MAP kinase inhibitors: a bioanalytical perspective

p38 MAP kinase is a key enzyme in the proinflammatory response and a large number of compounds have been studied as potential therapeutic drugs. This review summarizes the bioanalytical methods used for the analysis of p38 MAP kinase inhibitors, with a special focus on sample preparation and chromatographic analysis. Biological sample extraction techniques utilized included protein precipitation, liquid–liquid extraction and SPE. Applications include determinations of compounds in a variety of biological fluids and tissues. Extracted samples are typically separated by reverse-phase LC and quantitated either by UV or MS/MS detection. The benefits and limitations of each sample preparation strategy are discussed. The importance of chromatographic separation to avoid matrix effect and interference from endogenous compounds or drug-related biotransformation products are also discussed herein.
The determination of tin in steel samples by flow injection hydride generation atomic absorption spectroscopy

Abstract Conditions were studied for the determination of Sn in steel samples using flow injection, hydride generation and atomic absorption spectroscopy. Interferences were found for the determination of Sn in steel samples and an investigation showed that the interferences occurred in the generation of the hydride, not in the atomization of the gaseous hydride. Conditions for the determination of Sn by flow injection hydride generation were improved by using integrated absorbance signals and by the addition of oxygen to the argon carrier gas stream. Typically, 500 μl of a 10- μg l Sn standard provided an integrated absorbance signal greater than 0.5 A·s. The method provided a detection limit of about 0.05 μg l in a 500-μl sample. The precision ranged from 1 to 3% RSD at higher concentration levels of Sn. The method of additions yielded accurate results for several steel standard reference materials in those situations where the use of the standard calibration procedure was inadequate.
In vitro expression and characterization of native apomyoglobin under low molecular crowding conditions.

Abstract The labile nature of membranes and organelles poses serious challenges to in situ biomolecule characterization in intact cells. Cell-free in vitro systems provide an alternative promising medium for the expression and characterization of protein conformation and function in a biochemical context that bears several similarities to the cellular environment. In addition, cell-free transcription–translation has recently emerged as a convenient method for protein selective isotope labeling, providing significant advantages for detailed NMR analysis. We report the cell-free expression of the model protein apomyoglobin (apoMb) in an Escherichia coli cell-free system and the effect of polyethylene glycol (PEG) on the expression yields. In contrast with in vivo protein production under control of the strong T7 promoter, apoMb is expressed in vitro in 100% soluble form. In-gel tryptic digestion followed by mass spectrometry were performed to confirm the protein identity. In order to probe the conformation of the newly expressed protein and investigate the feasibility of in situ structural analysis, high resolution protein characterization was carried out by 2D NMR spectroscopy. In vitro apoMb expression in a PEG-free environment is a convenient method for the production of soluble native-like protein under conditions amenable to selective isotopic labeling. Yields can be easily scaled-up by dialysis-assisted cell-free expression.
Influence of technetium-99m-hexamethylpropylene amine oxime injection time on single-photon emission tomography perfusion changes in epilepsy

By digitally computing perfusion changes from ictal or postictal (peri-ictal) injections referenced to those acquired interictally, an enhanced method for localizing the epileptogenic area is reported. Computer-based image processing methods for quantifying regional percent change in the brain are applied to a group of 19 epilepsy patients after the injection of technetium-99m hexamethylpropylene amine oxime (HMPAO) and after acquiring single-photon emission tomography (SPET) data. Each patient’s region of epileptogenesis was independently localized through pathology and/or successful surgery. The positive and negative quantitative perfusion changes were plotted as a function of the time of the 99mTc-HMPAO ictal injection. This time scale was normalized relative to the seizure duration and is referenced to the time of seizure termination. Eight patients, injected ictally, demonstrated perfusion increases of 25%–100% in the area of known epileptogenesis. Five patients, injected immediately after seizure cessation, demonstrated excessive perfusion decreases of 30%–92% associated with the region of seizure onset. Six patients, injected well after seizure termination, demonstrated hypoperfusion changes less than 30% at the epileptogenic area. Observations on perfusion changes calculated from 99mTc-HMPAO SPET scans, as a function of normalized time, support a progression from ictal hyper- to excessive hypo-, then finally to persistent interictal hypoperfusion. By applying this perfusion pattern model and by noting the time of injection for peri-ictal images, an improved method for localizing the epileptogenic area is demonstrated.
Aliphatic platforms for the design of 157-nm chemically amplified resists

