cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Corticospinal control of striking in centrally elicited attack behavior.

Summary The possibility that electrical stimulation of the midbrain central gray matter produces striking in cats by directly influencing corticospinal function was the subject of this investigation. Three experiments were performed. Experiment I involved a behavioral study of the effects of pyramidal tract lesions on the elicited strike. Pyramidotomies performed in 8 cats abolished or severely impaired the initial and terminal flexor movements of the strike, but left intact the extensor movements of the limb and the complete mobility at the shoulder. Experiment II was performed on 8 acute preparations. A single conditioning stimulus delivered to the midbrain central gray produced a pattern of pure facilitation in pyramidal tract neurons of the ipsalateral motor cortex which lasted 90–120 msec. Experiment III was performed on 12 acute preparations. In 8 cats a single conditioning stimulus to the central gray facilitated and then inhibited potentials evoked in the nerve to the biceps brachii muscle. Similar results were obtained in 4 unanesthetized cerveau isolepreparations. Repetitive stimulation at the rat used to elicit striking in Experiment I (62.5 c/sec) facilitated the cortically-elicited biceps responses and shortened their latency. The results of these experiments indicate that stimulation of the midbrain central gray in awake cats produces the strike movements, in part, by modulating corticospinal function at both cortical and spinal levels.
Sex trafficking in Cambodia: fabricated numbers versus empirical evidence

Large numbers of sex trafficking victims, on the order of 80,000–100,000, have been alleged to exist in Cambodia over the past decade. Empirical results obtained from measuring the numbers of such victims in Cambodia are contrasted with the lack of support for the widely circulated guesstimates of these numbers. Examples of similar fabrications are discussed and followed through some of their early publication history. The methodology of conducting empirical field research in less developed countries is discussed and the origin of the guesstimates is probed in detail. Both the multiple methodologies employed by and the results of a program of empirical research on trafficking numbers in Cambodia conducted from 2002 to 2008 are discussed. These are compared with the results of additional empirical studies, and with the guesstimates. The existence of empirical results creates location knowledge of victims, presenting ethical questions.
Clinical Sequelae Affecting Quality of Life in the HIV-Infected Patient

Physical and mental changes resulting from HIV infection and its treatment can affect a patient's quality of life (QOL). Some of the most commonly reported symptoms affecting QOL in HIV-infected patients are fatigue, pain, anxiety/depression, and sleep disturbances. Fatigue often has a multifactorial etiology, including advanced HIV disease, opportunistic infections, poor nutrition, hormonal insufficiency, and anemia. Pain is one of the most overlooked factors by clinicians. Anxiety/depression and sleep disturbances are experienced by many HIV-infected individuals and are highly correlated with the perception and progression of disease. Although these common clinical symptoms impact QOL in HIV-positive patients, there are no established guidelines for treating them. As pain, anxiety/depression, and sleep disturbances can influence fatigue, as well as each other, the HIV care provider should monitor them closely because their severity reflects the clinical course of HIV as well as the overall well-being of the patient.
Heat-Recirculating Combustor Using Porous Inert Media for Mesoscale Applications

Small-scale power-generation systems offer an alternative to traditional batteries because of the high-energy density of hydrocarbon fuels. Combustion at small scales presents several challenges, including high heat loss and short flow residence times. Heat recirculation is an effective method to limit heat loss and improve combustion performance. However, new methods of achieving heat recirculation in a small volume must be developed for practical devices. To meet this requirement, a heat-recirculating, lean premixed combustion system using porous inert media (PIM) in the combustion chamber and in the preheating annulus around the combustor has been developed. System performance for a range of operating conditions was determined experimentally using methane fuel. Measurements include preheat and product gas temperatures and emissions of CO and NOx. Results show that the reactants were preheated in excess of 600 K by recirculating thermal energy from the reaction zone. Heat loss to the surroundings decreased and heat recirculation to the reactants increased with PIM in the annulus and with insulation of exterior surfaces of the system.
LPEstimates for fractional integrals and sobolev inequalities with applications to schrödinger operators

On considere le probleme de la fonction a deux poids pour L P pour l'inegalite de Poincare, l'inegalite de Sobolev et des integrales fractionnaires. On donne des applications des inegalites aux equations differentielles
Interplanetary field enhancements in the solar wind: Evidence for cometesimals at 0.72 and 1.0 AU?

A new class of interplanetary magnetic disturbance has been identified which consists of a nearly symmetric rise and fall of the magnetic field surrounding a cusp-shaped maximum. These disturbances have been hypothesized to be caused by the mass-loading of the solar wind by small outgassing bodies. The clustering of these events in space suggests that not all the events are independent. Clustering is greatest at 0.72 AU because of one very strong family of events associated with the orbit of the asteroid 2201 0ljato. The events are larger at 0.72 AU than at 1 AU. The timing of the disturbances at both 1 AU and 0.72 AU relative to 0ljato suggests the presence of outgassing debris both in front of and behind the asteroid.
MicroRNA profiling of diagnostic needle aspirates from patients with pancreatic cancer

A major challenge to the development of biomarkers for pancreatic cancer (PC) is the small amount of tissue obtained at the time of diagnosis. Single-gene analyses may not reliably predict biology of PC because of its complex molecular makeup. MicroRNA (miRNA) profiling may provide a more informative molecular interrogation of tumours. The primary objective of this study was to determine the feasibility of performing miRNA arrays and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT–PCR) from archival formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) cell blocks obtained from fine-needle aspirates (FNAs) that is the commonest diagnostic procedure for suspected PC. MicroRNA expression profiling was performed on FFPE from FNA of suspicious pancreatic masses. Subjects included those who had a pathological diagnosis of pancreatic adenocarcinoma and others with a non-malignant pancreatic histology. Exiqon assay was used to quantify miRNA levels and qRT–PCR was used to validate abnormal expression of selected miRNAs. A total of 29 and 15 subjects had pancreatic adenocarcinoma and no evidence of cancer, respectively. The RNA yields per patient varied from 25 to 100 ng. Profiling demonstrated deregulation of over 228 miRNAs in pancreatic adenocarcinoma of which the top 7 were further validated by qRT–PCR. The expression of let-7c, let-7 f, and miR-200c were significantly reduced in most patients whereas the expression of miR-486-5p and miR-451 were significantly elevated in all pancreas cancer patients. MicroRNAs let-7d and miR-423-5p was either downregulated or upregulated with a significant inter-individual variation in their expression. This study demonstrated the feasibility of using archival FFPE cell blocks from FNAs to establish RNA-based molecular signatures unique to pancreatic adenocarcinoma with potential applications in clinical trials for risk stratification, patient selection, and target validation.
Late influences on perceptual grouping: Amodal completion

Perceptual grouping is generally assumed to be an early visual process that operates on a previously unorganized image-based representation. The present experiment shows that elements perceived as occluded by a closer surface tend to be grouped with elements having the same shape as the amodally completed percept rather than with those having the same retinal shape as the incomplete stimulus. It is therefore concluded that perceptual grouping by shape similarity either occurs after amodal completion or is a temporally extended process that occurs both before and after it.
The J-curve revisited: an empirical examination for the United States

Abstract This paper examines empirical evidence for trade prices and quantities for the United States to determine whether J-Curve effects have occurred in recent history. Empirical estimates of exchnage rate pass-through and trade volume responses to exchange rate changes for the 1967 to 1987 period indicate that the often-told tale of trade balance deterioration and then improvement—the J-shaped adjustment path—has not typically been experienced by the United States. Expenditures on imports have typically increased following dollar depreciations primarily as a result of relatively inelastic import volume responses. Export earnings have been seen to rise only marginally during these same dollar depreciations due to increases in export prices and the subsequent reductions induced in export volume. The long-run merchandise trade balance adjustment path is seen to resemble a sine wave rather the a J.
Why there isn’t inter-level causation in mechanisms

The experimental interventions that provide evidence of causal relations are notably similar to those that provide evidence of constitutive relevance relations. In the first two sections, I show that this similarity creates a tension: there is an inconsistent triad between (1) Woodward’s popular interventionist theory of causation, (2) Craver’s mutual manipulability account of constitutive relevance in mechanisms, and a variety of arguments for (3) the incoherence of inter-level causation. I argue for an interpretation of the views in which the tension is merely apparent. I propose to explain inter-level relations without inter-level causation by appealing to the notion of fat-handed interventions, and an argument against inter-level causation which dissolves the problem.
Protease nexin-2/amyloid β-protein precursor in blood is a platelet-specific protein

Summary The protease inhibitor, protease nexin-2 (PN-2), is the secreted form of the amyloid β-protein precursor (APP) which contains the Kunitz protease inhibitor domain. PN2/APP is an abundant platelet α-granule protein which is secreted upon platelet activation. PN2/APP mRNA is present in cultured endothelial cells and the protein has been detected in plasma. In the present studies we quantitated PN-2/APP in platelets, plasma and several different cell types of the vasculature to identify the repository of the protein in the circulatory system. We report that PN-2/APP is predominantly a platelet protein in the vascular compartment. Lysates of unstimulated umbilical vein endothelial cells, granulocytes or monocytes contained little PN-2/APP based on sensitive functional protease binding and immunoblotting assays. Quantitative immunoblotting studies demonstrated that normal citrated-plasma contains ≤ 60 pM PN-2/APP. In contrast, platelets can contribute up to 30 nM PN-2/APP, indicating that they are the major source of the protein in blood.
Restricted Authority: Slavery Politics, Internal Improvements, and the Limitation of National Administrative Capacity

This article connects slavery politics with the curtailment of antebellum infrastructure policy and the limits placed on the development of the early American state. Because many Southerners feared...
Deconvolving multivariate kernel density estimates from contaminated associated observations

We consider the estimation of the multivariate probability density function f(x/sub 1/,...,x/sub p/) of X/sub 1/,...,X/sub p/ of a stationary positively or negatively associated (PA or NA) random process {X/sub i/}/sub i=1//sup /spl infin// from noisy observations. Both ordinary smooth and super smooth noise are considered. Quadratic mean and asymptotic normality results are established.
Uncovering the Arabidopsis thaliana nectary transcriptome: investigation of differential gene expression in floral nectariferous tissues.