ABSTRACT Our primary platform for 157 nm positive resists is built on a copolymer of t-butyl 2-trifluoromethylacrylate (TBTFMA) andnorbornene bearing hexafluoroisopropanol (NBHFA) as an acid group, which is prepared by radical copolymerization. Theradical copolymerization of 2-trifluoromethylacrylic monomers with norbornene derivatives has been found throughreactivity ratio determination and in situ 1 H NMR analysis of kinetics to deviate from the terminal model but to follow thepenultimate model. These copolymers typically contain >50 mol% TBTFMA, are lipophilic, and fail to provide goodimaging due to poor wettability. Blending a homopolymer of NBHFA (optical density (OD)=1.7/ m at 157 nm) into thecopolymers (OD=2.5-2.7/ m) increases the hydrophilicity and reduces OD to 2.2-2.0/ m, providing high resolution images.Another platform we have identified is a copolymer of TBTFMA with vinyl ethers, which can be prepared by using acommon radical initiator. Some of the vinyl ether copolymers are also homogeneously miscible with the NBHFAhomopolymer and thus their OD and aqueous base development can be improved by blending.Keywords: 2-trifluoromethylacrylate, hexafluoroisopropanol, radical copolymerization, reactivity ratios, copolymerizationkinetics, terminal model, penultimate model, dissolution kinetics, quartz crystal microbalance, chemical amplification, 157nm lithography
Optical Properties of an Electron Gas: Further Studies of a Nonlocal Description

Our previous studies of the optical properties of an electron gas for which the surface scattering is specular have been extended. It is argued that to treat the quantum-mechanical effects appearing at large wave vectors properly, the nonlocal dielectric functions which appear in the expressions for the surface impedance should be finite-electron-lifetime generalizations of the Lindhard dielectric functions rather than those resulting from the Boltzmann equation. The striking anomalous absorption, due to plasmon excitation, occurring above the plasma frequency is emphasized in the discussion of the semi-infinite gas. For the case of a slab, the thickness dependence of the processes characterizing the optical properties is discussed. Electron-gas parameters representing both K and Al were used in the calculations, as were both types of dielectric functions mentioned above. A comparison of the present theory with some alternative theories, particularly that of Melnyk and Harrison, is presented.
Mycobacterium bovis infection of vitamin D-deficient NOS2−/− mice

Abstract Vitamin D deficiency is associated with an increased risk for tuberculosis infection. Studies using in vitro systems indicate that 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 [i.e. 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 ], the most active form of the vitamin, enhances mycobacterial killing by increasing nitric oxide (NO) production. To evaluate concurrently the role of 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 and NO on the host response to tuberculosis infection, mice deficient in NO synthase 2 (NOS2 −/− ) and/or vitamin D were aerosol-challenged with Mycobacterium bovis and subsequently evaluated for mycobacterial colonization and lesion formation. Infected NOS2 −/− mice developed severe necrotizing pyogranulomatous inflammation of the lungs with heavy M. bovis colonization and systemic dissemination of the bacillus. Colonization and lung lesion area of NOS2 −/− mice exceeded that of NOS2 +/+ mice. Additionally, disease progression was more rapid in NOS2 −/− mice than in NOS2 +/+ mice. Lung colonization and lesion area of vitamin D deficient mice exceeded that of vitamin D replete mice, regardless of NOS2 phenotype. However, effects of vitamin D on colonization, but not lesion area, were more pronounced in NOS2 +/+ mice than in NOS2 −/− mice. These findings are consistent with the current hypothesis that 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 enhances mycobacterial killing through a NO-dependent mechanism. As responses of NOS2 −/− mice were affected by 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 deficiency, albeit to a lesser extent than were those of NOS2 +/+ mice, NO-independent actions of 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 also likely exist.
Localization of immunoreactive enkephalins in GABA synthesizing neurons of the rat neostriatum

Abstract The localization of immunoreactive glutamic acid decar☐ylase (GAD) and enkephalin-like immunoreactivity was examined in serial, 4-μm frozen sections of the caudate nucleus from rats pretreated with colchicine. Colocalization was found in numerous caudate neurons of medium size. Cell counts of corresponding labeled neurons in paired adjacent sections showed that GAD and enkephalin-like immunoreactivity coexist in about one half of the caudate cell populations containing each of these substances.
Abnormal cerebral metabolite concentrations in patients with probable alzheimer disease

To establish whether recently described abnormalities of peak ratios are the result of changes in metabolite concentrations, quantitative 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy was performed in 10 patients with Alzheimer disease (AD) and seven normal elderly. CSF volumes, metabolite T1 and T2 relaxation rates, ratios and concentrations of N-acetyl residues, creatine, choline residues, myo-inositol, glutamine plus glutamate (Glx), and glucose were obtained. Difference spectroscopy and quantitative assays showed a 50% increase in myo-inositol (6.4-9.8 mM; P < 0.005) and a decrease in N-acetyl in occipital gray matter. A reduction in beta, gamma-Glx and a significant increase in intracerebral [glucose], greater than attributable to CSF, were defined. Choline concentration increased with age, but was not elevated above normal in AD patients. These findings indicate the need for quantitative 1H MRS to substantiate metabolite ratios. The increased myo-inositol concentration in AD is demonstrated by these studies.
Effects of heat load on the performance of a grating monochromator on an undulator beamline: simulation

A new simulation method has been developed for evaluating the performance of a monochromator whose grating is exposed to intense undulator radiation. Analytic expressions for the thermally deformed surface figure and distorted groove pattern of the grating are determined first by a finite element method and then they are incorporated into a ray tracing procedure. The method is applied to a simple beamline optics consisting of a U3.9 undulator of the Advanced Light Source and a water-cooled metal grating to see whether this objective monochromator can stand for heat load without degrading its designed performance. The results show that the simulation method is capable of evaluating the performance of a thermally distorted grating and that the heat load would not cause any significant degradation in the spectral resolution and throughput.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Preparation of Photodegradable Oligomers Containing Metal–Metal Bonds Using ADMET

ADMET was evaluated as a method for preparing organometallic polymers with metal–metal bonds in the main chain. The Cp2Mo2CO4(Ph2P(CH2)6CH=CH2)2 complex was synthesized, and the X-ray crystal structure is reported. The molecule did not undergo ADMET polymerization with Grubbs’ or Schrock’s catalysts. In a control experiment to test if the Ph2P(CH2)6CH=CH2 ligand was interfering with the ADMET reaction, the phosphine was reacted with Grubbs’ 2nd generation catalyst. The dimerized metathesis product Ph2P(CH2)6CH=CH(CH2)6PPh2 was obtained with no observed degradation or deactivation of the catalyst. To test the inherent ADMET reactivity of the Ph2P(CH2)6CH=CH2 ligand when it is bonded to a metal center, the mononuclear cis-Mo(CO)4(Ph2P(CH2)6CH=CH2)2 complex was synthesized and polymerized using Grubbs’ 2nd generation catalyst. These control experiments suggest that the inability of Cp2Mo2CO4(Ph2P(CH2)6CH=CH2)2 to polymerize is not due to electronic effects pertaining to the C=C unit of the Ph2P(CH2)6CH=CH2 ligand. Accordingly, steric effects are implicated in the inability of the Cp2Mo2CO4(Ph2P(CH2)6CH=CH2)2 to polymerize by ADMET.
Full range swept-source optical coherence tomography using 3×3 Mach-Zehnder interferometer with unbalanced differential detection