Many flowering plants attract pollinators by offering a reward of floral nectar. Remarkably, the molecular events involved in the development of nectaries, the organs that produce nectar, as well as the synthesis and secretion of nectar itself, are poorly understood. Indeed, to date, no genes have been shown to directly affect the de novo production or quality of floral nectar. To address this gap in knowledge, the ATH1 Affymetrix® GeneChip array was used to systematically investigate the Arabidopsis nectary transcriptome to identify genes and pathways potentially involved in nectar production. In this study, we identified a large number of genes differentially expressed between secretory lateral nectaries and non-secretory median nectary tissues, as well as between mature lateral nectaries (post-anthesis) and immature lateral nectaries (pre-anthesis). Expression within nectaries was also compared to thirteen non-nectary reference tissues, from which 270 genes were identified as being significantly upregulated in nectaries. The expression patterns of 14 nectary-enriched genes were also confirmed via RT PCR. Upon looking into functional groups of upregulated genes, pathways involved in gene regulation, carbohydrate metabolism, and lipid metabolism were particularly enriched in nectaries versus reference tissues. A large number of genes preferentially expressed in nectaries, as well as between nectary types and developmental stages, were identified. Several hypotheses relating to mechanisms of nectar production and regulation thereof are proposed, and provide a starting point for reverse genetics approaches to determine molecular mechanisms underlying nectar synthesis and secretion.
Carbohydrate intake, glycemic index and prostate cancer risk

BACKGROUND Reported associations between dietary carbohydrate and prostate cancer (PC) risk are poorly characterized by race. METHODS We analyzed the association between carbohydrate intake, glycemic index (GI), and PC risk in a study of white (N = 262) and black (N = 168) veterans at the Durham VA Hospital. Cases were 156 men with biopsy-confirmed PC and controls (N = 274) had a PSA test but were not recommended for biopsy. Diet was assessed before biopsy with a self-administered food frequency questionnaire. Logistic regression models were used to estimate PC risk. RESULTS In multivariable analyzes, higher carbohydrate intake, measured as percent of energy from carbohydrates, was associated with reduced PC risk (3rd vs. 1st tertile, OR = 0.41, 95% CI 0.21–0.81, P = 0.010), though this only reached significance in white men (p-trend = 0.029). GI was unrelated to PC risk among all men, but suggestively linked with reduced PC risk in white men (p-trend = 0.066) and increased PC risk in black men (p-trend = 0.172), however, the associations were not significant. Fiber intake was not associated with PC risk (all p-trends > 0.55). Higher carbohydrate intake was associated with reduced risk of high-grade (p-trend = 0.016), but not low-grade PC (p-trend = 0.593). CONCLUSION Higher carbohydrate intake may be associated with reduced risk of overall and high-grade PC. Future larger studies are needed to confirm these findings. Prostate 75:430–439, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Optimized radiotherapy treatment planning using the complication probability factor (cpf)

Abstract A major obstacle to effective computerized optimization of radiotherapy treatment planning has been the lack of a biologically meaningful and clinically useful objective function. Our approach employs a Complication Probability Factor (CPF) based directly on radiobiological principles and clinical data. The CPF measures the likelihood that a given dose distribution will lead to serious complications in the patient as a result of damage to healthy tissue. A computerized search can be made for a treatment plan which delivers an acceptable tumoricidal dose, yet minimizes the CPF as averaged over the total volume of healthy tissue irradiated. The program is run on a PDP 11/55‡ in conjunction with a commercial treatment planning package.∗∗
Hemodynamic correlates of spontaneous echo contrast in the descending aorta

To identify the hemodynamic association of spontaneous echo contrast (SEC) in the descending aorta (DA), we measured aortic flow parameters in 102 consecutive patients studied with transesophageal echocardiography. SEC in the DA was identified in 19 of 102 patients (19%). Patients with SEC in the DA were older (67 +/- 9 vs 57 +/- 17 years; p = 0.001), had a higher proportion of chronic atrial arrhythmia (13 of 19 vs 11 of 83; p = 0.000001), and had a higher frequency of decreased left ventricular performance (10 of 19 vs 19 of 83; p = 0.01). Patients with SEC in the DA had larger aortic diameters (2.9 +/- 0.5 vs 2.3 +/- 0.4 cm; p = 0.0001), lower maximal velocity in the DA (42.6 +/- 12.8 vs 75.6 +/- 34.4 cm/s; p = 0.0001), and lower maximal shear rate (61.6 +/- 20.3 vs 139.9 +/- 78.8 s-1; p = 0.0001). There was no difference in volumetric flow in the DA between groups. In multivariate analysis, only arrhythmia (p = 0.008) and maximal shear rate (p = 0.002) were identified as significant independent predictors of SEC in the DA. We conclude that SEC in the DA is related to chronic atrial arrhythmia and shear rate but not to volumetric flow.
The Resting Spine A Conceptual Approach to the Avoidance of Spinal Reinjury During Rest