We present a full range swept-source optical coherent tomography with a 3 x 3 Mach-Zehnder interferometer using a new unbalanced differential optical detection method. The new interferometer provides simultaneous access to complementary phase components of the complex interferometric signal. No calculations by trigonometric relationships are needed. We demonstrate a complex conjugate artifact suppression of 27 dB obtained in a swept-source optical coherence tomography using our unbalanced differential detection. We show that our unbalanced differential detection has increased the signal-to-noise ratio by 7 dB compared to the commonly used balanced detection technique. The suppression of the complex conjugate artifact in our unbalanced detection configurations were 3 dB more than in the commonly used balanced detection method. This is due to better utilization of optical power.
Incorporation of Historical Aerial Photographs and Land-Use Information into Environmental Site Assessments

Historical aerial photographs and historical land-use documents covering a period of 51 years were evaluated during the environmental site-assessment of Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) El Toro, a military installation slated for closure and conversion to civilian usage. Although the photographs and documents could not, by themselves, prove the existence of contamination, information interpreted from them helped identify features and areas commonly associated with environmental contamination, such as abandoned landfills, drum-storage areas, trenches possibly used for waste disposal, discolored soil, and surface-water discharge from maintenance facilities. These features served as focal points for follow-on investigations. The investigation identified about 600 new sites of “possible environmental concern,” as defined by the criteria specified for the project by the sponsor, and verified approximately 600 previously identified features. The project team interpreted 106 aerial photographs during the investigation. We also evaluated numerous land-use and planning documents. The final report of the investigation includes annotated photographs depicting sites and areas of concern for each of the 21 years of photographic coverage that were considered, land-use maps for five time periods, and surface-drainage maps for nine years. The investigation resulted in about 60 of the newly-identified sites being scheduled for additional investigation.
Magnetic insertion system for flexible electrode implantation

Chronic recording electrodes are a vital tool for brain research and neural prostheses. Despite decades of advances in recording technology, probe structures and implantation methods have changed little over time. Then as now, compressive insertion methods require probes to be constructed from hard, stiff materials, such as silicon, and contain a large diameter shank to penetrate the brain, particularly for deeper structures. The chronic presence of these probes results in an electrically isolating glial scar, degrading signal quality over time. This work demonstrates a new magnetic tension-based insertion mechanism that allows for the use of soft, flexible, and thinner probe materials, overcoming the materials limitations of modern electrodes. Probes are constructed from a sharp magnetic tip attached to a flexible tether. A pulsed magnetic field is generated in a coil surrounding a glass pipette containing the electrode. The applied field pulls the electrode tip forward, accelerating the probe into the neural tissue with a penetration depth that is calibrated against the charge voltage. Mathematical modeling and agar gel insertion testing demonstrate that the electrode can be implanted to a predictable depth given system specific parameters. Trial rodent implantations resulted in discernible single-unit activity on one of the probes. The current prototype demonstrates the feasibility of a tension based, magnetically driven implantation system and opens the door to a wide variety of new minimally invasive probe materials and configurations.
Assessing Surgical Quality Using Administrative and Clinical Data Sets: A Direct Comparison of the University HealthSystem Consortium Clinical Database and the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Data Set

The use of “clinical” versus “administrative” data sets for health care quality assessment continues to be debated. This study directly compares the University HealthSystem Consortium Clinical Data...
Southern San Andreas Fault evaluation field activity: approaches to measuring small geomorphic offsets--challenges and recommendations for active fault studies

In southern California, where fast slip rates and sparse vegetation contribute to crisp expression of faults and microtopography, field and high‐resolution topographic data (<1 m/pixel) increasingly are used to investigate the mark left by large earthquakes on the landscape (e.g., Zielke et al. , 2010; Zielke et al. , 2012; Salisbury, Rockwell, et al. , 2012, Madden et al. , 2013). These studies measure offset streams or other geomorphic features along a stretch of a fault, analyze the offset values for concentrations or trends along strike, and infer that the common magnitudes reflect successive surface‐rupturing earthquakes along that fault section. Wallace (1968) introduced the use of such offsets, and the challenges in interpreting their “unique complex history” with offsets on the Carrizo section of the San Andreas fault; these were more fully mapped by Sieh (1978) and followed by similar field studies along other faults (e.g., Lindvall et al. , 1989; McGill and Sieh, 1991). Results from such compilations spurred the development of classic fault behavior models, notably the characteristic earthquake and slip‐patch models, and thus constitute an important component of the long‐standing contrast between magnitude–frequency models (Schwartz and Coppersmith, 1984; Sieh, 1996; Hecker et al. , 2013). The proliferation of offset datasets has led earthquake geologists to examine the methods and approaches for measuring these offsets, uncertainties associated with measurement of such features, and quality ranking schemes (Arrowsmith and Rockwell, 2012; Salisbury, Arrowsmith, et al. , 2012; Gold et al. , 2013; Madden et al. , 2013). In light of this, the Southern San Andreas Fault Evaluation (SoSAFE) project at the Southern California Earthquake Center (SCEC) organized a combined field activity and workshop (the “Fieldshop”) to measure offsets, compare techniques, and explore differences in interpretation. A thorough analysis of the measurements from the field activity will be provided separately; this …
Esclavos perfectos: historia breve de la ciberarquitectura en MIT (1959-1967)

This paper addresses unexplored aspects of the relationship between military research at MIT, and the constitution, during the cold war years, of a techno-scientific discourse of architecture. Exploring primary sources from the "Computer-Aided Design Project" (1959-1967), this paper explains the emergence of a cybernetic understanding of design, and its transit into architectural culture. The article presents Nicholas Negroponte's use of the CAD project's technical and theoretical idioms to re-imagine architectural practice through a technocratic (and populist) lens, and discusses aspects of its influence in contemporary techno-scientific design discourse.
Benefits, mechanisms, and new directions for teaching gratitude to children

The present commentary considers the theoretical and applied implications of Froh, Bono, and colleagues' benefit-appraisals intervention to promote graditude among youth. First, we discuss the developmental competencies that children need to master before they can benefit from this intervention. The target curriculum was successful among 8- to 11-year-olds, but we predict that it would be less effective in children of younger ages. As children's theory of mind and capacity to understand emotions and take another's perspective develop, so too will their ability to feel and express heartfelt gratitude, in turn, their capacity to benefit from gratitude inductions. Second, we discuss the broader implications of instilling a habit of gratitude in youth. Specifically, because gratitude is associated with greater well-being and stronger social relationships, we predict that fostering gratitude in youth could give rise to numerous positive long-term consequences. Third, additional questions remain about the curriculum itself, including the mechanisms underlying its success and its efficacy relative to simpler gratitude inductions. Lastly, we discuss the potential downsides of compelling children to express gratitude (e.g., whether it could backfire if children lack intrinsic motivation). Overall, we praise this work as an important step in increasing gratitude in children and stimulating thinking about the developmental processes associated with gratitude, as well as its long-term downstream consequences. Copyright © 2014 by the National Association of School Psychologists.
Reliability Evaluation of Equipment and Substations With Fuzzy Markov Processes

An algorithm for integrating uncertain parameters in Markov analysis is proposed. Fuzzy Markov models for aging equipment and substations are developed in which the transition rates/probabilities with uncertainty are represented by fuzzy membership functions. An extension principle and nonlinear optimization-based approaches are utilized for calculation of fuzzy reliability indices. Sensitivity studies for analyzing the impact of various fuzzy membership functions on reliability indices are provided, and the characteristics of the results are discussed. The fuzzy Markov model presented in this paper has valuable application in extending current Markov analysis with the ability to incorporate uncertainties associated with data collected on maintenance activities, etc.
In-Situ Observation of the Alpha/beta Cristobalite Transition Using High Voltage Electron Microscopy