During periods of rest, the human spine assumes many different postures. This article examines the patterns of stress exerted on the lumbar spine by the more commonplace reclining postures. It proposes a rationale for choosing an optimal resting posture. In the event that the spine is injured, this study suggests that a sleeping posture that will minimize the stress at the level of injury should be adopted.
Reducing false reads in RFID-embedded supply chains

RFID tags are increasingly being used in supply chain applications due to their potential in engendering supply chain visibility and reducing tracking errors through instantaneous location of objects as well as the tagged object's immediate ambient conditions. During its life-time, an RFID tag is highly likely to physically pass through different organizations that have disparate information systems with varying information needs. We consider management of data in these applications with respect to volume, data and query characteristics, privacy and security, among others, and propose means to reduce false positive and false negative reads. The beneficial properties of RFID tags can be realized only when they are readable with a high degree of accuracy. The read rate accuracy in turn depends on several factors including the medium and distance between tag and reader, presence of objects that are impenetrable by RF signal, orientation of tag with respect to the reader, among others. We propose three algorithms that address read rate accuracy, and illustrate their relative performance using an example scenario.
Enhancing understanding of concepts in mechanics of materials using design

The growing usage of new materials such as plastics, ceramics, composites in engineering applications; new areas of applications such as electronic packaging, medical implants, explanation of geological movements; increasing popularity of stress analysis techniques such as finite element methods and Moire' interferometry; are all indicators emphasizing the importance of basic concepts taught in mechanics of materials course. Presenting subject matter using generalized concepts with greater applicability is one way of educating students in modern topics without exacerbating the problem of increasing graduation time. The negative impact on student motivation that comes from abstraction in generalization can be mitigated by using design. In this paper, using several examples, it is shown that design can be used not only to show the practical relevance of the fundamental mechanics of materials concepts but equally important design can enhance the understanding of the concepts.
Non-linear modeling of active biohybrid materials

Recent advances in engineered muscle tissue attached to a synthetic substrate motivates the development of appropriate constitutive and numerical models. Applications of active materials can be expanded by using robust, non-mammalian muscle cells, such as those of Manduca sexta. In this study, we propose a model to assist in the analysis of biohybrid constructs by generalizing a recently proposed constitutive law for Manduca muscle tissue. The continuum model accounts (i) for the stimulation of muscle fibers by introducing multiple stress-free reference configurations for the active and passive states and (ii) for the hysteretic response by specifying a pseudo-elastic energy function. A simple example representing uniaxial loading-unloading is used to validate and verify the characteristics of the model. Then, based on experimental data of muscular thin films, a more complex case shows the qualitative potential of Manduca muscle tissue in active biohybrid constructs.
Anisotropic epitaxial ZnO/CdO core/shell heterostructure nanorods

Various surface structures and polarities of one-dimensional nanostructures offer additional control in synthesizing heterostructures suitable for optoelectronic and electronic applications. In this work, we report synthesis and characterization of ZnO-CdO nanorod-based heterostructures grown on a-plane sapphire. The heterojunction formed on the sidewall surface of the nanorod shows that wurtzite ZnO {1010} planes are interfaced with rocksalt CdO {100}. This is evidently different from the heterojunction formed on the nanorod top surface, where a ZnO (0001) top plane is interfaced with a CdO (111) plane. Such anisotropic heterostructures are determined by different surface structures of the nanorods and their polarities. Revelation of such anisotropic heterojunctions will provide a clue for understanding charge transport properties in electronic and optoelectronic nanodevices.
Controlled Evaluation of the STARBRIGHT CD-ROM Program for Children and Adolescents with Cystic Fibrosis

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of the STARBRIGHT Fitting Cystic Fibrosis Into Your Life Everyday CD-ROM. Data were analyzed to evaluate the effectiveness of the program as an educational tool for children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis (CF). Methods Forty-seven children and adolescents with CF between the ages of 7 and 17 years were enrolled in the study. Participants completed an initial evaluation of CF-related knowledge and coping skills and were then randomly assigned to one of two groups: the treatment group or the wait-list control group. Participants then viewed the CD-ROM, and researchers completed posttest measures. Results Analyses indicated that both disease-related knowledge and coping strategies generated by children and adolescents with CF improved as a result of the intervention and that this effect was replicated in the wait-list group. Conclusions In sum, the results of the current study indicate that the STARBRIGHT CD-ROM program is a promising intervention for increasing CF-related knowledge and the competence of children's and adolescents' coping strategies. These positive results are enhanced by the brief, inexpensive, and portable nature of this educational program.
Present status of Army battery technology

Summary form only given. The Army Research Laboratory's (ARL) past battery R&D programs were guided by the need for higher power and energy from smaller, lighter-weight batteries. The safe storage, transportation, use and disposal of these batteries represented a much higher priority than the issue of battery cost. This earlier priority ranking was satisfied initially with the successful development and full-scale fielding of the family of military-unique, nonrechargeable lithium sulfur dioxide batteries in the late 1970s. The continued use of these batteries for peacetime training missions in today's economic environment imposes a major cost burden on Army users. To meet the need for more cost effective batteries for portable military C41 equipment, ARL's advanced battery development efforts are aimed at applying several dual use (military and commercial) battery technologies that are available in commercial products today. The first is the lithium manganese dioxide nonrechargeable system which promises twice the energy of the corresponding lithium sulfur dioxide battery at lower cost on an equal energy basis. The other two are rechargeable battery technologies. The nickel metal hydride system can provide an immediate near term upgrade/replacement for present nickel cadmium batteries. The lithium ion system offers an order of magnitude cost savings when used instead of nonrechargeable lithium batteries in peacetime training exercises. The status of these cost avoidance product developments and quantification of the associated performance-cost trade-offs inherent in each are discussed. >
Bacteria capture, concentration and detection by alternating current dielectrophoresis and self‐assembly of dispersed single‐wall carbon nanotubes

The high polarizability and dielectrophoretic mobility of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) are utilized to capture and detect low numbers of bacteria and submicron particles in milliliter-sized samples. Concentrated SWNT solutions are mixed with the sample and a high-frequency (.100 kHz) alternating current (AC) field is applied by a microelectrode array to enhance bulk absorption of the particles (bacteria and nanoparticle substitutes) by the SWNTs via dipole–dipole interaction. The same AC field then drives the SWNT–bacteria aggregates to the microelectrode array by positive-AC dielectrophoresis (DEP), with enhanced and reversed bacteria DEP mobility due to the attached SWNTs. Since the field frequency exceeds the inverse RC time of the electrode double layer, the AC field penetrates deeply into the bulk and across the electrode gap. Consequently, the SWNTs and absorbed bacteria assemble rapidly (,5 min) into conducting linear aggregates between the electrodes. Measured AC impedance spectra by the same trapping electrodes and fields show a detection threshold of 10 4 bacteria/mL with this pathogen trapping and concentration technique.
Physiology and Psychology of Dreams

The discovery of the close association between rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and dreaming and development of sleep laboratory techniques ushered in a new era in the study of dreams. For the first time, direct and systematic investigation could be made of such topics as the occurrence, qualities, recollection, and childhood development of dreaming. Experimental methodologies permitted investigation of the responsiveness of dreams to external stimulation and the effects of deprivation of REM sleep. Much effort was devoted to searching for parallels between physiological aspects of REM sleep and characteristics of associated dreams, with modest results. The leading theory of dreaming in the early decades of this research was the psychoanalytic, which views dreams as highly meaningful reflections of unconscious mental functioning. With developments in understanding of the neurophysiology of REM sleep, new theories of dreaming were proposed. The most prominent, the activation-synthesis hypothesis, derived its view of dreaming directly from the neurophysiology of REM sleep, in particular the role of the brain stem, and in its original form regarded dreams as not essentially meaningful. Further developments in neurobiological research, including lesion and brain imaging studies, have established a clearer view of the functional neuroanatomy of REM sleep and dreaming. To what degree, and in what way, implications can be drawn from these findings for the psychology of dreaming is controversial. Some more recent theories of dreaming emphasize an adaptive function related to emotion and a role in learning and memory consolidation.
Changes in Torque and Electromyographic Activity of the Quadriceps Femoris Muscles Following Isometric Training

Background and Purpose. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of isometric training of the quadriceps femoris muscles, at different joint angles, on torque production and electromyographic (EMG) activity. Subjects. One hundred seven women were randomly assigned to one of four groups. Three groups trained with isometric contractions three times per week at a knee flexion angle of 30, 60, or 90 degrees. The fourth group, which served as a control, did not exercise. Methods. Isometric torque was measured using a dynamometer, and EMG activity was measured using a multichannel EMG system. Measurements were obtained during maximal isometric contraction of the quadriceps femoris muscles at 15-degree increments from 15 to 105 degrees of knee flexion. Measurements were taken before and after 8 weeks of training. Results. Following isometric exercise, increased torque and EMG activity occurred not only at the angle at which subjects exercised, but also at angles in the range of motion at which exercise did occur. Further analyses indicated that exercising in the lengthened position for the quadriceps femoris muscles (90° of knee flexion) produced increased torque across all angles measured and appeared to be the more effective position for transferring strength and EMG activity to adjacent angles following isometric training as compared with the shorter positions of the muscle (30° and 60° of knee flexion). Conclusion and Discussion. These findings suggest that an efficient method for increasing isometric knee extension torque and EMG activity throughout the entire range of motion is to exercise with the quadriceps femoris muscles in the lengthened position.
Secure partial reconfiguration of FPGAs