A high temperature water vapor phase is expected to persist in the vicinity of high level radioactive waste packages for several hundreds of years. The authors have begun an investigation of the structural and chemical effects of water on cristobalite because of its abundance in the near field environment. A high voltage transmission electron microscope (HVEM) investigation of bulk synthesized {alpha}-cristobalite to be used in single phase dissolution and precipitation kinetics experiments revealed the presence {beta}-cristobalite, quartz and amorphous silica, in addition to {alpha}-cristobalite. Consequently, this apparent metastable persistence of {beta}-cristobalite and amorphous silica during the synthesis of {alpha}-cristobalite was investigated using a heating stage and an environmental cell installed in the HVEM that allowed the introduction of either dry CO{sub 2} or a CO{sub 2} + H{sub 2}O vapor. Preliminary electron diffraction evidence suggests that the presence of water vapor affected the {alpha}-{beta} transition temperature. Water vapor may also be responsible for the development of an amorphous silica phase at the transition that may persist over an interval of several tens of degrees. The amorphous phase was not documented during the dry heating experiments. 20 refs., 7 figs., 5 tabs.
Applications of the streamed storage format for sparse matrix operations

The streamed storage format for sparse matrices showed good performance improvement for sparse matrix and vector multiply (SpMV) compared with compressed sparse row (CSR) and block CSR (BCSR) formats, particularly on IBM Power processors. We extend the format to exploit single instruction multiple data (SIMD) instructions in order to utilize the vector unit, and discuss how the streamed formats perform on the Power7 processor, which is the first eight-core chip from IBM. The streamed format is then applied to two more operations of sparse matrices, successive over-relaxation (SOR) iteration sweeps and incomplete lower and upper (ILU) triangular solvers. Basic solvers are developed for them in the high-performance computing (HPC) package PETSc. Test results on the IBM Power7 processor show that the SIMD instructions improve the performance of the streamed storage format on SpMV. The format also accelerates SOR iteration sweeps and ILU matrix solvers, compared with the traditional BCSR format used in PETSc.
Variables in Successful Repair of Urethrocutaneous Fistula After Hypospadias Surgery

Purpose: We evaluate variables affecting the success of repairs of urethrocutaneous fistula after hypospadias surgery.Materials and Methods: The records of 123 boys who underwent fistula repair at Primary Children’s Medical Center were reviewed. Of these patients 100 underwent initial fistula repair at our center (surgery was performed at our center in 82 and elsewhere in 18) and 23 were referred from elsewhere after unsuccessful fistula repairs. Patient age was 6 months to 34 years (median 3.21 years) and interval between surgeries was 3.7 months to 12 years (median 12.6 months). Several variables potentially affecting the success of fistula closure were retrospectively assessed.Results: Including those patients referred from outside hospitals, fistulas were successfully closed in 71%, 72%, 77%, 100% and 100% of these patients after fistula repairs 1 to 5, respectively. Variables studied yielded stent 67.7% (36 of 54 cases) versus no stent 76.1% (35 of 46) and operating microscope 70.4% (59 of 71) versus...
Minimization of cochlear implant stimulus artifact in cortical auditory evoked potentials

Objective: To compare two methods of minimizing cochlear implant artifact in cortical auditory evoked potential (CAEP) recordings. Methods: Two experiments were conducted. In the first, we assessed the use of independent component analysis (ICA) as a pre-processing filter. In the second, we explored the use of an optimized differential reference (ODR) for minimizing artifacts. Results: Both ICA and the ODR can minimize the artifact and allow measurement of CAEP responses. Conclusions: When using a large number of recording electrodes ICA can be used to minimize the implant artifact. When using a single electrode montage an optimized differential reference is adequate to minimize the artifact. Significance: The use of an optimized differential reference could allow cortical evoked potentials to be used in routine clinical assessment of
The risk of surgery in patients with liver disease