SRAM FPGAs are vulnerable to security breaches such as bitstream cloning, reverse-engineering, and tampering. Bitstream encryption and authentication are two most effective and practical solutions to improve the security of FPGAs. In this paper, we investigate a method to perform a secure dynamic partial reconfiguration of SRAM FPGAs using embedded processor cores. Two schemes based on hard-wired PowerPC processor core and the MicroBlaze soft processor core have been compared and contrasted in terms of speed and FPGA resource usage. A practical experiment, demonstrating feasibility, performance, and flexibility of both schemes has been conducted using Xilinx ML310 board with Xilinx Virtex-II Pro FPGA
Di‐μ‐acetone‐κ2O:O‐bis­[(acetone‐κO)aqua­lithium(I)] di‐μ‐acetone‐κ2O:O‐bis­[diaqua­lithium(I)] tetra­kis{[phthalocyaninato(2−)‐κ4N,N′,N′′,N′′′]lithiate(I)}

The crystals of the title compound, [Li2(C3H6O)4(H2O)2][Li2(C3H6O)2(H2O)4] [Li(C32H16N8)]4, were obtained by a recrystallization of dilithium phthalocyanine from an acetone/water/toluene solution. The title structure consists of two independent Li–phthalocyanine complexes along with acetone-bridged lithium dimers. The lithium dimers are located on inversion centers. The crystal structure is stabilized by a network of hydrogen bonds.
Voltage problems on transmission networkd subject to unusual power flow patterns

Conditions for the existence of a physically acceptable voltage solution in power transmission networks are given, and a sensitivity-based approach for their real-time evaluation is outlined. Theoretical results are illustrated on a simplified Pennsylvania-New Jersey-Maryland model, on which reactive power/voltage problems were reported to exist. On the same system a comparison of the most typical voltage controls is made. Different corrective control actions are compared in the context of their role within a multiple-utility power wheeling operating mode. The study represents an overall attempt to link existing operating voltage problems (frequently economics driven) to the theoretical results necessary for their fundamental understanding and for designing efficient real time system monitoring and control techniques. >
New joint design for three-dimensional hyper redundant robots

This paper presents a novel compact design for a two degrees of freedom (DOF) joint mechanism. The joint is optimized for compactness, strength and range of motion which makes it ideal for constructing spatial or three-dimensional hyper redundant robots. We also identify and classify various prior joint designs that led to the development of this new concept. Finally, we present the joint forward kinematics, and force and torque calculations to verify the joint's range of motion and mechanical advantage.
Multi-rate digital control with interlacing and its application to hard disk drive servo

This paper presents a design method for a multi-rate digital controller with interlacing and its application to hard disk drives. In general, a digital controller contains slows modes and fast modes. The slow-mode portion can be updated less frequently in order to reduce the computational load. In other words, one can decrease the sampling rate of the slow-mode controller. Hence, the resulting multi-rate digital controller is composed of a fast-mode controller with high sampling rate and a slow-mode controller with high sampling rate. The amount of computation is uniformly reduced by interlacing the slow-mode control outputs. This design method is evaluated by simulation and the advantage of multi-rate control with interlacing is demonstrated.
Quality of Frozen Turkey Crepes in Relation to Antioxidants Used and Length of Storage at 0°F.1

The major objective was to evaluate the quality of precooked frozen turkey crepes stored at 0°F. (−18°C.) up to 6 months. Strips of raw breast or thigh meat, treated with a solution of salt, sugar, and one of the antioxidants (polyphosphates, ascorbic acid, or a combination of the two) were made into rolls and cooked in waterproof casings to 160°F. (71°C.) in 190°F. (88°C.) water. Rolls were sliced and cubed. The cubed turkey meat in cream sauce was enclosed in a crepe. Turkey crepes were packaged four in each aluminum pan (770 g., 1.7 lbs.), and frozen. After storage at 0°F. for 0, 4, or 6 months, samples were heated at 350°F. (177°C.) to 160°F. (71°C.) and scored for quality. The light or the dark turkey meat cubes, the cream sauce, and the crepes (thin pancakes) were evaluated separately. Evaluation by a trained taste panel revealed that the three antioxidant treatments were effective in maintaining turkey flavor and in preventing rancidity. Ascorbic acid alone was slightly less effective than polyphosphates either alone or combined with ascorbic acid. Cream sauces made with flour (1/3) and modified cornstarch (2/3) did not separate after freezing and reheating to 160°F. Cream sauces containing corn oil and crepes containing margarine were not rancid. Thus, the results indicated that the frozen turkey crepes had good eating quality after storage for 6 months at 0°F.
A fuzzy logic model with genetic algorithm for analyzing fish stock-recruitment relationships

A new fuzzy logic model with a genetic algorithm is developed that overcomes some of the inherent uncertainties in the fish stock-recruitment process. This model is applied to stock-recruitment rel...
A Potential Attenuation Equation for Design and Analysis of Pipeline Cathodic Protection Systems with Displaced Anodes

Abstract A recently proposed potential attenuation equation for pipelines and risers with multiple, equally spaced, identical superimposed (bracelet) galvanic anodes that incorporates all relevant ...
What's sexy? Adolescent girls discuss confidence, danger, and media influence

Building on qualitative research about sexualisation by media and culture and the impact on girls' development, in this article we present a discourse analysis of three focus groups of teen girls of colour and of diverse ethnicities asked to talk about sexiness. We focus on the ways the girls both support and resist hegemonic discourses about femininity and sexuality as well as on the discursive strategies used by the girls to separate sexiness from lack of respectability and present themselves as both knowing consumers of media and passive responders. The girls constructed sexiness in three ways that we refer to as interpretive repertoires and analyse each for paradoxes, contradictions, and resistance to mainstream conceptualisations of sexiness. These are sexy as confident; disadvantages and advantages to sexy; and sexy as sold to you.
An approach for evaluating residual capacity of reinforced concrete beams exposed to fire

Abstract This paper presents an approach for assessing the residual capacity of fire exposed reinforced concrete (RC) beams. The approach involves capturing response of RC beams in three stages, namely, structural response at ambient conditions, thermo-mechanical response during fire exposure, and post-fire residual response after cooling down of beams. Distinct material properties of reinforcing steel and concrete are considered during heating and cooling phase of fire exposure and residual (after cool down) phase of analysis. In addition, relevant load level, specific fire scenarios, boundary conditions, and plastic deformations that develop in a beam during fire exposure are also incorporated in evaluating residual response of fire exposed RC beams. The proposed approach is implemented using a detailed numerical model developed in the finite element computer program ABAQUS. Predictions from the numerical model show good correlation with the response parameters measured in experiments for evaluating residual capacity of fire exposed RC beams. Also, predictions of residual capacity from the finite element analysis are compared with that obtained from simplified sectional analysis based on maximum rebar temperatures consideration. This comparison indicates that the finite element analysis yields more realistic predictions of residual capacity than that predicted from simplified sectional analysis. The applicability of the proposed approach in evaluating residual capacity of fire exposed RC beams is illustrated through a case study.
Elementary Viscoelastic Stress Analysis for Bars and Beams

The study of polymer engineering science and viscoelasticity is not complete unless attention is given to the stress (or strain) analysis of important structural problems. These include sets of problems related to viscoelastic materials (e.g., polymers) analogous to those in the first course in solid mechanics (often called strength of materials), courses on structural mechanics (including energy methods, Castigliano’s theorems, etc.), the theory of linear elasticity (stress functions, three dimensional problems, etc.), the theory of linear elastic plates and shells, elastic stability and others. While it is not possible to cover all these topics, it is possible to cover selected problems in several areas to demonstrate common methods of approach such that individuals can continue to explore problems unique to their own area of interest. Hopefully, the brief introduction given here can assist one in solving structural analysis problems for viscoelastic materials provided the necessary background to solve a similar structural analysis problem for an elastic material has been mastered.
Data Networks and Sustainability Education in African Universities: A Case Study for Sub-Saharan Africa.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a case study report of the development of data networks and initial connectivity in the Sub-Saharan African (SSA) region and how that development evolved into the formation of research and education (R & E) networks that enable new collaborations and curriculum potential. Design/methodology/approach – This case study is presented through the past 20 year’s operations and field activities of the Network Startup Resource Center (NSRC) at the University of Oregon, who in partnership with the National Science Foundation has worked together to significantly train network engineers in Africa on how to develop regional R & E networks that can link together the various research universities in SSA. Findings – The author shows how the development of these networks have fostered improved collaboration between African and US scientists, particularly around issues that relate to climate change. This paper contains testimonials from both scientists and on-the-ground ke...
Abnormal Yolk Color and Mottling Caused by Dietary Tannic Acid and “Tannins”

Abstract Field observation of hens’ eggs with olive green yolks produced by ingestion of Red Gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) sawdust litter is reported. Subsequent work on the effects of dietary tannic acid and “tannins” (total phenolic compounds) in Red Gum sawdust on yolk discoloration and mottling is reported also. A dietary level of 0.05% tannins from sawdust resulted in mottled yellow yolks while 0.5% tannins gave olive green yolks. The lowest level of tannic acid (1.5%) produced firstly mottled yolks then green yolks. Evidence that dietary tannic acid and tannins interfere with pigment metabolism is presented. Possibly this could lead to commercial problems when feedstuffs containing high levels of tannins are used in laying rations.
The location- and depth-dependent mechanical response of the human cornea under shear loading.