Because of the multiple functions of the liver—synthesis of most serum proteins, metabolism of nutrients and drugs, excretion and detoxification of endogenous toxins and exogenous agents, and filtering of portal venous blood—assessing the risk of surgery in patients with liver disease is a challenging endeavor. Any or all of the functions of the liver may be impaired in patients with liver disease.1,2 As a result, the pharmacokinetic parameters of anesthetics, muscle relaxants, analgesics, and sedatives can be affected by changes in binding to plasma proteins, detoxification, and excretion; bleeding risk can be increased because of coagulopathy; and susceptibility to infection can be increased because of altered functioning of hepatic reticuloendothelial cells and other changes in the immune system as well as portal hypertension. Perhaps most importantly, a diseased liver is particularly susceptible to the hemodynamic changes that accompany surgery. On the other hand, operative risk is probably not increased in the vast majority of patients with liver disease, including most of those with chronic hepatitis C, in whom liver function is preserved. Mild elevations of serum aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, or bilirubin levels are frequent after surgical procedures, whether performed under general, spinal, or epidural anesthesia.3,4 In patients without preexisting liver disease, these perturbations are usually transient, of no clinical significance, and often unnoticed. Clinically important hepatic dysfunction is more likely to occur in patients with preexisting liver disease. This review will consider the factors that contribute to perioperative hepatic dysfunction and prediction of operative risk in patients with liver disease undergoing surgery other than liver transplantation.
RENAL TUBULAR TRANSPORT OF INORGANIC DIVALENT IONS BY THE AGLOMERULAR MARINE TELEOST, LOPHIUS AMERICANUS

A characterization was attempted of the mechanisms involved in the tubular transport of inorganic divalent ions by the aglomerular kidney of Lophius, attention being paid particularly to the possible existence of transport maxima (Tm) and to competition for transport among related substances undergoing tubular excretion. Excretory rates of divalent ions in non-treated fish during standard laboratory conditions paralleled spontaneous changes in urine flow. Tm rates of excretion were reached for magnesium, sulfate, and thiosulfate with corresponding plasma levels of 2 to 5, 5 to 17, and 4 to 12 µM/ml. respectively. Elevation of magnesium chloride levels in plasma markedly depressed calcium excretion; sodium thiosulfate similarly depressed sulfate excretion. Experimental observations suggest the existence of a transport system for divalent cations separate from another for divalent anions. Within each transport system the ion with the higher excretion rate depressed competitively transfer of the other ion. Neither system was influenced by probenecid (benemid) in doses which markedly depressed the simultaneous excretion rate of p-aminohippuric acid.
Effects of intellectual variables, age, and gender on divergent thinking in adulthood

Divergent thinking was assessed in 400 adult women and men with tests of word association (associational fluency) and alternate uses (production fluency, flexibility, and originality). The participants were from four age cohorts: young (17-22 years old), middle-aged (40-50), young-old (60-70), and old-old (75+). The test battery also included two intellectual "process" variables (inductive reasoning, memory span), one "dynamic resource variable" (intellectual speediness), one "structural resource variable" (vocabulary), and two moderator variables (depression, education). Hierarchical multiple regression analyses showed that divergent thinking was significantly, linearly, positively, and moderately related to all of these variables except depression, which was not significantly related to divergent thinking. Effects of age group and gender were assessed in analyses of variance (alpha = .01). The age groups did not differ significantly in associational fluency, but the middle-aged group was the best on pro...
A 0.9 PF LED driver with small LED current ripple based on series-input digitally-controlled converter modules

This paper introduces a digitally-controlled off-line LED driver based on low-voltage series-input converter modules. The series-input connected modular architecture is adopted to utilize low-voltage high-frequency circuits and low-profile components in off-line applications. Input current is regulated to be constant using a simple controller to achieve 0.9 power factor (PF) without a traditional power factor correction (PFC) stage. Additionally, a bidirectional buck second stage is used to reduce 120 Hz current ripple in the LEDs with minimal energy storage requirements and high efficiency. Experimental results are presented for a series-input system with three modules that drive 6, 8 and 7 LEDs with less than 15% line-frequency current ripple using small filter capacitors.
A Meta-Instrument for Interactive, On-the-Fly Machine Learning.

Supervised learning methods have long been used to allow musical interface designers to generate new mappings by example. We propose a method for harnessing machine learning algorithms within a radically interactive paradigm, in which the designer may repeatedly generate examples, train a learner, evaluate outcomes, and modify parameters in real-time within a single software environment. We describe our meta-instrument, the Wekinator, which allows a user to engage in on-the-fly learning using arbitrary control modalities and sound synthesis environments. We provide details regarding the system implementation and discuss our experiences using the Wekinator for experimentation and performance.