Purpose To characterize the depth-dependent shear modulus of the central and peripheral human cornea along the superior-inferior and nasal-temporal directions with a high spatial resolution. Methods Cylindrical explants from the central and peripheral corneas of 10 human donors were subjected to a 5% shear strain along the superior-inferior and nasal-temporal directions using a microscope-mounted mechanical testing device. Depth-dependent shear strain and shear modulus were computed through force measurements and displacement tracking. Results The shear modulus G of the human cornea varied continuously with depth, with a maximum occurring roughly 25% of the way from the anterior surface to the posterior surface. G also varied with direction in the superior region and (at some depths) was significantly higher for superior-inferior shear loading. In the anterior half of the cornea, the shear modulus along the nasal-temporal direction (GNT) did not vary with location; however, the superior region had significantly higher GNT in posterior cornea. In contrast, the shear modulus along the superior-inferior direction (GSI) was independent of location at all depths. Conclusions This study demonstrates that the peak shear modulus of the human cornea occurs at a substantial distance within the corneal stroma. Depth-dependent differences between central and peripheral cornea possibly reflect the location-dependent mechanical environment of the cornea. Moreover, the cornea is not a transverse isotropic material, and must be characterized by more than a single shear modulus due to its dependence on loading direction. The material properties measured in this study are critical for developing accurate mechanical models to predict the vision-threatening morphological changes that can occur in the cornea.
Compatibility of Honey Bees with a Mosquito Abatement Program in the Little Laramie Valley, Wyoming

Fenthion ( O,O -dimethyl O -[4-(methylthio)- m -tolyl] phosphorothioate) applied by airplane at a rate of 56.0 g/ha (20.8 ml mixed in one liter fuel oil) to control mosquito larvae on 14,164 ha of mountain meadow ranchland in the Little Laramie Valley, Wyoming, had relatively little adverse effect on honey bees, Apis mellifera L. Although the material is highly toxic to the bees, exposed colonies had only partial, nonincapacitating loss of the field force that lasted only one day. Brood production, number of frames of adult bees, and pollen collection were not affected. Therefore, in a similar situation, it would not be necessary or practical for a commercial beekeeper to move his colonies during application of this insecticide.
Reversed-phase solid-phase extraction for aqueous environmental sample preparation in herbicide residue analysis

Methode preparative d'echantillons pour l'analyse par chromatographie en phase liquide et inverse
Effects of temperature and humidity on ovipositional biology and egg development of the tropical horse tick, Dermacentor (Anocentor) nitens.

The ovipositional biology and egg development of the tropical horse tick, Dermacentor (Anocentor) nitens (Neumann), was observed at four temperatures (20, 25, 30, and 35°C) and relative humidities (40, 61, 75, and 91% RH). Relative humidity had little effect on length of preoviposition and oviposition periods. With increased rearing temperatures, there was a decrease in both preoviposition and oviposition periods. Oviposition rate increased with temperature and was not affected by relative humidity. Instantaneous rates of oviposition were calculated for each temperature by fitting the data to the logistic growth function. High percentage egg hatch was observed in low saturation deficit environments, and decreased when saturation deficit was increased.
Temperature Revolution During Feeding Process in ESR of 1Mn18Cr18N

The temperature field at quasi steady state of electro slag remelting( ESR) was taken as initial condition in the simulation of temperature distribution during ESR in virtue of ANSYS and CFX. Terminal positions of hot spots in the ingot under three feeding conditions( i. e. no feeding,linear current-drop and stair-step current-drop during feeding) were investigated. The results showed that the largest distance of mushy zone around the hot spot were 162 mm,130 mm and 70 mm away from slag-metal interface,when no feeding,linear current-drop and rapid stairstep current-drop were carried out during ESR feeding process, respectively. The hot spot remained changeless under slowstair-step current-drop. Thus,stair-step current-drop is beneficial for feeding process during ESR of 1Mn18Cr18 N.
Concurrent Error Detection for Reliable SHA-3 Design

Cryptographic systems are vulnerable to random errors and injected faults. Soft errors can inadvertently happen in critical cryptographic modules and attackers can inject faults into systems to retrieve the embedded secret. Different schemes have been developed to improve the security and reliability of cryptographic systems. As the new SHA-3 standard, Keccak algorithm will be widely used in various cryptographic applications, and its implementation should be protected against random errors and injected faults. In this paper, we devise different parity checking methods to protect the operations of Keccak. Results show that our schemes can be easily implemented and can effectively protect Keccak system against random errors and fault attacks.
Genotypic Difference on Rice Ratooning Relating to Stubble Height

Rice ratooning in relation to its variety and stubble height was studied.One hundred ninety two cultivars that are widely used in practice in the country and two stubble heights(i.e.,5cm.and 40cm)were the variables included for the study.The results indicated that the ratooning of the high stubble rice(40cm)was significantly greater than its counterpart(5cm).And,for different varieties of rice,the stubble height affected the ratooning differently.For instance,most of the japonica varieties were found to be suitable for the low stubble treatment, whereas the indica rices were better fitted for the high stubble treatment.In this study,some of the varieties,such as Shaoniejing,Taipei 309,Yongyou 6and R402-10,showed a strong ability of ratooning.The results provided not only the germplasm resource available for breeding,but also rich information for future studies of genetic and physiological mechanisms on rice ratiooning.